Semi-synthetic approaches to probe mucin function (C01)

• Subject Area: Biological and Biomimetic Chemistry
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 431232613

Mucins consist of highly O-glycosylated tandem repeats (TRs), which are crucial for their function as pathogen barrier but difficult to study. Aim of this project is to develop semi-synthetic mucin models for functional assessments. The chemical synthesis of long O-glycopeptides is complex and requires innovations in synthesis methodology. In the first phase, multiglycosylated TRs were achieved. The next step involves conjugating human milk oligosaccharides to mucin peptides, diversifying the glycan pattern. This approach will create native-like, controllable model systems for in-depth physical and functional analyses of mucins.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1449: Dynamic Hydrogels at Biointerfaces
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Project Heads: Professor Dr. Christian Hackenberger, until 12/2024; Professor Dr. Kevin Pagel; Professor Dr. Oliver Seitz