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Glycan alterations refer to changes in the structure or composition of glycans, which are complex carbohydrate molecules found on the surface of cells and in biological fluids. These molecules play crucial roles in a vast array of biological processes, including cell-cell recognition, immune response, cell signaling, and pathogen binding. Glycan alterations can occur due to various factors, such as genetic mutations, developmental changes, disease states, and environmental influences.

Changes in glycosylation, the process of attaching glycans to other molecules, can lead to altered protein function, stability, and localization. For instance, aberrant glycosylation patterns are frequently observed in cancer cells, contributing to tumor progression, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. In infectious diseases, pathogens often exploit or modify host glycans to evade the immune system or to facilitate entry into cells.

Studying glycan alterations is a growing field with significant implications for diagnostics and therapeutics. Identifying specific glycan biomarkers associated with diseases could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnosis. Furthermore, understanding how glycans influence biological processes opens avenues for developing novel glycan-based drugs or therapies that target specific glycan structures to modulate disease. Techniques such as mass spectrometry, glycomics, and lectin-based assays are employed to analyze and characterize these complex carbohydrate structures and their modifications.