GDP-ManA

Guanosine 5′-diphospho-D-mannuronic acid trisodium salt is a nucleotide sugar. It is involved in the biosynthesis of various polysaccharides and glycoconjugates in certain organisms, primarily in bacterial and plant cell wall biosynthesis. GDP-mannuronic acid is often used in studies of polysaccharide synthesis, particularly alginate biosynthesis in bacteria like Pseudomonas and Azotobacter.

Structure & Properties:

• Molecular Weight (MW): Typically around 600-650 g/mol (depending on the exact salt form).
• Chemical Formula: C16H21N5Na3O18P2 (estimate based on similar compounds, but may vary slightly depending on hydration state)
• Synonyms: GDP-Mannuronic acid trisodium salt, Guanosine diphospho-D-mannuronic acid trisodium salt
• CAS Number: Not widely available for this specific compound, but similar GDP-sugar analogs are often used in research contexts.

Biological Role:

• Biosynthesis: This compound serves as a sugar donor in glycosylation reactions, particularly in the synthesis of polysaccharides like alginate in bacteria. Alginate is a key structural component of biofilms and is important in bacterial virulence and defense.
• Function: It acts as a substrate for glycosyltransferase enzymes that catalyze the transfer of mannuronic acid residues during the biosynthesis of polysaccharides like alginate. In plants, GDP-sugars are involved in the synthesis of hemicelluloses and pectins.

Applications:

1. Polysaccharide Biosynthesis Studies: Used to study the formation of bacterial extracellular polysaccharides such as alginate, which are important for biofilm formation and bacterial pathogenesis.
2. Enzyme Assays: It is often used in assays to study glycosyltransferases involved in alginate and other polysaccharide synthesis pathways.
3. Biofilm Research: Essential in understanding biofilm-related infections and developing treatments targeting biofilm formation.
4. Glycobiology Research: It is important in the study of glycan synthesis and modifications.

Storage and Stability:

• Storage: Typically stored at -20°C in a dry, sealed container to protect it from moisture and degradation.
• Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions, but sensitive to moisture and should be handled with care.

Significance in Research:

• Bacterial Research: Its role in alginate biosynthesis makes it significant in studies related to bacterial pathogenicity, particularly in diseases like cystic fibrosis where Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms are a major concern.
• Material Science: Alginate, derived from this compound, has applications in drug delivery systems, wound healing, and as a food additive.

This compound is particularly valuable in microbiology and glycoscience research, providing insights into polysaccharide biosynthesis and its implications for health and disease.