Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (27)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = legume lectins

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
13 pages, 2001 KiB  
Article
Phaseolus coccineus Seed: A Valued Resource for Bioactive Compounds Targeting Health and Tumor Cells
by Rita Russo, Antonio Colantuono, Sonia Di Gaetano, Domenica Capasso, Annalisa Tito, Emilia Pedone and Luciano Pirone
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(5), 2189; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26052189 - 28 Feb 2025
Viewed by 769
Abstract
Human galectin-3 (Gal-3), a β-galactoside binding lectin through its Carbohydrate Recognition Domain (CRD), is implicated in a wide range of cellular functions and is involved in critical biological processes including pathogen recognition, immune response, inflammation and fibrosis. Recently, Gal-3 has gained increasing attention [...] Read more.
Human galectin-3 (Gal-3), a β-galactoside binding lectin through its Carbohydrate Recognition Domain (CRD), is implicated in a wide range of cellular functions and is involved in critical biological processes including pathogen recognition, immune response, inflammation and fibrosis. Recently, Gal-3 has gained increasing attention for its role in pathological conditions such as cancer, where it influences cancer growth and progression, inflammatory processes and oxidative stress, opening the search for potential inhibitors. In this context, several naturally derived molecules have attracted particular interest, some of them being used in clinical trials. Here, we used the seeds of the legume Phaseolus coccineus as a green resource for bioactive compounds. The peptide-rich crude extracts were chemically characterized for their peptide and polyphenol contents, as well as their in vitro antioxidant activity, and the powerful obtained extract was tested for biological activities such as cytotoxicity and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on cellular models. Furthermore, the interaction between the crude extract and the CRD of recombinant Gal-3 was verified with the aim of associating its biological effects with the inhibition of Gal-3 activity. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

26 pages, 3939 KiB  
Review
The Antiglioma Potential of Plant Lectins: Molecular Targets, Mechanisms, and Future Directions
by Rodrigo Bainy Leal, Vanir Reis Pinto-Junior, Messias Vital Oliveira, Vinicius Jose Silva Osterne, Nicole Sartori, Ana Carolina dos Santos, Ricardo Castilho Garcez, Kyria Santiago Nascimento and Benildo Sousa Cavada
Neuroglia 2025, 6(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/neuroglia6010005 - 2 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1704
Abstract
Gliomas, ranging from low-grade pilocytic astrocytomas to highly malignant glioblastomas, are primary brain tumors that originate from neural or glial stem cells. Classified by the WHO into grades 1 to 4, these tumors exhibit varying prognoses, with oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas having better and [...] Read more.
Gliomas, ranging from low-grade pilocytic astrocytomas to highly malignant glioblastomas, are primary brain tumors that originate from neural or glial stem cells. Classified by the WHO into grades 1 to 4, these tumors exhibit varying prognoses, with oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas having better and intermediate outcomes, respectively, while glioblastomas are associated with a poor prognosis. Despite advancements in molecular and genetic research that have improved diagnosis and the development of targeted therapies, treating high-grade gliomas remains a significant challenge due to their diffuse nature. In this context, lectins, carbohydrate-binding proteins, have shown promise as diagnostic and therapeutic agents for cancer, including gliomas. Plant lectins, particularly those from legumes, exhibit significant antiproliferative effects on glioma cells. These effects include decreased cell viability and migration, alongside the induction of autophagy and apoptosis, suggesting their potential as therapeutic agents. Although the mechanisms underlying these effects are not yet fully understood, molecular targets and pathways involved in the antiglioma activity of lectins have been identified. Key targets include matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), CD98 (xc- system), AMPA receptor, and CD73. This review focuses on the antiglioma potential of legume lectins, their applications, and the main molecular targets based on their functions, structures, and associated molecular mechanisms. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 9092 KiB  
Article
Characterization of Lectin from Bauhinia holophylla Using Bioinformatics Tools
by Ludmila Maria Gonçalves Godoi de Camargos, Débora de Oliveira Lopes and Ana Hortência Fonseca Castro
Horticulturae 2024, 10(7), 682; https://doi.org/10.3390/horticulturae10070682 - 27 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1592
Abstract
Lectins are proteins of a non-immune nature with activity against microorganisms, insects, and tumor cells. The aim of this work was to predict the physicochemical characteristics, structure, and functional properties of a Bauhinia holophylla lectin (BhL), sequenced from genomic material obtained from calli [...] Read more.
Lectins are proteins of a non-immune nature with activity against microorganisms, insects, and tumor cells. The aim of this work was to predict the physicochemical characteristics, structure, and functional properties of a Bauhinia holophylla lectin (BhL), sequenced from genomic material obtained from calli cultures, through bioinformatics tools. The results showed a high similarity between the Bhl gene and nucleotide sequences that encode lectins expressed by Bauhinia species and a high identity between the protein sequence of BhL and lectins from B. forficata (90%), B. variegata (79.04%), B. purpurea (78.01%), and B. ungulata (85.27%). BhL has 289 amino acids, of which 30, 85, and 174 residues are related to α-helix, β-sheet, and disordered regions, respectively. Their estimated molecular weight is 31.9 kDa and the theoretical isoelectric point is 5.79. Bauhinia holophylla lectin possibly undergoes phosphorylation and glycosylation at specific sites. Conserved protein domains, catalytic sites, and conserved amino acids were observed in BhL, bringing it closer to lectin families from other legume species. The prediction signaled the presence of a sequence of 28 amino acids at the N-terminal end of BhL, with a high hydropathicity index and conceptualized as a signal peptide. The molecular function predicted for BhL was associated with carbohydrate recognition activity. BhL could be an extracellular protein, and its three-dimensional structure showed 78.82% identity with the B. purpurea lectin. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

6 pages, 690 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Variability of Allergen-Based Length Polymorphism of Glycine max L. Varieties
by Adam Kováčik, Jana Žiarovská and Lucia Urbanová
Biol. Life Sci. Forum 2024, 30(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/IOCAG2023-16879 - 11 Mar 2024
Viewed by 951
Abstract
Food allergies are an increasingly common phenomenon across all age groups and can be called an epidemic of modern times. Legumes are a nutritionally attractive crop because of their high protein content and well-balanced nutritional value. However, in addition to nutritionally valuable components, [...] Read more.
Food allergies are an increasingly common phenomenon across all age groups and can be called an epidemic of modern times. Legumes are a nutritionally attractive crop because of their high protein content and well-balanced nutritional value. However, in addition to nutritionally valuable components, they contain a relatively high amount of antinutritional factors such as glycosides, lectins, inhibitors of digestive enzymes, and antinutritional proteins, including allergens. Different genomic-based analyses of allergen-coding parts are relevant in research into legume gene resources. Here, a total of thirty different soybean varieties were analyzed for polymorphism based on the specific homologous sequences of genes for vicilin and profilin; products of both of these genes belong to allergenic molecules of this species. A total of 16 different amplicons were obtained when profilin was used as marker and 17 different amplicons were obtained when vicilin was used. Comparing both of the used techniques, vicilin provided more polymorphic profiles, but in five of analyzed varieties no amplicons were obtained. Profilin fingerprints provided a higher degree of similarity coefficients among individual varieties of the soybean. Both of used PCR-based techniques proved to be applicable for genomic-based screening of allergen homologs in the genetic resources of Glycine max L. Full article
(This article belongs to the Proceedings of The 2nd International Online Conference on Agriculture)
Show Figures

Figure 1

40 pages, 2429 KiB  
Review
A Comprehensive Review of Pea (Pisum sativum L.): Chemical Composition, Processing, Health Benefits, and Food Applications
by Ding-Tao Wu, Wen-Xing Li, Jia-Jia Wan, Yi-Chen Hu, Ren-You Gan and Liang Zou
Foods 2023, 12(13), 2527; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods12132527 - 29 Jun 2023
Cited by 73 | Viewed by 25871
Abstract
Pisum sativum L., commonly referred to as dry, green, or field pea, is one of the most common legumes that is popular and economically important. Due to its richness in a variety of nutritional and bioactive ingredients, the consumption of pea has been [...] Read more.
