Characterization of a new α-galactosyl-binding lectin from the mushroom Clavaria purpurea

A galactose specific lectin (CpL) was purified from the Clavaria purpurea mushroom by affinity chromatography. CpL agglutinated only trypsin-treated rabbit erythrocytes. On enzyme linked lectin sorbent assay (ELLSA), the lectin bound with thyroglobulin and asialo bovine submaxillary mucin (BSM). The fine sugar binding specificity of CpL was elucidated using inhibition of hemagglutination and sugar immobilized gold nano-particles (SGNP). The results indicated a preference of CpL towards α-galactosyl sugar chains. Among several monosaccharides and disaccharides assayed for dissociation effect on the SGNP-CpL complex, Galα1-3Gal and raffinose were the best inhibitors. The partial amino acid sequence showed two QXW motifs in CpL and similarity towards members of the ricin B superfamily.