Iduronic acid (IdoA)

Iduronic acid (IdoA) is a uronic acid monosaccharide and a major structural component of glycosaminoglycans such as heparin, heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate[3][7][8]. It exists as a C-5 epimer of glucuronic acid and imparts considerable conformational flexibility to the polysaccharide chains it inhabits. This flexibility allows glycosaminoglycans to accommodate and bind various proteins, contributing to biological processes such as coagulation, cell signaling, inflammation, wound healing, and cancer progression[2][6][8]. Iduronic acid is not itself a therapeutic target but is essential for the function of larger macromolecular complexes and the tuning of extracellular matrix biology. Its content and sulfation pattern are critical for the biological interactions and functions of the glycosaminoglycans in which it is found.

Other names

L-iduronic acidα-L-iduronic acidL-idopyranuronic acidIdopyranuronateIdoA[4)-alpha-L-IdopA-(1->4)-alpha-D-GlcpN-(1->]n

Not applicable; iduronic acid is a saccharide residue, not a direct drug target.