Identification of some lectin IB4 binding proteins in rat dorsal root ganglia

Neuroreport. 2004 Aug 6;15(11):1705-9. doi: 10.1097/01.wnr.0000136037.54095.64.

Abstract

Lectins are proteins that bind to glycoproteins and glycolipids. The isolectin Griffonia simplicifolia I-B4 (IB4) recognizes terminal alpha-galactose and binds to a subset of small and medium-sized neurons in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Using one and two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, we have identified several proteins that bind IB4 in sciatic nerve, dorsal horn, and DRG. Treatment with the enzyme alpha-galactosidase reduces IB4 binding, strongly suggesting the binding is specific for the IB4 epitope. Mass spectrometric analysis of tryptic digests of alpha-galactosidase sensitive bands identified three proteins that bind IB4: the laminin beta 2 chain and the light and medium subunits of neurofilaments.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Ganglia, Spinal / chemistry
  • Ganglia, Spinal / metabolism*
  • Glycoproteins / metabolism
  • Griffonia
  • Male
  • Plant Lectins / isolation & purification
  • Plant Lectins / metabolism*
  • Protein Binding / physiology
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Staining and Labeling

Substances

  • Glycoproteins
  • Griffonia simplicifolia lectins
  • Plant Lectins