Structures and Functions of C-type Lectins in Marine Invertebrates

Lectins distributing in all animal phyla form a diverse group of protein families that have in common the ability to recognize and bind certain carbohydrates. Although at least 13 animal lectin families are known to exist, many of marine invertebrate lectins are categorized in C-type lectin family, which was named from the Ca^-dependency for their carbohydrate binding activities. In contrast to a growing list of C-type lectins in marine invertebrates, their physiological roles are not fully understood. This review summarizes the structures and functions of marine invertebrate C-type lectins with our new findings