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Synthetic Glycobiology: Parts, Systems, and Applications
Weston Kightlinger1,2, Katherine F Warfel1,2, Matthew P DeLisa3,4,5
1Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, 2145 Sheridan Road, Tech E136, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States.
ACS Synthetic Biology
|June 12, 2020
Summary
Synthetic glycobiology uses engineering biology to create novel glycoproteins with defined structures. This approach overcomes limitations of natural systems for applications in medicine, materials, and diagnostics.
Area of Science:
- Synthetic biology
- Glycoscience
- Biotechnology
Background:
- Natural protein glycosylation, the addition of sugars to proteins, offers diverse properties but has limitations in diversity, scale, and structural homogeneity.
- Existing glycosylation methods are insufficient for advanced biotechnological and medical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of synthetic glycobiology, focusing on engineering glycosylation systems.
- To highlight the use of synthetic biology tools for understanding and redesigning glycosylation.
- To explore applications of engineered glycoproteins in medicine, materials, and diagnostics.
Main Methods:
- Application of synthetic biology tools and design principles to glycosylation systems.
- Redesigning biosynthetic pathways for controlled glycoprotein synthesis.
- Utilizing advanced analytical tools to characterize engineered glycoproteins.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of synthetic biology's capability to overcome natural glycosylation limitations.
- Creation of defined glycosylation structures on proteins.
- Development of novel glycoprotein synthesis systems.
Conclusions:
- Synthetic glycobiology offers powerful tools to engineer glycoproteins with tailored structures.
- This field holds significant promise for advancing medicine, materials science, and diagnostics.
- Further development of biological parts and systems will expand opportunities in glycoscience.
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