L-type lectin domain
In molecular biology the L-like lectin domain is a protein domain found in lectins which are similar to the leguminous plant lectins.
Lectins are structurally diverse proteins that bind to specific carbohydrates. This family includes the VIP36 and ERGIC-53 lectins. Although proteins containing this domain were originally identified as a family of animal lectins, there are also yeast representatives.
ERGIC-53 is a 53kDa protein, localised to the intermediate region between the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus. It was identified as a calcium-dependent, mannose-specific lectin. Its has been associated with combined factors V and VIII deficiency, suggesting an important and substrate-specific role for ERGIC-53 in the glycoprotein-secreting pathway.
The L-like lectin domain has an overall globular shape composed of a beta-sandwich of two major twisted antiparallel beta-sheets. The beta-sandwich comprises a major beta-sheet and a minor beta-sheet, in a variation of the jelly roll fold.
