Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are linear and heterogeneous sulfated glycans. The structural composition of GAG is complex, but the polysaccharide backbone is made up of repeating simple disaccharide linkages consisting of alternating uronic acid (UA) and hexosamine units. In proteoglycans, one or more GAG chains (e.g., aggrecan) linked anywhere can be assembled with proteoglycan core proteins. GAGs are involved in a wide variety of physiological activities in the body of a living organism. GAGs are involved in a variety of physiological activities within the body, including protein-ligand binding, stimulation, and assembly, such as intracellular growth factor differentiation, chemokines, extracellular matrix components, proteases, protease inhibitors, and lipoprotein lipases. Indeed, GAG-protein interactions appear to be cell and tissue-specific and independent of specific proteoglycan core proteins for the covalent attachment of GAG chains. Therefore, understanding the GAG glycoengineering interactions at the molecular level will be the key to using this knowledge to prevent and treat disease.
Fig.1 Schematic diagram of GAG assembly on a proteoglycan core protein. (Zhang, 2010)
The complex substitution patterns that GAGs are capable of displaying allow a remarkably large repertoire of structural motifs for recognition by proteins at the cell surface and between cells. Therefore, an insight into the structure-activity relationship between GAG and cells is very necessary.
At CD BioGlyco, we have a variety of methods applied to analyze the origin, structural characterization, biological activity, and potential application value of cell surface GAGs. For the connection of GAGs with other macromolecules, we provide technical support such as liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer (LC-MS), electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), and MSn. Depending on the specific role, CD BioGlyco offers unique routes of analysis. Moreover, we offer the modification services of GAGs, including chemical modification in combination with other natural or synthetic polymers, enzymatic modification, etc. As modified GAG on cell surface exerts powerful functional properties, we further provide mechanistic research services.
Fig.2 The major types of GAGs glycoengineering service. (CD BioGlyco)
CD BioGlyco focused on Cell Surface Glycoengineering research for many years, we provide high-quality Cell Surface Glycoengineering Technology and Cell Surface Glycoengineering Services, etc., the application of the most advanced instruments to give clients satisfactory and reliable results. If you are interested in our services, please feel free to contact us.
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