NWNR000809 Intracellular Glycosylation in Health and Disease

Type
Lecture
Semester hours
1
Lecturer (assistant)
Wilson, Iain B.H.
Organisation
Biochemistry
Offered in
Sommersemester 2026
Languages of instruction
Englisch
Content

Fields of study involved: Glycobiology, Biochemistry, Cell Biology,
Analytical Chemistry
Lecturer: Prof. Natasha Zachara (Johns Hopkins University)

Module 1: Overview
• Describe the discovery and historical development of O-GlcNAc biology.
• Summarize the key enzymes and substrates involved in O-GlcNAc cycling.
• Discuss the unique features of O-GlcNAc compared to other
post-translational modifications.
Compare and contrast the use on intracellular O-GlcNAc and O-Fucose in
mammals, plants, and
protists

Module 2: Biosynthesis
• Describe the variants of OGT and OGA, as well as their regulation and
mechanism
• Discuss the similarities and differences between protozoan, plant, and
animal OGT and OGA
• Describe the regulation of UDP-GlcNAc synthesis.
• Cellular cues that influence O-GlcNAcylation dynamics.

Module 3: Analysis
• Compare and contrast biochemical, proteomic, and imaging techniques
used to detect O-GlcNAc.
• Evaluate the strengths and limitations of current analytical methods.
• Design an experimental workflow to quantify O-GlcNAcylation in a
biological sample.

Module 4: Pathways and Mechanisms
• Identify key signaling pathways modulated by O-GlcNAc.
• Explain the mechanistic role of O-GlcNAc in cellular pathways
• Critically assess evidence linking O-GlcNAc dysregulation to
pathophysiology.
Objective (expected results of study and acquired competences)

Learning objectives:
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
Explain the biochemical basis and biological significance of
O-GlcNAcylation.
Critically evaluate experimental approaches used to study O-GlcNAc.
Interpret and design experiments to investigate O-GlcNAc in cellular and
disease contexts.
Communicate current research findings and unresolved questions in
O-GlcNAc biology.
You can find more details like the schedule or information about exams on the course-page in BOKUonline.