Product description
Lectins are proteins with carbohydrate binding properties found in all kingdoms of life. Their
specific affinity towards sugar molecules on cell surfaces, make them useful in several
different biological applications.
Triticum vulgaris lectin or wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) is isolated from Triticum vulgaris
(wheat) and purified by affinity chromatography. WGA is a dimer with a molecular weight of 36
kDa, which selectively binds to N-Acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc) as well as to Nacetylneuraminic
acid (sialic acid) residues of glycoproteins and glycolipids (1).
It agglutinates erythrocytes and most types of malignant cells, and it also binds to certain cell surface receptors involved in immune responses and cell signalling (2)
Medicago’s WGA is supplied as a white to off-white lyophilized powder from a volatile buffer (essential saltfree) with no preservatives added. The purity of WGA is determined with size exclusion chromatography (SEC). The product is for laboratory use only.
Applications
- Studies of glycoproteins and glycolipids
- Purification of membrane proteins
- Affinity chromatography
Directions for use
The lectin is soluble in 0.9 % NaCl and the solution can be stored frozen in working aliquots for up to 12 months. Avoid repetitive freezing and thawing. Storage at pH 8.6-8.8 may cause precipitation.
Shipping and storage
The product is shipped under refrigerated conditions. Lyophilized powder is stable for five years from the date of manufacture when stored below -18°C.
References
(1) Liener, I. E., et al. (1986). The lectins: Properties, functions… Academic Press.
(2) Johnson, R. J., et al. (1992). Wheat germ agglutinin inhibits… J. Leukoc. Biol., 52(1), 3–10.
(3) Schwefel, D., et al. (2010). Structural basis of multivalent… J. Am. Chem. Soc., 132(25), 8704–8719.
