Structure and Function of di/oligo/polysialic Acid (Polymerized Sialyl Structure)

Sialic acid (Sia) is known to present as a monosialyl residue at a non-reducing terminal end of glycan in nature. In some cases, Sias occur as polymerized sialyl structures, di/oligo/polysialic acids (diSia/oligoSia/polySias). Here, we focus on the structure, function and biological significance of diSia/oligoSia/polySias. Following the definition of di/oligo/polySia structures and establishment of chemical and immunochemical detection methods, we analyzed these structures and their function based on a set of working hypotheses. So far, the biological meanings of degree of polymerization (DP) were shown and they lead to the change the concept of polySia. In addition, this research is applicable in the study of diseases such as mental disorder and cancer. However, research on the biological significance of the diversity in di/oligo/polySia structures is still ongoing.