Expression Analysis of Jasmonate-Responsive Lectins in Plants

The Nicotiana tabacum lectin, also designated Nictaba, is a nucleocytoplasmic carbohydrate-binding protein produced in tobacco leaves after application of specific jasmonates and upon insect herbivory. Here, we describe different techniques by which lectin production can be induced through exogenous jasmonate application on tobacco plants. Furthermore, we elaborate on the assays to detect Nictaba expression at RNA and protein levels as well as on the agglutination assays to identify the lectin activity.