This week we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Werner Reutter. From ChariteHospital in Berlin @ the Institute of biochemistry and molecular biology, Benjamin Franklin campus.
ChariteHospital is one of the oldest hospitals in Germany and has a motto: Research, Teaching, Healing, and Helping. The new Charité hospital (circa 2003) is comprised of medical faculty of the Humboldt University of Berlin and the medical faculty of the Free University Berlin, which was founded against the communistic system at Humboldt at that time by medical students in 1948 with the decisive support of the USA, especially Henry Ford II.
The biochemist Werner Reutter, MD, is an expert in glycomics, especially in sialic acid research. His main contributions to glycomics are -the discovery of the galactosamine hepatitis, together with D. Keppler, R. Lesch and K. Decker(1968) -purification and characterization of the key enzyme of sialic acid biosynthesis, the UDP-GlcNAc 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (=GNE), the first detected bifunctional enzyme in glycobiology barring epimerase and kinase activity in its terameric state; GNE's point mutants are related to sialuria and the HIBM (=hereditary inclusion body myopathy), GNE regulates sialylation of membrane glycoproteins. Successful search of specific inhibitors of GNE. -Introduction of the biochemical engineering of the N-acetyl side chain of sialic acid (1981 and 1992) as a new and unexpected means to modify biochemically this peripheral sugar, e.g. by feeding cells or animals by N-propionylmannosamine (or others), a slightly modified substrate of sialic acid biosynthesis, which is converted to the unphysiological N-propionyl (and not to the physiological N-acetyl) sialic acid, which is an appropriate substrate for membrane glycoprotein biosynthesis. In this membrane localization the new sailic acid shows many new unexpected biological functions, e.g. inhibition of influenza A virus uptake, stimulation of neurite growth, stimulation of lymphocyte functions, which could be of biomedical importance -Development of new glycosidated phospholipids, e.g. Ino-2-PAF, as inhibitors of cell growth -use of bulks of galactose as a nutrient to interfere with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, e.g. hepatic encephalopathia
Some of Dr Reutter`s research is based on understanding the modification of cell surface molecules with sialic acid. Including how sialic acid metabolism is regulates gene expression. Its use in neurite growth, cancer research and many other applications. His laboratory is working with the idea of how signals are forwarded from cell to cell, and what molecular components play roles within that reaction.
Be sure to click on all the links including these research previews.
If you didn’t get a chance to tune into this weeks interview, be sure to download this pod cast!
It was my pleasure to interview Dr. Gunnar C. Hansson.
Education.
Dr. Hansson Received his MD. In 1976 from the medical school, University of Gothenburg. And his PhD 1981.
Research Initiatives.
Dr Hansson`s Is the head of the Mucin Biology Group at the Department of Medical Biochemistry. University of GothenburgSweden.
The research initiatives within Dr. Hansson`s lab are: studying the structure and function of mucins (mucus glycoproteins). This includes most aspects of mucins including also their glycan parts. A special focus is on the gastrointestinal tract and the role of mucins in the protection of the intestine and as part of the intestinal innate immune system. This also includes mucins in relation to cystic fibrosis and colon cancer development.
Be sure to listen to the interview of Dr. Hansson his work in the field of mucins is very interesting. Within the interview we spoke about the roles that mucins play within the biological system of mammals. And spent considerable time on the mucins of the gastrointestinal tract. The major mucin of the GI tract is called MUC 2 plays an important role in that it regulates what Dr Hansoon described as the inner and outer mucin layers of the gut. Within his studies, Dr. Hansson has found and interesting discovery. That the inner layer will present with bacterial infections, those of which can be fought off by the body and other times fester into a situation where he might find diverticulitis. However the inner layer of the mucins was not infected. The MUC2 molecule presents itself as the must have molecule for GI tract health. In the interview we covered some great articles such as:: the reactivity of antibodies with highly glycosylated MUC1 mucins from colon carcinoma cells and bile. Increased levels of mucins in the cystic fibrosis mouse small intestine and modulator effects of the MUC 1 mucin expression. The recombinant C-terminus of the human MUC2 mucin forms dimmers in Chinese- hamster ovary cells and heterodimers with full length MUC 2 in LS174T cells. And even a chapter that the Doctor wrote for a textbook; Biosynthesis and secretion of mucins, especially the muc2 mucin in relation to cystic fibrosis.
If you didn’t get a chance to tune into this weeks interview, be sure to download this pod cast!
It was my pleasure to interview Dr. Lara Mahal.
Education.
Dr. Moran received her B.A. in Chemistry with highest HonorsJune1995.FromUniversity odf California Santa Cruz. And her Ph.D. in organic chemistry December 2000 from University of California, Berkeley.
Research Initiatives.
Dr Mahal`s research is directed around three major statutes:
1. Creation of tools for the study of beta-O-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine function, a cytosolic carbohydrate modification analogous to phosphorylation.
2. Invention of novel tools and methods for the profiling of cell-surface carbohydrate compositions.
3. Application of bioinformatic and systems-based approaches to understanding the role of carbohydrates in metastasis and bacterial pathogenesis.
To best describe the need for these three levels of research I have attached this excerpt from her website. Carbohydrates are critical in a myriad of important biological processes including intra-cellular communication, inflammation and bacterial and viral infections. Despite mounting evidence for the impact of glycosylation in modern biology, in vivo functional studies of these posttranslational modifications are not readily carried out. This is in part due to a lack of the appropriate tools. Our laboratory merges chemistry and biology to create new methods for the study of glycosylation. These include the creation and utilization of new probes for glycosylation, cellular sensors and array technologies.
