NH2-terminal Amino Acid Sequence Research Articles

Differential Anti-Tumor Effects of IFN-Inducible Chemokines CXCL9, CXCL10, and CXCL11 on a Mouse Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line.

Chemokines are a group of cytokines involved in the mobilization of leukocytes, which play a role in host defense and a variety of pathological conditions, including cancer. Interferon (IFN)-inducible chemokines C-X-C motif ligand 9 (CXCL), CXCL10, and CXCL11 are anti-tumor chemokines; however, the differential anti-tumor effects of IFN-inducible chemokines are not completely understood. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor effects of IFN-inducible chemokines by transferring chemokine expression vectors into a mouse squamous cell carcinoma cell line, SCCVII, to generate a cell line stably expressing chemokines and transplanted it into nude mice. The results showed that CXCL9- and CXCL11-expressing cells markedly inhibited tumor growth, whereas CXCL10-expressing cells did not inhibit growth. The NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of mouse CXCL10 contains a cleavage sequence by dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4), an enzyme that cleaves the peptide chain of chemokines. IHC staining indicated DPP4 expression in the stromal tissue, suggesting CXCL10 inactivation. These results suggest that the anti-tumor effects of IFN-inducible chemokines are affected by the expression of chemokine-cleaving enzymes in tumor tissues.

A New Group II Phospholipase A2 from Walterinnesia aegyptia Venom with Antimicrobial, Antifungal, and Cytotoxic Potential

Many venomous species, especially snakes, contain a variety of secreted phospholipases A2 that contribute to venom toxicity and prey digestion. We characterized a novel highly toxic phospholipase A2 of group II, WaPLA2-II, from the snake venom of Saudi Walterinnesia aegyptia (W. aegyptia). The enzyme was purified using a reverse phase C18 column. It is a monomeric protein with a molecular weight of approximately 14 kDa and an NH2-terminal amino acid sequence exhibiting similarity to the PLA2 group II enzymes. WaPLA2-II, which contains 2.5% (w/w) glycosylation, reached a maximal specific activity of 1250 U/mg at pH 9.5 and 55 °C in the presence of Ca2+ and bile salts. WaPLA2-II was also highly stable over a large pH and temperature range. A strong correlation between antimicrobial and indirect hemolytic activities of WaPLA2 was observed. Additionally, WaPLA2-II was found to be significantly cytotoxic only on cancerous cells. However, chemical modification with para-Bromophenacyl bromide (p-BPB) inhibited WaPLA2-II enzymatic activity without affecting its antitumor effect, suggesting the presence of a separate ‘pharmacological site’ in snake venom phospholipase A2 via its receptor binding affinity. This enzyme is a candidate for applications including the treatment of phospholipid-rich industrial effluents and for the food production industry. Furthermore, it may represent a new therapeutic lead molecule for treating cancer and microbial infections.

Molecular Characterization of an Endo-β-1,4-Glucanase, CelAJ93, from the Recently Isolated Marine Bacterium, Cellulophaga sp. J9-3

A novel cellulase was characterized from a newly isolated marine bacterium, strain J9-3. Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene revealed that strain J9-3 belonged to the genus Cellulophaga, and thus, it was named Cellulophaga sp. J9-3. An extracellular cellulase was purified from cell-free culture broth of J9-3 cultured in Marine Broth containing 0.2% carboxymethylcellulose. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the protein revealed a single band with an apparent molecular weight (Mw) of 35 kDa. Based on the NH2-terminal amino acid sequence (N-N-T-E-Q-T-V-V-D-A-Y-G), the gene (named celAJ93) encoding the protein was identified from J9-3 genomic sequencing data. CelAJ93 was expected to be translated into a premature protein (359 amino acids) and then processed to a mature protein (307 amino acids, Mw = 34,951 Da), which is consistent with our results. CelAJ93 had high homology with many uncharacterized putative glycosyl hydrolases of the genus Cellulophaga and it was highly specific for carboxymethylcellulose and cellooligosaccharides under optimum conditions (pH 7.5, 60 °C). Co2+ completely recovered CelAJ93 activity that was severely inhibited by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), indicating that CelAJ93 required Co2+ as a cofactor. Thus, CelAJ93 is a Co2+-dependent endo-β-1,4-glucanase that can hydrolyze carboxymethylcellulose and cellooligosaccharides into cellobiose at a relatively high temperature.

Purification and biochemical characterization of a novel thermostable protease from the oyster mushroom Pleurotus sajor-caju strain CTM10057 with industrial interest

BackgroundProteases are hydrolytic enzymes that catalyze peptide linkage cleavage reactions at the level of proteins and peptides with different degrees of specificity. This group draws the attention of industry. More than one protease in three is a serine protease. Classically, they are active at neutral to alkaline pH. The serine proteases are researched for industrial uses, especially detergents. They are the most commercially available enzyme group in the world market. Overall, fungi produced extracellular proteases, easily separated from mycelium by filtration.ResultsA new basidiomycete fungus CTM10057, a hyperproducer of a novel protease (10,500 U/mL), was identified as Pleurotus sajor-caju (oyster mushroom). The enzyme, called SPPS, was purified to homogeneity by heat-treatment (80 °C for 20 min) followed by ammonium sulfate precipitation (35–55%)-dialysis, then UNO Q-6 FPLC ion-exchange chromatography and finally HPLC-ZORBAX PSM 300 HPSEC gel filtration chromatography, and submitted to biochemical characterization assays. The molecular mass was estimated to be 65 kDa by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Native-PAGE, casein-zymography, and size exclusion by HPLC. A high homology with mushroom proteases was displayed by the first 26 amino-acid residues of the NH2-terminal aminoacid sequence. Phenylmethanesulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) and diiodopropyl fluorophosphates (DFP) strongly inhibit SPPS, revealing that it is a member of the serine-proteases family. The pH and temperature optima were 9.5 and 70 °C, respectively. Interestingly, SPPS possesses the most elevated hydrolysis level and catalytic efficiency in comparison with SPTC, Flavourzyme® 500 L, and Thermolysin type X proteases. More remarkably, a high tolerance towards organic solvent tolerance was exhibited by SPPS, together with considerable detergent stability compared to the commercial proteases Thermolysin type X and Flavourzyme® 500 L, respectively.ConclusionsThis proves the excellent proprieties characterizing SPPS, making it a potential candidate for industrial applications especially detergent formulations.

Evaluation of a novel thermo-alkaline Staphylococcus aureus lipase for application in detergent formulations.

An extracellular lipase of a newly isolated S. aureus strain ALA1 (SAL4) was purified from the optimized culture medium. The SAL4 specific activity determined at 60 °C and pH 12 by using olive oil emulsion or TC4, reached 7215 U/mg and 2484 U/mg, respectively. The 38 NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of the purified enzyme starting with two extra amino acid residues (LK) was similar to known staphylococcal lipase sequences. This novel lipase maintained almost 100% and 75% of its full activity in a pH range of 4.0–12 after a 24 h incubation or after 0.5 h treatment at 70 °C, respectively. Interestingly, SAL4 displayed appreciable stability toward oxidizing agents, anionic and non-ionic surfactants in addition to its compatibility with several commercial detergents. Overall, these interesting characteristics make this new lipase promising for its application in detergent industry.

Aspergillus oryzae S2 alpha-amylase production under solid state fermentation: Optimization of culture conditions

Aspergillus oryzae S2 was assayed for alpha-amylase production under solid state fermentation (SSF). In addition to AmyA and AmyB already produced in monitored submerged culture, the strain was noted to produce new AmyB oligomeric forms, in particular a dominant tetrameric form named AmyC. The latter was purified to homogeneity through fractional acetone precipitation and size exclusion chromatography. SDS-PAGE and native PAGE analyses revealed that, purified AmyC was an approximately 172kDa tetramer of four 42kDa subunits. AmyC was also noted to display the same NH2-terminal amino acid sequence residues and approximately the same physico-chemical properties of AmyA and AmyB, to exhibit maximum activity at pH 5.6 and 60°C, and to produce maltose and maltotriose as major starch hydrolysis end-products. Soyabean meal was the best substitute to yeast extract compared to fish powder waste and wheat gluten waste. AmyC production was optimized under SSF using statistical design methodology. Moisture content of 76.25%, C/N substrate ratio of 0.62, and inoculum size of 106.87 spores allowed maximum activity of 22118.34U/g of dried substrate, which was 33 times higher than the one obtained before the application of the central composite design (CCD).

