Showing papers on "Sialic acid published in 1990"

Discrimination between activators and nonactivators of the alternative pathway of complement: regulation via a sialic acid/polyanion binding site on factor H.

Abstract: The alternative complement pathway is capable of discriminating human cells and tissues from a wide variety of potential pathogens. It has been recently demonstrated that attachment of complement component C3b to activator-derived molecules (e.g., small polysaccharides) restricts inactivation of C3b by factors H and I in a manner similar to activator surfaces. It is now shown that restriction is reversed by certain soluble polyanions (e.g., sialoglycopeptides, heparin, or dextran sulfate) that mimic the effects of sialic acid and glycosaminoglycans on human cells and tissues. Fluid-phase polyanions enhanced binding of factor H to C3b attached to activating particles, indicating that the effect resulted from increased affinity between C3b and factor H. The enhancement was specific for activator-bound C3b since no enhancement was observed on nonactivating particles. While several polyanions could cause this effect, some polyanions could not, indicating specificity. The active polyanions also inhibited lysis of cells via the alternative pathway. The binding site for sialic acid appears to reside on factor H, since factor H bound to heparin-agarose and to sialic acid-bearing fetuinagarose, whereas C3b bound to neither under the same conditions. These observations suggest that occupation of a specific site on factor H by polyanions induces an increase in the C3b-H affinity, resulting in discrimination of host cells and tissues from alternative pathway-activating foreign cells.

The role of carbohydrate in recombinant human erythropoietin.

Abstract: 1. Recombinant human erythropoietin has N-linked sugar [Tsuda et al., (1988) Biochemistry 27, 5646-5654]. Here we have demonstrated the presence of O-linked sugar (0.85 mol/mol erythropoietin) composed of sialic acid and Gal beta(1-3)GalNAc. 2. To investigate the role of these sugars, erythropoietins deglycosylated to different extents were prepared using specific glycosidases. Sugars are not essential for in vitro biological activity of erythropoietin, because the fully deglycosylated erythropoietin had the full activity when assayed with in vitro bioassay methods. Asialylation yielded erythropoietin with higher affinity to the receptor than the undigested hormone and therefore an increased in vitro activity. Although erythropoietin from which N-linked or total sugars were removed also had higher affinity for the receptor, their in vitro activity remained unchanged compared with that of the undigested erythropoietin for unknown reasons. On the other hand, removal of sialic acids or N-linked sugar abolished the in vivo biological activity completely, indicating that the presence of N-linked sugar with terminal sialic acids is required for the hormone to reach target sites; full deglycosylation resulted in total loss of the in vivo biological activity of erythropoietin. 3. Incubation of asialo-erythropoietin and fully deglycosylated recombinant human erythropoietin at 70 degrees C for 15 min decreased the biological activity to 35% and 11% of the initial activity, respectively, while the undigested erythropoietin lost no activity. Thus resistance of erythropoietin to thermal inactivation is largely due to the presence of sugars, and terminal sialic acids greatly contribute to the stability.

Evidence for a switching mechanism in the invasion of erythrocytes by Plasmodium falciparum.

Abstract: The human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum demonstrates variability in its dependence upon erythrocyte sialic acid residues for invasion. Some lines of P. falciparum invade neuraminidase-treated or glycophorin-deficient red blood cells poorly, or not at all, while other lines invade such cells at substantial rates. To explore the molecular basis of non-sialic acid dependent invasion, we selected parasite lines from a clone (Dd2) that initially exhibited low invasion of neuraminidase-treated erythrocytes. After maintaining Dd2 for several cycles in neuraminidase-treated erythrocytes, parasite lines were recovered that invaded both untreated and neuraminidase-treated erythrocytes at equivalently high rates (Dd2/NM). The change in phenotype was maintained after removal of selection pressure. Four subclones of Dd2 were isolated and each readily converted from sialic acid dependence to non-sialic acid dependence during continuous propagation in neuraminidase-treated erythrocytes. The neuraminidase-selected lines and the Dd2 clone demonstrated identical restriction fragment length polymorphism markers indicating that the Dd2 clone was not contaminated during the selection process. Parasite proteins that bound to neuraminidase-treated and untreated erythrocytes were indistinguishable among the parent Dd2 clone and the neuraminidase-selected lines. The ability of the Dd2 parasite to change its invasion requirements for erythrocyte sialic acid suggests a switch mechanism permitting invasion by alternative pathways.

