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Glycoproteins

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Glycoproteins are molecules made from the combination of proteins and carbohydrates.

The Golgi body is the site of most glycoprotein formation which may be either:

  • O-linked glycosylation by addition of carbohydrate chains to serine or threonine amino acid residues
  • N-linked glycosylation by addition of carbohydrate chains to asparagine residues

Glycoproteins have a number of functions:

  • membrane bound:
    • glycocalyx - physical cellular protection
    • immune recognition
    • targetting of membrane-bound vesicles within the cell
    • cell receptors e.g. for LDL and ferritin
    • thyroglobulin, the storage form of thyroxine
    • extracellular matrix recognition molecules e.g. the integrins

  • free:
    • immunoglobulins
    • extracellular matrix components e.g. fibronectin
    • haemoglobin
    • synthetic plasminogen activating factor

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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