Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), present in the extracellular matrix, are exploited by numerous, distinct microbes for cellular attachment, adhesion, invasion and evasion of the host immune system. Glycosaminoglycans, including the widely used, clinical anticoagulant heparin and semi-synthetic analogues thereof, have been reported to inhibit and disrupt interactions between microbial proteins and carbohydrates present on the surface of host cells. However, the anticoagulant properties of unmodified, pharmaceutical heparin preparations preclude their capabilities as therapeutics for infectious disease states. Here, unique Glycosaminoglycan-like saccharides from various, distinct marine species are reported for their potential use as therapeutics against infectious diseases; many of which possess highly attenuated anticoagulant activities, while retaining significant antimicrobial properties.
-
Cover Image
Cover Image
The image represents a simplified ‘open’ cell of the gram-positive bacterium Streptomyces coelicolor and selected components of its zinc metabolism. The zinc sensor protein – zinc uptake regulator (Zur) – is shown in metallic blue in the middle, bound to DNA (green) where it works as a transcriptional repressor when zinc levels are adequate. The Zur-regulated high-affinity zinc uptake system ZnuABC is shown in purple. Synthesis of the secreted zincophore coelibactin is also Zur-regulated. Zinc ions are shown as silver balls surrounding the cell, and bound to Zur; for details see pages 983–1001.
The image has been created by Alevtina Mikhaylina with the help of Claudia A. Blindauer and David J. Scanlan.
Marine glycosaminoglycan-like carbohydrates as potential drug candidates for infectious disease
Courtney J. Mycroft-West, Edwin A. Yates, Mark A. Skidmore; Marine glycosaminoglycan-like carbohydrates as potential drug candidates for infectious disease. Biochem Soc Trans 20 August 2018; 46 (4): 919–929. doi: https://doi.org/10.1042/BST20170404
Download citation file:
Sign in
Sign in to your personal account
Captcha Validation Error. Please try again.