Wheat germ agglutinin

Wheat germ agglutinin or WGA is a lectin that protects wheat (Triticum vulgaris) from insects, yeast and bacteria. An agglutinin protein, it binds to N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and Sialic acid. N-acetyl-D-glucosamine in the natural environment of wheat is found in the chitin of insects, and the cell membrane of yeast & bacteria. WGA is found abundantly—but not exclusively—in the wheat kernel, where it got the 'germ' name from. In mammals the N-acetyl-D-glucosamine that WGA binds to is found in cartilage^[1] and cornea^[2] among other places. In those animals sialic acid is found in mucous membranes, e.g. the lining of the inner nose, and digestive tract.

In solution, WGA exists mostly as a heterodimer of 38,000 daltons. It is cationic at physiological pH.

References

Protein: lectins

Animal

C-type lectins	Asialoglycoprotein receptor KLRD1 Collectin Mannan-binding lectin Mannose receptor proteochondroitin sulfate Aggrecan Versican Brevican Neurocan

Other	Calnexin Calreticulin CD22 CD33 Galectin Myelin-associated glycoprotein N-Acetylglucosamine receptor Selectin Sialoadhesin

Plant

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Wheat germ agglutinin

See also

References