Glycobiology

When cells reveal their inner workings

UCT researchers uncover molecular “switch” that fuels cancer progression

Researchers at the University of Cape Town have identified a critical molecular switch that drives the formation of cancer-associated antigens. By understanding how enzymes relocate within a cell, they have uncovered key mechanisms for tumorigenesis.

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.

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.

Aggressive brain tumors build protective “sugar shield” to survive extreme stress

Researchers identified a previously unrecognized metabolic defence mechanism in aggressive brain tumours: a sugar-rich shield that protects tumour cells from ferroptosis. The study found that the sugar shield and lipid droplet storage mechanisms cooperate to evade cell death.

Essential role of extracellular sulfatase Sulf1 in reward and aversion learning

Research reveals that Sulf1 is essential for both reward-dependent and aversion learning, highlighting its critical role in adult brain function. The enzyme acts through distinct dopamine D1 and D2 receptor pathways, underscoring its importance in neural circuits involved in learning.

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.

Seal milk more refined than breast milk

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg discovered that grey seal milk contains approximately 33% more sugar molecules than breast milk, including unique and powerful compounds against disease-causing bacteria. These findings could lead to improved infant formula and potential applications in human health.

Glycosylation enzyme selectivity in mouse kidney shows promise for future disease research

Researchers investigated GnT-V, a cancer-related glycosylation enzyme, and found its selectivity relies on protein structure and subcellular trafficking. Two enzymes, metalloproteases, were identified as major substrates in the kidney.

Mapping the dynamic glycosylation landscape of rat serum proteins

Researchers mapped dynamic glycosylation patterns in rat serum proteins, revealing distinct cell-type-specific profiles. Female rats exhibited pronounced daily fluctuations in sugar structures, suggesting regulation by hormonal and circadian cycles.

1000-litre “corn-to-carrier” demo turns stover into 10.6 g L⁻¹ microbial lipids

Researchers transform corn stover into microbial lipids using alkaline storage, gentle steam, and squeeze detoxification. The process delivers high sugar recovery and lipid content, reducing water demand by one-third compared to conventional methods.

Glycation-lowering compounds curb hunger, lower insulin resistance and extend lifespan in mice

Researchers found that a combination of nicotinamide, a-lipoic acid, thiamine, pyridoxamine and piperine reduced AGEs, sticky plaque-like molecules, to curb hunger, lower insulin resistance and extend lifespan in mice. The compounds also reversed some molecular hallmarks of hypothalamic aging.

Scientists reengineer enzyme to study diseases via sugar patterns on the surface of cells

Researchers created a glycan-binding protein that can analyze and treat diseases via sugar patterns found on the surface of cells. The tool, named sCore2, was developed by retraining an enzyme to bind to specific sugars, providing a new way to study glycans and their role in disease.

Certain RNA modifications could contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders

Researchers have discovered a natural mechanism by which RNA modifications prevent innate immune activation, raising questions about their potential link to autoimmune disorders. The study found that N-glycans on glycoRNAs block hypermodified RNA bases from inducing immune responses.

Signal boost uncovers hundreds of hidden binding partners for blood protein receptor

Researchers identified hundreds of hidden binding partners for a blood protein receptor, revealing links to organ dysfunction and increased sepsis risk. The study found that Mrc1's absence led to the accumulation of mannosylated proteins, which disrupted normal physiology and function.

"Fluorescence ON in cancer cells only" – Diagnosing cancer with light

A novel fluorescent probe, SLY, has been developed to precisely identify hepatocellular carcinoma tissue using sialylated glycans on the cell surface. The probe outperforms conventional methods by clearly distinguishing tumor margins within liver tissues.

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.

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.

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.

Rice, Baylor developing ‘glyco-immune’ checkpoint inhibitor

Researchers from Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine are developing a new 'glyco-immune' checkpoint inhibitor to train the immune system to target and kill breast cancer metastasis in bones. The therapy has shown promise in preliminary tests, including eradicating cancer in some animals.

Stowers scientists use cavefish to learn more about metabolism and the evolutionary basis of being a couch potato

Researchers studied cavefish metabolism to understand how humans might adapt over long periods of inactivity, finding genetic changes that enable muscle endurance and efficient energy storage. The study suggests potential implications for understanding and mitigating the negative effects of sedentary lifestyles on human health.

Slime for the climate, delivered by brown algae

Researchers discovered that brown algae's fucoidan can remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the global cycle in the long term. The fucoidan is a recalcitrant molecule that does not return to the atmosphere quickly, making the brown algae particularly effective in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

Now we know how plants steer clear of salt

Researchers at University of Copenhagen discover that plants use stress hormone ABA to reorganize their roots and grow away from salty areas. This mechanism could lead to the development of more salt-tolerant crops, reducing crop yields loss due to salinity.

NTU Singapore scientists uncover key cellular mechanism that shows saturated fat can worsen diabetes

Researchers at NTU Singapore's Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine found that saturated fatty acids degrade protein FIT2, leading to insulin-producing cells' loss of function and death. This impairs the body's ability to secrete enough insulin, resulting in diabetes.

Novel enzyme catalyzing the formation of glycosidic bonds in complex sugar moieties characterized

Researchers have identified a novel enzyme that catalyzes the formation of glycosidic bonds in complex sugar moieties. The discovery provides fresh insights into carbohydrate metabolism and offers a breakthrough for the synthesis of sugar chains, which play key roles in various biological processes.

Mucus could explain why SARS-CoV-2 doesn’t spread easily from surfaces

Researchers found that sugar-decorated proteins in mucus can bind to the coronavirus, keeping it from infecting cells. This discovery may explain why SARS-CoV-2 is more likely to spread through airborne droplets rather than surface transmission.

Breaking down glycosides in the gut and in Nature

Scientists identified multiple enzymes involved in C-glycoside metabolism, revealing a common reaction mechanism in both intestinal and soil bacteria. This discovery could provide insight into how the body breaks down these molecules and potentially lead to new treatments for diseases.