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 extended tandem repeats (TRs), which are extensively glycosylated at serine and threonine. Since changes in glycosylation patterns are frequently observed in diseases, we will investigate how glycosylation, in particular sialylation, and the length of the TR domain influence functional properties of mucins. To probe mucin function in vitro, we will provide access to glycosylated mucin MUC5AC by combining glycan and peptide synthesis with recombinant technologies and protein supramolecular chemistry. In addition, we will employ chemical glyco-engineering and small molecule sialylation inhibitors to alter the glycosylation of mucins for functional studies in living cells and model organisms.

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