Structure, function and metabolism of sialic acids |
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Authors: | C Traving R Schauer |
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Institution: | Biochemisches Institut, Christian-Albrechts-Universit?t, Olshausenstr. 40, D-24098 Kiel (Germany), Fax +49 431 880 2238, e-mail: schauer@biochem.uni-kiel.de, DE
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Abstract: | Sialic acids represent a family of sugar molecules with an unusual and highly variable chemical structure that are found
mostly in the terminal position of oligosaccharide chains on the surface of cells and molecules. These special features enable
them to fulfil several important and even diametrical biological functions. Because of the great importance of sialic acids,
it is also worth having a look at their metabolism in order to get an idea of the intimate connection between structure and
function of these fascinating molecules and the often serious consequences that result from disturbances in the balance of
metabolic reactions. The latter can be due to genetic disorders that result in the absence of certain enzyme activity, leading
to severe illness or even to death.
Received 17 July 1998; received after revision 2 September 1998; accepted 2 September 1998 |
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Keywords: | , Acylneuraminate lyase, cell recognition, CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase, sialate-O-acetylesterase, sialate-O-acetyltransferase,,,,,,sialic acid (neuraminic acid), sialidase, sialyltransferase, |
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