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Science 8 September 1989:
Vol. 245. no. 4922, pp. 1100 - 1102
DOI: 10.1126/science.245.4922.1100
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Articles

A Chitin-Binding Lectin from Stinging Nettle Rhizomes with Antifungal Properties

WILLEM F. BROEKAERT 1, JAN VAN PARIJS 1, FREDERIK LEYNS 2, HENK JOOS 2, and WILLY J. PEUMANS 1

1 Laboratorium voor Plantenbiochemie, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Willem de Croylaan 42, B-3030 Leuven, Belgium.
2 Plant Genetic Systems, Jozef Plateaustraat 22, B-9000 Gent, Belgium.

Rhizomes of stinging nettle contain a small-sized lectin that exhibits binding specificity toward chitin. This lectin inhibits growth of several phytopathogenic and saprophytic chitin-containing fungi in vitro. The antifungal action of the nettle lectin differs from the action of chitinases, which are a ubiquitous class of antifungal plant proteins. Moreover, the nettle lectin acts synergistically with chitinase in inhibiting fungal growth. The nettle lectin may be a promising candidate for possible applications in the genetic engineering of disease-resistant crops.

Submitted on March 2, 1983
Accepted on June 6, 1989


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