Effects of extracellular vesicle-associated glycans on metastasis and immunosuppression

Cancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles with critical implications for cancer progression and immunosuppression. Published studies assessing the mechanisms of EVs in cancer progression have solely focused on protein or microRNA cargo, despite the overall importance of glycans in directly regulating interactions with cells and the microenvironment.

This project will evaluate the effects of EV-associated glycans on metastasis and immunosuppression. We envision leveraging the obtained knowledge about EV-associated glycans’ impact on cancer progression to improve cancer diagnostics and develop innovative nano-drug-delivery systems.