Shaping Tomorrow's Stem Cells with Long-term Glycan Display

Glycans are key players in many critical and long-term biological processes, such as stem cell differentiation. At the same time, glycans also exhibit a powerful function for directing key signaling events and biological outcomes, e.g., directing stem cell fate. At CD BioGlyco, we have a professional and comprehensive Glycan Display Platform, utilizing a genetically encoded, transmembrane-anchored HaloTag protein (HTP) that displays specific glycans on the cell surface over the long term and is used to direct stem cell fate.

In this process, we utilize membrane-bound HTP as an anchor point to customize the cell surface with specific heparan sulfate (HS) derivatives. On the other hand, we utilize heparin or highly sulfated HS to remodel stem cells and form neural lineages through signaling pathways.

In addition, we employ a modified alkane dehalogenase HTP technology to regulate biological processes in living cells.

• Firstly, we research the membrane lifetime of molecules bound to HTP. Using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell membranes to fuse to platelet-derived growth factor on cell membranes to express hemagglutinin-labeled HTP.
• Next, we research whether the technique can present glycans on the cell surface. We have biotinylated HS and provided specific antibodies and streptavidin for blot analysis to determine whether glycans can be presented on the cell surface.
• Subsequently, we research whether the presentation of HTP-dependent HS epitopes promotes stem cell differentiation. We use HS enzyme II to treat HTP-expressing stem cells, followed by culturing in a neural induction medium. Meanwhile, a blank control group is set up. During the process, we employ reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to analyze the gene expression levels of specific markers to monitor the differentiation process at specific time points.

Fig.1 Strategy for using HTP anchors to direct stem cell differentiation. (CD BioGlyco)

Publication

Applications

• De novo Glycans Display can be used in regulating biological processes in living cells.
• For the development of treatments for diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and neurodegeneration, de novo glycan display can be used.

Advantages

• We have multidisciplinary technical manpower to provide de novo glycans efficient display development services.
• For the development and analysis of de novo glycans display solutions, we use the best available technologies.
• Based on the particular scientific needs of our clients, we develop custom solutions for glycan displays.

CD BioGlyco is dedicated to research in all directions in the field of glycobiology and provides many types of glycobiology services to our clients. We have constructed a professional and comprehensive glycan display platform covering a wide range of glycan displays. If you are interested in our glycan display platform, please feel free to contact us.