Matreya N-Glycolyl-GM3 cancer biomarker

Sialic acids are important for cell–cell recognition and cell–pathogen interactions. Found on gangliosides localised to plasma membranes, N-Acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and its hydroxylated form, N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), are the two major variants of sialic acid found in most mammals.

High levels of Neu5Gc have been detected in a variety of tumours and are associated with their progression and metastasis. For example, abnormal expression of N-glycolyl-monosialoganglioside GM3 (N-glycolyl-GM₃), a Neu5Gc-containing ganglioside, is found mostly on the surface of malignant tumours. Because N-glycolyl-GM₃ is easily detected on the surface of malignant cells, the presence of these tumour-associated antigens provides a basis for early (and potentially pre-malignant) immunological localisation and diagnosis.

Given gangliosides are minor components in human tissues, sensitive methods for their quantitative isolation and analysis are needed. Matreya’s scientists have developed a high-quality standard for N-glycolyl-GM₃ detection to advance research.