Structure of 1 -acid glycoprotein. The complete amino acid sequence, multiple amino acid substitutions, and homology with the immunoglobulins

Interaction between carbohydrate residues of alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) and progesterone. A fluorescence study

Interaction between progesterone and the carbohydrate residues of alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein was followed by fluorescence studies using calcofluor white. The fluorophore interacts with polysaccharides and is commonly used in clinical studies. Binding of progesterone to the protein induces a decrease in the fluorescence intensity of calcofluor white, accompanied by a shift to the short wavelengths of its emission maximum. The dissociation constant of the complex was found equal to 8.62 microM. Interaction between progesterone and free calcofluor in solution induces a low decrease in the fluorescence intensity of the fluorophore without any shift of the emission maximum. These results show that in alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein, the binding site of progesterone is very close to the carbohydrate residues. Fluorescence intensity quenching of free calcofluor in solution with cesium ion gives a bimolecular diffusion constant (k(q)) of 2.23 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1). This value decreases to 0.19 x 10(9) M(-1) s(-1) when calcofluor white is bound to alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein. Binding of progesterone does not modify the value of k(q) of the cesium. Previous studies have shown that the terminal sialic acid residue is mobile, while the other glycannes are rigid [Albani, J. R.; Sillen, A.; Coddeville, B.; Plancke, Y. D.; Engelborghs, Y. Carbohydr. Res. 1999, 322, 87-94]. Red-edge excitation spectra and Perrin plot experiments performed on sialylated and asialylated alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein show that binding of progesterone to alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein does not modify the local dynamics of the carbohydrate residues of the protein.

Human alpha-fetoprotein binds to primary macrophages

We have previously reported that alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) inhibits infection of human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) by R5-HIV-1 strains and that a peptide mimicking the clade B HIV-1 gp120 consensus V3 domain (V3Cs) binds to CCR5. We demonstrate here that AFP binds high- and low-affinity binding sites of MDM, characterized, respectively, by 5.15 and 100nM K(d) values. Heat denaturation or neuraminidase treatment of AFP inhibits this binding, suggesting the involvement of protein-protein and lectin-carbohydrate interactions. Moreover, AFP displaces V3Cs binding to MDM. In addition, MIP-1beta, the most specific CCR5 ligand, displaces AFP binding to MDM (IC(50)=4.3nM). Finally, we demonstrate that AFP binds to a ligand of HIV-gp120 V3Cs domain, CCR5, expressed by MDM and by HeLa cells expressing CCR5. Such binding is not observed in the presence of HeLa cells lacking CCR5. The present results provide strong evidence that AFP directly binds to CCR5 expressed by human primary macrophages and by transfected CCR5+ HeLa cells.

Investigation of the heterogeneous adsorption behavior of selected enantiomers on immobilized alpha1-acid glycoprotein

A complete census was made of the interactions between enantiomeric solutes and the chiral protein column CHIRAL-AGP with the theory of nonlinear LC as tool. The surface is heterogeneous, having a small number of strong enantioselective adsorption sites and a large number of weak nonselective ones. When the eluent pH was increased, the "linear" retention of (i) the amines increased strongly as a result of a strong increase in the enantioselective binding strength, whereas (ii) the retention of the aprot increased slightly as a result of an increase in both the enantioselective binding strength and its capacity. The retention of (iii) the acid has a maximum originating solely from the enantioselective binding energy, whereas the nonselective equilibria decreased steadily. For all compounds, the enantioselective equilibrium constants increase relatively more than the nonselective ones with increasing pH.

Effect of binding of Calcofluor White on the carbohydrate residues of alpha1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) on the structure and dynamics of the protein moiety. A fluorescence study

Calcofluor White is a fluorescent probe that interacts with polysaccharides and is commonly used in clinical studies. Interaction between Calcofluor White and carbohydrate residues of alpha1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) was previously studied at low and high concentrations of Calcofluor compared to that of the protein. alpha1-Acid glycoprotein contains 40% carbohydrate by weight and has up to 16 sialic acid residues. At equimolar concentrations of Calcofluor and alpha1-acid glycoprotein, the fluorophore displays free motions [Albani, J. R.; Sillen, A.; Coddeville, B.; Plancke, Y. D.; Engelborghs, Y. Carbohydr. Res. 1999, 322, 87-94], while at high concentration of Calcofluor, its surrounding microenvironment is rigid, inducing the rigidity of the fluorophore itself [Albani, J. R.; Sillen, A.; Plancke, Y. D.; Coddeville, B.; Engelborghs, Y. Carbohydr. Res. 2000, 327, 333-340]. In the present work, red-edge excitation spectra and steady-state anisotropy studies performed on Trp residues in the presence of Calcofluor, showed that the apparent dynamics of Trp residues are not modified. However, deconvoluting the emission spectra with two different methods into different components, reveals that the structure of the protein matrix has been disrupted in the presence of high Calcofluor concentrations.

