INFLAMA

Matrix Macromolecules in inflammation

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 Obiettivo del progetto (Objective)

An emerging aspect of biotechnology is the role that carbohydrates play in various aspect of biology. Even if a large mass of knowledge is available of different macromolecules including proteins and nucleic acids, the same knowledge of the carbohydrates is not present at the moment. Over the last years the technical achievements in protein and nucleic acid research allowed exceptional results. This extraordinary development induced the scientific community to introduce new definitions: proteomics and genomics. In similar way, the increasing body of evidence supporting the importance of carbohydrates in multiple aspects of biology, the scientific community suggested to introduce a new term for the technologies necessary in carbohydrate studies: the glucomic. Here we are proposing to support the exchange of researchers involved in a network of 4 laboratories which started over the last years collaborations in research and teaching and in particular in the role of matrix macromolecules (hyaluronan and proteoglycans) in inflammation. This network may play an important role because the laboratories involved possess particular expertise in glucomics. In particular this “gluco-net” is composed by 4 different laboratories leaded by scientists involved in PhD programs as well as in several project grants as PI. The problem raised by this new interest in carbohydrates is the development of the specific technology necessary for the studies of these molecules. In fact the carbohydrate chemistry is remarkable complex and requires technicians with an elevated level of specialization and this is extremely uncommon in the laboratories. The aim of this proposal is therefore the preparation of very qualified gluco-biotechnologists and scientists in glucomics, able to address the studies and the analysis of carbohydrates in the academic research or in the development of new molecules of industrial interest and to support more interaction between the proponents.

Introduzione (Teaser)

Diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory-related diseases remains a clinical challenge. An international consortium is looking into tropical animals for therapeutic solutions to inflammation.

Descrizione progetto (Article)

Accumulating evidence underscores the important role of carbohydrates in various aspects of biology, leading scientists to suggest a new technology for carbohydrate studies, glucomics. However, unlike proteomics and genomics, glucomics is still in its infancy and the complex nature of carbohydrates hampers progress for analytical methodologies.

To advance the field of glucomics, the EU-funded 'Matrix macromolecules in inflammation' (INFLAMA) project assembled a network of research labs for carbohydrate analysis. The aim is to train the next generation of scientists in carbohydrate biotechnology and identify new pharmaceutical products. The focus is on the role of extracellular matrix polysaccharides such as hyaluronan and proteoglycans in treating inflammation.

Key scientific activities of the project included the delineation of the mechanisms of hyaluronan synthesis in cell cultures of human smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells following inflammatory stimulation. Scientists are also evaluating the expression of the genes implicated in the pathway of hyaluronan biosynthesis.

So far, a strong association of hyaluronan synthesis has been found with metabolic markers of diabetes and inflammation. To further understand the pathological implication of this link, partners are looking into the therapeutic impact of glycosaminoglycans on the development of colitis in mice. These carbohydrates have been isolated from exotic tropical animals which could potentially serve as a novel source of macromolecules.

Collectively, the INFLAMA work could provide the much needed insight into carbohydrate biochemistry and the development of advanced analytical methodologies. The outcome of the project will determine the clinical applicability of carbohydrate administration for inflammation treatment.