O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine transferase is involved in pro-opiomelanocortin gene expression in mouse pituitary corticotrope AtT-20 cells.

•O-linked β-N-acetylglucosamine transferase (OGT) decreases pro-opiomelanocortin (Pomc) promoter activity.•Both the knockdown of OGT by RNA interference and the use of a chemical OGT inhibitor abolished the glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated negative transcription of Pomc.•OGT inhibition leads to both the decreased recruitment of GR and the increased recruitment of RNA polymerase II at the Pomc locus.•Both the siOgt and the use of a chemical OGT inhibitor abolished the glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated negative transcription of Pomc.