Unraveling the Structures of Glycosaminoglycans and their Binding Characteristics with Cationic Imaging Probes (A05)

• Subject Area: Analytical Chemistry
• Term: since 2018
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 372486779

Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are a major component of the extracellular matrix. Though simple at first glance, they exhibit a tremendous structural heterogeneity and fulfill a broad range of functions. Their acidity and large content of potentially metal ion-coordinating groups makes them a prime suspect for the binding of cationic MRI imaging probes. In this project, gas-phase approaches such as ion mobility-mass spectrometry and cold ion infrared spectroscopy will be combined with established condensed-phase techniques such as isothermal titration calorimetry and high-performance liquid chromatography to study the structure of GAGs and elucidate their binding to cationic imaging probes.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1340: In vivo Visualization of Extracellular Matrix Pathology „Matrix in Vision“
• Applicant Institution: shared FU Berlin and HU Berlin through:; Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Kevin Pagel