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Lectins from Mycelia of Basidiomycetes

Summary

This research reviews proteins called lectins that are found in mushroom-forming fungi, specifically focusing on those present in the thread-like growing portion (mycelium) rather than the mushroom itself. These proteins are important because they can specifically recognize and bind to sugars, making them useful tools in biology and medicine. Impacts on everyday life: – Helps develop new methods for producing useful proteins from mushrooms – Contributes to understanding how beneficial fungi interact with plants in nature – Could lead to new medical applications using fungal proteins – May help improve mushroom cultivation techniques – Provides insights into developing new diagnostic tools

Background

Lectins are proteins of nonimmunoglobulin nature that can specifically recognize and reversibly bind to carbohydrate moieties of complex carbohydrates without altering their covalent structure. They have important biological activities and are valuable tools in biology and medicine due to their specific binding properties. While lectins from basidiomycete fruit bodies have been well studied, those from vegetative mycelium remain relatively unexplored.

Objective

To review and analyze current knowledge about lectins isolated from the vegetative mycelium of macrobasidiomycetes, including their localization, properties, and carbohydrate specificities, with particular focus on their physiological role in fungal growth and development.

Results

Mycelial lectins have been found in about 40 species of fungi belonging to different taxonomic and ecological groups. Pure lectin preparations were obtained from about one-third of these species. The lectins show diverse biochemical characteristics and carbohydrate specificities. Most studies used submerged cultivation methods, with fewer using solid-state cultivation. Extracellular lectins were found in culture medium under submerged cultivation conditions.

Conclusion

While many studies have focused on obtaining basidiomycete lectins for biological and medical applications, there is insufficient understanding of their role in fungal metabolism, growth and development. Mycelial lectins are as important as fruit body lectins and warrant more detailed study. Isolation of lectins from submerged mycelium and culture medium shows promise as a controlled method for obtaining mushroom lectins.
  • Published in:International Journal of Molecular Sciences,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.3390/ijms18071334
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