Concanavalin A

Concanavalin A

Product Description

Pure lectin from Jackbean Canavalia ensiformis (Con A). Isolated by affinity chromatography on cross-linked dextran. With A it exists as a dimer below pH 5.0 and at pH >7 it exists as a tetramer. Con-A is not a glycoprotein. The monomeric molecular weight of Con-A is 25,500. Con-A does not contain cysteine residues. Unlike most other lectins, Con-A is a metalloprotein and requires a transition metal ion, such as manganese, in addition to calcium ions to bind.

Lectins are proteins or glycoproteins of nonimmunological origin that bind cells and/or precipitate complex carbohydrates. Lectins are capable of binding to glycoproteins even in the presence of various detergents. The binding activity of these highly specific carbohydrate-binding molecules is generally inhibited by a simple monosaccharide, but for some lectins, di-, tri-, and even polysaccharides are required.

SKU: 02195283-CF

Alternative names: Con A

Application Notes

Lectin is used in a wide variety of in vitro applications, including blood grouping and polyagglutination studies of red blood cells, mitogenic stimulation of lymphocytes, studies of lymphocyte subpopulations, fractionation of cells and other particles, histochemical studies of conditions normal and pathological. Con-A has been used to elucidate structural changes in the membrane surface of transformed cells. Con-A conjugates of antitumor drugs have been used in drug delivery systems in cultured cells.

Base Catalog Number: 195283

Biochemical and Physiological Actions

Con A is not blood group specific but has an affinity for terminal α-D-mannosyl and α-D-glucosyl residues. Ca2+ and Mn2+ ions are required for activity. With A it dissociates into dimers at pH 5.6 or less. Between pH 5.8 and pH 7.0, Con A exists as a tetramer; above pH 7.0 higher aggregates are formed. Con A exhibits mitogenic activity that depends on its degree of aggregation.

Succinylation results in an active dimeric form that remains a dimer above pH 5.6. Con-A specifically binds to mannosyl and glycosyl residues of polysaccharides and glycoproteins. Unmodified hydroxyl groups at the C3, C4, and C6 positions of the D-glucopyranosyl or D-mannopyranosyl rings may be essential for binding. Each Con-A subunit contains one calcium ion and one manganese ion. Removal of these cations by dialysis under acidic conditions abolishes carbohydrate-binding activity.

CAS No.: 11028-71-0

EC number: 234-258-2

Extinction coefficient: 280nm = 11.4 (0.1 M NaCl)(Lit.)

Grade: Highly Purified

Hazard Statements: H317-H334-H361

Isoelectric point: 4.5, 4.7, 5.0-5.1 and 5.4-5.5 (various isoforms)(Lit.)

Personal protective equipment: Dust mask, eye shields, face shields, gloves

RTECS number: GK6890000

Safety symbol: GHS08

Solubility

Soluble in water (10 mg/ml, colourless, slightly turbid solution) (40 mg/ml in 0.01 M PBS, pH 6.8 containing 0.1 mM Ca2+, 0.1 mM Mn2+).

Source: Canavalia ensiformis seeds (jack beans)

Specificity: Carbohydrate Specificity: a-mannose; a-glucose; Branched mannose.

Typical Working Concentration

Reconstitution: Reconstitute with buffer to a final concentration of 1 mg/mL.

Statement of Use

Unless otherwise specified, MP Biomedical products are for further research or manufacturing only, not for direct human use. For more information, please contact our customer service department.

 

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