New Functionality Among Glycoproteins

(ETH Zurich, June 19, 2013)

ETH and Empa researchers have discovered that glycoproteins, which are sugar-protein hybrid molecules, may rearrange water molecules over long distances. This may have an influence on how cells sense each other. Nicholas Spencer, professor for Surface Science and Technology in the Department of Materials and Rowena Crockett at the Empa have discovered that glycoproteins make a random network of molecules above them. The smaller water molecule, only about 0.3 nanometers in size, makes it easier for the glycans to arrange them. The maximum distance which can be detected is in the range of tens of nanometers - far beyond any expected boundary values. Due to this observation, scientists think this long-range influence of glycans on water may explain why glycoproteins help synovial fluid lubricate joints so well. Additionally, the glycan can be identified by the immune system or by receptors, sensors that are part of another cell. It is possible that the cells can communicate across water since the membranes are covered in glycans.