Scientists at Université de Montréal develop a breakthrough method to detect and study the interactions between sugars and proteins, shedding light on their crucial role in biological processes and disease.
Scientists at the Université de Montréal’s Department of Chemistry have made a significant breakthrough in the study of sugar-protein interactions. Led by professor Samy Cecioni and his team, the researchers have developed a new fluorogenic probe that allows for the detection and examination of the interactions between sugars and proteins. This groundbreaking discovery has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of these essential biomolecules and their involvement in various biological processes, including disease development.
Found in all living cells:
Sugar, a ubiquitous component of our diets, is not just a source of sweetness. It plays a vital role in numerous biological processes within living organisms. Professor Cecioni explains that sugars are present on the surface of all cells in the form of glycans, sugar-based molecules. These glycans are not merely decorative but are involved in a wide range of physiological processes crucial for maintaining health and preventing disease.
Driving disease, from flu to cancer:
Lectins, a family of proteins found in all living organisms, have the unique ability to recognize and bind to sugars. These interactions between lectins and sugars are involved in various biological processes, including the immune response to infections. Recent research has shown that the binding of lectins to sugars plays a significant role in the development of diseases such as bacterial infections, viral invasions, and even cancer. Understanding these interactions is key to unraveling the mechanisms behind disease progression.
Challenges in studying sugar-protein interactions:
Studying the interactions between sugars and lectins has been challenging due to their transient and weak nature. These interactions are difficult to detect and study in real-time. However, two students working under Professor Cecioni, Cécile Bousch and Brandon Vreulz, devised an innovative solution. They proposed using light to detect and visualize these interactions. By creating a chemical probe that can “freeze” the interaction between sugar and lectin, they were able to make it visible through fluorescence.
A breakthrough in detection:
The researchers labeled sugar molecules with a chromophore, a chemical that imparts color to a molecule. In this case, the chromophore used was fluorogenic, meaning it becomes fluorescent when the binding between sugar and lectin is efficiently captured. This technique allows scientists to study the mechanisms underlying these interactions and the disturbances that can arise. By visualizing these interactions, researchers gain a valuable tool for studying biological processes critical to human health.
Expanding the scope:
Professor Cecioni and his team are confident that their technique can be extended to study interactions between other types of molecules beyond sugars and lectins. Furthermore, they believe it may be possible to control the color of newly created fluorescently labeled probes, expanding the range of applications for this breakthrough method.
Conclusion:
The development of a new fluorogenic probe by scientists at the Université de Montréal’s Department of Chemistry has opened up exciting possibilities for studying the interactions between sugars and proteins. This breakthrough allows researchers to visualize and understand the crucial role of these interactions in biological processes and disease development. With further exploration and refinement, this innovative technique has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of biomolecular interactions and pave the way for new discoveries in the field of life sciences.
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