Compared to proteomics, computational platforms for glycoproteomics is at an early stage and many researchers rely on the manual interpretation of large data sets to gain structural insights into the glycoproteome. Over the last few years there has been a steady increase in the availability of bioinformatics tools for processing and annotating glycoproteomics data sets. This mini-review describes advances in the development of algorithms and software applications and their applications. Furthermore, an update on structural and analytical databases is presented with a focus on those resources still actively maintained by the community, and how these resources are now being integrated into glycoproteomics pipelines to improve data interpretation.

Glycoprotein drugs have a remarkable structural complexity among biopharmaceuticals. The main reason for this is the diversity and complexity of their glycans. We have become able to prepare, in high-purity and large quantities, glycans which are extremely difficult to artificially control with posttranslational modification. We have also established a method of adding uniform glycans to arbitrary positions. These technologies make it possible to prepare homogeneous glycoproteins that are extremely difficult to prepare by expression. In addition, because glycans can be introduced to new arbitrary positions, appropriate design of the position, number, and structure of these sugar chains has made it possible to create next-generation biopharmaceuticals.

Glycoprotein drugs have a remarkable structural complexity among biopharmaceuticals. The main reason for this is the diversity and complexity of their glycans. We have become able to prepare, in high-purity and large quantities, glycans which are extremely difficult to artificially control with posttranslational modification. We have also established a method of adding uniform glycans to arbitrary positions. These technologies make it possible to prepare homogeneous glycoproteins that are extremely difficult to prepare by expression. In addition, because glycans can be introduced to new arbitrary positions, appropriate design of the position, number, and structure of these sugar chains has made it possible to create next-generation biopharmaceuticals.