Amino & Nucleotide Sugar Profiling Service

Q: Can you distinguish between sugar isomers like GlcNAc and GalNAc reliably?

Yes, our chromatography methods (e.g. HILIC or PGC) are optimized to yield baseline separation between isomeric sugars such as GlcNAc and GalNAc; we validate separation using reference standards in each run to prevent misassignment.

Q: How do you correct for matrix effects or ion suppression in complex samples?

We apply matrix-matched calibration and, where available, stable isotope internal standards to compensate for ion suppression; we also perform recovery experiments and report correction factors so you see both raw and corrected values transparently.

Q: What level of sample purity or cleanup is required before analysis?

Samples should be deproteinized and salts reduced as much as possible; if they contain extreme levels of salts, detergents, or viscous polymers, we recommend cleanup via SPE, ultrafiltration, or desalting prior to submission to protect column life and sensitivity, while still preserving analyte recovery.

Q: What is the lowest concentration (LOD/LOQ) I can expect for nucleotide sugars in biological samples?

Under optimized conditions, our methods typically reach limits of detection in the low ng/mL range (often ≤1–5 ng/mL, depending on analyte and matrix). Method limits are determined case-by-case and reported in your final report.

Q: Can this sugar analysis integrate with my existing metabolomics or glycomics workflow?

Absolutely. Our assays support modular integration with broader untargeted or targeted metabolomics/glycomics pipelines, so you can correlate nucleotide sugar pools to metabolic flux or glycan structural results without needing completely separate processing.

Q: What if my analyte of interest is not in your standard panel?

If you have a rare or modified sugar (e.g. deoxy‑, methylated, or unusual acylated forms), we can evaluate feasibility, develop a custom transition method, and validate it in your matrix under our method development service — we aim to accommodate your most challenging targets.

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What Are Amino Sugars and Nucleotide Sugars—and Why Analyze Them?

Amino sugars and nucleotide sugars are essential precursors in glycan biosynthesis, glycoprotein formation, and bacterial cell wall assembly. They act as key substrates for glycosylation and metabolic signaling across biological systems.

However, their analysis is often hindered by poor chromatographic retention, co-elution of isomers, and instability during sample processing. These issues can compromise data quality in both discovery and quality control settings.

Creative Proteomics offers a targeted analysis service designed to overcome these challenges. We apply isomer-resolved separations, stabilization techniques, and sensitive LC–MS methods to support accurate, reproducible quantification. Our workflows are tailored for researchers investigating glycosylation pathways, metabolic regulation, or carbohydrate-based product consistency.

Targeted Services for Amino and Nucleotide Sugar Quantification

Targeted quantification of free amino sugars
Includes glucosamine, galactosamine, mannosamine, and their N-acetylated forms (e.g., GlcNAc, GalNAc).
Analysis of nucleotide-activated sugar donors
Covers UDP-sugars (e.g., UDP-Glc, UDP-GlcNAc), GDP-sugars (e.g., GDP-Fuc, GDP-Man), and CMP-sialic acids.
Isomer-resolved sugar profiling
Methods designed to distinguish isobaric/isomeric pairs such as GlcNAc vs GalNAc, or Neu5Ac vs Neu5Gc.
Stabilized detection of labile sugars
Customized derivatization and cold-chain sample handling to preserve sialic acids and phosphorylated sugars.
Custom panel design and matrix validation
We support tailored compound panels and validate them in your specific sample type, including tissues, serum, microbial extracts, fermentation broths, and formulation buffers.

Full List of Detectable Amino Sugars and Nucleotide Sugars

Our targeted panels cover a comprehensive set of amino and nucleotide sugars relevant to glycosylation, bacterial cell wall synthesis, and sugar metabolism. Custom additions are also available upon request.

Amino Sugars

Compound Name	Abbreviation	Notes
Glucosamine	GlcN	Common precursor in glycoproteins and GAGs
Galactosamine	GalN	Structural component of mucins and glycolipids
Mannosamine	ManN	Precursor for sialic acid biosynthesis
N-Acetylglucosamine	GlcNAc	Key substrate in N-glycosylation
N-Acetylgalactosamine	GalNAc	Involved in O-glycosylation initiation
N-Acetylmannosamine	ManNAc	Intermediate in sialic acid synthesis
Muramic acid	Mur	Unique to bacterial peptidoglycan
Sialic acids	Neu5Ac, Neu5Gc	Includes mono- and di-O-acetylated forms (selective detection)

