Abstract: The present invention provides inhibitors of mucin-type O-linked glycosylation, and in particular inhibitors of polypeptide N-acetyl-?-galactosaminyltransferases; as well as compositions comprising the inhibitors. The present invention further provides methods of identifying inhibitors of polypeptide N-acetyl-?-galactosaminyltransferases. The inhibitors are useful in various applications, including research applications, and treatment methods.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions useful for making synthetic peptide conjugates. In one embodiment, the invention provides compositions comprising the structure: wherein R is selected from lower substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, O, NH and S and P is an amine protection group. In more particular embodiments, the compositions comprise ?-amine protected 4,5-dehydroleucine or ?-amine protected (2S)-aminolevulinic acid and/or P is F-moc. These compounds may be incorporated into peptides, for example, peptides comprising a substituted or unsubstituted (2S)-aminolevulinic acid residue, such as (2S)-aminolevulinic acid residue is substituted with an O- or N-linked glycoconjugate, or a detectable label.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for the immobilization of glycoproteins are presented herein. In addition, the present invention provides arrays of immobilized glycoproteins. The methods of immobilizing glycoproteins include oxidation of the glycosyl moiety.

Abstract: Methods for making the functionalized glycoconjugates include (a) contacting a cell with a first monosaccharide, and (b) incubating the cell under conditions whereby the cell (i) internalizes the first monosaccharide, (ii) biochemically processes the first monosaccharide into a second saccharide, (iii) conjugates the saccharide to a carrier to form a glycoconjugate, and (iv) extracellularly expresses the glycoconjugate to form an extracellular glycoconjugate comprising a selectively reactive functional group. Methods for forming products at a cell further comprise contacting the functional group of the extracellularly expressed glycoconjugate with an agent which selectively reacts with the functional group to form a product. Subject compositions include cyto-compatible monosaccharides comprising a nitrogen or ether linked functional group selectively reactive at a cell surface and compositions and cells comprising such saccharides.

Abstract: Methods for making the functionalized glycoconjugates include (a) contacting a cell with a first monosaccharide, and (b) incubating the cell under conditions whereby the cell (i) internalizes the first monosaccharide, (ii) biochemically processes the first monosaccharide into a second saccharide, (iii) conjugates the saccharide to a carrier to form a glycoconjugate, and (iv) extracellularly expresses the glycoconjugate to form an extracellular glycoconjugate comprising a selectively reactive functional group. Methods for forming products at a cell further comprise contacting the functional group of the extracellularly expressed glycoconjugate with an agent which selectively reacts with the functional group to form a product. Subject compositions include cyto-compatible monosaccharides comprising a nitrogen or ether linked functional group selectively reactive at a cell surface and compositions and cells comprising such saccharides.

Abstract: The present invention features a chemoselective ligation reaction that can be carried out under physiological conditions. In general, the invention involves condensation of a specifically engineered phosphine, which can provide for formation of an amide bond between the two reactive partners resulting in a final product comprising a phosphine moiety, or which can be engineered to comprise a cleavable linker so that a substituent of the phosphine is transferred to the azide, releasing an oxidized phosphine byproduct and producing a native amide bond in the final product. The selectivity of the reaction and its compatibility with aqueous environments provides for its application in vivo (e.g., on the cell surface or intracellularly) and in vitro (e.g., synthesis of peptides and other polymers, production of modified (e.g., labeled) amino acids).

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods for identifying agents that modulate an enzymatic activity of a carbohydrate sulfotransferase. The methods generally involve contacting the sulfotransferase, in a reaction solution, with a sulfate donor, a test agent, and a polymeric sulfate acceptor that is readily separated from the reaction solution. Determination of an effect of the test agent on the sulfotransferase is by detecting the amount of sulfate in the polymeric sulfate acceptor that has been separated from the reaction solution. The invention further provides kits for use in carrying out the subject methods.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods for identifying agents that modulate an enzymatic activity of a carbohydrate sulfotransferase. The methods generally involve contacting the sulfotransferase, in a reaction solution, with a sulfate donor, a test agent, and a polymeric sulfate acceptor that is readily separated from the reaction solution. Determination of an effect of the test agent on the sulfotransferase is by detecting the amount of sulfate in the polymeric sulfate acceptor that has been separated from the reaction solution. The invention further provides kits for use in carrying out the subject methods.

