Lectin affinity electrophoresis

Methods Mol Biol. 2014:1200:121-9. doi: 10.1007/978-1-4939-1292-6_11.

Abstract

An interaction or a binding event typically changes the electrophoretic properties of a molecule. Affinity electrophoresis methods detect changes in the electrophoretic pattern of molecules (mainly macromolecules) that occur as a result of biospecific interactions or complex formation. Lectin affinity electrophoresis is a very effective method for the detection and analysis of trace amounts of glycobiological substances. It is particularly useful for isolating and separating the glycoisomers of target molecules. Here, we describe a sensitive technique for the detection of glycoproteins separated by agarose gel-lectin affinity electrophoresis that uses antibody-affinity blotting. The technique is tested using α-fetoprotein with lectin (Lens culinaris agglutinin and Phaseolus vulgaris agglutinin)-agarose gels.

MeSH terms

  • Electrophoresis / methods*
  • Humans
  • Plant Lectins / metabolism*
  • Sepharose / chemistry
  • alpha-Fetoproteins / isolation & purification
  • alpha-Fetoproteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Plant Lectins
  • alpha-Fetoproteins
  • Sepharose