Nucleotide Sugars

Compound Name	Abbreviation	Donor Type
UDP-Glucose	UDP-Glc	Hexose donor for glycan extension
UDP-Galactose	UDP-Gal	Used in β1-4 galactosylation
UDP-Glucuronic acid	UDP-GlcA	Precursor in proteoglycan and detox pathways
UDP-Xylose	UDP-Xyl	Essential for proteoglycan core structures
UDP-GlcNAc	UDP-N-acetylglucosamine	Central hub in glycan branching
UDP-GalNAc	UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine	O-glycosylation initiator
GDP-Mannose	GDP-Man	Core donor for high-mannose glycans
GDP-Fucose	GDP-Fuc	Fucosylation donor
GDP-Galactose	GDP-Gal	Less common but detectable
CMP-Neu5Ac	CMP-sialic acid	Donor for sialyltransferases
CMP-Neu5Gc	CMP-sialic acid (variant)	Less common in human cells
ADP-Glucose	ADP-Glc	Plant/microbial glycogen synthesis

Not seeing your target? We routinely expand our method libraries. Contact us for compound evaluation and panel customization.

Why Choose Our Amino Sugar and Nucleotide Sugar Analysis Service?

Low Detection Limits

Typical limits of detection (LOD) range from <1 ng/mL to 5 ng/mL, depending on analyte chemistry and matrix complexity. Sensitivity can be enhanced through derivatization or enrichment when needed.

Excellent Linearity

Calibration curves routinely achieve R² ≥ 0.995 across dynamic ranges of two to three orders of magnitude, using matrix-matched standards or isotope-labeled internal controls.

Quantitative Precision

Inter- and intra-assay precision typically falls within 5–15% coefficient of variation (CV) for most analytes, based on triplicate injections and QC spike tracking.

High Mass Accuracy

High-resolution MS methods (Orbitrap or Q-TOF platforms) maintain <5 ppm mass error across batches, ensuring reliable compound identification even in isomer-rich panels.

Isomer-Specific Separation

HILIC and PGC-based LC methods achieve baseline separation of key isomers like GlcNAc vs GalNAc or Neu5Ac vs Neu5Gc—critical for pathway-specific interpretation.

Validated Carryover Control

Optimized wash protocols and valve diversion steps reduce analyte carryover to <0.1% of the preceding peak area, protecting quantitation in large sample sets.

QC-Integrated Reporting

Every run includes blank injections, calibration standards, spike-in QCs, and system suitability tests to support transparent and auditable data.

How We Analyze Amino and Nucleotide Sugars: Methods, Instruments, and Parameters

We use high-sensitivity UHPLC–MS/MS platforms with isomer-resolved separation to quantify amino sugars and nucleotide sugars in complex biological matrices. Methods are selected based on compound class, matrix complexity, and required sensitivity.

Instruments & Detection Modes

Orbitrap PRM / Full Scan (Q Exactive HF-X, Exploris 240): For high-resolution profiling with <5 ppm mass accuracy and 30k–60k resolving power.

Triple Quadrupole MRM (QTRAP 6500+, Xevo TQ-S): For targeted quantification with LOD <1–5 ng/mL in most matrices.

Separation Techniques

HILIC: Resolves amino sugars and N-acetyl derivatives (e.g., GlcNAc, GalNAc).

Ion-pair RP: Enhances retention of nucleotide sugars (e.g., UDP-, GDP-, CMP-linked).

PGC: Separates critical isomers like UDP-Glc vs UDP-Gal with baseline resolution.

Key Analytical Capabilities

Capability	What It Solves	How It's Achieved
Isomer Resolution	Prevents co-elution of GlcNAc vs GalNAc, UDP-Glc vs UDP-Gal	HILIC or PGC columns + high-resolution MS
Labile Sugar Stability	Avoids degradation of CMP-sialic acids, UDP-sugars	pH control, rapid prep, derivatization (PMP/DMB)
Low-Level Detection	Enables quantification in low-abundance samples	LOD < 1–5 ng/mL via QqQ or Orbitrap PRM
Quantitative Accuracy	Ensures reproducibility across batches and matrices	Internal standards + matrix-matched calibration
Comprehensive QC	Validates every data point	Spike recovery, %CV, retention time checks

Thermo Fisher Q Exactive (Figure from Thermo Fisher)

Orbitrap Exploris 240 (Figure from Thermo)

SCIEX Triple Quad™ 6500+ (Figure from Sciex)

Step-by-Step Workflow for Amino and Nucleotide Sugar Quantification

Consultation & Panel Design

Define target sugars, matrix type, expected range, and project objectives. Analytical methods are tailored accordingly.

Sample Intake & Stabilization

Assess volume, container, and matrix composition. Apply stabilization strategies—pH control, deproteinization, or rapid freezing—to preserve labile sugars.

