Presence Of N-linked Oligosaccharides Research Articles

Constitutive high-level expression of a codon-optimized β-fructosidase gene from the hyperthermophile Thermotoga maritima in Pichia pastoris

Enzymes for use in the sugar industry are preferred to be thermotolerant. In this study, a synthetic codon-optimized gene encoding a highly thermostable β-fructosidase (BfrA, EC 3.2.1.26) from the bacterium Thermotoga maritima was expressed in the yeast Pichia pastoris. The gradual increase of the transgene dosage from one to four copies under the control of the constitutive glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter had an additive effect on BfrA yield without causing cell toxicity. Maximal values of cell biomass (115g/l, dry weight) and overall invertase activity (241U/ml) were reached at 72h in fed-batch fermentations using cane sugar as the main carbon source for growth. Secretion driven by the Saccharomyces cerevisiae α-factor signal peptide resulted in periplasmic retention (44%) and extracellular release (56%) of BfrA. The presence of N-linked oligosaccharides did not influence the optimal activity, thermal stability, kinetic properties, substrate specificity, and exo-type action mode of the yeast-secreted BfrA in comparison to the native unglycosylated enzyme. Complete inversion of cane sugar at initial concentration of 60% (w/v) was achieved by periplasmic BfrA in undisrupted cells reacting at pH 5.5 and 70°C, with average productivity of 4.4g of substrate hydrolyzed per grams of biomass (wet weight) per hour. The high yield of fully active glycosylated BfrA here attained by recombinant P. pastoris in a low-cost fermentation process appears to be attractive for the large-scale production of this thermostable enzyme useful for the manufacture of inverted sugar syrup.

Detection and Quantitation of Afucosylated N-Linked Oligosaccharides in Recombinant Monoclonal Antibodies Using Enzymatic Digestion and LC-MS

The presence of N-linked oligosaccharides in the CH2 domain has a significant impact on the structure, stability, and biological functions of recombinant monoclonal antibodies. The impact is also highly dependent on the specific oligosaccharide structures. The absence of core-fucose has been demonstrated to result in increased binding affinity to Fcγ receptors and, thus, enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Therefore, a method that can specifically determine the level of oligosaccharides without the core-fucose (afucosylation) is highly desired. In the current study, recombinant monoclonal antibodies and tryptic peptides from the antibodies were digested using endoglycosidases F2 and H, which cleaves the glycosidic bond between the two primary GlcNAc residues. As a result, various oligosaccharides of either complex type or high mannose type that are commonly observed for recombinant monoclonal antibodies are converted to either GlcNAc residue only or GlcNAc with the core-fucose. The level of GlcNAc represents the sum of all afucosylated oligosaccharides, whereas the level of GlcNAc with the core-fucose represents the sum of all fucosylated oligosaccharides. LC-MS analysis of the enzymatically digested antibodies after reduction provided a quick estimate of the levels of afucosylation. An accurate determination of the level of afucosylation was obtained by LC-MS analysis of glycopeptides after trypsin digestion.

Characterization of the tumor marker muc16 (ca125) expressed by murine ovarian tumor cell lines and identification of a panel of cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies

ObjectivesThe ovarian tumor marker CA125 is expressed on human MUC16, a cell surface bound mucin that is also shed by proteolytic cleavage. Human MUC16 is overexpressed by ovarian cancer cells. MUC16 facilitates the binding of ovarian tumor cells to mesothelial cells lining the peritoneal cavity. Additionally, MUC16 also is a potent inhibitor of natural killer cell mediated anti-tumor cytotoxic responses. Extensive studies using human as well as murine ovarian tumor cell models are required to clearly define the function of MUC16 in the progression of ovarian tumors. The major objective of this study was to determine if the murine ovarian tumor cells, MOVCAR, express Muc16 and to characterize antibodies that recognize this mucin.MethodsRT-PCR analysis was used for detecting the Muc16 message and size exclusion column chromatography for isolating Muc16 produced by MOVCAR cells. Soluble and cell-associated murine Muc16 were analyzed, respectively, by Western blotting and flow cytometry assays using a new panel of antibodies. The presence of N-linked oligosaccharides on murine Muc16 was determined by ConA chromatography.ResultsWe demonstrate that murine Muc16 is expressed by mouse ovarian cancer cells as an ~250 kDa glycoprotein that carries both O-linked and N-linked oligosaccharides. In contrast to human MUC16, the murine ortholog is primarily released from the cells and cannot be detected on the cell surface. Since the released murine Muc16 is not detected by conventional anti-CA125 assays, we have for the first time identified a panel of anti-human MUC16 antibodies that also recognizes the murine counterpart.ConclusionThe antibodies identified in this study can be used in future purification of murine Muc16 and exhaustive study of its properties. Furthermore, the initial identification and characterization of murine Muc16 is a vital preliminary step in the development of effective murine models of human ovarian cancer. These models will aid in the further elucidation of the role that human MUC16 plays in the etiology and progression of ovarian tumors.

Systematic characterization of sperm-specific membrane proteins in swine.

To establish a systematic strategy for characterizing fertilization proteins of sperm cells, we prepared alloantisera by immunizing gilts with salt-washed membranes from boar spermatozoa. The antisera recognized a unique subset of sperm membrane proteins that migrated with M(r) 7500-66,000 in SDS-PAGE under nonreducing conditions. The antisera did not recognize proteins of erythrocyte membranes, and tissue absorption experiments further confirmed that the alloantigens were sperm-specific proteins. Each of these sperm-specific membrane proteins (SSMPs) possessed one or more disulfide bonds that were essential for its interaction with alloantibody. Enzymatic deglycosylation revealed that most of the SSMPs were glycoproteins, and their alloantigenicity was not dependent on the presence of N-linked oligosaccharides. The presence of disulfide bonds and glycosylation indicated that the SSMPs identified each comprise at least one extracellular domain. Two-dimensional electrophoresis resolved at least 14 distinct SSMPs, 13 of which possessed acidic pIs (range 4.2-4.8). By indirect immunofluorescence, the SSMPs localized to the cell surface overlying all major regions of the sperm cell. We conclude that the repertoire of immunodominant SSMPs in the pig is relatively small, which makes feasible the systematic elucidation of their functions in fertilization.

Transglutaminase from Rat Coagulating Gland Secretion: POST-TRANSLATIONAL MODIFICATIONS AND ACTIVATION BY PHOSPHATIDIC ACIDS

Structural and biochemical characteristics of transglutaminase purified by a rapid chromatographic procedure from the rat coagulating gland (anterior prostate) secretion are reported. Fast atom bombardment mapping and automated Edman degradation experiments allowed us to verify that at least 85% of the entire transglutaminase amino acid sequence is identical to that derived from the cDNA of the major androgen-dependent rat prostate protein called DP1. The enzyme was found NH2 terminally blocked and largely post-translationally modified, since the presence of N-linked oligosaccharides, as well as of complex lipidic structures, was observed. Mass spectral analysis showed that Asn-408 and -488 are the glycosylated sites, the N-linked structures identified belonging to both high-mannose and complex type glycans. The presence of myo-inositol, of glycerol bound fatty acids, and the high content of mannose residues, are in agreement with previous observations suggesting that a lipid anchor is bound to coagulating gland secretion transglutaminase. Furthermore, two tightly bound calcium ions per molecule of enzyme were detected. Finally, a strong stimulation of the enzyme activity in vitro by both SDS and a variety of phosphatidic acids was observed. The reported structural and functional peculiarities should definitively lead to consider the prostate enzyme as a new member (type IV) of the transglutaminase family.

Sequence of a cysteine-rich galactose-specific lectin of Entamoeba histolytica.

