Surface Of Mammalian Cells Research Articles

Size of Cell-Surface Kv2.1 Domains is Governed by Growth Fluctuations

The Kv2.1 voltage-gated potassium channel forms stable clusters on the surface of different mammalian cells. Even though these cell-surface structures have been observed for almost a decade, little is known about the mechanism by which cells maintain them. We measure the distribution of domain sizes to study the kinetics of their growth. Using a Fokker-Planck formalism, we find no evidence for a feedback mechanism present to maintain specific domain radii. Instead, the size of Kv2.1 clusters is consistent with a model where domain size is established by fluctuations in the trafficking machinery. These results are further validated using likelihood and Akaike weights to select the best model for the kinetics of domain growth consistent with our experimental data.

Binding of N-Acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) β1–6-branched Oligosaccharide Acceptors to β4-Galactosyltransferase I Reveals a New Ligand Binding Mode

N-acetyllactosamine is the most prevalent disaccharide moiety in the glycans on the surface of mammalian cells and often found as repeat units in the linear and branched polylactosamines, known as i- and I-antigen, respectively. The β1-4-galactosyltransferase-I (β4Gal-T1) enzyme is responsible for the synthesis of the N-acetyllactosamine moiety. To understand its oligosaccharide acceptor specificity, we have previously investigated the binding of tri- and pentasaccharides of N-glycan with a GlcNAc at their nonreducing end and found that the extended sugar moiety in these acceptor substrates binds to the crevice present at the acceptor substrate binding site of the β4Gal-T1 molecule. Here we report seven crystal structures of β4Gal-T1 in complex with an oligosaccharide acceptor with a nonreducing end GlcNAc that has a β1-6-glycosidic link and that are analogous to either N-glycan or i/I-antigen. In the crystal structure of the complex of β4Gal-T1 with I-antigen analog pentasaccharide, the β1-6-branched GlcNAc moiety is bound to the sugar acceptor binding site of the β4Gal-T1 molecule in a way similar to the crystal structures described previously; however, the extended linear tetrasaccharide moiety does not interact with the previously found extended sugar binding site on the β4Gal-T1 molecule. Instead, it interacts with the different hydrophobic surface of the protein molecule formed by the residues Tyr-276, Trp-310, and Phe-356. Results from the present and previous studies suggest that β4Gal-T1 molecule has two different oligosaccharide binding regions for the binding of the extended oligosaccharide moiety of the acceptor substrate.

Expression of sialic acids and other nonulosonic acids in Leptospira

BackgroundSialic acids are negatively charged nine carbon backbone sugars expressed on mammalian cell surfaces. Sialic acids are part of a larger family of nonulosonic acid (NulO) molecules that includes pseudaminic and legionaminic acids. Microbial expression of sialic acids and other nonulosonic acids has been shown to contribute to host-microbe interactions in a variety of contexts, including participation in colonization, immune subversion, and behaviors such as biofilm formation, autoagglutination and motility. Previous research has suggested that some spirochetes may also express these molecules.ResultsHere we use a combination of molecular tools to investigate the presence of NulO biosynthetic gene clusters among clinical and saprophytic isolates of the genus Leptospira. Polymerase chain reaction and Southern blotting suggested that a variety of leptospires encoded NulO biosynthetic pathways. High performance liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry analyses provided biochemical evidence that di-N-acetylated NulO molecules are expressed at relatively high levels by L. interrogans serovar Lai strain 55601, and at lower levels by L. alexanderi serovar Manhao and L. fainei serovar Hurstbridge. Endogenous expression of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac, the most common sialic acid) was documented in L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni strain L1-130. Neu5Ac biosynthesis is also supported by a unique gene fusion event resulting in an enzyme with an N-terminal N-acetylneuraminic acid synthase domain and a C-terminal phosphatase domain. This gene fusion suggests that L. interrogans uses a Neu5Ac biosynthetic pathway more similar to animals than to other bacteria. Analysis of the composition and phylogeny of putative NulO biosynthetic gene clusters in L. interrogans serovar Lai and serovar Copenhageni revealed that both strains have complete biosynthetic pathways for legionamimic acid synthesis, a molecule with the same stereochemistry as sialic acid. Lectin-based affinity purification of NulO-modified molecules, followed by mass spectrometric identification suggests post-translational modification of surface lipoproteins, including Loa22.ConclusionsLeptospira species encode NulO biosynthetic pathways and synthesize multiple NulO molecules including sialic acid. Additional studies are needed to clarify the exact context and functional significance of NulO expression. These findings have implications for immune evasion during systemic leptospirosis.

Construction and development of a mammalian cell-based full-length antibody display library for targeting hepatocellular carcinoma

We present a detailed method for constructing a mammalian cell-based full-length antibody display library for targeting hepatocellular carcinoma. Two novel mammalian library vectors pcDNA3-CHm and pcDNA3-CLm were constructed that contained restriction enzyme sites NheI, ClaI and antibody constant domain. Mammalian expression vector pcDNA3-CHm contains IgG heavy-chain (HC) constant region and glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor (GPI) that could be anchored full-length antibodies on the surface of mammalian cells. GOLPH2 prokaryotic expression vector was carried out in Escherichia coli and purified by immobilized metal affinity chromatography. Variable domain of heavy-chain and variable domain of light-chain genes were respectively inserted into the vector pcDNA3-CHm and pcDNA3-CLm by ligation, and antibody libraries are displayed as whole IgG molecules on the cell surface by co-transfecting this HC-GPI with a light chain. By screening the cell library using magnetic beads and cell ELISA, the cell clone that displayed GOLPH2-specific antibodies on cell surfaces was identified. The mammalian cell-based antibody display library is a great potential application for displaying full-length functional antibodies of targeting hepatocellular carcinoma on the surface of mammalian cells. Anti-GOLPH2 display antibody was successfully isolated from the library.

Transcription, Splicing, and Release: Are We There Yet?

A systematic analysis of LPS-induced gene expression in macrophages by Bhatt et al. demonstrates that inflammatory responses are governed primarily at the level of transcription initiation. Unexpectedly, full-length nascent RNAs that contain introns appear to accumulate on chromatin, presumably to complete processing, prior to release of functional mRNA for export to the cytoplasm.

ECSTASY, an adjustable membrane-tethered/soluble protein expression system for the directed evolution of mammalian proteins

We describe an adjustable membrane-tethered/soluble protein screening methodology termed ECSTASY (enzyme cleavable surface tethered all-purpose screening system) which combines the power of high-throughput fluorescence-activated cell sorting of membrane-tethered proteins with the flexibility of soluble assays for isolation of improved mammalian recombinant proteins. In this approach, retroviral transduction is employed to stably tether a library of protein variants on the surface of mammalian cells via a glycosyl phosphatidylinositol anchor. High-throughput fluorescence-activated cell sorting is used to array cells expressing properly folded and/or active protein variants on their surface into microtiter culture plates. After culture to expand individual clones, treatment of cells with phosphatidylinositol-phospholipase C releases soluble protein variants for multiplex measurement of protein concentration, activity and/or function. We utilized ECSTASY to rapidly generate human β-glucuronidase variants for cancer therapy by antibody-directed enzyme prodrug therapy with up to 30-fold greater potency to catalyze the hydrolysis of the clinically relevant camptothecin anti-cancer prodrug as compared with wild-type human β-glucuronidase. A variety of recombinant proteins could be adjustably displayed on fibroblasts, suggesting that ECSTASY represents a general, simple and versatile methodology for high-throughput screening to accelerate sequence activity-based evolution of mammalian proteins.

Identification and characterization of the mammalian association and actin-nucleating domains in theRickettsia conoriiautotransporter protein, Sca2

Establishment of infection by spotted fever group rickettsial species is dependent on the ability of these bacteria to adhere to and invade the host endothelium. Recent studies have attributed these processes to a handful of rickettsial surface proteins from the surface cell antigen (sca) family of autotransporters. A rickettsial autotransporter from Rickettsia conorii, Sca2, has been shown to be sufficient to mediate both adherence and invasion of human endothelial cells and to participate in intracellular actin-based motility. Here we identify a region of Sca2 capable of interacting with the mammalian cell surface and show that this function of Sca2 is independent and separable from its actin nucleation activity. Furthermore, pre-incubation of mammalian cells with the Sca2 mammalian association region prior to R. conorii infection can competitively inhibit rickettsial invasion, suggesting that Sca2 plays an important role in the initial interaction with mammalian cells. Together, our results demonstrate that the Sca2 autotransporter protein in R. conorii contains distinct functional domains that likely are involved in mediating cellular interactions at the plasma membrane and the host cytosol.

