Jessica Kramer, PhD, Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering at the University of Utah (the U) received a new grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to utilize transformative chemical tools and first-in-kind models to study glycocalyx mucins. This study hopes to impact human health and wellness as the human mucin glycocalyx is involved in lubrication, fertilization, drug/nutrient absorptions, infection, and cancer.
The Kramer lab will study processes that regulate whether cells live or die, migrate or stay, or mount up defenses against invading pathogens. Her lab is developing synthetic polymer models of the sugar and protein coat on cell surfaces called the glycocalyx. The glycocalyx serves dual functions— barrier and signaling.
Every cell that interacts with the outside world, such as eyes, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, is protected by a specialized glycocalyx coating. This coating is rich in mucins, which are proteins with sugars attached. Mucins are also found in mucus, saliva, and tears and contribute to their hydrating and lubricating properties. At the cellular level, these mucins have complex biological functions beyond lubrication. Mucins cross the cell membrane and can send signals from outside the cell to inside. The Kramer Lab will study how changes in the molecular structures of mucin sugars contribute to a cell’s fate. This information will shed light on how mucins protect us from infections as well as how glycocalyx changes contribute to cancer.
Kramer is elated to continue her work, stating, “I am fascinated by the complexity of the sugars found on cell surfaces because tiny changes in chemical structure have huge effects. These sugars can control whether the cell lives or dies, or if it is susceptible to infection or cancer. Our models will shed light on these processes.”
The NSF grant will support work over the next three years, incorporating biomaterials and glycoscience into education, including a K-12 outreach activity and a lecture series for senior citizens. Undergrad and grad students will be mentored and trained in biomaterials and glycoscience research lab practices. The grant will also benefit outreach activities for female scientists and underrepresented minorities to improve recruitment and retention in STEM Careers.