Fundamental research on polysaccharides and glycosides
Polysaccharides and glycosides play crucial roles in biological systems, serving as energy sources, structural components, signaling molecules, and targeting moieties. Fundamental research on these complex carbohydrates seeks to deepen our understanding of their properties and functions in biochemical processes.
Polysaccharides, polymerized monosaccharides, have diverse structures and functions. These compounds are essential for the structural integrity of plants and fungi, providing rigidity and protection. Glycosides, where a sugar moiety is linked to a non-sugar component, are critical for diverse biological activities, including pharmacological effects in medicinal compounds. For example, the glycosides in many plant species can exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor properties. Understanding the biosynthesis and degradation of these compounds can reveal how organisms adapt to their environments and respond to external stimuli.
Mimicking the functionalities of polysaccharides and glycosides can have significant implications. In materials science, emulating the properties of natural polysaccharides can lead to the development of biodegradable plastics, improving sustainability in manufacturing. In medicine, synthesizing glycosides that replicate the therapeutic properties of natural compounds can facilitate drug design, enhancing efficacy and reducing side effects. In the agricultural sector, this research can contribute to developing crop varieties with improved resilience and yield through genetic manipulation of polysaccharide biosynthesis pathways. These innovations can help in creating more sustainable farming practices and addressing food security challenges.
Our research involves interdisciplinary collaboration and numerous analytical approaches. Spectroscopic techniques such as mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy allow us to characterize the structure, composition, and dynamics of polysaccharides and glycosides. Advanced imaging technologies enable observations of how these molecules interact within living systems, providing insights into cellular signaling pathways and metabolic networks.
