Glycomic remodeling of glycocalyx and mucus (C03)

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

Pulmonary hydrogels, like epithelial glycocalyx and mucus, are key in pathogen defense. Mucins are densely decorated with O-linked glycans which influence their physical properties and molecular interactions. Attempts to manipulate glycosylation pathways often fail due to complex enzyme interactions. Initial research using the fucosylation inhibitor 2-deoxy-D-galactose in a pneumonia model showed promising results. In the second funding phase, the modulatory effect of novel and currently unexplored deoxysaccharides will be analyzed using various infection models and advanced glycomics techniques.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1449: Dynamic Hydrogels at Biointerfaces
• Applicant Institution: Freie Universität Berlin
• Project Heads: Dr. Philipp Mertins, until 12/2024; Dr.-Ing. Geraldine Nouailles; Professor Dr. Kevin Pagel