Glc3Man9GlcNA2

Glc3Man9GlcNA2 refers to a specific type of N-linked glycan structure found on glycoproteins. This nomenclature describes the composition and linkage of the sugar residues. "Glc" stands for glucose, "Man" for mannose, and "GlcNAc" for N-acetylglucosamine. The numbers indicate the quantity of each sugar residue within the glycan chain. Therefore, Glc3Man9GlcNA2 is a complex oligosaccharide consisting of three glucose units, nine mannose units, and two N-acetylglucosamine units.

This particular structure is significant because it represents a high-mannose type N-glycan. High-mannose glycans are characterized by a core structure of two GlcNAc residues, followed by a variable number of mannose residues. The presence of glucose residues in this specific structure, Glc3Man9GlcNA2, suggests it might be an intermediate in the processing of N-glycans within the endoplasmic reticulum, particularly in the context of protein folding and quality control. The glucose units are typically trimmed off as the glycoprotein matures and moves through the Golgi apparatus. Understanding the structure and processing of such glycans is crucial for deciphering protein function and the impact of glycosylation on cellular processes.