Abstract
Molluscs display a sophisticated N-glycan pattern on their proteins, which is, in terms of involved structural features, even more diverse than that of vertebrates. This review summarises the current knowledge of mollusc N-glycan structures, with a focus on the functional aspects of the corresponding glycoproteins. Furthermore, the potential of mollusc-derived biomolecules for medical applications is addressed, emphasising the importance of mollusc research.
Highlights
RtH2-e, the functional unit of Rapana venosa hemocyanin, contains a been seen before in another protein derived from mollusc origin, the octopus’s rhod hybrid glycan structure with a fucose located in the α1,3 antenna substituted by GlcNAc as but this structure with two galactoses had been completely unknown until [30 well as by 3-O-methyl-galactose (Figure 3a) [31]
Biomphalaria glabrata hemolymph hybrid N-glycans mostly carry a xylose in the 2contrast to that, HtH1, the hemocyanin functional unit of Haliotis tuberculata, displa position to the central mannose and an α1,6 fucose linked to the innermost GlcNAc of the more common structure with unsubstituted fucoses linked to the antennal GlcNA
As this review mainly focuses on N-glycosylation, here only enzymes taking part in the N-glycosylation process are described
Summary
Other species, especially snails and slugs, are ill-reputed and known as pests in agriculture or hosts of parasite life cycles Their success in survival, their adaptability to changing environmental conditions and their immense potential in medical and pharmaceutical application (see below), make molluscs an interesting target for research. Specific glycosidases and glycosyltransferases sequentially add and remove monosaccharides to form high mannosidic, paucimannosidic, hybrid or complex type N-glycans [6] Further modifications, such as methyl groups, sulphate, Biomolecules 2021, 11, 1820. Besides the focus on N-glycosylation, this review wants to emphasise the importance of further investigations on molluscs It is supplemented by two further short chapters on lectins and cone glycopeptides, which do not deal directly with N-glycans, but aim to highlight the importance of gastropod research. We still do not know what surprises, be they treasures or hazards, they contain
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
