Physicochemical characterisation of rVIII-SingleChain, a novel recombinant single-chain factor VIII.

rVIII-SingleChain is a novel recombinant single-chain factor VIII (FVIII) construct, comprising covalently bonded heavy and light chains. Post-translational modifications of FVIII affect physicochemical parameters, including hydrophobicity and charge. The most relevant post-translational modifications of FVIII products are N-glycosylation of asparagine residues and tyrosine sulphations.

Sialoglycoproteins and N-glycans from secreted exosomes of ovarian carcinoma cells.

Exosomes consist of vesicles that are secreted by several human cells, including tumor cells and neurons, and they are found in several biological fluids. Exosomes have characteristic protein and lipid composition, however, the results concerning glycoprotein composition and glycosylation are scarce. Here, protein glycosylation of exosomes from ovarian carcinoma SKOV3 cells has been studied by lectin blotting, NP-HPLC analysis of 2-aminobenzamide labeled glycans and mass spectrometry.

Expression of glycogenes in differentiating human NT2N neurons. Downregulation of fucosyltransferase 9 leads to decreased Lewis(x) levels and impaired neurite outgrowth.

Background: Several glycan structures are functionally relevant in biological events associated with differentiation and regeneration which occur in the central nervous system. Here we have analysed the glycogene expression and glycosylation patterns during human NT2N neuron differentiation. We have further studied the impact of downregulating fucosyltransferase 9 (FUT9) on neurite outgrowth.

Highly glycosylated human alpha interferon: An insight into a new therapeutic candidate.

The type I human interferon alpha (hIFN-alpha) family consists of small proteins that exert a multiplicity of biological actions including antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory effects. However, though administration of recombinant hIFN-alpha2b is the current treatment for chronic hepatitis B and C and for some types of cancers, therapy outcomes have not been completely satisfactory. The short serum half-life and rapid clearance of the cytokine accounts for its low in vivo biological activity.

Proteomic analysis of plasma from Portuguese patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

In ALS, the identification of abnormal proteins in biological fluids might be useful for the understanding of the ethiopathogenesis of the disease. Furthermore, it can provide biomarkers useful for diagnosis, to monitor disease progression and to study the effect of drugs. Plasma is a suitable fluid for screening such targets since blood collection is a relatively simple procedure.