Glycoprotein oligosaccharides as recognition structures.
A series of observations--the pronounced changes in the expression and distribution of oligosaccharide antigens during embryonic development, cell differentiation and oncogenesis, the prominence of these changing structures (oncodevelopmental antigens) on the receptor for epidermal growth factor, and the stimulation of receptor autophosphorylation following their perturbation with antibodies--has suggested that the oligosaccharides of growth factor receptors and complementary lectins may be intimately involved in molecular recognition events in growth and differentiation processes. For elucidating oligosaccharide recognition by diverse cellular and secreted proteins and microbial adhesins, a new technique has been developed which involves the overlay of immobilized oligosaccharide probes (neoglycolipids) derived from glycoproteins and other sources. New insights have been gained into carbohydrate recognition by several mammalian lectins, and a novel receptor system has been discovered in Escherichia coli isolated from patients with urinary tract infections. This new technique seems ideal for elucidating oligosaccharide recognition in diverse biological settings, and for 'quality control' of the sugar chains of recombinant glycoproteins engineered for the purpose of administration to man.
Feizi
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MRC Clinical Research Centre, Harrow, Middlesex, UK.
D000818:Animals; D002236:Carbohydrate Conformation; D002240:Carbohydrate Sequence; D002462:Cell Membrane / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000502:physiology*; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D009844:Oligosaccharides / Q000502:physiology*; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface / Q000502:physiology*
D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D009844:Oligosaccharides; D011956:Receptors, Cell Surface