Sponge aggregation factor and sponge hemagglutinin: possible relationships between two different molecules.

Abstract A lectin from the marine sponge GEODIA CYDONIUM was isolated and characterized. GEODIA lectin (GL) agglutinates human red blood cells irrespective of the ABO blood group and precipitates with a variety of D -galactose containing glycosubstances, i.e. certain snail galactans, bovine erythrocyte glycoprotein and PNEUMOCOCCUS type XIV polysaccharide. The only simple sugars inhibiting the GL-mediated hemagglutination were lactose and n -acetyl- D -galactosamine. GL was purified by affinity chromatography on Sepharose 4B almost to homogeneity as tested by polyacrylamide disc gel electrophoresis. Positive staining of the lectin band with Coomassie brilliant blue and PAS suggest that GL i…