Lectin from Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop)

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.

Lectin from Galanthus nivalis (snowdrop) has been used:

• to coat ELISA plates
• as reverse transcriptase inhibitor
• in ELISA for detection of envelope glycoproteins of the human and simian immunodeficiency viruses

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.

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.

Purified by affinity chromatography according to Kaku.

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.