Inhibition of fucosyltransferase VII by gallic acid and its derivatives.

Gallic acid (GA) and several gallate derivatives were identified as inhibitors of fucosyltransferase VII (FucT VII). The inhibition by GA and (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is time-dependent and irreversible. GA and EGCG showed inhibition with IC(50) of 60 and 700 nM, respectively, after pre-incubation with FucT VII in the presence of MnCl(2). Absence of MnCl(2) results in significantly weaker inhibition. Complexation of Mn(2+) with GA, EGCG, and gallate esters was observed. Such complexation, however, is not rate-limiting for the inhibition of FucT VII. Therefore, time-dependent inhibition of fucosyltransferases by GA and EGCG is likely due to the slow inactivation by the inhibitors or Mn-inhibitor complex. Although Mg(2+) or Ca(2+) can replace Mn(2+) for FucT VII activation, none forms a complex with GA or EGCG and hence results in weaker inhibition of FucT VII. GA and EGCG also inhibit FucT IV and alpha2,3-(N)-sialyltransferase in the low micromolar range. The structure-function divergence could be observed, as EGCG, but not GA or gallate esters, inhibits Zn(2+) containing metalloproteases such as TNFalpha convertase, matrix metalloproteases 2 and 7.