# LEAPS-MPS: Development of tools to label and isolate nuclear and cytoplasmic O-fucosylated proteins

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Saint Olaf College (MN) · $199,230

## Abstract

In this project, funded by the MPS-LEAPS (Launching Early-Career Academic Pathways) Program and managed by the Division of Chemistry (CHE), the Joiner Lab at St. Olaf College aims to develop tools to isolate and study O-fucosylated proteins in plants. O-fucosylation, or the transfer of a single fucose sugar to nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins, is a newly discovered, essential protein modification catalyzed by the SPINDLY (SPY) enzyme. SPY is critical for proper plant growth and development, regulating the plant’s response to environmental signals. Due to a lack of tools available to label and isolate SPY-specific O-fucosylated proteins, there is limited information on SPY’s overall biological function. To address this, Professor Joiner and her students will develop two labeling strategies to tag and isolate SPY-specific O-fucosylated proteins. These strategies will enable chemical or enzymatic labeling to attach a functional handle to O-fucosylated proteins that can be used for their isolation and characterization. This will expand the current toolbox for studying the essential SPY enzyme and its biological function in plants. In addition, this research will increase access for St. Olaf students to interdisciplinary science, training and mentoring them to be independent chemical biology researchers.

Professor Joiner and her students will develop two labeling strategies to isolate and study nucleocytoplasmic O-fucosylated proteins in plants. While tools are available for la

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2531169
- **Awardee organization:** Saint Olaf College (MN)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** WDA2A3VKY3A7
- **PI:** Cassandra Joiner
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Biotechnology
- **Estimated total:** $199,230
- **Funds obligated:** $199,230
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2531169

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2531169, LEAPS-MPS: Development of tools to label and isolate nuclear and cytoplasmic O-fucosylated proteins. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2531169. Licensed CC0.

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