Glyco-Informatics

Bioinformatics has revolutionized our understanding of complex biological systems. By integrating data from various omics disciplines—such as genomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics—researchers can gain a comprehensive view of cellular processes. This multi-omics approach enables the elucidation of intricate biological pathways, including glycosylation, which is the enzymatic process that attaches glycans (sugar moieties) to proteins or lipids, significantly influencing their function and stability.

Glyco-Informatics, a specialized branch of bioinformatics, focuses on the study of glycan structures and their roles in biological systems. By leveraging multi-omics data, glyco-informatics facilitates a deeper understanding of glycosylation pathways and how various conditions can impact these processes and vice-versa. For instance, integrating transcriptomic and proteomic data can reveal how gene expression and protein abundance affect glycosylation patterns. Such comprehensive analyses are crucial for identifying alterations in glycosylation that may contribute to disease pathogenesis.

Aquila Bioscience brings expertise in network biology and knowledge-based gene expression analysis to unravel the interplay between gene expression, post-translational modifications, and glycosylation. This includes advanced skills in analysing complex published datasets on glycan expression in human cells and their interactions with probiotic bacteria and pathogens.

By studying how specific glycans mediate microbial binding, Aquila Bioscience aims to uncover mechanisms underlying host-microbe interactions, immune modulation, and potential therapeutic interventions. This holistic approach enhances our understanding of glycosylation’s role in physiological processes, paving the way for advancements in health and disease research.