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Institute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System


Team develops sample preparation method for large-scale glycoproteomics

A research team has developed a reliable and economical method for studying proteins with sugar molecules attached to them in blood and tissue samples. The method uses commercially available magnetic particles and has the potential to aid in disease diagnosis and treatment.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalMolecular & Cellular Proteomics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2026

Research finds key cancer-related receptor is regulated by glycan interactions on cell surfaces

Researchers have documented glycan-glycan interactions between gangliosides and their impact on EGF receptor dimerization and activation. This study provides a new mechanism regulating EGFR activity, which may have implications for future cancer research.

New cell-based method could expand human milk oligosaccharides available for infant formula

Researchers developed a new cell-based approach to produce several sugars naturally found in human breastmilk, including complex oligosaccharides. The method involves engineering cultured mammalian cells to express essential enzymes, allowing for the production of structurally diverse HMOs with potential applications in infant nutrition.

Sugar molecules help keep the brain’s electrical signals on track

Researchers discovered branched O-mannose glycans play a crucial role in maintaining nodes of Ranvier and efficient nerve signaling. The study found that these sugar structures help preserve the narrow architecture required for fast and reliable communication.

Team explores role of the mannose pathway in regulating cell fate decisions

A team of scientists discovered that the mannose pathway plays a crucial role in regulating cell fate decisions in low glucose environments, particularly in cancer cells. They found that reducing mannose pathway activity led to impaired N-glycan biosynthesis and activated pro-survival signals, which can contribute to cancer progression.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2026

Decoding immune system cellular pathways one enzyme at a time

Researchers at the Institute for Glyco-core Research discovered how FUT8 is regulated by proteases SPP and SPPL3, essential for core fucosylation. This understanding may lead to new treatments targeting this cellular pathway, particularly in cancer and immune disorders.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2026

Not just sweet: the sugar branches that shape the brain

A brain-specific enzyme reshapes protein-linked sugar chains to facilitate the formation of complex glycans essential for normal brain function. This process is critical for efficient keratan sulfate formation and has implications for research into glycan-related brain disorders.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2026

Under the hood: Probing the molecular mechanisms of metastasis

A team of researchers has revealed the molecular mechanisms underlying the binding of small extracellular vesicles to host cells, which could lead to the development of more effective cancer treatments. The study found that EVs primarily bind to laminin via CD151-associated integrin heterodimers and GM1, eliciting responses in recipien...

Small messengers called extracellular vesicles deliver molecules between cells using protein signal

Researchers discovered a new process by which cancer cells use small extracellular vesicles to spread to healthy tissue. The study found that these vesicles are primarily internalized by clathrin-independent endocytosis via galectin-3, which is facilitated by an increase in intracellular calcium concentration.

Insight into link between lysosomal activities and focal adhesions and implications for cancer research

Researchers uncover the relationship between lysosomal exocytosis and focal adhesions, structures critical for cell anchoring and communication. The study identifies MYO18B as a key regulator of lysosomal exocytosis through focal adhesion maturation.

Glycans can regulate their own biosynthesis by modifying enzyme activity

Researchers found that glycans attached to glycosylation enzymes' lectin domains inhibit the enzymes' activity, leading to self-regulation of their own biosynthesis. This unique mechanism sheds light on how glycosylation enzymes choose their substrate proteins in cells.

Researchers create ADP- or ATP-containing molecules with improved yield and consistency

A team of researchers developed a new chemical reaction to synthesize ADP- and ATP-containing molecules with high yields, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. The reaction uses a hydrolysis-stable reagent and achieves reproducible access to these molecules.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2024

The molecular basis of how Pradimicin A binds to viral N-glycan, a potential SARS-CoV-2 entry inhibitor

Researchers discovered Pradimicin A's molecular basis for binding to viral N-glycan, showing promise as an anti-SARS-CoV-2 drug. The compound inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infectivity by interacting with branched oligomannose-containing glycans.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalBioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024

Biologists uncover how key carbohydrate-attachment mechanism malfunctions

Biologists discovered a key enzyme's interaction with a small structure in glycans that contributes to the malfunctioning of carbohydrates' attachment process. This process is essential for numerous physiological processes and can lead to diseases such as cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's, and muscular dystrophy.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024

Two new mutations identified as possible causes of rare blood disorder

Researchers discovered two novel GNE gene mutations that may cause a rare blood disorder called macrothrombocytopenia. The mutations affect the synthesis of sialic acid, critical for brain development and angiogenesis. Further studies are needed to understand the mechanism underlying this disorder and explore therapeutic interventions.

Team explores role of STING – stimulator of interferon genes – in body’s innate immune system

Researchers provide new insights into STING's function in innate immunity, revealing its role as a scaffold that activates TBK1. They also found that cholesterol plays a crucial role in STING clustering and activation, offering a potential target for treating diseases associated with STING inflammation.

Two synthetic molecules developed to help elucidate cellular functions

Researchers at iGCORE in Japan developed two synthetic versions of an ADP-ribose fragment to study cellular functions. The approach enables the production of structurally well-defined oligo- and poly(ADP-ribose) samples, accelerating ADP-ribose biology research.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalEuropean Journal of Organic Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2023

Immune cell map reveals origin of subcellular response to microbes, researchers report

Researchers have created an 'immune cell map' that reveals the origin of neutrophils' subcellular response to microbes. The study found that a specific type of glycoprotein is responsible for the restricted subcellular origin, and this discovery may lead to refined personalized immune responses.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2023