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Synthetic biology of carbohydrate-binding proteins: engineering protein-carbohydrate interactions for diagnostics and cell targeting

Project description

DEENESFRITPL

Exploiting protein-carbohydrate interactions at the cellular level

Cell membranes contain glycolipids and glycoproteins with the sugar moieties extending to the outer surface of the cell, forming a dense layer known as the glycocalyx. The glycocalyx plays a key role in cell attachment and endocytosis, while it may also serve as a biomarker for neoplastic transformation. This emerging role of the glycocalyx indicates that it could be exploited in diagnosis and therapy. The mission of the EU-funded synBIOcarb project is to train the next generation of experts in glycoscience and the engineering of glycoproteins. Apart from providing fundamental knowledge in key biological processes and disease mechanisms, the project will employ synthetic technologies to produce novel molecular complexes with diverse applications.

Objective

The aim of the Initial Training Network will be to train 15 early stage researchers in the emerging field of synthetic glycobiology, equipping them with the skills needed for future careers in the medical technologies sector.
Every living cell is covered in a coating of complex carbohydrates known as the glycocalyx. Anything that approaches the cell membrane must first descend through this forest of carbohydrates. Interactions between carbohydrates and lectins (carbohydrate-binding proteins) play essential roles in cell adhesion and endocytosis. Our growing understanding of glycoscience, and the advent of chemical and synthetic biology methodologies, presents an opportunity to redesign, synthesise and exploit glycocalyx and lectin components for diverse analytical, diagnostic and targeted therapeutic applications: this is the field of Synthetic Glycobiology.
The ESF-funded report, “A Roadmap for Glycosicence in Europe”, has highlighted the importance of glycoscience to the European bioeconomy. The European glycomics market is growing rapidly (>10% growth p.a.). There is an urgent need to train ESRs with the scientific and entrepreneurial skills required to enable European industry to exploit this rapidly growing market.
The synBIOcarb ETN brings together a diverse team of chemists, structural biologists, biophysicists, cell biologists and protein engineers who are pioneering the development of Synthetic Glycobiology, and four SMEs that are leading industrial innovation in glycoscience and protein engineering. Together, we will train 15 ESRs in the essential enabling technologies that underpin the development and exploitation of glycoscience: glycoconjugate synthesis; lectin engineering; biophysical interaction measurements; cell biology; analytical device technologies; entrepreneurial and transferable skills.

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Programme(s)

Topic(s)

Call for proposal

H2020-MSCA-ITN-2018

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Funding Scheme

MSCA-ITN - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Innovative Training Networks (ITN)

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS
Net EU contribution
€ 909 517,68
Address
WOODHOUSE LANE
LS2 9JT Leeds
United Kingdom

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Region
Yorkshire and the Humber West Yorkshire Leeds
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost
€ 909 517,68

Participants (8)

Partners (6)

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Last update: 2 April 2024

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Permalink: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/814029

European Union, 2024