Disialyllacto-N-hexaose I (DSLNH) in Glycobiology Research (CAS 137636-98-7)

In the broader picture of life sciences, sugar molecules are much more than a source of energy. They carry vital biological information in complex structures and participate in and regulate countless life processes such as intercellular communication, immune recognition, pathogen infection, and disease development. Among them, sialylated glycans, especially disialyllacto-N-hexaoseI with a clear structure, are increasingly becoming star molecules in the fields of glycobiology, immunology, drug development and diagnosis. It is not only a probe for basic research, but also a precious key that connects discovery and transformation and promotes the next generation of biomedical innovation.

Chemical Information

Chemical name: Disialylacto-N-hexadecose I

English name: Disialyllacto-N-hexaose I (DSLNH)

Chemical formula: C62H102N4O47

Molecular weight: 1655.47 g/mol

CAS number: 137636-98-7

Structural characteristics and biological significance

Disialylacto-N-hexadecose I belongs to the sialylated glycans with the core structure of the lactose series. Its structure is exquisite and rich in information:

Core skeleton: Based on the classic lactosamine (LacNAc) unit, it forms the core structure of "lacto-N-hexadecose". This skeleton is a common glycan scaffold on many biologically active glycoproteins and glycolipids and is widely present on cell surfaces.

Key modification: At the ends of two specific Gal (galactose) residues, a sialic acid (usually N-acetylneuraminic acid, Neu5Ac) molecule is connected to each end, forming an α2,3 or α2,6 connection. This disialyl modification is central to its biological activity.

Information carrier: Sialic acid is the terminal negatively charged group of the glycan chain and is known as the "identification tag" on the cell surface. The disialic acid structure greatly enhances its specific interaction ability with various types of lectins (Lectin), Siglec family receptors (sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins), and certain viral and bacterial proteins.

Main applications and advantages

1. Key tools for research on immune regulation and inflammatory diseases

Siglec receptor ligand: DSLNH is a high-affinity endogenous ligand for various Siglec receptors (such as Siglec-7, Siglec-9, etc.). These receptors are mainly expressed on immune cells (such as NK cells, macrophages, neutrophils, etc.), transmit inhibitory or regulatory signals, and play a key role in maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing excessive inflammation.

Research application: Using DSLNH as a tool molecule, the activation and regulation mechanism of the immune checkpoint (Siglec pathway) can be accurately studied, providing new ideas and verification methods for the development of new anti-inflammatory drugs, autoimmune disease therapies, and cancer immunotherapy (regulating the tumor microenvironment).

2. Research on pathogen infection mechanisms and development of anti-infective drugs

"Molecular anchors" for viruses and bacteria: Many pathogens use sialoglycans on the surface of host cells as receptors for invasion. For example, certain adhesion proteins of influenza viruses, coronaviruses, and Streptococcus pneumoniae specifically recognize sialic acid structures.

Competitive inhibitors and vaccine design: DSLNH can be used as a competitive binding agent for these pathogen proteins to study their infection mechanisms. At the same time, its structure can also be used as a template for designing multivalent inhibitors or constructing glycoconjugate vaccines to block pathogen adhesion or stimulate specific immune responses.

3. Research on nervous system development and diseases

Rich expression in the nervous system: Highly sialylated glycans, including DSLNH-like structures, are abundant on nerve cell adhesion molecules (NCAM, etc.) and are crucial for neuron development, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation.

Disease Association: Aberrant expression is associated with the progression of certain neurodevelopmental disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, and gliomas. DSLNH can be used to study relevant biological processes and may serve as biomarkers or intervention targets for disease states.

4. Cancer biology and targeted therapy exploration

Tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen (TACA): Certain disialyl structures are overexpressed or abnormally expressed on the surface of cancer cells and are related to tumor metastasis and immune evasion.

Precise targeting: Precise identification and targeting of cancer cells can be achieved by using antibodies, chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) or drug delivery systems that specifically recognize such structures. DSLNH is an indispensable molecule for screening, validating and optimizing these targeting tools.

5. Core components for the development of glycochips and diagnostic reagents

As a complex glycan standard with a clear structure, DSLNH is a key component in constructing functional glycochips. Through high-throughput screening, proteins that bind to them (such as antibodies, lectins, pathogen proteins) can be quickly discovered for disease-specific antibody detection, pathogen diagnosis, or discovery of new biomarkers.

Conclusion

From the fine regulation of the immune system, to the game between pathogens and host cells, from the mysterious operation of the brain, to the cunning camouflage of cancer cells, disialyl-N-hexadecose I, as a "sugar code" with a clear structure and powerful function, provides us with an irreplaceable molecular key to decode these core processes of life and disease. It is no longer just a research tool, but also a bridge between basic biological discoveries and the development of next-generation treatments and diagnostic technologies.

The above information is provided by the editor of KASONS and is for scientific research only.