Speaker: Dr. Linda C. Hsieh-Wilson, Division of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, California Institute of Technology

Title of Talk: Decoding Glycan Molecular Recognition: From Chemical Principles to Neuroplasticity

Abstract: Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) mediate critical molecular recognition events that regulate diverse biological processes, ranging from development and immune responses to neuroplasticity and disease. We have developed a platform for the chemical synthesis and biological interrogation of large libraries of heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) oligosaccharides encompassing diverse sulfation patterns. These libraries enable the identification of sulfation motifs that selectively modulate the activities of growth factors, chemokines, and other signaling proteins, revealing fundamental principles underlying the "sulfation code" of GAGs and striking parallels with DNA molecular recognition. Deciphering and engineering this chemical language of glycan molecular recognition provides new opportunities to control cell signaling, promote neuroplasticity, and inspire new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

http://chemistry.caltech.edu/fucose/