Professor, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, HarvardUniversity
Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Impact of Glycomics Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 11am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA.
This Morning we interviewed Dr. Donald Harn
Dr. Harn is a professor and researcher at HarvardUniversity, Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases.
Dr. Harn is originally from Southern California where he completed his graduate work at UCLA. Dr. Harn was then recruited By Harvard for his expertise in Vaccine antigens and Vaccine development. Dr. Harn has been at Harvard for over twenty years and is I leader in the vaccine world
Dr. Harn was a very interesting interview. He was gracious enough to step us through many different studies that are utilizing the understanding of carbohydrates and their involvement in processes. Dr. Harn shared his work in auto immune manipulation. And how he is currently working to quell the effects of psoriasis, diabetes 1, and Multiple Sclerosis. He then went on to share his studies and understanding of how carbohydrates can manipulate the inflammatory response within the body on both a Pro and anti platform. And if that was not enough Dr. Harn went on to explain the areas of production of vaccine s for parasitic diseases. Such as Schistosomiasis. Dr Harn is working diligently to produce answers to these potential developing country debilitating outbreaks. With his labs work and the cooperation and funding of multiple desisease control groups, such as the CDC and WHO, these high mortality diseases will be brought under control.
Dr. Harn tied the interview up with a very gracious tip of the hat to a few organizations that are contributing large amounts of knowledge time and money to the science of glycomics. And my favorite line was: I am very much looking forward to this Field Expanding!
Also if you know of a Research Scientist that we should know about please email Joseph McKenna at McKenna @ Impactofglycomics .com and we will try and get him or her on the show
Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Impact of Glycomics Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 11am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA.
This Morning we interviewed Dr. Clausen
Dr.Clausen is a professor and researcher at the University of Copenhagen, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine.
With an original background in Dentistry, Dr. Clausen quickly found roots in the field and studies of Glycobiology. He has since become a world renowned expert and is continually studying the leading edge of glyco-biological processes.
Dr. Clausen stepped us through the original studies and discoveries in the concept of designing universal blood from all preexisting types. Although the idea was devised in the eighties, issues with efficiency and cost remained. By studying the enzymes used for cleaving the sugar molecules from the blood types, Dr. Clausen was able to perfect and dramatically reduce the cost of the process creating a more feasible action on a world market scale. Dr. Clausen continued by explaining that the right to the process is owned by ZymeQuest, a small company out of Beverly Massachusetts. And they are currently driving the studies and the future marketplace.
We went on to cover other topics of relevance within the doctor’s research. As an expert in Mucins, Dr. Clausen spoke about a few of his research efforts relating to Mucins as well as a large undertaking that he is currently working on.
With the help of other researcher around the world, Dr. Clausen is studying the multitude of facets involved in O-glycosylation. Dr Clausen went on to explain that the n-glycosylation is much simpler in form, while the o-glycoyslation is one of many complexities that will prove to take many more years of study. However by spending that time he believes the answers to many disease processes are available.
One of my favorite lessons from the interview was: By spending the time and working in the lab, Dr Clausen has been publishing and researching the answers to health problems for many years and his goals are coming to fruition. The time invested and work performed is well on the road to application. In relation to the diseases and issues facing the citizens of the world today: The answers are coming into View!
Also if you know of a Research Scientist that we should know about please email Joseph McKenna at McKenna @ Impactofglycomics .com and we will try and get him or her on the show
Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Impact of Glycomics Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 11am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA.
This Morning we interviewed Dr. Carlyon
Dr. Carlyon an Assistant professor at VCU in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology.
Education: Dr. Carlyon received his B.S. and Ph.D. from VCU. He then completed postdoctoral scholarly activities and Associate Research Scientist duties at Yale University. Dr Carlyon Spent three years as Assistant Professor at University of Kentucky College of Medicine in the Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. He has since returned to his alma mater for research studies in the VCU Department of Microbiology and Immunology.
