This tetrameric lectin consists of 44,000 dalton subunits and does not require divalent cations for binding. Binding appears to be highest for glycoconjugates containing galactosyl (b-1,3) N-acetylgalactosamine structures but oligosaccharides with a terminal alpha linked N-acetylgalactosamine can also bind. Although binding specificity is similar to that of peanut agglutinin, tissue staining patterns of these two lectins are distinct. This biotinylated lectin conjugate is prepared from affinity-purified lectin and is optimally labeled with biotin. Essentially free of inactive lectin conjugate and containing no free biotin, this biotinylated lectin provides an ideal intermediate for examining glycoconjugates using the Biotin-Avidin System. First the biotin-labeled lectin is added, followed by the VECTASTAIN® ABC Reagent, Avidin D conjugate, or streptavidin derivative. Another possible application is in the isolation of lymphokines and other products of mitogenic stimulation. |