GlycoNet joins industry leaders in Montreal

By Chardelle Prevatt 

On September 19, GlycoNet scientists will join industry leaders in Montreal to debate the current and future state of glycomics and oncology research. Panel discussions will focus on providing industry feedback and translating network research into tangible, commercial advances. The event will showcase some of the most notable voices in Canadian glycomics research.

Glycomics and oncology

Glycomics is the broad study of carbohydrates, or glycans, on the biological functions of cells. The process of adding these glycans to proteins or lipids in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is termed glycosylation. The resulting glycoproteins or glycolipids are often destined for the cell surface and help to influence key factors such as cell binding, interaction, solubility and specificity.

Changes in glycosylation may lead to the development and progression of certain malignant cancers—including breast, colon, lung, ovarian, prostate and others. However, recent advances in glycomics research have facilitated new glycan-based cancer biomarkers. These glycan markers offer enormous opportunities for cancer diagnosis and prognosis as well as therapeutic targets.

Canadian Glycomics Network (GlycoNet) is a pan-Canadian, multidisciplinary research network aiming to deliver solutions to important health issues and improve the quality of life of Canadians through the study of glycomics. GlycoNet is funded by the Networks of Centres of Excellence, a Government of Canada program that supports large-scale, academic-led research networks to build research capacity and accelerate the creation of new knowledge in a specific research area.

For more information:
Chardelle Prevatt
Communications Associate
Canadian Glycomics Network (GlycoNet)
780.492.4355 / prevatt@ualberta.ca

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