Glycoproteins are synthesized in most of the living organisms, being major components of the outer surface of mammalian cells and most of the secreted proteins in eukaryotes. Accordingly, a better comprehension of the biological processes in which they are involved requires the characterization of their structure and conformation. As such rationale faces several difficulties from both experimental and theoretical approaches, this review summarizes the current state of the art and methods employed to model and represent glycoproteins, including their carbohydrate moieties, through computer simulations.
Keywords: Conformational analysis, ensemble, glycan, glycoprotein, glycosylation, molecular dynamics, solvation, eukaryotes, carbohydrate moieties