Research Information System
in: Advanced and Contemporary Studies in Health Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Sadettin Demirel, Editor, Duvar Yayınları, İzmir, pp.90-99, 2023
Glycans, intricate molecules composed of sugars, represent an indispensable
fraction among the fundamental constituents of cellular architecture and stand
as one of nature's most abundant and diverse biopolymers (Lowe & Marth,
2003). These molecular entities exhibit versatility in their existence,
manifesting either as independent oligosaccharides or integrated forms within
glycoconjugates. The intricate process of glycosylation, wherein
oligosaccharides intricately bind to proteins to create glycoproteins, emerges as
a prevalent post-translational modification witnessed within cellular
mechanisms. This glycosylation phenomenon profoundly influences the
development and functionality of specific brain regions, crucial segments of the
gastrointestinal system, and pivotal operations within the hepatic, visual, and
immune systems, thereby underlining its paramount importance in biological
processes.
Moreover, the landscape of eukaryotic proteins is significantly shaped by the
prevalence of glycoproteins, constituting more than half of these vital cellular
components (Freeze et al., 2015). The formation of glycoproteins, functioning
as glycoconjugates, ensues through the attachment of one or multiple glycans to
proteins, typically occurring through N- or O-linked manners, conjoined with a
polypeptide structure (Varki & Lowe, 2009). Particularly within eukaryotic
secretory pathways, the regulation of crucial proteins predominantly hinges on the orchestration conducted by N-linked glycans (N-glycans). Furthermore, the
intricate ballet of glycoprotein folding is modulated by the delicate equilibrium
orchestrated by N-glycans, as elucidated by studies delving into glycoprotein
balance (Helenius & Aebi, 2001).
The exploration of glycoprotein balance not only enriches our understanding
of cellular dynamics but also holds substantial promise in steering the
development of novel pharmaceutical interventions, envisaged to potentially
combat and mitigate diverse diseases on the horizon (Hebert et al., 2014).