Endo H (Endo-ß-N-acetylglucosaminidase H) is a 29,000 dalton protein with optimal activity between pH 5 and 6. In contrast to PNGase F, which cleaves all N-linked glycans at the site of attachment to Asparagine (Asn), (with the exception of those with fucose attached to the core GlcNac moieties), Endo H hydrolyses the bond connecting the two GlcNac groups that comprise the chitobiose core (see Figure 1.). In addition, Endo H cleaves high mannose and hybrid glycans, whereas complex glycans (those with more than 4 different sugar types per glycan chain, including the GlcNac groups) are resistant to hydrolysis.

The unique specificty of Endo H and PNGase F can be used to monitor protein trafficking. Basic N-Glycosylation occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum. Proteins in this stage are sensitive to Endo H digestion. If proteins have entered the Golgi body where additional modifications occur to the glycan, they are resistant to Endo H digestion.

The following references illustrate this application:

• Taner, S. et al. (2011) Interactions of NK cell receptor KIR3DL1*004 with chaperones and conformation-specific antibody reveal a functional folded state as well as predominant intracellular retention. J. Immunol. 186, 62–72
• Beyer, S. et al. (2011) KT5823 differentially modulates sodium iodide symporter expression, activity, and glycosylation between thyroid and breast cancer cells. Endo. 152, 782–92.
• Chen, Z. et al. (2011) CEACAM1 dampens antitumor immunity by down-regulating NKG2D ligand expression on tumor cells. J. Exper. Med. 208, 2633–40.
• Iavarone, C. et al. (2011) A point mutation in the amino terminus of TLR7 abolishes signaling without affecting ligand binding. J. Immunol. 186, 4213–22.
• Guo, Y. et al. (2011) Herpes simplex virus encephalitis in a patient with complete TLR3 deficiency: TLR3 is otherwise redundant in protective immunity. J. Exper. Med. 208, 2083–98.

The following two tabs change content below.

• Bio
• Latest Posts

Promega

Promega products are used by life scientists who are asking fundamental questions about biological processes and by scientists who are applying scientific knowledge to diagnose and treat diseases, discover new therapeutics, and use genetics and DNA testing for human identification. Originally, founded in 1978 in Madison, Wisconsin, USA, Promega has branches in 16 countries and more than 50 global distributors serving 100 countries.

Latest posts by Promega (see all)

• Internships at Promega: What Did You Learn? - September 1, 2026
• Under Pressure: The Nuclear Choreography upon Replicative Stress - August 11, 2026
• What Do Floods Leave Behind? Research on Waterborne Pathogens in Soil after Flooding - July 7, 2026