Next generation O-linked glycomics

Abstract

The adaption of methods from last century’s glycoanalysis into packages for performing the 21st century’s O-linked glycomics has been slow. However, the involvement of O-linked glycans in many of the physical barriers in the body (cell membranes, epithelial and mucosal layers and cartilage surface) points towards a role in many of this century’s health sector challenges. These include but are not limited to inflammation, infections, and degradation of tissue due to aging. This review focus on the development of O-linked glycomics, including current state-of-the-art release methods, analytical characterisation using mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography. The future outcome emerging technologies for O-linked glycomics including novel chemistry, analytical methods for quantification and characterisation and glycobioinformatics is presented.