Author Description

Cell-surface carbohydrates play critical roles in cell-cell interactions. This well-written book brings together leading researchers to detail major recent advances regarding our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying such processes. Emphasis is given to cell type, specific carbohydrate expression, and the carbohydrates and proteins involved in cell recognition. Topics include the molecular structure of animal lectins, carbohydrate recognition in cell-cell interaction, chemical synthesis of oligosaccharides, conformational studies on oligosaccharides, and cell-surface carbohydrates, among others. Also included is a full discussion of key experimental approaches such as chemical synthesis and the three-dimensional structural analysis of carbohydrates. Providing both an up-to-date description of the subject and a forecast of likely future developments, Molecular Glycobiology is a much-needed synopsis of an exciting and rapidly expanding field. It will be welcomed by students and researchers in molecular biology, biochemistry, cell biology, and glycobiology.