The Role of Non-Human Sialic Acid Neu5Gc-Containing Glycoconjugates in Human Tumors: A Review of Clinical and Experimental Evidence.

ABSTRACT: N-Glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) is a sialic acid variant commonly found in most mammals but not synthesized by humans due to an inactivating mutation in the CMP-Neu5Ac hydroxylase (CMAH) gene. Despite this, Neu5Gc-containing molecules are consistently detected in human tissues, particularly in malignant tumors. However, the mechanisms underlying Neu5Gc accumulation and its role in cancer development remain poorly understood.

Objectives

This review aims to analyze clinical and experimental evidence regarding the presence of Neu5Gc-containing glycoconjugates in both tumor and non-tumor human tissues, exploring potential mechanisms of the Neu5Gc expression and evaluating its contribution to tumor biology, with a particular focus on the Neu5Gc-GM3 ganglioside.

Methods

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SUBMITTER: Blanco R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11853303 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature