Determination of glycosylation sites and site-specific heterogeneity in glycoproteins

Curr Opin Chem Biol. 2009 Oct;13(4):421-6. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2009.07.022. Epub 2009 Aug 21.

Abstract

Glycosylation is one of the most common post-translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins. At least 50% of human proteins are glycosylated with some estimates being as high as 70%. Glycoprotein analysis requires determining both the sites of glycosylation as well as the glycan structures associated with each site. Recent advances have led to the development of new analytical methods that employ mass spectrometry extensively making it possible to obtain the glycosylation site and the site microheterogeneity. These tools will be important for the eventual development of glycoproteomics.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Glycoproteins / analysis*
  • Glycosylation
  • Humans
  • Mass Spectrometry / methods
  • Polysaccharides / analysis*
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational
  • Proteomics / methods*

Substances

  • Glycoproteins
  • Polysaccharides