Midis by GIANT

[Conférence en anglais]

Glycosaminoglycans: From Sweet Chains to Complex Roles

Glycosaminoglycans are long, linear, and structurally complex polysaccharide chains found on the surface of most animal and human cells. Given their strategic positioning, they are involved in a broad range of biological processes, including cell-cell communication, receptor signaling, and the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. At the same time, glycosaminoglycans play important roles in various diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and pathogen infections. Due to their complex architecture, studying the structure-function relationship of glycosaminoglycans remains challenging. Our aim is to improve the understanding of these fascinating macromolecules by investigating their biosynthesis, which occurs in the Golgi lumen and involves the fine-tuned action of more than a dozen different glycosyltransferases and glycan-modifying enzymes. Using cryo-electron microscopy, we determine high-resolution structures of these biosynthetic enzymes and elucidate their molecular mechanisms of action.

A conference presented by Rebekka WILD, team leader at the Institut de Biologie Structurale (IBS) in Grenoble, 2024 CNRS Bronze Medal.

Practical Information

| Free conference, open to everyone. Registration opens on May 23, 2025.
| Registration required.
| The conference will be followed by a discussion with the audience and a coffee break offered to participants.