carbohydrate binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a carbohydrate, which includes monosaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides as well as substances derived from monosaccharides by reduction of the carbonyl group (alditols), by oxidation of one or more hydroxy groups to afford the corresponding aldehydes, ketones, or carboxylic acids, or by replacement of one or more hydroxy group(s) by a hydrogen atom. Cyclitols are generally not regarded as carbohydrates. [GOC:mah]

Carbohydrate binding is a fundamental molecular function that involves the specific interaction of a protein or other macromolecule with a carbohydrate molecule. This interaction is mediated by a variety of non-covalent forces, including hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and electrostatic interactions. The binding specificity is determined by the shape, size, and chemical properties of the binding site on the protein and the carbohydrate.

Carbohydrate binding plays a crucial role in many biological processes, including cell adhesion, signaling, immune recognition, and nutrient transport. Carbohydrates are essential components of cell surfaces, where they act as recognition sites for a variety of proteins. For example, the binding of lectins to carbohydrates on cell surfaces plays a critical role in cell adhesion and recognition.

In signaling pathways, carbohydrate binding can trigger the activation of downstream signaling cascades. For instance, the binding of insulin to its receptor, which is a transmembrane protein, initiates a signaling cascade that regulates glucose uptake and metabolism.

Carbohydrate binding is also essential for immune recognition. The immune system uses carbohydrate structures on pathogens to differentiate them from self-cells. For example, the binding of antibodies to carbohydrate antigens on bacterial surfaces initiates an immune response that can neutralize the pathogen.

Finally, carbohydrate binding is involved in nutrient transport. Many proteins involved in nutrient uptake, such as glucose transporters, bind to carbohydrates to facilitate their transport across cell membranes.

The molecular function of carbohydrate binding is complex and highly specific. It is influenced by a variety of factors, including the type of carbohydrate, the protein binding site, and the cellular context. Understanding the molecular basis of carbohydrate binding is essential for understanding a wide range of biological processes.'
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Proteins (37)

Compounds (127)