Sugar-coated world

(Arizona State University) Glycans are essential to virtually every biological process in the body. These complex structures -- composed of interlocking sugar molecules -- adorn the surfaces of cells in fuzzy profusion. Glycans are a crucial part of a cell's identity, helping it communicate with other cells and with the external environment. Glycans are also known to play a vital role in cancer, autoimmune disease and countless other afflictions.
Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news