sialic acid binding

Definition

Target type: molecularfunction

Binding to a sialic acid, a N- or O- substituted derivative of neuraminic acid, a nine carbon monosaccharide. Sialic acids often occur in polysaccharides, glycoproteins, and glycolipids in animals and bacteria. [GOC:add, ISBN:9780721601465]

Sialic acid binding is a molecular function involving the specific recognition and interaction of proteins or other molecules with sialic acid residues. Sialic acids are negatively charged sugar molecules commonly found at the terminal ends of glycans, which are complex sugar chains attached to proteins and lipids on cell surfaces and in other biological contexts.

Sialic acid binding is crucial for a wide range of biological processes, including:

1. Cell adhesion and recognition: Sialic acid residues on cell surfaces play a critical role in mediating cell-cell interactions, including the binding of cells to extracellular matrix components, immune cell recognition, and viral attachment.

2. Signal transduction: Binding of sialic acid residues can trigger intracellular signaling pathways, influencing cellular responses like growth, differentiation, and apoptosis.

3. Immune system regulation: Sialic acid binding is involved in the recognition of pathogens by immune cells, the regulation of immune responses, and the modulation of inflammatory processes.

4. Development and morphogenesis: Sialic acid binding is crucial for the proper development and organization of tissues and organs.

5. Protein trafficking: Sialic acids on proteins can act as signals that guide protein sorting and transport within the cell.

Sialic acid binding is mediated by a diverse range of proteins, including lectins, antibodies, enzymes, and viral proteins. These proteins contain specific binding sites that recognize and interact with sialic acid residues through a combination of non-covalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and electrostatic interactions. The specificity of sialic acid binding can be influenced by the type of sialic acid (e.g., N-acetylneuraminic acid, N-glycolylneuraminic acid), its linkage to the underlying glycan, and the surrounding environment.

Sialic acid binding is a highly complex and dynamic process with significant biological implications. It plays a fundamental role in cell communication, immune regulation, development, and disease. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying sialic acid binding is essential for developing new therapeutic strategies for various diseases, including cancer, inflammation, and viral infections.'
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Proteins (4)

Compounds (10)