Anti-tumor and anti-viral activities of Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA)-related lectins.
Galanthus nivalis agglutinin (GNA)-related lectin family, a superfamily of strictly mannose-binding specific lectins widespread among monocotyledonous plants, is well-known to possess a broad range of biological functions such as anti-tumor, anti-viral and anti-fungal activities. Herein, we mainly focused on exploring the precise molecular mechanisms by which GNA-related lectins induce cancer cell apoptotic and autophagic death targeting mitochondria-mediated ROS-p38-p53 apoptotic or autophagic pathway, Ras-Raf and PI3K-Akt anti-apoptotic or anti-autophagic pathways. In addition, we further discussed the molecular mechanisms of GNA-related lectins exerting anti-viral activities by blocking the entry of the virus into its target cells, preventing transmission of the virus as well as forcing virus to delete glycan in its envelope protein and triggering neutralizing antibody. In conclusion, these findings may provide a new perspective of GNA-related lectins as potential drugs for cancer and virus therapeutics in the future.
School of Life Sciences and Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, China.
Lei
L
Wu
Jin-Ku
JK
Bao
D000818:Animals; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects; D001343:Autophagy / Q000187:drug effects; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000187:drug effects; D027801:Galanthus / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D037121:Plant Lectins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018406:Virus Physiological Phenomena / Q000187:drug effects
D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D037121:Plant Lectins