Extraction & Derivatization

Use cold aqueous or acidic extraction for nucleotide sugars. Apply PMP derivatization for amino sugars to improve retention and MS response.

Chromatographic Separation

Select HILIC, ion-pair RP, or PGC columns based on polarity and isomer complexity. Gradients are optimized for clean baseline separation.

MS Acquisition & QC

Analyze with QqQ (MRM) or Orbitrap (PRM/full scan). Include system blanks, calibration curves, and QC spikes to ensure quantitation integrity.

Data Processing & Reporting

Normalize with internal standards and matrix-matched curves. Report isomers individually; flag co-elution or outliers as needed.

Amino Sugar and Nucleotide Sugar Analysis Workflow

Sample Requirements for Amino Sugar and Nucleotide Sugar LC–MS Analysis

Sample Type	Minimum Volume / Mass	Container	Notes
Biofluids (serum, plasma, urine, CSF, fermentation broth)	≥100 µL	Low-bind microcentrifuge tubes	Avoid hemolysis; EDTA or heparin preferred
Tissues / Cells (animal, plant, microbial)	≥20 mg tissue or cell pellet	Cryovials or tubes	Snap-freeze immediately after harvest; no non-volatile buffers
Lysates / Extracts	≥100 µL	Low-bind tubes	Deproteinize if possible; record buffer composition
Purified Compounds / Intermediates	≥50 µL or ≥2 mg	Amber or low-adsorption vials	Declare solvent and concentration; avoid surfactants or glycerol
Formulations / Media	≥200 µL	Sealed tubes or vials	List all additives; high salt may require cleanup

For matrices not listed above, please consult us before submission. Avoid using detergents, high-salt buffers, or preservatives unless necessary.

What You Receive: Deliverables from Our LC–MS/MS Sugar Analysis

Quant tables: Analyte names, retention times, transitions or exact masses, concentration per sample, units, and QC flags.
Calibration and QC pack: Calibration curves, residuals, R², back-calculated standards, spike-recovery, and precision metrics.
Chromatographic evidence: Extracted ion chromatograms, peak annotations, and isomer-resolution notes.
Method brief: Column, mobile phases, gradient outline, acquisition settings, internal standards, and sample prep summary.
Raw data and method files: Vendor RAW/Wiff data, processing templates, and transition lists (on request).
Pathway view (optional): Overlay of quantified metabolites on the amino sugar and nucleotide sugar pathway for interpretation.

LC–MS/MS overlay chromatogram showing peak separation of UDP-Gal and UDP-Glc.

Chromatogram Overlay (UDP-Gal vs UDP-Glc)

Standard curve plot with regression line for GlcNAc, showing linear response across ng/mL range.

Standard Curve for GlcNAc

XIC overlay plot showing chromatographic resolution between GalNAc and GlcNAc peaks.

XIC Overlay of GalNAc vs GlcNAc

Bar graph showing spike recovery (%) for GlcNAc in five sample replicates.

Spike Recovery of GlcNAc

Where Amino and Nucleotide Sugar Analysis Makes an Impact

Glycosylation Pathway Profiling

Evaluate precursor supply for N- and O-linked glycan biosynthesis.

Microbial Cell Wall Studies

Quantify amino sugars involved in peptidoglycan structure and antibiotic response.

Metabolic Engineering

Monitor sugar nucleotide flux in engineered microbial or plant systems.

Bioprocess Quality Control

Assess donor sugar levels in glycoprotein and vaccine production workflows.

Plant Cell Wall Engineering

Profile UDP-sugars involved in hemicellulose and pectin biosynthesis.

Functional Glycomics Support

Provide metabolic context for glycan structure-function investigations.

Can you distinguish between sugar isomers like GlcNAc and GalNAc reliably?

Yes, our chromatography methods (e.g. HILIC or PGC) are optimized to yield baseline separation between isomeric sugars such as GlcNAc and GalNAc; we validate separation using reference standards in each run to prevent misassignment.

How do you correct for matrix effects or ion suppression in complex samples?

We apply matrix-matched calibration and, where available, stable isotope internal standards to compensate for ion suppression; we also perform recovery experiments and report correction factors so you see both raw and corrected values transparently.

What level of sample purity or cleanup is required before analysis?

Samples should be deproteinized and salts reduced as much as possible; if they contain extreme levels of salts, detergents, or viscous polymers, we recommend cleanup via SPE, ultrafiltration, or desalting prior to submission to protect column life and sensitivity, while still preserving analyte recovery.

What is the lowest concentration (LOD/LOQ) I can expect for nucleotide sugars in biological samples?

