Analysing Macromolecular Binding at Biological Surfaces by Surface Plasmon Resonance

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The cell surface is the major interaction region between cells their environment. Cells construct barriers to prevent physical and chemical damage and to mediate the flow of nutrients and waste. All cells have a lipid membrane barrier, and in many cases, a cell wall constructed of peptidoglycan (bacteria) or carbohydrate and lignin (plants). Cell surfaces are frequently coated with additional carbohydrate molecules that are either secreted or attached to surface-anchored proteins or lipids. We are investigating the functions of proteins and carbohydrates that inhabit these critical interfaces. Examples include membrane proteins that function to transport nutrients in or materials out of the cell; secreted enzymes that bind to and digest insoluble material at the cell surface; and cell surface sensory receptors that initiate signals to inform cellular regulatory networks.