C2272

Concanavalin A from Canavalia ensiformis (Jack bean)

biotin conjugate, Type IV, lyophilized powder

• Synonym(s): ConA
• UNSPSC Code: 12352202
• NACRES: NA.32

Properties

• biological source: Canavalia ensiformis
• Quality Level: 200
• conjugate: biotin conjugate
• type: Type IV
• form: lyophilized powder
• composition: Protein, ~85% ε1%/280
• extent of labeling: 4-8 mol biotin per mol protein
• impurities: Carbohydrate, essentially free
• storage temp.: 2-8°C

Description

General description

Concanavalin A is isolated from the from Canavalia ensiformis (Jack bean). It is a mitogenic lectin with a dome-like structures and is a tetrameric protein.[1]

Application

Concanavalin A from Canavalia ensiformis (Jack bean) has been used:

• in the colabelling of fischer rat thyroid (FRT) epithelia(104)
• to induce autoimmune hepatitis in Cre-conditional atg7 knockout mice(105)
• to detect glycoproteins containing α-D-mannose, α-D-glucose when used with avidin or streptavidin detection system(106)

Biochem/physiol Actions

Con A is not blood group specific but has an affinity for terminal α-D-mannosyl and α-D-glucosyl residues. Ca²⁺ and Mn²⁺ ions are required for activity. Con A dissociates into dimers at pH 5.6 or below. Between pH 5.8 and pH 7.0, Con A exists as a tetramer; above pH 7.0 higher aggregates are formed. Con A exhibits mitogenic activity which is dependent on its degree of aggregation. Succinylation results in an active dimeric form which remains a dimer above pH 5.6.

Concanavalin A (Con A) bound to glycoenzyme has wide applications and can be dissociated in the presence of high sugar levels.[2] Con A induces hepatic inflammation.[3] It stimulates macrophages and promotes cytokine production. Con A also exhibits anti-hepatoma effect and could be used effectively as a vaccine for treating cancer.[4]

Packaging

Package size based on protein content

Physical form

Contains sodium citrate

Analysis Note

Where reported, agglutination activity is expressed in μg/ml and is determined from serial dilutions in phosphate buffered saline, pH 6.8, containing Ca²⁺ and Mn²⁺ of a 1 mg per mL solution. This activity is the lowest concentration to agglutinate a 2% suspension of human erythrocytes after 1 hr incubation at 25 °C.

Safety Information

• Pictograms: GHS07
• Signal Word: Warning
• Hazard Statements: H317
• Precautionary Statements: P280
• Hazard Classifications: Skin Sens. 1
• Storage Class Code: 11 - Combustible Solids
• WGK: WGK 3
• Flash Point(F): Not applicable
• Flash Point(C): Not applicable
• Personal Protective Equipment: dust mask type N95 (US), Eyeshields, Gloves