Immunogenicity in animals of a polysaccharide-protein conjugate vaccine against type III group B Streptococcus.

Abstract: The native capsular polysaccharide of type III group B Streptococcus elicits a specific antibody response in only 60% of nonimmune human subjects. To enhance the immunogenicity of this polysaccharide, we coupled the type III polysaccharide to tetanus toxoid. Prior to coupling, aldehyde groups were introduced on the polysaccharide by controlled periodate oxidation, resulting in the conversion of 25% of the sialic acid residues of the polysaccharide to residues of the 8-carbon analogue of sialic acid, 5-acetamido-3,5-dideoxy-D-galactosyloctulosonic acid. Tetanus toxoid was conjugated to the polysaccharide by reductive amination, via the free aldehyde groups present on the partially oxidized sialic acid residues. Rabbits vaccinated with the conjugate vaccine produced IgG antibodies that reacted with the native type III group B streptococcal polysaccharide (3/3 rabbits), while rabbits immunized with the unconjugated type III polysaccharide failed to respond (0/3 rabbits). Sera from animals receiving conjugate vaccine opsonized type III group B streptococci for phagocytic killing by human peripheral blood leukocytes, and protected mice against lethal challenge with live type III group B streptococci. The results suggest that this method of conjugation to a carrier protein may be a useful strategy to improve the immunogenicity of the type III group B Streptococcus polysaccharide in human subjects.

Improved Method for Fluorescence Labeling of Sugar Chains with Sialic Acid Residues

Abstract: (1990). Improved Method for Fluorescence Labeling of Sugar Chains with Sialic Acid Residues. Agricultural and Biological Chemistry: Vol. 54, No. 8, pp. 2169-2170.

Carbohydrate deficient serum transferrin in a new systemic hereditary syndrome.

Abstract: Four patients with a new, inherited, complex developmental deficiency syndrome were studied. The syndrome affects the central and peripheral nervous system, and also the retina, liver, bone, adipose tissue, and genital organs. Abnormalities of glycoproteins, glycopeptide hormones, and lipids have been found in serum from these patients, the most pronounced being increased cathodal forms of transferrin. Isoforms of serum transferrin were therefore analysed qualitatively and quantitatively by isoelectric focusing and isocratic anion exchange chromatography, and the carbohydrate composition was determined in transferrin isolated by immune affinity chromatography. All the patients had about tenfold raised serum concentrations of isotransferrins with higher isoelectric points than normal. Similar findings, though less pronounced, were made in all the fathers and in one of the mothers. Half the transferrin in the patients was constantly present in two principal abnormal cathodal forms in approximately equal amounts. Carbohydrate determinations in purified transferrin showed quantitatively similar deficiencies of sialic acid, galactose, and N-acetylglucosamine, the mannose content being normal. The results suggest that either two or all of the normally four terminal trisaccharides in transferrin may be missing. A defect in the synthesis or catabolism, or both, of this trisaccharide, which is common to many secretory glyco-conjugates, is likely. Apart from providing a quantitative diagnostic method, the present findings may serve as a basis for further studies of the metabolic deficiency in this syndrome.

Recombinant human interferon-gamma. Differences in glycosylation and proteolytic processing lead to heterogeneity in batch culture.

Abstract: Recombinant human interferon-gamma (Hu-IFN-gamma) produced by Chinese-hamster ovary (CHO) cells was analysed by immunoprecipitation and SDS/PAGE. Up to twelve molecular-mass variants were secreted by this cell line. Three variants were recovered after enzymic removal of all N-linked oligosaccharides or when glycosylation was inhibited by tunicamycin. The presence of three polypeptide forms rather than a single form suggested that proteolytic cleavage had occurred at two sites in both the glycosylated and non-glycosylated forms. Proteolytically cleaved IFN-gamma was more prevalent in cell lysates than in the secreted glycoprotein. In common with naturally produced IFN-gamma, both fully glycosylated IFN-gamma (asparagine residues 28 and 100 occupied) and partially glycosylated product (thought to be substituted at position Asn28) were secreted. This was deduced from the Mr of the glycosylated products and the relative amounts of sialic acid expressed by each variant. In contrast with naturally produced IFN-gamma, non-glycosylated IFN-gamma was also secreted by the transfected CHO cells. When the cells were grown in batch culture in serum-free medium under pH and dissolved-oxygen control, the proportion of non-glycosylated IFN-gamma increased from 3 to 5% after 3 h, to 30% of the total IFN-gamma present after 195 h. This change in the proportion of glycosylated protein produced was not seen when metabolically labelled IFN-gamma was incubated for 96 h with cell-free supernatant from actively growing CHO cells. This implied that an alteration in intracellular glycosylation was occurring rather than a degradation of oligosaccharide side chains after secretion. The decrease in IFN-gamma glycosylation was independent of the glucose concentration in the culture medium, but could be related to specific growth and IFN-gamma production rates, as these declined steadily after 50 h of culture, in line with the increased production of non-glycosylated IFN-gamma.

