Sulfated glycans represent a critical area of research within glycobiology, given their extensive roles in modulating the physical properties and biological activities of various structures. These glycans, particularly those in the glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) class such as heparan sulfate (HS), chondroitin sulfate (CS), dermatan sulfate (DS), and keratan sulfate (KS), are ubiquitously expressed on mammalian cell surfaces. They play essential roles in extracellular cell signaling, growth, homeostasis, and structural support. Beyond GAGs, sulfation is also prevalent in O-glycans and N-glycans, with significant implications for health and disease. For instance, the mucus layer in the colon, composed of mucins with heavily sulfated O-glycans, acts as a protective barrier against gut microbes. Abnormal sulfation patterns are linked to various diseases, including respiratory infections in cystic fibrosis, ovarian cancer, and other malignancies, making sulfated glycans promising targets for novel diagnostics and therapeutics. Despite significant advancements in understanding and synthesizing these molecules, challenges remain, particularly in the synthesis of specific GAGs and the structural characterization of sulfated glycans.

This research topic aims to gather recent and novel research in the field of sulfated glycans. We welcome researchers to contribute Original Research and Review articles that address the synthesis, structural analysis, and functional studies of these critical biomolecules. Specific questions to be answered include the detailed biosynthetic pathways of sulfated glycans, the molecular interactions between sulfated glycans and proteins, and the development of new methods for their synthesis and characterization. Hypotheses to be tested may involve the role of specific sulfation patterns in disease mechanisms and the potential therapeutic applications of engineered sulfated glycans.

To gather further insights into the synthesis, structure, and function of sulfated glycans, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

- Structural analysis and quantification of GAGs and sulfated N/O-glycans.
- Biosynthetic pathways of sulfated glycans.
- Characterization and application of enzymes involved in glycan sulfation.
- Chemical, enzymatic, or chemoenzymatic synthesis of sulfated glycans.
- Functional studies of GAGs or sulfated N-glycans and O-glycans.
- Interactions between sulfated glycans and proteins.

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Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences

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