Glycans cover the surfaces of all cells and are biosynthesised by specific
biochemical pathways in intracellular compartments known as the endoplasmic
reticulum and Golgi apparatus prior to transport to the cell surface. Genetic
defects in the trafficking between and within these compartments result in
altered cell surface glycosylation resulting often in neurological and other
phenotypes in human patients. In this project we will investigate trafficking in a
model nematode (Caenorhabditis elegans) and in insect cell lines. Mutant strains
will be generated and examined in terms of altered glycosylation and altered
localisation of key biosynthetic enzymes using modern mass spectrometric,
array-based and microscopic methods; in the case of mutant nematode lines, also
their behaviour will be analysed using a high-throughput video system.
Particularly the data from C. elegans will yield a basic understanding of
trafficking in a model organism with relevance to human disease.