NEU5ACΑ(2-6) N-glycan: a key decoder of complex glycoprotein structures 1125602-44-9

NEU5ACΑ(2-6) N-glycan, as a well-defined and highly branched sialylated complex N-glycan, is a crucial high-end reagent in the field of modern glycobiology research and biomedicine development. It is not only a molecular probe for analyzing the precise functions of glycoconjugates in life processes, but also one of the core structural units that promotes the development of next-generation glycoprotein drugs, vaccine design and disease diagnostic technology.

Chemical Information

Chemical name: NEU5Acalpha2-6Galbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-2Manalpha1-3(Neu5Acalpha2-6Galbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-2Manalpha1-6)Manbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-4GlcNAc

Common name: Bi-sialylated dual-antenna complex N-glycan (with α2,6-linked sialic acid)

Chemical formula: C84H138N6O62

Molecular weight: 2224 g/mol

CAS number: 1125602-44-9

Category: SGP Products

Structural features

This molecule represents a typical and important complex form of N-linked sugar chains in eukaryotic glycoproteins, and its structure contains rich biological information:

Precise dual-antenna branch structure: Based on a trimannose core, two symmetrical sugar chain branches (antennas) extend out. Each antenna end is connected with N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) units through specific β1,4- and β1,2-bonds, demonstrating the sophisticated architecture of classic complex N-glycans.

Characteristic α2,6-sialic acid modification: The galactose (Gal) residues at the ends of both antennas are connected with sialic acid (Neu5Ac) through α2,6-glycosidic bonds. This connection method is significantly different from α2,3-linkage in recognition properties, stability and biological functions, and is the key to determining the interaction between sugar molecules and specific lectins, receptors or pathogens.

Structural certainty and uniformity: As a chemically clearly defined standardized sugar chain, its structure is completely determined, overcoming the heterogeneity problem of traditional sugar chain extraction from natural sources, and providing a basis for reproducible research.

Main applications and advantages

Key reference materials for the development of glycoprotein drugs and vaccines

Quality characterization and standards: In the development and production of glycoprotein drugs such as therapeutic monoclonal antibodies and enzyme replacement therapy drugs, this glycan can be used as a high-end standard for critical quality attribute (CQA) analysis to monitor the consistency, degree and pattern of glycosylation modifications.

Functional impact study: The sugar chain structure, especially the connection mode of sialic acid (α2,6 vs α2,3), directly affects the efficacy, half-life, immunogenicity and targeting of the drug. This molecule is an ideal tool for studying how α2,6-sialylation regulates protein stability, anti-inflammatory activity, and receptor binding specificity.

Disease biomarker research and diagnostic development

Diseases associated with specific glycosylation profiles: Many diseases, such as cancer, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases, are accompanied by abnormal changes in sialylation patterns (including α2,6-sialic acid levels) on cell surface or serum glycoproteins. This well-defined glycan can be used to develop highly sensitive assays to identify specific glycoforms associated with disease states.

Research on pathogen interaction mechanism: Various viruses and bacteria recognize sialic acid (including α2,6-linked type) on the host cell surface as the first step of infection. This molecule can be used to explore the molecular mechanisms of pathogen adhesion and invasion and provide clues for anti-infection strategies.

Basic glycobiology and cutting-edge technology exploration

Receptor-ligand interaction studies: As a well-defined ligand for many lectins, sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectins (Siglecs), and other sialic acid-recognizing proteins, it can be used to quantitatively analyze binding affinity, specificity, and structural basis.

Core components of the glycochip: In functional glycomics research, this glycan is an important unit in constructing a high-density glycochip, which is used for high-throughput screening of proteins that interact with sialylated sugar chains and the discovery of new biorecognition events.

Synthetic biology and cell engineering: Providing clear target structures for reconstructing or designing specific glycosylation pathways in engineered cells to facilitate the development of synthetic glycobiology.

Conclusion

NEU5ACΑ(2-6) N-glycan is more than just a complex carbohydrate molecule. It is an indispensable and precise key to deeply understanding the sugar code of life, optimizing the efficacy of biotherapeutics, and developing a new generation of sugar-based diagnostic and therapeutic tools. From precise drug design to profound mechanistic insights, its value is constantly being demonstrated at the medical frontier led by glycoscience.

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