Be sure to listen to the interview of Dr. Mahal her work in the field of glycobiology is nothing short of spectacular. Within the interview we spoke about the importance of lectins and how they can be used within micro arrays to develop distinct patterns allowing for high throughput analysis of carbohydrates on glycoproteins, bacteria, and mammalian cells. Dr. Mahal`s lab is not only using these miccroarrays, they are developing them as well.
We went on to cover some of the newest and most exciting discoveries within the Dr.s research. And that is the discovery and correlating research on the HIV -1 virus and its innate ability to deceive our immune system. This fact has been known and studied with multiple hypothesis coming forth. Dr. Mahal`s research has found through microarray technology that the glycan coat of human t-cell line derived HIV-1 matches that of the immunomodulatory micro vesicles. This further supports why it is so hard for researchers to pinpoint the glycans for therapeutics.And opens more doors as to why creating a protective antiviral immune response to HIV-1 is so difficult. I really suggest you listen to this interview. Dr. Mahal kept me on the edge of my seat with the information she shared. Her research is not only cutting edge, but incredibly relevant.
I know you will find it just as interesting as I did!
If you didn’t get a chance to tune into this weeks interview, be sure to download this pod cast!
It was my pleasure to interview Dr. Anthony P. Moran
Education.
Dr. Moran Received his B.Sc. from UniversityCollegeDublin, and His Ph.D from The UniversityCollegeDublin, in Microbiology.
Research Initiatives.
Dr. Moran holds a Personal Chair (Professorship) in Microbiology at the National University of Ireland (NUI), Galway and also is an Adjunct Professor at the Institute for Glycomics at Griffith University, Queensland, Australia. The latter follows on from a period (2007-2008) as Professor of Microbial Glycobiology and Deputy Director at the Institute for Glycomics. Dr. Moran is internationally recognized in the biomedical sector of microbial glycobiology as well as bacterial pathogenesis and immunity, especially for infections associated with important human and veterinary pathogens. The research particularly focuses on microbial glycobiology and the role of microbial glycomolecules in infection, their characterization and structure, and their novel mechanisms of activation of the immune response, including adverse activation resulting in autoimmune syndromes. In addition, he has research experience in the areas of endotoxin research, infection- and immunization-induced autoimmunity and vaccine safety.
Dr. Moran is particularly involved in studies of bacterial pathogens of the stomach and intestine that are associated with food-poisoning, development of peptic ulcers and subsequent gastric cancer occurrence. Another of his research interests continues to be how infections can adversely trigger our immune system and lead to certain autoimmune diseases, including gastric atrophy (a precursor of gastric cancer), paralytic Guillain-Barré syndrome, and multiple sclerosis.
Prof. Moran is widely published having authored greater than 500 scientific communications, edited three books and one educational CD-ROM, and authored 18 book chapters. He is an editorial board member of six international peer-reviewed scientific journals and has acted as a guest editor for another five scientific journals. At present he is the Editor-in-Chief of “Microbial Glycobiology: Structure, Relevance and Applications”, the first such volume in the field. He also serves on a number of international scientific committees
Be sure to listen to the interview of Dr. Moran, his work in the field of Carbohydrates in disease, and bacterial infections is cutting edge for sure. We spent time covering the usual interview topics such as his education and background. And then quickly jumped into the research happening in his lab. Dr. Moran spoke specifically about the Campylobacter Jejuni, and Helicobacter Pylori. These two bacterial organisms play important roles in the future of world health, as they are particularly diverse, and harmful. Dr. Moran is working hard to not only understand their abilities, but also find ways to stop their progression, inhibit their adhesion, and ultimately conquer their advances. I cannot stress enough, the importance to listen to this interview. I really enjoyed the opportunity to interview such an impressive scientist.
We had the opportunity to take the science of Glycomics which is considered fledgling. And find a connection that I knew very little about, and I venture to guess many others had little recognition of as well.
We had the distinct opportunity to hear from Dr. Jenny Cruse-Sanders Ph.D., The Director of Research and Conservation at the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
And Dante Fenolio, Ph.D. the resident Amphibian Conservation Specialist.
We spoke about the role of Amphibian sciences in health care discoveries as well a how this research is quickly rooting itself in Glycomics. Dr. Fenolio explained that the fact that amphibians have a mucin layer on their skin surface, which s their adaptation to environment but is also their Achilles heal if left un aided by chemical defenses. HE went on to state that their skin surface is highly permeable and has to be protected by chemical barriers. Barriers that help the amphibians fight off fungus, bacteria, and other dangers to survive. And it is these same barriers that can aid greatly in the treatment and prevention of diseases in humans. He went on to explain that the study of these mucin layers has led scientists to a breakthrough that may be a great option for prevention of mucosal HIV transmission.
Dr. Cruse-Sanders went on to explain the projects at the Botanical garden and their works to coo create projects with leading researchers utilizing their incredible species variation. I urge you to look at the botanical gardens program and read the articles attached in order to catch a glimpse into the world of amphibians and their niche with in the science of glycomics.
If you didn’t get a chance to tune into this weeks interview, be sure to download this pod cast!
It was my pleasure to interview Dr. Leena Valmu
Education.
Dr.Valmu received her Master of Science in Biochemistry (University of Helsinki) 1992,
PhD thesis on molecular basis of leukocyte adhesion (Department of Biosciences, University of Helsinki) 1998
Adjunct Professor in Biochemistry (University of Helsinki) 2006
Research Initiatives.
