Glycan-Mediated Cell Communication and Signaling: Implications for Health and Disease
Jeya Chelliah B.Vsc Ph.D.
Within the intricate landscape of cellular biology, glycans serve as dynamic regulators of cell communication, signaling, and function. While often overshadowed by their protein counterparts, glycans play pivotal roles in orchestrating intercellular interactions and modulating diverse cellular processes. In this blog, we explore how cells utilize glycans to communicate with one another, control signaling pathways, and regulate cellular functions under normal physiological conditions and in the context of disease. Additionally, we delve into the therapeutic potential of targeting glycan-mediated pathways for disease intervention, highlighting known examples and promising avenues for future research.
Glycans vs. Glycoproteins: Glycans, distinct from glycoproteins, are carbohydrate molecules that can be attached to proteins, lipids, or other glycans. While glycoproteins consist of proteins with attached carbohydrate chains, glycans themselves are carbohydrates that can perform various functions independently of proteins. One example is mucin, a glycan-containing molecule that forms the protective mucus layer in epithelial tissues. Unlike glycoproteins, which primarily serve structural roles, glycans play versatile roles in cell communication, signaling, and modulation of cellular functions.
Glycan-Mediated Cell Communication and Signaling: Glycans serve as recognition markers for cellular interactions, facilitating processes such as cell adhesion, migration, and tissue organization. Through interactions with specific glycan-binding proteins, such as lectins, cells can recognize and adhere to one another, thereby regulating immune responses, tissue development, and wound healing. Additionally, glycans modulate signaling pathways by influencing the activity and localization of cell surface receptors and their downstream effectors. For example, selectin-mediated interactions between glycan ligands on leukocytes and endothelial cells are crucial for immune cell trafficking during inflammation and immune surveillance.
Role of Glycans in Health and Disease: In normal physiological conditions, glycans play essential roles in maintaining tissue homeostasis, orchestrating developmental processes, and regulating immune responses. However, dysregulation of glycan biosynthesis or aberrant glycosylation patterns can contribute to the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. Altered glycan structures on cell surface receptors can lead to aberrant signaling and contribute to disease progression. Understanding the intricate roles of glycans in cellular processes offers insights into disease mechanisms and opportunities for developing innovative therapeutic strategies.
Glycans as Therapeutic Targets and Agents: Given their pivotal roles in cell signaling and disease pathogenesis, glycans have emerged as promising targets for therapeutic intervention. Strategies aimed at modulating glycan-mediated interactions and signaling pathways hold potential for treating a wide range of diseases. For instance, inhibitors targeting specific glycan-binding proteins or enzymes involved in glycan biosynthesis have been explored as therapeutic agents for cancer, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases. Additionally, therapeutic glycan-based molecules, such as glycomimetics or glycan conjugates, have been developed to interfere with pathological processes or enhance immune responses in diseases like cancer and viral infections.
Glycans serve as essential mediators of cell communication and signaling, regulating various cellular functions in health and disease. Understanding the intricate roles of glycans in cellular processes offers insights into disease mechanisms and opportunities for developing innovative therapeutic strategies. By targeting glycan-mediated interactions and modulating glycan-dependent signaling pathways, researchers aim to harness the therapeutic potential of glycans for combating diseases and improving human health.