Entamoeba histolytica trophozoites adhere to human colonic mucins and epithelial cells by a cell surface galactose-specific lectin. This lectin, which is composed of two subunits linked by disulfide bonds, has been shown to be a protective antigen in an animal model of amebiasis. We have determined the sequence of the mature form of the 170-kDa heavy subunit from cDNA clones and PCR-amplified fragments. The heavy subunit sequence consisted of a putative extracellular domain containing 1209 amino acids with 16 potential sites for N-linked glycosylation, a 26-amino acid hydrophobic region, and a 41-amino acid cytoplasmic tail. The presence of N-linked oligosaccharides was confirmed by culturing amebae with tunicamycin, which resulted in a decrease in the heavy subunit molecular mass to 160 kDa and a loss of lectin activity. The extracellular domain was remarkable for an extensive cysteine-rich domain that shared identify with similar regions of several other cell surface proteins and appeared to confer protease resistance to the subunit.

Studies on the biochemical structure of the major cat allergen Felis domesticus I

The major cat allergen, Fel d I, was purified to homogeneity from cat dander extract by sequential mAb affinity chromatography and HPLC size exclusion. The purity and allergenic activity of the preparation was demonstrated by different techniques such as HPLC, RAST inhibition, skin prick tests and CIE/CRIE. Fel d I showed a mol. wt of about 35,000 by HPLC gel filtration and of 18,000 by SDS-PAGE, confirming that it is a non-covalently linked dimer. However, SDS-PAGE analysis under reducing conditions as well as labelling experiments with 14C-iodoacetamide of 2-ME-reduced Fel d I showed that each mol. wt. 18,000 monomer is comprised of two covalently S-S bound polypeptides with apparent mol. wt. of 4000 (α-chain) and 14,000 (β -chain). Reduction and alkylation of Fel d I obliterated most of its allergenic activity, as determined by RAST inhibition and immunoblotting, suggesting that most of the IgE-binding sites are conformational. On the other hand, treatment of Fel d I by N-glycanase under reducing and non-reducing conditions indicated the presence of N-linked oligosaccharides in the β-chain. Carbohydrate analysis data of the whole Fel d I molecule showed the presence of a relatively high carbohydrate content (~20%). RAST inhibition experiments of native and deglycosilated allergen suggest that most IgE epitopes are located in the protein moiety of the molecule. However, the deglycosilated allergen showed a 2–4 fold reduction in its inhibition capacity of RAST as compared to the native allergen, suggesting that carbohydrates could have some role in keeping the active conformation of those epitopes. The N-terminal amino acid sequence of the β-chain (20 residues) and most of the α-chain (40 residues) were determined. Both chain sequences showed no homology with other known protein sequences.

Stable expression of rabies virus glycoprotein in Chinese hamster ovary cells

The rabies virus glycoprotein (G protein) has several important functions and is a major antigenic stimulus of the host immune system following rabies virus infection or vaccination. We developed a model system for studying the role of N-linked glycosylation in the intracellular transport and antigenicity of this molecule. The full-length cDNA of the G protein of the ERA strain of rabies virus was inserted into the eukaryotic shuttle vector pSG5 and then stably transfected into wild-type Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells and mutant CHO cell lines defective in glycosylation. Transfected wild-type CHO cells expressed the G protein (detected by immunofluorescence) on the cell surface in a manner similar to rabies virus-infected cells. The transfected wild-type CHO cells were shown by immunoprecipitation to produce a protein of 67K that comigrated with the fully glycosylated G protein isolated from virus-infected cells or purified virions. Treatment of the transfected cell lines with tunicamycin completely blocked surface expression and resulted in the intracellular accumulation of the G protein, suggesting that the presence of N-linked oligosaccharides is important for transport of this glycoprotein to the plasma membrane. The G protein cDNA was also expressed in the lectin-resistant CHO cell lines Lec 1, Lec 2 and Lec 8. In these cells initial N-linked glycosylation does occur, but later steps in processing of the oligosaccharides are blocked. In each case, the G protein was expressed on the surface of lectin-resistant CHO cells in a similar manner to expression on wild-type CHO cells. This suggests that various different N-linked oligosaccharide structures support intracellular transport of this glycoprotein. Thus, stably transfected CHO cell lines will provide a useful model system for further studies of the role of N-linked glycosylation in trafficking and antigenicity of the rabies virus G protein.

