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The Xu lab studies one of the most fascinating biomacromolecules called heparan sulfate. Heparan sulfate is a highly negatively charged unbranched polysaccharide only found in animals. The structure and function of heparan sulfate became more complex and diverse during animal evolution, most notably during the evolution of vertebrates. To take advantage of this extremely versatile polysaccharide, hundreds of proteins have evolved to be heparan sulfate-binding proteins. By binding to heparan sulfate, heparan sulfate-binding proteins gained a brand-new way to alter their conformations and oligomeric states, their localization at the cell membrane and in the extracellular matrix, and how they interact with other binding partners.  The structural complexity of heparan sulfate is ingrained in the complexity of the body plan and physiology of animals, especially vertebrates. Understanding how heparan sulfate regulates the structure and function of various heparan sulfate-binding proteins is therefore a key component to fully grasp animal physiology. Such understanding will undoubtedly provide opportunities for development of novel therapeutics. 

Joining Xu Lab

Xu lab just moved from SUNY Buffalo to Emory and we are actively recruiting postdoctoral scholars and PhD students to join our highly productive team (2024/07).

 

Applicants with backgrounds in any discipline of biomedical sciences are welcome to apply. The main appeal of joining the Xu lab is the prospect of developing your own projects and obtain a truly multidisciplinary skill sets. Regardless of your future career goals, you will for sure learn what you desire in the Xu lab. â€‹

Lab address:

Musculoskeletal Research Center

21 Ortho Lane

Brookhaven, GA 30329

Tel: 

Email: ding.xu@emory.edu

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