Dr. Valmu is the R&D manager for the Red Cross Finland Blood service, Stem Cell Glycomics division. The Project aims to develop glycobiological means for identification, isolation, propagation, differentiation, preservation and quality control of human adult stem cells and therapeutic stem cell products. Recently her lab was written up for many new discoveries and achievements in the field.
Dr. Valmu’s lab is of course working on many priority areas…
Characterization of glyco structures on stem cells, and apply them in
a. Identification of stem cell-specific surface structures
b. Development of methods for stem cell isolation
c. Development of optimal culture and preservation conditions for stem cells
d. Mobilization, homing and migration of stem cells
e. Development of characterization and validation methods for stem cell products
Be sure to listen to the interview of Dr. Valmu. Her work at the Finnish Blood service is not only impressive and cutting edge. It is really on top of mind within the research world. We had the opportunity to speak about many facets of stem cell science, and quickly it became apparent that Dr. Valmu is one of the worlds leading authorities on the subject of stem cell glycomics. Not only did she share the research, but she was gracious enough to have a very candid conversation about the state of the science, the inerrant road blocks, and the possibilities for the future.
This week we started a new year, a new semester, and a new page in the life of glycomics and those involved in the field. With that I thought nothing better than to give you an audio blog show.
In which I highlighted a few articles. Here are the links and I hope you like them...
As always if you or someone you know is a researcher in the field. We would very much like the opportunity to interview you. Drop us an email and we will set it up.
Proteoglycans: A sweet treat for adenovirus attachment
If you didn’t get a chance to tune into this weeks interview, be sure to download this pod cast!
It was my pleasure to interview Dr. David R. Bundle.
Education.
Dr. Bundle Received his B.Sc. from University of Nottingham, and His Ph.D from The University of Newcastle. Shortly there after Dr. Bundle came across the Pond to work with Dr. Raymond U. Lemieux.
Research Initiatives.
Dr. Bundle’s lab is focused on many different projects. However one of the most recent is the topic within his most recent scientific publication. From the PNAS paper titled “In Vivo supramolecular templating enhances the activity of multivalent ligands: A potential therapeutic against the Escherichia Coli 0157 AB5 toxins”. This article holds particular water as it describes a technique developed By Dr. Bundle & Pavel Kitov. This has just received funding from the Gates foundation to cure Cholera, A world wide epidemic!
Dr. Bundle’s lab is of course working on many other projects and here are a few…
The development of a biosensor based on self assembled monolayers that present covalently attached oligosaccharides.
"Targeted Cancer Vaccines: Synthesis and Evaluation of Clustered Melanoma Antigens."
"Synthetic oligosaccharides and neutralization of ganglioside antibodies"
"Candida albicans Conjugate Vaccines: Evaluation of synthetic beta-mannan oligosaccharides conjugated to immunogenic carriers in rabbit and mouse models of experimental candidiasis."
"Design and Synthesis of Drugs to Treat Alzheimer Disease by Reduction of Serum Amyloid Protein and Amyloid Deposits."
By utilizing multiple disciplines such as mass spec and crystallography, Dr. Bundle is able to specifically map compounds and create such molecules as the one used in his recent article for Ecoli…
And be sure to check out the link to the Alberta Ingenuity center. Where Dr. Bundle and colleagues are teamed up to really tackle the top issues within the field!
Be sure to listen to the interview of Dr. Bundle He is one of our most engaging interviews and is simply up to some of the best research out there!!
If you didn’t get a chance to tune into this weeks interview, be sure to download this pod cast!
It was my pleasure to interview Dr. Robert J. Woods!
Education.
Dr. Woods received his B.Sc. (Honors) in Engineering Chemistry in 1985 and his Ph.D. in 1990 in Computational and Synthetic Carbohydrate Chemistry, both from Queen's University in Kingston, Canada.
Dr. Wood’s research examines the relationships between the conformations of carbohydrate molecules and biological recognition and activity, particularly the mechanisms involved in carbohydrate recognition in immunological events. Significant alterations in the biological activities of peptides and proteins often accompany the covalent attachment of an oligosaccharide (glycosylation) to one or more of their amino acid residues. Approximately 60% of all mammalian proteins are glycosylated, and the glycoprotein’s that are generated by glycosylation are also frequently found attached to the cell surfaces of bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Glycomics of Glycosaminoglycan expression in the C elegans model organism (ccrc website)
During the interview we cover Dr. Woods` development of the GLYCAM and AMBER computational models. As we learned in the interview the extreme variability to carbohydrate patterns is one of the major hurdles within the science today. Dr. Woods and his team are working to map these patterns and “crack the Code”.
Be sure to listen to the interview of Dr. Woods, You will be nothing short of amazed by his research and progress. The potential is amazing!!
If you didn’t get a chance to tune into this weeks interview, be sure to download this pod cast!
It was my pleasure to interview Dr. Joseph Zaia!!
Education.
Dr. Zaia received his B.S. In Chemistry, BatesCollege, LewistonME. He received his PhD in Organic Chemistry from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology. With a dissertation title: Improvements in the Tandem Mass Spectrometric Sequencing of Peptides and Chemically Modified Peptides.
Research Initiatives.
Dr. Zaia is now a professor and researcher at BostonUniversitySchool of medicine and is also the Director of the mass spectrometry resource. Dr. Zaia`s research focuses on Structural biochemistry of Proteoglycans, Glycosaminoglycans and Glycoprotein’s. As quoted from Dr. Zaias research page . “The diverse nature of Glycosaminoglycans structure renders them difficult to purify and hinders attempts to discover both structural determinants for the binding of proteins ligands and discoloration constants” That being said , Dr. Zaia utilizes cutting edge mass spectrometric technology to detail functionally relevant Glycosaminoglycan sub structures. Some of his in lab projects include.
