Toward spatial glycomics and glycoproteomics: Innovations and applications
Patcharaporn Boottanun, Sayaka Fuseya, Atsushi Kuno
Abstract
• An overview of the field of spatial glycomics and glycoproteomics is provided. • Lectin-based analyses enable sensitive tissue glycomic profiling. • Deep visual proteomics enhances glycomic/glycoproteomic sample preparation. • AI-driven software and laser microdissection advance glycomics automation. In this mini review, we provide an overview of the challenging field of spatial glycomics/glycoproteomics. Owing to their complexity, sophisticated analytical methods and innovative technologies are needed to advance this field. An agile development approach enables unraveling aberrant glycosylations, glycobiomarkers, and glycotargets for spatial imaging, diagnosis, and therapeutic purposes. We discuss glycopathology and tissue glycomic profiling using highly sensitive lectin-based analyses and introduce deep visual proteomics for glycomic/glycoproteomic sample preparation. Additionally, we highlight the importance of leveraging laser microdissection and artificial intelligence-driven visual software for cell-type assignment and automation techniques, which are crucial for advancing glycomics/glycoproteomics.