N-glycome signatures in human plasma: associations with physiology and major diseases

N-glycome analysis in total plasma or serum yields information about the levels and glycosylation patterns of major plasma glycoproteins, including immunoglobulins, acute-phase proteins, and apolipoproteins. Until recently, glycomic studies in disease settings largely suffered from small cohort sizes, poor analytical resolution, and poor comparability of results owing to the diversity of analytical techniques. Here, we report on recent advances in high-throughput mass spectrometry glycomics technology that enabled elucidation of N-glycome signatures in the plasma of patients with type 2 diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal cancer. Use of this technology revealed both commonalities and differences among disease fingerprints. Moreover, we summarize findings on glycomic signatures associated with age, sex, and body mass index. High-throughput, high-resolution glycomics technologies, together with robust data analysis workflows, will advance clinical translation.