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Yi S, Feng Y, Wang Y, Ma F. Sialylation: fate decision of mammalian sperm development, fertilization, and male fertility†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:137-155. [PMID: 37379321 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Sperm development, maturation, and successful fertilization within the female reproductive tract are intricate and orderly processes that involve protein translation and post-translational modifications. Among these modifications, sialylation plays a crucial role. Any disruptions occurring throughout the sperm's life cycle can result in male infertility, yet our current understanding of this process remains limited. Conventional semen analysis often fails to diagnose some infertility cases associated with sperm sialylation, emphasizing the need to comprehend and investigate the characteristics of sperm sialylation. This review reanalyzes the significance of sialylation in sperm development and fertilization and evaluates the impact of sialylation damage on male fertility under pathological conditions. Sialylation serves a vital role in the life journey of sperm, providing a negatively charged glycocalyx and enriching the molecular structure of the sperm surface, which is beneficial to sperm reversible recognition and immune interaction. These characteristics are particularly crucial during sperm maturation and fertilization within the female reproductive tract. Moreover, enhancing the understanding of the mechanism underlying sperm sialylation can promote the development of relevant clinical indicators for infertility detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Yi
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Feng
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Center for Translational Medicine, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, P.R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Orsolini MF, Verstraete MH, van Heule M, Orellana D, Ortega A, Meyers S, Dini P. Characterization of sperm cell membrane charge and selection of high-quality sperm using microfluidics in stallions. Theriogenology 2022; 192:1-8. [PMID: 36007376 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is the only method for in vitro embryo production (IVP) in horses. Besides oocyte developmental competence, the outcome of IVP is also highly dependent on sperm quality. Therefore, it is not only essential to employ superior methods of selecting high quality sperm, but also to be able to characterize which quantifiable properties of sperm quality are most indicative of its fertility. In men, a net negative surface charge, estimated by zeta potential (ZP) is highly correlated with sperm quality and in vitro embryo developmental outcomes. However, there is no information available about approximate charges or ZP in equine sperm. Therefore, in this study we aimed to characterize equine sperm ZP and identify its associations with known measures of sperm quality. Additionally, we aimed to complete a comprehensive comparison of conventional sperm selection techniques as compared to the novel method of microfluidic sorting. Ejaculates (n = 22) were partitioned into fresh (∼23 °C, 0 h; n = 12) and cooled (∼4 °C, 24 h; n = 10) groups, and processed by swim up (SU), density gradient centrifugation (DGC), density gradient-swim up combination (DG-SU), and microfluidic chip (MF) sorting. Motility, progressive motility, cell viability, normal morphology, and ZP were evaluated for both unprocessed fractions and post-selected fractions. The ZP of both fresh and cooled samples was net negative and also correlated with motility and progressive motility for both fresh and cooled samples (P < 0.05). The ZP of cooled samples was also correlated with viability (P < 0.05). Among the compared methods of sperm selection, MF was highly effective in selecting high quality sperm as determined by the measured parameters. Percent motility, progressive motility, normal morphology, and viability of MF selected sperm were of higher quality than sperm selected by SU, and of similar to DG-SU and DGC without the use of potentially harmful centrifugation steps. Correlations between ZP, motility, and viability parameters may indicate a role of external charge on the motility and survival of sperm within the female reproductive tract. In conclusion, we identified an average net negative ZP on equine sperm and correlations between ZP and other measures of sperm quality, as well as having identified MF as a novel effective method of equine sperm selection for IVP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan F Orsolini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Margo H Verstraete
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 133 Salisburylaan, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Machteld van Heule
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, CA, USA; Department of Morphology, Imaging, Orthopedics, Rehabilitation and Nutrition, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ghent, 133 Salisburylaan, 9820, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Daniela Orellana
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Alyssa Ortega
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Stuart Meyers
- Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, 1089 Veterinary Medicine Dr, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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Orsolini MF, Meyers SA, Dini P. An Update on Semen Physiology, Technologies, and Selection Techniques for the Advancement of In Vitro Equine Embryo Production: Section II. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113319. [PMID: 34828049 PMCID: PMC8614388 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In order to improve fertilization and pregnancy rates within artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization techniques in horses, producers may choose to select the best sperm within an ejaculate. In this paper, we review conventional and novel methods of sperm selection. Abstract As the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) expand in the equine industry, it has become necessary to further our understanding of available semen selection techniques. This segment of our two-section review will focus on the selection of spermatozoa based on quality and sex for equine intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), as well as current and future developments in sperm sorting technologies. Ultimately, novel methods of semen selection will be assessed based on their efficacy in other species and their relevance and future application towards ARTs in the horse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan F. Orsolini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Stuart A. Meyers
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Cell Biology, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Pouya Dini
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
- Correspondence:
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An Update on Semen Physiology, Technologies, and Selection Techniques for the Advancement of In Vitro Equine Embryo Production: Section I. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11113248. [PMID: 34827983 PMCID: PMC8614440 DOI: 10.3390/ani11113248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Male fertility is often estimated by simple sperm assessment, and therefore, it is crucial to establish species-specific baselines for normal sperm parameters. In this paper, sperm physiology, function, and common abnormalities in stallions will be reviewed. Abstract As the use of assisted reproductive technologies (ART) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) expand in the equine industry, it has become necessary to further our understanding of semen physiology as it applies to overall fertility. This segment of our two-section review will focus on normal sperm parameters, beginning with development and extending through the basic morphology of mature spermatozoa, as well as common issues with male factor infertility in IVP. Ultimately, the relevance of sperm parameters to overall male factor fertility in equine IVP will be assessed.
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Lan R, Xin M, Hao Z, You S, Xu Y, Wu J, Dang L, Zhang X, Sun S. Biological Functions and Large-Scale Profiling of Protein Glycosylation in Human Semen. J Proteome Res 2020; 19:3877-3889. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.9b00795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rongxia Lan
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Miaomiao Xin
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
- Faculty of Fisheries and Protection of Waters, University of South Bohemia in Ceske Budejovice, South Bohemian Research Center of Aquaculture and Biodiversity of Hydrocenoses, Research Institute of Fish Culture and Hydrobiology, Vodnany 38925, Czech Republic
| | - Zhifang Hao
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Shanshan You
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Yintai Xu
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Jingyu Wu
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Liuyi Dang
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
| | - Xinwen Zhang
- The Medical Genetics Centre, Xi 'an People's Hospital (Xi 'an Fourth Hospital), Xi’an Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710004, P. R. China
| | - Shisheng Sun
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi Province 710069, P. R. China
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Fernandez-Fuertes B, Blanco-Fernandez A, Reid CJ, Meade KG, Fair S, Lonergan P. Removal of sialic acid from bull sperm decreases motility and mucus penetration ability but increases zona pellucida binding and polyspermic penetration in vitro. Reproduction 2018; 155:481-492. [PMID: 29618635 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the hypothesis that sperm sialic acid (Sia) is required to reach the site of fertilization, and that successful fertilization requires recognition of Sia from both the sperm and oocyte to occur. In addition, it has recently been reported that Siglecs (Sia-binding-immunoglobulin-like lectins) are present on the sperm surface. Thus, the possibility that the recognition of oocyte Sia was sperm-Siglec-mediated was also addressed. Sperm exposed to neuraminidase (NMase) exhibited lower overall and progressive motility, which translated to a decreased ability to swim through cervical mucus from cows in oestrus. In addition, when either sperm or cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were treated with NMase, a decrease in cleavage and blastocyst rate was observed. However, incubation of sperm with increasing concentrations of anti-Siglec-2, -5, -6 and -10 antibodies prior to fertilization had no effect on their fertilizing ability. Interestingly, treatment with NMase increased the number of sperm bound to the ZP but also the rate of polyspermic fertilization. Flow cytometry analysis revealed no differences in the percentage of capacitated or acrosome-reacted sperm. These results suggest that Sia are required to reach the site of fertilization but need to be removed for sperm-oocyte interaction. However, fine regulation is needed to avoid abnormal fertilization which can lead to impaired embryo development.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Fernandez-Fuertes
