New wrinkles in old receptors: core fucosylation is yet another target to inhibit TGF-β signaling.

Shen et al. exploit glycobiology to dampen transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling and ameliorate renal fibrosis after ureteral obstruction. Core fucosylation of N-linked oligosaccharides in TGF-β receptors is required for receptor function. Adenoviruses expressing Fut8-fucosyl transferase-shRNA inhibited receptor fucosylation, decreased tubule TGF-β signaling, and reduced fibrosis. Fut8-shRNA interferes with core fucosylation of other receptors also. Regardless, this first attempt to capitalize on a new aspect of TGF-β receptor function provides a basis for further research.