Domain Organization of Lectin from the Mussel Crenomytilus grayanus

Activity Dependence of a Novel Lectin Family on Structure and Carbohydrate-Binding Properties

A GalNAc/Gal-specific lectins named CGL and MTL were isolated and characterized from the edible mussels Crenomytilus grayanus and Mytilus trossulus. Amino acid sequence analysis of these lectins showed that they, together with another lectin MytiLec-1, formed a novel lectin family, adopting β-trefoil fold. In this mini review we discuss the structure, oligomerization, and carbohydrate-binding properties of a novel lectin family. We describe also the antibacterial, antifungal, and antiproliferative activities of these lectins and report about dependence of activities on molecular properties. Summarizing, CGL, MTL, and MytiLec-1 could be involved in the immunity in mollusks and may become a basis for the elaboration of new diagnostic tools or treatments for a variety of cancers.

Expression and purification of a new lectin from mussel Mytilus trossulus

The gene of mtl from the mussel Mytilus trossulus was cloned into pET-40b(+) expression vector. After expression in E. coli using designed MX-medium an instable soluble form of MTL was obtained. The developed isolation method of the recombinant protein in "semi-denatured" conditions allowed obtaining an active soluble form of the homogenous lectin from the mussel M. trossulus (r-MTL). Both of the lectins had similar antigenic and spatial structures.

Lectin CGL from the sea mussel Crenomytilus grayanus induces Burkitt's lymphoma cells death via interaction with surface glycan

Marine organisms are rich sources of lectins. Lectins are able to bind specifically and reversibly to different types of carbohydrates or glycoproteins. The present study reports the evaluation of glycan binding profile and anti-tumor potential of lectin CGL from the sea mussel Crenomytilus grayanus. Glycan array assay revealed that CGL was able to bind both α and β anomer of galactose, but interaction with the αGal-terminated glycans was stronger. Analysis of most common glycan motifs for CGL showed high affinity to Galα1-4Galβ1-4GlcNAc motif similar to globotriose structure (Gb3: Galα1-4Galβ1-4Glc), the epitope of globotriaosylceramide. CGL recognized Gb3 on the surface of Burkitt's lymphoma Raji cells (high Gb3 expression), leading to dose-dependent cytotoxic effect, G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Lectin had no effect on erythroleukemia K562 cells (no Gb3 expression). The activity of CGL was specifically blocked by α-galactoside. Our findings suggest the use of CGL in cancer diagnosis and treatment.