Rebecca Louise Miller

Rebecca Louise Miller is an Associate Professor in the Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine at the University of Copenhagen's Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences. She leads research in the Glycomics Program, focusing on glycosaminoglycan (GAG) biology and engineering, with laboratory facilities at Blegdamsvej 3 in Copenhagen.

Dr. Miller's research centers on glycosaminoglycans, which are sulfated polysaccharides that play critical roles in the extracellular matrix. Her work specifically investigates the "sulfation code" of GAGs and how it relates to their diverse biological functions including cell migration, anticoagulation, angiogenesis, inflammation, and normal growth and development. By using genetic engineering approaches with KO/KI of genes in CHO cells, her lab produces cell-derived libraries displaying distinct heparin, heparan sulfate, chondroitin sulfate, and dermatan sulfate on cell surfaces. This innovative approach enables the dissection of structure-function relationships and the development of homogeneous GAG molecules with targeted therapeutic properties.

Her recent publications demonstrate a strong interdisciplinary focus spanning glycobiology, analytical chemistry, cardiovascular biology, neuroscience, and infectious disease research. The articles reveal a consistent theme of developing and applying advanced methodologies—including mass spectrometry and single-molecule imaging—to characterize complex glycan structures and their interactions. Her work bridges fundamental science with translational applications, particularly in developing next-generation glycan-based therapeutics with defined structures rather than the heterogeneous animal-derived mixtures currently used clinically.

Dr. Miller maintains an active laboratory that combines molecular biology, biochemistry, and analytical approaches to tackle the challenges of GAG complexity. Her research has significant implications for developing precision glycotherapeutics with specific biological activities (anti-coagulant, anti-inflammatory, or anti-viral) based on precisely engineered sulfation patterns, potentially revolutionizing treatment approaches for numerous conditions.