Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
11:39
Identifying Cell Surface Markers of Primary Neural Stem and Progenitor Cells by Metabolic Labeling of Sialoglycan
Published on: September 7, 2019
The glycans of stem cells
Pascal M Lanctot1, Fred H Gage, Ajit P Varki
1Glycobiology Research and Training Center, Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
Current Opinion in Chemical Biology
|August 8, 2007
Summary
Glycans are crucial for stem cell behavior and identification. Their presence on stem cells, like Neu5Gc, can trigger immune responses when transplanted, posing risks.
Area of Science:
- Stem cell biology and regenerative medicine
- Glycobiology and glycochemistry
- Immunology and transplantation science
Background:
- Cellular surfaces are coated with glycans, which play vital roles in stem cell biology and technology.
- Glycans regulate key signaling pathways (FGF-2, Wnt, Notch) essential for stem cell proliferation and differentiation.
- Cell-surface glycan epitopes serve as specific markers for identifying and isolating distinct stem cell populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the multifaceted roles of glycans in stem cell applications.
- To discuss the implications of glycan expression on stem cells for therapeutic transplantation.
- To address the immunological risks associated with non-human glycans on human stem cells.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on glycan roles in stem cell signaling and identification.
- Analysis of glycan epitopes (e.g., SSEA, TRA) as cell surface markers.
- Investigation of non-human glycan (Neu5Gc) incorporation and its immunological consequences.
Main Results:
- Glycans are integral to modulating stem cell proliferation and differentiation through signaling pathways.
- Specific glycan structures (SSEA, TRA) are effective markers for stem cell identification and isolation.
- Metabolic incorporation of non-human sialic acid Neu5Gc onto human embryonic stem cells can occur via animal products in culture.
Conclusions:
- Glycans are critical regulators and identifiers in stem cell technology.
- The presence of non-human glycans like Neu5Gc on stem cells poses significant immunological risks for transplantation due to antibody recognition.
- Careful control of culture conditions is necessary to prevent contamination with immunogenic glycans.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Glycocalyx and its Functions
The glycocalyx is a carbohydrate-rich, fuzzy-appearing layer on the outer surface of the cell membrane. It is highly hydrophilic, because of this it attracts large amounts of water to the cell's surface. This aids the cell's interaction with the watery environment and also helps it to obtain substances dissolved in the water. It is also important for cell identification, self/non-self determination, and embryonic development and is used in cell-to-cell attachments to form tissues.
Components of...
Components of...
01:26Stem Cell Niche
The stem cell niche is the dynamic microenvironment where stem cells reside. Inside these niches, the cells may remain undifferentiated, undergo high self-renewal, or become lineage-specific progenitors. Stem cells coexist with other niche cells, such as stromal cells. They also interact closely with the ECM. Cell-cell and cell-matrix communication occur via adhesion molecules or soluble factors that signal the stem cells and determine their fate. Stromal cells also provide survival signals to...
01:21Matrix Proteoglycans and Glycoproteins
Proteoglycans are extensively glycosylated proteins, commonly found in the extracellular matrix, interwoven with collagen fibers. Hyaline cartilage, the most common type of cartilage in the body, consists of short and dispersed collagen fibers associated with large amounts of proteoglycans. These proteoglycans have long negative charges that attract cations, which in turn attract water molecules. This influx of ions and water molecules swells up the proteoglycan like a water-soaked gel that can...
01:19Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are adult stem cells that can differentiate into most connective tissue cell types, except for hematopoietic cells, depending upon the source of MSCs. For example, bone-marrow-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs) can differentiate into osteocytes, hepatocytes, and pancreatic and neuronal cells. MSCs can be isolated from various sources such as bone marrow, placenta, adipose tissue, teeth, and Wharton’s jelly, a gelatinous substance in the umbilical cord. The ease of their access...
01:05Proteoglycans
Glycans, a class of complex heterogeneous molecules, can be covalently attached to proteins to form glycosylated proteins that regulate various physiological and pathological processes. Glycosylated proteins or glycoproteins comprise N-linked and O-linked oligosaccharides. O-glycosylation is the most common type of protein glycosylation. Here, glycans attach to the oxygen atom of the hydroxyl groups of Serine or Threonine residues. O-linked glycosylation occurs later in protein processing,...
01:21Stem Cell Therapy for Tissue Regeneration
Stem cell therapy is a method used in regenerative medicine to repair and restore function to damaged tissues and organs. Stem cells have the potential to proliferate and differentiate into various tissue types, making them ideal candidates for tissue regeneration. For example, hematopoietic stem cell transplants are commonly used in blood cancer treatment to replenish damaged bone marrow and restore healthy blood cells.
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell types that...
Types of Stem Cells used in Stem Cell Therapy
The two main cell types that...