Lectin-based reagents

The rapid expansion of lectin-based applications for the detection and quantification of glycoconjugates has been led by the development of commercially available, purified and chemically derivatized lectins, and in some cases, anti-lectin antibodies. Over 50 purified plant lectins are sold commercially by a number of producers and vendors, with this number growing annually. Equally important is the ease by which investigators can obtain lectins labeled with various fluorescent dyes, haptenic moieties, biotin, and radioactive atoms, as well as conjugated to enzymes and solid-phase supports. These derivatized lectins are useful for either direct or indirect detection and quantification techniques, or for the physical separation of particulate-bound or soluble glycoconjugates. Table 4 lists many of the commercially available lectin reagents and sources. 

In conclusion, it may be reasonably assumed that if a protein contains covalentlS linked carbohydrate, then an affinity chromatographic ccdumn based on a lectin or panB of lectins, can be selected for detailed evaluation of the monosaccharide composition sequence and branching patterns. Such lectin affinity chromatography is a rapid, hi resolution non-destructive analytical procedure that can be applied to trace quantiti of material. New lectins are constantly being discovered, so we can safely anticipate the availability of progressively more refined lectin analytical reagents. 

Fluorescence-based assays employ reagents to characterize a wide range of cellular components, including nucleic acids, proteins, biogenic amines, carbohydrates, and lipids. These assays are often based on affinity probes, such as oligonucleotides, antibodies, aptamers, and lectins, which are used to characterize a specific component within the cell. In addition, fluorogenic substrates are used to characterize enzyme activity in single cells. 

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