Human alpha1-acid glycoprotein binds to CCR5 expressed on the plasma membrane of human primary macrophages

We have reported previously that human alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP) inhibits the infection of human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM) by R5 HIV-1, and that a disulphide-bridged peptide mimicking the clade B HIV-1 gp120 consensus V3 domain (V3Cs) binds specifically to CCR5 (the major co-receptor of R5 HIV strains) on these cells [Seddiki, Rabehi, Benjouad, Saffar, Ferriere, Gluckman and Gattegno (1997) Glycobiology 7, 1229-1236]. The present study demonstrates that AGP binds specifically to MDM at high- and low-affinity binding sites with K(d) values of 16 nM and 4.9 microM respectively. The fact that heat denaturation of AGP only partly inhibited this binding (43%) suggests that protein-protein interactions are involved, as well as AGP glycans which are resistant to heat denaturation. Mannan, but not dextran, is a significant inhibitor (52%) of this binding, and sequential exoglycosidase treatment of AGP, which exposes penultimate mannose residues, has a strong stimulatory effect ( approximately 2.8-fold). Therefore AGP glycans (probably mannose residues) are involved, at least partly, in the binding of AGP to MDM. In addition, AGP inhibits the binding of V3Cs and macrophage inflammatory protein-1beta (MIP-1beta) to MDM. The anti-CCR5 monoclonal antibody 2D7, specific for the second extracellular loop of CCR5, also inhibited AGP binding (67%), whereas anti-CCR5 antibodies specific for the C-terminus of CCR5 region had no effect. Native AGP, like V3Cs (but not heat-denatured AGP), binds to 46 and 33-36 kDa electroblotted AGP-bound MDM membrane ligands, characterized as CCR5 by their interactions with anti-CCR5 antibodies and with MIP-1beta. Therefore both AGP glycans and MDM CCR5 are involved in the binding of AGP to MDM. This suggests that the inhibitory effect of AGP on the infection of human primary macrophages by R5 HIV-1 may be related to specific binding of AGP to a macrophage membrane lectin or lectin-like component and to CCR5.

The effect of alpha2,6-linked sialic acid on anti-IgM antibody-induced apoptosis in Ramos cells

Apoptosis in B cells is induced through the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) and affects the sialic acid recognition molecules on B cells. We investigated the effects of alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP), which mainly contains alpha2,6-linked sialic acid, on anti-IgM antibody (Ab)-induced apoptosis in Ramos cells, which are derived from Burkitt's lymphoma. When Ramos cells were incubated with anti-IgM-Ab in plates coated with AGP, neuraminidase-digested AGP (asAGP) or alpha2,3-sialylated AGP (2,3AGP), apoptosis was suppressed only in those coated with AGP. We also studied the effects of CD22, which is expressed on the surface of mature B cells and binds to sugar chains containing alpha2,6-linked sialic acid, with anti-CD22 monoclonal antibody (mAb). Anti-CD22mAb enhanced anti-IgM Ab-induced apoptosis in Ramos cells. These contradictory results suggested that the recognition molecules for alpha2,6-linked sialic acid on AGP, which inhibits B-cell apoptosis, is distinct from CD22, or that different binding domains of CD22 between alpha2,6-linked sialic acid and anti-CD22 mAb exert opposite functions of suppression or enhancement to anti-IgM Ab-induced B cells.

Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein

Alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) or orosomucoid (ORM) is a 41-43-kDa glycoprotein with a pI of 2.8-3.8. The peptide moiety is a single chain of 183 amino acids (human) or 187 amino acids (rat) with two and one disulfide bridges in humans and rats,respectively. The carbohydrate content represents 45% of the molecular weight attached in the form of five to six highly sialylated complex-type-N-linked glycans. AGP is one of the major acute phase proteins in humans, rats, mice and other species. As most acute phase proteins, its serum concentration increases in response to systemic tissue injury, inflammation or infection, and these changes in serum protein concentrations have been correlated with increases in hepatic synthesis. Expression of the AGP gene is controlled by a combination of the major regulatory mediators, i.e. glucocorticoids and a cytokine network involving mainly interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha), interleukin-6 and IL-6 related cytokines. It is now well established that the acute phase response may take place in extra-hepatic cell types, and may be regulated by inflammatory mediators as observed in hepatocytes. The biological function of AGP remains unknown; however,a number of activities of possible physiological significance, such as various immunomodulating effects, have been described. AGP also has the ability to bind and to carry numerous basic and neutral lipophilic drugs from endogenous (steroid hormones) and exogenous origin; one to seven binding sites have been described. AGP can also bind acidic drugs such as phenobarbital. The immunomodulatory as well as the binding activities of AGP have been shown to be mostly dependent on carbohydrate composition. Finally, the use of AGP transgenic animals enabled to address in vivo, functionality of responsive elements and tissue specificity, as well as the effects of drugs that bind to AGP and will be an useful tool to determine the physiological role of AGP.

Interaction between carbohydrate residues of alpha1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) and saturating concentrations of Calcofluor White. A fluorescence study

Calcofluor White is a fluorescent probe that interacts with polysaccharides and is commonly used in clinical studies. Interaction between Calcofluor White and carbohydrate residues of alpha1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) was previously followed by fluorescence titration of the Trp residues of the protein. A stoichiometry of one Calcofluor for one protein has been found [J.R. Albani and Y.D. Plancke, Carbohydr. Res., 318 (1999) 193-200]. Alpha1-acid glycoprotein contains 40% carbohydrate by weight and has up to 16 sialic acid residues. Since binding of Calcofluor to alpha1-acid glycoprotein occurs mainly on the carbohydrate residues, we studied in the present work the interaction between Calcofluor and the protein by following the fluorescence change of the fluorophore. In order to establish the role of the sialic acid residues in the interaction, the experiments were performed with the sialylated and asialylated protein. Interaction of Calcofluor with sialylated alpha1-acid glycoprotein induces a red shift of the emission maximum of the fluorophore from 438 to 450 nm at saturation (one Calcofluor for one sialic acid) and an increase in the fluorescence intensity. At saturation the fluorescence intensity increase levels off. Binding of Calcofluor to asialylated acid glycoprotein does not change the position of the emission maximum of the fluorophore and induces a decrease in its fluorescence intensity. Saturation occurs when 10 molecules of Calcofluor are bound to 1 mol of alpha1-acid glycoprotein. Since the protein contains five heteropolysaccharide groups, we have 2 mol of Calcofluor for each group. Addition of free sialic acid to Calcofluor induces a continuous decrease in the fluorescence intensity of the fluorophore but does not change the position of the emission maximum. Our results confirm the presence of a defined spatial conformation of the sialic acid residues, a conformation that disappears when they are free in solution. Dynamics studies on Calcofluor White and the carbohydrate residues of alpha1-acid glycoprotein are also performed at saturating concentrations of Calcofluor using the red-edge excitation spectra and steady-state anisotropy studies. The red-edge excitation spectra experiments show an important shift (13 nm) of the fluorescence emission maximum of the probe. This reveals that emission of Calcofluor occurs before relaxation of the surrounding carbohydrate residues occurs. Emission from a non-relaxed state means that the microenvironment of bound Calcofluor is rigid, inducing in this way the rigidity of the fluorophore itself, a result confirmed by anisotropy studies.

Enantioselective binding of propranolol, disopyramide, and verapamil to human alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein

We investigated the binding of propranolol (PL), disopyramide (DP), and verapamil (VP) enantiomers by human alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein (AGP; also called orosomucoid) and the relationships between the extent of drug binding and lipophilicity, desialylation, and genetic variants of AGP. Desialylation had little effect on the affinity of AGP for the drugs tested. The percentage binding correlated significantly with the partition coefficients for the drugs tested. Each enantiomer was competitively displaced from AGP by another enantiomer of the same drug, suggesting that they bind to the same site. However, the enantiomers bound to AGP with stereospecific affinities; the (-)-isomers of DP and VP had higher Kd values (4.27 and 4.97 microM, respectively) than the (+)-isomers (1.51 and 2.48 microM, respectively). When enantiomers of the different drugs were used in competitive binding experiments, VP binding was only partially inhibited by DP. This result suggested that drug binding is specific to different variants of AGP (A, F1, S). DP was found to specifically bind to variant A, whereas PL and VP bind to both A and F1/S variants.

