What are glycans?
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Glycans, also known as carbohydrates, are essential components of all living organisms. They are present on proteins and lipids in the cellular membrane and play a crucial role in defining the identity of a cell or an organism. Glycans are diverse in structure, varying in composition, linkage positions, and configurations. They can be covalently conjugated to other biomolecules, forming glycoconjugates such as glycoproteins, glycolipids, and glycosaminoglycans. Glycans can be sensed and recognized by glycan-binding proteins expressed by immune cells, influencing inflammatory responses . N-glycans, in particular, are covalently attached to glycoproteins and undergo modifications during protein transit through the secretory pathway. Mutations in genes involved in glycosylation can lead to Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG) . Glycans are analyzed using various techniques such as capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) for glycomics analysis .
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04 Nov 2021 4 Citations | The provided paper does not provide information about glycans. |
| Glycans are carbohydrates that are present on proteins and lipids in the cellular membrane. They vary in composition, linkage positions, and configurations. | |
| Glycans are compounds consisting of several monosaccharides that can be present in their free form or complexed with another molecule. | |
6 Citations | Glycans are carbohydrates that are present on the surface of cells and pathogens. They play a role in defining the identity of a cell or organism and contribute to distinguishing between self and nonself. |
Related Questions
What are glycans?5 answersGlycans are diverse and complex molecules composed of carbohydrates, which are essential building blocks of life. They include monosaccharides like glucose, galactose, and mannose, forming cyclic structures with α and β isomers, as well as disaccharides such as maltose, lactose, and sucrose. Polysaccharides like starch, glycogen, cellulose, and glycosaminoglycans are also part of the glycan family, playing crucial roles in various biological processes. Glycans are involved in cellular physiology, human diseases, and cancer progression, where abnormalities in their structures can serve as biomarkers. Furthermore, N-glycans, a type of glycan, are covalently attached to glycoproteins and play diverse roles in protein functions, with mutations in genes related to glycosylation leading to rare genetic disorders known as Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG).
What is a Glycosylation?5 answersGlycosylation is a post-translational modification that occurs during the biosynthesis of proteins and lipids. It involves the addition of sugar molecules to these macromolecules and plays a crucial role in various cellular processes. Glycosylation can affect the structure, stability, and function of proteins, including enzymes such as horseradish peroxidase (HRP). It is also a critical quality attribute for therapeutic proteins, influencing their physical properties, safety profile, and biological activity. Abnormal glycosylation has been associated with diseases, including cancer, and can lead to dysfunctions in cellular metabolism. The exact function of glycosylation in stem cells and its role in maintaining stemness, self-renewal, and differentiation is still being studied. Overall, glycosylation is a complex process that has significant implications for protein and lipid function, cellular physiology, and disease development.
What is glucosamine?5 answersGlucosamine is an important functional monosaccharide that is found naturally in the human body and in the exoskeletons of crustaceans. It is a key component of chitin and chitosan, which are polysaccharides found in the cell walls of fungi and many higher organisms. Glucosamine has a wide range of applications in medicine, industry, and other fields. It is used in the treatment of osteoarthritis and has diverse biological and pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective properties. Glucosamine can be produced through fermentation with microorganisms or enzymatic catalysis using chitinolytic enzymes. It is also available as a dietary supplement and is commonly used by adults in the USA. However, the effectiveness of glucosamine as a treatment for knee pain and osteoarthritis has been questioned in clinical trials and meta-analyses. Further research is needed to fully understand the potential health benefits of glucosamine.
Overview of carbohydrates?5 answersCarbohydrates are naturally occurring organic compounds that are abundant in plants and animals. They serve as a major source of energy for both animals and plants. Carbohydrates can be classified into three major groups based on their chemical structure: low molecular weight mono- and disaccharides, intermediate molecular weight oligosaccharides, and high molecular weight polysaccharides. They are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and are found in a wide variety of foods such as cereals, fruits, vegetables, and milk products. Carbohydrates have diverse applications in various industries, including food, textile, pharmaceutical, and chemical industries. The properties of carbohydrates are determined by their chemical structure and their ability to form macromolecules and derivatives. Analytical techniques play a crucial role in the identification and isolation of health-promoting carbohydrates for use in the functional foods industry. Efforts are being made to develop improved techniques for the extraction, purification, identification, and quantification of carbohydrates.
What are disaccharides?5 answersDisaccharides are a type of carbohydrate composed of two monosaccharide units linked together by a glycosidic bond. They are classified as nutritional compounds and are commonly found in the human diet. Examples of disaccharides include lactose, maltose, and sucrose. Lactose is the sugar found in milk and is made up of a molecule of galactose and a molecule of glucose linked by a β-glycosidic bond. Maltose is formed by two glucose molecules linked by an α-glycosidic bond and is commonly found in grains and malted foods. Sucrose, also known as table sugar, is composed of a molecule of fructose and a molecule of glucose linked by an α,β-glycosidic bond. Disaccharides play a role in human nutrition, providing a source of dietary energy, but excessive consumption can lead to health issues.
What is Glycosphingolipids?3 answersGlycosphingolipids (GSLs) are a class of lipids found in the cell membranes of animals, parasitic protozoans, and worms that infect humans. They consist of glycans (oligosaccharides) linked to a lipid containing a sphingosine moiety. GSLs play important roles in various biological and pathological processes and are recognized by antibodies in infected hosts. They have diverse structures and functions, and their knowledge could lead to the development of new drugs, diagnostics, and vaccine strategies for treating infections. GSLs are a subclass of glycolipids and represent the majority of glycolipids in eukaryotes. They are composed of a glycan and a ceramide, which is composed of a sphingoid base moiety and a fatty acyl group. GSLs have been extensively studied, and numerous species with distinct glycan structures and modification patterns have been identified.