Understanding Sugar Chains in Our Cells

Systems Biology of Glycosylation

NIH-funded research State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-11032014

This research helps us understand how sugar chains on our cells work and change, which is important for many body processes like immunity and inflammation.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionState University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Amherst, United States)
Project IDNIH-11032014 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Our cells have complex sugar chains, called glycans, that are crucial for how our bodies develop, fight off illness, and heal. These sugar chains can change when our cells are affected by disease or other factors. This project aims to map out the genetic and other influences that control these sugar chains. By understanding these controls, we hope to find new ways to detect diseases early and personalize treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation, but its findings could eventually benefit patients with conditions related to immunity, inflammation, bleeding, or cancer.

Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention will not find direct benefit from this basic science project.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to diagnose diseases earlier and tailor treatments more precisely by using gene sequencing to identify disease-related sugar chain changes.

How similar studies have performed: This is a renewal of an existing grant, suggesting prior success in the field, and it builds upon current knowledge in systems biology and gene sequencing.

Where this research is happening

Amherst, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.