Glycans, or polysaccharides, are instrumental in many facets of biology, from decorations on cell membranes being involved in cell signaling and interaction to post-translational modifications on proteins warranting function. Yet even though sugars are the most abundant class of organic molecules found on earth, the study of their structure and function are not as well known as other biological molecules such as proteins and ribonucleic acids. This is partly due to the fact that glycans have no direct biosynthetic template in the genome, as opposed to protein, and thus have not been as effectively elucidated by the age of genomics. Furthermore, the polymeric nature of glycans presents a challenge to study, as there are plethora of combinations of linkages (unlike in DNA and protein) and many different types of monosaccharides and isomers.
Seeing as glycans play a key role in the biology of organisms, translational glycobiology thus aims to utilize them both as targets for drugs or as drugs themselves. New or improved glycan products arise as more is learned about the complex biological and chemical roles glycans play, paralleled by advancements in the carbohydrate synthesis toolbox.