Under optimized conditions, our methods typically reach limits of detection in the low ng/mL range (often ≤1–5 ng/mL, depending on analyte and matrix). Method limits are determined case-by-case and reported in your final report.

Can this sugar analysis integrate with my existing metabolomics or glycomics workflow?

Absolutely. Our assays support modular integration with broader untargeted or targeted metabolomics/glycomics pipelines, so you can correlate nucleotide sugar pools to metabolic flux or glycan structural results without needing completely separate processing.

What if my analyte of interest is not in your standard panel?

If you have a rare or modified sugar (e.g. deoxy‑, methylated, or unusual acylated forms), we can evaluate feasibility, develop a custom transition method, and validate it in your matrix under our method development service — we aim to accommodate your most challenging targets.

MS-CETSA functional proteomics uncovers new DNA-repair programs leading to Gemcitabine resistance

Nordlund, P., Liang, Y. Y., Khalid, K., Van Le, H., Teo, H. M., Raitelaitis, M., ... & Prabhu, N.

Journal: Research Square

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-4820265/v1

High Levels of Oxidative Stress Early after HSCT Are Associated with Later Adverse Outcomes

Cook, E., Langenberg, L., Luebbering, N., Ibrahimova, A., Sabulski, A., Lake, K. E., ... & Davies, S. M.

Journal:Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtct.2023.12.096

Multiomics of a rice population identifies genes and genomic regions that bestow low glycemic index and high protein content

Badoni, S., Pasion-Uy, E. A., Kor, S., Kim, S. R., Tiozon Jr, R. N., Misra, G., ... & Sreenivasulu, N.

Journal: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2410598121

The Brain Metabolome Is Modified by Obesity in a Sex-Dependent Manner

Norman, J. E., Milenkovic, D., Nuthikattu, S., & Villablanca, A. C.

Journal: International Journal of Molecular Sciences

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25063475

UDP-Glucose/P2Y14 Receptor Signaling Exacerbates Neuronal Apoptosis After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in Rats

Kanamaru, H., Zhu, S., Dong, S., Takemoto, Y., Huang, L., Sherchan, P., ... & Zhang, J. H.

Journal: Stroke

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.123.044422

Pan-lysyl oxidase inhibition disrupts fibroinflammatory tumor stroma, rendering cholangiocarcinoma susceptible to chemotherapy

Burchard, P. R., Ruffolo, L. I., Ullman, N. A., Dale, B. S., Dave, Y. A., Hilty, B. K., ... & Hernandez-Alejandro, R.

Journal: Hepatology Communications

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1097/HC9.0000000000000502

Comparative metabolite profiling of salt sensitive Oryza sativa and the halophytic wild rice Oryza coarctata under salt stress

Tamanna, N., Mojumder, A., Azim, T., Iqbal, M. I., Alam, M. N. U., Rahman, A., & Seraj, Z. I.

Journal: Plant‐Environment Interactions

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1002/pei3.10155

Teriflunomide/leflunomide synergize with chemotherapeutics by decreasing mitochondrial fragmentation via DRP1 in SCLC

Mirzapoiazova, T., Tseng, L., Mambetsariev, B., Li, H., Lou, C. H., Pozhitkov, A., ... & Salgia, R.

Journal: iScience

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.isci.2024.110132

Physiological, transcriptomic and metabolomic insights of three extremophyte woody species living in the multi-stress environment of the Atacama Desert

Gajardo, H. A., Morales, M., Larama, G., Luengo-Escobar, A., López, D., Machado, M., ... & Bravo, L. A.

Journal: Planta

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00425-024-04484-1

A personalized probabilistic approach to ovarian cancer diagnostics

Ban, D., Housley, S. N., Matyunina, L. V., McDonald, L. D., Bae-Jump, V. L., Benigno, B. B., ... & McDonald, J. F.

Journal: Gynecologic Oncology

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2023.12.030

Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is prevented by dietary prune in female mice

Chargo, N. J., Neugebauer, K., Guzior, D. V., Quinn, R. A., Parameswaran, N., & McCabe, L. R.

Journal: Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fcell.2023.1324649

Proteolytic activation of fatty acid synthase signals pan-stress resolution

Wei, H., Weaver, Y. M., Yang, C., Zhang, Y., Hu, G., Karner, C. M., ... & Weaver, B. P.

Journal: Nature Metabolism

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42255-023-00939-z

Quantifying forms and functions of intestinal bile acid pools in mice

Sudo, K., Delmas-Eliason, A., Soucy, S., Barrack, K. E., Liu, J., Balasubramanian, A., … & Sundrud, M. S.

