Liver regeneration is dependent on sugar chain

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The expression of alpha1,6-fucosyltransferase (Fut8) and its products (alpha1,6-fucosylated N-glycans) are known to be elevated in both liver and serum during the process of hepatocarcinogenesis (HCC). However, the regulatory mechanism of high Fut8 expression in HCC progression remains poorly understood. In fact, cell proliferation plays a crucial role in the process of liver regeneration. Therefore, to examine effects of Fut8 on cell growth in vivo, we performed a partial hepatectomy on wild type and Fut8 knockout mice to induce liver regeneration. Interestingly, the speed of liver regeneration in Fut8 knockout mice was significantly slower than that in wild-type mice. Interestingly, an oral administration of L-fucose significantly accelerated liver regeneration of the Fut8-hetero mice, but did not affect the sham mice. These results further suggest that Fut8 and its products are important for cell proliferation in liver regeneration.