Unveiling the Shape of N-Acetylgalactosamine: A Cancer-Associated Sugar Derivative

J Phys Chem A. 2022 Oct 27;126(42):7621-7626. doi: 10.1021/acs.jpca.2c04595. Epub 2022 Sep 13.

Abstract

In the present work, we report the first rotational study of N-acetylgalactosamine, a cancer-associated sugar derivative, by means of high-resolution rotational spectroscopy. Two different conformers have been conclusively characterized using broadband Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy coupled with a laser ablation vaporization system. Additionally, we performed a comprehensive analysis of the intramolecular interactions that govern these structures, which allowed us to both characterize the existence of intramolecular hydrogen bond networks that drive the intrinsic conformation panorama of N-acetylgalactosamine and further rationalize the biological role of this aminosugar derivative as part of the Tn antigen.

MeSH terms

  • Acetylgalactosamine*
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen Bonding
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Neoplasms*
  • Organic Chemicals
  • Sugars

Substances

  • Acetylgalactosamine
  • Organic Chemicals
  • Sugars