FUT1 and FUT2 genes function and difference explained

FUT1 is one of the two genes (i.e., FUT1 and FUT2) that encode the enzyme fucosyltransferase. These genes were originally named H and Secretor in humans. The reference allele of the FUT1 gene (FUT1*01) encodes 2-α- fucosyltransferase which adds a fructose via α1-2 linkage to terminal galactose of type 2 chains on RBCs and other cells. Numerous alleles of the FUT1 gene exist and alternation of the reference gene results in the null (Bombay, Oh) phenotype and in rare instances H W (Para-Bombay). The reference allele of the FUT2 gene (FUT2*01) also encodes 2-α- fucosyltransferase which adds a fructose via α1-2 linkage to terminal galactose of type 1 chains in secretions. #genetics #ABOLoodGroup #biology #FUT1 #FUT2