Characterization of cell lines with engineered Golgi organization

Glycans are carbohydrate polymers which, with proteins, DNA and RNA, are one of the four biopolymers essential for life. Yet our understanding of glycans remains rudimentary compared with that of proteins and nucleotides. This is a significant drawback given the recent interest in therapeutic proteins known as biologics. Most of these are glycoproteins, and their attached glycans markedly alter efficacy of these drugs. However, current production methods are unable to generate homogenous glycoproteins due to glycan heterogeneity.

This project will use our knowledge of glycan biosynthesis in the Golgi apparatus to develop and characterize engineered cell lines with more favorable glycosylation properties. Cell biological and mass spectrometric methods will then be used to characterize both the organization of glycosylation enzymes in the Golgi and the glycans produced by the cells. In collaboration with GSK, the student will then have the opportunity to test the production and glycosylation of biologics using the newly developed cell lines. The student will be part of a vibrant glycobiology community and will be trained in modern cell biology (cell culture, fluorescent imaging) and mass spectrometry (glycan profiling, LC-MS, tandem MS) as well as routine molecular biology and biochemistry methods.

The project is collaboration with industrial partner and will include 3-months placement with GlaxoSmithKline.