Complex carbohydrate database

NMR techniques used in combination with databases is helpful for carbohydrate analysis. For example, SUGABASE is a carbohydrate-NMR database that combines CarbBank complex carbohydrate structure data (CCSD) with proton and carbon chemical shift values (151). 

Thus, a precise and unbiased assignment of carbohydrate moieties in complex LCC preparatiOTis (as well as in dissolved ceU wall preparations) is not possible without a detailed NMR database for sugar moieties acquired in DMSO-de as it has been indicated earlier [21,48,82]. Most of the current carbohydrates databases were acquired in D2O, while the best NMR solvent for the study of LCC preparations is OMSO-dg. The difference in the chemical shift values between D2O and DMSO-de is often comparable with the difference between different types of carbohydrate units and fliis makes their reliable assignment difficult. Therefore, attempts of detailed assignment of various carbohydrate moieties are unreasonable before that kind of database is generated. 

Because of their size and complexity, the analysis of the sequences and structures of proteins, nucleic acids and carbohydrates represent a major informational challenge. They are, however, ideally suited to the use of database techniques,... 

Carbohydrates constitute one the of most complex structures occurring in nature (with nucleic acids and proteins) due to i) the monosaccharide diversity, ii) the type of linkage and iii) the nature of carbohydrate-linked molecules. As a result, GHs present a wide range of activities, which have necessitated the creation of a specific classification more explicit than the lUB Enzyme Nomenclature. In 1998, the Carbohydrate-Active Enzymes (CAZy) database was created, gathering glycosidases in famiUes based on amino-acid sequence and protein structures similarities. ... 

Previously, we and others have commented on the similarities and differences between patterns of saccharide association for lectins and antibodies [3]. Unfortunately, the database of thermodynamic parameters for antibody-carbohydrate complexation remains small. While important structural and energetic differences may exist that provide clues to the origin of both affinity and association in aqueous solution, it is impossible to reach any conclusions at this time. 

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