O-linked glycosylation

O-linked glycosylation is a biological process where sugar molecules are attached to oxygen atoms on proteins, specifically to the amino acid serine or threonine. This modification occurs in cells and influences how proteins fold, their stability, and interactions with other molecules. It plays important roles in cell signaling, immune response, and development. The process happens sequentially, adding sugars step-by-step to build complex carbohydrate chains. O-linked glycosylation is essential for normal cellular function, and abnormalities in this process can contribute to diseases such as cancer and certain genetic disorders.