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Are alpha-gliadins glycosylated?
J B Turner1, G V Garner, D B Gordon
1Department of Biological Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 5GD, UK.
Protein and Peptide Letters
|July 27, 2002
Summary
Alpha-gliadins (wheat proteins) are not glycoproteins, despite containing bound glucose. This glucose likely originates from contaminating proteoglycans and column materials, not from the gliadins themselves.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Food Science
- Protein Chemistry
Background:
- Alpha-gliadins are major proteins in wheat.
- Previous studies suggested alpha-gliadins might be glycoproteins.
- The presence of carbohydrates in gliadin preparations has been noted.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether alpha-gliadins are glycoproteins.
- To identify the source of carbohydrates found in alpha-gliadin preparations.
Main Methods:
- Isolation of alpha-gliadins using carboxymethylcellulose chromatography.
- Analysis of bound carbohydrates after harsh denaturation.
Main Results:
- Alpha-gliadins isolated via chromatography contained noncovalently bound glucose.
- Traces of carbohydrate remained bound even after harsh denaturation.
- Evidence indicates alpha-gliadins are not glycoproteins.
Conclusions:
- The glucose associated with alpha-gliadins likely originates from contaminating proteoglycans and column materials.
- Previous suggestions of alpha-gliadins being glycoproteins are attributed to these contaminants.
- Alpha-gliadins are not inherently glycoproteins.