Work

Enzyme‐Linked Cycloaddition Assay (ELCA) for Rapid, Ultra‐Sensitive Monitoring of Secreted Sialoglycoproteins

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Glycosylation of proteins is central to cell signaling, immune function, and pathogen interactions, yet existing methods for monitoring glycan changes require specialized instrumentation and primarily report on membrane-anchored, rather than secreted, glycoproteins. Here, we present the Enzyme-Linked Cycloaddition Assay (ELCA), a click chemistry-based platform for ultra-sensitive detection and semi-quantitative analysis of secreted sialoglycoproteins. By metabolically incorporating an azide-modified sialic acid into newly synthesized glycoproteins and capturing labeled material via strain-promoted cycloaddition, ELCA quantifies aggregate sialylation using a microplate reader-compatible, ELISA-like workflow. We demonstrate that the secreted glycoproteome responds rapidly to pharmacological perturbation, with changes detectable within hours. Benchmarking against common glycosylation inhibitors and profiling cytokine-driven macrophage polarization further establishes ELCA's sensitivity and temporal resolution. Compatible with serum-containing conditions and requiring no specialized instrumentation, ELCA provides a broadly accessible tool for rapid, cost-effective monitoring of secreted glycoprotein dynamics.

Source: Advanced Science

DOI: 10.1002/advs.78315

Authors: Jon Lundstrøm, Jingmei Yang, Daniel Bojar

Institutions: Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Science for Life Laboratory

Language: English

Topic: Glycosylation and Glycoproteins Research

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $6,730