Structural characterisation and biological activities of a unique type β-d-glucan obtained from Aureobasidium pullulans
AbstractA β-D-glucan obtained from Aureobasidium pullulans (AP-FBG) exhibits various biological activities: it exhibits antitumour and antiosteoporotic effects and prevents food allergies. An unambiguous structural characterisation of AP-FBG is still awaited. The biological effects of β-D-glucan are known to depend on its primary structures, conformation, and molecular weight. Here, we elucidate the primary structure of AP-FBG by NMR spectroscopy, and evaluate its biological activities. Its structure was shown to comprise a mixture of a 1-3-β-D-glucan backbone with single 1-6-β-D-glucopyranosyl side-branching units every two residues (major structure) and a 1-3-β-D-glucan backbone with single 1-6-β-D-glucopyranosyl side-branching units every three residues (minor structure). Furthermore, this β-D-glucan exhibited immunostimulatory effects such as the accumulation of immune cells and priming effects against enterobacterium. To our knowledge, 1-3-β-glucans like AP-FBG with such a high number of 1-6-β-glucopyranosyl side branching have a unique structure; nevertheless, many 1-3-β-glucans were isolated from various sources, e.g. fungi, bacteria, and plants.Similar content being viewed by othersBotryosphaeran – A Fungal Exopolysaccharide of the (1→3)(1→6)-β-D-Glucan Kind: Structure and Biological FunctionsChapter © 2019
Understanding the structure-activity relationship of β-glucans is crucial for predicting and optimizing their biological effects. This 2008 study characterized β-glucan structure and correlated it with immunological activity.
Structural characterization revealed that the degree of branching, molecular weight, and solubility of β-glucans strongly influence their biological activity. Specifically branched β-1,3/1,6 configurations showed optimal immunostimulatory activity, engaging innate immune receptors more effectively than linear forms.
This structure-activity research directly supports the biological rationale for Aureobasidium pullulans-derived β-1,3/1,6-glucan. The branched configuration produced by this organism is precisely the form identified as most immunologically active.
AI-generated summary for accessibility. Always refer to the original paper.
Tada R., Tanioka A., Iwasawa H., Hatashita M., Adachi Y., Ohno N.. Structural characterisation and biological activities of a unique type β-d-glucan obtained from Aureobasidium pullulans. Glycoconjugate Journal. 2008. DOI: 10.1007/s10719-008-9147-3.
For scientific reference only. Not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional. See our Medical Disclaimer.