DCB Seminar Series: Ryan Weiss

Dr. Ryan J. Weiss

Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Complex Carbohydrate Research Center at the University of Georgia

“Targeting Heparan Sulfate Biosynthesis in Rare Disease”

Abstract: The Weiss Laboratory at the UGA Complex Carbohydrate Research Center studies the structure, function, and regulation of complex carbohydrates in human health and disease. Specifically, my group utilizes cellular, genomic, and biochemical approaches to investigate the molecular mechanisms controlling the biosynthesis of key cellular polysaccharides, known as heparan sulfate (HS), which are ubiquitously expressed on the cell surface and in the extracellular matrix of all animal cells. These sulfated polysaccharides regulate many important biological processes including cell proliferation and development through their interaction with a large number of matrix proteins and growth factors. Dysregulation of HS assembly and catabolism has been implicated in human diseases, including cancer and rare genetic disorders. Due to the key roles of HS in cell homeostasis and disease, there is much interest in targeting the assembly and function of HS as a therapeutic approach.  Our lab utilizes high throughput drug screening and CRISPR screening approaches to identify novel therapeutic agents and drug targets to tune HS assembly. We are currently focused on drug discovery for two rare genetic disorders, the congenital skeletal disorder Multiple Hereditary Exostoses (MHE) and the lysosomal storage disorder, Sanfilippo Syndrome (MPS III). Drug candidates are currently being investigated in patient-derived cellular and in vivo models for these rare disorders. Overall, these studies provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which HS biogenesis is differentially regulated in cells and will identify therapeutic agents and targets to modulate HS assembly for disorders of glycosylation.

Developmental & Cell Biology Fall 2024 Seminar Series

Each quarter the Department of Developmental and Cell Biology hosts a weekly seminar. The purpose of these seminars is to enable experts from around the country to share their newest discoveries and ideas with our students and faculty. Seminars are held on Thursdays at 11:00 a.m., in Natural Sciences II room 4201.

For questions about this event, please contact Mayra Rubio at mrubio3@uci.edu.