Cytotoxic effects of native and recombinant frutalin, a plant galactose-binding lectin, on Hela cervical cancer cells

Carla Oliveira, Ana Nicolau, José A. Teixeira, Lucília Domingues*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

35 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Frutalin is the α-D-galactose-binding lectin isolated from breadfruit seeds. Frutalin was obtained from two different sources: native frutalin was purified from its natural origin, and recombinant frutalin was produced and purified from Pichia pastoris. This work aimed to study and compare the effect of native and recombinant frutalin on HeLa cervical cancer cells proliferation and apoptosis. Furthermore, the interaction between frutalin and the HeLa cells was investigated by confocal microscopy. Despite having different carbohydrate-binding affinities, native and recombinant frutalin showed an identical magnitude of cytotoxicity on HeLa cells growth (IC 50 ∼ 100 μg/mL) and equally induced cell apoptosis. The interaction studies showed that both lectins were rapidly internalised and targeted to HeLa cell's nucleus. Altogether, these results indicate that frutalin action is not dependent on its sugar-binding properties. This study provides important information about the bioactivity of frutalin and contributes to the understanding of the plant lectins cytotoxic activity.
Original languageEnglish
Article number568932
JournalJournal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology
Volume2011
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2011
Externally publishedYes

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cytotoxic effects of native and recombinant frutalin, a plant galactose-binding lectin, on Hela cervical cancer cells'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this