Glycan Antagonists and Inhibitors: A Fount for Drug Discovery

Authors: Brown, Jillian¹; Crawford, Brett¹; Esko, Jeffrey²

Source: Critical Reviews in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Volume 42, Number 6, November 2007 , pp. 481-515(35)

Publisher: Informa Healthcare

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Abstract:

Glycans, the carbohydrate chains of glycoproteins, proteoglycans, and glycolipids, represent a relatively unexploited area for drug development compared with other macromolecules. This review describes the major classes of glycans synthesized by animal cells, their mode of assembly, and available inhibitors for blocking their biosynthesis and function. Many of these agents have proven useful for studying the biological activities of glycans in isolated cells, during embryological development, and in physiology. Some are being used to develop drugs for treating metabolic disorders, cancer, and infection, suggesting that glycans are excellent targets for future drug development.

Keywords: glycans; carbohydrates; glycosylation; inhibitors; therapeutics

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10409230701751611

Affiliations: 1: Zacharon Pharmaceuticals Inc., La Jolla, California, USA 2: Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Glycobiology Research and Training Center, University of California, La Jolla, California, USA

Publication date: 2007-11-01

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