Background
Post-translational glycosylation of biomolecules has become greatly appreciated in the design and manufacturing of novel therapies for a variety of human diseases. Glycans are recognized as being major players in cellular processes such as protein folding, trafficking, receptor binding, inflammation, and cell-to-cell/matrix adhesion, as well as drug targeting and pharmacokinetics. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of these interactions and processes, in addition to the development of strategies to regulate cellular glycosylation, has become increasingly important.
Additionally, the design and manufacture of therapeutic glyco-molecules (such as antibodies, glycoproteins/enzymes, glycopeptides, or free mono-/polysaccharides) can be a difficult process. Recent successes in this field have adopted multidisciplinary approaches, including collaborative efforts of glycobiologists, glycochemists, and clinicians. This Research Topic seeks to collate the efforts in the development of glycotherapeutics, highlighting novel techniques, technological advancements, diagnostics tools, and animal models.
Goal
Unlike template-driven processes, such as DNA replication and protein translation, glycosylation is a non-template driven process for the addition of carbohydrates to biomolecules such as protein and lipids. Therefore, modulation of the enzymatic processes pertaining to glycosylation can be relatively challenging. For example, purification of a particular recombinant glycoprotein from a cellular source may yield heterogenous glycosylation patterns whereas a more defined, homogenous glycosylation is desired. Thus, strategies in genetic manipulation of host cell glycosylation machinery, in vitro glycan remodeling, or direct chemical conjugation of purified glycans may serve as solutions to this problem. While there are many other challenges in the design and synthesis of glycotherapeutics, such as the one mentioned above, the aim of this Research Topic is to highlight recent advancements pertaining to diagnostic tools and therapeutics utilizing cutting-edge approaches in glycobiology and glycochemistry.
Scope and information for Authors
Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:
• Glycoengineering of biomolecules (antibodies, enzymes, and other biologics)
• Glycan-mediated drug targeting
• Gene replacement therapy
• Diagnostic Tools using glycobiology approaches
• Biomarker characterization with wet lab validation
• Use of animal models of human diseases
Dr. M. Osman Sheikh is an employee of Amicus Therapeutics Inc. and holds equity in the company in the form of stock-based compensation. All other members of the Editorial Team declare no competing interests.
Background
Post-translational glycosylation of biomolecules has become greatly appreciated in the design and manufacturing of novel therapies for a variety of human diseases. Glycans are recognized as being major players in cellular processes such as protein folding, trafficking, receptor binding, inflammation, and cell-to-cell/matrix adhesion, as well as drug targeting and pharmacokinetics. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of these interactions and processes, in addition to the development of strategies to regulate cellular glycosylation, has become increasingly important.
Additionally, the design and manufacture of therapeutic glyco-molecules (such as antibodies, glycoproteins/enzymes, glycopeptides, or free mono-/polysaccharides) can be a difficult process. Recent successes in this field have adopted multidisciplinary approaches, including collaborative efforts of glycobiologists, glycochemists, and clinicians. This Research Topic seeks to collate the efforts in the development of glycotherapeutics, highlighting novel techniques, technological advancements, diagnostics tools, and animal models.
Goal
Unlike template-driven processes, such as DNA replication and protein translation, glycosylation is a non-template driven process for the addition of carbohydrates to biomolecules such as protein and lipids. Therefore, modulation of the enzymatic processes pertaining to glycosylation can be relatively challenging. For example, purification of a particular recombinant glycoprotein from a cellular source may yield heterogenous glycosylation patterns whereas a more defined, homogenous glycosylation is desired. Thus, strategies in genetic manipulation of host cell glycosylation machinery, in vitro glycan remodeling, or direct chemical conjugation of purified glycans may serve as solutions to this problem. While there are many other challenges in the design and synthesis of glycotherapeutics, such as the one mentioned above, the aim of this Research Topic is to highlight recent advancements pertaining to diagnostic tools and therapeutics utilizing cutting-edge approaches in glycobiology and glycochemistry.
Scope and information for Authors
Areas to be covered in this Research Topic may include, but are not limited to:
• Glycoengineering of biomolecules (antibodies, enzymes, and other biologics)
• Glycan-mediated drug targeting
• Gene replacement therapy
• Diagnostic Tools using glycobiology approaches
• Biomarker characterization with wet lab validation
• Use of animal models of human diseases
Dr. M. Osman Sheikh is an employee of Amicus Therapeutics Inc. and holds equity in the company in the form of stock-based compensation. All other members of the Editorial Team declare no competing interests.
