Creating customizable 3D materials to study the role of glycans in health.
Official title: Customizable 3D Matrix to Investigate Glycan Function
Funded at University of Maine Orono · NIH-11042534 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to create special materials that help scientists learn more about glycans, which are important for how our bodies work, so they can better understand their role in health and disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maine Orono NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Orono, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $434,385 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM157707-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042534 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with conditions influenced by glycan interactions, such as certain cancers or autoimmune diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to glycan functions or those not requiring advanced biomaterial treatments may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a customizable 3D matrix that allows scientists to investigate the functions of glycans, which are essential components in various biological processes. By creating materials that can mimic the natural environment of cells, researchers aim to better understand how glycans interact with proteins and influence health and disease. The approach involves using thiol-functionalized glycans to create both homogeneous and heterogeneous glycan pools, enabling detailed analysis of their roles in cellular pathways. This innovative methodology could lead to new insights into glycan functions and their therapeutic potential.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to breakthroughs in understanding and treating diseases related to glycan functions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using 3D matrices for studying cellular interactions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maine Orono
Orono, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brichacek, Matthew Paul — University of Maine Orono
- Study coordinator: Brichacek, Matthew Paul
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.