Proteome Systems and Nestlé today announced an agreement to collaborate on a glycoproteomics research program to analyze the sugars attached to proteins in milk.

Sugar modifications to proteins are increasingly being implicated in the control of the function of many proteins and may be important in modulating the activity of milk proteins. Dr. Nicolle Packer, Executive VP Glycobiology, Proteome Systems said, "We are very excited about taking part in this project as it emphasizes the renewed interest of scientists in understanding the importance of what is added to the protein in defining what that protein does in biological systems. The analysis of the complexity of the many sugars that are attached to proteins (glycoproteomics) is the next frontier in proteomics research and to date, this analysis has been difficult to carry out in proteomics-focused laboratories. We are looking forward to applying our expertise and platform of glycoproteomic analysis, GlycomIQ, to the analysis of these sugars on biologically relevant proteins in milk. "

"As a world leader in nutrition products, Nestlé has the duty to be at the front line of the scientific knowledge regarding the understanding of all nutritional and biological functions of food and dietary components. To address questions related to the biological significance of the glycosylation of dietary proteins, we are looking forward to working together with the glycobiology group of Proteome Systems, a group which has developed the required expertise and platform," said Dr. Jean-Richard Neeser, Head of Bioscience Department, Nestlé Research Center.

"Proteome Systems' glycobiology group has a focus on developing enabling technologies for determining the structures of sugars at the level of proteomic analysis and applying these technologies to the exciting emerging area of "sweet medicines". We see this project as reflecting the start of the emerging interest in the importance of sugars in biology" said Dr. Keith Williams, CEO, Proteome Systems.