Showing papers on "Galectin published in 2010"
TL;DR: T cell/transmembrane, immunoglobulin, and mucin gene family molecules provide a functional repertoire for recognition of apoptotic cells, which determines whether apoptotic cell recognition leads to immune activation or tolerance, depending on the TIM molecule engaged and the cell type on which it is expressed.
Abstract: The TIM (T cell/transmembrane, immunoglobulin, and mucin) gene family plays a critical role in regulating immune responses, including allergy, asthma, transplant tolerance, autoimmunity, and the response to viral infections. The unique structure of TIM immunoglobulin variable region domains allows highly specific recognition of phosphatidylserine (PtdSer), exposed on the surface of apoptotic cells. TIM-1, TIM-3, and TIM-4 all recognize PtdSer but differ in expression, suggesting that they have distinct functions in regulating immune responses. TIM-1, an important susceptibility gene for asthma and allergy, is preferentially expressed on T-helper 2 (Th2) cells and functions as a potent costimulatory molecule for T-cell activation. TIM-3 is preferentially expressed on Th1 and Tc1 cells, and generates an inhibitory signal resulting in apoptosis of Th1 and Tc1 cells. TIM-3 is also expressed on some dendritic cells and can mediate phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and cross-presentation of antigen. In contrast, TIM-4 is exclusively expressed on antigen-presenting cells, where it mediates phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and plays an important role in maintaining tolerance. TIM molecules thus provide a functional repertoire for recognition of apoptotic cells, which determines whether apoptotic cell recognition leads to immune activation or tolerance, depending on the TIM molecule engaged and the cell type on which it is expressed.
555 citations
TL;DR: Current research indicates that galectins play important roles in the development of acute inflammation as well as chronic inflammation associated with allergies, autoimmune diseases, atherosclerosis, infectious processes, and cancer, and recombinant proteins or specific galectin inhibitors may be used as therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases.
Abstract: Galectins, β-galactoside-binding animal lectins, are differentially expressed by various immune cells as well as a wide range of other cell types. Extracellularly, galectins are able to exhibit bivalent or multivalent interactions with cell-surface glycans on various immune cells and exert various effects. These include cytokine and mediator production, cell adhesion, apoptosis, and chemoattraction. In addition, they can form lattices with cell-surface glycoprotein receptors, resulting in modulation of receptor functions, including clustering and endocytosis. Intracellularly, galectins can participate in signaling pathways and modulate biologic responses. These include apoptosis, cell differentiation, and cell migration. Thus, a large body of literature indicates that galectins play important roles in the immune and inflammatory responses through regulating the homeostasis and functions of immune cells. The use of mice deficient in individual galectins has provided additional evidence for the contributions of these proteins to these responses. Current research indicates that galectins play important roles in the development of acute inflammation as well as chronic inflammation associated with allergies, autoimmune diseases, atherosclerosis, infectious processes, and cancer. Thus, recombinant proteins or specific galectin inhibitors may be used as therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases.
363 citations
TL;DR: The function and divergent mechanisms of MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16 in carcinogenesis in the context of alteration in cell growth and survival are discussed.
Abstract: Mucins (MUC) are high molecular weight O-linked glycoproteins whose primary functions are to hydrate, protect, and lubricate the epithelial luminal surfaces of the ducts within the human body. The MUC family is comprised of large secreted gel forming and transmembrane (TM) mucins. MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16 are the well-characterized TM mucins and have been shown to be aberrantly overexpressed in various malignancies including cystic fibrosis, asthma, and cancer. Recent studies have uncovered the unique roles of these mucins in the pathogenesis of cancer. These mucins possess specific domains that can make complex associations with various signaling pathways, impacting cell survival through alterations of cell growth, proliferation, death, and autophagy. The cytoplasmic domain of MUC1 serves as a scaffold for interaction with various signaling proteins. On the other hand, MUC4 mediates its effect by stabilizing and enhancing the activity of growth factor receptor ErbB2. MUC16, previously known as CA125, is a well-known serum marker for the diagnosis of ovarian cancer and has a key role in stimulation and dissemination of ovarian cancer cells by interacting with mesothelin and galectin. Therefore, herein we discuss the function and divergent mechanisms of MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16 in carcinogenesis in the context of alteration in cell growth and survival.
349 citations
TL;DR: It is suggested that galectin‐3‐containing structures may serve as a potential novel tool to spot vacuole lysis following entry of Shigella into the cytosol and detected a striking phenomenon.
