Lectins are proteins that form a heterogeneous group, capable of binding specifically and reversibly to carbohydrates. They occur in various types of organisms, having different functions, in plants they are present in almost all structures, however with greater proportion in seeds roots and rhizomes. This review aims to provide a more detailed understanding of the antibacterial action of lectins and their biotechnological potential against pathogenic bacteria in the last ten years. Several mechanisms of action are described for the antibacterial activity of these proteins among which the best known occurs due to the interaction between the binding site of the lectin and the carbohydrates exposed on the bacterial cell surface. In vivo studies demonstrate that lectins act on the cascade of cytokines and influencing the level of nitric oxide as ways to decrease bacterial infection. To date, lectins have performed a wide antibacterial activity, emphasizing that each lectin acts according to its carbohydrate specificity, in this way, it is possible to have a distinct performance according to the plant species that are extracted. Thus, being an alternative to the antibacterial resistance that occurs in response to antibiotics. Furthermore, more studies with this theme are necessary for clinical application.

The lectins are proteins or glycoproteins, present one or more domain for reversible bonds of high specificity for carbohydrates. These proteins have a wide distribution in nature and can be found in plants, animals and micro-organisms. The lectins have different biological activities, with importance in different areas, this potential is a result of the ability of their domains. Based on this assumption, the work aims to report the lectins that have healing activity and in this way are targets for synthesis of natural products. The healing process becomes therapeutic target in the treatment of patients with diseases in which the tissue repair is slow or flawed. The lectins are studied with pharmaceutical interest, in order to induce the reepithelization process and accelerate healing. From lectins isolated from red algae, it was seen the decrease of areas of subcutaneous lesions and the increase of healing in the skin of animals tested. During the administration of Hydrogel containing Cramoll, the treated groups showed complete reepithelization of skin wounds. While the Frutapin showed high affinity for structures that contains glucose and mannose, presented low cytotoxicity and stimulated cell migration. The Galectins are involved in endogenous regulatory processes of inflammation and tissue repair. Cell-cell contact is a cellular phenomenon that mediates healing and is correlated with Galectin-3 expression, is also associated with the activation of cells that deposit collagen and constitute the dermis. The Galectin-1 accelerated the healing process by activation of the Smad3/NOX4 pathway by the predominant receptor NRP-1 in myofibroblasts. It is known that patients with hypertrophic scars, have low levels of the protein profile of Galectin-7. The lectins have a potential as healing agents and assistants of cell repair, being, therefore an alternative therapeutic source for the synthesis of natural products with healing action.

As lectinas são um grupo de proteínas que possuem como característica principal a capacidade de estabelecer interações específica e reversivelmente a carboidratos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar um levantamento bibliográfico acerca das atividades biotecnológicas das lectinas da espécie Bauhinia forficata, tradicionalmente utilizada na medicina popular por suas propriedades hipoglicemiantes, inclusive é uma das espécies listadas como de interesse ao SUS. Foi realizada busca por artigos científicos no Google Acadêmico, estabelecendo-se como recorte temporal o período de 2000 a 2020. Alguns descritores foram estabelecidos, e os artigos foram escolhidos conforme a relevância. Duas lectinas de B. forficata foram purificadas e caracterizadas, e há trabalhos que relatam estudos com proteínas recombinantes devido à dificuldade de se trabalhar com a forma natural. Dentre as potencialidades biotecnológicas para B. forficata está sua ação anticâncer, tendo sido registrada sua eficácia contra várias linhagens de células cancerígenas, como melanoma, câncer de mama e colorretal.

A tutoria faz parte dos programas acadêmicos oferecidos pela Universidade Federal da Paraíba (UFPB), com objetivo de auxiliar os discentes a partir da implementação de estratégias que facilitem o percurso dos estudantes pelas disciplinas com maiores índices de reprovação e evasão. Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o papel do tutor como agente no processo de ensino e aprendizagem na disciplina de Bioquímica Metabólica, na UFPB. Para tanto, os tutores dessa disciplina aplicaram quatro estudos dirigidos e um jogo didático nas turmas dos períodos letivos 2016.2 (Grupo 1/n= 27) e 2017.1 (Grupo 2/n= 23). O desempenho dos discentes que usufruíram dos recursos didáticos foi satisfatório e significativamente maior do que o grupo que não participou. A partir da avaliação da tutoria pelos discentes por meio de um questionário online, respondeu-se unanimemente que a disciplina de Bioquímica Metabólica precisa ofertar tutores, declarando que os mesmos são facilitadores importantes no processo de ensino e aprendizagem.