Abstract: TH-PO0938
The Sweetness of Vascular Remodeling: Spatiotemporal Profiling of N-Glycans in Human Veins and Arteriovenous Fistulas
Session Information
- Vascular Access: Research and Cases
October 22, 2026 | Location: Exhibit Hall A, Convention Center
Abstract Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Category: Dialysis
- 803 Dialysis: Vascular Access
Authors
- Fuller, Cassandra N., University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
- Sussman, Matthew Steven, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
- Tabbara, Marwan, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
- Vazquez-Padron, Roberto I., University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
- Drake, Richard R., Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina, United States
- Martinez, Laisel, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States
Background
N-glycosylation is a post-translational modification of membrane proteins that regulates cell adhesion, proliferation, immune recognition, and signal transduction. The structure and composition of cell-surface glycans (complex sugars) are dynamically remodeled in tissue- and environment-dependent patterns. As a result, cell membranes carry N-glycosylation signatures that reflect cellular identity, metabolic conditions, and disease processes.
Methods
In this pilot study, we profiled for the first time the spatiotemporal diversity of the N-glycome in human veins and arteriovenous fistulas (AVF). To this end, three pre-access veins, two early AVFs collected 5-7 days postop, and seven transposition AVFs obtained 23-98 days after anastomosis (three matured, four failed) were profiled using 50-plex glycomics by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization imaging mass spectrometry.
Results
Various N-glycan families and structural modifications displayed time-dependent and layer-specific distributions within the vascular wall. High mannose and core-fucosylated (CF) complex glycans showed low to moderate abundance in veins, reached the lowest levels in early AVFs, and increased in abundance in transposition fistulas. In the latter, CF complex sulfated glycans were specific to the intima layer, irrespective of maturation outcomes; while complex bi-antennary groups, either mono-sialylated or with terminal galactosyl residues, co-localized with blood infiltration in the adventitia. High mannose glycans were selective for the AVF intima but also showed higher abundance in the media of failed AVFs. Complex glycans with terminal galactosyl residues, with and without CF modifications, were more prominent in failed AVFs than in mature fistulas. Lastly, CF complex bisecting subtypes, known for their suppression of further chemical modifications and of fibroblast activation, were more abundant in the intima of mature fistulas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this pilot analysis identified key post-translational modifications that increased during remodeling of the AVF and that discriminate between vascular layers and maturation outcomes of the fistula. Confirmatory analyses in larger cohorts may provide a deeper understanding of cell differentiation associated with successful and failed AVF maturation.
Funding
- NIDDK Support