GlycoNet research project approach is unique worldwide
A one-year research grant funded through the Canadian Glycomics Network (GlycoNet) Networks of Centres of Excellence supports research into how glycomics – the study of sugars in biology – may help unlock clues as to how Alzheimer's disease arises and point to potential good targets for developing therapeutics to treat the disease.
Two researchers, one mission
The project is led by University of Alberta Faculty of Science assistant professor Matthew Macauley and professor John Klassen, both GlycoNet network investigators. They will study glycans (sugars) that interact with an important protein known as CD33, which is strongly implicated in Alzheimer’s disease. The primary goal is to develop a strategy for elucidating the molecular identity of these sugars.
“I’m very excited about the research project because while there is plenty of interest in this topic, no one is using the approach John and I are using,” says Macauley. “The specialized equipment and approach that the Klassen lab uses makes this research transformative.”