11028-71-0
DMSO, PBS (pH 7.2)
-20°C
Concanavalin A, sometimes abbreviated as Con A, is a mitogenic lectin derived from the jack bean plant (Canavalia ensiformis). Concanavalin A has a strong affinity for carbohydrates in dimeric and higher forms, as well as an affinity for glycolipids and glycoproteins. This lectin requires metal ions Ca2+ and Mn2+ for saccharide binding and has greatest activity at pH 7.
Research into concanavalin A has focused heavily on its potential anticancer effects due to mitogenic activity with lymphocytes and cancer cells. In particular, this lectin is known to target hepatomas. When administered, concanavalin A binds to glycoproteins of the cell membrane, inducing autophagy when it eventually enters the cell. Simultaneously, it triggers inflammation of tumorous cells, causing an immune response targeted against those cells. This simultaneous induction of immune response and autophagy makes it a potentially potent and novel cancer treatment. It is also used for studies of immune regulation across various cell types.
Applications:
• Affinity chromatography purifications and characterization of various glycoproteins and cell structures
• Purification of glycosylated macromolecules in Lectin Affinity Chromatography
• Studies of immune regulation by various immune cells
• Induces autophagy
• Induces apoptosis in human fibroblasts
Specifications:
• Salt-free
0.1 lbs
Research or further manufacturing use only, not for food or drug use.