Professional Memberships 1994-present Member, American Association for the Advancement of Science2001-present Member, American Society for Microbiology2001-present Member, American Society for Rickettsiology2007 Ad hoc reviewer, NIAID Host Interactions with Bacterial pathogens Study Section, SRA: Dr. Marian Wachtel
A growing concern in the United States and other developing countries is the spread of a fairly recently emerged human pathogen, Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A. phagocytophilum is the causative agent of human granulocytic anaplasmosis, a potentially fatal tick-transmitted disease recently discovered in the mid-nineties. A. phagocytophilum is a most unusual pathogen in that it invades neutrophils, which are a type of white blood cell whose primary role is to ingest and destroy invading microorganisms.Dr Carlyon`s interest and impressive knowledge of intracellular pathogens has culminated in a journey of discovery of how A. phagocytophilum binds to PSGL-1, a specific glycoprotein receptor on the neutrophil surface as well as mechanisms by which A. phagocytophilum subverts and avoids neutrophil killing machinery. Dr Carlyon was gracious to step us through the entire process during his interview.He alluded to the fact that because they understand how this pathogen binds to its target receptor, he and his research team are able to use PSGL-1-modeled probes to capture and identify bacterial surface proteins called adhesins that facilitate A. phagocytophilum binding and invasion of neutrophils.They ultimately hope to be able to move to the next step of treating the resulting negative ramifications, and looking to other host – pathogen interactions for their causative reactions and possible cures as well. As Dr. Carlyon stated and I repeated in the completion of the interview, it is with his knowledge and the cooperation of many other researchers and their labs that the science is able to more forward at such a pace. By working together, compiling their research, and utilizing grant money, these researchers have been able to make breakthroughs that astound all while adding such prolific knowledge to society. “That is the Beauty of Science”. Listen to Dr Carlyon and get a look at the astounding complexity of the host-pathogen interactions between Anaplasma phagocytophilum and neutrophils.
Also if you know of a Research Scientist that we should know about please email Joseph McKenna at McKenna @ Impactofglycomics .com and we will try and get him or her on the show.
Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Impact of Glycomics Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 11am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA.
This Morning we interviewed Dr Dormitzer
Dr. Dormitzer is senior director or Viral Vaccine Research at Novartis Vaccines and diagnostics.
Education: Dr. Dormitzer is a physician and a Structural Virologist. Dr Dormitzer received his medical degree at StanfordUniversity where he met his mentor Dr. Harry Greenberg and began his path of discovering the intricacies of the Rotavirus.
In developing countries Rotavirus can be the cause of death for up to 6 percent of the young children. A fact like that is why doctors such as Dr Philip Dormitzer work so hard. As an idealistic young man, Dr. Dormitzer decided he would fix that issue and get to the bottom of such a scourge on the health of children worldwide. As a more seasoned well decorated Doctor, Dr. Dormitzer has never lost that strength of conviction. He works everyday to find the results that can eradicate such issues. By taking the basic knowledge of viruses and “kicking it up a notch” Dr. Dormitzer has successfully mapped the structure of the virus as a whole and its independent parts. This result is a level of understanding that is second to none. Having just finished tax season we all could say I don’t understand all the rules I just know it comes to an end result. Well, most people don’t understand all the workings of viruses such as rotavirus: Dr Dormitzer does! Today’s interview was an amazing look into the high level studies being performed around the world. And it was a chance to hear from one of the world renowned experts it the field. If you really wanted to understand the tax system, you would call someone who rights the tax law. If you want to know how viruses work and how they can be stopped, you go to no one other than the expert Dr Dormitzer. Listen to the podcast; I am sure you will enjoy it as much as we did.
Great articles about Dr Dormitzer and his studies.
Also if you know of a Research Scientist that we should know about please email Joseph McKenna at McKenna @ Impactofglycomics .com and we will try and get him or her on the show.
Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Impact of Glycomics Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 11am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA.
This Morning we interviewed Dr Freeze
Dr Freeze is Co-Director of a research program at The Burnham Institute. He is a specialist in Tumor Microenvironments, and CDG.
Education: Dr. Freeze earned his Ph.D. from the University of California at San Diego in 1976. Subsequently, he held fellowships in Biology, Medicine, and Neurosciences. He later joined the faculty at the same institution. In 1988 Dr. Freeze was recruited to the Burnham Institute for Medical Research.
On the Pathway Of results. That is how I would describe the interview with Dr Freeze. When the interview was over, I looked at my technician running the board and said, "He’s really getting it done, isn’t he!" With the show at a non traditional time, I was able to kick back on a Friday and really enjoy the conversation with our guest. We covered topics of multiple distinctions, staring with the background of the Burnham institute and the role it plays in the future of health. Dr. Freeze quickly dove in and we spoke of the funding that he and the Institute have received. Denny Sanford, of the Sanford Center for Childhood Health graciously donated 20 million dollars to the institute to further their studies of CDG. This coincides perfectly with Dr Freeze’s relationship to the Parents of CDG family network. With so much science and so little time, I found myself wanting more time to ask questions and learn of the amazing discoveries coming from Dr Freeze’s lab. I know you will feel the same, as you listen to the show. I ended thanking our guest, and as always asking that he return some time on the future to fill us in on what is new on his Pathway to results!