Pisum sativum L., commonly referred to as dry, green, or field pea, is one of the most common legumes that is popular and economically important. Due to its richness in a variety of nutritional and bioactive ingredients, the consumption of pea has been suggested to be associated with a wide range of health benefits, and there has been increasing focus on its potential as a functional food. However, there have been limited literature reviews concerning the bioactive compounds, health-promoting effects, and potential applications of pea up to now. This review, therefore, summarizes the literature from the last ten years regarding the chemical composition, physicochemical properties, processing, health benefits, and potential applications of pea. Whole peas are rich in macronutrients, including proteins, starches, dietary fiber, and non-starch polysaccharides. In addition, polyphenols, especially flavonoids and phenolic acids, are important bioactive ingredients that are mainly distributed in the pea coats. Anti-nutritional factors, such as phytic acid, lectin, and trypsin inhibitors, may hinder nutrient absorption. Whole pea seeds can be processed by different techniques such as drying, milling, soaking, and cooking to improve their functional properties. In addition, physicochemical and functional properties of pea starches and pea proteins can be improved by chemical, physical, enzymatic, and combined modification methods. Owing to the multiple bioactive ingredients in peas, the pea and its products exhibit various health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anti-renal fibrosis, and regulation of metabolic syndrome effects. Peas have been processed into various products such as pea beverages, germinated pea products, pea flour-incorporated products, pea-based meat alternatives, and encapsulation and packing materials. Furthermore, recommendations are also provided on how to better utilize peas to promote their development as a sustainable and functional grain. Pea and its components can be further developed into more valuable and nutritious products. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 883 KiB  
Article
Partial Characterization of Lectins Purified from the Surco and Vara (Furrow and Rod) Varieties of Black Phaseolus vulgaris
by Carmen Valadez-Vega, Olivia Lugo-Magaña, Gabriel Betanzos-Cabrera and José Roberto Villagómez-Ibarra
Molecules 2022, 27(23), 8436; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27238436 - 2 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2086
Abstract
As they manifest specifically and reversibly, lectins are proteins or glycoproteins with the characteristic of agglutinating erythrocytes. Given that grain legume lectins can represent 10% of protein content and can have various biological functions, they are extensively studied. The objective of this work [...] Read more.
As they manifest specifically and reversibly, lectins are proteins or glycoproteins with the characteristic of agglutinating erythrocytes. Given that grain legume lectins can represent 10% of protein content and can have various biological functions, they are extensively studied. The objective of this work was to purify and partially characterize the lectins of Phaseolus vulgaris black, var surco and vara (LBBS and LBBV). Both lectin types were purified by affinity chromatography on stroma matrix, which agglutinated human erythrocytes type A, B, and O, as well as rabbit, hamster, pig, and chicken erythrocytes. Native-PAGE was employed for molecular mass determination, yielding 109.36 and 112.68 kDa for BBS and BBV, respectively. Further analyses revealed that these lectins are tetrameric glycoproteins that require Ca+2, Mn+2 and Mg+2 ions for exhibiting their hemagglutinating function, which can be inhibited by fetuin. Moreover, optimal pH was established for both lectins (10.5 for LBBS and 7−9 for LBBV), while their activity was temperature-dependent and ceased above 70 °C. Finally, the observed differences in the biochemical characteristics and bioactive functions were ascribed to the different physiological characteristics of each seed, as well as the protein itself. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

14 pages, 1013 KiB  
Article
Water Use Efficiency, Spectral Phenotyping and Protein Composition of Two Chickpea Genotypes Grown in Mediterranean Environments under Different Water and Nitrogen Supply
by Michele Andrea De Santis, Antonio Satriani, Fortunato De Santis and Zina Flagella
Agriculture 2022, 12(12), 2026; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12122026 - 27 Nov 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2244
Abstract
Chickpea is a drought-tolerant crop and an important source of protein, relevant to its beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to assess the response to agronomic management, including water and nitrogen supply, of crop physiological and agronomic traits in relation to [...] Read more.
