Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
sulfotransferases
Enzymes (EC 2.8.2) performing acceptor - specifi c transfer of sulfate groups (often)
from the coenzyme 3` - phosphoadenosine - 5` - phosphosulfate (PAPS) to different
substrates (protein, lipid or a monosaccharide residue of mono- ,
oligo -
or
polysaccharides).
surface plasmon resonance (SPR)
A quantitative technique used to determine the association constants (
K
a
) of
ligand-receptor (here sugar-protein) interactions. An analyte solution is passed
over a sensor chip surface containing the immobilized ligand. Binding is mea-
sured by the change of refractive index and is recorded in resonance units (RU).
Svennerholm nomenclature
A short-hand nomenclature system for gangliosides frequently encountered in the
literature. For example, the gangliotetraosylceramide with
2,3 - (mono)sialylation
of the central Gal moiety (at position II) II
3
Neu5Ac - GgOse
4
Cer is termed GM1.
α
syndecan
Family of four transmembranous proteoglycans (PG) carrying three to four HS
and one to two CS chains at the extracellular domain. They interact with a large
variety of proteins including fi broblast growth factors, fi bronectin, antithrombin
and others. A short intracellular domain is involved in intracellular signaling.
t
γ
T cells
A small subset of T lymphocytes, most prominent among the intraepithelial lym-
phocytes of the intestinal mucosa. Their T cell receptor is composed of one
/
δ
γ
chain
and one
δ
chain.
tenascin
Extracellular matrix glycoprotein that interacts with glycosaminoglycans such as
heparin and heparan sulfate.
thrombus
An aggregate of blood factors that can result in vascular obstruction at the site of
its formation.
toxin
A chemical, often a protein, with a poisonous effect on biological entities such as
cells, plants, animals and humans. Bacterial AB
5
or plant AB toxins are lectins,
examples given by cholera toxin or ricin.
toxoplasmosis
Disease caused by
Toxoplasma gondii
, a protozoan (unicellular) parasite infecting
most species of warm-blooded animals, including humans. The defi nitive hosts