Bipartite Tetracysteine Display Reveals Allosteric Control of Ligand-Specific EGFR Activation

Aberrant activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a prototypic receptor tyrosine kinase, is critical to the biology of many common cancers. The molecular events that define how EGFR transmits an extracellular ligand binding event through the membrane are not understood. Here we use a chemical tool, bipartite tetracysteine display, to report on ligand-specific conformational changes that link ligand binding and kinase activation for full-length EGFR on the mammalian cell surface. We discover that EGF binding is communicated to the cytosol through formation of an antiparallel coiled coil within the intracellular juxtamembrane (JM) domain. This conformational transition is functionally coupled to receptor activation by EGF. In contrast, TGFα binding is communicated to the cytosol through formation of a discrete, alternative helical interface. These findings suggest that the JM region can differentially decode extracellular signals and transmit them to the cell interior. Our results provide new insight into how EGFR communicates ligand-specific information across the membrane.

Uncovering Biphasic Catalytic Mode of C5-epimerase in Heparan Sulfate Biosynthesis

Heparan sulfate (HS), a highly sulfated polysaccharide, is biosynthesized through a pathway involving several enzymes. C(5)-epimerase (C(5)-epi) is a key enzyme in this pathway. C(5)-epi is known for being a two-way catalytic enzyme, displaying a "reversible" catalytic mode by converting a glucuronic acid to an iduronic acid residue, and vice versa. Here, we discovered that C(5)-epi can also serve as a one-way catalyst to convert a glucuronic acid to an iduronic acid residue, displaying an "irreversible" catalytic mode. Our data indicated that the reversible or irreversible catalytic mode strictly depends on the saccharide substrate structures. The biphasic mode of C(5)-epi offers a novel mechanism to regulate the biosynthesis of HS with the desired biological functions.

Mechanistic Insight into Pertussis Toxin and Lectin Signaling Using T Cells Engineered To Express a CD8α/CD3ζ Chimeric Receptor

Mammalian cell-surface receptors typically display N- or O-linked glycans added post-translationally. Plant lectins such as phytohemagluttinin (PHA) can activate the T cell receptor (TCR) and other cell-surface receptors by binding to glycans and initiating receptor cross-linking. Pathogenic microorganisms such as Bordetella pertussis also express proteins with lectin-like activities. Similar to plant lectins, pertussis toxin (PTx) can activate the TCR and bind to a variety of glycans. However, whether the lectin-like activity of PTx is responsible for its ability to activate TCR signaling has not been formally proven. Here we examined the ability of PTx and a panel of lectins to activate the TCR or a CD8α/CD3ζ chimeric receptor (termed CD8ζ). We demonstrate that CD8ζ rescues PTx-induced signaling events lacking in TCR null cells. This result indicates that CD8ζ can substitute for TCR and supports the hypothesis that PTxB (functioning as a lectin) stimulates signaling via receptor cross-linking rather than by binding to a specific epitope on the TCR. Moreover, PTx is able to activate signaling by binding either N-linked or O-linked glycan-modified receptors as the TCR displays N-linked glycans while CD8ζ displays O-linked glycans. Finally, studies with a diverse panel of lectins indicate that the signaling activity of the lectins does not always correlate with the biochemical reports of ligand preferences. Comparison of lectin signaling through TCR or CD8ζ allows us to better define the structural and functional properties of lectin-glycan interactions using a biologically based signaling readout.

Real-time analysis of the carbohydrates on cell surfaces using a QCM biosensor: a lectin-based approach

A novel approach to the study of molecular interactions on the surface of mammalian cells using a QCM biosensor was developed. For this study, an epidermoid carcinoma cell line (A-431) and a breast adenocarcinoma cell line (MDA-MB-468) were immobilized onto polystyrene-coated quartz crystals. The binding and dissociation between the lectin Con A and the cells as well as the inhibition of the binding by monosaccharides were monitored in real time and provided an insight into the complex avidic recognition of cell glycoconjugates. The real-time lectin screening of a range of lectins, including Con A, DBA, PNA and UEA-I, enabled the accurate study of the glycosylation changes between cells, such as changes associated with cancer progression and development. Furthermore, the kinetic parameters of the interaction of Con A with MDA-MB-468 cells were studied. This application provides investigators in the field of glycobiology with a novel tool to study cell surface glycosylation and may also have impacts on drug discovery.

