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Binding of N-Acetyl-neuraminic Acid by Wheat-germ Agglutinin

Nature New Biology volume 241, pages 191–192 (1973)Cite this article

Abstract

SURFACE changes on cell membranes are thought to play a significant role in malignant transformation. The agglutination of transformed cells by plant lectins reflects some of the altered surface properties of these cells1–3. Wheat-germ agglutinin (WGA) binds nearly equally to both normal and transformed cells4; however, with few exceptions, only transformed cells are agglutinated5–7. Agglutination by this lectin is reversible and is inhibited by N-acetylglucosamine, di-N-acetyl chitobiose, and ovomucoid8.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, 11724

    P. J. GREENAWAY & D. LEVINE

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  1. P. J. GREENAWAY
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  2. D. LEVINE
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GREENAWAY, P., LEVINE, D. Binding of N-Acetyl-neuraminic Acid by Wheat-germ Agglutinin. Nature New Biology 241, 191–192 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1038/newbio241191a0

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