Abstract
In addition to the well known biochemical systems of information storage and retrieval, i.e., the DNA and RNA coding systems, the information storage capacity of carbohydrate chains probably plays an important role in cellular development and intercellular communication. The flexibility and structural diversity of even low numbered - glycan chains offers a staggering number of different expression stages which by far exceeds that of that permitted by the oligopeptide genetic coding system. The fundamentals of lectin- glycan interaction are described, giving a selection of highlights in the history of lectinology, presenting the current categories for classification of various animal lectins, and pointing to potency of synthetic drug design. Endogenous lectins which are involved in cellular growth regulation, cell adhesion, and evolutionary development can also serve as prognostic indicators for patients suffering from a broad variety of cancer such as lung or breast carcinomas.
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