A thermoactive secreted phospholipase A2 purified from the venom glands of Scorpio maurus: Relation between the kinetic properties and the hemolytic activity

A lipolytic activity was located in the scorpion venom glands (telsons), from which a phospholipase A2 (Sm-PLVG) was purified. Like known phospholipases A2 from scorpion venom, which are 14–18 kDa proteins, the purified Scorpio maurus-Phospholipase from Venom Glands (Sm-PLVG) has a molecular mass of 17 kDa containing long and short chains linked by disulfide bridge. It has a specific activity of 5500 U/mg measured at 47 °C and pH 8.5 using phosphatidylcholine as a substrate in presence of 8 mM NaTDC and 12 mM CaCl2. The NH2-terminal amino acid sequences of the purified Sm-PLVG showed similarities with those of long and short chains of some previously purified phospholipases from venom scorpions. Moreover, the Sm-PLVG exhibits hemolytic activity toward human, rabbit or rat erythrocytes. This hemolytic activity was related to its ability to interact with phospholipids’ monolayer at high surface pressure. These properties are similar to those of phospholipases isolated from snake venoms.

Proteomics Characterization of Haptoglobin Alpha-2 Subunit in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Serum and Various Human Materials

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is detected in all lung cancer patients and the serum samples as potential source are often used as a potential source for early diagnosis. In this study, we used the proteomic approaches combining 2-DE, 2-D DIGE and mass spectrometry to identify the potential serum biomarkers in NSCLC serum samples, and compare the result to normal serum samples. The haptoglobin alpha 2 subunit (HAP2) is one of the proteins we are interested in and showed the overexpression level in NSCLC serum amongst the NSCLC subtypes. The identity of HAP2 was confirmed by LC-MS/MS and NH2-terminal amino acid sequencing analyses, while the high expression level of HAP2 in NSCLC serum samples was validated using co-immunoprecipitation and western blotting. Interestingly, the high expression of HAP2 has specificity in human serum samples, but nonspecific expression in lung cancer tissues and is not observed in lung cancer cell lines except HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cell line. This indicates that HAP2 is not produced from lung tissues and/or cells, but may be secreted from the liver. In addition, HAP2 isoforms and its post-translational modifications (PTMs) could be detected by various staining methods such as phosphoprotein, glycoprotein stains and FITC-labeled lectins stain. The different carbohydrate specificities of HAP2 isoforms in NSCLC serum samples, especially sialyl Lewis x, was observed and may correlate to the development or metastasis of lung cancer. We suggest that HAP2 may become a potentially useful serum biomarker for early diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

A thermoactive uropygial esterase from chicken: Purification, characterisation and synthesis of flavour esters

A lipolytic activity was located in the chicken uropygial glands, from which a carboxylesterase (CUE) was purified. Pure CUE has an apparent molecular mass of 50kDa. The purified esterase displayed its maximal activity (200U/mg) on short-chain triacylglycerols (tributyrin) at a temperature of 50°C. No significant lipolytic activity was found when medium chain (trioctanoin) or long chain (olive oil) triacylglycerols were used as substrates. The enzyme retained 75% of its maximal activity when incubated during 2h at 50°C. The NH2-terminal amino acid sequence showed similarities with the esterase purified recently from turkey pharyngeal tissue. Esterase activity remains stable after its incubation during 30min in presence of organic solvents such as hexane or butanol. CUE is a serine enzyme since it was inactivated by phenylmethanesulphonyl fluoride (PMSF), a serine-specific inhibitor. The purified enzyme, which tolerates the presence of some organic solvent and a high temperature, can be used in non-aqueous synthesis reactions. Hence, the uropygial esterase immobilised onto CaCO3 was tested to produce the isoamyl and the butyl acetate (flavour esters). Reactions were performed at 50°C in presence of hexane. High synthesis yields of 91 and 67.8% were obtained for isoamyl and butyl acetate, respectively.