Dynamics of carbohydrate residues of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) followed by red-edge excitation spectra and emission anisotropy studies of Calcofluor White

Dynamics studies on Calcofluor White bound to the carbohydrate residues of sialylated and asialylated alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) have been performed. The interaction between the fluorophore and the protein was found to occur preferentially with the glycan residues with a dependence on their spatial conformation. In the presence of sialylated alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, excitation at the red edge of the absorption spectrum of calcofluor does not lead to a shift in the fluorescence emission maximum (440 nm) of the fluorophore. Thus, the emission of calcofluor occurs from a relaxed state. This is confirmed by anisotropy studies as a function of temperature (Perrin plot). In the presence of asialylated alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, red-edge excitation spectra show an important shift (8 nm) of the fluorescence emission maximum of the probe. This reveals that emission of calcofluor occurs before relaxation of the surrounding carbohydrate residues occurs. Emission from a non-relaxed state means that Calcofluor molecules are bound tightly to the carbohydrate residues, a result confirmed by anisotropy studies.

Interaction between calcofluor white and carbohydrates of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein

Interactions between the fluorescent probe, calcofluor white, and human serum albumin (HSA) and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) are compared. The two proteins have comparable isoelectric points, but alpha 1-acid glycoprotein is highly glycosylated (40% of glycans by weight), while the serum albumin is not. Binding of calcofluor to the proteins induces an increase in both the fluorescence anisotropy and the fluorescence intensity of the fluorophore. Also, we found that the calcofluor exhibits a fluorescence emission with a maximum located at 432, 415 or 445 nm, respectively, in the absence of proteins, in the presence of HSA, and in the presence of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein. The stoichiometries of the calcofluor-serum albumin and calcofluor-alpha 1-acid glycoprotein complexes are 2:1 and 1:1, respectively. The association constants are 0.04 and 0.15 microM-1, respectively. The calcofluor does not interact with Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA), although the protein has a hydrophobic site. Nevertheless, one cannot exclude that the binding of the fluorophore to the HSA is nonspecific. Our results, when compared with those obtained with calcofluor dissolved in the hydrophobic solvent isobutanol, and with the fluorescent probe, potassium 6-(p-toluidino)-2-naphthalenesulfonate (TNS), bound to alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, indicate that the emission of calcofluor bound to HSA occurs from a hydrophobic state, while that of calcofluor bound to alpha 1-acid glycoprotein occurs from a hydrophilic state. The fluorescence intensity of calcofluor decreases in the presence of carbohydrates isolated from alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, while it increases in the presence of alpha 1-cellulose. Thus, calcofluor interacts mainly with the glycan moiety of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, and its fluorescence is sensitive to the secondary structure of the glycans.

Interaction between calcofluor white and carbohydrates of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein

Interactions between the fluorescent probe, calcofluor white, and human serum albumin (HSA) and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) are compared. The two proteins have comparable isoelectric points, but alpha 1-acid glycoprotein is highly glycosylated (40% of glycans by weight), while the serum albumin is not. Binding of calcofluor to the proteins induces an increase in both the fluorescence anisotropy and the fluorescence intensity of the fluorophore. Also, we found that the calcofluor exhibits a fluorescence emission with a maximum located at 432, 415 or 445 nm, respectively, in the absence of proteins, in the presence of HSA, and in the presence of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein. The stoichiometries of the calcofluor-serum albumin and calcofluor-alpha 1-acid glycoprotein complexes are 2:1 and 1:1, respectively. The association constants are 0.04 and 0.15 microM-1, respectively. The calcofluor does not interact with Lens culinaris agglutinin (LCA), although the protein has a hydrophobic site. Nevertheless, one cannot exclude that the binding of the fluorophore to the HSA is nonspecific. Our results, when compared with those obtained with calcofluor dissolved in the hydrophobic solvent isobutanol, and with the fluorescent probe, potassium 6-(p-toluidino)-2-naphthalenesulfonate (TNS), bound to alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, indicate that the emission of calcofluor bound to HSA occurs from a hydrophobic state, while that of calcofluor bound to alpha 1-acid glycoprotein occurs from a hydrophilic state. The fluorescence intensity of calcofluor decreases in the presence of carbohydrates isolated from alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, while it increases in the presence of alpha 1-cellulose. Thus, calcofluor interacts mainly with the glycan moiety of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, and its fluorescence is sensitive to the secondary structure of the glycans.