Peptide tag forming a rapid covalent bond to a protein, through engineering a bacterial adhesin

Protein interactions with peptides generally have low thermodynamic and mechanical stability. Streptococcus pyogenes fibronectin-binding protein FbaB contains a domain with a spontaneous isopeptide bond between Lys and Asp. By splitting this domain and rational engineering of the fragments, we obtained a peptide (SpyTag) which formed an amide bond to its protein partner (SpyCatcher) in minutes. Reaction occurred in high yield simply upon mixing and amidst diverse conditions of pH, temperature, and buffer. SpyTag could be fused at either terminus or internally and reacted specifically at the mammalian cell surface. Peptide binding was not reversed by boiling or competing peptide. Single-molecule dynamic force spectroscopy showed that SpyTag did not separate from SpyCatcher until the force exceeded 1 nN, where covalent bonds snap. The robust reaction conditions and irreversible linkage of SpyTag shed light on spontaneous isopeptide bond formation and should provide a targetable lock in cells and a stable module for new protein architectures.

Boronate-mediated biologic delivery.

Inefficient cellular delivery limits the landscape of macromolecular drugs. Boronic acids readily form boronate esters with the 1,2- and 1,3-diols of saccharides, such as those that coat the surface of mammalian cells. Here pendant boronic acids are shown to enhance the cytosolic delivery of a protein toxin. Thus, boronates are a noncationic carrier that can deliver a polar macromolecule into mammalian cells.

Genetically encoded norbornene directs site-specific cellular protein labelling via a rapid bioorthogonal reaction

The site-specific incorporation of bioorthogonal groups via genetic code expansion provides a powerful general strategy for site-specifically labelling proteins with any probe. However, the slow reactivity of the bioorthogonal functional groups that can be encoded genetically limits the utility of this strategy. We demonstrate the genetic encoding of a norbornene amino acid using the pyrrolysyl tRNA synthetase/tRNA(CUA) pair in Escherichia coli and mammalian cells. We developed a series of tetrazine-based probes that exhibit 'turn-on' fluorescence on their rapid reaction with norbornenes. We demonstrate that the labelling of an encoded norbornene is specific with respect to the entire soluble E. coli proteome and thousands of times faster than established encodable bioorthogonal reactions. We show explicitly the advantages of this approach over state-of-the-art bioorthogonal reactions for protein labelling in vitro and on mammalian cells, and demonstrate the rapid bioorthogonal site-specific labelling of a protein on the mammalian cell surface.

Profiling surface glycans on live cells and tissues using quantum dot-lectin nanoconjugates

The surface of mammalian cells is densely coated with complex glycans, which are directly involved in cell-cell or cell-protein interactions that trigger various biological responses. Here, we present a novel glycomics approach that uses quantum dot (Qdot)-lectin nanoconjugates to interrogate the surface glycans of tissues and patterned cells. Our approach allows highly sensitive in situ monitoring of specific lectin-glycan interactions and quantitative information on surface glycans for each examined cell line and tissue. The results clearly show significant changes in glycosylation for each cell line and tissue sample. We expect that these results will be applicable in cancer diagnostics and promote the development of new analytical tools for glycomics.

An Irreversible Lock to Proteins for Dynamic Force Spectroscopy at the Mammalian Cell Surface

Exploring the role of force in biology is often limited by breakage of protein interactions. We have developed a protein interaction that will not break, because a covalent bond forms spontaneously between a genetically-encoded protein (termed SpyCatcher) and a peptide (SpyTag). The covalent bond was formed between engineered fragments of a protein from Streptococcus pyogenes, which naturally forms an intramolecular isopeptide bond. SpyTag could be inserted at various locations in proteins and reacted rapidly and specifically, both in bacterial and mammalian systems.

Identification of HBsAg-specific antibodies from a mammalian cell displayed full-length human antibody library of healthy immunized donor

Hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) is important in the management of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Aiming to develop recombinant monoclonal antibodies as an alternative to HBIG, we report the successful identification of HBV surface antigen (HBsAg)-specific antibodies from a full-length human antibody library displayed on mammalian cell surface. Using total RNA of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a natively immunized donor as template, the antibody repertoire was amplified. Combining four-way ligation and the Flp recombinase-mediated integration (Flp-In) system, we constructed a mammalian cell-based, fully human, full-length antibody display library in which each cell displayed only one kind of antibody molecule. By screening the cell library using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), eight cell clones that displayed HBsAg-specific antibodies on cell surfaces were identified. DNA sequence analysis of the antibody genes revealed three unique antibodies. FACS data indicated that fluorescent strength of expression (FSE), fluorescent strength of binding (FSB) and relative binding ability (RBA) were all different among them. These results demonstrated that by using our antibody mammalian display and screening platform, we can successfully identify antigen-specific antibodies from an immunized full-length antibody library. Therefore, this platform is very useful for the development of therapeutic antibodies.

