Multiglycosyltransferase systems

Roseman, S (1970) The synthesis of complex carbohydrates by multiglycosyltransferase systems and their potential function in intercellular adhesion. Chem Phys Lipids, 5, 270-297. 

Sections IV to VI have dealt with the biosynthesis of secreted glycoproteins while Section VII has reviewed the available data on the biosynthesis of intracellular membrane-bound glycoproteins. Both types of molecules appear to be assembled in an analogous manner by membrane-bound multiglycosyltransferase systems it is not yet understood how the finished products of these two processes are secreted from the cell or incorporated into the cell s membrane system. 

The factors which terminate oligosaccharide chain elongation are not known. Presumably, termination occurs when the last glycosyltransferase in the multiglycosyltransferase system has acted upon the growing glycoprotein molecule. 

A final consideration in this respect can be accommodated with the proposal of Rauvala and Finne (1979) for the sharing of basic core structure glycosyltransferases in multiglycosyltransferase systems. The omission of particular glycosyltransferases in such a complex would lead to incomplete (terminated) chains, and such complexes would then be programmed by tissue- or cell-specific complex forming factors. 

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