Grant: Operating Grant

Glycosyltransferases are enzymes that add monosaccharides to either proteins or carbohydrates. In the ER of eukaryotic cells there are glycosyltransferases that are involved in ensuring that proteins destined for the cell surface or for secretion are properly folded. Although this role is of fundamental importance in the proper functioning of the cell, little is know about how these enzymes mediate their functions. By determining the structures of these enzymes we seek to understand how they recognize and glycosylate misfolded proteins. In the long term this work would be expected to have value in the development of therapeutics against viruses such as influenza and HIV.