Tn and STn are members of a family of carbohydrate tumor antigens that possess carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions

Glycobiology. 2018 Jul 1;28(7):437-442. doi: 10.1093/glycob/cwy032.

Abstract

The mucin-type O-glycome in cancer aberrantly expresses the truncated glycans Tn (GalNAcα1-Ser/Thr) and STn (Neu5Acα2,6GalNAcα1-Ser/Thr). However, the role of Tn and STn in cancer and other diseases is not well understood. Our recent discovery of the self-binding properties (carbohydrate-carbohydrate interactions, CCIs) of Tn (Tn-Tn) and STn (STn-STn) provides a model for their possible roles in cellular transformation. We also review evidence that Tn and STn are members of a larger family of glycan tumor antigens that possess CCIs, which may participate in oncogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / chemistry
  • Antigens, Neoplasm / metabolism*
  • Carcinogenesis*
  • Humans
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry
  • Polysaccharides / metabolism*

Substances

  • Antigens, Neoplasm
  • Polysaccharides