Our blood vessels are lined with a protective layer of sugar-coated proteins called the glycocalyx. When we’re stressed, sick, or dealing with conditions like diabetes, this protective layer can get damaged by enzymes that break it down. Researchers recently discovered that a molecule called heparanase 2 (Hpa2) can help protect the glycocalyx and keep our blood vessels functioning properly.

MDI Bio Lab postdoc Yannic Becker will discuss this discovery and his research into using Hpa2 to treat diabetic kidney and vascular disease, which was recently published in the journal Biochemical Society Transactions.