Polysialic Acid: From Microbes to Man (Advances in Life Sciences)

A comprehensive and interdisciplinary survey of polysialic acid, with topics ranging from molecular genetics to malignant tumours. Cell surface proteins and lipids that contain covalently-bound polysialic acid chains are widespread, found everywhere from bacteria to the human brain. The cell-type specific and developmentally-regulated expression of polysialic acid chains as wellas their particular structural properties account for the great variety of diverse biological events that appear to be mediated by this group of polyglycans. Written by distinguished researchers, the book presents an account of this rapidly moving and expanding field of research. The contributions focus on the physical, chemical and immunological properties of polysaliac acid, the various probes for their study and the genetics and topology of the synthesis of polysialic acid. Special chapters are devoted to developmental and cell biological aspects of polysaliac acid during histogenesis and organogenesis, the importance of polysialic acid during regenerative and reparative processes, and its significance as an onco-developmental antigen in tumour growth and diagnosis.