Recent advances to help cope with the complexity of MS-based glycan analysis

摘要

In a post-translational modification reaction called glycosyla-tion, living organisms attach carbohydrate residues known as glycans to their proteins. The resulting glycoproteins fulfill numerous functions, including as structural components of cell membranes and mediating cell interactions. Some hormones (e.g., thyrotropin, hCG) and components of the immune system (immunoglobulins, interferons) are also glycoproteins.