Plant-Derived Lectins as Potential Cancer Therapeutics and Diagnostic Tools

Abstract

Cancer remains a global health challenge, with high morbidity and mortality, despite the recent advances in diagnosis and treatment. Multiple compounds assessed as novel potential anticancer drugs derive from natural sources, including microorganisms, plants, and animals. Lectins, a group of highly diverse proteins of nonimmune origin with carbohydrate-binding abilities, have been detected in virtually all kingdoms of life. These proteins can interact with free and/or cell surface oligosaccharides and might differentially bind cancer cells, since malignant transformation is tightly associated with altered cell surface glycans. Therefore, lectins could represent a valuable tool for cancer diagnosis and be developed as anticancer therapeutics. Indeed, several plant lectins exert cytotoxic effects mainly by inducing apoptotic and autophagic pathways in malignant cells. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding the basis for the use of lectins in cancer diagnosis and therapy, providing a few examples of plant-derived carbohydrate-binding proteins with demonstrated antitumor effects.

Anticancer and Immunomodulatory Benefits of Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Corms, an Underexploited Tuber Crop

“…GNA-related lectins exert their cytotoxic activities on cancer cells mainly by deactivating rat sarcoma-rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (Ras–Raf) and PI3K–Akt pathways previously activated by PGE2 autocrine action through the prostaglandin E receptor 1-4 (EP1-4) receptor, inhibiting the proliferation, migration/invasion, and survival of cancer cells. Once the anti-apoptotic pathways are inhibited, cell death can be induced through apoptosis or autophagy triggered by mitochondria injury following the accumulation of ROS and cytochrome c release, culminating in the activation of ROS-p38-p53 and caspase-dependent pathways [ 122 , 123 , 124 ].…”

“…Lipid digestion may also be regulated by phenolic compounds through the inhibition of pancreatic lipase, followed by excretion in feces, consequently reducing body mass. Both effects have been demonstrated in clinical trials, being considered adequate for diabetes and obesity control, since they share similar mechanisms of action with many drugs currently in use [ 119 , 122 , 123 ].…”

Purification, Characterization, and Antiproliferative Activity of a Single‐Chain Lectin from Vicia palaestina (Fabaceae) Seeds

“…Both types of lectins may be present in the same species, e. g ., V. cracca [14] . Lectins are potential anticancer agents because they induce apoptosis and autophagy in malignant cells [15] . It has been described that lectins from genera Canavalia , Dioclea and Bauhinia have shown antiproliferative activity [15] .…”

Bioactive Compounds of Jack Beans (Canavalia Species)

“…Lectins derived from plants serve as diagnostic tool as well as potent therapeutics against a variety of cancers. Among the lectins, Con interferes with signaling pathway which leads to apoptosis and autophagy [73]. Among the different concanavalins, Con A (C. ensiformis) has been studied widely to understand its structure, functions, and applications.…”