What are lectins in biochemistry?
Lectins are proteins that recognize and bind specific carbohydrates found on the surfaces of cells. They play a role in interactions and communication between cells typically for recognition. Carbohydrates on the surface of one cell bind to the binding sites of lectins on the surface of another cell.
What is the main function of lectins?
Lectins have a role in recognition at the cellular and molecular level and play numerous roles in biological recognition phenomena involving cells, carbohydrates, and proteins. Lectins also mediate attachment and binding of bacteria, viruses, and fungi to their intended targets.
Are there different types of lectins?
Lectins are classified primarily into five specificity groups, according to the monosaccharide for which they exhibit the highest affinity: mannose, galactose/N-acetylgalactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine, fucose, and N-acetylneuraminic acid (sugars are of the d-configuration except for fucose which is l).
What is the structure of a lectin?
Lectins comprise a structurally very diverse class of proteins characterized by their ability to bind carbohydrates with considerable specificity. They are found in organisms ranging from viruses and plants to humans and serve to mediate biological recognition events.
What are examples of lectins?
Lectins are naturally occurring proteins that are found in most plants. Some foods that contain higher amounts of lectins include beans, peanuts, lentils, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant, fruits, and wheat and other grains. Lectins serve a protective function for plants as they grow.
What are lectins in?
Lectins are present in most plant foods but especially high in:
- legumes, such as beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, and peanuts.
- nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes and eggplant.
- dairy products, including milk.
- grains, such as barley, quinoa, and rice.
Where is lectin found?
Whole Grains Raw wheat and other whole grains are high in lectins. Raw wheat germ, which is often sold as a source of fiber, can contain as much as 300 mcg of wheat lectins per gram.
What is lectin in immunology?
Lectins are glycan-binding proteins that are involved in numerous biological processes including cell development, cell–cell interactions, signaling pathways, and the immune response.
Where are lectins found?
They are found in all plants, but raw legumes (beans, lentils, peas, soybeans, peanuts) and whole grains like wheat contain the highest amounts of lectins.
How do lectins affect the body?
Lectins are a type of protein that can bind to sugar. They’re sometimes referred to as antinutrients. Animal studies suggest that certain lectins can reduce the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.