Also if you know of a Research Scientist that we should know about please email Joseph McKenna at McKenna @ Impactofglycomics .com and we will try and get him or her on the show.
Specialist in Mucins and their role in health and disease.
Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Impact of Glycomics Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 11am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA.
Dr Cheng`s major research is in Glycobiology and regulation of mucin-type carbohydrate biosynthesis in health and diseases. Cancer Glycobiology: Role of glycans in cancer metastasis, Gene therapy of cystic fibrosis and cancer
Glycobiology is the major research area in mylaboratory. We study the functions of mucin-type carbohydrates in health and diseases by a) characterizing the structure of glycosyltransferases, b) studying the regulation of glycosyltransferase genes, and c) identifying roles of mucin glycans in cancer progression and metastasis.
Specific projects are listed as follows:
1.Determination of the active site of mucin core 2-M glycosyltranfesrase by X-ray crystallography, mutagenesis, and molecular modeling.
2.Regulation of glycosyltransferase genes by characterization of promoter and transcription factors.
3.Roles of mucin glycans in cancer metastasis
4.Mucin glycans as early detection markers of lung cancer
Today’s interview with Dr. Cheng was a hit. Worried about how to dive into the topic of mucins and the extensive base of information that Dr Cheng holds, I fumbled my words until he graciously stepped in and guided the listeners through perfect examination of his studies. With a lifetime carrier in the study of mucins and their roles we quickly divided the topics into membranous and secreted mucins. Speaking to their functions, the doctor then walked the listeners through the functions of mucins within health and disease functions. By understanding and studying the presence, makeup, and function of the many different mucins, Dr Cheng is able to develop possible future cures to diseases with their manipulation. I finished the interview with recognition of Dr. Cheng`s commitment and commanding knowledge of his craft. Tune into the show and catch a glimpse into the inner working of mucins both secreted and membranous: I promise you’ll be intrigued.
Also if you know of a Research Scientist that we should know about please email Joseph McKenna at McKenna @ Impactofglycomics .com and we will try and get him or her on the show.
Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Impact of Glycomics Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 11am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA.
This Morning we interviewed Dr Powers.
Dr Powers received her Ph. D., Biochemistry from Georgia Institute of Technology.1993.
With a dissertation topic: Cellular and Enzymatic Studies with Novel Adrenergic Analogs and Effectors.
Jennifer Powers is Associate Professor of Chemistry & Biochemistry, 1999 – present. Department of Chemistry, KennesawStateUniversity.
Dr Powers also augmented her skill set with additional training.
Modeling Biomolecules, a week-long workshop at the ModelingBiomoleculesCenter at JacksonStateUniversity, Jackson, MS.June 2006.
ResidentialSchool on Medicinal Chemistry, a week-long course at DrewUniversity, Madison, NJ.June 2006.
Pharmacology for Chemists.A three-day American Chemical Society short course, Orlando, FL, August 1996.
Pharmacology Department, Dr. Stephen F. Traynelis’ research group, Emory University, Atlanta, GA. Summers of 1995 and 1996 for a total of 22 weeks.
LERN Workshop in teaching on-line courses, 2001.
Dr Power`s long term research interests lie in neurochemistry and the activity of membrane bound proteins. (Specifically, P-glycoprotein).
Today’s interview with Dr. Powers was Great! We had an opportunity to share her research interests as well as a little on the state of the science. With the topic of my last blog being on the future generation of scientists, I was very interested to hear that Dr Powers believes quite highly in immediate student involvement in her labs. She went on to say that in order to captivate these students and really watch the students blossom, they have to be stimulated with lab experience.
Dr Powers went on to share some of her expertise in mass spectrometry, and the expression of the P-Glycoprotein. Since Dr Powers’s lives and works in the same city as the studio, we get to bring her in for expert level critiques of articles, studies, and concentrations within the field of glycomics. Dr Powers spent the remainder of the interview giving a detailed synopsis / explanation, of the Article: A Serum Glycomics Approach To Breast Cancer Biomarkers. Here is the link: http://www.mcponline.org/cgi/content/abstract/6/1/43
The Article was very interesting and thorough. I would like to take a moment and compliment the authors on there research!
Also if you know of a Research Scientist that we should know about please email Joseph McKenna at; j McKenna @ Impactofglycomics .com and we will try and get him or her on the show.
Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Impact of Glycomics Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 11am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA.
This Morning we interviewed Dr Goldstein.
