Viral Glycoproteomics Service
Viral glycoproteomics is a scientific field that studies the composition, structure, and biological functions of glycosylation modifications in viral glycoproteins. Glycosylation is one of the most common and complex post-translational modifications in viral proteins, extensively involved in viral infection, host recognition, immune evasion, and vaccine response. Through systematic analysis of glycoproteins, researchers can elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the viral life cycle and provide essential data support for antiviral drug and vaccine development.
Services at MtoZ Biolabs
With years of experience in proteomics research and high-resolution mass spectrometry platforms, MtoZ Biolabs has established a comprehensive Viral Glycoproteomics Service that integrates glycomics and mass spectrometry (MS) technologies, covering the entire process from glycan release and glycopeptide detection to overall glycoprotein profiling. Through precise and systematic analysis, we help research institutions and enterprises reveal the molecular landscape of viral glycosylation, promoting in-depth studies on viral function, vaccine design, and antiviral drug discovery. Our services include but are not limited to:
1. Viral O-Glycoproteomics Service
This service focuses on the study of O-glycosylation characteristics in viral proteins. O-glycosylation mainly occurs on serine (Ser) and threonine (Thr) residues, regulating viral particle folding, assembly, and host cell recognition. MtoZ Biolabs employs high-sensitivity mass spectrometry combined with specific enzymatic digestion and enrichment strategies to systematically identify O-glycan types in different viruses (such as Core 1 and Core 2) and map their distribution patterns, providing molecular insights into viral structure and function.
2. Viral N-Glycoproteomics Service
N-glycosylation is one of the most common modification types in viral glycoproteins, significantly affecting protein folding stability, immunogenicity, and viral infectivity. The Viral N-Glycoproteomics Service of MtoZ Biolabs is based on high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) systems combined with enzymatic deglycosylation and glycan structure analysis techniques. It enables qualitative and quantitative analysis of N-glycosylation sites, structural heterogeneity, and distribution patterns in viral glycoproteins, helping researchers better understand viral evolution and host adaptation mechanisms.
3. MS-Based Viral Glycoproteomics Service
Mass spectrometry (MS) is the core analytical tool in viral glycoproteomics. MtoZ Biolabs utilizes multiple MS platforms, including Orbitrap Fusion Lumos, Q Exactive HF, and timsTOF Pro, integrated with Nano-LC separation systems, to achieve high-sensitivity detection of glycopeptides and glycoproteins in complex samples. By combining data-dependent acquisition (DDA) and data-independent acquisition (DIA) strategies, we provide comprehensive solutions from qualitative glycopeptide identification to quantitative glycan profiling, ensuring accuracy and reproducibility.
Analysis Workflow
1. Sample preparation and protein extraction: Viral proteins are extracted from viral particles, culture supernatants, or host cells.
2. Enzymatic digestion and glycan processing: Trypsin, PNGase F, and other enzymes are used for digestion and deglycosylation to obtain glycopeptides or glycan fractions.
3. Glycopeptide enrichment and separation: HILIC, TiO₂, or lectin affinity methods are applied for selective enrichment to improve detection sensitivity.
4. Mass spectrometry detection and data acquisition: LC-MS/MS platforms are used for glycopeptide separation and high-resolution detection.
5. Data analysis and structural interpretation: Specialized glycan databases such as GlyConnect and UniCarb-DB are used for structural matching and site identification, generating a comprehensive glycosylation profile.
Figure 1. Workflow of Viral Glycoproteomics Analysis
Service Advantages
1. Comprehensive Analysis
MtoZ Biolabs provides systematic analysis covering O-glycan, N-glycan, and hybrid-type glycans. By integrating mass spectrometry, enzymology, and bioinformatics, glycosylation diversity can be resolved at the site-specific level, revealing structure-function relationships in viral proteins.
2. High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry Platforms
We are equipped with multiple state-of-the-art mass spectrometers, including Orbitrap, timsTOF, and Q-TOF series instruments, which enhance detection depth and ensure reliable identification of low-abundance glycopeptides in complex samples.
3. Customized Solutions
Whether for basic research on a single viral strain or comparative studies across host expression systems, we offer customized experimental designs. Our viral glycoproteomics service supports a wide range of sample types, including serum, cells, viral particles, and recombinant proteins, meeting both academic and industrial needs.
4. Experienced Professional Team
Our research team consists of experts with extensive backgrounds in mass spectrometry and glycoproteomics, familiar with various viral systems including coronaviruses, influenza viruses, dengue viruses, and herpesviruses. With strong analytical and project management capabilities, we provide scientifically rigorous, standardized, and traceable end-to-end services.
Applications
✔️ Vaccine development and antigen design: Identify key glycosylation sites to optimize epitope exposure.
✔️ Antiviral drug screening: Evaluate how candidate drugs influence glycoprotein modifications and functions.
✔️ Evolutionary and phylogenetic studies: Compare glycosylation pattern differences among viral strains or hosts.
Sample Submission Suggestions
1. Sample types: Viral particles, infected cell lysates, purified viral proteins, or recombinant glycoproteins are acceptable.
2. Sample purity: Avoid high salt, detergents, or protein stabilizers.
3. Sample quantity: At least 50 µg of total protein is recommended.
4. Storage conditions: Store samples at -80°C and avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
5. Additional information: Provide details on virus species, host origin, and expression system for accurate data interpretation.
Deliverables
1. Experimental overview and quality control report
2. Raw mass spectrometry data and processed files
3. Glycopeptide identification lists and site annotation information
4. Glycan structure types, abundance distribution, and heterogeneity analysis results
5. Customized charts and summary reports
Report formats can be tailored to specific research purposes to support scientific publication or project application.
Contact us today to start your viral glycoprotein research journey with MtoZ Biolabs.