Detailed Structural Analysis of N-Glycans Released From Glycoproteins in SDS-PAGE Gel Bands Using HP

In contrast to the linear sequences of protein and DNA, oligosaccharides are branched structures. In addition, almost all glycoproteins consist of a heterogeneous collection of differently glycosylated variants. Glycan analysis therefore requires high-resolution separation techniques that can provide detailed structural analysis, including both monosaccharide sequence and linkage information. This chapter describes how a combination of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and exoglycosidase enzyme array digestions can deliver quantitative glycan analysis of sugars released from glycoproteins in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gel bands by matching HPLC elution positions with a database of standard glycans.