Article

Introduction to Glycobiology (M. Taylor and K. Drickamer, 3rd Edn., Oxford University Press, Oxford-New York, 2011, 283 p., $52.95)

DOI: 10.1134/S0006297912020150

The book consists of two parts, which include numerous small chapters related to various aspects of glycobiology. Part 1 highlights structure and biosynthesis of glycans and includes concepts of glycobiology, N- and O-linked glycosylations, glycosylation of glycolipids and membrane proteins. This part includes data about enzymology and cell biology of glycosylation and also discussion related to glycomics, analysis of glycan structures, and conformations of oligosaccharides. The second part of the book includes data related to the glycans in biology. The chapters of this part consider effects of glycosylation on protein structure and function, role of carbohydrate in cell recognition, adhesion, signaling, and trafficking. Several chapters of the book highlight glycobiology of plants, bacteria, and viruses. Glycobiology and development, glycosylation and disease, as well as the future of glycobiology are discussed in the last three chapters of the book.

As mentioned by the authors, this book is addressed to the senior undergraduate and beginning graduate students. The authors, who have prepared an excellent textbook using comparatively small volume with large comprehensive materials, have successfully achieved this goal. The presented information is summarized in relatively brief chapters in which individual sections have been given descriptive headings summarizing the main concepts that are being explained. Key terms are highlighted in the text at the point where they first appear, and most are defined in the glossary. Cross-references have been added in the margins to link topics between chapters, particularly between the two sections.

New to this third edition of the book is updated content to reflect the current state of the field: a new chapter on cell biology of glycosylation and expanded coverage of congenital disorders, proteoglycans, influenza virus, muscular dystrophy, and cancer.

The book should be recommended to students and teachers of colleges and universities who specialize on glycobiology. It will also be a very useful source for many researchers in fields of glycobiology. I would like to mention that book is well done including many figures, questions, and references to each chapter, and a glossary and subject index.

Doctor of Biological Sciences
G. Wiederschain