Chickpea is a drought-tolerant crop and an important source of protein, relevant to its beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to assess the response to agronomic management, including water and nitrogen supply, of crop physiological and agronomic traits in relation to water use efficiency and grain protein composition. Two varieties, Pascià and Sultano, were grown at two different sites in South Italy under rainfed and irrigated conditions, with and without starter nitrogen fertilization. Crop physiological assessment was carried out by hyperspectral phenotyping at flowering and during grain filling. Increases in grain yield and grain size in relation to water supply were observed for water use up to about 400 mm. Water use efficiency increased under starter nitrogen fertilization, and Pascià showed the highest values (4.8 kg mm−1). The highest correlations of the vegetation indexes with the agronomic traits were observed in the later growth stage, especially for the optimized soil-adjusted vegetation index (OSAVI); furthermore, grain filling rate showed a strong relationship with photochemical reflectance index (PRI). Experimental factors mainly influenced protein composition rather than protein content. In particular, the 7s vicilin protein fraction showed a negative correlation with grain yield and water use, while lectin showed an opposite response. Both fractions are of interest for consumer’s health because of their allergenic and antinutritional properties, respectively. Data from spectral phenotyping will be useful for digital farming applications, in order to assess crop physiological status in modern agricultural systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Production of Legumes and Oil Crops)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

32 pages, 2688 KiB  
Article
Selection of Lentil (Lens Culinaris (Medik.)) Genotypes Suitable for High-Temperature Conditions Based on Stress Tolerance Indices and Principal Component Analysis
by Md. Aktar-Uz-Zaman, Md. Ashraful Haque, Ashutosh Sarker, Md. Ashraful Alam, Md. Motiar Rohman, Md. Omar Ali, Mariam Abdulaziz Alkhateeb, Ahmed Gaber and Akbar Hossain
Life 2022, 12(11), 1719; https://doi.org/10.3390/life12111719 - 27 Oct 2022
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3174
Abstract
Legumes, including lentil, are a valuable source of carbohydrates, fiber, protein and vitamins and minerals. Their nutritional characteristics have been associated with a reduction in the incidence of various cancers, HDL cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Among these quality parameters, lectins [...] Read more.
Legumes, including lentil, are a valuable source of carbohydrates, fiber, protein and vitamins and minerals. Their nutritional characteristics have been associated with a reduction in the incidence of various cancers, HDL cholesterol, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Among these quality parameters, lectins have been associated with reducing certain forms of cancer, activating innate defense mechanisms and managing obesity. Protease inhibitors such as trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitors have been demonstrated to reduce the incidence of certain cancers and demonstrate potent anti-inflammatory properties. Angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor has been associated with a reduction in hypertension. Therefore, legumes, including lentils, should be part of our daily food intake. However, high temperatures at the terminal stage is a major abiotic constraint leading to a reduction in lentil yield and seed quality. Thus, the selection of heat-tolerant genotypes is essential to identifying the potential for high yields with stable performance. To select lentil genotypes, an experiment was conducted with 60 genotypes including local landraces, advanced breeding lines, commercial varieties and exotic germplasm under stress and non-stress conditions from 2019 to 2020. This study was followed by a subset study involving screening based on a few physicochemical parameters and reproductive traits along with field performances. Different tolerance indices (i.e., stress susceptible index (SSI), relative heat index (RHI), tolerance (TOL), mean productivity (MP), stress tolerance index (STI), geometric mean productivity (GMP), yield index (YI), yield stability index (YSI), heat-resistance index (HRI), modified stress-tolerance index (MSTI), abiotic tolerance index (ATI) and stress susceptibility percentage (SSPI)) were used for the selection of the genotypes along with field performance. Biplot analysis was further performed for choosing the most suitable indices. Based on principal components analysis, the GMP, MP, RRI, STI, YI, YSI, ATI and MSTI indices were identified as the most reliable stress indicators, and these indicators might be used for distinguishing heat-tolerant genotypes. Based on the stress indices, the genotypes BLX 05002-3, BLX 10002-20, LRIL-21-1-1-1-1, LRIL-21-1-1-1-1-6 and BLX 09015 were selected as the most stable and heat-tolerant genotypes. In contrast, the genotypes LG 198, Bagura Local, BLX 0200-08-4, RL-12-178, Maitree, 91517 and BLX 11014-8 were selected as the most heat sensitive. Data also exhibited an average yield reduction of 59% due to heat stress on the lentils. Moreover, eight heat-tolerant (HT) genotypes (BLX 09015, PRECOZ, LRL-21-112-1-1-1-1-6, BLX 05002-3, LR-9-25, BLX 05002-6, BARI Masur-8 and RL-12-181), and two heat-susceptible (HS) genotypes (BLX 12009-6, and LG 198) were selected from the screened genotypes and subjected to further analysis by growing them in the following year under similar conditions to investigate the mechanisms associated with heat tolerance. Comparative studies on reproductive function and physiochemical traits revealed significantly higher pollen viability, proline accumulation, relative water content, chlorophyll concentration and a lower membrane stability index in HT genotypes under heat stress. Therefore, these heat-tolerant genotypes could be used as the parents in the hybridization program for achieving heat-tolerant transgressive segregation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Ecophysiology and Plant Stress Physiology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3173 KiB  
Article
Structural Prediction and Characterization of Canavalia grandiflora (ConGF) Lectin Complexed with MMP1: Unveiling the Antiglioma Potential of Legume Lectins
by Rodrigo Bainy Leal, Josiane Mann, Vanir Reis Pinto-Junior, Messias Vital Oliveira, Vinicius Jose Silva Osterne, Ingrid Alessandra Victoria Wolin, Ana Paula Machado Nascimento, Priscilla Gomes Welter, Valeria Maria Sousa Ferreira, Alice Araujo Silva, Rodrigo Lopes Seeger, Kyria Santiago Nascimento and Benildo Sousa Cavada
Molecules 2022, 27(20), 7089; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27207089 - 20 Oct 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2103
Abstract
A glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant primary brain tumor with a poor prognosis because of its invasiveness and high resistance to current therapies. In GBMs, abnormal glycosylation patterns are associated with malignancy, which allows for the use of lectins as tools for [...] Read more.
A glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant primary brain tumor with a poor prognosis because of its invasiveness and high resistance to current therapies. In GBMs, abnormal glycosylation patterns are associated with malignancy, which allows for the use of lectins as tools for recognition and therapy. More specifically, lectins can interact with glycan structures found on the malignant cell surface. In this context, the present work aimed to investigate the antiglioma potential of ConGF, a lectin purified from Canavalia grandiflora seeds, against C6 cells. The treatment of C6 cells with ConGF impaired the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, reduced cell viability, and induced morphological changes. ConGF also induced massive autophagy, as evaluated by acridine orange (AO) staining and LC3AB-II expression, but without prominent propidium iodide (PI) labeling. The mechanism of action appears to involve the carbohydrate-binding capacity of ConGF, and in silico studies suggested that the lectin can interact with the glycan structures of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1), a prominent protein found in malignant cells, likely explaining the observed effects. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 1187 KiB  
Review
Legume Proteins and Peptides as Compounds in Nutraceuticals: A Structural Basis for Dietary Health Effects
by Marina Carbonaro and Alessandro Nucara
Nutrients 2022, 14(6), 1188; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14061188 - 11 Mar 2022
Cited by 42 | Viewed by 5567
Abstract
In the current climate of food security, quality aspects of legume crops have primary market economic and health impact. Legume proteins and peptides have been discovered to have a role far beyond supplying amino acids for growth and maintenance of body tissues. Several [...] Read more.
In the current climate of food security, quality aspects of legume crops have primary market economic and health impact. Legume proteins and peptides have been discovered to have a role far beyond supplying amino acids for growth and maintenance of body tissues. Several proteins (enzymatic inhibitors, lectins, storage globulins) and peptides derived from them (lunasin, hydrophobic peptides) have shown anticarcinogenic, hypocholesterolemic, glucose-lowering, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunostimulant properties. Further understanding of how structural features of legume proteins affect in vivo digestion and production of bioactive sequences represents a key step in the valorization of nutraceutical potentiality of legume proteins and peptides derived from them. In this work, the relationship between structure and bioavailability of protein and peptides are reviewed and discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Legumes for Human Nutrition)
Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 5455 KiB  
Review
Legume Lectins with Different Specificities as Potential Glycan Probes for Pathogenic Enveloped Viruses
by Annick Barre, Els J. M. Van Damme, Bernard Klonjkowski, Mathias Simplicien, Jan Sudor, Hervé Benoist and Pierre Rougé
Cells 2022, 11(3), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells11030339 - 20 Jan 2022
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4899
Abstract
Pathogenic enveloped viruses are covered with a glycan shield that provides a dual function: the glycan structures contribute to virus protection as well as host cell recognition. The three classical types of N-glycans, in particular complex glycans, high-mannose glycans, and hybrid glycans, [...] Read more.
