Carbohydrates are one of the four major classes of biomolecules and play a central role in almost all biological systems, from its central role in energy metabolism to roles in cell-cell communication and protein regulation that we are only beginning to understand.

Sustained and impactful innovation in glycoscience requires a concentration of both specific core research capabilities, as well as expertise in the chemistry, biochemistry, and cellular biology of carbohydrates and carbohydrate conjugates.  The University of Mississippi hosts accomplished faculty in glycoscience in a wide variety of disciplines, including glycoside natural products isolation and characterization, glycan analysis, protein-carbohydrate interactions, and physiological responses to protein glycation. Additionally, we have reached a critical concentration at the University of Mississippi of faculty members whose interests intersect with glycoscience from a variety of disciplines. This confluence has presented an opportunity to nurture these interests and develop a core of expertise necessary for long-term development of institutional excellence in glycoscience, leveraging our unique history and resources in natural products.

Recognizing the opportunity to contribute to the future of glycoscience research, The University of Mississippi has established the Glycoscience Center of Research Excellence (GlyCORE), a new University-wide NIH COBRE Phase 1 center to study how carbohydrates and carbohydrate-containing molecules affect human health.  GlyCORE supports investigators in glycoscience through direct funding of selected research projects, establishes mentors for early career investigators, supports the recruitment of new faculty in glycoscience, and develops local and regional meetings for investigators to discuss their work. GlyCORE also hosts three central Research Cores to support these investigators with cutting-edge biomedical research tools. Our goal to lower the barriers to entry to glycoscience for researchers across the spectrum of biomedical research is what makes GlyCORE innovative; we do not solely serve the dedicated glycoscience community, but rather develop the infrastructure and dedicated expertise necessary to support glycoscience research from a diverse community.

In addition to our primary goal of serving The University of Mississippi, GlyCORE seeks to develop, support and foster glycoscience throughout the Mid-South region (including Mississippi, Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky and Missouri). We encourage students, faculty and scientists in the region to contact us regarding potential collaborations, participation in seminars and lecture series, and any other ways in which we can help support and promote glycoscience research at your institution.