Glycosphingolipid Microarray

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are ubiquitous glycoconjugates present on the cell membrane which play significant roles in many bioprocesses such as cell adhesion, embryonic development, signal transduction and carcinogenesis. Therefore, the research of GSL diversity and carbohydrate-protein interactions could increase understanding of GSL-related mechanisms. Among various analysis techniques, glycosphingolipid microarrays occupy an important position because of their high throughput and low required amount of GSL samples. Creative Biolabs offers high-quality services in glycosphingolipid microarray rely on our large and well-equipped scientist team. We are glad to provide a broad and integrated microarray service to meet your specific requirements.

Introduction of GSL Microarray

Fig.1 Basic structure of glycosphingolipids. (Del Poeta, 2014)

GSLs are important components of the plasma membranes of all eukaryotic cells. GSLs are composed of a glycan structure attached to a lipid tail, this combination results in an amphiphilic molecule with a hydrophilic carbohydrate moiety and a hydrophobic lipid moiety. The glycosylation and metabolism of GSL affect homeostasis in living organisms. Although various changes in GSLs have been proven to be closely correlated to various metabolic diseases, neurological dysfunctions and cancer, the clear biological mechanism of GSLs is not fully understood. The amphiphilicity and difficulty in preparation is a major challenge in the field of GSL analysis. However, glycosphingolipid microarray provides a novel effective platform for in vitro study of their functional interactions combined with other technologies such as SPRi, MS, MALDI-TOF MS or Flow Cytometry. This method is high-throughput, low cost and easy to conduct, and it provides detailed information about glycan linkages.

Fig.2 Schematic view of a cell membrane with glycosphingolipids and other glycan. (Yin, 2010)

Applications of GSL Microarray

Although their normal biological functions are not fully understood, it has been appreciated for some time that the distribution of GSLs in neuronal and myelin membranes, and in other tissues and organs, makes them potential targets for involvement in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, as well as potential diagnostic markers for autoimmune neuropathies, cancers and other disorders.

Recent research reported that a major GSL component of the islets of Langerhans expressed both on the surface and secretory granules of the insulin-producing β-cells named galactosylceramide-3-O-sulfate, has been implicated in type I diabetes. Therefore, elevated levels of IgG against sulfatide have been detected in newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes patients, while not those with type II diabetes. Based on these data, research groups have developed a glycosphingolipid microarray chip to detect the level of GSLs-binding antibodies and distinguish the type of diabete patients.

As an important part of the immune system, the biological functions and mechanisms of GSL are still unclear, which provides huge application potential. If you are interested in our glycosphingolipid microarray technologies, please feel free to contact us.

References

1. Del Poeta, M.; et al. Synthesis and biological properties of fungal glucosylceramide. PLoS pathogens. 2014, 10(1), e1003832.
2. Yin, J.; et al. Applications of heparin and heparan sulfate microarrays. Methods in enzymology. 2010, 478, 197-218.

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