Pathogenic enveloped viruses are covered with a glycan shield that provides a dual function: the glycan structures contribute to virus protection as well as host cell recognition. The three classical types of N-glycans, in particular complex glycans, high-mannose glycans, and hybrid glycans, together with some O-glycans, participate in the glycan shield of the Ebola virus, influenza virus, human cytomegalovirus, herpes virus, human immunodeficiency virus, Lassa virus, and MERS-CoV, SARS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2, which are responsible for respiratory syndromes. The glycans are linked to glycoproteins that occur as metastable prefusion glycoproteins on the surface of infectious virions such as gp120 of HIV, hemagglutinin of influenza, or spike proteins of beta-coronaviruses. Plant lectins with different carbohydrate-binding specificities and, especially, mannose-specific lectins from the Vicieae tribe, such as pea lectin and lentil lectin, can be used as glycan probes for targeting the glycan shield because of their specific interaction with the α1,6-fucosylated core Man3GlcNAc2, which predominantly occurs in complex and hybrid glycans. Other plant lectins with Neu5Ac specificity or GalNAc/T/Tn specificity can also serve as potential glycan probes for the often sialylated complex glycans and truncated O-glycans, respectively, which are abundantly distributed in the glycan shield of enveloped viruses. The biomedical and therapeutical potential of plant lectins as antiviral drugs is discussed. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

15 pages, 891 KiB  
Article
Lectin Activity in Commonly Consumed Plant-Based Foods: Calling for Method Harmonization and Risk Assessment
by Anežka Adamcová, Kristian Holst Laursen and Nicolai Zederkopff Ballin
Foods 2021, 10(11), 2796; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods10112796 - 13 Nov 2021
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 13850
Abstract
Lectins are ubiquitous proteins characterized through their ability to bind different types of carbohydrates. It is well known that active lectins from insufficiently prepared legumes can cause adverse human health effects. The objective of this study was to determine the activity of lectins [...] Read more.
Lectins are ubiquitous proteins characterized through their ability to bind different types of carbohydrates. It is well known that active lectins from insufficiently prepared legumes can cause adverse human health effects. The objective of this study was to determine the activity of lectins in samples across plant families representing commercially available edible plants, and the feasibility of inactivating lectins through soaking and boiling. Lectins were extracted from the plant families Adoxaceae, Amaranthaceae, Cannabaceae, Fabaceae, Gramineae, Lamiaceae, Linaceae, Pedaliaceae, and Solanaceae. A hemagglutination assay based on non-treated or trypsin treated rabbit erythrocytes was used to measure the lectin activity. The results showed the highest lectin activity in species from the Fabaceae family and demonstrated that soaking and boiling have an effect on the levels of active lectins. This is the first large study that combines lectin activity obtained from two different assays with raw and processed edible plants. In addition, we examined the current risk assessment, and regulations necessary for an adequate official reporting of results. We encourage the scientific community to further explore this field and agree on harmonized methods for analysis and interpretation, and hope that our methodology can initiate this development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant Foods)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

36 pages, 19886 KiB  
Review
Man-Specific Lectins from Plants, Fungi, Algae and Cyanobacteria, as Potential Blockers for SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Coronaviruses: Biomedical Perspectives
by Annick Barre, Els J. M. Van Damme, Mathias Simplicien, Sophie Le Poder, Bernard Klonjkowski, Hervé Benoist, David Peyrade and Pierre Rougé
Cells 2021, 10(7), 1619; https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10071619 - 28 Jun 2021
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 8448
Abstract
Betacoronaviruses, responsible for the “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome” (SARS) and the “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome” (MERS), use the spikes protruding from the virion envelope to attach and subsequently infect the host cells. The coronavirus spike (S) proteins contain receptor binding domains (RBD), allowing [...] Read more.
