Join the Glyco Get-Together: Discover Insights on Health and Disease!

Experts from around the world will meet in July 2025 for the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology’s conference on O-GlcNAcylation. This is a fascinating process where a sugar molecule called N-acetylglucosamine attaches to proteins, influencing many vital functions in the body. The conference will be held from July 10 to 13 in Durham, North Carolina.

Even after 40 years of research and detailed studies on thousands of O-GlcNAc substrates, there’s still much to learn. Recent findings highlight how these modifications connect to various diseases, making this topic even more important for understanding health and illness.

Graduate and postdoctoral students will have chances to present their work through talks and poster sessions.

We spoke with the conference organizers, Michael Boyce, a professor at Duke University, and Stephanie Olivier–Van Stichelen, from the Medical College of Wisconsin. They emphasized that this gathering is perfect for anyone wanting to dive into O-GlcNAc research, whether you’re just starting out or looking to collaborate.

What Attracts Attendees?

Boyce shared his enthusiasm for the O-GlcNAc community, noting its collaborative spirit. He appreciated the first meeting’s success in 2022 and is eager to build on that.

Olivier–Van Stichelen has focused on O-GlcNAc since her Ph.D. Her current work explores its role during pregnancy and development, especially in relation to nutrition. She believes the conference will foster valuable discussions, particularly with contributions from families affected by OGT–X-linked intellectual disability.

Main Topics at the Conference

Attendees can expect a lineup of speakers who are at the forefront of research. There will be discussions on recent developments, including the impact of OGT mutations and their role in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The involvement of patient families in research makes this topic unique and urgent.

Both organizers agree that newcomers will feel at home. Boyce noted that it’s a welcoming space for those curious about glycosylation, even if they are not experts yet. The community encourages engagement, making it easier to connect with potential collaborators.

Organizing the Event

Boyce and Olivier–Van Stichelen have found that their different backgrounds complement each other well in organizing the conference. They strive to align on goals while leveraging their unique networks to make the event successful.

Featured Speakers Include:

• Emilyn Alejandro, University of Minnesota
• John Hanover, National Institutes of Health
• Billy Wai-Lung Ng, Chinese University of Hong Kong
• Gulcin Pekkurnaz, University of California, San Diego

In conclusion, this conference not only showcases cutting-edge research but also brings together a community eager to learn and collaborate. The early registration deadline is May 12, 2025, so mark your calendars!

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