N-glycomics, the study of N-linked glycans in biological systems, is invaluable for understanding cellular processes and disease mechanisms, particularly due to the diverse roles played by different glycan classes. These classes include complex, oligomannose, hybrid, and paucimannose glycans, each with unique structural features and functions. Complex glycans, for instance, are involved in protein folding, stability, and function, crucial for maintaining cellular homeostasis. Oligomannose glycans, on the other hand, are important in protein quality control mechanisms, highlighting their significance in cellular processes.
Furthermore, the study of hybrid glycans provides insights into cell-cell communication and immune response modulation, while paucimannose glycans are essential for pathogen recognition. This intricate interplay between different glycan classes underscores their importance in various biological functions. Moreover, aberrant glycosylation patterns within these glycan classes are associated with numerous diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and congenital disorders of glycosylation. Understanding the specific roles of each glycan class can lead to the discovery of novel biomarkers for disease diagnosis and prognosis, as well as innovative therapeutic strategies targeting glycan structures or glycosylation enzymes.