Synthesis and Distribution of KDN

KDN is one of the three core members of the Salivary Acid family. The Golgi apparatus is the site of the synthesis of endogenous KDN monomers. Mannose, glucose, fructose, etc., are the precursors for their synthesis. In the cytoplasm, these precursors are transported into the Golgi apparatus by special carriers and undergo a series of enzymatic reactions to form KDN monomers. Some KDN monomers are catalyzed by Aialyltransferase and attached to the ends of proteins, lipids, or oligosaccharides through a-glycosidic bonds to form KDN glycoconjugates, which are transferred to the cell plasma or cell membranes through vesicles. They play important roles in physiological processes, such as reproduction, development, cell growth, etc. KDN is prevalent in mammals, lower vertebrates, and bacteria. Its expression is high in lower vertebrates and bacteria, while it is low in mammals.

KDN-based Cell Surface Glycoengineering Service at CD BioGlyco

CD BioGlyco is experienced in the glycoengineering of salivary acids. KDN, as one of the core members of the salivary acid family, plays a role in normal life activities. At the same time, abnormal expression of KDN can cause some basic metabolic disorders and malignant tumor transformation. KDN-related cell surface glycoengineering is necessary. We have developed a KDN-based cell surface glycoengineering service.

• Directed introduction and modification of KDN

We mainly use CRISPR/Cas9 to overexpress or knockout KDN synthesis-related genes. Targeted introduction of KDN can be achieved by Gene Editing. With our rich experience in gene editing, we are capable of realizing precise editing of genes and targeted modification of KDN on the cell surface.

• Analysis of KDN

We use high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and others to analyze KDN in a variety of biological products. We develop a fast, simple, and more sensitive LC-MS/MS method based on existing methods. Clients only need to package the samples. We complete all the operations including sample processing, online detection, data analysis, etc. In addition to being present in cells and tissues, various body fluids of mammals may also contain KDN, such as saliva, plasma, urine, etc. Various types of cells, tissues, body fluids, and other biological products can be detected. KDN is found to be present in a variety of glycoconjugates. In addition to HPLC, we also try to use TLC immunostaining for detection by KND-specific antibodies.

Fig.1 Process of KDN-based cell surface glycoengineering. (CD BioGlyco)

Publication

Paper Title: Sialic acids Neu5Ac and KDN in adipose tissue samples from individuals following habitual vegetarian or non-vegetarian dietary patterns

Technology: LC-MS/MS

Journal: Scientific Reports

IF: 4.6

Published: 2023

Results: In this study, three salivary acids including KDN, Neu5Ac, and N-Glycolylneuraminic Acid (Neu5Gc) in human adipose tissue samples were detected by LC-MS/MS. Based on the existing LC-MS/MS method, the researchers made some adjustments. The results showed that the three standards were well separated with stable retention time. Neu5Ac and KDN were successfully detected in fat samples using the optimized LC-MS/MS method. Neu5Gc was not detected. The level of KDN showed a slight but significant inverse relationship with body mass index.

Fig.2 Sample detection and processing flow. (Guerrero-Flores, et al., 2023)

Applications

• As a major form of salivary acid, KDN, and its derivatives are a hot research topic for glycobiologists around the world. KDN glycoengineering is used to study its mechanism of action in organisms.
• Whether KDN is highly expressed in human tumors, the relationship between KDN and tumorigenesis, etc., needs to be further investigated. KDN glycoengineering is used to study the correlation between KDN and tumors.
• The synthesis of glycoconjugates containing different forms of salivary acids is also a hot research topic. KDN glycoengineering plays a role in the synthesis of these glycoconjugates.

Advantages

• Our KDN-based cell surface glycoengineering helps to study its pharmaceutical value in the treatment of inflammation, neurological diseases, tumors, and so on.
• The method established in this study used a small amount of sample, short analysis time, convenient operation, high accuracy, and sensitivity. It met the conditions for the determination of low-content samples in this experiment.
• Our optimized LC-MS/MS can be widely applied to the quantitative analysis of salivary acids in various biological products such as tissues and body fluids.

CD BioGlyco is a leader in glycomics research. We have developed glycoengineering services with high sensitivity and accurate results. Please feel free to contact us at any time to ask anything about salivary acid experimental protocols, applications, and more. We are very much looking forward to hearing from you.