Solid-phase synthesis of mucin glycopeptides

Solid-phase synthesis of mucin glycopeptides is an effective way to prepare constructs in order to investigate their biological and biophysical properties. This review highlights three key aspects of this process. First, methods to prepare α-glycosylated Thr and Ser derivatives as building blocks are outlined, including comparisons of the effects of leaving groups, neighboring groups, and different sugar types on glycosidic linkage stereochemistry. Second, conditions are described for incorporation of the various building blocks into glycopeptides by solid-phase synthesis. Third, procedures are summarized for removal of O-acetyl sugar protection upon completion of glycopeptide assembly.