Glycomics is like a complex jigsaw puzzle, where scientists work to piece together the intricate structures and functions of glycans, the carbohydrates found in living organisms. Glycans come in a wide array of shapes and sizes, each with its own unique role and significance. Specific motifs in a glycan can be recognised by lectins, and can be subsequently exploited.
As each piece of the glycan puzzle falls into place, it brings us closer to a clearer understanding of the intricate workings of living systems.
Just as solving a puzzle requires patience, attention to detail, and the right tools, unraveling the mysteries of glycans demands careful analysis and specialized techniques. Researchers use various methods, such as mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, to decipher the structures of these molecules, akin to fitting together the pieces of a puzzle to reveal the complete picture. At Protea Glycosciences, we use advanced LC-MS technology in conjunction with glyco-informatics to sensitively, selectively, and rapidly solve the glycan picture for your samples of interest.
Glycosylation appears in a variety of forms:
- N-glycans
- O-glycans
- Glycolipids
- Glycosylaminoglycans (GAGs)