Glycomics of Glycosaminoglycan expression in the C elegans model organism
Development of a model glycosaminoglycan expression of mammalian organ and organ sub structures. Extension of tumor states in mammalian organs.
Assignment of biological function to specific glycosaminoglycan domains based on binding to growth factors of cardiovascular interest and ability to mediate cell signaling.
And much more….
Be sure to listen to the interview of Dr. Zaia as I know you will find it just as fascinating as I did.
If you didn’t get a chance to tune into this weeks interview, be sure to download this pod cast!
I was my pleasure to interview Dr. Thomas Mawhinney!!
Education.
Dr. Mawhiney received his B.S. from FarleighDickensonUniversity and Went on to receive his Ph.D. from Union University Albany medical center. He is the Director of the Analytical Services, Agricultural experiment station Chemical laboratories state chemist of Missouri. The director of the Chromatography and Mass Spectrometry Facility of University of Missouri- Columbia. An approved Chemist for the AOCS.
Research Initiatives.
Dr. Mawhinney`s research focuses on a multitude of facets as you will hear in the interview. All of which are interrelated and highly relevant. With a background in childhood health and pulmonary diseases. DR. Mawhinney specializes in Chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases such as Cystic Fibrosis. And has dedicated countless hours of time for the further understanding of the mucous glycoproteins. As a primary and secondary macromolecular defense response against lung pathogens and irritants. By utilizing all of the in house tools provided at University of Missouri Dr. Mawhinney`s research will reference applications such as, eukaryotic and microbiological cell culture, fluorescence microscopy, polarimetry, optical emission spectrometry (inductively coupled plasma spectrometry, ICP), gas chromatography, high performance liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry. All of which aid in Dr. Mawhinney`s current research projects which include:
Host glycoprotein alterations and host-pathogen interactions in chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
Co-colonization effects on microorganisms in cystic fibrosis airway infection
Neutriceuticals
Inhibitory effects of amadori compounds and food products in prostate cancer
X-ray crystal structural characterization of synthesized amadori compounds
Food, feed, and biological materials analytical methods development.
Be sure to listen to this interview and hear more about Dr. Thomas Mahwhinney and his lab at the University of Missouri – Columbia.
Here is the link to Dr. Mawhinney`s web page and a couple articles of interest!
Today’s Interview was the beginning of what we hope is a new vein of information we can mine!
We had the opportunity to Interview the Vice President (soon to be president) of The American Society of Matrix Biology.
William C. Parks Ph.D. is currently leading this association into the future of scientific research collaboration for the Community as a whole. We spent time during the interview covering what his research lab is working on. As the Director of the Center for Lung Biology at the University of Washington Seattle. Dr. Parks is well entrenched in the study of Matrix Metalloproteinase. Or MMPs as they are abbreviated. . Dr. Park explained that the Presence and use of these MMPs (which are enzymes) is a major part of the innate immunity for the epithelium of major organs.
We then quickly moved into the Societies Goals, Growth stage, Potential, and visions.
By bringing together all of the scientists who work in varying specialties of matrix biology, they are able to share knowledge, explore possibilities, and further their science as a whole.
The ASMB is currently gearing up for their conference December 7-10 in San Diego. Where they will have over two hundred presentations, and information of all the leading edge science within the umbrella of Matrix Biology. (This coincidently is very broad!!)
I highly urge you to listen to this interview and take a look at the society as they have the vision of what it will take to redirect the funding efforts and properly aid tin the scientific discovery process...
If you didn’t get a chance to tune into this weeks interview, be sure to download this pod cast!
I had the distinct pleasure to interview Dr. Mitchell Kronenberg!!
Education.
Dr. Kronenberg received his B.S. from ColumbiaUniversity and Went on to receive his Ph.D. from California Institute of Technology. He went on to teach at the prestigious institutions of Caltech, UCLA, UC San Diego University of California San Diego, and has been at the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology since 1997.
Research Initiatives.
Dr. Kronenberg is the President and Scientific Director at LIAI. And his laboratory research initiatives at first glance broad. However with many of the sciences they are a like a pathway through an equation. With a starting point of Natural Killer Cells and how they survive, Grow, and regulate other immune cell types. The equation continues with relating the understanding of these NKT cells to auto immune conditions such as Irritable Bowl syndrome, and how they regulate immune responses. With this realization the lab progresses into the understanding of interaction within mammalian hosts. By using Genetic Knockout mice Dr. Kronenberg`s lab is able to test for different conditions and the multiple possible reactive agent’s capable of regulating aberrant conditions such as the aforementioned auto immune diseases.
With more research than we could cover I tried to squeeze in a couple additional topics. Such as his labs studies in relation to the Tumor Necrosis Factor Family LIGHT. And it’s unique property as a highly inflammatory causative agent; juxtaposed by its inverse reaction as an anti inflammatory within the presence of dendritic cells.
As you can tell from this write up, Dr. Kronenberg’s research laboratory is chock full of discoveries and pathways for future realizations. This interview was a fantastic one, that I recommend everyone listen to.
And as you will see on Dr. Kronenberg’s Website, HE shares how his life as a scientist came to be. Refreshed with such an authentic look into whom he is, I was sure to share that comment on the interview!
Be sure to listen to the interview, as well as look at Dr. Kronenberg’s Research Laboratory Pages. I am sure you will enjoy it as well!
Here is the link to Dr. Kronenberg’s web page and labs.
Listen to the Interview of Kay Brown, The Founder of Premier Biosoft International.
As promised in previous audio blogs we have branched out and took the opportunity to interview the founder of an extremely impressive company within the bioinformatics field.
Kay took the morning to speak with us about her company and how they serve the researchers. Here is a little info about Premier Biosoft.
Premier Biosoft International was founded by Kay Brown in 1994. Over these years, Premier Biosoft has grown into one of the leading Bioinformatics companies in the world. Their Product line includes nine products addressing the research needs in genomics and Proteomics. Premier Biosoft`s first product, Primer Premier, was a runaway success with sales in thousands of labs across the globe. Since then, the product has undergone five enhancements. Beacon Designer, the company’s product for real time PCR, is the most widely used oligo design product for real time PCR. All major cycler companies, including Bio-Rad, Stratagene and Eppendorf offer the product along with their instruments. It is currently in its seventh enhancement.
Some of Premier Biosoft`s prestigious clients include the National Institute of Health(USA), The Food And Drug Administration (FDA), Universities such as Stanford, MIT, Tulane, Oxford and Pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Merck, Johnson & Johnson.
With the focus now shifting from Genomics to Proteomics, Premier Biosoft has marked its entry into this arena with the launch of SimGlycan. It is aimed to aid research in Glycobiology by predicting glycan structures using MS/MS data. SimGlycan has the largest hand curated database of glycans and has proprietary search and scoring algorithms to help save time.
Take a few minutes to listen to this interview. It turned out even better than I had expected, As Kay Brown is incredibly informative and keenly has a finger on the pulse of the science of Glycomics.
If you didn’t get a chance to tune into this weeks interview, be sure to download this pod cast!
I had the distinct pleasure to interview Dr. Pamela Stanley!!
Education.
Dr. Stanley received her Ph.D. in department of microbiology, University of Melbourne, Australia. She then served as a postdoctoral fellow of the Medical Research Council of Canadian the Department of Medical Genetics, University of Toronto, Canada. Dr. Stanley now runs a lab at The Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Research Initiatives.
Dr. Stanley’s Laboratory is actively working to further understand post translational modifications of proteins, with understanding that they are critical in determining biological functions. Dr. Stanley’s lab points out that by understanding the precise complement of glycans and their composition on cell surface glycoproteins they can further understand the changes present in embryonic development , inflammatory responses, and transformation of cancer cells.
Dr. Stanley’s lab in collaboration with others has pointed out the specificity and importance of the notch receptor and its ability to control signal transduction by Notch Ligands. With this they have found that the presence of a single sugar residue alerts the ability of notch receptors to signal. By using Knockout mice, CHO cell mutants and MALDI-TOF mass spec, they are able to further delve into this discovery in order to map and understand the role that sugars play in mediation and modulation of Notch Signaling. How is it that certain proteins secreted from cancer cells can actually help cancers Progress?
A few questions you will have answered by listening to this interview!
How did Dr. Stanley get into this field of research?
What are the specific roles of the Notch receptor and what is the History of its discovery?
How is it possible for Drosophila and Humans to have a specific sugar that relates to the Notch receptor in both organisms?
What can be expected in the future of the field?
And finally one for Dr. Stanley: Why do I Pronounce Glycomics the way I do?
These are just a few of the questions we posed in the interview with Dr. Stanley. The intricacy of her research and the prolific role her lab lays within the field is certainly too vast to squeeze into a half hour. However it is well worth it, and I am sure you will find the interview as I did….. Incredibly interesting, Fun and light hearted, and leaving you wishing for a few hours……
Here is the link to Dr. Stanley’s web page and labs.
Today’s show was a great chance to share some of the highlights in the news these days. I selected a few articles to dissect and share the overall theme from each. By selecting a few articles every couple weeks, I think I am able to share some insight to the writings while braking up the monotony of reading my blog. I started out with an article from Science Daily. Titled: Sugar Linkage could lead to better treatment for autoimmune diseases. Next I covered an article that highlighted an initiative with the University of New Hampshire Glycomics center and their business school. It’s always great to see collaboration and involvement among the students of different departments! Moving on, I covered a new research abstract that has recently received a little press. Titled: Breast cancer diagnosis and prognosis through quantitative measurements of serum glycan profiles. Having come off our last interview with Yehia Mechref, I thought it would be perfect to cover an in-depth project which studied ways for early diagnosis of cancers. Finally I finished with a few accolades in the news from awards to positions additional grants. Now that’s what I like to see in the press!!! . Take an opportunity to listen to the pod cast of this week’s audio blog, and catch a glimpse into the breadth of the science of Glycomics. I think you will like it. www.Impactofglycomics.com
Dr. Mechref `s lab is focusing their research on glycomics and glycoproteomics in search for biomarkers to more accurately detect cancers and track their progression. Prostate cancer is one of the major points of study within the lab because the standard assay used to test for prostate cancer is at best 50 % accurate. Dr. Mechref and his colleagues are out to increase those odds. By tracking glycoproteins Dr. Mechref has the ability to identify cancers earlier in their proliferation. In the interview we went into Dr. Mechref`s many appointments. As the Director of the METACyt Biochemical analysis center, Dr. Mechref is developing high resolution and ultra sensitive bio anylnyltical separation techniques. As glycobiologists continue to hone their craft and look deeper into the functions on a cellular level, they are continually in need of higher specificity with their lab tools. And Dr. Mecref is heading up these developments.
Dr. Mechref is also the senior scientist at the Indiana University: “Our laboratory has long been involved with developing new high-resolution and ultra-sensitive bioanalytical separation techniques. Current research focuses on substantial improvement in resolution of complex biological mixtures and identification of the separated compounds through techniques such as electro spray mass spectrometry and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.
The most recent developmental aspects of our work include the preparation of highly efficient micro columns for various forms of chromatography and capillary electrophoresis; and new detectors based on the laser technologies, imaging detectors, and other measurement principles. Techniques of ultrahigh sensitivity are being developed for new, challenging problems of biological chemistry.” (Taken from the university site)
And in conjunction with the prior listed projects. Dr. Mechref is Senior scientist with the National Center for Glycomics and Glycoproteomics. Which is a NIH funded institute centered around the development of new methods of instrumentation on glycomics, proteomics, and glycol proteomics.
With the many facets to Dr. Mechref`s research, I found it easy to quickly jump into the interview. You will find we not only talked about the different centers of study and how they all worked together, but we also spoke heavily about the complexities of his research. Dr. Mechref guided us through a conversation of post translational modifications and their direct effects on function. You will not only find the interview interesting, you will also walk away with an education!!
Dr. Onami`s lab is specializing in the understanding of how the immune system recognizes and eliminates infections with microorganisms such as viruses and how this viral control is achieved. In this weeks interview we had an opportunity to take the general understanding of the immune system and delve even further into the unique specialization the immune system has for every host pathogen interaction it perceives. Dr. Onami`s lab is looking at how changes in glycosylation impact T cell functions by differentiating among the vast multitude of possibilities. With future goals of: by understanding these changes within interaction, there is a potential for manipulation for therapeutic purposes. We then tied the interview up with a conversation related to Dr. Onami`s time spent with the NIH, at the Fogarty International center, and how she really learned the business behind the science. Dr. Onami reminded the listeners that there has to be a very close cooperation between the labs and the funding so as to continue the amazing works and discoveries in the field, ultimately benefiting the end user through treatments, cures, Etc.
Thandi Onami is Co Instructor at the University of Tennessee, Department of Microbiology Intro to microbiology, Global medicine and Emerging Infectious Diseases, and Immunology. She received her A.B. in Biology from Princeton university with a thesis: A new Technique for Examining DNA Polymorphism Demonstrated in Populations of Mytilus edulis. And went on to receive her PhD in biology from University of California San Diego. With a dissertation: Investigations into Apoptotic Cell Recognition and Macrophage Mediated Deletion of Immature T Cells.
Dr. Onami went on to spend time as a graduate researcher at Woods Hole Oceanographic institute, and the Scripps Institution of oceanography. And then made a change and spent Five years as a Postdoctoral fellow at the Emory Vaccine center, under the Advisement of Dr. Rafi Ahmed. After completing a wide array of education, Dr Onami decided to spend a year as an AAAS/NIH Science and Policy fellow in BethesdaMaryland, under DR. Jeanne McDermott.
Understanding the role of sphingolipids has been a direct goal of Dr. Shaymans lab. And this week’s interview was a great insight into his work. We spent time covering the basics such as what are sphingolipids . And quickly went into diseases that are a result of an over abundance of sphingolipids due to an under abundance of the enzymes that break them down. By being very specific Dr. Shayman picked a few diseases that are rare, yet have these issues with sphingolipid proliferation and he is quickly figuring them out. Listen to the interview to see how his research to treat and cure these diseases can and will move onto others such as diabetes and more.
James Shayman is Professor of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology and the Associate Vice-President for Research at the University of Michigan. He received his undergraduate degree from CornellUniversity and his medical degree from WashingtonUniversity. He trained in internal medicine and nephrology at BarnesHospital in St. Louis and was a post-doctoral fellow in the Department of Pharmacology at WashingtonUniversity. Since 1986 he has been on the faculty at the University of Michigan as a clinician and physician scientist. For the last 20 years his laboratory has devoted their efforts the study of sphingolipids in health and disease. This research has focused on three questions. First, what roles do sphingolipids play in normal cellular signaling events? Second, by what mechanisms do sphingolipids mediate the pathology associated with rare storage diseases such as Gaucher and Fabry disease and more common diseases such as diabetes? Third, can small molecule inhibitors of enzymes involved in sphingolipid metabolism be designed and demonstrated to have clinical utility in the treatment of these diseases? The pursuit of an answer to the last question led to the development of the “PDMP” based inhibitors of glucosylceramide synthesis. Following proof of concept studies in models of Fabry disease, these compounds were licensed to the Genzyme Corporation in October, 2000. The clinical trials with Genz-112638 represent the current extension of these efforts. Dr. Shayman has been an Established Investigator of the American Heart Association, member of the American Society for Clinical Investigation and Association of American Physicians, and Fellow of the American Heart Association and American Society of Nephrology. He has authored more than 100 scientific papers, edited two text books, served on the editorial boards of several scientific journals, and holds more than 30 patents.
This week’s interview was a great one! We had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Brian Haab.
Education.
Dr. Haab received his Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of California at Berkeley in 1998. He then served as a postdoctoral fellow in the laboratory of Patrick Brown in the Department Of Biochemistry at StanfordUniversity. Dr. Haab joined the Van Andel Institute as a special program investigator in May 2000 and became a Scientific Investigator in 2003. Since that time Dr Haab has been running his lab working on a multitude of topics.
Research Initiatives.
Dr. Haabs laboratory is developing and using novel protein analysis methods to identify and study protein abnormalities in the blood of cancer patients. In the interview we covered a wide range of topics and questions. Here are a few...
How is it that certain proteins secreted from cancer cells can actually help cancers Progress?
What lead Dr Haabs lab to study pancreatic and prostate cancers?
Is there a higher degree of variance to the Glycans associated with pancreatic cancer?
How difficult is it to track such a multitude of structures, combinations, and changes?
What are some of the novel slide designs used in your studies?
These are just a few of the questions we posed in the interview with Dr. Haab. The complexity of his research and the magnificent accomplishments that are coming from his lab provides the listener with a great look into the research on cancers today. I highly recommend you take 25 minutes to listen to the interview with Dr. Haab. Also take a moment to visit his lab website to learn more about the research he is completing.
Today’s show was a great chance to share some of the highlights in the news these days. I selected a few articles to dissect and share the overall theme from each. By selecting a few articles every couple weeks, I think I am able to share some insight to the writings while braking up the monotony of reading my blog. We started out with a couple articles from Science Daily. They were titled Structure reveals how cells sugar coat proteins, and Bacteria use Invisibility cloak to hide for human immune system. Next I covered a great independent article written by Dana Goldman from Momentum magazine. It covers the science as a whole and lets the readers know what one of the major players in the field predicts for the future of Glycomics. And to always keep it interesting, I jumped over to an article About the University of New Hampshire Glycomics center, and their findings related to the Immunoglobulin antibody. This was an article of recent, which has really been going around the circuits. Finally we finished the article portion of the interview, covering an article that covers science but also provides the reader with another glimpse into the state of the science. However as I was telling a friend today: the state of the science is changing so rapidly that some could argue the article is already dated. Ill let you decide.
With the completion of the article portion of the audio blog, I wanted to take a few minutes to speak to the listener about the “state of the site”. In other words where we are going next with the Impact of glycomic radio, and what some of my goals are with the show. I hope you enjoy this week’s audio blog show. I know I enjoyed sharing it, and openly dream building with my listeners for the future state of the science and those it will positively affect!
Take an opportunity to listen to the pod cast of this week’s audio blog, and catch a glimpse into the breadth of the science of Glycomics. www.Impactofglycomics.com
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. Heise
Dr. Mark Heise received his BA in biology from St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN in 1991 and performed his graduate work in the laboratory of Dr. Herbert “Skip” Virgin at the Washington University School of Medicine. The focus of his research was on virus host interactions/viral pathogenesis, with an emphasis on immune evasion by murine cytomegalovirus. He received his Ph.D. in 1997 and then went on to perform his postdoctoral studies in the laboratory of Dr. Robert Johnston, at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where his work focused on the molecular virology and pathogenesis of mosquito borne viruses. In 2000 he joined the faculty at UNC as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, and in 2003 moved to the Department of Genetics, with a joint appointment in Microbiology and Immunology at the rank of Assistant Professor and is a founding member of the Carolina Vaccine Institute.
The Heise lab’s main research focus is on viral pathogenesis, with the goal of achieving a comprehensive understanding of the role that viral and host genetic variation plays in determining the outcome of virus induced disease processes. This work takes advantage of several novel viral pathogenesis models, where we have developed panels of genetically defined viruses of varying virulence, as well as mouse models that allow us to evaluate the role of specific host genes, or sets of genes in regulating disease outcome. This work is primarily focused on the pathogenesis of alphavirus-induced arthritis, where we are studying the mechanisms by which arthritic alphaviruses modulate the host immune response to establish infection and induce inflammatory arthritis. However, we have also recently begun extending this work to respiratory pathogens, such as influenza and SARS coronavirus, in collaboration with Ralph Baric’s laboratory in the UNC School of Public Health. This research can be broken down into three major areas: 1) Identification of mechanisms that pathogenic alphaviruses utilize to avoid the host innate immune response, 2) Evaluation of the role that specific host pathways play in the pathogenesis of alphavirus-induced arthritis and SARS CoV-induced respiratory disease, and 3) Identification of host genetic loci that contribute to resistance or susceptibility to viral pathogens, with the ultimate goal of using all of this information to develop improved vaccines or therapeutics for at risk populations.
Our work on immune evasion has defined a novel viral evasion strategy, where the presence of high mannose glycans on the virus that is delivered by the mosquito enables the virus to avoid the induction of an antiviral type I interferon response in dendritic cells, which are the initial target of viral replication following delivery from the mosquito. This work has led us to begin evaluating the role of host C-type lectins in regulating anti-viral immune responses both in vitro and in vivo. Additional work has also defined roles for the alphavirus nonstructural proteins in regulating the host type I IFN response, both by limiting the ability of the viral RNA to act as an inducer of type I IFN, and by actively antagonizing the ability of the host cell to either produce a type I IFN response or respond to type I IFN. We anticipate that this work will not only lead to the identification of novel mechanisms of immune evasion, but will also significantly enhance our understanding of the mechanisms by which mosquito-borne alphaviruses establish infection and cause disease.
We are also using in vivo models of virus-induced disease to study the role of specific host immune pathways in the pathogenesis of virus-induced arthritis. This work has defined a novel role for the host complement cascade and specifically the mannose binding lectin pathway of complement activation in driving Ross River virus-induced disease in the mouse model, and studies are currently underway to determine whether these pathways also contribute to disease resistance/susceptibility in humans suffering from alphavirus-induced arthritis. In collaboration with the laboratory of Ralph Baric, we have also demonstrated that the complement cascade contributes to SARS-CoV induced disease in the mouse, while MyD88, an adaptor protein required for Toll-like receptor and IL/IL18 receptor signaling, is required for resistance to SARS-induced disease. This work, which is significantly enhancing our understanding of the contribution of host innate immune pathways to susceptibility or resistance to virus-induced disease, may ultimately lead to the development of new therapies for virus-induced arthritis or respiratory pathogens.
Laboratory Publications of Interest for Glycomics:
Morrison, T.E., R.J.Fraser, P.N. Smith, S. Mahalingam, and M. T. Heise. 2007. Complement contributes to inflammatory tissue destruction in a mouse model of Ross River virus-induced disease. Journal of Virology. 81: 5132-5143 (Selected for Journal of Virology Spotlight) PMID: 17314163
Shabman, R.S., T.E. Morrison, C. Moore, L. White, M.S. Suthar, L. Hueston, N. Rulli, B. Lidbury, J. P-Y. Ting, S. Mahalingam, and M.T. Heise. 2006. Differential Induction of Type I IFN Responses in Myeloid Dendritic Cells by Mosquito and Mammalian cell-derived Alphaviruses, Journal of Virology. 81:237-247 PMID: 17079324
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, Kennesaw State University.
Dr Powers also augmented her skill set with additional training.
Modeling Biomolecules, a week-long workshop at the Modeling Biomolecules Center at Jackson State University, Jackson, MS. June 2006.
Residential School on Medicinal Chemistry, a week-long course at Drew University, 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.
Wearne et al, "Use of Lectins for Probing Differentiated Human Embryonic Stem Cells for Carbohydrates", Glycobiology 16, 981-990, (2006). http://glycob.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/16/10/981 Wearne et al, "Temporal Changes in the Carbohydrates Expressed on BG01 Human Embryonic Stem Cells During Differentiation as Embryoid Bodies"
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.
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. Impact of Glycomics is sponsored by McKenna Project – an answer to the modern Physicians Practice, from staff synergy to remuneration-. Please go to their website www.MckennaProject.com .
This morning I talked to Dennis McKenna, who is a Physicians assistant specializing in internal medicine and the owner of McKenna Project.
McKenna Project, was designed from recognition of a problem in health care. The modern day physicians’ office is plagued by a multitude of factors from staff synergy to remuneration and performance. The goal of McKenna project is to provide the Physicians with answers to the every day problems that they encounter, as well as, the problems they may not even be aware of. By attending a two day seminar with The McKenna Project team, Physicians will learn twelve steps to success that are tried and true, tested across the gambit of specialties. Also available is on site consultation with the Physician and the staff giving the consulting teams a chance to really catch a microcosm of the practice as a whole.The staff at McKenna Project is lead by Dennis McKenna and always tries to come from his mantra: Stop Taking the Punches, Start redirecting the energies!
In addition to being the originator of McKenna Project, Dennis McKenna has written two books that he will release in the next year. They are Looks into the true basis of medicine and the care Physician` s provide. Also, Dennis is an avid researcher of sciences, continually looking into the future of healthcare while staying abreast of all the possible treatments available to the patient. Dennis was gracious enough to give us a half hour of his time in order to shed some light on the topic of Glycomics and its relevance to medicine today. The goal of today’s interview was to provide a glimpse to the listeners of the medical professional’s beliefs in reference to the Science of Glycomics. Dennis proved its importance and advocated the future funding of projects within the field of study!
Also if you know of an expert in the field of Glycomics or Biochemistry that we should know about please email Joseph McKenna at JMckenna @ Impact of Glycomics.com and we will try and get him or her on the show. www.impactofglycomics.com
Today’s show was a great chance to share some of the highlights in the news these days. I selected six articles to dissect and share the overall theme from each. As always the articles were long and technical, however they are a great insight into the future of health and disease management with the science of Glycomics. By covering the spread, we went from the initial article for the “state of the science?, and quickly moved into disease studies, finally concluding with what has caught the most press lately. Moreover, that would be the research done on the common flu and its specific glycan arrangement, to the deadly and controversial H5N1 Avian Bird flu. The fact that the Bird flu is just one specific glycan arrangement away from being a major threat to humanity explains its power in the press. However, the bigger news is the realization of how to isolate the bird flu protein in a vessel that presents the researchers with the virus for study, while keeping the scientists from worries of contraction.Take an opportunity to listen to the pod cast of this week’s audio blog, and catch a glimpse into the breadth of the science of Glycomics. www.Impactofglycomics.com
Impact of Glycomics had the distinct opportunity to be featured by Atlanta buisness radio this week. I had a chance to talk about the overall reasons for the show, and what I am out to accomplish by featuring major players in the Field of Glycomics. Here is a brief insert from the Atlanta Business radio site:
Joe explained that many researchers, physicians, and scientists believe that Glycomics may be the future of health. He said that more and more research institutes and universities around the world are discovering its importance. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology has declared the science of Glycobiology to be “possibly one of the ten greatest breakthroughs in the 21st century.? Part of the reason Joe created his radio show is that information about Glycomics, though readily available, is not mainstreamed in a way that encourages knowledge sharing.
"Impact of Glycomics" is a radio show dedicated to that function. "Impact of Glycomics" is the lay person's and the professional's source for scientific knowledge. His shpow will bring together the great minds in this emerging field in order to share the depth of Glycomics while relating the information to the average citizen. The Impact of Glycomics show is created to bridge the gap between the scientists and the eventual end consumer, allowing for acquisition and understanding of research and the utilization of the new knowledge of the exciting goings on in the science of Glycomics. Please go Joe's website www.impactofglycomics.com for more information and to listen to the show every Wednesday at 11am EST.
Check out the atlanta buisness radio site for more info and interviews:
