Structural Prediction and Characterization of (ConGF) Lectin Complexed with MMP1: Unveiling the Antiglioma Potential of Legume Lectins.

A glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant primary brain tumor with a poor prognosis because of its invasiveness and high resistance to current therapies. In GBMs, abnormal glycosylation patterns are associated with malignancy, which allows for the use of lectins as tools for recognition and therapy. More specifically, lectins can interact with glycan structures found on the malignant cell surface.

Temporal Characterization of Behavioral and Hippocampal Dysfunction in the YAC128 Mouse Model of Huntington's Disease.

Huntington's disease (HD) is a genetic neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor, psychiatric, and cognitive symptoms. Emerging evidence suggests that emotional and cognitive deficits seen in HD may be related to hippocampal dysfunction. We used the YAC128 HD mouse model to perform a temporal characterization of the behavioral and hippocampal dysfunctions.

ConBr lectin modulates MAPKs and Akt pathways and triggers autophagic glioma cell death by a mechanism dependent upon caspase-8 activation.

Glioblastoma multiforme is the most aggressive type of glioma, with limited treatment and poor prognosis. Despite some advances over the last decade, validation of novel and selective antiglioma agents remains a challenge in clinical pharmacology. Prior studies have shown that leguminous lectins may exert various biological effects, including antitumor properties.

Lectin from Dioclea violacea induces autophagy in U87 glioma cells.

The antitumor activity of DVL, a lectin purified from Dioclea violacea seeds, on the U87 human glioma cell line was evaluated and compared with Canavalia ensiformis lectin (ConA). Treatment with DVL (10-100 μg/mL; 24-96 h) induced alterations in cell morphology, decreased cell numbers and clonogenic survival in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. DVL caused significant decreases in cell viability and impaired cell migration.