FAQ: Are heterologous proteins expressed with their canonical glycans, or with the glycans typical of the host?

In general N-glycosylation consensus sites are maintained when expressing a heterologous protein. However protein glycosylation will be typical of the host cell, regardless of the glycoprotein’s origin. For instance, a human protein expressed in a plant system will carry plant-like glycans (at the canonical consensus asparagine residues). O-glycosylation will also be determined by the host’s system, but there could be also changes in which residues get this modification.