Protein-carbohydrate interactions are the basis of cell-cell and cell-pathogen interaction. This, of course, occurs at the cell membrane. The Derda Research Group, at the University of Alberta, pioneered a powerful approach for discovery of molecules that block or mimic protein-carbohydrate interactions. This approach is used to identify molecules that can be used as inhibitors of unwanted protein-carbohydrate interaction in drug-resistant tumors, new cancer immunotherapies, and as improved molecular diagnostics for tuberculosis.
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How do Cells Talk to Each Other?When cells communicate among themselves or with foreign invaders (pathogens), they do so using protein-carbohydrate interactions on the cell membrane. Click the button below (Learn.Genetics - The inside story of cell communication), and summarize four ways cells communicate.
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What is Glycomics?Watch this video from Glyconet, "The Secret Life of Carbohydrates," and summarize what glycans are and the importance of glycomics in cell membrane research.
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Cell SignalsCell signals travel through the body, coming in contact with many cell types. The response depends on the type of cell the signal reaches. Click on the button (Learn.Genetics - Dropping signals) to explore cell types and the effects of chemical or ultraviolet signals.
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