Journal: bioRxiv

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.02.16.580658

Elevated SLC7A2 expression is associated with an abnormal neuroinflammatory response and nitrosative stress in Huntington's disease

Gaudet, I. D., Xu, H., Gordon, E., Cannestro, G. A., Lu, M. L., & Wei, J.

Journal: Journal of Neuroinflammation

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12974-024-03038-2

Thermotolerance capabilities, blood metabolomics, and mammary gland hemodynamics and transcriptomic profiles of slick-haired Holstein cattle during mid lactation in Puerto Rico

Contreras-Correa, Z. E., Sánchez-Rodríguez, H. L., Arick II, M. A., Muñiz-Colón, G., & Lemley, C. O.

Journal: Journal of Dairy Science

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3168/jds.2023-23878

DNA stimulates SIRT6 to mono-ADP-ribosylate proteins within histidine repeats

Pederson, N. J., & Diehl, K. L.

Journal: bioRxiv

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.07.31.606047

Glycine supplementation can partially restore oxidative stress-associated glutathione deficiency in ageing cats

Ruparell, A., Alexander, J. E., Eyre, R., Carvell-Miller, L., Leung, Y. B., Evans, S. J., ... & Watson, P.

Journal: British Journal of Nutrition

Year: 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114524000370

Untargeted metabolomics reveal sex-specific and non-specific redox-modulating metabolites in kidneys following binge drinking

Rafferty, D., de Carvalho, L. M., Sutter, M., Heneghan, K., Nelson, V., Leitner, M., ... & Puthanveetil, P.

Journal: Redox Experimental Medicine

Year: 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1530/REM-23-0005

Sex modifies the impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on the murine whole brain metabolome

Norman, J. E., Nuthikattu, S., Milenkovic, D., & Villablanca, A. C.

Journal: Metabolites

Year: 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/metabo13091012

A human iPSC-derived hepatocyte screen identifies compounds that inhibit production of Apolipoprotein B

Liu, J. T., Doueiry, C., Jiang, Y. L., Blaszkiewicz, J., Lamprecht, M. P., Heslop, J. A., ... & Duncan, S. A.

Journal: Communications Biology

Year: 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s42003-023-04739-9

Methyl donor supplementation reduces phospho‐Tau, Fyn and demethylated protein phosphatase 2A levels and mitigates learning and motor deficits in a mouse model of tauopathy

van Hummel, A., Taleski, G., Sontag, J. M., Feiten, A. F., Ke, Y. D., Ittner, L. M., & Sontag, E.

Journal: Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology

Year: 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/nan.12931

Sex hormones, sex chromosomes, and microbiota: identification of Akkermansia muciniphila as an estrogen-responsive bacterium

Sakamuri, A., Bardhan, P., Tummala, R., Mauvais-Jarvis, F., Yang, T., Joe, B., & Ogola, B. O.

Journal: Microbiota and Host

Year: 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1530/MAH-23-0010

Living in extreme environments: a photosynthetic and desiccation stress tolerance trade-off story, but not for everyone

Gajardo, H. A., Morales, M., López, D., Luengo-Escobar, M., Machado, A., Nunes-Nesi, A., ... & Bravo, L.

Journal: Authorea Preprints

Year: 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22541/au.168311184.42382633/v2

Resting natural killer cell homeostasis relies on tryptophan/NAD+ metabolism and HIF‐1α

Pelletier, A., Nelius, E., Fan, Z., Khatchatourova, E., Alvarado‐Diaz, A., He, J., ... & Stockmann, C.

Journal: EMBO Reports

Year: 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15252/embr.202256156

Function and regulation of a steroidogenic CYP450 enzyme in the mitochondrion of Toxoplasma gondii

Asady, B., Sampels, V., Romano, J. D., Levitskaya, J., Lige, B., Khare, P., ... & Coppens, I.

Journal: PLoS Pathogens

Year: 2023

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1011566

Amino Sugars and Nucleotide Sugars Quantification Service

What Are Amino Sugars and Nucleotide Sugars—and Why Analyze Them?

Targeted Services for Amino and Nucleotide Sugar Quantification

Full List of Detectable Amino Sugars and Nucleotide Sugars

Amino Sugars

Nucleotide Sugars

Why Choose Our Amino Sugar and Nucleotide Sugar Analysis Service?

How We Analyze Amino and Nucleotide Sugars: Methods, Instruments, and Parameters

Step-by-Step Workflow for Amino and Nucleotide Sugar Quantification

Sample Requirements for Amino Sugar and Nucleotide Sugar LC–MS Analysis

What You Receive: Deliverables from Our LC–MS/MS Sugar Analysis

Where Amino and Nucleotide Sugar Analysis Makes an Impact