Newsroom
Three MSL members’ projects highlighted on GlycoNet’s Top 10 Stories of 2021
Dr Joerg Bohlmann
Three members of the Michael Smith Laboratories (MSL) had their research projects highlighted as part of the GlycoNet Top 10 Stories of 2021! Drs Joerg Bohlmann, Harry Brumer and Stephen Withers are all members of GlycoNet “…a pan-Canadian initiative bringing together researchers, industry and academic partners to develop solutions to unmet health needs through the study of glycomics”. With a variety of important research activities being conducted throughout the year at the MSL, it’s important to reflect on the ground breaking discoveries, advancements and contributions researchers are making to improve human health and quality of life.
Dr Harry Brumer and his collaborator Dr Laura Sly are developing a GlycoCage technology which aims to improve current treatments for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Dr Harry Brumer
Dr Stephen Withers is studying ways to remove the cell surface antigens on red blood cells in order to create universal donor blood.
Dr Withers second project studies Montbretin A (MbA), a plant derived anti-diabetic compound which slows the breakdown of starch and could be used for managing Type 2 diabetes. In support of this research, Dr Joerg Bohlmann and his postdoctoral fellow Sandra Irmisch are working to on a way to synthetically produce MbA in order to secure a large scale supply for clinical trial use and beyond.
Dr Stephen Withers
Congratulations to all three researchers for their exciting progress and recognition!