Thank you for visiting our Glycomics website!

Our NIGMS National Center for Biomedical Glycomics is in its tenth year and is focused on developing and applying technologies for glycomic analyses. Our platform for discovery and testing is embryonic stem cell differentiation and as technologies are developed and vetted, they are transferred to our Service and Training program, directed by Dr. Parastoo Azadi. A list of the various types of routine analyses available in our service program, as well as contact information for Dr. Azadi, can be found here. A map showing the location of our major service clients is shown below.

One of our most successful programs is that of Training. We offer several summer workshops on glycan and glycoconjugate analyses and are ideal for graduate students, postdoctoral scientists, and investigators new to the world of glycans and their function. During the summer of 2012, we had participants from the U.S. and around the world, academia and industry. A list of our workshops can be found here. Dr. Azadi is happy to provide additional information, as well.

In addition to technology development, service, and training, an additional major emphasis of our Glycomics Center is collaboration. A list and a brief description of our current collaborative projects can be found here.

If we are approached by an investigator for development of a new technology or a new application of one of our technologies for a specific glycomic analysis, it is possible that we will develop a formal "Driving Biomedical Project (DBP) with the investigator. In this instance, the technology needs of this specific project will drive development and application. A description of our current DBP can be found here. If you desire more information, or would like to discuss potential projects please contact Dr. Azadi or Dr. Pierce. You can also find out information on the background of More ....


Stem Cells
Stem Cell Platform: This Core is responsible with growth and differentiation of the various stem cells undergoing analysis by the Resource, including monitoring of precise differentiation states by analysis of various transcripts by qRT-PCR. In addition, this group also studies presentation of various cell surface glycans using lectin and antibody histochemical and flow cytometric analyses.

Glycomics
Glycoproteomics and Glycoconjugate Analysis: This research group focuses on developing technologies for the determination of the details of glycan expression on glycoproteins and glycolipids. These details include the glycan structural analysis, identification of the proteins that express different types of glycans, and characterization of the sites on proteins to which particular glycans are attached. Glycosphingolipid analysis is also performed by this Core.

Transcriptomics
Transcript Analysis by qRT-PCR: This research group has developed a qRT-PCR analysis platform for the analysis of transcripts encoding >750 genes that function in glycan biosynthesis, catabolism, and recognition in both mouse and humans, including ~250 glycosyltransferase transcripts. The platform has proven to be robust, flexible, and highly-sensitive for transcript analysis of mouse and human cell and tissue sources.

Bioinformatics
Bioinformatics The bioinformatics group provides the computational framework required interpret data generated by scientists of the Resource Center and to make this information available in a form that is transparent to scientists with expertise in a broad range of disciplines.

Service
Service and Training: The Glycomics Resource offers a comprehensive service program for structural characterization of native and recombinant glycoproteins and glycolipids using combination of analytical techniques. We also offer several annual hands-on training courses on glycoconjuagte structural analysis.

Collaborations
Collaborations: The resource has established many collaborations, including nine formal collaborations. Click now to see a brief description of each of these collaborations.

For information, hold the cursor over each of the above images.

Then click on the image for even more information.