Introduction to Glycobiology

This textbook presents a readily accessible introduction to the essential elements of glycobiology. 'Introduction to Glycobiology' provides a guide to emerging ways of thinking about the functions of sugars, drawing on examples from cell biology, immunology, virology, development, and human disease.

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The structures of sugars attached to cells and proteins have been investigated by biochemists for more than a hundred years. The discipline of glycobiology has emerged more recently, as key principles about the biological functions of these complex sugars have been established and their importance for the study of cell biology and immunology has become apparent. Introduction to Glycobiology is the first textbook to present an introduction to the essential elements of glycobiology that is readily accessible to undergraduates and other non-specialists. It focuses on coherent stories about what sugars do for cells and organisms. The importance of glycosylation in protein secretion and stability, cell-cell adhesion and signalling, and innate and adaptive immunity are emphasised. The ways in which glycobiology explains human disease are discussed throughout the book in order to place the subject in a biomedical context. The book is illustrated throughout with all new custom-drawn figures. The simple organisation, highlighted terms and annotated key reference lists make the text readable and accessible.
Companion Web Site All the figures from the book will be available to download free from the companion web site at http://www oup.com/uk/best.textbooks/biochemistry/glycobiolo gy/. A sample chapter will be available on line from 1 August 2002.