Screening for and purification of novel self-aggregatable lectins reveal a new functional lectin group in the bark of leguminous trees

Biochim Biophys Acta. 2005 Oct 30;1726(1):21-7. doi: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2005.08.011. Epub 2005 Sep 16.

Abstract

A solubility-insolubility transition assay was used to screen the bark and stems of seven leguminous trees and plants for self-aggregatable lectins. Novel lectins were found in two trees, Robinia pseudoacacia and Wisteria floribunda, but not in the leguminous plants. The Robinia lectin was isolated from coexisting lectin by combined affinity chromatographies on various sugar adsorbents. The purified lectins proved to be differently glycosylated glycoproteins. One lectin exhibited the remarkable characteristics of self-aggregatable lectins: localization in the bark of legume trees, self-aggregation dissociated by N-acetylglucosamine/mannose, and coexistence with N-acetylgalactosamine/galactose-specific lectins, which are potential endogenous receptors. Self-aggregatable lectins are a functional lectin group that can link enhanced photosynthesis to dissociation of glycoproteins.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromatography, Affinity
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
  • Fabaceae / chemistry*
  • Japan
  • Monosaccharides / metabolism
  • Plant Bark / chemistry*
  • Plant Lectins / analysis
  • Plant Lectins / isolation & purification*
  • Plant Lectins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding
  • Solubility

Substances

  • Monosaccharides
  • Plant Lectins