Nmannosylation

Nmannosylation is a type of post-translational modification that occurs in various organisms, including bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes. It involves the enzymatic attachment of a mannose sugar residue to a nitrogen atom, typically on an asparagine side chain within a protein. This process is distinct from N-glycosylation, which involves the transfer of a larger oligosaccharide to asparagine. In Nmannosylation, a single mannose unit is added.

The enzymes responsible for Nmannosylation are known as Nmannosyltransferases. These enzymes play a crucial role in protein folding, stability, and function. The conserved nature of Nmannosylation across different life forms suggests its fundamental importance. In some bacteria, Nmannosylation is essential for the assembly of surface protein complexes. In eukaryotes, while not as widespread as N-glycosylation, it has been identified in specific contexts and is thought to contribute to the proper localization and activity of certain proteins. Research into Nmannosylation continues to uncover its diverse roles and mechanisms.