# Bioinformatic Tools for Interpretation of Glycan Array Data

> **NIH NIH R44** · Z BIOTECH, LLC · 2021 · $557,113

## Abstract

Project Summary / Abstract
There is an urgent need of analysis tools for mining glycan array data in order to accurately and statistically study
the interactions between cell-surface glycans and glycan-binding proteins. In this SBIR program we propose to
develop a software and hardware integrated system for analysis and interpretation of glycan array data. The
problem with existing glycan array data mining tools is that they give binding information only for simplistic
substructures of glycans and not complex binding determinants, and they lack consistent signal quantification in
an automated way. To solve this problem, Z Biotech, LLC (a glycan array provider) is teaming with Dr. Brian
Haab’s lab at the Van Andel Institute (a software provider) to develop and improve a robust glycan-array data
mining tool (MotifFinder) and a glycan-array image analysis program (SignalFinder). Z Biotech has invented a
robust glycan array platform having the advantage to display glycans on solid surfaces in a multivalent form. The
glycan arrays Z Biotech provides have superior performance with the criteria for a high-quality microarray, which
is suitable for generation of glycan array data for evaluation of analysis tools like MotifFinder and SignalFinder.
In addition, the Haab research group has been leading developments in glycan-array analysis tools. They were
the first to publish an algorithm for the analysis of glycan-array data in 2010, and subsequently have contributed
many innovations. In the Phase I project, we developed MotifFinder for fully automating the analysis, including
new approaches for identifying subtle patterns and features in the glycan array data. In addition, we developed
SignalFinder for the automated image analysis of glycan-array images. This software program addresses the
previous bottlenecks and limitations in the array image analysis. It is built on the unique algorithm that has
functioned well for the automated analysis of immunofluorescence and microarray images. The goal for the
Phase II project is to enhance the ability of the two glycan-array mining tools through testing on glycan arrays
with the expanded glycan library. The resultant glycan-array analysis system with hardware and software will
have a broad impact on glycobiology research, glycan-related biomarker characterization, and new drug
development targeting glycans.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10138549
- **Project number:** 2R44GM131430-02
- **Recipient organization:** Z BIOTECH, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Brian B. Haab
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $557,113
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2019-01-01 → 2024-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10138549

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10138549, Bioinformatic Tools for Interpretation of Glycan Array Data (2R44GM131430-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10138549. Licensed CC0.

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