Review abstract
Nature Chemical Biology 2, 238 - 248 (2006)
Published online: 17 April 2006 | doi:10.1038/nchembio785
Sweet spots in functional glycomics
James C Paulson1, Ola Blixt1 & Brian E Collins1
Abstract
Information contained in the mammalian glycome is decoded by glycan-binding proteins (GBPs) that mediate diverse functions including host-pathogen interactions, cell trafficking and transmembrane signaling. Although information on the biological roles of GBPs is rapidly expanding, challenges remain in identifying the glycan ligands and their impact on GBP function. Protein-glycan interactions are typically low affinity, requiring multivalent interactions to achieve a biological effect. Though many glycoproteins can carry the glycan structure recognized by the GBP, other factors, such as recognition of protein epitopes and microdomain localization, may restrict which glycoproteins are functional ligands in situ. Recent advances in development of glycan arrays, synthesis of multivalent glycan ligands, bioengineering of cell-surface glycans and glycomics databases are providing new tools to identify the ligands of GBPs and to elucidate the mechanisms by which they participate in GBP function.
- Department of Molecular Biology and Department of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, USA.
Correspondence to: James C Paulson1 e-mail: jpaulson@scripps.edu
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