Franklin scientists continue to unravel stem cell mysteries

New changes in molecular structures on the surface of stem cells, recently discovered by UGA researchers, may play a critical role in the specialization process of embryonic growth:

Their study, published recently in the Journal of Biological Chemistry, demonstrated how the genetic expression of specific enzymes resulted in significant changes to the complex chains of sugar molecules that densely coat the outside of cells. Known as glycans, these molecules were once thought to be a relatively unimportant part of the cell, scientists now recognize that glycans play essential roles in the regulation of cell behavior, and ultimately, human health and disease.

"Glycans control the societal interactions of cells," said study co-author Michael Tiemeyer, Franklin College of Arts and Sciences professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and member of the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center. "They control how cells interact with each other and how they interact with their environment."

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"This study gives us greater insight into how glycans change during development, and hopefully it will give us leads into new glycan structures that play important roles in human development," said co-author Kelley Moremen, Franklin College professor of biochemistry and molecular biology and member of the Complex Carbohydrate Research Center. "It's really the first step in understanding how changes in glycan structures are associated with changes in gene expression during stem cell development."

The CCRC continues to be a visionary investment in research collaboration. These sorts of structural advancements in multi-disciplinary leveraging often go unseen by the public but will facilitate the majority of breakthroughs and discoveries over the coming years, including the one discussed. Congratulations to Moreman, Tiemeyer and their colleagues for their hardwork and perseverence.

Image: Retouched image of a human embryonic stem cell, used under a Creative Commons Attribution license.