Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) Lectin as a cytotoxic effector in the lifecycle of Caenorhabditis elegans.

ABSTRACT: The lectin found in the tubers of the Winter Aconite (Eranthis hyemalis) plant is an N-acetyl-D-galactosamine specific Type II Ribosome Inactivating Protein (RIP); Type II RIPs have shown anti-cancer properties, and hence have potential as therapeutic agents. Here we present a modified protocol for the extraction and purification of the E. hyemalis lectin (EHL) using affinity chromatography. De novo amino acid sequencing of EHL confirms its classification as a Type II Ribosome Inactivating Protein. The biocidal properties of EHL have been investigated against the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Arrested first stage larvae treated with EHL have shown some direct mortality, with surviving larvae subsequently showing a range of phenotypes including food avoidance, reduced fecundity, developm

SUBMITTER: McConnell MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4548470 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature