PhD defence
Glycosylation analysis of immune-related molecules
- I.T. Borošak
- Date
- Tuesday 1 October 2024
- Time
- Location
-
Academy Building
Rapenburg 73
2311 GJ Leiden
Supervisor(s)
- Prof.dr. M. Wuhrer
- dr. D. Falck
Summary
The thesis provides a detailed look at glycosylation, the modification of proteins with complex sugar molecules, in the context of immune molecules. Firstly, it explores how glycans, complex sugars, on specific immune molecules (antibodies) and clinical features are interconnected. By utilizing advanced techniques such as liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry for glycan analysis, the research identified unique glycan patterns on antibodies from two distinct population studies.
The first population study involved individuals who had undergone splenectomy, examining the role of the spleen in antibody glycosylation. The second study investigated the potential of antibody glycosylation as a prognostic marker for relapse prediction in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis. In subsequent chapters, these analytical techniques were also applied to other proteins, such as receptors for these antibodies, and even matrices, such as semen, to reveal their glycosylation patterns.
In general, the thesis underscores the importance of developing methods to thoroughly study protein glycosylation. Understanding these processes can aid in identifying new clinical markers for early disease detection, improving the design of biopharmaceuticals for better treatments, and deepening knowledge of immune-related processes in both health and disease.
PhD dissertations
Approximately one week after the defence, PhD dissertations by Leiden PhD students are available digitally through the Leiden Repository, that offers free access to these PhD dissertations. Please note that in some cases a dissertation may be under embargo temporarily and access to its full-text version will only be granted later.
Press enquiries (journalists only)
General information
Beadle's Office
pedel@bb.leidenuniv.nl
+31 71 527 7211