2-Deoxy-2-fluoro-L-fucose is a fucosylation inhibitor that inhibits the de novo synthesis of GDP-fucose in mammalian cells, effectively inhibits the proliferation of human cancer and primary endothelial cells, and has potential as an angiogenic therapeutic agent. It also inhibits fucosylation of plant cell wall polysaccharides, particularly affecting the dimerization of the pectin-like polysaccharide RG-II, thereby inhibiting root growth and cell elongation.2-Deoxy-2-fluoro-L-fucose also reduces the phosphorylation of Smad 1/5 and Smad 2 in 4T1 cells.

Methods: 4T1 cells were treated with 2-Deoxy-2-fluoro-L-fucose (100, 250, 500 μM) and the Aleuria aurantia lectin (AAL) in the lysates was detected by Western Blot.
Results: 2-Deoxy-2-fluoro-L-fucose reduced the AAL signal at all concentrations and inhibited fucosylation.
Methods: 4T1 cells were treated with 2-Deoxy-2-fluoro-L-fucose (100 μM, 48 hours) and then plated for live cell migration analysis; Smad protein expression was assessed, and changes in signaling molecules that regulate migration were evaluated.
Results: Cells treated with 2-Deoxy-2-fluoro-L-fucose had impaired migration and decreased phosphorylation of Smad 1/5 and Smad 2. [1]