Recombinant expression, purification and dimerization of the neurotrophic growth factor Artemin for in vitro and in vivo use

Artemin (ARTN) is a neurotrophic growth factor of the GDNF ligand family that signals through the specific GFRα-3 coreceptor/cRet tyrosine kinase-mediated signaling cascade. Its expression and signaling action in adults are restricted to nociceptive sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglia. Consequently, Artemin supports survival and growth of sensory neurons and has been studied as a possible treatment for neuropathic pain paradigms.In this paper, we describe the development of an efficient method for the recombinant bacterial production of large quantities of highly pure, biologically active ARTN for in vitro and in vivo studies. Using Escherichia coli expression of an NH2-terminal SUMO-Artemin fusion protein and subsequent refolding from inclusion bodies followed by cleavage of the SUMO fusion part, mature Artemin with a native NH2-terminal amino acid sequence was obtained at high purity (>99%). Experiments using the reducing agent dithiothreitol (DTT) demonstrated that the intermolecular disulphide bridge in the cysteine knot is dispensable for dimerization of stable ARTN monomers. Our production method could facilitate in vitro and in vivo experimentation for the possible development of Artemin as a therapeutic agent for neuropathic pain.

Purification and partial characterisation of a trypsin from the processing waste of the silver mojarra (Diapterus rhombeus)

An alkaline peptidase was purified from the viscera of the silver mojarra (Diapterus rhombeus) in a three-step process: heat treatment, ammonium sulphate fractionation and molecular exclusion chromatography (Sephadex® G-75), with final specific activity 86-fold higher than the enzyme extract and yield of 22.1%. The purified enzyme had an estimated molecular mass of 26.5kDa and NH2-terminal amino acid sequence IVGGYECTMHSEAHE. Higher enzyme activity was observed at pH 8.5 and between 50 and 55°C. The enzyme was completely inactivated after 30min at 55°C and it was significantly more stable at alkaline pH. Km, Kcat and Kcat·Km-1 values, using BApNA as substrate, were 0.266mM, 0.93s−1 and 3.48mM−1s−1, respectively. Enzyme activity increased in the presence of the ions (1mM) K+, Li+ and Ca2+, but was inhibited by Fe2+, Cd2+, Cu2+, Al3+, Hg2+, Zn2+ and Pb2+ as well as by the trypsin inhibitors TLCK and benzamidine.

Purification, characterization and substrate specificity of a trypsin from the Amazonian fish tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum)

An enzyme was purified from the pyloric caecum of tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) through heat treatment, ammonium sulfate fractionation, Sephadex® G-75 and p-aminobenzamidine–agarose affinity chromatography. The enzyme had a molecular mass of 23.9kDa, NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of IVGGYECKAHSQPHVSLNI and substrate specificity for arginine at P1, efficiently hydrolizing substrates with leucine and lysine at P2 and serine and arginine at P1′. Using the substrate z-FR-MCA, the enzyme exhibited greatest activity at pH 9.0 and 50°C, whereas, with BAPNA activity was higher in a pH range of 7.5–11.5 and at 70°C. Moreover, the enzyme maintained ca. 60% of its activity after incubated for 3h at 60°C. The enzymatic activity significantly decreased in the presence of TLCK, benzamidine (trypsin inhibitors) and PMSF (serine protease inhibitor). This source of trypsin may be an attractive alternative for the detergent and food industry.

Bifidin I – A new bacteriocin produced by Bifidobacterium infantis BCRC 14602: Purification and partial amino acid sequence

A three-step purification protocol has been applied for purification of a new bacteriocin, bifidin I, from Bifidobacterium infantis BCRC 14602. The purification protocol resulted in a purification fold of 1390 with a specific activity of 365714 AU mg −1 and a yield of 25.6%. Bifidin I was recovered by adsorption–desorption onto/from silicic acid (ADSA). The adsorption of the bifidin I from B. infantis BCRC 14602 to silicic acid (5%) was strongly affected by the pH of the broth culture of which 100% adsorption occurs between pH 5.0 and 7.0, whereas at pH values below 5.0 and above 7.0, the adsorption ratio decreased to values 67–45% respectively. Mass spectrometry analysis showed the mass of bifidin I to be approximately 2879.7 Da. Only a partial NH 2-terminal amino acid sequence was obtained comprising of 8 amino acid residues; NH 2 – Lys-Tyr-Gly-Ser-Val-Pro-Leu-Gly. The strong antilisterial activity of bifidin I and its ability of inhibiting the growth of many other Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria which can cause food spoilage and food borne diseases have great applications in food safety. Curing experiments which resulted in Bif ¯ variants incapable of producing bifidin I but retaining immunity showed that production of bifidin I is plasmid associated.

Molecular and functional characterization of a c-type lysozyme from the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis.

Some lepidopteran lysozymes have been reported to display activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, in contrast to most lysozymes that are active only against Gram-positive bacteria. OstrinLysC, a c-type lysozyme, was purified from the Asian corn borer, Ostrinia furnacalis Guenée (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and shows activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The NH2-terminal amino acid sequence was determined by Edman degradation and used in a homology cloning strategy. The gene coding for OstrinLysC contains three exons and two introns. The expression profile of the OstrinlysC gene was examined by quantitative real-time PCR. Following injection of the larvae with bacteria, the OstrinlysC gene is strongly up-regulated in immune tissues. Transcripts were also detected in gut tissue. After feeding the larvae with bacteria, OstrinlysC transcripts increased in immune tissues. A very low level of transcript abundance was also detected in gut tissue. These results suggested that the OstrinlysC gene is involved in immune responses. The three dimensional structure of OstrinLysC was predicted. Based on comparison of the 3-D structure of OstrinLysC with that of silkworm lysozyme and chicken lysozyme, we hypothesize that the positive charge-rich surface and the short loop-2, which is close to the cluster of hydrophobic residues, may play important roles in the interaction with the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacterial cell walls.

Purification and Characterization of an Extracellular Laccase fromPhlebia radiataStrain BP-11-2 That Decolorizes Fungal Melanin

Phlebia radiata strain BP-12-2, isolated from forest soil, decolorized fungal melanin and produced an extracellular laccase in culture. The enzyme was purified to homogeneity and characterized. It showed no absorption bands in the ultraviolet above 300 nm or visible regions. It differed from the reported laccases in substrate specificity, kinetic parameters, and NH2-terminal amino acid sequences.

Gene cloning and characterization of arylamine N-acetyltransferase from Bacillus cereus strain 10-L-2

Bacillus cereus strain 10-L-2 synthesizes two arylamine N-acetyltransferases (Nat-a and Nat-b) with broad substrate specificities toward aniline and its derivatives. In southern blot analysis using probes encoding the NH2-terminus of Nat-b and a conserved region of N-acetyltransferases, digested total DNA of strain 10-L-2 showed one positive band. We cloned and sequenced the gene encoding Nat-b. The NH2-terminal amino acid sequence predicted from the open reading frame (768 base pairs) corresponded to that of purified Nat-b. The cloned Nat-b gene was expressed in Escherichia coli. The expressed enzyme (BcNAT) from the recombinant strain was partially purified and characterized. Nat-b from strain 10-L-2 and BcNAT from the recombinant strain were slightly different from each others in substrate specificity and thermo-stability. We examined the biotransformations of 2-aminophenols and phenylenediamines by the whole cells of the recombinant strain. The cells converted these compounds into their corresponding acetanilides. Only one amino group of phenylenediamines was acetylated. The cells utilized 4-nitroacetanilide as an acetyl donor instead of acetyl-CoA. 4-Aminoacetanilide was produced and 4-nitroaniline was released almost stoichiometrically.

CIP2A (Cancerous Inhibitor of Protein Phosphatase 2A) promotes gastric carcinogenesis

NH2-terminal amino acid sequence of the pS2 protein produced and secreted by human gastric cancer cells, MKN-45, was determined to be identical to that of MCF-7 cells. A clone encoding pS2 protein was isolated from the cDNA library constructed from MKN-45 cells. The nucleotide sequence was identical to that of pS2 cDNA previously isolated from human breast cancer cells, MCF-7, except for one nucleotide in the 3' untranslated region. Thus, in this cell line, the pS2 gene product is translated and secreted as in MCF-7 cells. RNA blot hybridization analysis revealed that pS2 gene was expressed well in two (MKN-45 and KATO-III; derived from poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma) but not in three cell lines (MKN-1, MKN-28 and MKN-74; from well differentiated adenocarcinoma), suggesting that expression of the pS2 gene depends on the state of cell differentiation. These results suggest that pS2 is expressed in human gastric cancer cells in an estrogen-independent manner and is possibly associated with the malignant state of cells.

