Galα1-3Glcβ1-3GlcNAc (α1,3-galactosylated lacto-N-biose I) constitutes a rare branched trisaccharide variant in mammalian glycans, synthesized enzymatically as a white powder for advanced glycan research, xenoantigen analogs, and lectin specificity studies. Featuring terminal α-Gal on the type 1 chain GlcNAcβ1-3Glc core (distinct from common type 2 α-Gal epitope), it binds anti-Gal antibodies with moderate affinity while serving as substrate for bacterial galactosidases, aiding in microbiome and inflammation research; purity >98% via HPLC/NMR, with applications in glycoarrays, vaccine design, and cancer glycomimetics, it demonstrates gastric stability and selective Bifidobacterium utilization for SCFA production, backed by structural analyses and biosynthetic pathways.
Appearance
White amorphous lyophilized powder, odorless.
Water solubility >200 g/L; stable in neutral pH.
Source
Minor component in porcine mucins and engineered glycans; absent in humans.
Biosynthesized using α1,3GT on lacto-N-biose I (Galβ1-3GlcNAc) acceptors in vitro.
Molecular Weight and Structure
~485.4 g/mol (monosodium salt), formula C₁₈H₃₂N₂O₁₅.
α-D-Galp-(1→3)-β-D-Glcp-(1→3)-β-D-GlcpNAc linear with type 1 disaccharide.
Sugar Specificity
Recognized by anti-α-Gal Abs and GS-I B4 lectin via terminal Galα1-3.
Hydrolyzed by α-galactosidase from Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron.
Biological Activity
Modulates immune responses as xenoepitope mimic; prebiotic potential.
Inhibits selectin-mediated adhesion in inflammation models.
Purity and Microbial Contamination
≥98% HPLC; endotoxins <10 EU/mg.
Moisture <6%; heavy metals per USP.
Identity and Quality Control
¹³C-NMR for anomeric C1 (α-Gal ~100 ppm); LC-MS [M-H]- 484.