• BMB Reports
• /
• v.41 no.1
• /
• pp.72-78
• /
• 2008

Human NeuNAc-9-P synthase is a two-domain protein with ability to synthesize both NeuNAc-9-P and KDN-9-P. Its mouse counterpart differs by only 20 out of 359 amino acids but does not produce KDN-9-P. By replacing the AFL domain of the human NeuNAc-9-P synthase which accommodates 12 of these differences, with the mouse AFL domain we examined its importance for the secondary KDN-9-P synthetic activity. The chimeric protein retained almost half of the ability of the human enzyme for KDN-9-P synthesis while the NeuNAc-9-P production was reduced to less than 10%. Data from the homology modeling and the effect of divalent ions and temperature on the enzyme activities suggest conformational differences between the human and mouse AFL domains that alter the shape of the cavity accommodating the substrates. Therefore, although the AFL domain itself does not define the ability of the human enzyme for KDN-9-P synthesis, it is important for both activities by aiding optimal positioning of the substrates.

• Food Science of Animal Resources
• /
• v.31 no.5
• /
• pp.631-640
• /
• 2011

Milk oligosaccharides are the complex mixture of six monosaccharides namely, D-glucose, D-galactose, N-acetyl-glucosamine, N-acetyl-galactosamine, L-fucose, and N-acetyl-neuraminic acid. The mixture is categorized as neutral and acidic classes. Previously, 25 oligosaccharides in bovine milk and 115 oligosaccharides in human milk have been characterized. Because human intestine lacks the enzyme to hydrolyze the oligosaccharide structures, these substances can reach the colon without degradation and are known to have many health beneficial functions. It has been shown that this fraction of carbohydrate can increase the bifidobacterial population in the intestine and colon, resulting in a significant reduction of pathogenic bacteria. The role of milk oligosaccharides as a barrier against pathogens binding to the cell surface has recently been demonstrated. Milk oligosaccharides have the potential to produce immuno-modulation effects. It is also well known that oligosaccharides in milk have a significant influence on intestinal mineral absorption and in the formation of the brain and central nervous system. Due to its structural resemblance, bovine milk is considered to be the most potential source of oligosaccharides to produce the same effect of oligosaccharides present in human milk. This review describes the characteristics and potential health benefits of milk oligosaccharides as well as the prospects of oligosaccharides in bovine milk for use in functional foods.

• Journal of Marine Bioscience and Biotechnology
• /
• v.12 no.2
• /
• pp.81-90
• /
• 2020

Sialic acid, which is contained in about 60-160 mg/kg in the edible bird's nest (EBN), is known to facilitate in the proper formation of synapses and improve memory function. The objective of this study is to extract effectively the sialic acid from edible bird's nest using affinity bead technology (ABT). After preparing the non-polar polymeric bead "KJM-278-28A" having a porous network structure, and then desorbed sialic acid was concentrated and dried. The analysis of the physicochemical properties of bead "KJM-278-28A" showed that the particle size was 400-700 ㎛, the moisture holding capacity was 67-70%, the surface area (BET) was 705-900 ㎡/g, and the average pore diameter 70-87 Å. The adsorption capacity of the bead "KJM-278-28A" for sialic acid was shown a strong physical force to bind sialic acid to the bead surface of 400 mg/L. In addition, as a result of analyzing the adsorption and desorption effects of sialic acid on water, ethanol, and 10% ethanol on the bead, it was confirmed that desorption effectively occurs from the beads when only ethanol is used. As a result of HPLC measurement of the separated sialic acid solution, a total of four sialic acid peaks of N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), α,β-anomer of Neu5Ac and N-glycoly-neuraminic acid were identified. Through these results, it was confirmed that it is possible to separate sialic acid from EBN extract with efficient and high yield when using ABT.