Glycans play an important role in glycoprotein folding, signaling, and other processes. To better analyze glycans on glycoproteins, we have developed an Enzymatic Release service of glycans. We provide efficient and accurate release services of β1-3 and β1-4 linked galactose from N-glycans and O-glycans.

Overview of Galactose

Galactose is an important energy source and a key structural element of complex molecules that is particularly important for early human development. Galactose is involved in human metabolism and has an established role in energy transfer and galactosylation of complex molecules. Galactose exists in two main forms in aqueous solution: α-pyranose and β-pyranose, which differ in the configuration of the hydroxyl group on the ring carbon-1. The hydrolysis of lactose to glucose and galactose is catalyzed by the enzyme lactase and β-galactosidase.

The human body could not directly convert galactose into energy, but instead use sugar. Leloir is the main pathway of galactose metabolism. First, β-D-galactose is converted to α-D-galactose by galactose mutarotase (GALM). Then, galactose kinase (GALK) catalyzes the phosphorylation of α-D-galactose to galactose-1-phosphate. Next, galactose 1-phosphate is converted to uridine diphosphate (UDP)-galactose by the action of galactose-1-phosphate uridinetransferase (GALT). Finally, UDP-galactose-4'-epimerase (GALE) recycles UDP-galactose to UDP-glucose.

Since galactose plays an important role in organisms, it is necessary to develop suitable methods to release galactose from proteins for better analysis and characterization.

Key Technologies

The precision of galactose release hinges on the judicious application of highly specific enzymatic tools. CD BioGlyco employs a suite of advanced enzymatic technologies, primarily focusing on galactosidases, which are enzymes capable of hydrolyzing terminal galactose residues from various glycoconjugates. Key enzymes utilized include:

• Beta-galactosidases: These enzymes specifically cleave beta-linked galactose residues, a common linkage found in lactose, gangliosides, and many N- and O-glycans. Their specificity allows for targeted release without affecting other monosaccharide components.
• Alpha-galactosidases: Essential for cleaving alpha-linked galactose, particularly relevant in blood group antigens and certain plant and fungal glycans.

Precision Galactose Release for Comprehensive Glycan Analysis

Enzymes are used for the structural analysis of glycans and polysaccharides and for establishing structure-activity relationships in biological systems. At CD BioGlyco, we have developed specialized Glycan Release platforms to provide clients with efficient and accurate glycan release services through chemical and enzymatic methods.

β-Galactosidase is an exoglycosidase that acts as a unique tool for hydrolyzing galactose on proteins. CD BioGlyco provides the release service of galactose residues on N-glycosylated proteins, O-glycosylated proteins, or free oligosaccharides via β-galactosidase. We fully release β1-3 and β1-4 linked galactose on N-glycans and O-glycans with high efficiency and accuracy. In addition, we offer fast and sensitive galactose analysis services.

Fig.1 The process of enzymatic release of galactose. (CD BioGlyco)

Our enzymatic release of galactose service is designed to accommodate a broad spectrum of research and industrial applications, offering unparalleled precision and versatility. Our service scope includes, but is not limited to:

• Glycoprotein analysis: Targeted release of galactose from N-linked and O-linked glycans of various glycoproteins, crucial for understanding protein glycosylation patterns in health and disease.
• Glycolipid characterization: Specific hydrolysis of galactose from glycolipids, including gangliosides and glycosphingolipids, aids in the study of cell recognition and signaling.
• Polysaccharide deconstruction: Enzymatic breakdown of complex polysaccharides containing galactose residues, valuable for structural elucidation and functional studies in materials science and biotechnology.

Workflow

Publication Data

Applications

• Vaccine development: Understanding the glycan structures of pathogens, including their galactose components, is crucial for designing effective vaccines and immunotherapies.
• Nutritional science: Analysis of galactose in food products and dietary supplements, particularly regarding lactose intolerance and the nutritional value of galactooligosaccharides.
• Materials science: Characterization of galactose-containing polysaccharides for applications in biomaterials, hydrogels, and drug delivery systems.

Advantages

• Expertise and experience: With specialized experience in glycobiology, our team of highly skilled scientists possesses profound knowledge in enzymatic reactions and glycan analysis. This deep expertise translates into robust experimental design and insightful data interpretation.
• State-of-the-art analytical services: We utilize cutting-edge analytical instrumentation, including high-resolution mass spectrometry and advanced chromatography systems, guaranteeing sensitive and accurate quantification of released galactose, even from trace amounts of samples.
• High-throughput capabilities: Our optimized workflow and automated systems enable the efficient processing of multiple samples, making our service ideal for large-scale studies and projects requiring rapid turnaround times.

Frequently Asked Questions

CD BioGlyco has extensive experience in enzyme release methods. Our unique technology and professional researchers ensure efficient and first-class enzymatic release services for our clients. If you are interested in our galactose release services, please feel free to contact us for more information.

Associated Services

To further support your glycomics research and achieve your comprehensive analytical goals, CD BioGlyco offers a suite of complementary services and related options that seamlessly integrate with our enzymatic release of galactose: