Identification of a new quaternary association for legume lectins
Moreno, F.B.M.B., de Oliveira, T.M., Martil, D.E., Vicoti, M.M., Bezerra, G.A., Abrego, J.R.B., Cavada, B.S., Filgueira de Azevedo Jr., W.(2008) J Struct Biol 161: 133-143
- PubMed: 18068379
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsb.2007.10.002
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:
2EIG - PubMed Abstract:
Lotus tetragonolobus lectin (LTA) is a fucose-specific legume lectin. Although several studies report a diverse combination of biological activities for LTA, little is known about the mechanisms involved in l-fucosyl oligosaccharide recognition. The crystal structure of LTA at 2.0A resolution reveals a different legume lectin tetramer. Its structure consists of a homotetramer composed of two back-to-back GS4-like dimers arranged in a new mode, resulting in a novel tetramer. The LTA N-linked carbohydrate at Asn4 and the unusual LTA dimer-dimer interaction are related to its particular mode of tetramerization. In addition, we used small angle X-ray scattering to investigate the quaternary structure of LTA in solution and to compare it to the crystalline structure. Although the crystal structure of LTA has revealed a conserved metal-binding site, its l-fucose-binding site presents some punctual differences. Our investigation of the new tetramer of LTA and its fucose-binding site is essential for further studies related to cross-linking between LTA and complex divalent l-fucosyl carbohydrates.
Organizational Affiliation:
Curso de Pós-graduação em Biofísica Molecular, Departamento de Física, Universidade Estadual Paulista Júlio de Mesquita Filho, R. Cristovão Colombo, 2265, Nazareth, São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.