Biotinylated Griffonia Simplicifolia Lectin I (GSL I) isolectin B4

GSL I is a family of glycoproteins with molecular weights of approximately 114 kDa. There are two types of subunits, termed A and B , with slightly different molecular weights. These subunits combine to form tetrameric structures, resulting in five isolectins. The A -rich lectin preferentially agglutinates blood group A erythrocytes and thus appears to be specific for α-N-acetylgalactosamine residues, while the B -rich lectin preferentially agglutinates blood group B cells and is specific for α-galactose residues. Our GSL I is a mixture of the five isolectins. GSL I has been reported to bind several glycoproteins including laminin.

GSL I-B₄ isolectin contains only the B subunits. It is a useful marker for endothelial cells from nonprimates such as mouse, rat, rabbit, and goat as well as a marker for non-peptidergic unmyelinated primary afferent neurons.

Biotinylated GSL I-B₄ has an appropriate number of biotins bound to provide the optimum staining characteristics for this lectin. This conjugate is supplied essentially free of unconjugated biotins and is preserved with sodium sodium azide.

This biotinylated lectin is an ideal intermediate for examining glycoconjugates using the Biotin-Avidin/Streptavidin System. First the biotinylated lectin is added, followed by the VECTASTAIN ABC Reagent, Avidin D conjugate, or streptavidin derivative.

Inhibiting Sugar: 500 mM galactose or 100 mM raffinose