遺伝子工学の進歩
オープンアクセス

概要

Glycoproteins, their 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. 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 membrane plasma glycoproteins is associated with tumor 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 tumors. 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 tumor 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 tumors..