Structural Characterization and Abundance of Sialylated Milk Oligosaccharides in Holstein Cows during Early Lactation.

Among other bioactive molecules, milk contains high amounts of sialylated milk oligosaccharides (MOs) that influence numerous processes in the offspring. For instance, sialylated MOs inhibit the invasion of pathogens and positively influence the gut microbiome to support the optimal development of the offspring. For these reasons, sialylated MOs are also used in infant formula as well as food supplements and are potential therapeutic substances for humans and animals.

Molecular dynamics simulations shed light into the donor substrate specificity of vertebrate poly-alpha-2,8-sialyltransferases ST8Sia IV.

Background: Sialic acids are essential monosaccharides influencing several biological processes and disease states. The sialyltransferases catalyze the transfer of Sia residues to glycoconjugates playing critical roles in cellular recognition and signaling. Despite their importance, the molecular mechanisms underlying their substrate specificity, especially between different organisms, remain poorly understood.

Changes in the N-glycosylation of porcine immune globulin G during postnatal development.

N-glycosylation influences the effectiveness of immune globulin G (IgG) and thus the immunological downstream responses of immune cells. This impact arises from the presence of N-glycans within the Fc region, which not only alters the conformation of IgG but also influences its steric hindrance. Consequently, these modifications affect the interaction between IgG and its binding partners within the immune system.

Cancer-specific glycosylation of CD13 impacts its detection and activity in preclinical cancer tissues.

Harnessing the differences between cancer and non-cancer tissues presents new opportunities for selective targeting by anti-cancer drugs. CD13, a heavily glycosylated protein, is one example with significant unmet clinical potential in cancer drug discovery. Despite its high expression and activity in cancers, CD13 is also expressed in many normal tissues.