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Updated: Aug 17, 2026

Identification and Characterization of Protein Glycosylation using Specific Endo- and Exoglycosidases
09:54

Identification and Characterization of Protein Glycosylation using Specific Endo- and Exoglycosidases

Published on: December 26, 2011

Glycoprotein oligosaccharides as recognition structures

T Feizi1

  • 1MRC Clinical Research Centre, Harrow, Middlesex, UK.

Ciba Foundation Symposium
|January 1, 1989
PubMed

Insights

Researchers developed a new technique to study how cells recognize sugars (oligosaccharides). This method reveals insights into cell growth, differentiation, and infections, aiding in the development of new therapies.

Area of Science:

  • Glycobiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Oligosaccharide antigens change during development, differentiation, and cancer.
  • These structures are found on growth factor receptors and influence cell signaling.
  • Oligosaccharides on growth factor receptors and lectins are implicated in molecular recognition during growth and differentiation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a new technique for elucidating oligosaccharide recognition by proteins and microbial adhesins.
  • To investigate carbohydrate recognition by mammalian lectins.
  • To discover novel receptor systems in bacteria.

Main Methods:

  • Development of a novel technique involving the overlay of immobilized oligosaccharide probes (neoglycolipids).
  • Probes were derived from glycoproteins and other sources.
  • Application of the technique to study mammalian lectins and bacterial adhesins.

Main Results:

  • Gained new insights into carbohydrate recognition by several mammalian lectins.
  • Discovered a novel receptor system in Escherichia coli from urinary tract infection patients.
  • Demonstrated the technique's utility in understanding biological oligosaccharide recognition.

Conclusions:

  • The new neoglycolipid overlay technique is effective for studying oligosaccharide recognition.
  • This method provides insights into molecular recognition in development, differentiation, and disease.
  • The technique can be used for quality control of therapeutic glycoproteins.

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