Researchers identify abnormal sugar modifications linked to depressive behaviors, offering potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets. Chronic stress disrupts sugar chains in the prefrontal cortex, triggering depression.
Researchers from Juntendo University found that sialylated mucins secreted by conjunctival goblet cells encapsulate allergens, protecting the eye from allergic conjunctivitis. Mice with intact St6galnac1 gene showed reduced antigen response and better protection against allergies.
Researchers discovered that sialylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor modulates cell mechanics and enhances cancer cell invasion. ST6Gal-I, an enzyme that adds sialic acid to EGFR, plays a key role in tumor progression and metastasis.