GlycoCast, a journey of families, sugars and rare disorders

Ivan Martinez Duncker
  • 3.7 (3)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Welcome to GlycoCast, the podcast where the sweet science of sugars meets the mysteries of medicine, and our shared humanity comes to life. We will focus on a journey of families, sugars and rare disorders called Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation. We'll bring you tales of struggle and perseverance, as we speak to families affected by CDGs, learn about their experiences, their challenges, and their achievements. We'll hear from the researchers on the front lines, unearthing the mysteries of CDGs, and the healthcare professionals who play a key role in managing these disorders.

  1. CDG in Egypt with Dr. Sahar Sabry

    12/20/2025

    CDG in Egypt with Dr. Sahar Sabry

    We interview Dr. Sahar Sabry, a regional pioneer in Egypt that is advancing CDG diagnosis and specialized medical management.

    40 min
  2. Understanding mosaicism and the case of SLC35A2-CDG

    09/27/2025

    Understanding mosaicism and the case of SLC35A2-CDG

    A podcast with our special guest Dr. Tracy Bedrosian from the Steven and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine at Nationwide Children's Hospital where she heads the Bedrosian Lab Tracy has spent her career exploring how our brains develop and what happens when that process goes off track. Her research dives deep into genomics and a fascinating phenomenon called mosaicism that shapes brain development, influence conditions like epilepsy, and even intersects with rare genetic disorders like Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDGs). In today’s conversation, we’ll unpack how her lab studies mosaic genetic variation and why this matters for understanding neurological complications of CDGs — especially SLC35A2-CDG, where cells struggle to transport UDP-galactose into the Golgi, the cellular factory where sugar chains, or glycans, are built. This episode is made possible through the support of CDG CARE, a nonprofit  organization founded by parents seeking information and support for CDGs.

    26 min
  3. Unlocking shared pathways and therapies for multiple CDGs

    08/22/2025

    Unlocking shared pathways and therapies for multiple CDGs

    What happens when cutting-edge science meets the curiosity of a new generation? In this episode of Glycocast, we sit down with Dr. Tamas Kozics and Dr. Irena Muffels from the Icahn School at Mount Sinai to explore their personal stories with Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation (CDG) and how their research is uncovering new insights into these metabolic diseases. Together, they walk us through their latest work, sharing how using huge amounts of biological data through advanced multi-omics approaches is untangling the complexity of CDGs and unraveling potential common treatments. This episode is not just about science—it’s about mentorship, collaboration, and the passion that drives researchers to keep moving forward, hand-in-hand with families, toward answers. The link to the science article: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40743674/ A family-friendly comprehensive summary will be avaiable soon at cdgcare.org

    1 hr
  4. Rebooting: Returning to the Mic after Baby #2 While Managing a Child with a Rare Disease

    10/10/2024

    Rebooting: Returning to the Mic after Baby #2 While Managing a Child with a Rare Disease

    Joining us today are two incredible guests: Brett Helsham, another mom navigating the world of rare diseases and a growing family, and Dr. Al Freedman (https://www.rarecounseling.com), a practicing child and family psychologist, advocate, and rare disease dad himself. Brett and Dr. Al bring valuable insights and personal stories about balancing family life, advocacy, and self-care. We’re thrilled to share their perspectives on returning to our passions, even as life grows more complex. In this episode we will explore the intersection of family, personal growth, and the complex realities of living with rare disorders when your family grows. Together we will share experiences and advice on managing the challenges and rewards of balancing parenthood and self-care in the context of rare diseases, particularly when you are managing the arrival of a new family member where joy but frequently chaos meet face to face.

    1h 1m
  5. CDGCare: a story of family, advocacy and awareness

    05/04/2024

    CDGCare: a story of family, advocacy and awareness

    Join Karen Morici and Dr. Ivan Martinez Duncker in this interview with Andrea Miller, Founder and President of the non-profit organization CDGCare, a wonderful network that has been shaping the CDG family community into an evolving entity that has greatly helped the life of hundreds of families with children affected by rare disorders called CDG (Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation) For more information: https://cdgcare.org/

    43 min
  6. GMPPA-CDG: A Cure Odyssey

    04/18/2024

    GMPPA-CDG: A Cure Odyssey

    Join hosts Karen Morici and Dr. Ivan Martinez Duncker as they welcome Diana Roetting, a dedicated mom on a mission to find a treatment for her daughter Rosie with GMPPA-CDG, and Kristin Kantautas PhD, a pillar in the CDG community and leader at Perlara, CDG Canada, and FCDGC. It will be a valuable lesson for families navigating through the odissey of finding drugs that improve the life of their children. For more information on congenital disorders of glycosylation please visit our sponsor at cdgcare.org.

    1h 25m
  7. Aussie Louis and the Science of CDG Biomarkers

    12/20/2023

    Aussie Louis and the Science of CDG Biomarkers

    Hosts Karen Morici and Dr. Ivan Martinez will talk to Australian CDG parents Amy and Michael about the story of their son Louis affected by a rare disease called ALG1-CDG. We will also talk with Dr. Miao He, co-director of the Metabolic and Advanced Diagnostics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on the utility of biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of CDGs. For more information on congenital disorders of glycosylation please visit our sponsor at cdgcare.org.

    1h 30m
  8. Trailer - Aussie Louis and the Science of CDG Biomarkers

    SEASON 1, EPISODE 5 TRAILER

    Trailer - Aussie Louis and the Science of CDG Biomarkers

    Hosts Karen Morici and Dr. Ivan Martinez will talk to Australian CDG parents Amy and Michael about the story of their son Louis affected by a rare disease called ALG1-CDG. We will also talk with Dr. Miao He, co-director of the Metabolic and Advanced Diagnostics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia on the utility of biomarkers in the diagnosis and treatment of CDGs. For more information on congenital disorders of glycosylation please visit our sponsor at cdgcare.org.

    2 min
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Trailers

Ratings & Reviews

3.7
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to GlycoCast, the podcast where the sweet science of sugars meets the mysteries of medicine, and our shared humanity comes to life. We will focus on a journey of families, sugars and rare disorders called Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation. We'll bring you tales of struggle and perseverance, as we speak to families affected by CDGs, learn about their experiences, their challenges, and their achievements. We'll hear from the researchers on the front lines, unearthing the mysteries of CDGs, and the healthcare professionals who play a key role in managing these disorders.

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