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6321950 
Journal Article 
Review 
Mechanisms of cancer-associated glycosylation changes 
Dall'Olio, F; Malagolini, N; Trinchera, M; Chiricolo, M 
2012 
Yes 
Frontiers in Bioscience
ISSN: 1093-9946
EISSN: 1093-4715 
17 
2 
670-699 
English 
22201768 
10.2741/3951 
WOS:000300049600018 
Cell membrane glycoconjugates undergo characteristic changes as a consequence of neoplastic transformation. The cancer-associated carbohydrate structures play key roles in cancer progression by altering the cell-cell and cell-environment interactions. In this review, we will discuss some of the most relevant cancer-associated carbohydrate structures, including the β1,6-branching of N-linked chains, the sialyl Lewis antigens, the α2,6-sialylated lactosamine, the Thomsen-Friedenreich-related antigens and gangliosides. We will describe the mechanisms leading to the expression of these structures and their interactions with sugar binding molecules, such as selectins and galectins. Finally, we will discuss how the glycosylation machinery of the cell is controlled by signal transduction pathways, epigenetic mechanisms and responds to hypoxia. 
Glycosylation; Glycosyltransferases; Sialyl Lewis Antigens; Thomsen-Friedenreich Antigen; Gangliosides; Selectins; Galectins; Review