Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 21, 2026

Detection of Glycosaminoglycans by Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis and Silver Staining
Published on: February 25, 2021
Synthesis of sulfur isotope-labeled sulfate donor, 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate, for studying
Caitlin Mencio1, Vimal P Swarup, Marcus Soliai
1Interdepartmental Program in Neuroscience, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
Abstract:
The biological activity of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) depends greatly on the sulfation pattern present within the GAG chain. Chemical biology of GAGs can be further advanced by preparation of sulfur-isotope-enriched sulfated GAGs. 3'-Phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS) serves as a universal sulfate donor in the sulfation of GAGs by sulfotransferases. Therefore, synthesis of PAPS carrying sulfur isotopes is critical in the preparation of labeled GAGs for biochemical studies. Here we describe a robust in vitro enzymatic synthesis of sulfur isotope-enriched PAPS which allows for heavy- or radio-isotope labeling of GAG chains.
Related Concept Videos
Proteoglycans
Sulfur Assimilation
Glycosaminoglycans
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...

