Back to Search
Start Over
Basidiomycete Clitocybe nebularis is rich in lectins with insecticidal activities.
- Source :
-
Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology . Aug2011, Vol. 91 Issue 4, p1141-1148. 8p. - Publication Year :
- 2011
-
Abstract
- Basidiomycete mushrooms are a rich source of unique substances, including lectins, that could potentially be useful in biotechnology or biomedical applications. Lectins are a group of carbohydrate-binding proteins with diverse biological activities and functions. Here, we demonstrate the presence of a number of lectins in the basidiomycete mushroom Clitocybe nebularis. Glucose-, galactose-, sucrose-, lactose-, and Sepharose-binding lectins were isolated from fruiting bodies using affinity chromatography on Sepharose-immobilized sugars or on Sepharose. The lectins were characterized biochemically and their binding specificities examined by agglutination and agglutination inhibition assays. In addition, insecticidal and anti-nutritional properties of the lectins were studied against a model organism, fruit fly ( Drosophila melanogaster), and Colorado potato beetle ( Leptinotarsa decemlineata). Of the several basidiomycete mushrooms screened, C. nebularis extract showed the most potent insecticidal activity. Sucrose-binding lectin showed the strongest activity against D. melanogaster, followed by lactose- and galactose-binding lectins. Feeding bioassays with Colorado potato beetle revealed that C. nebularis extract exhibited high anti-nutritional activity against the insect; and of those tested, only lactose-binding lectin, named CNL showed the effect. Mushroom C. nebularis is shown to be rich in a variety of lectins with versatile biological activities, including insecticidal and anti-nutritional effects. C. nebularis lectins could thus have potential for use as natural insecticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 01757598
- Volume :
- 91
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Academic Search Index
- Journal :
- Applied Microbiology & Biotechnology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 63235173
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-011-3236-0