ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on complex saccharides—glycans, their synthesis, importance, and physiological roles in the mammalian body. The major part deals with basic strategies and principles of glycan profiling with the emphasis on mass spectrometry as a gold standard for glycan analysis. Glycomics is a rapidly emerging science; however, in comparison to other “omics” sciences, it remains relatively understudied. This is a very disturbing fact, especially when it is well known that glycans are involved in many biological and vital processes. MALDI-MS spectra are highly suitable for mass fingerprinting of glycans and inestimable in the initial glycomic analysis; however, the lack of fragment ions leads to unsatisfied elucidation of glycan structures. Permethylation modifies nearly all functional groups within glycans in which hydrogen atoms are replaced by methyl groups. Diseases are the not only aim of the MALDI-based glycomic investigation. Gestation requires partial suppression of the immune system to ensure maternal-foetal tolerance.
