Role of N-Acetylgalactosamine-Specific Protein in Trapping of Nematodes by Arthrobotrys oligospora.

An N-acetylgalactosamine-specific protein was purified from mycelial homogenates of the nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora by using affinity chromatography. The molecular weight of the protein was estimated at 22,000 by its comparative mobility on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide slab gels. Pretreatment of nematodes with the purified protein reduced entrapment, indicating a role for the sugar-binding protein in recognition and capture of prey by the fungus.