2-O-(α-D-Glucopyranosyl)-D-galactose (CAS 7368-73-2)

2-O-(α-D-Glucopyranosyl)-D-galactose is a key molecule in glycobiology research, primarily investigated for its role in carbohydrate metabolism and cellular recognition processes. This chemical acts as a glycosyl donor or acceptor in enzymatic reactions mediated by glycosyltransferases, contributing to the biosynthesis of complex oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates. In research, it has been utilized as a substrate in enzymatic assays to characterize the specificity and kinetics of glycosyltransferase enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of glycan structures. Additionally, 2-O-(α-D-Glucopyranosyl)-D-galactose has been studied for its involvement in cell-cell interactions and molecular recognition events mediated by glycan-binding proteins, such as lectins. Its presence on cell surfaces or as part of extracellular glycoconjugates may play a role in various biological processes, including cell adhesion, immune response modulation, and pathogen recognition. Furthermore, researchers have investigated the structural features and biosynthetic pathways associated with 2-O-(α-D-Glucopyranosyl)-D-galactose-containing glycoconjugates to understand their physiological significance in cellular communication and disease processes. Overall, this chemical serves as a valuable tool for studying glycan biosynthesis, glycan-mediated interactions, and their implications in diverse biological contexts.