Stages of ciliogenesis and regulation of ciliary length

Cilia and flagella are highly conserved eukaryotic microtubule-based organelles that protrude from the surface of most mammalian cells. These structures require large protein complexes and motors for distal addition of tubulin and extension of the ciliary membrane. In order for ciliogenesis to occur, coordination of many processes must take place. An intricate concert of cell cycle regulation, vesicular trafficking, and ciliary extension must all play out with accurate timing to produce a cilium. Here, we review the stages of ciliogenesis as well as regulation of the length of the assembled cilium. Regulation of ciliogenesis during cell cycle progression centers on centrioles, from which cilia extend upon maturation into basal bodies. Centriole maturation involves a shift from roles in cell division to cilium nucleation via migration to the cell surface and docking at the plasma membrane. Docking is dependent on a variety of proteinaceous structures, termed distal appendages, acquired by the mother centriole. Ciliary elongation by the process of intraflagellar transport (IFT) ensues. Direct modification of ciliary structures, as well as modulation of signal transduction pathways, play a role in maintenance of the cilium. All of these stages are tightly regulated to produce a cilium of the right size at the right time. Finally, we discuss the implications of abnormal ciliogenesis and ciliary length control in human disease as well as some open questions.

Coupling mammalian cell surface display with somatic hypermutation for the discovery and maturation of human antibodies

A novel approach has been developed for the isolation and maturation of human antibodies that replicates key features of the adaptive immune system by coupling in vitro somatic hypermutation (SHM) with mammalian cell display. SHM is dependent on the action of the B cell specific enzyme, activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID), and can be replicated in non-B cells through expression of recombinant AID. A library of human antibodies, based on germline V-gene segments with recombined human regions was used to isolate low-affinity antibodies to human β nerve growth factor (hβNGF). These antibodies, initially naïve to SHM, were subjected to AID-directed SHM in vitro and selected using the same mammalian cell display system, as illustrated by the maturation of one of the antibodies to low pM K(D). This approach overcomes many of the previous limitations of mammalian cell display, enabling direct selection and maturation of antibodies as full-length, glycosylated IgGs.

Extensive Determination of Glycan Heterogeneity Reveals an Unusual Abundance of High Mannose Glycans in Enriched Plasma Membranes of Human Embryonic Stem Cells

Most cell membrane proteins are known or predicted to be glycosylated in eukaryotic organisms, where surface glycans are essential in many biological processes including cell development and differentiation. Nonetheless, the glycosylation on cell membranes remains not well characterized because of the lack of sensitive analytical methods. This study introduces a technique for the rapid profiling and quantitation of N- and O-glycans on cell membranes using membrane enrichment and nanoflow liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry of native structures. Using this new method, the glycome analysis of cell membranes isolated from human embryonic stem cells and somatic cell lines was performed. Human embryonic stem cells were found to have high levels of high mannose glycans, which contrasts with IMR-90 fibroblasts and a human normal breast cell line, where complex glycans are by far the most abundant and high mannose glycans are minor components. O-Glycosylation affects relatively minor components of cell surfaces. To verify the quantitation and localization of glycans on the human embryonic stem cell membranes, flow cytometry and immunocytochemistry were performed. Proteomics analyses were also performed and confirmed enrichment of plasma membrane proteins with some contamination from endoplasmic reticulum and other membranes. These findings suggest that high mannose glycans are the major component of cell surface glycosylation with even terminal glucoses. High mannose glycans are not commonly presented on the surfaces of mammalian cells or in serum yet may play important roles in stem cell biology. The results also mean that distinguishing stem cells from other mammalian cells may be facilitated by the major difference in the glycosylation of the cell membrane. The deep structural analysis enabled by this new method will enable future mechanistic studies on the biological significance of high mannose glycans on stem cell membranes and provide a general tool to examine cell surface glycosylation.