Griffonia (Bandeiraea) simplicifolia GS I-B4

The seeds of Griffonia simlicifolia contain four distinct lectins. Two of these lectins, referred to as GS-I and GS-II, have been well characterized with regard to binding specificity and structure. GS-II is specific for terminal, non-reducing alpha or beta linked N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. This lectin is not blood group specific, unlike GS-I. GS-II is also a tetramer. It is composed of identical subunits. Each subunit has a single carbohydrate binding site for GlcNAc. GS-II is the only lectin isolated that is specific for only terminal GIcNAc residue. The subterminal saccharide does play an important role in lectin binding.

Biological Activity:
20-30ug/ml is required to agglutinate fresh type B blood cells. Lectin activity against all blood types increases after neuraminidase treatment of cells.

Carbohydrate Specificity: a-Galactose
Inhibitory Carbohydrate: Gal a(1,3) > Methyl-a-galactoside . Galactose > Methyl-b-galactoside > N-acetylgalactosamine.

Note: Griffonia simlicifolia (GS-1) exists as a mixture of 5 isolectins. Each isolectin is a tetramer consisting of different amounts of subunits termed A and B. The number after the subunit designation indicates the quantity of each subunit associated with the tetramer form. The GS-1B4 isolectin has four B-subunits. It has a specificiety for type B ethrocytes.

Storage and Stability:
Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20°C. Reconstitute to nominal volume by adding sterile buffer of choice, aliquot and store at -20°C. May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Reconstituted product is stable for 12 months 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.