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[Quantification of lectin receptors on B, T, T-gamma, and T-mu lymphocytes. II. PHA, SBA, Dolichos biflorus, and Tetragonolobus purpureus].

Plasma membranes composition and structure of B, T, T gamma and T mu lymphocytes from peripheral blood have been studied using four 125I-labelled lectins. The results showed that B lymphocytes have a greater number of receptors for SBA and Dolichos biflorus lectins than T lymphocytes, whilst the opposite was observed for PHA-lectin. However, no significant differences between the two lymphocyte populations were found regarding the receptors for Tetragonolobus purpureus lectin. Among T lymphocyte subpopulations, SBA, Dolichos biflorus and tetragonolobus purpureus lectins appeared to have higher specificity for T gamma lymphocytes and PHA for T mu. PHA-lectin had greater affinity for B lymphocytes, while the rest showed higher affinity for T lymphocytes. The T gamma subpopulation had lower association constant for PHA-lectin than T mu lymphocytes, whilst the contrary was found to be true for the other three lectins.

Acetylgalactosamine↗

Tryptophan environment, secondary structure and thermal unfolding of the galactose-specific seed lectin from Dolichos lablab: fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopic studies.

Fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopic studies were carried out on the galactose-specific lectin from Dolichos lablab seeds (DLL-II). The microenvironment of the tryptophan residues in the lectin under native and denaturing conditions were investigated by quenching of the intrinsic fluorescence of the protein by a neutral quencher (acrylamide), an anionic quencher (iodide ion) and a cationic quencher (cesium ion). The results obtained indicate that the tryptophan residues of DLL-II are largely buried in the hydrophobic core of the protein matrix, with positively charged side chains residing close to at least some of the tryptophan residues under the experimental conditions. Analysis of the far UV CD spectrum of DLL-II revealed that the secondary structure of the lectin consists of 57% alpha-helix, 21% beta-sheet, 7% beta-turns and 15% unordered structures. Carbohydrate binding did not significantly alter the secondary and tertiary structures of the lectin. Thermal unfolding of DLL-II, investigated by monitoring CD signals, showed a sharp transition around 75 degrees C both in the far UV region (205 nm) and the near UV region (289 nm), which shifted to ca. 77-78 degrees C in the presence of 0.1 M methyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside, indicating that ligand binding leads to a moderate stabilization of the lectin structure.

Agglutinins↗

Therapeutic and pathogenetic animal models for Dolichos pruriens.

The therapeutic and pathogenetic effects of Dolichos pruriens were evaluated using experimental models in rats. In the therapeutic experiment Wistar rats were housed in a heated environment (25+/-3 degrees C) to induce itch, and treated with ascending potencies D. pruriens (6 cH, 9 cH, 12 cH and 30 cH), each for 10 days. The positive control group received vehicle (ethanol 30% in water). The negative control group received no treatment and were kept at a standard temperature. In the pathogenetic experiment, all animals were kept at a temperature of 20+/-3 degrees C and treated for 30 consecutive days with D. pruriens 6 or 30 cH, or ethanol vehicle, or no treatment. The experiments were performed blind. The statistical analysis used Bartlett's test, followed by ANOVA/Tuckey-Krammer or Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn. The results point to the existence of therapeutic effects, with inhibition of the itching, skin lesions and fur thinning produced by heat, more evident in later observations, with the 9 12, and 30 cH potencies (Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn; P=0.001). No changes were observed in the other parameters, such as open field activity and laterality of the itching. In the pathogenetic experiment, no changes were observed in any parameters examined. We conclude that the proposed experimental model demonstrates the therapeutic effect of D. pruriens, but not its pathogenetic effects.

Analysis of Variance↗

The conformational state of polyphenol oxidase from field bean (Dolichos lablab) upon SDS and acid-pH activation.

