Lens culinaris Agglutinin (LCA) (Biotin)

Lens culinaris agglutinin has a molecular weight of approximately 49,000 and is composed of four subunits-two of about 17,000D and two of 8,000D. The isoelectric point of LCA is approximately pH 8.5. LCA recognizes sequences containing a-linked mannose residues. Like other mannose specific lectins, divalent cations such as calcium and manganese are required for sugar binding activity. By recognizing additional sugars as part of the receptor structure, LCA has a narrower specificity than Con A. For example, an a-linked fucose residue attached to the N-acetylchitobiose portion of the core oligosaccharide markedly enhances affinity. By exploiting this narrower specificity, glycoproteins and glycopeptides can be subfractionated with LCA after initial isolation with Con A. LCA has been employed to separate lymphocyte populations, as a potent T-cell mitogen, and as one of the most effective agents in preventing skin allograft rejection in model systems. LCA is also used to purify numerous glycoproteins (including immunoglobulins, histocompatibility antigens, a2-macroglobulin, etc.) as well as to fractionate glycopeptides from a variety of glycoproteins. 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 an ABC Reagent, Avidin D conjugate, or streptavidin derivative. Another possible application is in the isolation of lymphokines and other products of mitogenic stimulation.

Applications:
Suitable for use in ELISA, Western Blot, Immunofluorescense and
Immunohistochemistry. Other applications not tested.

Recommended Dilutions:
Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher.

Sugar Specificity:
Mannose, Glucose

Storage and Stability:
May be stored at 4°C for short-term only. Aliquot to avoid repeated freezing and thawing. Store at -20°C. Aliquots are stable for 6 months after receipt. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap.