Glycoscience

Glycoscience

Glycoscience is the study of the unique biochemical language of glycans (complex sugars) which play a crucial role in most biological processes such as reproduction, signalling, cell differentiation, immunity, inflammation and diseases such as cancer.

Researchers at CÚRAM are profiling the functions of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and other constituent carbohydrates, with the aim of developing compositions for use in modifying biomaterials for biocompatibility, pushing stem cells toward correct differentiation pathways, drug delivery with tissue specific cell homing ability and building immune responses. Major goals of the research are to develop fingerprints of carbohydrates using microarrays and develop novel protein and nucleic acid based recognition molecules, specific for individual carbohydrate molecules.