Analysis Note

Agglutination activity is expressed in µg/ml and is determined from serial dilution in phosphate buffered saline, pH 7.2 of a 1 mg per mL solution. This activity is the lowest concentration to agglutinate a 2% suspension of rabbit erythrocytes after 1 hr incubation at 25 °C.

Application

Lectin from Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop) has been used: to coat ELISA plates as reverse transcriptase inhibitorin ELISA for detection of envelope glycoproteins of the human and simian immunodeficiency viruses

Biochem/physiol Actions

GNL agglutinates rabbit erythrocytes; human erythrocytes are not agglutinated. GNL sugar specificity is directed to the nonreducing end of the terminal α-D-mannosyl residue of glycoconjugates.

Lectin from Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop) provide resistance against pests and are used in transgenic plants. Snowdrop lectin functions as a carrier to transport fused proteins to the hemolymph as it crosses gut epithelium of target species to exhibit insecticidal effects.

General description

Lectin from Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop) is a tetrameric, 12 kDa mannose binding lectin. It belongs to the family, Amaryllidacea. It is specific to α-1,3- or 1,6- linked D-mannose of carbohydrates. Snowdrop lectins are toxic to insects.

Packaging

5 mg in glass bottle

Preparation Note

Purified by affinity chromatography according to Kaku.