Synthesis of Mucin Glycans from the Protozoon ParasiteTrypanosoma cruzi

Abstract

A short, blockwise, 2+2-glycosylation approach to the synthesis of a tetrasaccharide component of Trypanosoma cruzi mucin is reported. Despite the use of a 1,2-linked disaccharide donor, high yield (79%) and good stereocontrol (>10:1, β:α) were achieved in the key glycosylation step. Preliminary studies indicate that this branched tetrasaccharide can serve as a substrate for enzymatic sialylation by the parasite cell surface trans-sialidase.