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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.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 2026
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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.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2026

When cells reveal their inner workings

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light create a 'map' of glycocalyx by mapping individual sugar structures using super-high-resolution microscopy technology. The results show that the spatial arrangement of sugar structures relates to cell physiological state, providing a structured display to the outside world.

SourceMax Planck Institute for the Science of Light·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2026

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.

SourceUniversity of Cape Town - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2026

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
GoPro HERO13 Black

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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
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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.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalNature Communications·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 25, 2025

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.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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"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.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 6, 2025
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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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...

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2025

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.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2025

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.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournalJournal of Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

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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.

SourceInstitute for Glyco-core Research (iGCORE), Tokai National Higher Education and Research System·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 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

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

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.

SourceRice University·DateMay 19, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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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.

SourceStowers Institute for Medical Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 24, 2023

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.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 26, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalDevelopmental Cell·DateNov 2, 2022
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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.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2021