My laboratory is concerned with studies on protein-carbohydrate interactions.
All cells possess an array of sugars on their surface.
We use model systems to study these important biologic processes. One of our prominent tools is a class of carbohydrate-recognizing proteins called lectins. We isolate and characterize these fascinating proteins, study their interaction with carbohydrates, using biophysical and immunological techniques, and employ them in cell recognition phenomena. Yang, Q, Goldstein , Mei, H.Y. and Engelke, D. DNA Ligand that Bind Tightly and Selectively to Cellobiose. I.J. Xanthosoma sagittifolium tubers contain a lectin with two differresnt types of carboydrate binding sites.