Lebectin and lebecetin, two C-type lectins from snake venom, inhibit alpha5beta1 and alphaV-containing integrins

Matrix Biol. 2007 May;26(4):306-13. doi: 10.1016/j.matbio.2007.01.001. Epub 2007 Jan 13.

Abstract

Integrins are essential protagonists in the complex multistep process of cancer progression and metastasis. We recently reported that lebectin, a novel C-type lectin from Macrovipera lebetina venom, displays an anti-integrin activity. In this study, we extend this observation to lebecetin, a second C-type lectin isolated from the same venom and previously reported as a potent inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Both venom lectins appear to exert their effect on cell adhesion, migration, invasion and proliferation by inhibiting alpha5beta1 and alphav-containing integrins. Moreover, the inhibition of alpha5beta1 and alphav integrins is likely due to the binding of venom peptides, as both lebectin and lebecetin co-immunoprecipitate with these integrins. Lebectin and lebecetin are thus the first examples of venom C-type lectins inhibiting an integrin other than the collagen receptor alpha2beta1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Adhesion
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cell Movement
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / drug effects
  • Humans
  • Immunoprecipitation
  • Integrin alpha5beta1 / antagonists & inhibitors
  • Integrin alpha5beta1 / metabolism*
  • Integrin alphaV / metabolism*
  • Lectins / chemistry*
  • Lectins, C-Type / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Invasiveness
  • Snake Venoms / metabolism*
  • Viper Venoms / metabolism*
  • Viper Venoms / toxicity

Substances

  • Integrin alpha5beta1
  • Integrin alphaV
  • Lectins
  • Lectins, C-Type
  • Snake Venoms
  • Viper Venoms
  • lebecetin protein, Macrovipera lebetina
  • lebectin protein, Macrovipera lebetina