Publications by authors named "D Sammon"

Article Synopsis
  • - Mammalian cells communicate through surface interactions, and proteoglycans play a key role by carrying large sugar chains that help recruit signaling molecules, yet only a few proteoglycans are currently identified.
  • - Two enzymes, XT1 and XT2, are responsible for the initial step of adding sugars to proteins but their redundancy complicates the study of proteoglycans.
  • - The research introduces a method called bump-and-hole engineering to modify these enzymes, allowing for the specific addition of a chemically marked sugar to proteins, enabling visualization and detailed analysis of proteoglycan structures in cells.
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Two major glycosaminoglycan types, heparan sulfate (HS) and chondroitin sulfate (CS), control many aspects of development and physiology in a type-specific manner. HS and CS are attached to core proteins via a common linker tetrasaccharide, but differ in their polymer backbones. How core proteins are specifically modified with HS or CS has been an enduring mystery.

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Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major polysaccharide component of the extracellular matrix. HA has essential functions in tissue architecture and the regulation of cell behaviour. HA turnover needs to be finely balanced.

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Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) is a collagen-activated receptor tyrosine kinase with important functions in organogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant DDR1 activity contributes to the progression of human diseases, including fibrosis and cancer. How DDR1 activity is regulated is poorly understood.

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This paper reports on the reflection of the lead researcher, a 48-year-old patient with cystic fibrosis (CF), and aims to portray his real-life experience of a 10-month action design research (ADR) project. Playing a dual role, as both a patient and researcher, the lead researcher reflects deeply on his ADR experience with particular emphasis on the problem formulation stage of creating a simple yet impactful checklist to aid memory recall of CF patients or caregivers during a medical appointment. Using Driscoll's model of reflection, a real-life unsanitized ADR experience is carefully imparted via a series of 4 vignettes, including 4 key learnings, which highlight the connection between a meticulous considered approach to problem formulation and truly effective outcomes.

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