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.
Shaw
P C
PC
Department of Biochemistry, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT.
Chan
W L
WL
Yeung
H W
HW
Ng
T B
TB
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