Understanding the sugar code of life
Glycosylation is one of the most complex and information-rich molecular modifications in biology. It plays a crucial role in cellular communication, immune regulation, disease progression, and therapeutic response. Despite its biological importance, glycosylation remains significantly underexplored compared to genomics and proteomics, largely due to analytical and computational challenges.
At the SUGAR Lab, we aim to advance the next generation of glyco(proteo)omics technologies and applications by combining analytical chemistry innovation with translational biomedical research. Our work focuses on developing sensitive, robust, and accessible methodologies that allow us to study glycosylation in increasingly complex and limited biological systems.
Our Mission
Our mission is to develop innovative glyco(proteo)omics and CE-MS-based analytical workflows that help bridge chemistry, biology, and medicine. We aim to create technologies and strategies that not only advance fundamental understanding of glycosylation, but also contribute to clinically relevant applications in precision medicine, biomarker discovery, and translational healthcare research.
By integrating analytical chemistry, mass spectrometry, separation science, and biomedical collaboration, we strive to make glycosylation analysis more sensitive, interpretable, and applicable to real-world biological and clinical questions.
Our Vision
We envision a future in which glyco(proteo)omics becomes an integral and actionable component of precision medicine and systems biology.
To contribute to this vision, we focus on:
developing ultrasensitive analytical workflows for scarce and complex samples,
advancing single-cell and spatial glycomics approaches,
improving integration between glycomics, proteomics, and computational analysis,
and strengthening translational collaborations between analytical scientists, clinicians, and industry partners.
Ultimately, we aim to help establish Groningen as an internationally recognized hub for high-sensitivity glyco(proteo)omics and translational analytical chemistry.
The SUGAR Lab strongly values:
scientific curiosity,
interdisciplinarity,
collaboration,
innovation,
openness,
and supportive mentorship.
We believe that impactful science is built through collaboration between people with different backgrounds and expertise. Therefore, our projects frequently combine analytical chemistry, biomedical sciences, clinical research, data science, and industrial collaboration.
In addition to scientific excellence, we aim to create an accessible, supportive, and inclusive research environment in which students and researchers can develop independence, creativity, and confidence.
How we work
A major goal of our research is to translate analytical innovation into meaningful biomedical and societal applications.
Our work contributes to:
biomarker discovery,
precision medicine,
cancer research,
therapeutic monitoring,
and understanding disease heterogeneity at high molecular resolution.
Beyond research, we are increasingly committed to:
science communication,
educational innovation,
mentoring,
and improving accessibility and visibility of science for broader audiences.
Accessibility of science and education is a topic that strongly motivates our outreach ambitions and future societal engagement activities.
Translational & Societal Impact
The coming years will focus on further strengthening:
single-cell and high-sensitivity glyco(proteo)omics,
interdisciplinary translational collaborations,
sustainable analytical platforms,
educational innovation,
and international scientific leadership within glycoscience and analytical chemistry.
Through innovation, collaboration, and mentorship, we hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular complexity of life and its relevance for human health.
Looking Forward
