Comprehensive Cellular Glycan Profiling of Glycoproteins and Glycosphingolipids by Glycoblotting and BEP Methods

The glycocalyx is a layer of glycans that covers the surface of every cell. Glycans are covalently attached to proteins and lipids, and are classified into subclasses such as N-linked glycans, glycosaminoglycans, glycosphingolipid-glycans, free oligosaccharides, and O-linked glycans according to their biosynthetic pathways. These complex glycans affect various biological and pathological processes, such as cell growth, differentiation, and adhesion. During infection, bacteria and viruses often use glycans to recognize and attack host cells. In this chapter, we describe detailed protocols to prepare glycans, and perform comprehensive cellular glycomic analysis using glycoblotting and β-elimination with pyrazolone methods.