Triticum vulgare (WGA, Wheat Germ, Agglutinin)

Wheat germ agglutinin is a 36,000 molecular weight protein consisting of two identical subunits. WGA contains a group of closely related isolectins, with an isoelectric point about pH 9. The receptor sugar for WGA is N-acetylglucosamine, with preferential binding to dimers and trimers of this sugar. WGA can bind oligosaccharides containing terminal N-acetylglucosamine or chitobiose, structures which are common to many serum and membrane glycoproteins. Bacterial cell wall peptidoglycans, chitin, cartilage glycosaminoglycans and glycolipids can also bind WGA. Native WGA has also been reported to interact with some glycoproteins via sialic acid residues (see succinylated WGA). This lectin has proven useful for the purification of insulin receptors and for neuronal tracing. Applications: Specific methodologies have not been tested using this product. Recommended Dilution: Optimal dilutions to be determined by the researcher. Inhibiting/Eluting Sugar: Chitin Hydrolysate or 500mM N-acetylglucosamine with salt and/or acid elution generally required, Storage and Stability: Lyophilized powder may be stored at -20°C. Stable for 12 months at -20°C. For maximum recovery of product, centrifuge the original vial after thawing and prior to removing the cap. Further dilutions can be made in assay buffer.