This week’s interview was great as always.
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.
http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org/site/conservation/amphibian_research
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.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9363367
http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1212620
http://www.springerlink.com/content/k6l14475604t44m2/fulltext.pdf?page=1
