Identification of Novel Glycans in the Mucus Layer of Shark and Skate Skin

The mucus layer covering the skin of fish has several roles, including protection against pathogens and mechanical damage. While the mucus layers of various bony fish species have been investigated, the composition and glycan profiles of shark skin mucus remain relatively unexplored. In this pilot study, we aimed to explore the structure and composition of shark skin mucus through histological analysis and glycan profiling. Histological examination of skin samples from Atlantic spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) sharks and chain catsharks (Scyliorhinus retifer) revealed distinct mucin-producing cells and a mucus layer, indicating the presence of a functional mucus layer similar to bony fish mucus albeit thinner. Glycan profiling using liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry unveiled a diverse repertoire of mostly O-glycans in the mucus of the two sharks as well as little skate (Leucoraja erinacea). Elasmobranch glycans differ significantly from bony fish, especially in being more sulfated, and some bear resemblance to human glycans, such as gastric mucin O-glycans and H blood group-type glycans. This study contributes to the concept of shark skin having unique properties and provides a foundation for further research into the functional roles and potential biomedical implications of shark skin mucus glycans.

NATURVETENSKAP Biologi Biokemi och molekylärbiologi hsv//swe
NATURAL SCIENCES Biological Sciences Biochemistry and Molecular Biology hsv//eng
elasmobranchs
sharks
skin
mucus layer
mucin
glycans
glycoproteins
O-glycans
N-glycans
mass spectrometry

Thomsson, Kristina A,1969Gothenburg University,Göteborgs universitet,Core Facilities, Proteomics,Core Facilities, Proteomics(Swepub:gu)xthokr (author)
Sihlbom, Carina,1973Gothenburg University,Göteborgs universitet,Core Facilities, Proteomics,Core Facilities, Proteomics(Swepub:gu)xsihca (author)
Abbo, Lisa (author)
Tartor, Haitham (author)
Lindén, Sara K.,1974Gothenburg University,Göteborgs universitet,Institutionen för biomedicin, avdelningen för medicinsk kemi och cellbiologi,Institute of Biomedicine, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology(Swepub:gu)xlisar (author)
Wikstrom, Jakob D. (author)
Karolinska InstitutetCore Facilities, Proteomics (creator_code:org_t)

By the author/editor: Bachar-Wikstrom, ...; Thomsson, Kristi ...; Sihlbom, Carina, ...; Abbo, Lisa; Tartor, Haitham; Lindén, Sara K., ...; show more...; Wikstrom, Jakob ...; show less...

About the subject

NATURAL SCIENCES: NATURAL SCIENCES; and Biological Scien ...; and Biochemistry and ...

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