Title:The Role of Plant Lectins in the Cellular and Molecular Processes of Skin
Wound Repair: An Overview
Volume: 29
Issue: 33
Author(s): Guilherme Feijó de Sousa, Rafael Guerra Lund and Luciano da Silva Pinto*
Affiliation:
- Bioinformatics and Proteomics Laboratory (BioPro Lab), Technological Development
Center, Federal University of Pelotas, Capão do Leão, RS, Brazil
Keywords:
Tissue healing, lectin, healing activity, glycoproteins, healing lectins, cellular signaling pathways.
Abstract: There is increasing pressure for innovative methods to treat compromised and difficult-to-heal
wounds. Consequently, new strategies are needed for faster healing, reducing infection, hydrating the wound,
stimulating healing mechanisms, accelerating wound closure, and reducing scar formation. In this scenario,
lectins present as good candidates for healing agents. Lectins are a structurally heterogeneous group of glycosylated
or non-glycosylated proteins of non-immune origin, which can recognize at least one specific
monosaccharide or oligosaccharide specific for the reversible binding site. Cell surfaces are rich in glycoproteins
(glycosidic receptors) that potentially interact with lectins through the number of carbohydrates reached.
This lectin-cell interaction is the molecular basis for triggering various changes in biological organisms, including
healing mechanisms. In this context, this review aimed to (i) provide a comprehensive overview of relevant
research on the potential of vegetable lectins for wound healing and tissue regeneration processes and (ii)
discuss future perspectives.