Neural-specific α3-fucosylation of N-linked glycans in the Drosophila embryo requires fucosyltransferase A and influences developmental signaling associated with O-glycosylation.

Addition of fucose (Fuc) to glycoprotein N-linked glycans or in O-linkage directly to Ser/Thr residues modulates specific cell-cell interactions and cell signaling events. Vertebrates and invertebrates add Fuc in α6-linkage to the reducing terminal N-acetylglucosamine residue of N-glycans. In Drosophila and other invertebrates, Fuc can also be added in α3-linkage to the same residue.