# Mechanistic insight into tumor-associated MUC1 glycopeptides binding to macrophage galactose-type lectin

> **NIH NIH R15** · FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $443,151

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 MUC1, the heavily glycosylated cell-surface mucin, is altered in both expression and glycosylation patterns in
human carcinomas of the epithelium. Tumor-specific glycopeptide epitopes of MUC1 are recognized by a variety
of lectin receptors on immune cells. These interactions have not been extensively studied, despite the fact that
aberrant tumor glycosylation alters how the immune system perceives the tumor and can also induce
immunosuppressive signaling leading to the creation of a pro-tumor microenvironment favoring tumor
progression and metastasis. In addition, it has recently been proposed that the tumor glycocode may be
considered a novel immune checkpoint. In this renewal application, we will continue to examine epitope
heterogeneity, the glycoside cluster effect, and the steric hindrance effect of neighboring glycans on binding to
lectins (Aim 1). Specifically, we will focus on the design of novel synthetic tools such as a) structurally well-
defined MUC1 glycopeptides with varying multivalency and b) MUC1-derived positional scanning synthetic
glycopeptide combinatorial library (PS-SGCL) displaying native-like heterogeneous and aberrant O-glycan
epitopes, sialylated Tn and Thomsen–Friedenreich (TF) antigens. The thermodynamic profile of the interaction
of MUC1-derived glycopeptides with macrophage galactose-specific lectin (hMGL) and Siglecs (-7, -9 and/or -
15) will be assessed by ITC. The binding kinetics will be determined by direct measurement of the strength of
unbinding of receptor-ligand interactions by AFM (Aim 2). We are particularly interested in how protein scaffold
contributes to the interactions with lectins and also the role of water in protein hydration and the binding complex
formation with the ligand. All these are known variables that may impact the receptor targeting efficacy and
immune response induced by immune cells. Furthermore, this renewal application proposes to use MUC1
glycopeptides and PS-SGCLs in the discovery and assessment of binding specificities of anti-MUC1 antibodies
found in sera from cancer patients with MUC1+ tumors (Aim 3). We are focusing on the identification of a new
class of antibodies targeting "dynamic glycopeptide neoepitopes". In addition to the research aims, we will
continue to recruit the next generation of scientists into the glycoscience field by offering exciting research
opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students at the interface of chemistry and immunology. In
summary, the proposed study will facilitate a deeper understanding of the principles of glycan-protein interactions
and general rules that govern the ability of lectins to regulate immune response by engaging glycoproteins on
the cell surface. This may constitute an important roadmap for translating fundamental MUC1 glycobiology
knowledge toward next-generation cancer immunotherapies.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10806443
- **Project number:** 2R15CA242351-02
- **Recipient organization:** FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** MARE CUDIC
- **Activity code:** R15 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $443,151
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2019-07-08 → 2026-12-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10806443

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10806443, Mechanistic insight into tumor-associated MUC1 glycopeptides binding to macrophage galactose-type lectin (2R15CA242351-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10806443. Licensed CC0.

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