Glycomimetic Macrocycles

Glycomimetic macrocycles are an extremely interesting class of glycomimetics that occupy space between small and macro molecules. On a cellular level, carbohydrates are fundamental constituents of every cell surface, where they are involved in vital cell-cell and host-pathogen recognition processes. Glycomimetics are designed to mimic the structure of natural carbohydrates and modulate their disease related functions. In nature, glycomimetic macrocycles are mostly represented by molecules derived from marine microorganisms or microbial metabolites. Synthetic glycomimetic macrocycles demonstrate antiangiogenesis activity with potential for anti-cancer therapy. The scope of potential application for glycomimetic macrocycles goes beyond their established functions as there are many emerging targets that require specific carbohydrate recognition molecules to generate potential inhibitors. This includes the design of novel antivirals, antisense oligonucleotides and bifunctional synthetic molecules for the degradation of extracellular proteins.