Molecular characterization and expression analysis of a gene encoding mannose-binding lectin from bulb of Zephyranthes grandiflora

Abstract

In this paper we report on the molecular cloning, sequencing and partially characterisation of a lectin from bulb of the Chinese medicinal plant Zephyranthes grandiflora. The full-length cDNA of Z. grandiflora bulb lectin (ZGBL) consisted of 986 bp and contained a 576 bp ORF encoding a 191 amino acid protein. Bioinformatics analysis results clearly indicate that ZGBL belongs to the monocot mannose-binding lectin family, which contains 3 putative mannose-binding sites per subunit. RT-PCR analysis results indicate that ZGBL is constitutively expressed in all the tested tissue types including root, bulb, leaf and flower. Interestingly, ZGBL is more closely related to the Orchidaceae rather than the Amaryllidaceae family on molecular evolution.

Encapsulation and Regeneration of In Vitro Derived Zephyranthes Grandiflora: An Effective Way for Exchange of Germplasm

“…grandiflora Lindley (family: Amaryllidaceae), a traditional Chinese medicinal herb and ornamental plant [1], has been attributed with various pharmacological activities, namely antineoplastic, antidiabetic, and anti-HIV [2,3]. Pancratistatin and henanthridine are two novel antineoplastic agents that have been isolated from the bulb of this plant [4].…”

Embryo Rescue via Artificial Seed Technique and Long-Term Preservation of <i>Zephyranthes</i>

“…Zephyranthes species have been used as medicinal herbs [5] [6] [7] and have been used in various pharmacological activities including antineoplastic, antidiabetic, and anti-HIV [5] [8]. Furthermore, the medicinal and ornamental properties of Z. grandiflora have increased market demand for it at both the domestic and international level.…”

Karyotype variability in species of the genus Zephyranthes Herb. (Amaryllidaceae–Hippeastreae)

“…Many of them are valued as ornamentals with relatively small flowers and short lifecycle (Lorenzi and Souza 1999). Some, such as Z. grandiflora, are used in herbal treatments (Kai et al 2006); species such as Z. candida, Z. atamasco, and others are used as ornamentals, and as donors of resistance genes against aphids and homoptera (Pang et al 2004). It is a karyologically variable group, with chromosome numbers between 2n = 10 in Zephyranthes seubertii (Daviña 2001) and 2n = 200 in a horticultural hybrid (Flory and Smith 1980).…”