Advances in total glycomic analysis including sialylated sub-glycan isomers by SALSA method

All eukaryotic cell surfaces are coated with various types of glycans, which are essential molecules in biological events. In this review, we summarize recent integrated glycomics studies using various biological samples. We introduce an improved sialic acid linkage-specific alkylamidation (SALSA) method for sialylated glycan analysis and an automated glycosphingolipid-glycan preparation system for large-scale glycomic analysis of human plasma/serum. Finally, we explain the importance of integrated glycomics of glycoconjugates through total glycomic analysis of human serum and mouse brain tissue, and discuss prospects for exploring glycans as effective biomarkers of biological phenomena.