| abstract |
The invention discloses ribosome inactivating proteins (RIPs) with two chains, which are not toxic in the extra-cellular environment, of plant origin, and capable of interacting with ribonucleic acid and causing the inhibition of the biosynthesis of proteins in cellular systems, said proteins being comprised of two chains A and B, chain A having a N-glucosidase activity of the ribosomal ribonucleic acid, and chain B having a lectine activity, both chains being joined by disulphide bridges. Among said proteins, Nigrine b isolated from bark of Sambucus nigra L., basic Nigrine l isolated from the leaves of Sambucus nigra L., Ebuline l isolated from leaves of Sambucus ebulus L. and Racenosine b isolated from the bark of Sambucus racemosa L. are mentioned. Said proteins find application as inactivators of the rebonucleic acid and as inhibitors of the protein synthesis, and are potentially useful in the therapy of cancer and AIDS. |