Functionalized glucose-binding lectin from Globularia alypum: extraction, partial purification and biological activities

Year 2026, Volume: 30 Issue: 1 , 330 - 340 , 11.01.2026

Badra Barhouchi Fateh Merouane Rahma Amrani Khadidja Chidai

https://doi.org/10.12991/jrespharm.1845185

https://izlik.org/JA36KN37LB

Abstract

In the present study, a new glucose specific lectin isolated from roots of an endemic plant Globularia alypum
(designated as GaGBL1) is tested for its immunomodulatory, antihyperglycemic, antibacterial, anti-acetylcholinesterase
and antioxidant activities. The obtained lectin was exposed to agglutinate human erythrocytes of ABO blood group
system as well as the rabbit erythrocytes. Furthermore, the carbohydrate binding property of lectin was confirmed with
the inhibition of HA. The fractions showed hemagglutination activity (HA). GaGBL1 was found to be glucose specific
lectin with a purification yield of 557.83 μg/mL. It was isolated from a protein capable of agglutinating only human
erythrocytes type O. Moreover, its relative agglutinating activity of 128 UH/mg protein was inhibited only by D-glucose
with MIC value of 200mM. Meanwhile, D-galactose, D-lactose, D-fructose, D-mannitol, and D-sucrose did not exert this
effect. The pure protein GaGBL1 possessed an immunosuppressor action. Meanwhile, this lectin showed no inhibitory
effects neither against bacterial strains nor for acetylcholinesterase enzyme. In addition, the results indicated a negative
antioxidant activity. Interestingly, it was seen that regular oral administration of GaGBL1 injected by intraperitoneal
route to normoglycemic mice showed highly potent antihyperglycemic effect in comparison with the synthetic drug
glibenclamide. These data reveal many interesting biological activities of GaGBL1 and suggest that complementary
investigations to explore its immunosuppressive and antidiabetic potentials. Hence, further characterization of this
novel lectin and understanding of its mechanism of action will help to broaden its scope of biotechnological,
pharmaceutical and agricultural applications.

Keywords

Globularia alypum , GaGBL1 lectin , Extraction , Partial purification , Biological activities

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