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Sialylation

Meaning

Sialylation is a specific type of glycosylation, a post-translational modification, involving the enzymatic addition of sialic acid residues to the non-reducing ends of glycan chains on proteins and lipids. This modification significantly influences the physicochemical properties of the modified molecules, including their charge, solubility, and interaction with other biological entities. In endocrinology, the degree of sialylation on circulating glycoproteins, such as gonadotropins, is a critical determinant of their biological activity and half-life.