Cathepsin V, but not cathepsins L, B and K, may release angiostatin-like fragments from plasminogen

Abstract Cathepsin V is a lysosomal cysteine peptidase highly expressed in corneal epithelium; however, its function in the eye is still unknown. Here, we describe the capability of cathepsin V to hydrolyze plasminogen, which is also expressed in human cornea at levels high enough to produce physiologically relevant amounts of angiostatin-related molecules. The co-localization of these two proteins suggests an important role for the enzyme in the maintenance of corneal avascularity, essential for optimal visual performance. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic analysis of plasminogen digestion by cathepsin V revealed the generation of three major products of 60, 50 and 40 kDa, which were electrotransferred to polyvinylidene difluoride membranes and excised for characterization. NH(2)-terminal amino acid sequencing of these fragments revealed the sequences EKKVYL, TEQLAP and LLPNVE, respectively. These data are compatible with cleavage sites at plasminogen F94-E95, S358-T359 and V468-L469 peptide bonds generating fragments of the five-kringle domains. In contrast, we did not detect any plasminogen degradation by cathepsins B, K and L. Using a Matrigel assay, we confirmed the angiogenesis inhibition activity on endothelial cells caused by plasminogen processing by cathepsin V. Our results suggest a novel physiological role for cathepsin V related to the control of neovascularization in cornea.

Purification, Cloning, and Expression of an α/β-Galactoside α-2,3-Sialyltransferase from a Luminous Marine Bacterium, Photobacterium phosphoreum

A novel sialyltransferase, alpha/beta-galactoside alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase, was purified from the cell lysate of a luminous marine bacterium, Photobacterium phosphoreum JT-ISH-467, isolated from the Japanese common squid (Todarodes pacificus). The gene encoding the enzyme was cloned from the genomic library of the bacterium using probes derived from the NH(2)-terminal and internal amino acid sequences. An open reading frame of 409 amino acids was identified, and the sequence had 32% identity with that of beta-galactoside alpha-2,6-sialyltrasferase in Photobacterium damselae JT0160. DNA fragments that encoded the full-length protein and a protein that lacked the sequence between the 2nd and 24th residues at the NH(2) terminus were amplified by polymerase chain reactions and cloned into an expression vector. The full-length and truncated proteins were expressed in Escherichia coli, producing active enzymes of 0.25 and 305 milliunits, respectively, per milliliter of the medium in the lysate of E. coli. The truncated enzyme was much more soluble without detergent than the full-length enzyme. The enzyme catalyzed the transfer of N-acetylneuraminic acid from CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid to disaccharides, such as lactose and N-acetyllactosamine, with low apparent K(m) and to monosaccharides, such as alpha-methyl-galactopyranoside and beta-methyl-galactopyranoside, with much lower apparent K(m). Thus, this sialyltransferase is unique and should be very useful for achieving high productivity in E. coli with a wide substrate range.

Subcellular Localization and Physiological Significance of Intracellular Mannan-binding Protein

Mannan-binding protein (MBP) is a C-type mammalian lectin specific for mannose and N-acetylglucosamine. MBP is mainly synthesized in the liver and occurs naturally in two forms, serum MBP (S-MBP) and intracellular MBP (I-MBP). S-MBP activates complement in association with MBP-associated serine proteases via the lectin pathway. Despite our previous study (Mori, K., Kawasaki, T., and Yamashina, I. (1984) Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 232, 223-233), the subcellular localization of I-MBP and its functional implication have not been clarified yet. Here, as an extension of our previous studies, we have demonstrated that the expression of human MBP cDNA reproduces native MBP differentiation of S-MBP and I-MBP in human hepatoma cells. I-MBP shows distinct accumulation in cytoplasmic granules, and is predominantly localized in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and involved in COPII vesicle-mediated ER-to-Golgi transport. However, the subcellular localization of either a mutant (C236S/C244S) I-MBP, which lacks carbohydrate-binding activity, or the wild-type I-MBP in tunicamycin-treated cells shows an equally diffuse cytoplasmic distribution, suggesting that the unique accumulation of I-MBP in the ER and COPII vesicles is mediated by an N-glycan-lectin interaction. Furthermore, the binding of I-MBP with glycoprotein intermediates occurs in the ER, which is carbohydrate- and pH-dependent, and is affected by glucose-trimmed high-mannose-type oligosaccharides. These results strongly indicate that I-MBP may function as a cargo transport lectin facilitating ER-to-Golgi traffic in glycoprotein quality control.