Abstract: Shigella bacteria invade macrophages and epithelial cells and following internalization lyse the phagosome and escape to the cytoplasm. Galectin-3, an abundant protein in macrophages and epithelial cells, belongs to a family of beta-galactoside-binding proteins, the galectins, with many proposed functions in immune response, development, differentiation, cancer and infection. Galectins are synthesized as cytosolic proteins and following non-classical secretion bind extracellular beta-galactosides. Here we analysed the localization of galectin-3 following entry of Shigella into the cytosol and detected a striking phenomenon. Very shortly after bacterial invasion, intracellular galectin-3 accumulated in structures in vicinity to internalized bacteria. By using immuno-electron microscopy analysis we identified galectin-3 in membranes localized in the phagosome and in tubules and vesicles that derive from the endocytic pathway. We also demonstrated that the binding of galectin-3 to host N-acetyllactosamine-containing glycans, was required for forming the structures. Accumulation of the structures was a type three secretion system-dependent process. More specifically, existence of structures was strictly dependent upon lysis of the phagocytic vacuole and could be shown also by Gram-positive Listeria and Salmonella sifA mutant. We suggest that galectin-3-containing structures may serve as a potential novel tool to spot vacuole lysis.
298 citations
TL;DR: Evidence indicates that lectin pattern recognition in innate immunity is part of a general mechanism of density-dependent glycan recognition, which leads to a new definition of lectin receptor in biological systems, which considers the density and number of glycan epitopes on the surface of cells and not just the affinity of single epitopes.
Abstract: The innate immune response of multicellular organisms is initiated by the binding of soluble and membrane-bound host molecules including lectins to the surface of pathogenic organisms. Until recently, it was believed that the epitopes recognized by host molecules were uniquely associated with the pathogenic organisms. Hence, the term pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) was used to describe their binding specificities. However, with an expanding number of lectin classes including C-type lectins, siglecs, and galectins recognized as PRRs, it is apparent that many of the glycan epitopes recognized on foreign pathogens are present in the host and involved in cellular functions. Hence, the molecular basis for pattern recognition by lectins of carbohydrate epitopes on pathogens is in question. A number of studies indicate that the density and number of glycan epitopes in multivalent carbohydrates and glycoprotein receptors determine the affinity of lectins and their effector functions. This paper reviews lectins that are involved in innate immunity, mechanisms of enhanced affinity and cross-linking of lectins with density-dependent glycan epitopes, density-dependent recognition of glycan receptors by lectins in host systems and lectin-glycan interactions in foreign pathogens. Evidence indicates that lectin pattern recognition in innate immunity is part of a general mechanism of density-dependent glycan recognition. This leads to a new definition of lectin receptor in biological systems, which considers the density and number of glycan epitopes on the surface of cells and not just the affinity of single epitopes.
245 citations
TL;DR: The data uncover a novel mechanism by which the Tim-3/Gal-9 pathway regulates immune responses and identifies this pathway as a therapeutic target in diseases where myeloid-derived suppressor cells are disadvantageous.
Abstract: IFN-gamma plays a central role in antitumor immunity. T cell Ig and mucin domain (Tim-3) is expressed on IFN-gamma-producing Th1 cells; on interaction with its ligand, galectin-9, Th1 immunity is terminated. In this study, we show that transgenic overexpression of Tim-3 on T cells results in an increase in CD11b(+)Ly-6G(+) cells and inhibition of immune responses. Molecular characterization of CD11b(+)Ly-6G(+) cells reveals a phenotype consistent with granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Accordingly, we find that modulation of the Tim-3/galectin-9 (Gal-9) pathway impacts on tumor growth. Similarly, overexpression of Tim-3 ligand, Gal-9, results in an increase in CD11b(+)Ly-6G(+) cells and inhibition of immune responses. Loss of Tim-3 restores normal levels of CD11b(+)Ly-6G(+) cells and normal immune responses in Gal-9 transgenic mice. Our data uncover a novel mechanism by which the Tim-3/Gal-9 pathway regulates immune responses and identifies this pathway as a therapeutic target in diseases where myeloid-derived suppressor cells are disadvantageous.
239 citations
TL;DR: This work proposes an alternative concept termed "glycan gimmickry," which is defined as an active strategy of parasites to use their glycans to target GBPs within the host to promote their survival.
