Decoding aberrant glycosylation in colorectal cancer: From Glycosyaltion characterization, expression regulation to...

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Oncology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Colorectal cancer (CRC) displays widespread changes in glycosylation, affecting glycan structures, terminal modifications, and enzyme activity.
• These glycosylation alterations are linked to malignant behaviors like invasion, migration, proliferation, and the creation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME).

Purpose of the Study:

• To review major glycosylation types in CRC, including O-GalNAc glycosylation, O-GlcNAcylation, N-glycosylation, sialylation, glycosphingolipids, and glycosaminoglycans.
• To explore how glycosylation reprogramming influences oncogenic signaling and cellular plasticity in CRC.
• To highlight advancements in CRC-specific glycosylation-based diagnostics, prognostics, and therapeutics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of glycosylation alterations in colorectal cancer.
• Summary of key enzymes involved in glycosylation biosynthesis.
• Analysis of the role of glycosylation in oncogenic signaling and TME modulation.
• Review of current diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies targeting CRC glycosylation.

Main Results:

• Detailed delineation of various glycosylation types implicated in CRC.
• Explanation of the enzymatic machinery governing CRC glycosylation.
• Exploration of the link between glycosylation reprogramming, oncogenic signaling, and cellular plasticity.
• Identification of recent progress in CRC-specific glycosylation-based strategies.

Conclusions:

• Glycosylation alterations are central to CRC pathogenesis and TME.
• Understanding CRC glycosylation provides a framework for improved diagnostics and therapeutics.
• Targeting CRC-specific glycosylation holds promise for enhanced early diagnosis, prognostic assessment, and treatment strategies.