Sialic acid binding lectins.

Abstract: The literature contains several reviews on lectins in general, covering mainly those from plants and invertebrates. However, the sialic acid binding lectins have not been reviewed so far. Considering the importance of sialic acids in cell sociology, lectins which specifically recognize terminal sialic acid residues are potentially useful as analytical tools in studying the biological functions of sialoglycoconjugates. These lectins, along with monoclonal antibodies raised against sialoglycoconjugates, have been used in the detection, affinity purification, cytochemical localization and quantitation of such glycoconjugates. In this review the main emphasis has been placed on the occurrence, general purification procedures, macromolecular properties, sugar specificities and applications of these lectins.

CD38 molecule: structural and biochemical analysis on human T lymphocytes, thymocytes, and plasma cells.

Abstract: The structure of the CD38 molecule has been evaluated by one- and two-dimensional gel analysis and by enzymatic digestions. The source of the Ag was mainly membrane preparations obtained from MLC cells, from normal thymocytes, and from the plasmocytoma line LP-1. Membranes were solubilized in NP-40 and the extracts fractionated by immunoaffinity chromatography [using a specific anti-CD38 antibody (A10 mAb) covalently linked to Sepharose protein A]. The purified Ag migrated as a single chain of Mr = 45,000 not associated with beta 2-microglobulin. Two-dimensional IEF gel electrophoresis revealed five spots (isoelectric point (pI) range: 6.5 to 6.9). After neuraminidase treatment, the mobility of the five polypeptides shifted to a more basic pI. Endoglycosidase-H treatment reduced the Mr of CD38 by 20%, revealing a broader band centered at Mr = 36,000. Treatment of CD38 molecule with V8 Staphylococcus aureus protease yielded a single dominant band at Mr = 38,000 which was still reactive with A10 mAb. The CD38 molecular was trypsin-resistant in both denatured or native conditions. These results clearly show the glycoprotein nature of CD38 molecule, which includes 2 to 4 N-linked oligosaccharide chains containing sialic acid residues. Furthermore, the present data indicate that the CD38 molecule does not display an apparent biochemical polymorphism among the different CD38+ cells or lines.

Physicochemical and biological characterization of asialoerythropoietin. Suppressive effects of sialic acid in the expression of biological activity of human erythropoietin in vitro.

Abstract: Various partially or fully desialylated human erythropoietins were obtained by neuraminidase digestion of the hormone, without non-specific proteolysis and degradation of carbohydrates. Asialoerythropoietin showed a specific activity of 220-IU/mg protein in vivo, although that of the intact erythropoietin was 2.2 x 10(5) IU/mg. A linear relationship was found between the logarithm of the specific activity in vivo and the number of sialic acids. The asialoerythropoietin showed a four-times-higher specific activity in vitro compared with intact erythropoietin using mouse bone marrow cells. It also showed an approximately six-times-higher specific activity in a colony-forming assay for the erythroid colony-forming unit and the erythroid burst-forming unit. Partially or fully de-N-glycosylated erythropoietin derivatives also showed lower in vivo activity but higher in vitro activity than the intact erythropoietin, dependent on the number of sialic acids. To clarify the reason for the enhanced biological activity of asialoerythropoietin in vitro, the binding of intact 125I-erythropoietin or 125I-asialoerythropoietin to cells containing specific receptors for the hormone was analyzed. 125I-asialoerythropoietin bound to spleen cells from anemic mice approximately five times faster than did intact 125I-erythropoietin. The amount of 125I-asialoerythropoietin internalized by target cells, measured in the absence of NaN3, was four times higher than that of intact erythropoietin. These results demonstrate that asialoerythropoietin binds to its receptor faster than the intact form. This may be the main reason for the increased activity of asialoerythropoietin in vitro.

