Glycoinformatics in the Artificial Intelligence Era

Chem Rev. 2022 Oct 26;122(20):15971-15988. doi: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00110. Epub 2022 Aug 12.

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) methods have been and are now being increasingly integrated in prediction software implemented in bioinformatics and its glycoscience branch known as glycoinformatics. AI techniques have evolved in the past decades, and their applications in glycoscience are not yet widespread. This limited use is partly explained by the peculiarities of glyco-data that are notoriously hard to produce and analyze. Nonetheless, as time goes, the accumulation of glycomics, glycoproteomics, and glycan-binding data has reached a point where even the most recent deep learning methods can provide predictors with good performance. We discuss the historical development of the application of various AI methods in the broader field of glycoinformatics. A particular focus is placed on shining a light on challenges in glyco-data handling, contextualized by lessons learnt from related disciplines. Ending on the discussion of state-of-the-art deep learning approaches in glycoinformatics, we also envision the future of glycoinformatics, including development that need to occur in order to truly unleash the capabilities of glycoscience in the systems biology era.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Artificial Intelligence*
  • Computational Biology / methods
  • Glycomics* / methods
  • Polysaccharides
  • Software

Substances

  • Polysaccharides