Isolation, fractionation, and preliminary characterization of a novel class of sulfated glycans from the tunic of Styela plicata (Chordata Tunicata).

摘要: The sulfated glycans in the tunic of Styela plicata differ from glycosaminoglycans animal tissues and also polysaccharides isolated marine algae. ascidian occur primarily as three fractions that markedly molecular weight chemical composition. high fraction encompasses a broad range weights but is chemically homogeneous contains an unusual amount galactose. 20,000 polysaccharide rich galactose glucose while 8,000 amino sugars neutral hexoses galactose, glucose, mannose. All contain large amounts sulfate esters. ascidians can be extracted tissue by proteolytic enzyme or guanidine hydrochloride solutions. preferentially papain removes mainly low polysaccharides. We speculate these are essential for maintaining structural integrity tunic, analogy with vertebrate connective tissues.