O-linked protein glycosylation of proteasome mediated by O-linked N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) blocks proteasomal function. This blockade of proteasomal function results in accumulation of proapoptotic factors that lead to neuro-endocrine cell death in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes. Thus, inhibiting OGT activity by structural analog of N-acetylglucosamine such as (Z)-1-[N-(3-Ammoniopropyl)-N-(n-propyl)amino]diazen-ium-1,2-diolate would provide new methods of preventing and/or treating late onset of Alzheimer's disease and diabetes.
O-linked N-acetylglucosamine pathway in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration and diabetes