Title:Integrating Qualitative and Quantitative Tools for the Detection and Identification of Lectins in Major Human Diseases
Volume: 22
Issue: 11
Author(s): Ghulam Md Ashraf, Asma Perveen, Syed K. Zaidi, Shams Tabrez, Shazi Shakil, Ausaf Ahmad, Rizwanul Haque, Jawaid Ahsan, Mohammad A. Kamal and Naheed Banu
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Detection, diseases, galectin, identification, lectin, therapy.
Abstract: Lectins are the (glyco)proteins that recognize and bind to specific sugar moieties without altering their structure.
Galectins are mammalian lectins characterized by the presence of conserved 134 amino acids carbohydrate recognition
domain and specificity for β-galactosides. The involvement of lectins in diverse biological spectrum, especially some
deadly human diseases like cancer, neurological disorders and cardiovascular disorders has proclaimed them as one of the
important components of glycobiology, thereby seeking the methods of their detection and identification heavily desirable.
In the present manuscript, we have provided a comprehensive outline of various methods of detection and identification
of lectins employed till date, with their needs and usage varying according to the level of infrastructure of laboratories
and around the world. In addition, a vision for some quick, highly sensitive and advanced methods for lectin detection and
identification for diagnostic and therapeutic of various diseases is also provided.
