Minireview: trichosanthin--a protein with multiple pharmacological properties.
Trichosanthin (TCS), a protein isolated from the root tuber of the Chinese medicinal herb Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim., is used to induce abortion in China. It also possesses immunomodulatory, anti-tumor and anti-human immunodeficiency virus properties. TCS is a member of the family of ribosome-inactivating proteins and inactivates eukaryotic ribosomes via its N-glycosidase activity. The gene encoding TCS has been cloned and over-expressed and the crystal structure of this protein resolved to 1.73A. In this review, the various pharmacological properties of TCS are discussed and assessed.
Department of Biochemistry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT.
P C
PC
Shaw
W L
WL
Chan
H W
HW
Yeung
T B
TB
Ng
D000019:Abortifacient Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006678:HIV / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D015978:Trichosanthin / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000019:Abortifacient Agents; D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D015978:Trichosanthin