Glycobiology is the study of the structure, biosynthesis and biology of glycans — carbohydrates or sugars that cover the surfaces of all cells and many proteins.
In recent years, understanding and recognition of the importance of glycans has grown dramatically.
They are, among other things, critical to the maintenance of cell and tissue structure and integrity. Their dysfunction is linked to a growing list of human diseases. They have played surprising roles in human evolution.
Beginning in 1999, a cohort of researchers working in emerging field of glycobiology created the first textbook on the subject: “Essentials of Glycobiology.” The fourth edition was published in 2022.
The Society for Glycobiology recently honored the editors for their ongoing work with its 2024 Distinguished Service Award. Among the honorees, Hudson Freeze, PhD, director of the Sanford Children’s Health Research Center at Sanford Burnham Prebys and a renowned expert in congenital disorders of glycosylation, a group of rare metabolic disorders that primarily afflict children.
