Biopolymers and cell. 2006; 22 (1): 33 - 37

The influence of lectins of different origin on mutagenic process of mammalian somatic cells in vitro

O. O. Kovalenko, K. V. Kostetskaia, L. L. Lukash

Lectins of different origin can influence proliferation of human and Chinese humster cells in vitro, this effect may be compared with the action of cytostatic agent mitomicyn C. We have demonstrated that Sambucus nigra bark lectin controls genetic stability of mammalian somatic cells (hprt locus), in dose dependent manner reaching the maximum at the concentration of 20–200 mg/ml. Significant increase in gene mutation frequency in the hprt locus, inhibition of cell proliferation and cytotoxic action were observed in the range of protein concentration from 2 to 2000 mg/ml. Probably, the influence of plant lectins (which belong to the RIP-protein family) on cell proliferation is not linked to their carbohydrate specificity but depends on the specific interactions of the lectin chain A with ribosomal proteins of the recipient cell which provide or hinder lectin associated N-glycosidase activity. Also, we have found that Perca fluviatilis roe lectin affects cell proliferation in the same way as plant RIP lectins.

Key words: lectins, RIP proteins, genetic stability, inhibition of proliferation, cytotoxic action, mammalian cells in vitro.