N-glycosylation as a modulator of protein conformation and assembly in disease Review


Authors: Pasala, C.; Sharma, S.; Roychowdhury, T.; Moroni, E.; Colombo, G.; Chiosis, G.
Review Title: N-glycosylation as a modulator of protein conformation and assembly in disease
Abstract: Glycosylation, a prevalent post-translational modification, plays a pivotal role in regulating intricate cellular processes by covalently attaching glycans to macromolecules. Dysregulated glycosylation is linked to a spectrum of diseases, encompassing cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, congenital disorders, infections, and inflammation. This review delves into the intricate interplay between glycosylation and protein conformation, with a specific focus on the profound impact of N-glycans on the selection of distinct protein conformations characterized by distinct interactomes—namely, protein assemblies—under normal and pathological conditions across various diseases. We begin by examining the spike protein of the SARS virus, illustrating how N-glycans regulate the infectivity of pathogenic agents. Subsequently, we utilize the prion protein and the chaperone glucose-regulated protein 94 as examples, exploring instances where N-glycosylation transforms physiological protein structures into disease-associated forms. Unraveling these connections provides valuable insights into potential therapeutic avenues and a deeper comprehension of the molecular intricacies that underlie disease conditions. This exploration of glycosylation’s influence on protein conformation effectively bridges the gap between the glycome and disease, offering a comprehensive perspective on the therapeutic implications of targeting conformational mutants and their pathologic assemblies in various diseases. The goal is to unravel the nuances of these post-translational modifications, shedding light on how they contribute to the intricate interplay between protein conformation, assembly, and disease. © 2024 by the authors.
Keywords: prion protein; disease; protein dynamics; n-glycosylation; aberrant protein assembly; conformational mutant; disease-associated protein conformation; energy landscape; gain-of-function conformational change; glucose-regulated protein 94 (grp94); protein assembly mutation; sars-cov-2 spike protein
Journal Title: Biomolecules
Volume: 14
Issue: 3
ISSN: 2218-273X
Publisher: MDPI  
Date Published: 2024-03-01
Start Page: 282
Language: English
DOI: 10.3390/biom14030282
PROVIDER: scopus
PMCID: PMC10968129
PUBMED: 38540703
DOI/URL:
Notes: Review -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Gabriela Chiosis
    279 Chiosis
  2. Sahil Sharma
    31 Sharma
  3. Chiranjeevi Pasala
    5 Pasala