Field bean (Dolichos lablab) contains a single isoform of PPO (polyphenol oxidase)--a type III copper protein that catalyses the o-hydroxylation of monophenols and oxidation of o-diphenols using molecular oxygen--and is a homotetramer with a molecular mass of 120 kDa. The enzyme is activated manyfold either in the presence of the anionic detergent SDS below its critical micellar concentration or on exposure to acid-pH. The enhancement of kcat upon activation is accompanied by a marked shift in the pH optimum for the oxidation of t-butyl catechol from 4.5 to 6.0, an increased sensitivity to tropolone, altered susceptibility to proteolytic degradation and decreased thermostability. The Stokes radius of the native enzyme is found to increase from 49.1+/-2 to 75.9+/-0.6 A (1 A=0.1 nm). The activation by SDS and acid-pH results in a localized conformational change that is anchored around the catalytic site of PPO that alters the microenvironment of an essential glutamic residue. Chemical modification of field bean and sweet potato PPO with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)carbodi-imide followed by kinetic analysis leads to the conclusion that both the enzymes possess a core carboxylate essential to activity. This enhanced catalytic efficiency of PPO, considered as an inducible defence oxidative enzyme, is vital to the physiological defence strategy adapted by plants to insect herbivory and pathogen attack.

Acids↗

Dual-function protein in plant defence: seed lectin from Dolichos biflorus (horse gram) exhibits lipoxygenase activity.

Plant-pathogen interactions play a vital role in developing resistance to pests. Dolichos biflorus (horse gram), a leguminous pulse crop of the subtropics, exhibits amazing defence against attack by pests/pathogens. Investigations to locate the possible source of the indomitable pest resistance of D. biflorus, which is the richest source of LOX (lipoxygenase) activity, have led to a molecule that exhibits LOX-like functions. The LOX-like activity associated with the molecule, identified by its structure and stability to be a tetrameric lectin, was found to be unusual. The evidence for the lectin protein with LOX activity has come from (i) MALDI-TOF (matrix-assisted laser-desorption ionization-time-of-flight) MS, (ii) N-terminal sequencing, (iii) partial sequencing of the tryptic fragments of the protein, (iv) amino acid composition, and (v) the presence of an Mn2+ ion. A hydrophobic binding site of the tetrameric lectin, along with the presence of an Mn2+ ion, accounts for the observed LOX like activity. This is the first ever report of a protein exhibiting both haemagglutination and LOX-like activity. The two activities are associated with separate loci on the same protein. LOX activity associated with this molecule adds a new dimension to our understanding of lectin functions. This observation has wide implications for the understanding of plant defence mechanisms against pests and the cellular complexity in plant-pathogen interactions that may lead to the design of transgenics with potential to impart pest resistance to other crops.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Crystallization and preliminary X-ray crystallographic analysis of a galactose-specific lectin from Dolichos lablab.

The galactose-specific lectin from the seeds of Dolichos lablab has been crystallized using the hanging-drop vapour-diffusion technique. The crystals belong to space group P1, with unit-cell parameters a = 73.99, b = 84.13, c = 93.15 A, alpha = 89.92, beta = 76.01, gamma = 76.99 degrees. X-ray diffraction data to a resolution of 3.0 A have been collected under cryoconditions (100 K) using a MAR imaging-plate detector system mounted on a rotating-anode X-ray generator. Molecular-replacement calculations carried out using the available structures of legume lectins as search models revealed that the galactose-specific lectin from D. lablab forms a tetramer similar to soybean agglutinin; two such tetramers are present in the asymmetric unit.

Crystallization↗

Effect of Cr in irrigation water on germination and growth of French beans (Dolichos lablab L.).

The waters containing chromium (Cr) mainly from industries enter into the sewers, municipal treatment plant, streams and lakes that are used for irrigation purposes. The effect of Cr in irrigation water on seed germination and growth of French bean (Dolichos lablab L.) was investigated. Germination studies were conducted in the lab and field conditions. Seeds were treated with different concentrations (0 to 25 mg/1) of Cr in irrigation water. The percentage germination of seeds and plant growth showed a gradual decrease with increase in Cr concentration. Stimulatory effect in growth of plant was observed at lower concentration (1 to 2 mg/l). Accumulation of Cr was in the order of Root > Leaf > Stem > Pod. There was an increase in the total concentration of Cr content of soil with increase in Cr concentration in irrigation water.

Agriculture↗

cAMP-dependent protein kinase modulates expression and subcellular localization of Dolichos biflorus agglutinin binding sites in renal epithelial cells.