- School of Agriculture and Food ScienceUniversity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - A Blanco-Fernandez
- Flow Cytometry Core FacilitiesUCD-Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - C J Reid
- School of Veterinary MedicineVeterinary Sciences Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - K G Meade
- Animal & Grassland Research and Innovation CentreTeagasc, Grange, County Meath, Ireland
| | - S Fair
- Department of Biological SciencesLaboratory of Animal Reproduction, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - P Lonergan
- School of Agriculture and Food ScienceUniversity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Simon L, Murphy K, Aston KI, Emery BR, Hotaling JM, Carrell DT. Micro-electrophoresis: a noninvasive method of sperm selection based on membrane charge. Fertil Steril 2015; 103:361-6.e3. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2014.10.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2014] [Revised: 10/03/2014] [Accepted: 10/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
Charge is a fundamental property of all forms of matter that exhibit attraction or repulsion in the presence of another charged particle. This electrokinetic property occurs when the particles exhibiting a net negative or positive charge are subjected to an external electric field that exerts an electrostatic force between them. Sperm surface membranes exhibit varying levels of electrostatic potential that are proportional to the levels of sialic acid residue acquired on the cell surface during maturation. Electrostatic charge-based sperm separation is a recently developed technique that uses an electric field to isolate mature sperm with reduced levels of DNA fragmentation. Two methods for the separation of sperm based on electrostatic charge, the Zeta method and a commercially available electrophoretic method using the SpermSep Cell Sorter 10, are discussed in this chapter including a detailed protocol for sperm separation based on the Zeta method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Simon
- Andrology and IVF Laboratories, Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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Desantis S, Ventriglia G, Zizza S, Nicassio M, Valentini L, Di Summa A, Lacalandra GM. Lectin-binding sites on ejaculated stallion sperm during breeding and non-breeding periods. Theriogenology 2010; 73:1146-53. [PMID: 20172596 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2009.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 12/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Stallion sperm from semen collected in Southern Italy during the breeding (June-July) and non-breeding (December-January) periods were analyzed by means of twelve lectins to evaluate the glycoconjugate pattern and to verify whether there are any seasonal differences in the glycosylation pattern of the sperm glycocalyx. The acrosomal cap showed reactivity for Maackia amurensis (MAL II), Sambucus nigra (SNA), Arachis hypogaea (PNA), Glycine max (SBA), Helix pomatia (HPA), Canavalia ensiformis (Con A) Triticum vulgaris (WGA), and Griffonia simplicifolia isolectin II (GSA II) in breeding and non-breeding ejaculated sperm, suggesting the presence of oligosaccharides terminating with Neu5Ac alpha 2,3Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc, Neu5Ac alpha 2,6Gal/GalNAc, with Gal beta 1,3GalNAc, alpha/beta GalNAc and glycans with terminal/internal alpha Man and GlcNAc. During the non-breeding period, the acrosomal cap expressed oligosaccharides terminating with Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc (Ricinus communis(120) affinity) (RCA(120)) and L-Fuc alpha 1,2Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc beta (Ulex europaeus affinity) (UEA I). The equatorial segment placed between the acrosomal cap and post-acrosomal region did not display glycans terminating with GalNAc, GlcNAc, and alpha L-Fuc. The post-acrosomal region of sperm collected in the breeding and non-breeding periods bound Con A, MAL II, SNA, and SBA, thus showing the presence of N-linked oligosaccharides from high-Man content, terminating with Neu5Ac alpha 2,3Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc, Neu5Ac alpha 2,6Gal/GalNAc and GalNAc. In winter, the post-acrosomal region also expressed oligosaccharides terminating with alpha GalNAc, GlcNAc, and L-Fuc alpha 1,2Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc beta (HPA, GSA II, and UEA I staining). The tail of sperm from semen collected during the breeding and non-breeding periods showed a lectin binding pattern similar to the post-acrosomal region, except for the absence of HPA staining in sperm collected during the winter season. These results indicate that the surface of stallion sperm contains different glycocalyx domains and that the glycosylation pattern undergoes changes during the breeding and non-breeding periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Desantis
- Department of Animal Health and Well-being, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, Italy.
