Glykoamiinitaminosugars

Glycoaminotaminosugars, often abbreviated as GAAS, represent a class of complex carbohydrates. They are essentially amino sugars that are also part of a larger glycosaminoglycan structure. Glycosaminoglycans, also known as GAGs, are long, unbranched polysaccharides consisting of repeating disaccharide units. One of these units always contains an amino sugar, either N-acetylglucosamine or N-acetylgalactosamine. Therefore, the amino sugar component within a GAG can be considered a glycoaminotaminosugar.

These molecules play crucial roles in biological systems. They are important components of connective tissues, cartilage, and the extracellular matrix. Their negatively charged nature, due to the presence of sulfate and carboxyl groups, allows them to bind water and ions, contributing to the structural integrity and lubrication of tissues. Examples of GAGs that contain these amino sugar units include hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, and keratan sulfate. The specific type and arrangement of these amino sugar-containing disaccharide units, along with the presence and position of sulfate groups, define the properties and functions of each GAG. Research into glycoaminotaminosugars and their parent GAGs continues to shed light on their involvement in various physiological and pathological processes.