Previous studies demonstrated that, upon attaining confluence, a clone of the renal epithelial cell, LLC-PK1, expressed progressively binding sites for the lectin Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA) at the apical cell surface. Activation of cAMP-dependent protein kinase enhanced surface expression dramatically. The goal of this study was to define the process leading to surface expression of DBA binding sites and to investigate further the role of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in modulating surface expression. Both subconfluent and confluent cells exhibited intracellular DBA binding sites (50-70% of total cellular binding sites) in a perinuclear vesicular compartment which was disrupted by Brefeldin A treatment. Both total cellular content and the proportion of DBA binding sites at the cell surface increased modestly after confluence was attained. A 48 h treatment of cells with 1-methyl-3-isobutyl xanthine, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, dramatically increased the level of cellular DBA binding sites as well as the proportion of DBA binding sites at the cell surface. Analysis of two mutants of this cell line suggests that the effect of 1-methyl-3-isobutyl xanthine requires cAMP-dependent protein kinase activity but is not due to cAMP-dependent protein kinase-mediated activation of gene transcription.

1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine↗

Congruity of acetylcholine receptor, acetylcholinesterase, and Dolichos biflorus lectin binding glycoprotein in postsynaptic-like sarcolemmal specializations in noninnervated regenerating rat muscles.

Noninnervated regenerating muscles are able to form focal postsynaptic-like sarcolemmal specializations either in places of the former motor endplates ("junctional" specializations) or elsewhere along the muscle fibers (extrajunctional specializations). The triple labeling histochemical method was introduced to analyse the congruity of focalization in such specializations of 3 synaptic components: acetylcholinesterase (AChE), acetylcholine receptor (AChR), and a specific synaptic glycoprotein which binds Dolichos biflorus lectin (DBAR). Noninnervated regenerating soleus and extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles of the rat were examined and compared with denervated muscles of neonatal and adult rats. All junctional sarcolemmal specializations in noninnervated regenerating muscles accumulated AChE and AChR. Localization of the 2 components was identical within the limits of resolution of the method. DBAR could not be demonstrated in junctional specializations in 17-day-old regenerating muscles. It seems that an agrin-like inducing substance in the former junctional basal lamina invariably triggers the accumulation of both AChE and AChR in the underlying sarcolemma of the regenerating muscle fiber. However, accumulation of DBAR would probably require the presence of the motor nerve. In most of the extrajunctional sarcolemmal specializations in 8-day-old regenerating soleus and EDL muscles, both AChE and AChR accumulated. However, about 10 percent of AChE accumulations lacked AChR and about 35% of AChR accumulations lacked AChE. Even greater variability was observed in 17-day-old regenerating muscles. The presence of DBAR in the extrajunctional postsynaptic-like sarcolemmal specializations could not be demonstrated. Similar extrajunctional sarcolemmal specializations were observed in denervated postnatal rat muscles. About 70% contained both AChE and AChR, and 30% contained only AChR, but none contained DBAR. In denervated mature muscles, sparse extrajunctional AChR accumulations did not contain detectable amounts of AChE. The ability to form complex postsynaptic-like sarcolemmal specializations in the absence of nerve, which is probably inherent to noninnervated immature muscle fibers, may be reduced with muscle maturation. Variable accumulation of individual components in the postsynaptic-like specializations indicates that different triggering factors may be involved in their accumulation or, at least, the mechanisms of their accumulation can function relatively independently.

Acetylcholinesterase↗

In vitro studies on antilithiatic activity of seeds of Dolichos biflorus Linn. and rhizomes of Bergenia ligulata Wall.

Soxhlet extracts of seeds of Dolichos biflorus and rhizomes of Bergenia ligulata were tested for their in vitro antilithiatic/anticalcification activity by the homogeneous precipitation method. The extracts were compared with an aqueous extract of cystone (a marketed preparation) for their activities. Also a combination of the extracts of the two plants was tested. Extracts of Dolichus biflorus showed activity almost equivalent to cystone while Bergenia ligulata showed less activity and the combination was not as active as the individual extracts.

Calcium Oxalate↗

Biosynthesis of DB58 lectin in cell suspension cultures of Dolichos biflorus.

The stem and leaf lectin of the legume, Dolichos biflorus, was found to be expressed in cell suspension cultures derived from calli from this plant. The lectin is present at levels equivalent to the amount of lectin in the plant and its expression is correlated with the exponential growth phase of the cells. In vitro translation of mRNA isolated from these cultures, followed by immunoprecipitation with antibodies to the lectin, yields a single polypeptide precursor for this lectin. In vivo pulse chase labeling of the DB58 lectin yields a single glycosylated precursor that ultimately gives rise to the mature alpha and beta subunits of this heterodimer. Chemical deglycosylation of the labeled precursors and products shows that the alpha and beta subunits do not differ simply by their extent of glycosylation. Antibodies generated against a synthetic peptide representing the deduced COOH-terminus of the nascent protein react only with the alpha subunit. These data support a mechanism of lectin subunit generation involving differential carboxyl terminal modification of a single polypeptide precursor.

Cells, Cultured↗

Expression and partial characterization of Dolichos biflorus seed lectin in Escherichia coli.

The seed lectin from the legume, Dolichos biflorus, was expressed in Escherichia coli using the pET expression vector. Replacement of the 22-amino acid signal sequence of this lectin with a methionine increased the level of lectin expression greater than 100-fold. Approximately 20% of the expressed seed lectin was soluble; the remainder was solubilized in 8 M urea and renatured by rapid dilution. No difference in physicochemical properties or activity was detected between the soluble and renatured forms. NH2-terminal amino acid analysis and immunoblots, using antibodies that recognize the COOH-terminus of only the nontruncated subunit of the native heteroligomer, established that the expressed lectin has a primary structure equivalent to subunit I of the native seed lectin. The expressed seed lectin is active as evidenced by its ability to bind to blood group A + H substance-Sepharose and to be specifically eluted from this column with N-acetylgalactosamine. However, a comparison of the activity of the expressed lectin with the native seed lectin using a sensitive ELISA showed that the expressed lectin has a slightly lower affinity for blood group A + H substance than the native seed lectin. The expressed lectin also had a lower M(r) than the seed lectin as determined by molecular exclusion chromatography.

Base Sequence↗

Dolichin, a new chitinase-like antifungal protein isolated from field beans (Dolichos lablab).

An antifungal protein, possessing a molecular weight of 28 kDa and an N-terminal sequence resembling chitinases, has been purified from the seeds of the field bean Dolichos lablab. The procedure involved extraction with aqueous buffer, affinity chromatography on Affi-gel blue gel, and ion exchange chromatography on CM-Sepharose. The protein, designated dolichin, exhibited antifungal activity against the fungi Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, and Coprinus comatus. Dolichin was capable of inhibiting human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reverse transcriptase and alpha- and beta-glucosidases which are glycohydrolases implicated in HIV infection. It had very low ribonuclease and cell-free translation-inhibitory activities.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Carbohydrate binding, quaternary structure and a novel hydrophobic binding site in two legume lectin oligomers from Dolichos biflorus.

The seed lectin (DBL) from the leguminous plant Dolichos biflorus has a unique specificity among the members of the legume lectin family because of its high preference for GalNAc over Gal. In addition, precipitation of blood group A+H substance by DBL is slightly better inhibited by a blood group A trisaccharide (GalNAc(alpha1-3)[Fuc(alpha1-2)]Gal) containing pentasaccharide, and about 40 times better by the Forssman disaccharide (GalNAc(alpha1-3)GalNAc) than by GalNAc. We report the crystal structures of the DBL-blood group A trisaccharide complex and the DBL-Forssman disaccharide complex.A comparison with the binding sites of Gal-binding legume lectins indicates that the low affinity of DBL for Gal is due to the substitution of a conserved aromatic residue by an aliphatic residue (Leu127). Binding studies with a Leu127Phe mutant corroborate these conclusions. DBL has a higher affinity for GalNAc because the N-acetyl group compensates for the loss of aromatic stacking in DBL by making a hydrogen bond with the backbone amide group of Gly103 and a hydrophobic contact with the side-chains of Trp132 and Tyr104. Some legume lectins possess a hydrophobic binding site that binds adenine and adenine-derived plant hormones, i.e. cytokinins. The exact function of this binding site is unknown, but adenine/cytokinin-binding legume lectins might be involved in storage of plant hormones or plant growth regulation. The structures of DBL in complex with adenine and of the dimeric stem and leaf lectin (DB58) from the same plant provide the first structural data on these binding sites. Both oligomers possess an unusual architecture, featuring an alpha-helix sandwiched between two monomers. In both oligomers, this alpha-helix is directly involved in the formation of the hydrophobic binding site. DB58 adopts a novel quaternary structure, related to the quaternary structure of the DBL heterotetramer, and brings the number of know legume lectin dimer types to four.

ABO Blood-Group System↗

Weak protein-protein interactions in lectins: the crystal structure of a vegetative lectin from the legume Dolichos biflorus.

