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Updated: May 27, 2026
12:06
Metabolic Glycoengineering of Sialic Acid Using N-acyl-modified Mannosamines
Published on: November 25, 2017
General consideration on sialic acid chemistry.
1National Glycoengineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, People's Republic of China. hzcao@sdu.edu.cn
Methods in Molecular Biology (Clifton, N.J.)
|November 8, 2011
Summary
Sialic acids, or neuraminic acids, are vital nine-carbon sugars on cell surfaces. This review explores recent synthetic methods, structural diversity, and biological roles of these important molecules.
Area of Science:
- Carbohydrate Chemistry
- Glycobiology
- Organic Synthesis
Background:
- Sialic acids (neuraminic acids) are negatively charged, nine-carbon α-keto acids.
- They are commonly found at the termini of vertebrate cell surface glycan chains.
- These molecules play critical roles in numerous physiological and pathological processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review general and recently developed synthetic approaches for sialic acid-containing structures.
- To discuss the structural diversity and biological functions of sialic acids.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of synthetic methodologies for sialic acids.
- Analysis of structural variations and documented biological activities.
Main Results:
- Overview of established and novel synthetic strategies for sialic acids.
- Discussion of the wide range of structures and functions associated with sialic acids.
Conclusions:
- Recent advancements have expanded the synthetic accessibility of diverse sialic acid structures.
- Understanding sialic acid synthesis and function is crucial for biological and medical research.
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