Abstract: Parasitic helminths (worms) co-evolved with vertebrate immune systems to enable long-term survival of worms in infected hosts. Among their survival strategies, worms use their glycans within glycoproteins and glycolipids, which are abundant on helminth surfaces and in their excretory/ secretory products, to regulate and suppress host immune responses. Many helminths express unusual and antigenic (nonhost-like) glycans, including those containing polyfucose, tyvelose, terminal GalNAc, phosphorylcholine, methyl groups, and sugars in unusual linkages. In addition, some glycan antigens are expressed that share structural features with those in their intermediate and vertebrate hosts (host-like glycans), including Le(X) (Galbeta1-4[Fucalpha1-3]GlcNAc-), LDNF (GalNAcbeta1-4[Fucalpha1-3]GlcNAc-), LDN (GalNAcbeta1-4GlcNAc-), and Tn (GalNAcalpha1-O-Thr/Ser) antigens. The expression of host-like glycan determinants is remarkable and suggests that helminths may gain advantages by synthesizing such glycans. The expression of host-like glycans by parasites previously led to the concept of "molecular mimicry," in which molecules are either derived from the pathogen or acquired from the host to evade recognition by the host immune system. However, recent discoveries into the potential of host glycan-binding proteins (GBPs), such as C-type lectin receptors and galectins, to functionally interact with various host-like helminth glycans provide new insights. Host GBPs through their interactions with worm-derived glycans participate in shaping innate and adaptive immune responses upon infection. We thus propose an alternative concept termed "glycan gimmickry," which is defined as an active strategy of parasites to use their glycans to target GBPs within the host to promote their survival.
196 citations
TL;DR: The interaction between Tim3 on Th1 cells and galectin-9 on Mycobacterium tuberculosis–infected macrophages restricts the bacterial growth by stimulating caspase-1–dependent IL-1β secretion.
Abstract: T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim3) is a negative regulatory molecule that inhibits effector TH1-type responses. Such inhibitory signals prevent unintended tissue inflammation, but can be detrimental if they lead to premature T cell exhaustion. Although the role of Tim3 in autoimmunity has been extensively studied, whether Tim3 regulates antimicrobial immunity has not been explored. Here, we show that Tim3 expressed on TH1 cells interacts with its ligand, galectin-9 (Gal9), which is expressed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis –infected macrophages to restrict intracellular bacterial growth. Tim3–Gal9 interaction leads to macrophage activation and stimulates bactericidal activity by inducing caspase-1–dependent IL-1β secretion. We propose that the TH1 cell surface molecule Tim3 has evolved to inhibit growth of intracellular pathogens via its ligand Gal9, which in turn inhibits expansion of effector TH1 cells to prevent further tissue inflammation.
176 citations
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that galectin-9 production by Kupffer cells links the innate and adaptive immune response, providing a potential novel immunotherapeutic target in this common viral infection.
Abstract: Approximately 200 million people throughout the world are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). One of the most striking features of HCV infection is its high propensity to establish persistence (,70–80%) and progressive liver injury. Galectins are evolutionarily conserved glycan-binding proteins with diverse roles in innate and adaptive immune responses. Here, we demonstrate that galectin-9, the natural ligand for the T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain protein 3 (Tim-3), circulates at very high levels in the serum and its hepatic expression (particularly on Kupffer cells) is significantly increased in patients with chronic HCV as compared to normal controls. Galectin-9 production from monocytes and macrophages is induced by IFN-c, which has been shown to be elevated in chronic HCV infection. In turn, galectin-9 induces proinflammatory cytokines in liver-derived and peripheral mononuclear cells; galectin-9 also induces anti-inflammatory cytokines from peripheral but not hepatic mononuclear cells. Galectin-9 results in expansion of CD4 + CD25 + FoxP3 + CD127 low regulatory T cells, contraction of CD4 + effector T cells, and apoptosis of HCV-specific CTLs. In conclusion, galectin-9 production by Kupffer cells links the innate and adaptive immune response, providing a potential novel immunotherapeutic target in this common viral infection.
174 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate that manipulating galectin signals, as can be achieved using appropriate sugars, may represent a convenient and inexpensive approach to enhance acute and memory responses to a virus infection.
Abstract: In this communication, we demonstrate that galectin (Gal)-9 acts to constrain CD8(+) T cell immunity to Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) infection. In support of this, we show that animals unable to produce Gal-9, because of gene knockout, develop acute and memory responses to HSV that are of greater magnitude and better quality than those that occur in normal infected animals. Interestingly, infusion of normal infected mice with alpha-lactose, the sugar that binds to the carbohydrate-binding domain of Gal-9 limiting its engagement of T cell immunoglobulin and mucin (TIM-3) receptors, also caused a more elevated and higher quality CD8(+) T cell response to HSV particularly in the acute phase. Such sugar treated infected mice also had expanded populations of effector as well as memory CD8(+) T cells. The increased effector T cell responses led to significantly more efficient virus control. The mechanisms responsible for the outcome of the Gal-9/TIM-3 interaction in normal infected mice involved direct inhibitory effects on TIM-3(+) CD8(+) T effector cells as well as the promotion of Foxp3(+) regulatory T cell activity. Our results indicate that manipulating galectin signals, as can be achieved using appropriate sugars, may represent a convenient and inexpensive approach to enhance acute and memory responses to a virus infection.
