Molecular Recognition of glycomimetics by proteins A 3D view by using NMR

Abstract

In this Thesis, we have addressed the study of the molecular recognition of glycomimetics and natural sugars by using NMR spectroscopy. Apart from my personal formation issue, we have selected this topic because we feel that it is timely, scientifically interesting, and very few examples have been described from a rigorous view point. Different biologically relevant systems have been selected that vary from toxins to enzymes, passing through a variety of plant and animal lectins. In all these cases, apart of the intrinsic nature of the investigation, we have tried to implement new methods and to extend the use of different NMR protocols. The experimental work is presented here in a format that includes a brief introduction to the topic followed by the published paper/s (or documents in submission) in scientific journals. Five different topics are here discussed, defined with regard to possible targets with particular biomedical interest.