Chemical Biology Study on N-glycans

Abstract

N-Glycans, which are post-translational glycosylation modifications on asparagine, have diverse structures, and their functions vary based on their structures. Recent advances in the chemical, enzymatic, and chemoenzymatic synthesis and isolation of N-glycans have made it possible to produce high quantities of various N-glycans. These N-glycans have been widely used in chemical biology studies on elucidating their functions. Interaction analyses between lectins and various N-glycans have revealed the molecular basis of the recognition of N-glycans. In addition, proteins modified with chemically synthesized homogeneous N-glycans revealed the effects of N-glycan modification on protein function. Furthermore, the applications of N-glycans in drug development have been explored. This review introduces the recent advances in the chemical biology study on N-glycans.