The surface of all cells is surrounded by a diverse mixture of complex carbohydrate structures called glycans. The interactions of glycans with proteins is central to a diverse range of physiological and pathological processes including cell-cell communication, molecular recognition, immunological responses, infectious diseases and cancers. However, identifying the precise endogenous glycan structures involved in these interactions and the mechanisms by which they elicit function is a challenge. The heterogeneity and complexity of cell-surface glycans, coupled with their biosynthesis not being template-driven, make it difficult to elucidate biological function by traditional approaches. As a result, novel chemical biology tools are needed to meet the demand for new information and advance our understanding of the function of these important biomolecules.<br/><br/>In this presentation, we will describe the interdisciplinary approach we are taking to tackle this challenge by working towards expanding the cell-surface glyco-engineering toolbox. We use chemo-enzymatic synthetic strategies to prepare carbohydrate-based probes and biologically relevant complex glycan structures. These probes or glycans are then installed on cells using an enzymatic-based cell-surface engineering methodology to investigate how these structures interact with glycan-binding proteins and modulate cell function, allowing for structure-function analysis of glycans within the context cells. Studies using cell-surface engineering to examine the how glycan editing alters protein recognition will be described. Additionally, the use of various probes to capture and interrogate glycans/glycoproteins and their binding receptors, including protein receptors involved in immunological responses and virus interactions, will be discussed. These techniques will facilitate the identification of functional glycan ligands to glycan-binding proteins, as well as glycan biomarkers and glycan-based targets for therapeutics.

Expanding the selective cell-surface glyco-engineering toolbox

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.