Macedo Maria Lígia R, Oliveira Caio F R, Oliveira Carolina T
Department of Food Technology and Public Health, University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul 79070-900, Brazil.
Molecules. 2015 Jan 27;20(2):2014-33. doi: 10.3390/molecules20022014.
Lectins constitute a complex group of proteins found in different organisms. These proteins constitute an important field for research, as their structural diversity and affinity for several carbohydrates makes them suitable for numerous biological applications. This review addresses the classification and insecticidal activities of plant lectins, providing an overview of the applicability of these proteins in crop protection. The likely target sites in insect tissues, the mode of action of these proteins, as well as the use of lectins as biotechnological tools for pest control are also described. The use of initial bioassays employing artificial diets has led to the most recent advances in this field, such as plant breeding and the construction of fusion proteins, using lectins for targeting the delivery of toxins and to potentiate expected insecticide effects. Based on the data presented, we emphasize the contribution that plant lectins may make as tools for the development of integrated insect pest control strategies.
凝集素是存在于不同生物体中的一类复杂蛋白质。这些蛋白质构成了一个重要的研究领域，因为它们的结构多样性以及对多种碳水化合物的亲和力使其适用于众多生物学应用。本综述阐述了植物凝集素的分类和杀虫活性，概述了这些蛋白质在作物保护中的适用性。还描述了昆虫组织中可能的靶位点、这些蛋白质的作用方式，以及凝集素作为害虫防治生物技术工具的应用。采用人工饲料进行初步生物测定的方法已推动了该领域的最新进展，例如植物育种以及融合蛋白的构建，利用凝集素靶向递送毒素并增强预期的杀虫效果。基于所呈现的数据，我们强调植物凝集素作为综合害虫防治策略开发工具可能做出的贡献。
