“Glycobiology is the study of the structure, biosynthesis, biology, and evolution of saccharides (also called carbohydrates, sugar chains, or glycans) that are widely distributed in nature and of the proteins that recognize them.”
Essentials of Glycobiology [Internet]. 4th edition.
The Aguilar Calvo Lab is focused on uncovering the molecular mechanisms of neurodegeneration with a glycobiology approach.
Our main interests are:
- Interaction of misfolded proteins (prions, α-synuclein, β-amyloid) with glycans and the impact in protein replication, cell to cell propagation and scaffolding.
- Glycan functions in brain physiology and blood brain barrier.
- Remodeling of the brain extracellular space during neurodegeneration.
- New strategies to promote the lymphatic clearance of misfolded proteins
Our approach to answer these questions involves:
- genetic manipulation of the glycan composition in mouse models of neurodegenerative disorders
- glycobiology and structural biology techniques to define the factors governing the interactions of misfolded proteins with glycans
- in vitro protein aggregation assays and MRI and PET scanning imaging techniques to assess the distribution of misfolded proteins through the central nervous system
- development of synthetic sugars to promote the degradation of misfolded proteins.
