# LEAPS-MPS: Exploring the Role of Urinary Host N-Glycans as a Nutrient Source for Bladder Bacteria Metabolism

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Lewis and Clark College (OR) · $249,263

## Abstract

In this project, funded by the MPS-LEAPS (Launching Early-Career Academic Pathways) Program and managed by the Division of Chemistry (CHE), Professor Jean-Philippe Gourdine and his students at Lewis & Clark College will perform studies focused on the development of biochemical methods to identify commensal bladder bacteria capable of symbiotic nutrient acquisition of host N-glycans and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of glycoside hydrolases (GHs) involved in this process. Urine is a hostile environment for bacterial growth; nevertheless, low-biomass microorganisms (urobiome) can live in the bladder lumen. What do these tiny tenants survive on? Previous bioinformatics work has shown that several bacterial members of the urobiome can digest host glycoproteins. Uromodulin (UMOD) is the most concentrated N-glycoprotein in urine. Could UMOD be a nutrient source for the urobiome? Professor Gourdine and his students will address this question by characterizing urinary bacterial interactions with UMOD and by cloning, expressing, and functionally characterizing putative bacterial GHs involved in N-glycans degradation. Their studies could provide valuable knowledge to model the urobiome ecology toward host N-glycans. This research, conducted with paid-research students and in a course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE), will integrate outreach activities with the biotechnology industry in Portland, Oregon. 

The biochemical integrity of purified UMOD will be assesse

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2532889
- **Awardee organization:** Lewis and Clark College (OR)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** JXJJHFBDBLD5
- **PI:** Jean-Philippe F Gourdine
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Biotechnology
- **Estimated total:** $249,263
- **Funds obligated:** $249,263
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2025 → 08/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2532889

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2532889, LEAPS-MPS: Exploring the Role of Urinary Host N-Glycans as a Nutrient Source for Bladder Bacteria Metabolism. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2532889. Licensed CC0.

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