Is the future of medicine sweetened by the study of glycans? As GlycanHub rounds off its season, we've brought back the insights of 11 eminent scientists spanning from neuroscience to nanotechnology. Each guest delves into their vision of how glycans could shape medical advancements in their respective fields. Join Rina, our host, for a grand finale that paints a holistic picture of the promising horizon glycobiology is steering us towards.

Answers to the question: What role do you think glycans will play in the future of medicine relevant to your area of study? 

• Salome Pinho [01:21]  
• Olga Zaytseva [03:04]     
• Peter Joshi [03:51]    
• Hudson Freeze [05:11]   
• Samia Mora [06:11]      
• Anna Halama and Karsten Suhre [08:09]      
• Ronald Schnaar [12:03]      
• Gordon Lauc [14:49]    
• Louise Newson [17:35]      
• Vered Padler-Karavani [18:47]

View the Show Notes Page for this Episode

 Engage with us on social media:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter 

Please be advised that this show is for information only and should not be considered as a replacement or equal to medical advice. 

Could your steak dinner be tricking your immune system? In this episode we shed light on the connection between specific foods and colorectal cancer. Explore xeno-autoantigens, grasp the nuances of immunotherapy, and question the reliability of animal-derived heart valves. Vered Padler-Karavani is the principal investigator in the Department of Cell Research and Immunology at Tel Aviv University. Her research combines glycobiology, immunology, bio-nanotechnology, cancer research and xenotransplantation. Tune in to uncover the hidden connections between glycans, our diet, and the potential health repercussions.

We discuss: 

• Why study Glycobiology [01:35]
• Xeno-autoantigens & Xenosialitis [03:16]
• Where Does Neu5Gc Accumulate? [06:33]
• Red Meat & Colorectal Cancer [10:28]
• Tumor-associated Carbohydrate Antigens [11:54]
• Immunotherapy: Potential & Limitations [13:22]
• Animal-derived Heart Valves: Safety & Efficacy [20:02]
• Navigating Safety Regulations for Biologic Therapies [31:27] 
• Neu5Gc in Foods: The Gcemic Index [34:14]
• Does Prof. Vered Padler-Karavani Still Eat Red Meat? [37:23]
• Neu5Gc as Biomarkers [38:08]

 Follow Vered on social media:
LinkedIn
Twitter 

View the Show Notes Page for this Episode

Engage with us on social media:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter 

Please be advised that this show is for information only and should not be considered as a replacement or equal to medical advice. 

Does menopause hold implications beyond reproductive health? This episode reveals that the shift in hormonal balance affects inflammatory patterns, mediated by complex carbohydrates called glycans. We unravel the overlooked role of perimenopause in chronic disease onset and debunk common myths. Exploring hormone replacement therapy, we discuss its wider health impact, beyond mere symptom management. Louise Newson, a distinguished GP and Menopause Specialist, is the founder of the Balance App, The Menopause Charity, and the Newson Health Menopause Society. An active member of the UK Government Menopause Taskforce, she continually works to elevate menopause understanding and care.

Listen in as we discuss the potential of glycans as biomarkers for menopause, surpassing existing diagnostic tests in their predictive capacity.

We discuss: 

• Menopause Specialisation: Why Choose It? [02:11]
• Menopause: Myths vs. Facts [04:12]
• What Exactly Is Menopause? [05:33]
• Testosterone's Role in Female Health [08:04]
• Sex Hormones and Immune Regulation [09:18]
• Menopause and the Rise of Chronic Illness [12:36]
• Viewing Menopause as a Hormone Deficiency [15:22]
• Menopause and Metabolic Syndrome [16:57]
• Menopause and the Gut Microbiome [18:20]
• Oestrogen's Role in the Cardiovascular System [24:03]
• Is Perimenopause Contributing to Chronic Disease? [26:59]
• Limitations of Current Menopause Tests [30:53]
• Introducing the Balance App [32:00]
• Glycan-Based Menopause Tests [34:05]
• Addressing the Lack of Menopause Education in Medicine [35:36]
• Common Questions About Hormone Replacement Therapy [38:50]
• A Look at the Newson Clinic [41:26]

Follow Louise on social media:
Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn

View the Show Notes Page for this Episode

 Engage with us on social media:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter 

Please be advised that this show is for information only and should not be considered as a replacement or equal to medical advice. 

