Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of evaluating the status of a stem cell preparation comprising the step of detecting the presence of a glycan structure or a group of glycan structures in said preparation. The detection step can be performed by the use of a lectin specific to a glycan structure of interest.

Abstract: The invention describes methods for production of novel composition of glycans, glycomes, from human multipotent stem cells. The invention is further directed to methods for modifying the glycomes and analysis of the glycomes and the modified glycomes. Furthermore the invention is directed to stem cells carrying the modified glycomes on their surfaces.

Abstract: The invention describes specific sialylated structures present on human stem cells and cell populations derived thereof. The invention is especially directed to methods to control the status of stem cells by observing changes in sialylation of the cells; and control of potential contaminations of biological materials; and reagents and methods used in connection with the cells in order to avoid alterations of the cell glycosylation by contaminating materials. The invention is further directed to novel stem cells, the glycosylation of which has been specifically altered.

Abstract: The present invention describes glycans, which are specifically expressed by certain cancer cells, tumours and other malignant tissues. The present invention describes methods to detect cancer specific glycans as well as methods for the production of reagents binding to said glycans. The invention is also directed to the use of said glycans and reagents binding to them for the diagnostics of cancer and malignancies. Furthermore, the invention is directed to the use of said glycans and reagents binding to them for the treatment of cancer and malignancies. Moreover, the present invention comprises efficient methods to differentiate between malignant and benign tumors by analyzing glycan structures.

Abstract: The present invention reveals novel methods for producing novel carbohydrate compositions, glycomes, from animal tissues. The tissue substrate materials can be total tissue samples and fractionated tissue parts, or artificial models of tissues such as cultivated cell lines. The invention is further directed to the compositions and compositions produced by the methods according to the invention. The invention further represent methods for analysis of the glycomes, especially mass spectrometric methods.