Abstract: The present invention features a chemoselective ligation reaction that can be carried out under physiological conditions. In general, the invention involves condensation of a specifically engineered phosphine, which can provide for formation of an amide bond between the two reactive partners resulting in a final product comprising a phosphine moiety, or which can be engineered to comprise a cleavable linker so that a substituent of the phosphine is transferred to the azide, releasing an oxidized phosphine byproduct and producing a native amide bond in the final product. The selectivity of the reaction and its compatibility with aqueous environments provides for its application in vivo (e.g., on the cell surface or intracellularly) and in vitro (e.g., synthesis of peptides and other polymers, production of modified (e.g., labeled) amino acids).

Abstract: Novel biomimetic hydrogel materials and methods for their preparation. Hydrogels containing acrylamide-functionalized carbohydrate, sulfoxide, sulfide or sulfone copolymerized with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic copolymerizing material selected from the group consisting of an acrylamide, methacrylamide, acrylate, methacrylate, vinyl and a derivative thereof present in concentration from about 1 to about 99 wt %. and methods for their preparation. The method of use of the new hydrogels for fabrication of soft contact lenses and biomedical implants.

Abstract: Methods for making the functionalized glycoconjugates include (a) contacting a cell with a first monosaccharide, and (b) incubating the cell under conditions whereby the cell (i) internalizes the first monosaccharide, (ii) biochemically processes the first monosaccharide into a second saccharide, (iii) conjugates the saccharide to a carrier to form a glycoconjugate, and (iv) extracellularly expresses the glycoconjugate to form an extracellular glycoconjugate comprising a selectively reactive functional group. Methods for forming products at a cell further comprise contacting the functional group of the extracellularly expressed glycoconjugate with an agent which selectively reacts with the functional group to form a product. Subject compositions include cyto-compatible monosaccharides comprising a nitrogen or ether linked functional group selectively reactive at a cell surface and compositions and cells comprising such saccharides.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions for inhibiting the binding between two cells, one expressing P- or L-selectin on the surface and the other expressing the corresponding ligand. A covalently crosslinked lipid composition is prepared having saccharides and acidic group on separate lipids. The composition is then interposed between the cells so as to inhibit binding. Inhibition can be achieved at an effective oligosaccharide concentration as low as 106 fold below that of the free saccharide. Since selectins are involved in recruiting cells to sites of injury, these composition scan be used to palliate certain inflammatory and immunological conditions.

Abstract: Novel biomimetic hydrogel materials and methods for their preparation. Hydrogels containing acrylamide-functionalized carbohydrate, sulfoxide, sulfide or sulfone copolymerized with a hydrophilic or hydrophobic copolymerizing material selected from the group consisting of an acrylamide, methacrylamide, acrylate, methacrylate, vinyl and a derivative thereof present in concentration from about 1 to about 99 wt %. and methods for their preparation. The method of use of the new hydrogels for fabrication of soft contact lenses and biomedical implants.

Abstract: Methods for making the functionalized glycoconjugates include (a) contacting a cell with a first monosaccharide, and (b) incubating the cell under conditions whereby the cell (i) internalizes the first monosaccharide, (ii) biochemically processes the first monosaccharide into a second saccharide, (iii) conjugates the saccharide to a carrier to form a glycoconjugate, and (iv) extracellularly expresses the glycoconjugate to form an extracellular glycoconjugate comprising a selectively reactive functional group. Methods for forming products at a cell further comprise contacting the functional group of the extracellularly expressed glycoconjugate with an agent which selectively reacts with the functional group to form a product. Subject compositions include cyto-compatible monosaccharides comprising a nitrogen or ether linked functional group selectively reactive at a cell surface and compositions and cells comprising such saccharides.

Abstract: Sulfated disaccharides characterized by the ability to inhibit the binding of selectin to its physiologically-relevant ligand are disclosed. Included are efficient and inexpensive methods for producing the sulfated disaccharides, and methods for their therapeutic use and in in vivo and in vitro assays.

Abstract: This invention provides a system for inhibiting the binding between two cells, one expressing P- or L-selectin on the surface and the other expressing the corresponding ligand. A covalently crosslinked lipid composition is prepared having saccharides and acidic group on separate lipids. The composition is then interposed between the cells so as to inhibit binding. Inhibition can be achieved at an effective oligosaccharide concentration as low as 10.sup.6 fold below that of the free saccharide. Since selectins are involved in recruiting cells to sites of injury, this system can be used to palliate certain inflammatory and immunological conditions.

Abstract: Sulfated disaccharides characterized by the ability to inhibit the binding of selectin to its physiologically-relevant ligand are disclosed. Included are efficient and inexpensive methods for producing the sulfated disaccharides, and methods for their therapeutic use and in in vivo and in vitro assays.