In an era defined by COVID-19, understanding the intricacies of our immune response and the profound role our lifestyle choices play in shaping our resilience or vulnerability to future pandemics is of great importance. In this episode, we unravel the influence of glycans, complex carbohydrates instrumental in immune response regulation, on our understanding of COVID-19 susceptibility and severity. We explore the role of lifestyle in disease prevention, particularly focusing on diet and obesity. Gordan Lauc is a Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry and founder and CEO of Genos Ltd. Listen in as he shares valuable insights into pandemic regulations, the spread of misinformation, and vital lessons for the future. 

We Discuss:

• The Role of Glycans in Promoting and Suppressing Inflammation [03:11]
• Biological Age as a Predictor of COVID-19 Severity [09:48]
• Behind the Scenes of Study Design: Stratifying COVID-19 Patients [12:17]
• The Role of Proinflammatory Glycans in COVID-19 Severity [16:24]
• Impact of Lifestyle Choices on Disease Risk [22:22]
• Glycan Biomarkers in Disease Prediction [28:58]
• Biobanking: A Vital Tool in Pandemic Preparedness [41:39]
• COVID-19 Regulations and Responses: A Croatian Perspective [43:48]
• Vaccine Mandates and Universal Masking: Is It Too Much? [50:13]
• Lessons for Future Pandemics [53:51]

Follow Gordan on Social Media:
LinkedIn
Twitter
Facebook 

 View the Show Notes Page for This Episode 

Engage with us on social media:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter 

Please be advised that this show is for information only and should not be considered as a replacement or equal to medical advice 

The longer lifespans we enjoy come shadowed by age-related diseases, notably Alzheimer's. This episode shines a light on the often-overlooked glycans, complex carbohydrates that play a pivotal role in healthy brain function. Our understanding of Alzheimer's causation has evolved, moving beyond just 'trash accumulation' to include problems with 'trash clearance.' Discover the potential of glycans in healing spinal cord injuries, the hurdles in identifying early biomarkers and delivering drugs to the brain. We delve into the essential role of gangliosides, a unique class of glycolipids, and separate science from media hype around Alzheimer's prevention. Ronald Schnaar is the Professor and Interim Director of the Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences and a Professor of Neuroscience at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Listen in as he unpacks his extensive research in neuro glycobiology and the practical hurdles in the path of Alzheimer's research and prevention.

We Discuss:

• Why Study Glycobiology? What Drew Ronald to Glycobiology [02:41]
• Understanding the Crucial Role of Glycans in Cell-to-Cell Interaction [05:18]
• Study on Gangliosides in Context of Nerve Cell Insulation [06:29]
• Congenital Disorders of Ganglioside Biosynthesis: Symptoms and Treatment Options [12:03]
• The Potential Role of Glycans in Repairing Spinal Cord Injuries [18:17]
• The Evolution in Our Understanding of Alzheimer's Disease [20:45]
• Challenges of Studying Alzheimer’s Disease [27:23]
• International Research Collaboration for Study of Alzheimer’s Disease [31:09]
• Dual Causes of Alzheimer's: A New Perspective [32:37]
• Are Mice Good Models for Neurodegenerative Diseases? [34:42]
• The Challenge of Translating Research into Clinical Application [38:40]
• Challenges of Drug Delivery to the Brain [40:45]
• The Future of Glycan Biomarkers of Alzheimer's Disease [42:23]
• Alzheimer’s Prevention: Sifting Fact from Fiction in Media Coverage [45:58]
• Ronald’s Future Research Plans and Focus [51:27]
• Ronald’s Final Message to Our Listeners [54:44]

Follow Ronald on Social Media:
LinkedIn

View the Show Notes Page for this Episode

Engage with us on social media: 

Instagram 

LinkedIn

Facebook

Twitter 

Please be advised that this show is for information only and should not be considered as a replacement or equal to medical advice. 

