NMR and molecular recognition: The interaction of human galectin-4 with the histo blood group antigens and with pathogen-associated molecules

Abstract

Glycans are essential molecules that are ubiquitously found in every living cell. The interaction betweengalect in 4, a human sugar binding protein, with the histo blood group antigens has been studied by NuclearMagnetic Resonance ( Isothermal Titration Calorimetry and Molecular Dynamics simulations. Theeffect of the chemical modification of these antigens on the interaction with galectin 4 has been addressed.These antigens are mimicked by various pathogens, thus, the interaction between galectin 4 and theantigenic fragment of these pathogens ( LPS) has also been studied using NMR. Them ain co receptor for LPS, the glycoprotein CD14 has also been analysed. The relevance of each of theglycans of CD14 in its stability and folding, as well as for the interaction with galectin 4 has beencharacterized. Finally, using a solid phase synthesize r, the synthesis of oligosaccharides has beenperformed.