Quantitative Glycomics: A Combined Analytical and Bioinformatics Approach

Glycosylation is one of the most common and essential protein modifications. Glycans conjugated to biomolecules modulate the function of such molecules through both direct recognition of glycan structures and indirect mechanisms that involve the control of protein turnover rates, stability, and conformation. The biological attributes of glycans in numerous biological processes and implications in a number of diseases highlight the necessity for comprehensive characterization of protein glycosylation. This chapter reviews cutting-edge methods and tools developed to facilitate quantitative glycomics. This chapter highlights the different methods employed for the release and purification of glycans from biological samples. The most effective labeling methods developed for sensitive quantitative glycomics are also described and discussed. The chromatographic approaches that have been used effectively in glycomics are also highlighted.