Unlocking Brain Science: Precision Glycan Profiling with Glycoinformatics

At CD BioGlyco, our team integrates advanced glycoinformatics tools to analyze and characterize glycans specifically from samples of clients. The complexity of glycomes and glycoproteomes is significantly enhanced by the myriad combinations of monosaccharides. The brain, being the most intricate organ, relies heavily on glycosylation for its proper function, with over 70% of brain proteins being glycosylated. Glycosylation plays a critical role in the development and operation of the nervous system. Consequently, Glycoinformatics-assisted Neuronal Diseases Glycomics Analysis has been used for the comprehensive analysis of glycomes in disease research, uncovering abnormal glycan structures as distinguishing features of neuronal diseases. Our researchers develop specific experimental protocols for Glycoinformatics-assisted Glycomics Analysis according to the clients' purpose of research. The general workflow is as follows.

Sample preparation

We perform analysis on various types of samples, such as brain tissues and cerebrospinal fluid. These tissue samples must be handled carefully to prevent degradation of glycan structures. After receiving the brain tissue sample, we homogenize it on ice immediately. If immediate processing is not feasible, samples are snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80ºC to preserve glycan integrity.

Sample pretreatment

The sample pretreatment often involves homogenization to create a uniform sample. We remove some impurities including lipids, proteins, or other contaminants, that might interfere with the glycan analysis. This delipidation step is performed by using chloroform/methanol mixtures.

Glycan extraction

After sample pretreatment, glycans are extracted from the homogenized tissue. This process generally involves both chemical or enzymatic methods to release glycans from glycoproteins and glycolipids, and steps such as protein precipitation or filtration to isolate the glycan components.

Glycan characterization

Subsequently, glycans are analyzed by using various techniques, such as mass spectrometry, to determine their molecular weights and structures.

Glycoinformatics-assisted data analysis

Collected data from glycan analyses are processed using specialized software to generate profiles and identify patterns. Utilizing glycoinformatics techniques, we have established databases specific to glycans associated with neurological disorders. These databases compile and organize information on glycan composition and structure in various diseases, providing valuable resources to identify common and unique glycan alterations across different conditions. Results are compared with our databases to identify known structures and annotate findings.

Publication Data

Advantages

• We continuously study and expand our knowledge in glycoinformatics and glycomics technologies, with the expectation that this deepen our understanding of glycans in neurological diseases.
• By leveraging advanced techniques such as MS and nuclear magnetic resonance, we precisely determine the complex structures of glycans implicated in neurological diseases.
• Our expertise in glycoinformatics allows us to process and analyze this data effectively, highlighting our ability to uncover the specific roles of glycans in disease mechanisms.

Applications

• Our characterization of neurological glycans can be used to uncover new disease biomarkers and identify potential therapeutic targets.
• Our characterization of neurological glycans can be applied to the development and research of new therapies to address the increasing burden of nervous system diseases.
• Our characterization of neurological glycans can help clients obtain a detailed understanding of the biomolecular mechanisms for drug design.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is glycoinformatics?
  • Glycoinformatics, short for glycan informatics, focuses on leveraging computational technologies and bioinformatics methodologies to decipher, store, analyze, and visualize glycan data. As glycomics research advances, the complexity and diversity of glycans within biological systems become increasingly apparent. Glycoinformatics offers robust tools for handling these vast datasets, enhancing our ability to interpret glycan information.
• What are the types of neurological disorders?
  • Autism spectrum disorder
  • Childhood disintegrative disorder
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Schizophrenia
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder

To characterize the glycans, CD BioGlyco uses a combination of cutting-edge analytical techniques and bioinformatics resources to provide detailed insights into the glycosylation patterns of proteins involved in neurological functions and diseases. Glycans are abundant in neuronal cell membranes and extracellular matrices, where they participate in cellular interactions and influence neuronal growth, differentiation, and functionality. Analyzing glycans through our service can uncover aberrations associated with neurological diseases, thus contributing to understanding their underlying mechanisms. Please contact us, if you would like to know more about Glycoinformatics-assisted Disease Glycomics Analysis, which plays a growing role in neurological disease research.

• Analysis of Glycan Markers in Neuronal Diseases