Sabella spallanzanii mucus contain a galactose-binding lectin able to agglutinate bacteria. Purification and characterization

Authors

  • M Cammarata Department of Heart and Marine Science DISTEM, Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, University of Palermo, , Italy
  • G Benenati 2Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies STEBICEF, University of Palermo, Italy
  • M Dara Department of Heart and Marine Science DISTEM, Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, University of Palermo, , Italy
  • M G Parisi Department of Heart and Marine Science DISTEM, Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, University of Palermo, , Italy
  • D Piazzese Department of Heart and Marine Science DISTEM, Marine Immunobiology Laboratory, University of Palermo, , Italy
  • F Falco Istituto per le Risorse Biologiche e le Biotecnologie Marine (IRBM), Units of Capo Granitola Italy
  • L Stabili Istituto per l’Ambiente Marino Costiero, U.O.S. di Taranto, CNR, Taranto, Italy ; Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25431/1824-307X/isj.v0i0.15-24

Keywords:

mucus, hemagglutinin, bacteria, lactose-bindgaing lectin, S. spallanzanii

Abstract

Lectins are present in almost all living organisms and are involved in several biological processes, including immune responses. In the present study, a calcium dependent galactose-binding lectin exhibiting an apparent MW of 43 kDa has been characterized and purified from the mucus of the polychaete Sabella spallanzanii by using both affinity chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatographic methods. Its agglutinating activity towards rabbit erythrocytes was significantly modified by the addition of calcium or EDTA. The activity was optimal at temperature values comprised between 4 and 18 °C, maintain a 50% of activity between 20 and 37 °C, was significant deleted after exposure at 50 °C, and was depleted at 90 °C. The S. spallanzanii Galactose-Binding Lectin (SsGBL) was able to agglutinate bacteria and to preferentially recognize Gram-negative bacteria. The strongest agglutinating activity was observed towards Vibrio alginolyticus and Escherichia coli, by contrast mucus agglutinated in a lesser extent both Aeromonas hydrophyla and the Gram-positive Micrococcus lysodeikticus thus suggesting its involvement in host pathogen interactions.

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Published

2019-03-15

Issue

Section

Research Reports