The legume lectins are widely used as a model system for studying protein-carbohydrate and protein-protein interactions. They exhibit a fascinating quaternary structure variation, which becomes important when they interact with multivalent glycoconjugates, for instance those on cell surfaces. Recently, it has become clear that certain lectins form weakly associated oligomers. This phenomenon may play a role in the regulation of receptor crosslinking and subsequent signal transduction. The crystal structure of DB58, a dimeric lectin from the legume Dolichos biflorus reveals a separate dimer of a previously unobserved type, in addition to a tetramer consisting of two such dimers. This tetramer resembles that formed by DBL, the seed lectin from the same plant. A single amino acid substitution in DB58 affects the conformation and flexibility of a loop in the canonical dimer interface. This disrupts the formation of a stable DBL-like tetramer in solution, but does not prohibit its formation in suitable conditions, which greatly increases the possibilities for the cross-linking of multivalent ligands. The non-canonical DB58 dimer has a buried symmetrical alpha helix, which can be present in the crystal in either of two antiparallel orientations. Two existing structures and datasets for lectins with similar quaternary structures were reconsidered. A central alpha helix could be observed in the soybean lectin, but not in the leucoagglutinating lectin from Phaseolus vulgaris. The relative position and orientation of the carbohydrate-binding sites in the DB58 dimer may affect its ability to crosslink mulitivalent ligands, compared to the other legume lectin dimers.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Expression of binding sites for Dolichos biflorus agglutinin at the apical aspect of collecting duct cells in rat kidney.

To identify precisely the structural and functional cell type in the collecting duct of the rat kidney expressing binding sites for Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), we stained serial paraffin sections of kidney with horseradish peroxidase-labeled DBA and with immunocytochemical methods for localizing (Na+ + K+)-ATPase and carbonic anhydrase II (CA II), enzymes found preferentially in principal and intercalated cells, respectively. Most principal cells expressing a strong basolateral staining for (Na+ + K+)-ATPase showed binding sites for DBA at their luminal surfaces. However, a minority of cells rich in CA II and showing morphologic characteristics of intercalated cells also expressed DBA binding sites at their luminal surface and apical cytoplasm. These data suggest that DBA cytochemistry can provide a useful tool for studying the functional polarity of the main cell types of the collecting duct of the rat kidney.

Animals↗

Paired helical filaments are not the major binding sites for wheat germ and Dolichos biflorus agglutinins in the neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer's disease.

The isolated paired helical filaments (PHF) that occur in the neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer's disease were assayed to determine if they contained N-acetyl-glucosamine and N-acetyl-galactosamine residues. The enzyme-linked lectin assay was used to detect their total content in the PHF preparation. The assay employed biotinylated Dolichos biflorus and wheat germ agglutinins and was developed with avidin-horseradish peroxidase. The total PHF preparation was shown to contain very little of these glycosyl groups compared to equal amounts of highly glycosylated control proteins. Colloidal gold-labeled lectins were used to study the PHF by electron microscopy to assess whether the minor amount of lectin binding in the total preparation was directly associated with the PHF. These studies showed no significant association of the colloidal gold-labeled lectins with the isolated filaments. We conclude that the PHF themselves contain few or no N-acetyl-glucosamine or N-acetyl-galactosamine residues.

Acetylglucosamine↗

Dolichos biflorus agglutinin: a marker of the developing olfactory system in the NMRI-mouse strain.

The binding of horseradish peroxidase-labelled Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (HRP-DBA) to the olfactory system of NMRI-mice was investigated histochemically during the pre- and postnatal period. DBA bound with high affinity to a group of olfactory receptor neurons of both the olfactory epithelium proper and the vomeronasal organ from gestation days (g.d.) 14 and 15 onward respectively. Furthermore, there was also extensive binding to axon bundles and to the glomeruli of the main and accessory olfactory bulbs. In addition, DBA-binding was observed in goblet cells and some glands of the nasal septum. From g.d. 17 onward the number of DBA-positive neurons increased significantly and the glomeruli within the olfactory bulbs became DBA-reactive for the first time. Concomitantly, the endothelium of vessels within the olfactory epithelium's submucosa lost its DBA-affinity, though the respiratory submucosal vessels still remained DBA-positive. Possible interrelationships between DBA-affinity of blood vessel endothelium and the neighbouring olfactory neurons are discussed.

Animals↗