Arachis hypogaea (PNA, Peanut Agglutinin)

Lectins are derived from the extracts of plants, animals, viruses and microorganisms and are known to agglutinate red blood cells. These agglutinins can select cell types according to blood group activities utilizing sugar-binding mechanisms.

Lectins form precipitates with glycoconjugates and are useful for identifying or separating oligosaccharides with identical sugar compositions such as galactose, mannose or glucose.

Arachis hypogaea (PNA, Peanut Agglutinin), 110kD, is composed of four identical subunits of approximately 27kD each, is galactose-specific, with strong anti-T-antigen activity. T-antigen") is present in many glycoconjugates such as M and N blood groups, gangliosides, and many other soluble and membrane-associated glycoproteins and glycolipids. PNA does not agglutinate normal human erythrocytes, but strongly agglutinates neuraminidase-treated red blood cells. The presence of Ca++ can enhance the binding of PNA to receptors. Asialo GM1 ganglioside is also thought to be a major cell surface receptor for PNA. PNA is useful in normal and tumor tissue determination for transitional mucosa malignancies.

Biological Activity:
< 1ug/ml will agglutinate human erythrocytes neuraminidase treatment of cells.

Carbohydrate Specificity:
Terminal beta-galactose

Inhibitory Carbohydrate:
Lactose > beta-galactose

Quality Control:
SDS-PAGE

Storage and Stability:
Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20°C. Stable for 12 months at -20°C. Reconstitute by adding sterile buffer. Aliquot and store at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.