Abstract
Dolichol-linked oligosaccharides (DLOs) synthesized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) of eukaryotic cells serve as glycan donor substrates for N-glycosylation. Consequently, impairments in the biosynthesis of DLOs result in hypoglycosylation of multiple proteins and disrupt cellular homeostasis. While it has long been recognized that both mammalian cells and Saccharomyces cerevisiae have intrinsic mechanisms to breakdown DLOs, the physiological significance of this pathway remains elusive. This article summarizes the current state of our knowledge on the biosynthesis and degradation of DLOs and discusses their regulatory mechanisms.
