Glycomics: a pathway to a class of new and improved therapeutics.
Complex glycans that are located at the surface of cells, deposited in the extracellular matrix and attached to soluble signalling molecules have a crucial role in the phenotypic expression of cellular genotypes. However, owing to their structural complexity and some redundancy in terms of structures that elicit a function, the therapeutic potential of complex glycans has not been well exploited, with a few notable exceptions. This review outlines recent advances that promise to increase our ability to use complex glycans as therapeutics. Opportunities for the development of further structure-function relationships for these complex molecules are also discussed.
Momenta Pharmaceuticals, 43 Moulton Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
Zachary
Z
Shriver
S
S
Raguram
Ram
R
Sasisekharan
D000818:Animals; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000379:methods* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D011134:Polysaccharides / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000188:drug therapy
D011134:Polysaccharides