Exploring the role of glycans: A new frontier in disease biomarker research

Identifier:  TDX:4307

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX4307

Authors:  Paton Jimenez, Beatrix

Abstract:
Glycans play a crucial role in several biological processes and have emerged as potential biomarkers in biomedical research and clinical applications. These carbohydrates are involved in cellular communication, immune responses, and disease progression. The study and analysis of glycans as biomarkers provide valuable insights into the physiological and pathological states of an organism, enabling the development of novel diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions. Altered glycosylation patterns have been observed in numerous diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disorders, autoimmune diseases, and infectious diseases. Such changes can be indicative of disease initiation, progression or prognosis. Moreover, glycans often exhibit alterations in the early stages of the disease, making them valuable for early detection and stratification. In this regard, the studies included in this thesis were performed to gain a deeper understanding and provide insights into various biological processes such as ageing, age-related diseases, metabolic disorders and infectious diseases. Each study focused on analysing the glycome and its connection to these processes with the help of multi-omics approaches and advanced mass spectrometry analysis techniques. By conducting these studies, we aimed to investigate the impact of different factors, including high-glucose and high-fat diets, as well as COVID-19, on the glycome composition, with a particular focus on the N-glycome. The integration of glycan analysis into the study of any disease, can potentially uncover novel avenues for therapeutic intervention and diagnostic tools, as well as fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between glycans and disease pathogenesis.