Basidiomycete Clitocybe nebularis is rich in lectins with insecticidal activities

Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2011 Aug;91(4):1141-8. doi: 10.1007/s00253-011-3236-0. Epub 2011 May 10.

Abstract

Basidiomycete mushrooms are a rich source of unique substances, including lectins, that could potentially be useful in biotechnology or biomedical applications. Lectins are a group of carbohydrate-binding proteins with diverse biological activities and functions. Here, we demonstrate the presence of a number of lectins in the basidiomycete mushroom Clitocybe nebularis. Glucose-, galactose-, sucrose-, lactose-, and Sepharose-binding lectins were isolated from fruiting bodies using affinity chromatography on Sepharose-immobilized sugars or on Sepharose. The lectins were characterized biochemically and their binding specificities examined by agglutination and agglutination inhibition assays. In addition, insecticidal and anti-nutritional properties of the lectins were studied against a model organism, fruit fly (Drosophila melanogaster), and Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata). Of the several basidiomycete mushrooms screened, C. nebularis extract showed the most potent insecticidal activity. Sucrose-binding lectin showed the strongest activity against D. melanogaster, followed by lactose- and galactose-binding lectins. Feeding bioassays with Colorado potato beetle revealed that C. nebularis extract exhibited high anti-nutritional activity against the insect; and of those tested, only lactose-binding lectin, named CNL showed the effect. Mushroom C. nebularis is shown to be rich in a variety of lectins with versatile biological activities, including insecticidal and anti-nutritional effects. C. nebularis lectins could thus have potential for use as natural insecticides.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Agaricales / chemistry*
  • Animals
  • Chromatography, Affinity
  • Chromatography, Liquid
  • Fruiting Bodies, Fungal / chemistry
  • Insecta / drug effects*
  • Insecticides / isolation & purification
  • Insecticides / pharmacology*
  • Lectins / isolation & purification
  • Lectins / pharmacology*
  • Survival Analysis

Substances

  • Insecticides
  • Lectins