Binding Studies of α-GalNAc-specific Lectins to the α-GalNAc (Tn-antigen) Form of Porcine Submaxillary Mucin and Its Smaller Fragments

Isolation and partial characterization of a novel lectin from Talisia esculenta seeds that interferes with fungal growth

This study describes the purification of an N-acetylglucosamine-binding lectin from Koelreuteria paniculata seeds and its effects on the larval development of Callobruchus maculatus and Anagasta kuehniella. The lectin (KpLec) was characterized and isolated by gel filtration, affinity column, and reverse phase chromatography. SDS-PAGE indicated that this lectin is a dimer composed of subunits of 22 and 44 kDa. The N terminus exhibited 40% similarity with Urtiga dioica agglutinin. KpLec was tested for anti-insect activity against C. maculatus and A. kuehniella. With regard to C. maculatus, an artificial diet containing 0.7 and 1% KpLec produced LD50 and ED50 value, respectively. However, for A. kuenhiella, an artificial diet containing 0.65% KpLec produced an LD50, whereas 0.2% KpLec produced an ED50. The transformation of genes coding for this lectin could be useful in the development of insect resistance in important agricultural crops. Keywords: Koelreuteria paniculata; N-acetylglucosamine binding; lecti...

Purification and characterization of an n-acetylglucosamine-binding lectin from Koelreuteria paniculata seeds and its effect on the larval development of Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) and Anagasta kuehniella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)

Antiproliferative effects of lectins from Canavalia ensiformis and Canavalia brasiliensis in human leukemia cell lines

Lectins hold great promise not only as reagents for diagnostics and drug discovery but also as a novel class of biopharmaceutical products. In fact, new research directions in the last years have led to major developments in the uses of plant lectins as therapeutic agents against numerous diseases in an ageing society. It is even expected that lectins may occupy an important place in the biopharmaceutical industry next to monoclonal antibodies. All these new trends are placing a tremendous emphasis on the development of new approaches for faster lectins development, selection, and optimization, including alternatives methods of purification. This article reviews the isolation and purification methods used for lectins purification. Origins and applications of lectins are described, highlighting the special features of this class of proteins, such as the carbohydrated-binding domains and their importance in the development of affinity methodologies to increase and facilitate lectins purification. Published strategies for the purification of lectins from different sources are analyzed in relation to the purification methods used, their sequence, and the number of times they are used in a purification procedure. The purity of lectins is analyzed in relation to the average overall yield and purification factors obtained for each purification scheme for these proteins and the purification steps necessary. New directions are described for improving lectins separation and purification.

An overview of lectins purification strategies

Purification and characterization of a lectin from seeds of Vatairea macrocarpa duke

The behavior of the lectin from Dioclea guianensis var. lasiophylla Duke seeds during germination and seedling development in the dark was studied by hemagglutinating activity determination, affinity chromotography on Sephadex G-50 column and SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. It was found a delay in lectin mobilization in comparison with the other seed proteins. In fact the lectin polypeptides (α,β and γ chains) were detected until the last day examined (35-day old seedlings). We can speculate that D. guianensis and other legume lectins that exhibit this behavior may, play some important although unknown function (s) during germination and seedling establishment such as plant protection against predators and pathogenic microrganisms. Additional index terms: protein mobilization.

Clebia Vieira Crisostomo

Papers

Purification and characterization of a lectin from seeds of Vatairea macrocarpa duke

LECTIN FROM Dioclea guianensis var. lasiophylla Duke SEEDS MOBILIZATION DURING GERMINATION AND SEEDLING GROWTH IN THE DARK