Precise structures of fucosylated glycosaminoglycan and its oligosaccharides as novel intrinsic factor Xase inhibitors

Selective inhibition of the endogenous coagulation pathway is a promising strategy for developing new anticoagulants. Fucosylated glycosaminoglycan (FG), a structurally complex glycosaminoglycan, has distinct anticoagulant properties, especially the strong intrinsic factor Xase inhibitory activity that is recognized as a new target with potential physiological and therapeutic applications. Detailed knowledge of FG structures is necessary for developing a clinically effective intrinsic FXase inhibitor. However, challenges remain to elucidate FG structures as a basis for pharmaceutical development. Herein, using the highly selective β-elimination method, oligosaccharides with regular structures were prepared from the depolymerization products. Analysis of oligosaccharides further confirmed the precise structural sequence of the FG. Furthermore, biological activity assay suggested that these pure homogeneous oligosaccharides, particularly an octasaccharide, exhibit strong inhibition of the intrinsic coagulation pathway by inhibiting human intrinsic factor Xase. Our finding is significant for discovery of a new class of anticoagulant agents as intrinsic factor Xase inhibitors.