Global InformationLectin information
 | This article is missing information about mapping to Pfam/InterPro of major types. (May 2019) |
Lectins are carbohydrate-binding proteins that are highly specific for sugar groups that are part of other molecules, so cause agglutination of particular cells or precipitation of glycoconjugates and polysaccharides. Lectins have a role in recognition at the cellular and molecular level and play numerous roles in biological recognition phenomena involving cells, carbohydrates, and proteins.[1][2] Lectins also mediate attachment and binding of bacteria, viruses, and fungi to their intended targets.
Lectins are found in many foods. Some foods, such as beans and grains, need to be cooked, fermented or sprouted to reduce lectin content. Some lectins are beneficial, such as CLEC11A, which promotes bone growth, while others may be powerful toxins such as ricin.[3]
Lectins may be disabled by specific mono- and oligosaccharides, which bind to ingested lectins from grains, legumes, nightshade plants, and dairy; binding can prevent their attachment to the carbohydrates within the cell membrane. The selectivity of lectins means that they are useful for analyzing blood type, and they have been researched for potential use in genetically engineered crops to transfer pest resistance.
- ^ URS Rutishauser; Leo Sachs (May 1, 1975). "Cell-to-Cell Binding Induced by Different Lectins". Journal of Cell Biology. 65 (2): 247–257. doi:10.1083/jcb.65.2.247. PMC 2109424. PMID 805150.
- ^ Brudner, Matthew; Karpel, Marshall; Lear, Calli; Chen, Li; Yantosca, L. Michael; Scully, Corinne; Sarraju, Ashish; Sokolovska, Anna; Zariffard, M. Reza; Eisen, Damon P.; et al. (April 2, 2013). Schneider, Bradley S. (ed.). "Lectin-Dependent Enhancement of Ebola Virus Infection via Soluble and Transmembrane C-type Lectin Receptors". PLOS ONE. 8 (4): e60838. Bibcode:2013PLoSO...860838B. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0060838. PMC 3614905. PMID 23573288.
- ^ Chan, Charles KF; Ransom, Ryan C; Longaker, Michael T (13 December 2016). "Lectins bring benefits to bones". eLife. 5. doi:10.7554/eLife.22926. PMC 5154756. PMID 27960074.