Snails are voracious herbivores and this protein may serve as part of their digestive system helping to break down cell walls. We are presently investigating the role of expansins in various developmental processes using a range of techniques encompassing protein, cell , and molecular biology. We are also producing recombinant expansins in cultured insect cells. This allows us to use techniques such as site-directed mutagenesis to study the structure and function of expansins. We are investigating the use of plants to produce recombinant structural proteins of potential commercial interest.
Current projects involve mussel adhesive proteins and spider silk proteins.
Recent Publications Fleming, AJ, McQueen-Mason, SJ, Mandel, T, Kuhlemeier, C. 1997 Induction of leaf primordia by the cell wall protein expansin. McQueen-Mason, S. J, and Cosgrove D. J. 1995. McQueen-Mason, S. J. 1995 Expansins and cell wall expansion. McQueen-Mason, S. J, and Cosgrove D. J. 1994. Disruption of hydrogen bonding between wall polymers by proteins that induce plant wall extension.