Betacoronaviruses, responsible for the “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome” (SARS) and the “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome” (MERS), use the spikes protruding from the virion envelope to attach and subsequently infect the host cells. The coronavirus spike (S) proteins contain receptor binding domains (RBD), allowing the specific recognition of either the dipeptidyl peptidase CD23 (MERS-CoV) or the angiotensin-converting enzyme ACE2 (SARS-Cov, SARS-CoV-2) host cell receptors. The heavily glycosylated S protein includes both complex and high-mannose type N-glycans that are well exposed at the surface of the spikes. A detailed analysis of the carbohydrate-binding specificity of mannose-binding lectins from plants, algae, fungi, and bacteria, revealed that, depending on their origin, they preferentially recognize either complex type N-glycans, or high-mannose type N-glycans. Since both complex and high-mannose glycans substantially decorate the S proteins, mannose-specific lectins are potentially useful glycan probes for targeting the SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 virions. Mannose-binding legume lectins, like pea lectin, and monocot mannose-binding lectins, like snowdrop lectin or the algal lectin griffithsin, which specifically recognize complex N-glycans and high-mannose glycans, respectively, are particularly adapted for targeting coronaviruses. The biomedical prospects of targeting coronaviruses with mannose-specific lectins are wide-ranging including detection, immobilization, prevention, and control of coronavirus infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Plant, Algae and Fungi Cell Biology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 758 KiB  
Article
Influence of Organic and Conventional Farming on Grain Yield and Protein Composition of Chickpea Genotypes
by Michele Andrea De Santis, Michele Rinaldi, Valeria Menga, Pasquale Codianni, Luigia Giuzio, Clara Fares and Zina Flagella
Agronomy 2021, 11(2), 191; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11020191 - 20 Jan 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3407
Abstract
Chickpea is a key crop in sustainable cropping systems and for its nutritional value. Studies on agronomic and genetic influences on chickpea protein composition are missing. In order to obtain a deep insight into the genetic response of chickpeas to management in relation [...] Read more.
Chickpea is a key crop in sustainable cropping systems and for its nutritional value. Studies on agronomic and genetic influences on chickpea protein composition are missing. In order to obtain a deep insight into the genetic response of chickpeas to management in relation to agronomic and quality traits, a two-year field trial was carried out with eight chickpea genotypes under an organic and conventional cropping system. Protein composition was assessed by SDS-PAGE in relation to the main fractions (vicilin, convicilin, legumin, lectin, 2s-albumin). Crop response was highly influenced by year and presumably also by management, with a −50% decrease in grain yield under organic farming, mainly due to a reduction in seed number per m2. No effect of crop management was observed on protein content, despite significant differences in terms of protein composition. The ratio between the major globulins, 7s vicilin and 11s legumin, showed a negative relationship with grain yield and was found to be higher under organic farming. Among genotypes, black-seed Nero Senise was characterized by the highest productivity and water-holding capacity, associated with low lectin content. These findings highlight the importance of the choice of chickpea genotypes for cultivation under organic farming in relation to both agronomic performance and technological and health quality. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Organic vs. Conventional Cropping Systems)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 8257 KiB  
Review
Are Dietary Lectins Relevant Allergens in Plant Food Allergy?
by Annick Barre, Els J.M. Van Damme, Mathias Simplicien, Hervé Benoist and Pierre Rougé
Foods 2020, 9(12), 1724; https://doi.org/10.3390/foods9121724 - 24 Nov 2020
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6242
Abstract
Lectins or carbohydrate-binding proteins are widely distributed in seeds and vegetative parts of edible plant species. A few lectins from different fruits and vegetables have been identified as potential food allergens, including wheat agglutinin, hevein (Hev b 6.02) from the rubber tree and [...] Read more.
Lectins or carbohydrate-binding proteins are widely distributed in seeds and vegetative parts of edible plant species. A few lectins from different fruits and vegetables have been identified as potential food allergens, including wheat agglutinin, hevein (Hev b 6.02) from the rubber tree and chitinases containing a hevein domain from different fruits and vegetables. However, other well-known lectins from legumes have been demonstrated to behave as potential food allergens taking into account their ability to specifically bind IgE from allergic patients, trigger the degranulation of sensitized basophils, and to elicit interleukin secretion in sensitized people. These allergens include members from the different families of higher plant lectins, including legume lectins, type II ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIP-II), wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), jacalin-related lectins, GNA (Galanthus nivalis agglutinin)-like lectins, and Nictaba-related lectins. Most of these potentially active lectin allergens belong to the group of seed storage proteins (legume lectins), pathogenesis-related protein family PR-3 comprising hevein and class I, II, IV, V, VI, and VII chitinases containing a hevein domain, and type II ribosome-inactivating proteins containing a ricin B-chain domain (RIP-II). In the present review, we present an exhaustive survey of both the structural organization and structural features responsible for the allergenic potency of lectins, with special reference to lectins from dietary plant species/tissues consumed in Western countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Food Quality and Safety)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop