Neuroglycobiology

Carbohydrates play a major role in the function and structure of the brain. In the past decade, tremendous progress has been made in understanding the structure, biosynthesis, and function of glycoconjugates found in the nervous system. The field of neuroglycobiology is now entering an exciting new phase with the use of molecular tools allowing us to manipulate the amount, as well as the temporal and spatially regulated expression, of those glycoconjugates. In recent years, we have gained important new knowledge on glycoproteins (polysialic acid, HNK-1 glycan), proteoglycans, and glycolipids. 'Neuroglycobiology' presents an integrative account of the latest developments in this field. This new volume in the Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology series starts by summarizing the historical background in identifying those glycoconjugates uniquely present in neural cells. It then goes on to summarize the current theories about their roles before considering future directions in research. This book presents an outstanding summary of the latest knowledge and perspectives in neural glycobiology.