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Published on: June 29, 2021
Isolation and molecular characterization of two lectins from dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus L.) blossoms related to the
Pilar Jimenez1, Patricia Cabrero, José E Basterrechea
1Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Medicine and CINAD (Center for Research in Nutrition, Food and Dietetics; Lucia Building-Science Park), University of Valladolid, Valladolid E-47005, Spain. girbes@bio.uva.es.
Abstract:
Sambucus species contain a number of lectins with and without antiribosomal activity. Here, we show that dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus L.) blossoms express two D-galactose-binding lectins that were isolated and purified by affinity chromatography and gel filtration. These proteins, which we named ebulin blo (A-B toxin) and SELblo (B-B lectin)--blo from blossoms--were subjected to molecular characterization and analysis by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and tryptic peptide fingerprinting. Both lectins share a high degree of amino acid sequence homology with Sambucus lectins related to the Sam n1 allergen. Ebulin blo, but not SELblo, was highly toxic by nasal instillation to mice. Overall, our results suggested that both lectins would belong to an allergen family exemplified by Sam n1 and could trigger allergy responses. Furthermore, they raise a concern about ebulin blo toxicity.