156 citations
TL;DR: The results suggest that a combination of galectin-3 ligands and therapeutic vaccination may induce more tumor regressions in cancer patients than vaccination alone.
Abstract: Human CD8(+) tumor-infiltrating T lymphocytes (TIL), in contrast with CD8(+) blood cells, show impaired IFN-gamma secretion upon ex vivo re-stimulation. We have attributed the impaired IFN-gamma secretion to a decreased mobility of T cell receptors upon trapping in a lattice of glycoproteins clustered by extracellular galectin-3. Indeed, we have previously shown that treatment with N-acetyllactosamine, a galectin ligand, restored this secretion. We strenghtened this hypothesis here by showing that CD8(+) TIL treated with an anti-galectin-3 antibody had an increased IFN-gamma secretion. Moreover, we found that GCS-100, a polysaccharide in clinical development, detached galectin-3 from TIL and boosted cytotoxicity and secretion of different cytokines. Importantly, we observed that not only CD8(+) TIL but also CD4(+) TIL treated with GCS-100 secreted more IFN-gamma upon ex vivo re-stimulation. In tumor-bearing mice vaccinated with a tumor antigen, injections of GCS-100 led to tumor rejection in half of the mice, whereas all control mice died. In non-vaccinated mice, GCS-100 had no effect by itself. These results suggest that a combination of galectin-3 ligands and therapeutic vaccination may induce more tumor regressions in cancer patients than vaccination alone.
TL;DR: It is shown that the p16INK4a‐dependent impact on growth‐regulatory lectins is not limited to galectin‐1, but also concerns galECTin‐3.
Abstract: The tumor suppressor p16INK4a has functions beyond cell-cycle control via cyclin-dependent kinases. A coordinated remodeling of N- and O-glycosylation, and an increase in the presentation of the endogenous lectin galectin-1 sensing these changes on the surface of p16INK4a-expressing pancreatic carcinoma cells (Capan-1), lead to potent pro-anoikis signals. We show that the p16INK4a-dependent impact on growth-regulatory lectins is not limited to galectin-1, but also concerns galectin-3. By monitoring its expression in relation to p16INK4a status, as well as running anoikis assays with galectin-3 and cell transfectants with up- or downregulated lectin expression, a negative correlation between anoikis and the presence of this lectin was established. Nuclear run-off and northern blotting experiments revealed an effect of the presence of p16INK4a on steady-state levels of galectin-3-specific mRNA that differed from decreasing the transcriptional rate. On the cell surface, galectin-3 interferes with galectin-1, which initiates signaling toward its pro-anoikis activity via caspase-8 activation. The detected opposite effects of p16INK4a at the levels of growth-regulatory galectins-1 and -3 shift the status markedly towards the galectin-1-dependent pro-anoikis activity. A previously undescribed orchestrated fine-tuning of this effector system by a tumor suppressor is discovered.
TL;DR: A model wherein such glycosphingolipid–galectin couples form a circuit between the Golgi apparatus and the cell surface that in an epithelial context facilitates the apical sorting of proteins and lipids is suggested.
Abstract: Galectins are unconventionally secreted lectins that participate in the formation of glycoprotein lattices that perform a variety of cell surface functions. Galectins also bind glycosphingolipid headgroups with as yet unclear implications for cellular physiology. We report a specific interaction between galectin-9 and the Forssman glycosphingolipid (FGL) that is important for polarizing Madin-Darby canine kidney epithelial cells. Galectin-9 knockdown leads to a severe loss of epithelial polarity that can be rescued by addition of the recombinant protein. The FGL glycan is identified as the surface receptor that cycles galectin-9 to the Golgi apparatus from which the protein is recycled back to the apical surface. Together our results suggest a model wherein such glycosphingolipid-galectin couples form a circuit between the Golgi apparatus and the cell surface that in an epithelial context facilitates the apical sorting of proteins and lipids.
TL;DR: The involvement of these galectins in different steps of glioma malignant progression such as migration, angiogenesis or chemoresistance makes them potentially good targets for the development of new drugs to combat these malignant tumors.