Biochemical characterisation studies on a leukocyte alloantigen expressed with high frequency in leukaemia patients

In this report we describe, using a previously characterised monoclonal antibody (NC-2), the biochemical characteristics of a human leukaemia-associated alloantigen. Two proteins with molecular weights of 50 kDa and 15 kDa were immunoprecipitated from 125I surface labelled HL-60 cells. Both proteins appeared to be sensitive to digestion with trypsin, the 50 kDa protein in particular. Treatment with glycopeptidase F indicated the presence of N-linked oligosaccharides, whereas treatment with neuraminidase had no effect on the mobility of the antigens in SDS-PAGE indicating the absence of detectable sialic acid residues. Sensitivity to glycopeptidase F indicates that the reacting antigens are glycoproteins in nature. The antibody reacts with a range of normal tissues and appears to be associated with cytoplasmic granules in HL-60 cells.

Effects of inhibition of N-linked glycosylation by tunicamycin on nucleoside transport polypeptides of L1210 leukemia cells

Membrane polypeptides (relative mass (Mr) 48,000--55,000) associated with the equilibrative transport of nucleosides were identified in cultured murine leukemia (L1210/C2) cells by site-specific photolabeling with [3H]nitrobenzylthioinosine ([3H]NBMPR). Growth of cells in the presence of tunicamycin resulted in the gradual conversion of 3H-labeled polypeptides to a form that migrated more rapidly (Mr 42,000--47,000) during sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)--polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. When plasma membrane fractions were photolabeled and incubated with O-glycanase or endoglycosidase F, the [3H]NBMPR-labeled polypeptides migrated in SDS-polyacrylamide gels with the same mobility as native NBMPR-binding polypeptides, whereas incubation with either N-glycanase or trifluoromethane sulfonic acid converted [3H]NBMPR-labeled polypeptides to the more rapidly migrating form (Mr 41,000--48,000). These observations are consistent with the presence of N-linked oligosaccharides of the complex type on the NBMPR-binding polypeptides of L1210/C2 cells. Tunicamycin exposures that reduced incorporation of [3H]mannose into plasma membrane fractions by greater than 95% had little, if any, effect on either the affinity (Kd values, 0.1-0.2 nM) or abundance (Bmax values, 200,000--220,000 sites/cell) of NBMPR-binding sites, whereas uridine transport kinetics at 37 degrees C were altered in a complex way. Thus, although N-linked glycosylation is not required for insertion of the NBMPR-binding protein into the plasma membrane or for interaction of NBMPR with the high-affinity binding sites, it is important for function of at least one of the three nucleoside transporters expressed by L1210/C2 cells.

Biogenesis of endogenous plasma membrane proteins in epithelial cells.

The plasma membrane (PM) is a complex and dynamic macromolecular assembly. Its complexity is particularly evident in polarized epithelial cells, where specialized domains exist to carry out diverse functions within one continuous and fluid lipid bilayer (57), The basolateral domain of epithelial cells faces the internal milieu and is functionally analogous to the PM of nonepithelial cells. It is also specialized for adhesion to the basal lamina and to other cells. The apical domain of epithelial cells faces the external medium and is considered the differentiated surface, since it displays the specialized structures and carries out the specialized functions that largely define each epithelium. Integral glycoproteins constitute a particularly interesting class of mem­ brane molecules in epithelial cells. They mediate a number of dynamic processes occurring at the PM and have been detected in both surface domains of epithelial cells (e.g. 36, 57), Most are transmembrane (e,g. 36), which means that unique sequences arc available at both the external and cytoplas­ mic faces of the bilayer for interaction with each environment. Furthermore, the presence of N-linked oligosaccharides on the external segments of these proteins places constraints on the intracellular pathways that they must