Are you ready to journey through the intricate layers of Omics, a rapidly developing field that's reshaping our understanding of biological systems? From genomics to proteomics and metabolomics, the multi-omics approach intertwines these layers, offering a rich, multidimensional view of human biology. Today's conversation unravels the fascinating complexity within our bodies, spotlighting the current advancements in multi-omics research and its transformative potential in disease diagnosis and treatment. You'll also discover why glycans, despite often being overlooked in multi-omics studies, are in fact promising biomarkers due to their role as intermediate phenotypes. In this conversation, we are joined by two scientists from Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar. Karsten Suhre, the Professor of Physiology and Biophysics and the Director of Bioinformatics Core and Dr. Ania Halama, who is an Assistant Professor in Research of Physiology and Biophysics. Tune in, as we unravel the enigmas of this complex and transformative field of research.

We Discuss:

• Anna and Karsten's Collaborative Journey [02:27]
• Metabolism and Metabolomics [04:40]
• Linking the Dots: The Interconnected Nature of Omics Layers [07:44]
• Glycomics: The Underrated Player in Multi-Omics Research [09:26]
• Qatar Metabolomics Study on Diabetes and the Molecular Human [11:52]
• Unveiling a New Platform: An Introduction to the Comics Server [23:41]
• Intermediate Phenotypes [28:04]
• The advantages of a multi-omic approach to research [33:12]
• Overcoming the Hurdles: Current Challenges in the Multi-Omics Landscape [36:18]
• How Much Can Genomic Sequencing Inform Prevention and Diagnosis? [45:17]
• From Lab to Clinic: Karsten and Anna's Pursuit of Translating Research into Practice [50:21]

 Follow Anna on Social Media:
LinkedIn
Twitter 

 Follow Karsten on Social Media:
LinkedIn
Twitter

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode  

Engage with us on social media: 

Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter 

Please be advised that this show is for information only and should not be considered as a replacement or equal to medical advice. 

It is a widely known fact that cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in both men and women, which puts an urgency on gaining a better understanding of them. One interesting lens to look at CVDs is through glycans. However, in order to do so, we need to uncover the answer to which came first, the chicken or the egg? Do glycans change in response to the disease? Or are they actively involved in disease development?  To figure this out, we welcomed Prof. Samia Mora to the podcast. Samia is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Centre for Lipid Metabolomics at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts. Her research focuses on risk factors and prevention of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Listen in as she introduces us to a number of modifiable risk factors and the cumulative effect both positive and negative behaviours have on future disease risk. 

We Discuss:

• Introduction to Cardiovascular Diseases [01:15]
• The Key Role of Inflammation in Cardiovascular Disease Development [02:41]
• The 'Good vs Bad Cholesterol' Perspective: Is It Outdated? [04:05]
• Glycans: Their Role in Predicting Cardiovascular Disease Risk [08:09]
• A Look Back: What We Can Learn from the GlycA Biomarker from the 1980s [10:41]
• Unravelling the Impact of Obesity and Weight Loss on Cardiovascular Disease [15:03]
• The Glycan Dilemma: Do They Change in Response to Disease or Are They Partake in Disease Development? [21:47]
• Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease: Modifiable vs Non-Modifiable [25:55]
• Lifestyle Changes: A Proactive Approach to Prevention [31:38]
• The Effect of Weight Loss on Inflammation Levels [40:14]
• How Often Should Blood Lipid Levels Be Measured? [43:17]
• Glycans and Sex-Specific Cardiovascular Risk [48:18]
• Pregnancy and Menopause as Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease [50:02]
• Glycans: Effective Biomarkers of Cardiovascular Disease? [58:44]

Follow Samia on social media
Twitter

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode
Purchase a GlycanAge Test

 Engage with us on social media:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter 

Please be advised that this show is for information only and should not be considered as a replacement or equal to medical advice. 

Glycosylation, a biological process vital to life, is likely something you’ve never heard of before. It involves the addition of sugar molecules, known as glycans, to proteins and lipids which enable a number of crucial physiological functions, from immune regulation to cell-to-cell communication. This episode explores what happens when genetic mutations disrupt the glycosylation pathway as well as the detective work and collaboration required to diagnose and treat the resulting conditions. Hudson Freeze is the Director of the Sanford Children’s Health Research Centre and the Human Genetics Programme at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, his research focuses on Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation, or CDG for short. Listen in as he reflects on the adventurous road to discovery of these rare conditions, the unlikely therapeutic options, the knowledge gap within the medical and scientific communities, and how a single discovery at Yellowstone National Park changed the course of history.