Abstract: Malignant gliomas, especially glioblastomas, are associated with a dismal prognosis. Despite advances in diagnosis and treatment, glioblastoma patients still have a median survival expectancy of only 14 months. This poor prognosis can be at least partly explained by the fact that glioma cells diffusely infiltrate the brain parenchyma and exhibit decreased levels of apoptosis, and thus resistance to cytotoxic drugs. Galectins are a family of mammalian beta-galactoside-binding proteins characterized by a shared characteristic amino acid sequence. They are expressed differentially in normal vs. neoplastic tissues and are known to play important roles in several biological processes such as cell proliferation, death and migration. This review focuses on the role played by galectins, especially galectin-1 and galectin-3, in glioma biology. The involvement of these galectins in different steps of glioma malignant progression such as migration, angiogenesis or chemoresistance makes them potentially good targets for the development of new drugs to combat these malignant tumors.
TL;DR: The carbohydrate-binding properties of these lectins and potential ligands in the nucleocytoplasmic compartment are discussed in view of the physiological role of the lectins in the plant cell.
TL;DR: Ten mutants of human galectin-3 are produced, with changes in these adjacent sites that have altered carbohydrate-binding fine specificity but that retain the basic β-galactoside binding activity, and help to define the differences in fine specificity shown by Xenopus, mouse, and human galector-3 and, as such, the evidence for adaptive change during evolution.
TL;DR: Feeding a mushroom galectin to Caenorhabditis elegans inhibited development and reproduction and ultimately resulted in killing of this nematode, suggesting that fungal galectins play a role in the defense of fungi against predators by binding to specific glycoconjugates of these organisms.
Abstract: The physiological role of fungal galectins has remained elusive. Here, we show that feeding of a mushroom galectin, Coprinopsis cinerea CGL2, to Caenorhabditis elegans inhibited development and reproduction and ultimately resulted in killing of this nematode. The lack of toxicity of a carbohydrate-binding defective CGL2 variant and the resistance of a C. elegans mutant defective in GDP-fucose biosynthesis suggested that CGL2-mediated nematotoxicity depends on the interaction between the galectin and a fucose-containing glycoconjugate. A screen for CGL2-resistant worm mutants identified this glycoconjugate as a Galβ1,4Fucα1,6 modification of C. elegans N-glycan cores. Analysis of N-glycan structures in wild type and CGL2-resistant nematodes confirmed this finding and allowed the identification of a novel putative glycosyltransferase required for the biosynthesis of this glycoepitope. The X-ray crystal structure of a complex between CGL2 and the Galβ1,4Fucα1,6GlcNAc trisaccharide at 1.5 A resolution revealed the biophysical basis for this interaction. Our results suggest that fungal galectins play a role in the defense of fungi against predators by binding to specific glycoconjugates of these organisms.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors showed that suitably selected galectin-1 blocking disaccharides will act as adjuvants promoting vaccine stimulated immune responses against tumours in vivo.
TL;DR: In this article, the effect of recombinant protease-resistant galectin-9 (hGal9) on multiple myeloma (MM) cells was investigated, and the effect was mediated by the induction of apoptosis with the activation of caspase-8, -9, and -3.
Abstract: Galectins constitute a family of lectins that specifically exhibit the affinity for β-galactosides and modulate various biological events. Galectin-9 is a tandem-repeat type galectin with two carbohydrate recognition domains and has recently been shown to have an anti-proliferative effect on cancer cells. We investigated the effect of recombinant protease-resistant galectin-9 (hGal9) on multiple myeloma (MM). In vitro, hGal9 inhibited the cell proliferation of five myeloma cell lines examined, including a bortezomib-resistant subcell line, with IC50 between 75.1 and 280.0 nM, and this effect was mediated by the induction of apoptosis with the activation of caspase-8, -9, and -3. hGal9-activated Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 MAPK signaling pathways followed by H2AX phosphorylation. Importantly, the inhibition of either JNK or p38 MAPK partly inhibited the anti-proliferative effect of hGal9, indicating the crucial role of these pathways in the anti-MM effect of hGal9. hGal9 also induced cell death in patient-derived myeloma cells, some with poor-risk factors, such as chromosomal deletion of 13q or translocation t(4;14)(p16;q32). Finally, hGal9 potently inhibited the growth of human myeloma cells xenografted in nude mice. These suggest that hGal9 is a new therapeutic target for MM that may overcome resistance to conventional chemotherapy.
TL;DR: Findings reveal Gal-8 as a potent platelet activator, supporting a role for this lectin in thrombosis and inflammation.
