Glycans (carbohydrates) are one of four major classes of biomacromolecules present in all lifeforms. Driven by complex biosynthetic pathways involving genetic and environmental factors, glycans are adaptive to environmental changes. Contrary to other post-translational modifications, which typically act as on/off switches, glycosylation dynamically affects protein structure and function. Aberrant glycosylation of proteins has been implicated in key steps of disease biology, including the hallmarks of cancer as well as inflammation cascades associated with autoimmunity and aging.
Historically, glycoproteins have been analytically and computationally challenging to study at scale. Unlike DNA, RNA and proteins, glycans are structurally complex and their synthesis is not template-based. Intervenn has built a platform that overcomes these challenges.
Watch InterVenn Co-Founder, Carolyn Bertozzi, elegantly talk about "Glycans" and their implications on holistic disease understanding.
We use a proprietary array of commercially available liquid chromatographs and mass spectrometers (LC-MS) applied at every level of R&D and product development. These arrays are designed for specific functions that range from biomarker discovery and sample digitization, to running the clinical assay itself.
LC-MS based assays generate tremendous amounts of information - even more so at the resolution, throughput, and sensitivity at which InterVenn operates. Traditional biostatistical tools are unable to fully interrogate the data sets we generate, hence the need for advanced computational methods. We utilize deep learning in many key areas, including signal detection/verification/quantification, quality system monitoring, and risk stratification.
InterVenn is not only a biotechnology company, but also a software / cloud company, as these complex instruments require advanced systems not commercially available to ensure suitability for the clinic. These proprietary systems power our scientific reproducibility, reliability, and sensitivity as we undergo our clinical and regulatory processes.