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10
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Fleming S, Ilad R, Griffin AM, Wu Y, Ong K, Smith H, Aitken R. Prospective controlled trial of an electrophoretic method of sperm preparation for assisted reproduction: comparison with density gradient centrifugation. Hum Reprod 2008; 23:2646-51. [DOI: 10.1093/humrep/den330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Ainsworth C, Nixon B, Aitken RJ. Development of a novel electrophoretic system for the isolation of human spermatozoa. Hum Reprod 2005; 20:2261-70. [PMID: 15831507 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/dei024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimization of assisted conception outcomes involves the development of rapid, safe, effective techniques for the isolation of functional human spermatozoa free from significant DNA damage. In this study we describe a novel electrophoretic sperm isolation technique that achieves these objectives. METHODS The separation system consisted of a cassette comprising two 400 mul chambers separated by a polycarbonate filter containing 5 micromol/l pores and bounded by a 15 kDa polyacrylamide membrane to allow the free circulation of buffer. Semen was introduced into one chamber, current applied (75 mA at variable voltage) and within seconds a purified suspension of spermatozoa could be collected from the adjacent chamber. These cells were assessed for their count, viability, motility, morphology and DNA integrity. RESULTS The suspensions generated by the electrophoretic separation technique contained motile, viable, morphologically normal spermatozoa and exhibited low levels of DNA damage. Moreover, these cell suspensions were free from contaminating cells, including leukocytes. The technique was comparable to discontinuous gradient centrifugation except that it took a fraction of the time and generated cells with significantly less DNA damage. CONCLUSION Electrophoretic separation represents a highly effective, novel approach for the isolation of spermatozoa for assisted conception purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ainsworth
- Discipline of Biological Sciences and ARC Centre of Excellence in Biotechnology and Development, University of Newcastle, NSW 2308, Australia
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Calzada L, Tellez J. Defective function of membrane potential (psi) on sperm of infertile men. ARCHIVES OF ANDROLOGY 1997; 38:151-5. [PMID: 9049036 DOI: 10.3109/01485019708987892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Membrane potential across the plasma membrane (psi) of human sperm was determined by measuring the accumulation of triphenylmethylphosphonium (TPMP+). Washed sperm of fertile or infertile men were suspended, incubated in low-K+ and high-Na+ or high-K+ and low-Na+ medium, and allowed to take up the cation TPMP+ to a steady state (20 min at 37 degrees C). Under these conditions a psi of -75 +/- 6 mV was observed in sperm cells of fertile men, while in spermatozoa of idiopathic and asthenozoospermic infertile men, the psi was of 35 +/- 5 mV and 32 +/- 5 mV, respectively. Upon depolarization of the sperm membrane by K+, the transport system Na(+)-K+ in spermatozoa of idiopathic infertile men decreased 53 +/- 3.5%, while that in sperm cells asthenozoospermic men decreased 57 +/- 3% with respect to spermatozoa of fertile men. The results of these studies indicate their possible application to the diagnosis of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Calzada
- Unidad de Investigación en Biología de la Reproducción, IMSS, México, DF Mexico
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Schauer R, Kamerling JP. Chemistry, biochemistry and biology of sialic acids ☆. NEW COMPREHENSIVE BIOCHEMISTRY 1997; 29. [PMCID: PMC7147860 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-7306(08)60624-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Roland Schauer
- Biochemisches Institut, Christian-Albrechls-Universität zu Kiel, Germany
| | - Johannis P. Kamerling
- Bijuoet Center, Department of Bio-Organic Chemistry, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
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