Abstract: Gals (galectins) are proteins with glycan affinity that are emerging as mediators of atherosclerosis. Despite the similarities in structure and sequence, different Gals exert distinct effects on their target cells. We have shown that Gal-1 triggers platelet activation, suggesting a role for Gals in thrombus formation. Since Gal-8 is expressed upon endothelial activation and also contributes to inflammation, to understand further the role of these lectins in haemostasis, we evaluated the effect of Gal-8 on human platelets. Gal-8 bound specific glycans in the platelet membrane and triggered spreading, calcium mobilization and fibrinogen binding. It also promoted aggregation, thromboxane generation, P-selectin expression and granule secretion. GP (glycoprotein) αIIb and Ib-V were identified as putative Gal-8 counter-receptors by MS. Studies performed using platelets from Glanzmann's thromboasthenia and Bernard-Soulier syndrome patients confirmed that GPIb is essential for transducing Gal-8 signalling. Accordingly, Src, PLC2γ (phospholipase C2γ), ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) and PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase)/Akt downstream molecules were involved in the Gal-8 signalling pathway. Gal-8 fragments containing either the N- or C-terminal carbohydrate-recognition domains showed that activation is exerted through the N-terminus. Western blotting and cytometry showed that platelets not only contain Gal-8, but also expose Gal-8 after thrombin activation. These findings reveal Gal-8 as a potent platelet activator, supporting a role for this lectin in thrombosis and inflammation.
TL;DR: Experimental and clinical data demonstrate a correlation between galectin expression and tumor progression and metastasis, and therefore, galectins have the potential to serve as reliable tumor markers.
Abstract: Galectins are a group of proteins that bind β-galactosides through evolutionarily conserved sequence elements of the carbohydrate recognition domain (CRD). Proteins similar to galectins can be found in very primitive animals such as sponges. Each galectin has an individual carbohydrate binding preference and can be found in cytoplasm as well as in the nucleus. They also can be secreted through non-classical pathways and function extra-cellularly. Experimental and clinical data demonstrate a correlation between galectin expression and tumor progression and metastasis, and therefore, galectins have the potential to serve as reliable tumor markers. In this review, we describe the expression and role of galectins in different cancers and their clinical applications for diagnostic use.
TL;DR: In this paper, a review summarizes several aspects especially of regulating factors governing trophoblast invasion, including the composition of the extracellular matrix containing a variety of matrix metalloproeinases and their inhibitors, but also intracellular signals.
Abstract: This review summarizes several aspects especially of regulating factors governing trophoblast invasion. Those include the composition of the extracellular matrix containing a variety of matrix metalloproeinases and their inhibitors, but also intracellular signals. Furthermore, a newly described trophoblast subtype, the endoglandular trophoblast, is presented. Its presence may provide a possible mechanism for opening and connecting uterine glands into the intervillous space. Amongst others, two intracellular signalling pathways are crucial for regulation of trophoblast functions and development: Wnt- and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 signalling. Wnt signalling promotes implantation, placentation and trophoblast differentiation. Several Wnt-dependent cascades and regulatory mechanisms display different functions in trophoblast cells. The STAT3 signalling system is fundamental for induction and regulation of invasiveness in physiological trophoblastic cells, but also in tumours. The role of galectins (Gal) in trophoblast regulation and placenta development comes increasingly into focus. The Gal- 1-4, 7-10 and 12-14 have been detected in humans. Detailed information is only available for Gal-1, -2, -3, -4, -9 and -12 in endometrium and decidua. Gal-1, -3 and -13 (-14) have been detected and studied in trophoblast cells.
TL;DR: Cell binding depending on glucosylceramide synthesis was drastically reduced by N‐butyldeoxynojirimycin and threo‐ 1‐phenyl‐2‐decanoylamino‐3‐morpholino‐1‐propanol, adding decisive evidence for the assumed galectin/ganglioside binding.
Abstract: Galectins are potent effectors with conspicuous cell-type-specific activity profile. Its occurrence poses the question on the nature of the underlying biochemical determinants, in human SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cells involved in negative growth regulation. Since increase of surface presentation of ganglioside GM1 and homodimeric galectin-1 precedes growth inhibition, a direct interaction is suggested. We thus examined cell binding depending on glucosylceramide synthesis. It was drastically reduced by N-butyldeoxynojirimycin and threo-1-phenyl-2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-1-propanol, adding decisive evidence for the assumed galectin/ganglioside binding. Glycoproteins do not compensate ganglioside depletion which was verified by measuring lipid-bound sialic acid. Binding affinity is significantly lowered by disrupting microdomain integrity, also effective for the competitive inhibitor galectin-3. This was caused by cell treatment with either 2-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin or filipin III. In this cell system, target specificity and topology of ligand presentation act together to enable high-affinity binding.
TL;DR: The results suggest no significant role of EhROM1 in complement resistance but unexpected roles in parasite adhesion and phagocytosis.
