Title:Ribosome-inactivating Proteins from Root Tubers and Seeds of Trichosan-thes kirilowii and Other Trichosanthes Species
Volume: 23
Issue: 8
Author(s): Xiujuan Ye, Charlene C.W. Ng, Jack H. Wong, Tzi B. Ng, Gabriel H.H. Chan, Suzhen Guan and Ou Sha
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Trichosanthes kirilowii, ribosome-inactivating proteins, anticancer, anti-HIV-1, anti-HSV-1.
Abstract: Ribosome-inactivating proteins have been isolated from Trichosanthes
kirilowii root tubers and seeds, including trichosanthin, karasurin and T 33
from root tubers and trichosanthrip, trichokirin, alpha-kirilowin, beta-kirilowin
and trichoanguin from seeds. The aforementioned proteins show structural and
functional similarities. Among them trichosanthin is the best known and most
intensely studied. Trichosanthin manifests anticancer activity in vitro and in tumor
bearing mice against a variety of cancers/cancer cell lines. It also exhibits
anti-HIV-1 and anti-HSV-1 activities. Trichosanthin has been found to be useful
for treatment of cesarean scar pregnancies and ectopic pregnancy, and for preventing
acute rejection of major histocompatibility complex-mismatched mouse
skin allograft. Trichosanthin selectively lesions some neurons and thus can be used in neuroscience
research.
