NAGsite: A webserver for the prediction of N-acetyl glucosamine Interacting residue

N-Acetylglucosamine (N-acetyl-D-glucosamine, or GlcNAc, or NAG) is a monosaccharide derivative of glucose. It is an amide between glucosamine and acetic acid. It has a molecular formula of C8H15NO6, a molar mass of 221.21 g/mol, and it is significant in several biological systems.N-AcetylGlucosamine is one of the eight essential sugars needed for optimal health and functioning in the human body and like the other glyconutrients promotes communication between the cells. N-AcetylGlucosamine (or Glucosamine its metabolic derivative) helps in immune system functioning particular in regards to HIV and tumors.
nag binding sites

A PDB showing NAG molecules (in sticks) interacting with amino acids of a protein

In bacteria NAG is present as a structural unit in cell wall. NAG crosslink with N-acetylmuramic acid (MurNac) to for a layered structure called peptidoglycan, which is an integral component of bacterial cell wall. It’s also present in outer covering of insects and crustaceans in the form of a polymer chitin.In humans N-acetyl-glucosamine is of paramount importance. NAG helps in the repair of cartilage, its decreases pain and inflammation with bones joints. Glucosamine a metabolic byproduct of NAG helps mend mucosal lining. It also plays role in tissue rebuilding as well as digestive tract. Presence of NAG in brains helps in the functioning of nervous system and enhances learning process. Glucosamine receptors help in the transport of thyroglobulin. Its presence in lever helps in the control secretion of insulin. N-acetyl-Glucosamine is known to have anti-viral and anti-tumor activity. This sugar helps in preventing the spread of influenza virus, herpes virus and tumors. A reduced level of N-acetyl-Glucosamine has been observed in colon cancer patients. When Glucosamine, glyconutrients and mannose were added to drinking water of mice, it stopped the growth of Ehrlich ascites tumor. Decrease amount of N-acetyl glucosamine is known to cause crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and diseases of bowel and bladder.