Abstract: Entamoeba histolytica is a deep-branching eukaryotic pathogen. Rhomboid proteases are intramembrane serine proteases, which cleave transmembrane proteins in, or in close proximity to, their transmembrane domain. We have previously shown that E. histolytica contains a single functional rhomboid protease (EhROM1) and has unique substrate specificity. EhROM1 is present on the trophozoite surface and relocalizes to internal vesicles during erythrophagocytosis and to the base of the cap during surface receptor capping. In order to further examine the biological function of EhROM1 we downregulated EhROM1 expression by >95% by utilizing the epigenetic silencing mechanism of the G3 parasite strain. Despite the observation that EhROM1 relocalized to the cap during surface receptor capping, EhROM1 knockdown [ROM(KD)] parasites had no gross changes in cap formation or complement resistance. However, ROM(KD) parasites demonstrated decreased host cell adhesion, a result recapitulated by treatment of wild-type parasites with DCI, a serine protease inhibitor with activity against rhomboid proteases. The reduced adhesion phenotype of ROM(KD) parasites was noted exclusively with healthy cells, and not with apoptotic cells. Additionally, ROM(KD) parasites had decreased phagocytic ability with reduced ingestion of healthy cells, apoptotic cells, and rice starch. Decreased phagocytic ability is thus independent of the reduced adhesion phenotype, since phagocytosis of apoptotic cells was reduced despite normal adhesion levels. The defect in host cell adhesion was not explained by altered expression or localization of the heavy subunit of the Gal/GalNAc surface lectin. These results suggest no significant role of EhROM1 in complement resistance but unexpected roles in parasite adhesion and phagocytosis.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that galectin-1 reduces NiV-F mediated fusion of endothelial cells, and that endogenous galect in endothelial Cells is sufficient to inhibit syncytia formation, and a unique set of mechanisms for regulating pathophysiology of NiV infection at the level of the target cell are identified.
Abstract: Nipah virus targets human endothelial cells via NiV-F and NiV-G envelope glycoproteins, resulting in endothelial syncytia formation and vascular compromise. Endothelial cells respond to viral infection by releasing innate immune effectors, including galectins, which are secreted proteins that bind to specific glycan ligands on cell surface glycoproteins. We demonstrate that galectin-1 reduces NiV-F mediated fusion of endothelial cells, and that endogenous galectin-1 in endothelial cells is sufficient to inhibit syncytia formation. Galectin-1 regulates NiV-F mediated cell fusion at three distinct points, including retarding maturation of nascent NiV-F, reducing NiV-F lateral mobility on the plasma membrane, and directly inhibiting the conformational change in NiV-F required for triggering fusion. Characterization of the NiV-F N-glycome showed that the critical site for galectin-1 inhibition is rich in glycan structures known to bind galectin-1. These studies identify a unique set of mechanisms for regulating pathophysiology of NiV infection at the level of the target cell.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that rTl-GAL could inhibit inflammation reactions via the inhibition of Th1 and Th2 cytokine production by increasing the production of TGF-beta and IL-10 cytokines.
TL;DR: 90K itself has antitumour activity in CRC cells via suppression of Wnt signalling with a novel mechanism of ISGylation-dependent ubiquitination of β-catenin when it interacts with CD9/CD82, but is downregulated in advanced CRC tissues.
Abstract: Background and aims 90K, a tumour-associated glycoprotein, interacts with galectins and has roles in host defence by augmenting the immune response, but the serum 90K level was suggested to indicate poor prognosis in several cancers. The cellular mechanisms of 90K action on colorectal cancer (CRC) cell motility and its effect on CRC progression were investigated. Methods The impact of 90K was analysed by combining cell cultures, in vitro assays, and immunohistochemistry. Results Secreted 90K suppresses CRC cell invasion, but this action of 90K is masked through binding with extracellular galectins. A novel pathway is identified comprising a secretory 90K and a CD9/CD82 tetraspanin web; in this pathway, 90K interacts with CD9/CD82, suppresses the Wnt/β-catenin signal via a novel proteasomal-ubiquitination mechanism of β-catenin that is dependent on ISG15 (interferon-stimulated gene-15) modification (ISGylation) but not on glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) and Siah/Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). In a syngeneic mouse colon tumour model, tumour growth and lung metastasis were increased with 90K knockdown. In colon tissues from stage IV human CRC and invading cancer cells of corresponding metastatic liver tissues, in which β-catenin and galectin expression was higher, immunostained 90K and CD9/CD82 were lower than in adjacent hepatic tissues or colon tissues from stage I. Conclusions 90K itself has antitumour activity in CRC cells via suppression of Wnt signalling with a novel mechanism of ISGylation-dependent ubiquitination of β-catenin when it interacts with CD9/CD82, but is downregulated in advanced CRC tissues. The data suggest a strategy of strengthening this novel pathway with concomitant knockdown of galectins as a potential therapeutic approach to CRC progression.
