Glycan-based strategies for better clinical outcomes

Inside the Lau Lab, we’re looking to:

  • Elucidate the functional contribution of sialic acid epitopes in normal and malignant processes.
  • Elucidate the molecular pathways that regulate the attachment of sialic acids.

Our current main project is to examine the contribution of the sialyltransferase, ST6Gal-1, in innate and adaptive immune responses.

Figure from a scientific research study
Elevated ST6GAL1 expression is associated with activating gene networks that promote a metastatic phenotype. From Cancer Gene Ther. 2022 Nov;29(11):1662-1675.

Our corollary projects seek to:

  • Examine the interaction between sialyltransferases and how this interaction influences the final outcome of sialyl-glycan structures.
  • Assess the biology roles of these sialyl epitopes and the cognate sialyltransferases in development of immune functions.
  • Assess the influence of sialic acids in anti-tumor immunity.
Figure from a scientific research study
Extracellular ST6GAL1 enhances breast tumor cell proliferation and invasiveness. From Glycobiology. 2020 Jul 20;30(7):446-453.

We’re also investigating glycan-based molecular strategies for better clinical outcomes in bone marrow transplantations and in recovery from myeloablative conditions.

Connect with the Lau Lab

Email Dr. Lau

Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology
Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center
Elm and Carlton Streets
Buffalo, NY 14263