Designing glycosylated nanoparticles as inhibitors of receptor clustering

CARB 10

Alexander Wei, alexwei@purdue.edu, Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, 560 Oval Drive, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2084
Heparan sulfate (HS) proteoglycans can activate various signal transduction pathways by promoting the dimerization or clustering of cell-surface receptors. We propose that HS-mediated signal transduction can be blocked by designing nanosized ligands to bind and retain multiple receptors in arrested states, a novel mode of inhibition referred to as ‘anti-clustering.' We will present our efforts to design colloidal gold nanoparticles functionalized with sulfated oligosaccharide ligands as anti-clustering agents, for the selective recruitment and orientation of HS-binding proteins such as growth factors or chemokines. Discussions will include organic synthesis and surface chemistry, which are of vital importance to the successful development of these glycosylated nanoparticles.