TL;DR: It is possible that the antiproliferative effect of CP on the malignant cells may be due at least in part to its ability to inhibit galectin expression.
TL;DR: Evidence that metazoans do regulate their surface glycan density comes from a new study on the effects of mutations in the pathway for the formation of a specific branch chain in Nlinked glycoproteins in mouse cells that results in apparent global compensation of glycan epitope number (density) in the remaining branch chains of the mutant’s N-linked carbohydrates.
Abstract: It has been recently proposed that lectins such as galectins, C-type lectins and siglecs in innate immunity bind to foreign pathogens by density-dependent recognition of surface glycans (Dam and Brewer 2010). In many cases, foreign pathogens including viruses and bacteria possess glycan epitopes such as Man and LacNAc residues that are also found on host cells (Vasta 2009). Host lectins appear to bind to the pathogens due to their high density and number of glycan epitopes relative to those on host cells (Dam and Brewer 2010). Unique “weak” glycan epitopes on foreign pathogens appear to be strong epitopes when presented in high-density presentations such as polysaccharides and lipopolysaccharides (Dam and Brewer 2010). Thus, the concept of lectins as pattern recognition receptors in innate immunity (Medzhitov and Janeway 2000; Vasta 2009) has been replaced with lectins as density-dependent glycan binding receptors. However, in order for host lectins to bind to density-dependent expression of glycans on foreign pathogens, the glycan density of host cells must be established and controlled. Evidence that metazoans do regulate their surface glycan density comes from a new study on the effects of mutations in the pathway for the formation of a specific branch chain in Nlinked glycoproteins in mouse cells that results in apparent global compensation of glycan epitope number (density) in the remaining branch chains of the mutant’s N-linked carbohydrates (Takamatsu et al. 2010). N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-IV (GnT-IV) exists as two isoenzymes, a and b, that initiate the synthesis of the GlcNAcβ1-4 branch on the core Manα1-3 arm of N-glycans. One effect of the GlcNAcβ1-4 branch chain is to increase the glycan epitope density per N-linked carbohydrate chain. Takamatsu et al. (2010) engineered and characterized GnT-IVb-deficient mice and double-IVa/IVbdeficient mice. Wild-type mice have GnT-IVa expression restricted to gastrointestinal tissue, while GnT-IVb is broadly expressed among organs. GnT-IVb-deficient mice show aberrant GnT-IVa expression corresponding to the GnT-IVb distribution pattern, and hence, the GnT-IVb-deficient mice show mild phenotypic alterations in hematopoietic cells and hemostasis. Importantly, GnT-IVa/IVb double-deficient mice have completely abolished GnT-IV activity, and thus there is a complete disappearance of the GlcNAcβ1-4 branch on the Manα1-3 arm of the N-linked glycans that was confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MS) and gas chromatography-MS analyses. The absence of the GlcNAcβ1-4 branch, however, was shown by MS analyses as additional glycan epitope extensions on the remaining branches in the tissues of the N-linked glycans of the GnT-IVa/IVb double-deficient mice. For example, the Le epitope is found in greater number in the N-linked glycans from mouse kidney cells, and biosynthetic compensation is observed in biand triantennary N-glycans of the double mutant relative to the tetra-antennary N-glycans of the wild-type cells (Figure 1) (Takamatsu et al. 2010). Similar biosynthetic compensation was observed for other glycan epitopes such as polylactosamine in the pancreas. Analysis shows that these additional glycan epitopes in the GnT-IVa/IVb double-deficient mice are due to elevated expression of glycosyltransferases that are normally involved in their biosynthesis. Remarkably, the phenotype of the GnT-IVa/IVb double-deficient mice was similar to that of the GnT-IVa single-deficient mice, which is relatively mild compared to the wild-type mice. The ability of the GnT-IVa/IVb double-deficient mice to effectively restore glycan epitope density in the remaining N-linked glycans of the different organs of the mice suggests that maintenance of this density is critical to the homeostatic function of the cells and organs of the mouse. The authors describe these findings as the first example of induced glycomic compensation of glycosyltranserase activities of cells from different organs of the mice (Takamatsu et al. 2010). They also suggest that maintenance of the overall expression of glycan ligands for endogenous lectins in the double-mutant mice appears to prevent cellular dysfunctions, but no mechanism was suggested for these effects. We suggest that a possible mechanism for regulating cell surface glycan density in both the wild-type and GnT-IVa/
TL;DR: The results collectively indicated that AiGal1 was a new member of the galectin family and involved in the immune responses against bacterial infection.