CD BioGlyco is a world-leading independent biotechnology company, focusing on high-quality innovative services related to glycobiology. We aim to provide customers with unparalleled support services for glycomedicine development based on targeting carbohydrate-lectin interactions.

Lectins and Their Interactions with Carbohydrates

Lectins are proteins which bind to carbohydrate and must be neither of immune origin (e. g. not antibodies) nor catalytic (e. g. not enzymes). Carbohydrate recognition systems have been described as a functional triad of lectin, carrier (protein, peptide, or lipid), and carbohydrate. There are two categories of lectins present in vertebrates: the families of intracellular lectins (for example, calnexin, L-type and P-type lectins), which bind core oligosaccharide structures and are involved in glycoprotein processing and quality control, and the families of extracellular lectins (for example, galectins, C-type, I-type and R-type lectins), which recognize terminal carbohydrate epitopes of other cells and pathogens. Extracellular lectins account for most of the molecular targets that are being investigated in current drug discovery programs. Glycan–lectin interactions mediate many different biological processes, including cell-cell recognition, developmental processes, and protection against pathogens. Even small changes in carbohydrate moieties may strongly affect interaction and consequent functionality

Great strides have been made with respect to the ligand binding specificities and molecular structures of the five families of mammalian lectins. A rational pattern of ligand discrimination emerges based upon the three-dimensional orientation of binding site amino acid residues, specific ligand tissue distribution, and lectin regulation to exhibit or lack binding activity under different cellular conditions. Lectins bind monosaccharides and monovalent ligands with low affinity while binding multimeric ligands and ligand-carrier complexes with high avidity. Glycan recognition by lectins is intimately involved in many aspects of cell physiology. Therefore, the development of glycomedicine based on targeting carbohydrate-lectin interactions can provide more ideas.

Fig.1 Lectins and their glycan interaction partner physiologically, in cancer and viral infections. (Boehm, 2021)

Glycomedicine Development Services Based on Targeting Carbohydrate-Lectin Interactions

As a leading resource provider in the glycobiology field, CD BioGlyco has various systematic services for glycomedicine development based on targeting carbohydrate-lectin interactions. We offer services for mimicking the structural information of a functional carbohydrate with a compound that has glycomedicine-like characteristics. Moreover, we provide development services related to targeting carbohydrate-lectin interactions. Our services include but are not limited to:

• Analysis of the binding characteristics of the carbohydrate–carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD) binary complex by X-ray investigations and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments. For example, the bound conformation of a functional carbohydrate ligand in the CRD of the target lectin can be determined using the transferred nuclear overhauser effect. In addition, the binding epitope can be identified by saturation transfer difference NMR spectroscopy.
• Enhancing binding affinity of carbohydrate–lectin interactions. Pre-organization of the antagonist in its bioactive conformation to compensate for the low enthalpic contributions by reducing the entropy costs on binding. In addition, steric repulsion deriving from properly placed substituents on the linker moiety can further improve the pre-organization of the core and, as a result, the affinity of the corresponding antagonist.
• Adjusting the pharmacokinetic properties (e. g. bioavailability or plasma half-life) of carbohydrate or glycomimetic through two designed approaches: Improvement of passive absorption by the bioisoteric replacement of crucial groups or a prodrug approach.

Advantages of Us

• A comprehensive and advanced platform.
• Cutting-edge technology and professional research team.
• Outstanding scientists specialized in glycomedicine development.
• Effective development strategies.

With a first-class carbohydrate-based glycomedicine development platform and professional research teams, CD BioGlyco is committed to ensuring that every service provides the highest level of satisfaction. Our professional research teams provide customers with high-quality glycomedicine development services based on targeting carbohydrate-lectin interactions according to their needs. If you are interested in our services, please contact us to obtain more information.

Reference:

1. Boehm, H. Glycan–lectin interactions in cancer and viral infections and how to disrupt them. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2021, 22.