The discovery of MAP30 and elucidation of its medicinal activities

Abstract

In this chapter, we review the discovery of MAP30, a novel multifunctional antiviral and anti-tumor plant protein, and elucidation of its medicinal properties. MAP30, M omordica A ntiviral P rotein 30 kD, is isolated from the medicinal plant Momordica charantia. Biochemical and biophysical studies have yielded important insights into the structure, function and mechanism of MAP30. Column chromatography by ionic exchange, affinity binding and size fractionation were applied for the isolation and purification of MAP30. Protein and nucleotide sequencing were used to elucidate the structure of this protein and its gene. The gene encoding MAP30 was cloned and expressed by recombinant technology. Structure activity mapping was performed using 3D-structure determination, bioinformatics and molecular modeling, together with bioactivity confirmation. Results from these studies demonstrate how cutting-edge modern approaches can be applied to discover medicinal activities from natural products and to define their molecular structure, biological function, and mechanisms of action.