Based on feedback from collaborators, we have created training videos on “high demand” laboratory topics in glycoscience that are posted to our YouTube Channel (NGlycoR@CCRC). We continue to create videos grouped in different skill levels and distribute them on social media.   

We have generated numerous review and perspective articles related to aspects of pectin glycobiology with an intent to broaden our outreach to the greater scientific community. 

Delmer, D., R.A. Dixon, K. Keegstra, D. Mohnen (2024) The plant cell wall—dynamic, strong, and adaptable—is a natural shapeshifter. The Plant Cell koad325.  

Shahin, L., L. Zhang, D. Mohnen, B.R. Urbanowicz (2023) Insights into Pectin O-acetylation in plant cell wall: structure, synthesis, and modification. The Cell Surface 100099.  

Mohnen, D., M.A. Atmodjo, P. Jayawardhane, Reconsidering pectin structure: A historical perspective informed by identity and function of the biosynthetic enzymes, in Plant Cell Walls, Geitmann, A., Editor. (CRC Press/Taylor & Francis Group, LLC, 2023). p. 94-126. PMCID 

Mohnen, D. (2023) A signaling peptide locks pollen tube walls. Science 382 (6671), 648-649.  

Mariette, A., T.M. Curry, B.R. Urbanowicz, B. Ebert, Plant Cell Wall Glycosyltransferases: From Sequence to Structure and Function, in Plant Cell Walls, Geitmann, A., Editor. (CRC Press, 2023). p. 29-60. PMCID 

Amos, R.A.D. Mohnen (2019) Critical Review of Plant Cell Wall Matrix Polysaccharide Glycosyltransferase Activities Verified by Heterologous Protein Expression. Frontiers in Plant Science10 915.  

Thorne, K., B.R. Urbanowicz, M.G. Hahn, Glycosyltransferases in plants, from sequence to structure and function, in Plant Cell Walls, Geitmann, A., Editor. (CRC Press, 2023). p. 206-236. PMCID 

Black, I., C. Heiss, R.W. Carlson, P. Azadi, Linkage Analysis of Oligosaccharides and Polysaccharides: A Tutorial, in Mass Spectrometry of Glycoproteins. Methods in Molecular Biology, vol 2271, Delobel, A., Editor. (Humana: New York, NY, 2021). PMCID 

Barnes, W., S. Koj, I. Black, S. Archer-Hartmann, P. Azadi, B. Urbanowicz, M. Peña, M. O’Neill (2021) Protocols for isolating and characterizing polysaccharides from plant cell walls: A case study using Rhamnogalacturonan-II. Biotechnology for Biofuels DOI: 10.21203/rs.21203.rs-216748/v216741. 

The center provides comprehensive analytical capabilities for the characterization and structural analysis of complex carbohydrates. These include: 

• Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy: Our high-field NMR instrumentation allows for detailed structural analysis of carbohydrates. This technique is essential for understanding the molecular architecture and interactions of complex polysaccharides. 

• Mass Spectrometry: We utilize advanced mass spectrometry techniques to analyze carbohydrate composition and structure. This method is crucial for identifying and quantifying the various components of complex carbohydrate mixtures. 

• Chromatography: Our chromatography methods enable the separation and identification of carbohydrate components. Techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas chromatography (GC) are used to isolate and characterize individual sugars and oligosaccharides. 

The CCRC houses state-of-the-art research facilities designed for the interdisciplinary and equipment-intensive nature of carbohydrate science. These facilities include:

• Laboratories: Our laboratories are equipped with cutting-edge technology for carbohydrate research, including specialized equipment for chemical and enzymatic analysis.
• Spectroscopy Equipment: We have high-field NMR spectrometers (600, 800, 900, and 1100 MHz) and other advanced spectroscopic tools (Thermo Orbitrap Ascend, Eclipse, and Fusion ESI-MS, Waters Synapt with ion mobility, Bruker RapiFlex MALDI imager, and tims-TOF) that enable detailed structural studies of carbohydrates.
• Computing Resources: Our computing facilities support data analysis and computational modeling, providing researchers with the tools needed to interpret complex data sets and simulate carbohydrate structures.