This volume presents a series of experimental protocols for glycan analysis using lectins and the functional analysis of lectins. A key feature in this book are two comprehensive overview chapters on lectin structures and a list of the all the lectins—these chapters discuss the latest findings in the field. The remainder of the book covers topics such as lectins from mammals, non-mammalian animals; plants, algae, fungi, protists, bacteria, and viruses. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Cutting-edge and thorough, Lectin Purification and Analysis: Methods and Protocols is a valuable tool for any scientist interested in learning more about these life systems.

Lectins: Methods and Protocols summarizes classic lectin technologies and advanced techniques with high throughputs and sensitivities. Chapters include methods and techniques for serial lectin-affinity chromatography procedure, lectin-probed western blot and histochemical analyses, quantitative interaction analyses based on equilibrium dialysis, isothermal calorimetry, surface plasmon resonance, techniques for elucidating functions of endogenous animal lectins, advanced methods on “engineer” novel lectins by evolutionary concepts, and special equipment. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and key tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Authoritative and practical, Lectins: Methods and Protocols seeks to aid not only lectin specialists but also non-experts including both young scientists.

Lectins: Analytical Technologies covers both analytical and biological aspects of lectins (functional carbohydrate (complex sugar) recognition proteins) and provides researchers in the field with a resource containing background information and 'look-up' tables detailing lectin specificity and structures. Also included are methods and practical tips for designing new lectins from existing non-lectin proteins, automated approaches to lectin proteomics and high resolution mass spectrometry techniques. This book will be of interest to both novice and advanced researchers in biomedical, analytical and pharmaceutical fields who are involved in the study of lectin structures or who utilize lectins as analytical tools. The study of lectins and their employment in analytical settings spans a range of fields including: * Crystallography and lectin structure databases* Carbohydrate microarrays for lectin characterization and glycotope identification* Proteomic approaches to the functional identification of bacterial adhesins* Generation of lectins from enzymes* Probing cell-surface lectins with neoglycoconjugates* Reviews up-to-date techniques, including practical hints for laboratory work* Provides overview of lectin e-resources and several color illustrations* Includes a 'look-up' table detailing lectin specificity

Sugar chains (glycans) are often attached to proteins and lipids and have multiple roles in the organization and function of all organisms. "Essentials of Glycobiology" describes their biogenesis and function and offers a useful gateway to the understanding of glycans.

This volume surveys the chemistry, biochemistry, biosynthesis, metabolism and pharmacological properties of lectins. Lectins, which are most commonly found in plants, are widespread natural products with striking biological activities. Their specific ability to recognise and bind to simple or complex saccharides facilitates their role as effective information protein molecules. As agents of cell-to-cell recognition, lectins promote symbiosis between plants and specific nitrogen-fixing soil bacteria. As natural defensive molecules, they can protect plants against predators such as bacteria, fungi and insects. As part of our diet, lectins are powerful exogenous growth factors in the small intestine and influence our health, the digestive function and the bacterial ecology of the alimentary tract. Lectins are also important research tools in preparative biochemistry and cell science.

The intriguing complexity, precision, and regulation of the wide range of biologi cal processes is determined by intricate mechanisms of molecular recognition. Their nature is under intense scrutiny. In addition to the well-appreciated interac tion of proteins either with amino acid or nucleotide sequences, the investigation of their interplay with carbohydrate elements of cellular glycoconjugates current ly exerts increasing attraction. In the group of carbohydrate-binding proteins, lec tins are distinguished from antibodies or ligand-affecting enzymes, according to the most recent definition. The thorough analysis of their structure and function is considered as a focus to collect a critical mass of information for delineating details of a further array of biochemical processes with pivotal physiological im pact. Following an already century-long history of scientific description, reflected by subjectively chosen highlights (see the Brief History of Lectin Research at page VI), the excitement in glycobiological research that prevails today can easily be ex plained by our growing awareness of the multifarious significance of a sugar-code system of biological information. This present notion unmistakably has an im pact on lines of research in diverse disciplines like cell and molecular biology, histochemistry, or clinical sciences. It also prompts inherent practical questions such as how to obtain lectins, or how to employ them as instruments in various assay systems with the best possible results. Thus, this book is devoted intentionally to cover the techniques in different research fields that deal with lectins.

This book is designed to be a practical progression of experimental techniques an investigator may follow when embarking on a biochemical project. The protocols may be performed in the order laid out or may be used inde pendently. The aim of the book is to assist a wide range of researchers. from the novice to the frustrated veteran, in the choice and design of experiments that are to be performed to provide answers to specific questions. The manual describes standard techniques that have been shown to work, as well as some newer ones that are beginning to prove important. By following the promi nently numbered steps. you can work your way through any protocol. whether it's a new technique or a task you've done before for which you need a quick review or updated methodology. This manual will assist the experimentalist in designing properly controlled experiments. There will be no advice for dealing with specific pieces of equip ment other than encouragement to read the manual, if you can find it. Through out all manipulations try to be objective. Be on the lookout for unexpected findings. You will learn the most from unexpected results. and they are often the beginning of the next project. It is never possible to record too much in your lab notebook. Do not get discouraged. Remember, things will not always run smoothly.