2020 Virtual AIChE Annual Meeting

(95j) PAAG inhibition of Enzyme-Induced Shedding in the Endothelial Glycocalyx

Author

Dotson, O. - Presenter, University of Michigan
The endothelial glycocalyx is an extracellular structure lining the membrane of endothelial cells that compose the vascularized lining of blood vessels within the body. This functions as a dynamic barrier that controls permeability and limits certain molecules in the bloodstream from entering the endothelium. The glycocalyx, however, can undergo structural changes --referred to as “shedding”-- particularly in the presence of enzymes in which the removal of any components can drastically alter its properties. There are many findings that suggest without the functionality of the glycocalyx, the body becomes susceptible to forms of edema, ischemia, atherosclerosis and diabetes. There is limited knowledge on the endothelial glycocalyx in terms of the exact shedding process and its stimuli, however much research is now focused on the development of molecules that interact with the glycocalyx to regulate shedding and ultimately control its permeability[3]. This project has been conducted in collaboration with Synedgen biotechnological company where their innovation of new glycopolymers and in particular Poly (acetyl, arginyl) glucosamine (PAAG) is used to understand interactions between the endothelial glycocalyx in the presence of enzymes.