Nglükosüülimine

Nglükosüülimine refers to the process of attaching a carbohydrate molecule, or glycan, to another molecule, typically a protein or lipid. This modification is a crucial form of post-translational modification in biology, significantly impacting the structure, function, and interactions of the modified molecule. Glycosylation occurs in various cellular compartments, including the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi apparatus in eukaryotes. The type of glycosylation depends on the specific glycan chain being added and the amino acid or lipid residue it attaches to. Major types include N-linked glycosylation, where the glycan is attached to an asparagine residue, and O-linked glycosylation, where it attaches to a serine or threonine residue. Other forms, like C-linked glycosylation and phosphoglycosylation, also exist.

The presence of glycans can influence protein folding, stability, solubility, and localization. It also plays a vital role in cell-cell recognition, immune responses, and signaling pathways. Aberrant glycosylation is often associated with various diseases, including cancer and inflammatory disorders, making the study of nglükosüülimine important for understanding both normal biological processes and disease pathogenesis. The enzymes responsible for catalyzing these reactions are known as glycosyltransferases and glycosidases, which precisely control the addition and removal of glycan units.