Glycosylation Testing Services

Traditionally, scientists have been heavily focused on the amino acid sequence of proteins because it is the “genetic code” for a protein’s function. However, there is a whole other story to a protein’s function and life, encoded within the structures and arrangements of the glycans attached to it. The post-translational modification of proteins by glycan attachments is called glycosylation. Glycosylation is a critical determinant of protein function, stability, localization, and interactions with other molecules, representing a vast and largely unexplored world of biological information. At Creative Biolabs, we see beyond the glycans themselves to the opportunities they represent: pathways to novel diagnostics, keys to more effective therapeutics, and deep insights into complex biological questions. Our comprehensive glycosylation testing services, featuring specialized solutions like Glycosylation Disorder Solutions and Glycosylated Protein Biomarkers Solutions, translate complex glycan data into actionable results. Whether you are advancing a biopharmaceutical, investigating disease mechanisms, or discovering novel biomarkers, our expert team provides the in-depth analysis and customized solutions needed to propel your project forward.

The Fundamental Role of Glycosylation

Glycosylation is an enzymatic process by which glycans are covalently attached to other molecules, including proteins and lipids. This ubiquitous and complex post-translational modification (PTM) is involved in and impacts numerous cellular events:

• Protein Structure and Stability: Glycans are critical for proper protein folding and stability. They contribute to the protein’s 3D structure and protect it from degradation.
• Cellular Recognition and Signaling: Glycans serve as the primary interface with the cell surface environment, mediating cell-cell recognition, immune responses, and interactions with pathogens. Glycans regulate key signaling events controlling tissue development, growth, and immune surveillance.
• Biotherapeutic Performance: Glycosylation is a defined critical quality attribute (CQA) for biotherapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies. A drug’s glycan profile is a key determinant of its potency, half-life, immunogenicity, and safety. Small differences in glycans can lead to significant clinical effects, and their analysis is now a regulatory requirement.
• Disease Mechanisms: Altered glycosylation is a hallmark of many diseases. Changes in glycans can support cancer growth, trigger autoimmune diseases, or lead to severe genetic disorders and multi-system failure.

Specialized Applications: From Rare Diseases to Novel Biomarkers

Our expertise in glycosylation extends beyond routine characterization. We are passionate about applying our knowledge to solve complex challenges in human health. To that end, we have developed specialized service platforms focused on two critical areas: glycosylation disorders and biomarker discovery.

Glycosylation Disorder Solutions

The machinery of glycosylation is incredibly complex, involving hundreds of genes. When a mutation occurs in one of these genes, it can lead to a Congenital Disorder of Glycosylation (CDG). These are rare, often devastating genetic diseases that can affect multiple organ systems. For researchers and clinicians working in this challenging field, accurate and sensitive analytical tools are indispensable for diagnosis, understanding disease mechanisms, and developing potential therapies. Creative Biolabs is committed to supporting the CDG community. Our glycosylation disorder solutions provide a suite of services designed to identify and characterize the specific glycosylation defects that underpin these conditions. We offer more than just testing; we offer a partnership to help unravel the complexities of these disorders. Our platform is designed to facilitate the discovery of new CDG subtypes, characterize disease models, and evaluate therapeutic interventions. We combine cutting-edge analytical methods with in-depth scientific expertise to deliver precise and interpretable results that inform clinical and research decisions.

Glycosylated Protein Biomarkers Services

The search for reliable biomarkers is one of the most urgent needs in medicine. We need better ways to detect diseases earlier, predict patient responses to therapy, and monitor disease progression. The glycoproteome—the full complement of glycosylated proteins in a biological system—is a vibrant source of potential biomarkers that has been largely untapped until now. Changes in glycosylation are not random; they are specific and reproducible responses to physiological or pathological states. For example, particular glycoforms of proteins are known to be elevated in the serum of patients with certain cancers long before traditional markers become apparent. At Creative Biolabs, our glycosylated protein biomarker services are at the forefront of this exciting field. We employ a range of high-throughput discovery platforms, including advanced mass spectrometry and lectin microarrays, to compare the glycoproteomes of different sample cohorts (e.g., healthy vs. disease, responder vs. non-responder). Our goal is to identify and validate novel glyco-biomarkers that can be translated into powerful new diagnostic and prognostic tools.

Our Comprehensive Platforms: Analysis and Engineering

To meet the diverse needs of our global clients, we have structured our expertise into two powerful, interconnected platforms.

