Synthesis and structural characterization of sialic acid-glutamic acid hybrid foldamers as conformational surrogates of alpha-2,8-linked polysialic acid.

ABSTRACT: Surface expression of alpha-(2,8)-linked polymers of sialic acid in adult tissues has been correlated with metastasis of several human cancers. One approach to chemotherapeutic intervention against the spread of these cancers involves the development of immunogenic molecules that elicit an antibody response against alpha-(2,8)-linked polysialic acids. Naturally occurring polysialic acids are not viable candidates because they are present during embryonic development and are recognized as self by the immune system. These natural polymers also have poor pharmacokinetic properties because they are readily degraded by neuraminidase enzymes. We have been interested in developing structural surrogates of polysialic acids in an effort to overcome these limitations. Reported herein are microwave-a

SUBMITTER: Saludes JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4509571 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature