Glycan News and Research

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GlycoNet researchers to study correlation between sugars and Alzheimer's disease

Two GlycoNet Investigators are using technology to better understand how sugars in the human body are connected to Alzheimer's disease.

12 Feb 2018

Sugar-attaching enzyme found to be abundant in colon cancer cells

Researchers have identified an enzyme that is absent in healthy colon tissue but abundant in colon cancer cells, according to a report in the Jan. 26 issue of the Journal of Biological Chemistry.

27 Jan 2018

New TSRI study uncovers workings of first potential treatment for Marburg virus

With a mortality rate of up to 88 percent, Marburg virus can rip through a community in days. In 2005, an outbreak of Marburg virus struck a pediatric ward in the country of Angola. With no treatment available, doctors struggled to help as the virus killed 329 of 374 infected patients.

11 Jan 2018

Novel molecule holds potential to become part of successful HIV vaccine

Researchers at the University of Maryland and Duke University have designed a novel protein-sugar vaccine candidate that, in an animal model, stimulated an immune response against sugars that form a protective shield around HIV. The molecule could one day become part of a successful HIV vaccine.

27 Oct 2017

New discovery by TSRI scientists could speed efforts to develop effective HIV vaccine

Scientists at The Scripps Research Institute have made a discovery that could speed efforts to develop a successful HIV vaccine.

14 Sep 2017

Sartorius Stedim Biotech introduces complete range of chemistry testing services

Sartorius Stedim Biotech, a leading international supplier for the biopharmaceutical industry, announced the launch of a full range of chemistry testing services. Offered by its subsidiary Sartorius Stedim BioOutsource, they characterize the physicochemical properties and structural attributes of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).

From Sartorius 17 Jul 2017

TSRI scientists develop novel method to analyze glycan shield on HIV’s glycoprotein

HIV is a master of disguise. The virus uses a shield of sugar molecules, called glycans, to hide from the immune system and block antibodies from attacking it.

28 Mar 2017

New technique opens door for biochemists to create better therapeutic antibodies

Antibodies are the foot soldiers of our immune system. These specialized, Y-shaped proteins attach to bacteria and viruses, where they either block the pathogen's activity directly, or signal the immune system's cells to destroy the invader.

14 Mar 2017

New approach could make organometallic catalysis applicable for therapy or diagnostics

A gold catalyst can be delivered to a target organ in a higher organism where it performs a chemical transformation visualized by bioimaging.

17 Feb 2017

New study reveals potential drug to combat life-threatening effects of COPD

New research published online in The FASEB Journal reveals a potential drug to combat the life-threatening effects of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

13 Feb 2017

How does the brain control appetite?

Energy balance between energy intake and expenditure in our bodies is important for maintaining energy homeostasis to keep our bodies functioning properly. The appetite determines how much we eat, the energy intake, by communication between the brain and body.

4 Jan 2017

Scientists identify sugar molecule that reduces inflammatory response and COPD progression

Using a mouse model, scientists from the RIKEN-Max Planck Joint Research Center for Systems Chemical Biology and a number of other institutes have identified a sugar molecule that reduced the inflammatory response and progress of emphysema, a common component of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

27 Dec 2016

Researcher develops new method to accurately identify elusive molecules

Among the most important molecules in the living world are sugars or carbohydrates, which play a vital role in life processes. Sugars provide the main source of fuel for the body, protect muscles from damage and contribute to the immune response.

21 Dec 2016

Researchers develop new way to design glycoclusters for targeted drug delivery

A team led by researchers at the RIKEN Biofunctional Synthetic Chemistry Laboratory in Japan has developed a way to engineer glycan complexes--clusters of sugar chains attached to proteins or lipids--in a way that allows the molecules to be transported preferentially to specific organs of the body, depending on the sugar chains contained in the cluster.

29 Nov 2016

Novel approach could help counter Influenza A virus in immune-compromised patients

To infect its victims, influenza A heads for the lungs, where it latches onto sialic acid on the surface of cells.

24 Oct 2016

Broadly neutralizing HIV antibodies open new avenues for development of effective vaccine

A small number of people infected with HIV produce antibodies with an amazing effect: Not only are the antibodies directed against the own virus strain, but also against different sub-types of HIV that circulate worldwide.

26 Sep 2016

Study shows holes in HIV's protective glycan shield could be vital in designing vaccine candidates

A new study from scientists at The Scripps Research Institute shows that "holes" in HIV's defensive sugar shield could be important in designing an HIV vaccine.

14 Sep 2016

New research examines biomechanics of galectin-3

A new study, published in Biochemistry this week, examines the biomechanics of sugar-seeking proteins. Specifically, it delves into galectin-3's interaction with glycosaminoglycans (GAG) and proteoglycans.

5 Aug 2016

Scientists identify new group of molecules that could slow tumour growth in prostate cancer patients

Prostate cancer patients have been offered hope after scientists at Newcastle University, UK, have identified a new group of molecules that could be targeted to slow tumour growth.

28 Jul 2016

Potential vaccine that resembles sugar structures may help fight against gut bacterium C. difficile

A vaccine against one of the most dangerous hospital germs may soon be available. Scientists from the Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces in Potsdam and the Freie Universität Berlin have developed a substance that elicits an immune response against the gut bacterium Clostridium difficile.

13 May 2016