Fucosyltransferase 5 Promotes the Proliferative and Migratory Properties of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Cells via Regulating Protein Glycosylation Profiles

Background: The incidence of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is increasing globally, and its prognosis has not improved substantially in recent years. Understanding the pathogenesis of ICC may provide a theoretical basis for its treatment. In this study, we investigated the effects and underlying mechanisms of fucosyltransferase 5 (FUT5) on the malignant progression of ICC.

Methods: FUT5 expression in ICC samples and adjacent nontumor tissues was compared using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemical assays. We performed cell counting kit-8, colony formation, and migration assays to determine whether FUT5 influenced the proliferation and mobility of ICC cells. Finally, mass spectrometry was performed to identify the glycoproteins regulated by FUT5.

Results: FUT5 mRNA was significantly upregulated in most ICC samples compared with corresponding adjacent nontumor tissues. The ectopic expression of FUT5 promoted the proliferation and migration of ICC cells, whereas FUT5 knockdown significantly suppressed these cellular properties. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that FUT5 is essential for the synthesis and glycosylation of several proteins, including versican, β3 integrin, and cystatin 7, which may serve key roles in the precancer effects of FUT5.

Conclusions: FUT5 is upregulated in ICC and promotes ICC development by promoting glycosylation of several proteins. Therefore, FUT5 may serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of ICC.