The Arun Guthikonda Memorial Lecture
“Decoding the Matrix: Insights into the Structure and Function of Carbohydrates in the Brain”
Presented by Prof. Linda Hsieh-Wilson
The field of chemical neurobiology is rapidly evolving and providing insights into the molecules and interactions involved in brain development, neuronal communication and memory storage. We will describe the synergistic application of organic chemistry and neurobiology to explore the structure and function of chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans, a class of sulfated polysaccharides found at the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix. By taking advantage of our ability to chemically synthesize oligosaccharides, we demonstrate that specific sulfation sequences within chondroitin sulfate direct the activity of proteins to coordinate neuronal growth and spinal cord regeneration.
Hosted by Prof. Virginia Cornish
Thursday, November 4, 2010
