Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 20, 2026
13:36
Generation of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells with Differing Sialylated Phenotypes
Published on: October 20, 2023
Sialic acids as regulators of molecular and cellular interactions
1Biochemisches Institut, Christian-Albrechts-Universität, Olshausenstr. 40, D-24098 Kiel, Germany. schauer@biochem.uni-kiel.de
Current Opinion in Structural Biology
|August 25, 2009
Summary
Sialic acids (Sia) are crucial modulators in cell biology and pathology. Recent advances reveal their roles in immune responses, microbial interactions, and development, highlighting their versatile functions.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Immunology
Background:
- Sialic acids (Sia) are abundant in complex carbohydrates, acting as versatile modulators in cellular processes and disease.
- Their bulky, hydrophilic, and electronegatively charged nature influences interactions with cells and microorganisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To survey recent advances in understanding the multifaceted roles of sialic acids in biological systems.
- To highlight key findings regarding sialic acids' influence on immunity, microbial pathogenesis, and development.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on sialic acid functions.
- Analysis of studies investigating sialic acid modifications and their biological consequences.
Main Results:
- Sialylation enhances anti-inflammatory activity of IgG antibodies and aids microbial immune evasion.
- Polymeric sialic acids regulate embryogenesis and neuronal functions.
- Siglecs, selectins, and microbial interactions with sialic acids are better understood.
- N-Glycolylneuraminic acid exhibits antigenic and potential pathogenic properties in humans.
- Sia O-acetylation modulates receptor affinity and inhibits apoptosis; GD3 is an onco-fetal antigen.
Conclusions:
- Sialic acids are critical regulators with diverse roles in host-microorganism interactions, immune responses, and development.
- Understanding sialic acid modifications and their receptors is key to deciphering their biological significance and therapeutic potential.
Related Concept Videos
01:32Types of Signaling Molecules
In multicellular organisms, many molecules transmit signals between cells to pass information. These signals vary in complexity and include small peptides, nucleotides, steroids, fatty acid derivatives, and dissolved gases such as nitric oxide. Some signaling molecules diffuse through the plasma membrane to act locally between neighboring cells or travel long distances. Others remain attached to the cell surface, transmitting information to other cells only when they make contact. In some...
01:30Assembly of Signaling Complexes
Multiprotein signaling complexes are formed in a dynamic process involving protein-protein interactions at the cytoplasmic domain of transmembrane receptors or enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins associated with the receptor. These complexes ensure the activation and propagation of intracellular signals that regulate cell functions.
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
01:25Protein Glycosylation
Glycosylation, the most common post-translational modification for proteins, serves diverse functions. Adding sugars to proteins makes the proteins more resistant to proteolytic digestion. Glycosylated proteins can act as markers and receptors to promote cell-cell adhesion. Additionally, they have many essential quality control functions in the cell, such as correct protein folding and facilitating transport of misfolded proteins to the cytosol, which can be degraded.
Glycosylation occurs in...
Glycosylation occurs in...
01:23Glycosaminoglycans
Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), also known as mucopolysaccharides, are long and linear polymers comprising of specific repeating disaccharides - the amino sugar that can be N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine, and a uronic acid that is usually glucuronic acid or iduronic acid.
GAGS are found in the extracellular matrix of vertebrates, invertebrates, and bacteria. Due to their polar nature they attract water, and serve as excellent lubricants or shock absorbers in an animal body.
Hyaluronic...
GAGS are found in the extracellular matrix of vertebrates, invertebrates, and bacteria. Due to their polar nature they attract water, and serve as excellent lubricants or shock absorbers in an animal body.
Hyaluronic...
01:20Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
01:20Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...