Signaling Mechanisms of Bioactive Polysaccharides from Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicinal plants have been used for centuries, and, increasingly, clinical trials have demonstrated their efficacy against a wide range of pathologies. However, there is still an urgent need to understand how Chinese medicine works in order to make full use of this important, empirical knowledge accumulated in thousands of years. As part of this effort, we intend to investigate the signaling mechanisms of bioactive polysaccharides from selected natural Chinese medicines in cellular and animal model systems using genomic, proteomic as well as glycomic approaches. The current project aims to establish a long-term collaboration with scientists in Wuhan University. Several overlapping activities are planned from both sides aimed at definin g the scientific and structural basis of Norway-China collaboration and information exchange; at performing several preliminary experiments to test and extend our hypotheses; and at using preliminary data to support future grant applications. Specifically , the current project seeks the following: (1) to hold workshops to define the parameters of bilateral collaborative network, to establish and maintain the network, and to recruit additional network members as appropriate (e.g. necessary for EU grant appl ication); (2) to outline collaborative research projects and to define specific project directions; (3) to explore funding opportunities, to identify potential sources of support for specific projects, and to prepare application(s).