Basidiomycete Clitocybe nebularis is rich in lectins with insecticidal activities

Basidiomycete mushrooms are a rich source of unique substances, including lectins, that could potentially be useful in biotechnology or biomedical applications. Lectins are a group of carbohydrate-binding proteins with diverse biological activities and functions. Here, we demonstrate the presence of a number of lectins in the basidiomycete mushroom Clitocybe nebularis. Glucose-, galactose-, sucrose-, lactose-, and Sepharose-binding lectins were isolated from fruiting bodies using affinity chromatography on Sepharose-immobilized sugars or on Sepharose. The lectins were characterized biochemically and their binding specificities examined by agglutination and agglutination inhibition assays. In addition, insecticidal and anti-nutritional properties of the lectins were studied against a model organism, fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), and Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata). Of the several basidiomycete mushrooms screened, C. nebularis extract showed the most potent insecticidal activity. Sucrose-binding lectin showed the strongest activity against D. melanogaster, followed by lactose- and galactose-binding lectins. Feeding bioassays with Colorado potato beetle revealed that C. nebularis extract exhibited high anti-nutritional activity against the insect; and of those tested, only lactose-binding lectin, named CNL showed the effect. Mushroom C. nebularis is shown to be rich in a variety of lectins with versatile biological activities, including insecticidal and anti-nutritional effects. C. nebularis lectins could thus have potential for use as natural insecticides.