Model System for Cell Adhesion Mediated by Weak Carbohydrate–Carbohydrate Interactions

The multivalent carbohydrate–carbohydrate interaction between membrane-anchored epitopes derived from the marine sponge Microciona prolifera has been explored by colloidal probe microscopy. An in situ coupling of sulfated and non-sulfated disaccharides to membrane-coated surfaces was employed to mimic native cell–cell contacts. The dynamic strength of the homomeric self-association was measured as a function of calcium ions and loading rate. A deterministic model was used to estimate the basic energy landscape and number of participating bonds in the contact zone.