NOVOTNYGLYCO · Developing New Methods of Glycobiology for Investigations in Host-Pathogen Interactions and Disease Mechanisms

The aim is to advance the field of analytical glycobiology at high measurement sensitivity and facilitate new directions in life sciences research at the University of South Bohemia (USB), Czech Republic. Glycobiology deals with structural and functional aspects of glycoconjugates, which play important roles in biological recognition processes such as immune surveillance, inflammatory reactions, and metastasis of cancer cells. Professor Novotny, currently at Indiana University, has been a leading authority in the bioanalytical investigations through glycomics and glycoproteomics. The recent collaboration between Professor Novotny and the researchers at USB has involved the use of uniquely sensitive glycomic methods in a host-parasite interaction area: glycosylation in tick (Ixodes) that carries diseases affecting humans. In the forthcoming 2+ years period, he wishes to extend these investigations and initiate further interactions with the cell biologists, physiologists, and immunologists. He will concentrate on further advancing the methods of glycomics and glycoproteomics for biologically important problems at USB. With the emphasis on measuring quantitatively glycans in ultrasmall volumes such as saliva of arthropods and secretory glands of small animals, understanding of ecologically important processes, host-pathogen interactions and situations involving sugar-protein interfaces, can be enhanced. The inherent complexity of glycoconjugate mixtures will be addressed through further development of miniaturized chromatographic systems and biomolecular mass spectrometry. Glycosylated structures will be selectively preconcentrated through unique lectins. The studied systems will also be subjected to glycotranscriptomic investigations and glycan array procedures through recently established international collaborations. In order to meet future challenges and opportunities, there is a need to educate a new workforce of scientists in glycobiology and glycoanalysis.