Glycan Shape, Motions, and Interactions Explored by NMR Spectroscopy

Abstract

Glycans in the form of oligosaccharides, polysaccharides, and glycoconjugates are ubiquitous in nature, and their structures range from linear assemblies to highly branched and decorated constructs. Solution state NMR spectroscopy facilitates elucidation of preferred conformations and shapes of the saccharides, motions, and dynamic aspects related to processes over time as well as the study of transient interactions with proteins. Identification of intermolecular networks at the atomic level of detail in recognition events by carbohydrate-binding proteins known as lectins, unraveling interactions with antibodies, and revealing substrate scope and action of glycosyl transferases employed for synthesis of oligo-and polysaccharides may efficiently be analyzed by NMR spectroscopy. By utilizing NMR active nuclei present in glycans and derivatives thereof, including isotopically enriched compounds, highly detailed information can be obtained by the experiments. Subsequent analysis may be aided by quantum chemical calculations of NMR parameters, machine learning-based methodologies and artificial intelligence. Interpretation of the results from NMR experiments can be complemented by extensive molecular dynamics simulations to obtain three-dimensional dynamic models, thereby clarifying molecular recognition processes involving the glycans.