Momordica charantia (MCL) lectin is isolated from Bitter Gourd seeds and affinity purified. MCL is a D-galactose-specific lectin and a tetrameric glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 120 kDa. This lectin has been shown to cause cell cycle arrest at the G₀/G₁ phase of Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC), pointing to its potential as a cytotoxic anticancer agent to implement into chemotherapies. In the absence of its inhibitory sugars D-lactose and D-galactose, MCL shows a strong ability to agglutinate pathogenic bacteria. In addition to this, MCL has shown to induce apoptosis by arresting the cell growth cycle at the G₂/M phase, injuring mitochondria, and activating the caspase and MAPK pathway in hepatocellular carcinomas. Pure MCL can be used for blotting and immunohistochemistry techniques. This product comes in a lyophilized form and is stable for more than three years when stored below -20°C.

Specifications:

• Source: Momordica charantia (Bitter Gourd)
• Carbohydrate Specificity: Galactose
• Inhibitory Carbohydrate: Galactose
• Divalent ions required: Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺

Storage and Stability:

Store frozen at -20°C in amber vials or covered with foil in appropriate aliquot sizes. Avoid freeze thaw cycles. Can be stored at 2-8 °C for short term use. Clarify by centrifugation, if needed.

Application

Glycobiology, Immunohistochemistry, Blotting

References

Kabir, S. R., Nabi, M. M., Nurujjaman, M., Abu Reza, M., Alam, A. H., Uz Zaman, R., Khalid-Bin-Ferdaus, K. M., Amin, R., Khan, M. M., Hossain, M. A., Uddin, M. S., & Mahmud, Z. H. (2015). Momordica charantia seed lectin: toxicity, bacterial agglutination and antitumor properties. Applied biochemistry and biotechnology, 175(5), “2628. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12010-014-1449-2

Zhang, C. Z., Fang, E. F., Zhang, H. T., Liu, L. L., & Yun, J. P. (2015). Momordica charantia lectin exhibits antitumor activity towards hepatocellular carcinoma. Investigational new drugs, 33(1), “11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10637-014-0156-8