Pigeon egg white glycoproteins and oligosaccharides or glycopeptides inhibit microbial invasion as well as internalization of toxins. Evolution of glycans in glycoproteins in avian species. It is curious that only pigeons and doves are known to have the galabiose sequence in its N-glycans. We are examining the phylogenetically related avian eggs to gain insight to this enigma. Glycoside clustering effect.
Carbohydrates are the only biopolymers that can form branched structures.
Hence the specific recognition of carbohydrates often involves subtle differentiation of branched structures. When spatially suitaby oriented, the terminal sugar units of clustered carbohydrates, which are often the target for recognition, can manifest tremendous enhancement of binding affinity, which is termed glycoside clustering effect . We are investigating the origin of this effect so that it can be used in construction of effective glyco-drugs. Lee,Y. C. and Lee, R. T., Editors. Academic Press, San Diego, CA 549, 1994.