Novel Glyco-tools to Study Human Milk Oligosaccharides - V3
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Novel Glyco-tools to Study Human Milk Oligosaccharides V3
IRAS ID
211321
Contact name
M. Carmen Galan
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 9 months, 14 days
Research summary
Human milk contains hundreds of different sugars (=carbohydrates). The amount and diversity of the different carbohydrates differs substantially between different species and within humans depending on their blood groups, life style and general health. To date, more than 200 different carbohydrates have been identified in human breast milk (HBM). Most of the structures characterized today contain a lactose core as starting unit, to which other sugar units get attached by enzymes, to form complex and diverse carbohydrate structures with many biological functions, including immune protection.
Unfortunately, little is known about the full biological significance of the different sugar structures, due to the difficulty in isolating and analysing the individual sugar fragments.
Our team has developed a novel methodology that relies on the use of synthetic probes (ITags) that can be used to isolate and identify relevant carbohydrates that are present in human milk. The unique carbohydrates that will be isolated from human milk using our technique will be screened for further biological function.The aim of this study is to use synthetic sugar-based probes to harness the enzyme machinery present in human milk to identify, characterize and isolate specific carbohydrates of biological importance from the intricate environment. The isolated carbohydrates will help us to identify important biomarkers that can lead to a better understanding of the function and role of this important molecules.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/SW/0244
Date of REC Opinion
10 Oct 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion