Glikozilezése

Glikozilezése, also known as glycosylation, is a crucial post-translational modification in biochemistry where a carbohydrate molecule, or glycan, is attached to a protein or lipid. This process is catalyzed by enzymes called glycosyltransferases. Glycosylation is a complex and highly regulated process that occurs in various cellular compartments, including the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus.

The type of glycosylation can vary. N-linked glycosylation involves the attachment of a glycan to an asparagine residue within a specific amino acid sequence. O-linked glycosylation, on the other hand, attaches a glycan to a serine or threonine residue. Other forms exist, such as C-linked glycosylation and S-linked glycosylation.

Glycosylation plays a vital role in numerous biological functions. Glycoproteins and glycolipids are essential components of cell membranes, involved in cell-cell recognition, adhesion, and signaling. They also influence protein folding, stability, and solubility. Furthermore, glycosylation is critical for the immune response, hormone function, and the development and progression of many diseases, including cancer and diabetes. Alterations in glycosylation patterns are often indicative of cellular stress or disease states, making it a subject of intense research in diagnostics and therapeutics.