Could a Spoonful of Sugar Be a Medicine?

Glycans glow red, yellow, and green in this image of a zebrafish embryo’s jaw. Credit: Carolyn Bertozzi, University of California, Berkeley. Large sugar molecules called glycans coat every cell in our bodies. They can also be found inside and between cells, and they are important for many biological processes, including how our cells interact with one another and with pathogens. For example, glycans on red blood cells determine blood type, and those on the cells of organs determine whether a person can receive a transplant from a particular donor. Scientists have only begun to explore sugars’ complexities and potential uses. Here, we look at the contributions three NIGMS-supported researchers are making to glycoscience. Human Milk Sugars Glycans called human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) make up a significant portion of human milk. Study findings have shown that some HMOs can be prebiotics—substances that encourage beneficial bacteria to grow. Research has also revealed that some disease-causing microbes bind to certain HMOs, potentially allowing the germs to pass through the body without causing illness. Machine-Made HMOs Dr. Alexei Demchenko. Credit: University of Missouri, St. Louis. Studying HMOs has historically been very difficult, often involving a complex chemical process to produce the molecule. But soon, researchers may be able to create these sugars with the push of a button, thanks to a machine being developed by Alexei Demchenko, Ph...
Source: Biomedical Beat Blog - National Institute of General Medical Sciences - Category: Research Authors: Tags: Chemistry, Biochemistry and Pharmacology Glycobiology Research Roundup Source Type: blogs