Rourkela, Aug 13: Scholars from NIT Rourkela discovered sugar-like molecule that’s too essential for repairing bones & cartilage of human body.
The newly found sugar-like molecules can alter the behaviour of Bone Morphogenetic Protein-2 (BMP-2), a protein responsible for bone formation and repair, said the study.
According to the team of researchers, the new compound will be too useful for advanced treatments in bone and cartilage regeneration, improved implants and more effective protein-based medicines.
Harekrushna Sahoo, an Associate Professor, NIT, Rourkela said, proteins carry out various functions in the human body from building tissues and supporting chemical reactions to acting as signals between cells.
"In this context, BMP-2 plays a crucial role in forming bones and cartilage, healing injuries and guiding stem cells to become bone-forming cells. However, in the human body, this protein interacts with different Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), special sugar-like molecules found in connective tissues and joint fluids," Sahoo said.
The team observed that BMP-2 unfolded faster in the presence of Sulfated Hyaluronic Acid (SHA), a type of GAG, compared to regular Hyaluronic Acid or without additives. The researchers found that SHA binds directly to BMP-2 protein, gently altering its structure and making it unfold in a more controlled manner.
"BMP-2 is a critical protein in humans that plays a fundamental role in osteogenesis and bone regeneration. Our study reveals how specific GAG–BMP-2 interactions influence unfolding dynamics and structural stability. These insights allow scaffold designs to actively preserve BMP-2’s functional conformation, prolong bioactivity, lower dosage needs and reduce side effects.
Outcomes of the significant study have been published in the ‘Biotechnology’ Journal that credited a good fame for the NIT.
