How sugars attached to proteins shape development
Roles of Glycosylation and Deglycosylation During Animal Development
Researchers are looking at how sugar molecules on proteins affect development and contribute to congenital glycosylation disorders like CDGs and Alagille syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11326829 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This team studies protein glycosylation (sugar tags on secreted and cell-surface proteins) using animal models and cell systems to learn how those sugar changes alter development. They focus on signaling pathways such as Notch and on genetic changes (for example POGLUT1 mutations) that are linked to human glycosylation disorders. By combining genetics, biochemistry, and cell biology they aim to trace how altered glycosylation leads to disease features. The ultimate aim is to turn mechanistic insights into ideas for better diagnostics or therapies for people with CDGs and related conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with congenital disorders of glycosylation (CDGs), including those with Alagille syndrome or known glycosylation-related mutations, and individuals willing to donate clinical samples are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without glycosylation-related conditions or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could clarify disease mechanisms behind CDGs and point to new diagnostic markers or treatment targets.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies, including work from this laboratory, have shown that glycosylation affects key pathways like Notch and have identified disease-causing mutations, but broad clinical therapies for most CDGs remain limited.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jafar-Nejad, Hamed — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Jafar-Nejad, Hamed
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 below.