Centella Asiatica Compounds Bind to Galectin-3 to Prevent Cell Interactions

Greg Howard
28th July, 2024

Centella Asiatica Compounds Bind to Galectin-3 to Prevent Cell Interactions

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • Researchers from Northeast Normal University studied pectic polysaccharides from Centella Asiatica for their potential to inhibit galectins, proteins that promote tumor growth
  • The study identified two main polysaccharide fractions, WCAP-A2b and WCAP-A5b, which showed different binding affinities to galectins
  • WCAP-A5b, with a lower degree of methylation, demonstrated stronger binding to galectins, particularly Gal-3, suggesting its potential as a natural inhibitor for tumor growth
Centella Asiatica, a medicinal plant, has shown promise in tumor treatment. However, the specific active ingredients and mechanisms by which it exerts its effects are not well understood. Researchers from Northeast Normal University have focused on pectic polysaccharides, the primary active components in many medicinal plants, and their potential role in inhibiting galectins, a family of proteins known to promote tumor growth[1]. Galectins, particularly galectin-1, -3, and -7, are known to regulate various biological processes, including cell growth, differentiation, survival, and death[2]. These proteins can bind to specific carbohydrate structures on cell surfaces, influencing signaling pathways that can lead to tumor progression[3]. Galectin-3, for example, has been implicated in chronic inflammation and heart disease, highlighting its role in pathological processes[4]. Given this background, the potential of pectic polysaccharides from Centella Asiatica to inhibit galectins presents a promising avenue for cancer treatment. The study conducted by Northeast Normal University aimed to elucidate the structural characteristics of pectic polysaccharides from Centella Asiatica and their interactions with galectins. This research is crucial because, despite the recognized therapeutic potential of these polysaccharides, detailed structural analysis and knowledge of their molecular interactions with galectins are lacking. To address this gap, the researchers employed various analytical techniques to characterize the structure of pectic polysaccharides. These techniques likely included methods such as mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, which are commonly used to determine the detailed structure of complex carbohydrates. Understanding the structure is essential because the specific arrangement of sugar molecules in polysaccharides can significantly influence their biological activity. In addition to structural analysis, the study investigated how these pectic polysaccharides interact with galectins. This likely involved biochemical assays to measure the binding affinity of the polysaccharides to galectin proteins. By determining which structural features of the polysaccharides are critical for binding, the researchers could identify potential inhibitors of galectin-mediated tumor growth. Previous studies have shown that galectins can influence tumor progression through various mechanisms, including modulating the immune response and promoting cell proliferation[3][5]. For instance, galectin-3 has been shown to play a role in myocardial fibrosis and inflammation, suggesting its involvement in tissue remodeling and disease progression[4]. By inhibiting galectins, pectic polysaccharides from Centella Asiatica could potentially disrupt these pathological processes, thereby inhibiting tumor growth. Moreover, the therapeutic potential of targeting galectins has been highlighted in various diseases, including cancer and fibrosis[5]. Small-molecule inhibitors, natural polysaccharides, and other therapeutic agents have been explored to inhibit galectin function. The study from Northeast Normal University adds to this body of knowledge by providing new insights into the potential of pectic polysaccharides from Centella Asiatica as galectin inhibitors. In summary, the research conducted by Northeast Normal University sheds light on the structural characteristics and molecular interactions of pectic polysaccharides from Centella Asiatica with galectins. By elucidating these details, the study provides a foundation for developing new therapeutic strategies targeting galectins to treat tumors and potentially other diseases where galectins play a crucial role. This research not only advances our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the medicinal properties of Centella Asiatica but also contributes to the broader field of galectin-targeted therapies.

MedicineBiochemPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) RG-I-containing sugar domains from Centella Asiatica bind strongly to galectin-3 to inhibit cell–cell interactions

Published 27th July, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40538-024-00615-8

Related Studies

2) Expression, Regulation, and Functions of the Galectin-16 Gene in Human Cells and Tissues.

https://doi.org/10.3390/biom11121909

3) Galectins: An Ancient Family of Carbohydrate Binding Proteins with Modern Functions.

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-2055-7_1

4) The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential of Galectin-3 in Cardiovascular Diseases.

https://doi.org/10.3390/biom12010046

5) Targeting galectin-driven regulatory circuits in cancer and fibrosis.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41573-023-00636-2


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