Glycosylation Analysis Services

Before you can engineer, you must first understand. Our Glycosylation Analysis Services are designed to provide the most detailed and accurate picture of the glycosylation patterns on your biomolecules. Using a suite of state-of-the-art technologies, primarily centered around high-resolution mass spectrometry and advanced chromatography, our expert teams meticulously characterize every facet of the glycocode. We transform complex raw data into clear, actionable insights, providing the foundational knowledge you need to make critical decisions for your project. Our analysis is not a single method but a collection of specialized approaches.

• We provide foundational N-glycosylation analysis, a critical service for most secreted and membrane-bound proteins, including antibodies, where these glycans attached to asparagine residues are paramount for function and stability.
• Our teams are also highly skilled in the technically demanding field of O-glycosylation analysis, characterizing the complex mucin-type glycans attached to serine or threonine, which play vital roles in cellular protection and signaling.
• Pushing the boundaries of molecular biology, we offer integrated solutions for DNA repair and GlycoRNA profiling, exploring the emerging roles of glycosylation in nucleic acid function and epigenetic regulation.
• For therapeutic antibody development, our targeted Fc region glycosylation analysis provides precise characterization of the glycans that directly modulate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and other effector functions.
• Our capabilities extend beyond proteins. With our specialized glycoconjugate analysis, we characterize a wide range of molecules, including glycolipids and proteoglycans, to provide a holistic view of the glycome.
• To support large-scale studies, such as biomarker discovery or clinical sample screening, our high-throughput glycomic analysis platform delivers rapid and robust profiling of hundreds or thousands of samples with exceptional reproducibility.
• Furthermore, to help you understand the functional roles of specific glycosyltransferases or identify novel drug candidates, we provide comprehensive glycosylation inhibition services, including natural inhibitor screening and inhibitor design.

Glycosylation Engineering Platforms

The real magic happens when glycosylation can be altered to purposely produce a desired biological outcome. Our Glycosylation Engineering Platform takes things one step further from analysis to design and synthesis. Using our glycobiology expertise, we can rationally engineer the glycan profile of a broad range of biomolecules. Glyco-engineering can significantly increase therapeutic potency, improve pharmacokinetics, lower immunogenicity, and even endow new functionality. It is the ultimate translation of knowledge into optimized, high-performance molecules.

• Our core service involves the custom glycosylation of expressed proteins and peptides, where we utilize various host expression systems and metabolic engineering strategies to produce therapeutics with tailored glycan structures for optimal performance.
• We offer industry-leading glycosylated antibody engineering services, precisely modulating Fc glycosylation to either enhance or silence effector functions, creating next-generation antibodies with superior capabilities.
• Our expertise in glycolipid engineering allows for the synthesis and modification of these crucial molecules, enabling research into their roles in cell signaling and the development of glycolipid-based vaccines.
• In the cutting-edge field of nucleic acid therapeutics, our glycosylated oligonucleotide engineering service conjugates glycans to siRNA, ASOs, or aptamers to improve their cellular uptake, stability, and tissue-specific targeting.
• We can even enhance traditional pharmaceuticals through the custom glycosylation of small-molecule drugs, a powerful strategy to improve the solubility, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic properties of promising compounds.
• Beyond therapeutics, our glycosylated polymer engineering service creates novel glyco-biomaterials for applications in drug delivery and tissue engineering.

The Creative Biolabs Advantage: Your Partner in Glycoanalysis

Choosing a CRO partner is about more than just technology. It's about trust, expertise, and a shared commitment to your goals. For several years, Creative Biolabs has built its reputation on these principles.

• Unparalleled Expertise: Our team is composed of Ph.D.-level scientists with years of hands-on experience in glycoanalysis. We understand the science behind your project and can provide insightful consultation to help you design the best analytical strategy.
• State-of-the-Art Technology: We continuously invest in the latest and most powerful analytical instrumentation, including UPLC systems and high-throughput microarray platforms.
• Customized Solutions: We work closely with you to understand your specific needs and develop a tailored analytical plan that delivers the answers you're looking for.
• Clear and Comprehensive Reporting: You will receive a detailed report that goes beyond raw data. We provide a complete interpretation of the results, including high-quality graphics and a clear summary of the findings, so you can easily understand the implications for your project.

The secret language of glycans holds immense potential for advancing science and medicine. Let Creative Biolabs be your translator. We are passionate about what we do, and we are excited to partner with you on your next discovery. If you are interested in our glycosylation testing services, please feel free to Contact us today to discuss your project with one of our glycosylation experts!

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• Glycosylation Analysis
• Glycosylation Engineering Platform

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