We Discuss:

• Hudson’s Background [02:11]
• Glycosylation vs. Glycation [03:37]
• Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG) [06:10]
• The Accelerating Pace of CDG Research [15:50]
• Hudson’s Groundbreaking Discovery [21:02]
• Utilising Animal Models for Glycosylation Research [25:36]
• Including Families and Patients in CDG Research [34:51]
• The Future of Diagnostic Options [40:55] 
• The Role of Dietary Supplementation in CDG Treatment [45:37]
• Overcoming Funding Challenges [57:11]

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode
Purchase a GlycanAge Test

Engage with us on social media:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter 

Please be advised that this show is for information only and should not be considered as a replacement or equal to medical advice. 

The concept of biological age might sound like a new notion, but it’s something researchers have been looking at for 35 years. A person’s biological age can tell us more about them than chronological age because it includes genetics, lifestyle and environmental factors. Since it’s such an individualised metric, it’s important to find a reliable way of measuring it. In the episode, Rina and her guest Dr Peter Joshi describe 11 different biological ageing clocks, the research behind them and why GlycanAge is such a great tool for providing not just an accurate measurement of your biological age, but also actionable tips you can incorporate to promote healthy ageing. Our guest is a Chief Scientist for Humanity Health, a company using digital biomarkers to measure and improve the rate of ageing. 

 We Discuss:

• How has our understanding of ageing changed [02:43]   
• What are the hallmarks of ageing [11:15]   
• Explaining the term biological age [14:25]    
• Multi-omics analysis of biological age [20:50]
• Are biological clocks predictive of chronological age [26:21]
• The benefit of measuring biological age [43:36]
• How to improve the biological clocks [46:45]

 Follow Peter on social media
LinkedIn
Humanity Health
 
View the Show Notes Page for This Episode
Purchase a GlycanAge Test

 Engage with us on social media:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter 

Please be advised that this show is for information only and should not be considered as a replacement or equal to medical advice. 

How much control do we have over our health? The study of epigenetics made us aware of the remarkable malleability of our phenotype, prompting closer investigation on how lifestyle and environment impact our health and longevity. In this context, glycans - a class of historically understudied biological polymers may hold the key to a better understanding of the interplay between genetic and epigenetic factors contributing to disease development. Olga Zaytseva is a post-doctoral researcher at Genos Glycoscience Research Laboratory in Croatia, her research focuses on the relationship between human diseases and the regulation of antigen-specific IgG glycans. Listen in as she unravels the latest research on genetic and epigenetic regulation of IgG glycosylation and introduces us to the role of environmental factors in common diseases, from obesity to depression.

We Discuss: 

• Genetics versus Epigenetics: Understanding the Differences [02:22]
• Epigenetic Changes in Disease: Exploring the Example of Depression [07:37]
• Good vs. Bad Glycans: Debunking the Myths [12:31]
• Measuring Glycans on IgG: Benefits and Applications [15:40]
• GWAS and Glycosylation: Unravelling the Genetic Regulation [21:21]
• The Role of Environment in Epigenetic Changes: Examining the Learning Process Example [24:46]
• Mutations make sense in the Context: A Closer Look at Obesity [30:08]
• Environmental Impact on IgG Glycome: Insights from Smoking and Diet [32:44]
• Behaviour and IgG Glycome: Is There a Connection? [34:46]
• Pleiotropy and Poor Hearing in White Cats: What's the Link? [36:18]
• Glycan Changes and Disease: Causative or Consequential? [40:59]
• IgG Glycans and Country Development: Investigating the Association [47:51]
• Glycans as Biomarkers: Challenges and Opportunities [51:51]
• Exciting Questions Yet to Be Answered: Future Directions in Glycan Research [57:46]

Follow Olga on social media
Facebook
LinkedIn

View the Show Notes Page for This Episode
Purchase a GlycanAge Test

 
Engage with us on social media:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Facebook
Twitter 

Please be advised that this show is for information only and should not be considered as a replacement or equal to medical advice.