Plasma membrane glycosphingolipid signaling: a turning point
AbstractPlasma membrane interaction is highly recognized as an essential step to start the intracellular events in response to extracellular stimuli. The ways in which these interactions take place are less clear and detailed. Over the last decade my research has focused on developing the understanding of the glycosphingolipids-protein interaction that occurs at cell surface. By using chemical synthesis and biochemical approaches we have characterized some fundamental interactions that are key events both in the immune response and in the maintenance of neuronal homeostasis. In particular, for the first time it has been ...
Source: Glycoconjugate Journal - August 16, 2021 Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research
Glycans in autophagy, endocytosis and lysosomal functions
AbstractGlycans have been shown to function as versatile molecular signals in cells. This prompted us to look at their roles in endocytosis, endolysosomal system and autophagy. We start by introducing the cell biological aspects of these pathways, the concept of the sugar code, and provide an overview on the role of glycans in the targeting of lysosomal proteins and in lysosomal functions. Moreover, we review evidence on the regulation of endocytosis and autophagy by glycans. Finally, we discuss the emerging concept that cytosolic exposure of luminal glycans, and their detection by endogenous lectins, provides a mechanism ...
Source: Glycoconjugate Journal - August 14, 2021 Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research
Molecular modeling provides insights into the loading of sialic acid ‐containing antigens onto CRM197: the role of chain flexibility in conjugation efficiency and glycoconjugate architecture
AbstractVaccination is the most cost-effective way to control disease caused by encapsulated bacteria; the capsular polysaccharide (CPS) is the primary virulence factor and vaccine target.Neisseria meningitidis (Nm) serogroups B, C, Y and W all contain sialic acid, a common surface feature of human pathogens. Two protein-based vaccines against serogroup B infection are available for human use while four tetravalent conjugate vaccines including serogroups C, W and Y have been licensed. The tetravalent Menveo ® conjugate vaccine is well-defined: a simple monomeric structure of oligosaccharides terminally conjugated to amino...
Source: Glycoconjugate Journal - August 1, 2021 Category: Biochemistry Source Type: research
