Jin-ping Li research group

Biological functions and pathophysiological roles of heparan sulfate

The star molecule in our research is Heparan sulfate (HS) that is a complex polysaccharide ubiquitously found in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and on the cell surface of virtually all animal tissues. It plays crucial roles in various biological functions and pathophysiological processes due to its ability to interact with a broad spectrum of proteins, growth factors, enzymes, and viruses. Using our unique transgenic mouse models, we have demonstrated important and modulatory roles of HS in the pathogenesis of inflammation and immune response, cancer progression and metastasis, as well as amyloidosis (Alzheimers disease) and virus infection. Our current focus is to explore novel biological functions of HS in immunity and cellular signaling using various cell and mouse models. We also drive translational studies using HS-mimetics to modulate HS-protein interactions, accordingly altering pathogenesis of the diseases. To reach these purposes, biochemical, cellular, immunological techniques are applied.