Specialist in Mucins and their role in health and disease.
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Dr Cheng`s major research is in Glycobiology and regulation of mucin-type carbohydrate biosynthesis in health and diseases. Cancer Glycobiology: Role of glycans in cancer metastasis, Gene therapy of cystic fibrosis and cancer
Glycobiology is the major research area in mylaboratory. We study the functions of mucin-type carbohydrates in health and diseases by a) characterizing the structure of glycosyltransferases, b) studying the regulation of glycosyltransferase genes, and c) identifying roles of mucin glycans in cancer progression and metastasis.
Specific projects are listed as follows:
1.Determination of the active site of mucin core 2-M glycosyltranfesrase by X-ray crystallography, mutagenesis, and molecular modeling.
2.Regulation of glycosyltransferase genes by characterization of promoter and transcription factors.
3.Roles of mucin glycans in cancer metastasis
4.Mucin glycans as early detection markers of lung cancer
Today’s interview with Dr. Cheng was a hit. Worried about how to dive into the topic of mucins and the extensive base of information that Dr Cheng holds, I fumbled my words until he graciously stepped in and guided the listeners through perfect examination of his studies. With a lifetime carrier in the study of mucins and their roles we quickly divided the topics into membranous and secreted mucins. Speaking to their functions, the doctor then walked the listeners through the functions of mucins within health and disease functions. By understanding and studying the presence, makeup, and function of the many different mucins, Dr Cheng is able to develop possible future cures to diseases with their manipulation. I finished the interview with recognition of Dr. Cheng`s commitment and commanding knowledge of his craft. Tune into the show and catch a glimpse into the inner working of mucins both secreted and membranous: I promise you’ll be intrigued.
Also if you know of a Research Scientist that we should know about please email Joseph McKenna at McKenna @ Impactofglycomics .com and we will try and get him or her on the show.
