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Updated: May 12, 2026

Genetically-encoded Molecular Probes to Study G Protein-coupled Receptors
Published on: September 13, 2013
Glycopolymer probes of signal transduction
Laura L Kiessling1, Joseph C Grim
1Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Ave, Madison, WI 53706, USA. kiessling@chem.wisc.edu
Abstract:
Glycans are key participants in biological processes ranging from reproduction to cellular communication to infection. Revealing glycan roles and the underlying molecular mechanisms by which glycans manifest their function requires access to glycan derivatives that vary systematically. To this end, glycopolymers (polymers bearing pendant carbohydrates) have emerged as valuable glycan analogs. Because glycopolymers can readily be synthesized, their overall shape can be varied, and they can be altered systematically to dissect the structural features that underpin their activities. This review provides examples in which glycopolymers have been used to effect carbohydrate-mediated signal transduction. Our objective is to illustrate how these powerful tools can reveal the molecular mechanisms that underlie carbohydrate-mediated signal transduction.
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