Cell Surface Sialoprotein Alterations in Metastatic Murine Colon Cancer Cell Lines Selected in an Animal Model for Colon Cancer Metastasis

Abstract: Alterations in cell surface proteins and glycoproteins may play a key role in determining the metastatic behavior of tumor cells. The cell surface proteins of a series of related murine colon cancer cells selected in an animal model for colon cancer metastasis (R. S. Bresalier et al. , Cancer Res., 47: 1398–1406, 1987) were therefore compared by a variety of biochemical methods. Lactoperoxidase-catalyzed iodination of cell surface proteins followed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis demonstrated quantitative and qualitative differences in the cell surface protein profiles of parental cell line 51B (low metastatic potential) and its metastatic derivatives 51B LiM 5 and 51B LiM 6. Labeling of sialic acid-containing proteins suggested that, in the case of at least four of these proteins ( M r 170,000, 120,000, 95,000, and 55,000), this represented an increase in radioactive labeling of sialoglycoproteins from the metastatic lines. Affinity chromatography of solubilized 125 I-labeled cell membrane proteins revealed a 2- to 3-fold increase in wheat germ agglutinin and Sambucus nigra lectin binding associated with the metastatic lines, compared to the poorly metastatic parent. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of material eluted from these columns demonstrated enhancement of proteins from the metastatic cells corresponding in molecular weight to the previously identified major sialoglycoproteins. Neuraminidase-releasable membrane-associated sialic acid and sialyltransferase activities were 2- to 3- fold higher in the metastatic cell lines compared to the parental line. Liver colonization after intrasplenic injection of the various lines into syngeneic mice was dramatically reduced by prior removal of cell surface sialic acid. Immunohistochemical staining of primary and metastatic tumors formed after cecal injection of parental 51B suggested selective metastasis by wheat germ agglutinin-binding tumor cells. These results further support the concept that cell membrane sialylation is important in determining the metastatic potential of cancer cells.

Glycosphingolipid receptors for Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract: The binding of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to glycosphingolipids and to buccal and bronchial epithelial cells was analyzed. Three independently expressed specificities were found by bacterial binding to glycosphingolipids separated by thin-layer chromatography. All strains bound gangliotria- and gangliotetrasylceramide. All but one of the strains bound sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids and lactosylceramide. The latter two specificities could be separated in that the lactosylceramide binding was retained and the sialic acid binding was suppressed when bovine serum albumin was used as a blocking agent in the thin-layer chromatography assay. The attachment to buccal epithelial cells, like the binding to sialylated compounds and lactosylceramide, was abolished by Formalin treatment of the bacteria, suggesting the importance of these specificities for cell adherence. In contrast, the binding to gangliotria- and gangliotetraosylceramide was retained by nonattaching Formalin-treated bacteria. Images

Requirement for sialic acid on the endothelial ligand of a lymphocyte homing receptor.

Abstract: The entry of blood-borne lymphocytes into most secondary lymphoid organs is initiated by a highly specific adhesive interaction with the specialized cuboidal endothelial cells of high endothelial venules (HEV). The adhesive receptors on lymphocytes that dictate interactions with HEV in different lymphoid organs are called homing receptors, signifying their critical role in controlling organ-selective lymphocyte migration. Considerable work has established that the mouse peripheral lymph node homing receptor (pnHR), defined by the mAb MEL-14, functions as a lectin-like adhesive protein. We have previously shown that sialidase treatment of peripheral lymph node (PN) HEV abrogates lymphocyte attachment to the HEV both in vivo and in vitro. We extend this evidence by demonstrating that Limax agglutinin (LA), a sialic acid-specific lectin, when reacted with HEV exposed in cryostat-cut tissue sections, blocks lymphocyte attachment to PN HEV and, unexpectedly, to the HEV of Peyer's patches (PP) as well. Using a recombinant form of the pnHR as a histochemical probe for its cognate adhesive site (HEV-ligand) on PN HEV, we demonstrate that both sialidase and Limax agglutinin functionally inactive this ligand. It is concluded that the requirement for sialic acid is at the level of the pnHR interaction with its HEV ligand. A distinct sialyloligosaccharide may encode the recognition determinant of a PP HEV ligand.