Irwin Goldstein is Professor Emeritus of Biological Chemistry at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. He has been there for 43 years. He received his Ph. D. in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota. His field of research is Glycobiology. Dr Goldstein has published 300 scientific papers, reviews, and books. His research is supported by the National Institute of Health and he has held one of the longest running grants at the University of Michigan. Dr Goldstein has also served as Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies in the University Of Michigan Medical School for 13 years.
Today’s interview with Dr. Goldstein immediately jumped into wonderful information about his many interests within the field of glycobiology. We started with the information that Dr Goldstein has been a glycobiologist from the beginning of his career and stands out as one of the foremost respected minds. During the interview we covered topics such as: Blood types, cell targeting, transplantation epitopes, the influenza virus, Lectins, and the toxic and recently headlined Ricin protein. Dr. Goldstein shared with us the history and the importance of each topic. He really helped paint a picture of the vastness of the science of Glycobiology, and the many functions within the human body that are controled by the sequence of carbohydrates.
Also if you know of a Research Scientist that we should know about please email Joseph McKenna at McKenna @ Impactofglycomics .com and we will try and get him or her on the show.
Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Impact of Glycomics Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 11am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA.
This Morning we interviewed Dr Clark.
Dr Clark Received his Ph. D. in biochemistry form Wake Forest University in 1982. He then pursued postdoctoral fellowships at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center and Virginia Tech studying tumor biology and glycobiology. Since 1996, Dr. Clark has devoted the major part of his efforts to investigating a hypothetical model explaining how sperm, eggs, and the fetus are shielded from immune responses. This system of protection is based on the attachment of carbohydrate “tags” that can turn off many different types of immune response. Unfortunately, HIV-1, worm parasites (schistosomes), bacteria that can cause stomach ulcers (heliobacter Pylori), aggressive tumor cells, and other agents that can make us sick (pathogens) either duplicate or acquire these tags, thus enabling them to resist the immune response. Therefore Gary and his collaborators believe that AIDS, cancer, and many other persistent pathological states in humans and other mammals are largely unexplained glycobiological diseases.
Today’s interview with Dr. Clark was an incredible insight into the world of Cancer, HIV-1, pathogens, and the Gametes of Human beings. Dr. Clark shared with us that, amazingly, the same carbohydrate sequences that protect the gametes from immune response are responsible for the proliferation of pathogens within an immune environment not conducive to their survival. He went on to say that by understanding that the same molecules protect gametes and pathogens, he and other researchers can go on to finding the solution to the problem. If you would like to know what the “OFF BUTTON” is, and would like to know why it’s important to turn the “Off Button OFF”, thenDr. Clarks interview is a must! During the interview we referenced articles of importance: Here are the links to those articles.
Also if you know of a Research Scientist that we should know about please email Joseph McKenna at McKenna @ Impactofglycomics .com and we will try and get him or her on the show.
Please click on the POD button to listen to the latest Impact of Glycomics Radio show podcast broadcasting live each Wednesday at 11am EDT from Atlanta, GA, USA.
This morning we had the pleasure to interview Dr. Susan Bellis.
Dr Bellis is a professor at The University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr Bellis` passion for the science of Glycomics is one she found through research. With her initial studies not directed within the field of Glycomics, Dr. Bellis found that there was more to the equation of cellular biology, so she ventured forward into the science of Carbohydrates and their role in cellular function.
Dr. Bellis` lab At UAB is specializing in research on structure and function of integrin cell adhesion receptors. We spent the majority of the interview speaking about the importance of knowing the make-up and function of these structures. Dr Bellis stated, by understanding these structures, she can look into functions of disease. One of her current research topics covers the reasons and causes of metastasis among cancer cells.
Dr Bellis not only shared her research within the lab, but also shared insights as to where the science is headed. With time and intercommunication among the glycomics researchers of the world, Dr. Bellis feels the next decade will produce multiple scientific breakthroughs in treatment of disease, and further insight into the functions of a living being. To listen to the show, click on the pod icon at the beginning of the title line.
Dr. Bellis has multiple Societal memberships: American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, American Association for Cancer Research, American Physiological Society, American Society for Cell Biology, American Society for Matrix Biology, Society for Biomaterials, Society for Glycobiology.
She carries Honors from: SUNY/ Hendricks Postdoctoral Fellow, American Heart Association Post Doctoral Fellow, American Association for Cancer research Young Investigator, Whitaker Investigator, Mitzutani Investigator, Deans Award for Excellence in Mentoring.
If you know of a researcher that we should know about please email Joseph Mckenna at Jmckenna @ Impactofglycomics . com and we will try and get him or her on the show.
