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Ganoderma lucidum: a source for novel bioactive lectin.
Vinay U Girjal1, Shivayogeeswar Neelagund, Madappa Krishnappa
1PG Department of Biochemistry, Kuvempu University Jnana Sahyadri, Shankaraghatta Shivamogga - 577 451 Karnataka, India.
Protein and Peptide Letters
|July 7, 2011
Summary
Researchers isolated a novel lectin from the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum. This bioactive lectin exhibits potent antifungal properties and hemagglutinating activity, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Mycology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Ganoderma lucidum possesses significant medicinal value and is used in clinical treatments.
- Novel bioactive compounds, such as lectins, are continuously being explored for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To isolate and characterize a novel bioactive lectin from Ganoderma lucidum.
- To evaluate the hemagglutinating and antifungal activities of the purified lectin.
Main Methods:
- Lectins were isolated using ion-exchange chromatography (DEAE-cellulose) and affinity chromatography (Affi-gel blue gel).
- Molecular mass was determined by SDS-PAGE, gel filtration, and MALDI-ToF.
- Hemagglutinating activity was assessed against erythrocytes and inhibition assays were performed.
- Antifungal activity was tested against a panel of plant and human pathogenic fungi.
Main Results:
- A monomeric lectin with a molecular mass of 15 kDa was purified.
- The lectin demonstrated hemagglutinating activity, inhibited by glycoproteins but not simple sugars.
- Optimal activity was observed between pH 4.0-9.0 and up to 60°C, with stability in the presence of EDTA and divalent metal cations.
- The lectin exhibited broad-spectrum antifungal activity against Fusarium oxysporium, Penicillium chrysogenum, Aspergillus Niger, Colletotrichum musae, Botrytis cinerea, Trichophyton rubrum, Trichophyton tonsurans, Trichophyton interdigitale, Epidermophyton floccosum, and Microsporum canis.
Conclusions:
- A novel, stable lectin with significant antifungal and hemagglutinating properties was successfully isolated from Ganoderma lucidum.
- The characterized lectin holds potential for therapeutic applications in treating fungal infections and other diseases.
