遺伝子工学の進歩
オープンアクセス

概要

Glycoproteins , its Functions and clinical significance

Prof.Ratnesh Das

 

 Increasing knowledge on structure, biosynthesis and catabo­lism of glycoproteins have given new insights on the patho-bio­chemical and clinical significance of these macromolecules. The most important results and conclusions are summarized . 1. The terminal sugars of glycoproteins--N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) and L-fucose--as well as the penultimate galactose molecule have important functions in cell interaction, adhe­sion and recognition. Moreover, these carbohydrates mediate the migration and distribution of cells and it is believed that they are essential part of the feto-maternal “immunological bar­rier”. 2. Evidence indicating that the composition and pattern of plasma membrane glycoproteins is associated with tumour growth and metastatic formation is accumulating. Moreover, the determination of serum glycosyltransferase activity is gain­ing increasing interest, because the level of these enzymes is substantially elevated in patients with neoplastic disease. 3. Diseases of the autoimmunosystem are likely linked to a dis­turbed glycoprotein metabolism. The clinical importance is underlined by studies on immunotherapy of tumours. Increasing knowledge on structure, biosynthesis and catabo­lism of glycoproteins have given new insights on the patho-bio­chemical and clinical significance of these macromolecules. The most important results and conclusions are summarized . 1. The terminal sugars of glycoproteins--N-acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) and L-fucose--as well as the penultimate galactose molecule have important functions in cell interaction, adhe­sion and recognition. Moreover, these carbohydrates mediate the migration and distribution of cells and it is believed that they are essential part of the feto-maternal “immunological bar­rier”. 2. Evidence indicating that the composition and pattern of plasma membrane glycoproteins is associated with tumour growth and metastatic formation is accumulating. Moreover, the determination of serum glycosyltransferase activity is gain­ing increasing interest, because the level of these enzymes is substantially elevated in patients with neoplastic disease. 3. Diseases of the autoimmunosystem are likely linked to a dis­turbed glycoprotein metabolism. The clinical importance is underlined by studies on immunotherapy of tumours..