Wed, 18 March 2009 Dr. Werner Reutter . Expert on sialic acid!       This week we had the privilege of speaking with Dr. Werner Reutter. From Charite Hospital in Berlin @ the Institute of biochemistry and molecular biology, Benjamin Franklin campus.   Charite Hospital 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.   http://www.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/abstract/284/5418/1372 http://dlib.lib.cas.cz/2308/ http://www.springerlink.com/content/v853h3n66828451k/ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19089315       Click here for a link to his webpage     Here is a link to his research page         http://www.charite.de/en/ http://www.charite.de/en/charite/locations/campus_benjamin_franklin_cbf/             Direct download: Impact_of_Glycomics_03182009.MP3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 5:00 PM Comments[0]

Wed, 11 March 2009 Dr. Gunnar Hansson. Mucin Specialist! 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 Gothenburg Sweden. 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.   Here are some links of interest.   http://www.medkem.gu.se/mucinbiology/research.html   http://www.medkem.gu.se/mucinbiology/general.html   http://en.scientificcommons.org/gunnar%C2%A0c_hansson   http://www.medkem.gu.se/mucinbiology/databases/   http://content.karger.com/ProdukteDB/produkte.asp?Doi=56513   http://ajpgi.physiology.org/cgi/content/abstract/291/2/G203   http://www.jbc.org/cgi/reprint/M210069200v1.pdf       Direct download: Impact_of_Glycomics_03112009.MP3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 12:33 PM Comments[0]

Mon, 9 March 2009 Dr. Lara K. Mahal. Specialist in Lectins and miccroarray technology! 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 Honors June 1995.From University 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! Here are a few links of interest or Dr. Mahal http://neon.cm.utexas.edu/directory/lara_mahal/   http://research.cm.utexas.edu/lmahal/Mahal-C.V.pdf   http://research.cm.utexas.edu/lmahal/   http://www.nature.com/nchembio/journal/v5/n4/abs/nchembio.151.html   https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6332144_Deciphering_the_glycocode_the_complexity_and_analytical_challenge_of_glycomics   http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ja065835%2B   http://www.rsc.org/publishing/journals/MB/article.asp?doi=b800725j       Dr. Mahal`s blog! http://www.blogger.com/profile/05935097482523389037     Direct download: Impact_of_Glycomics_03092009.MP3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 3:40 PM Comments[0]

Wed, 4 March 2009 Dr. Anthony Moran, Helicobacter Pylori, Campylobacter Jejuni expert! 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 University College Dublin, and His Ph.D from The University College Dublin, 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.   Here are a few links of interest or Dr. Moran http://www.nuigalway.ie/microbiology/dr__anthony_p__moran.html http://ini.sagepub.com/cgi/content/abstract/14/5/279 http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=2583950 http://pt.wkhealth.com/pt/re/heli/abstract.00063041-200408000-00005.htm;jsessionid=JxJbXBwnzY1xj2TbXsQNB1n3hn65VnqTT75wQnYvJcQLT1Q6FXLh!1689917466!181195629!8091!-1 http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/117999185/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0 http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118695027/abstract         Direct download: Impact_of_Glycomics_03042009.MP3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 3:25 PM Comments[0]

Wed, 28 January 2009 Dr.Dante Fenolio & Dr. Jenny Cruse-Sanders, Amphibian conservation specialists 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 Direct download: Impact_of_Glycomics_01282009.MP3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 4:13 PM Comments[0]

Wed, 21 January 2009 Dr. Leena Valmu. Stem Cell 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. I highly recommend listening to this interview!     Here are a few links of interest or Dr. Valmu http://www.bloodservice.fi/asp/system/empty.asp?P=2394&VID=default&SID=423415099325037&S=0&C=21527 http://www.bloodservice.fi/asp/system/empty.asp?P=2386&VID=default&SID=423415099325037&S=0&C=21542  https://oa.doria.fi/bitstream/handle/10024/35939/transcri.pdf?sequence=1 http://www.glycobiology.org/Default.aspx?tabid=98&type=viewabstract&lognumber=150 http://www.liebertonline.com/doi/abs/10.1089/scd.2005.14.204?journalCode=scd         Direct download: Impact_of_Glycomics_01212009.MP3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 1:52 PM Comments[0]

Wed, 14 January 2009 Audio Blog Show Impact of glycomics Audio blog show!   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 Http://www.functionalglycomics.org/fg/update/2008/081211/full/fg.2008.55.shtml   Glycomics of bone marrow – derived mesenchymal stem cells can be used to evaluate their cellular differentiation stage. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19037724   Modulating immune call development: polysialic acid sticks out. Http://www.functionalglycomics.org/fg/update/2008/081211/full/fg.2008.52.shtml   Systems biology and glycomics applied to study of human inflammatory diseases. http://www.scienceaily.com/releases/2008/10/081028143508.htm   A serum glycomics approach to Breast cancer biomarkers http://www.mcponline.org/cgi/content/abstract/6/1/43   Honda contributes $500000 http://cottontopssandbox.wordpress.com/2008/12/05/honda-foundation-contributes-500000-towards-medical-research/   Methods in molecular biology #2074 Glycomics Methods and protocols http://www.powells.com/biblio?isbn=9781588297747   Chink in the armor of viral tummy bug identified http://esciencenews.com/articles/2008/12/23/researchers.find.chink.armor.viral.tummy.bug     Direct download: Impact_of_Glycomics_01142009.MP3 Category: podcasts -- posted at: 2:47 PM Comments[0]