Evaluation of association constants between drug enantiomers and human alpha 1-acid glycoprotein by applying a partial-filling technique in affinity capillary electrophoresis

The principles for evaluation of conditional association constants between drug enantiomers and proteins, exemplified here by alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), using capillary zone electrophoresis employing a partial filling technique, is presented. In the partial filling technique only the first part of the capillary is filled with the selector, and this selector zone (plug) length can be varied by introducing the selector solution at different times at constant pressure. An important feature of the technique is the low consumption of selector solution in this study only 40-290 nL is used per run, of special importance when the availability of the selector is limited, and also in case it is expensive. Conditions are chosen so that the protein has a net negative charge and migrates toward the anode, while the analytes migrate toward the detector at the cathodic side. The resolution is linearly related to the effective plug length, as shown in separations of the enantiomers of disopyramide and remoxipride. The effective plug length can be calculated, which forms the basis to apply this technique for determinations of association constants. The association between the enantiomers of the solutes and AGP varied with increasing temperature, as shown by determined association constants. It was found that the association between the enantiomers and AGP was strongest at 25 degrees C and decreased at both lower and higher temperatures. This unexpected finding may indicate conformational changes of the protein with temperature variations.

Correlation between dynamics, structure and spectral properties of human alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid): a fluorescence approach

Dynamics of proteins and membranes are usually investigated by red-edge excitation spectra and fluorescence anisotropy. In a viscous or rigid medium, the fluorescence maximum position changes with the excitation wavelength upon red-edge excitation. In addition to the shift in the emission maximum on red edge excitation, fluorescence anisotropy is also known to be dependent on the excitation and emission wavelengths in viscous media. However, this dependence has always been explained by the fact that the fluorophore is rigid, i.e. it does not display any residual motions. The aim of the present work was to check the validity of this latest assumption and to explain the possible origin of the dependence of the anisotropy on both the excitation and emission wavelengths. Therefore, we compared the results obtained from the fluorescence of the Trp residues of two alpha 1-acid glycoproteins (orosomucoid). One protein was purified by chromatographic methods (orosomucoid(c)) and the other was obtained with ammonium sulfate precipitation (orosomucoid(s)). Trp residues of orosomucoidc display free motions while those of orosomucoids are rigid. The general qualitative feature of the excitation anisotropy spectra recorded on both types of preparation is identical and resembles that obtained for other proteins containing tryptophan residue in protein. The fluorescence anisotropy measured across the emission spectra decreases for both preparations, indicating that this phenomenon is characteristic for fluorophores surrounded by a rigid microenvironment or by a microenvironment that displays motions. The fluorescence anisotropy variation across the emission and the excitation spectra is more important when the fluorophore possesses constrained motions than when it displays a high degree of freedom. Our results clearly demonstrate that the tertiary structure of the protein and the structure and dynamics of the microenvironments of the Trp residues are the origin of the dependence of anisotropy on the excitation and emission wavelengths.

Binding effect of progesterone on the dynamics of alpha1-acid glycoprotein

The fluorescence of the tryptophan residues of asialylated human alpha1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) was investigated in presence of progesterone. Red-edge excitation spectra did not lead to a shift of the fluorescence emission maximum of the fluorophore, i.e., motions of the Trp residues depend on their microenvironment. This was confirmed by anisotropy studies as a function of temperature in the range of 7-35 degrees C (Perrin plot). These two results identical to those obtained in absence of progesterone [J. Albani, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1291 (1996) 215-220] indicate that binding of progesterone to orosomucoid does not modify the mean residual motion of the Trp residues. Measurement of the anisotropy in a temperature range of -45 degrees to +6 degrees C in a mixture of 80% glycerol-buffer, allows us to determine the frictional resistance to the local rotations of the tryptophan residues [G. Weber, S.F. Scarlata, M. Rholam, Biochemistry 23 (1984) 6785-6788]. The Y-plot analysis of the anisotropy reveals that the mean motion of the two Trp residues buried in the protein core was different from that of the Trp residue of the surface. The average angles of rotations for buried and surface residues were 16 degrees and 21.5 degrees of arc, respectively, instead of 10 degrees and 14 degrees of arc observed in absence of progesterone [J. Albani, Biochim. Biophys. Acta 1291 (1996) 215-220]. Thus, binding of progesterone to orosomucoid increases the free space of rotation of the two classes of Trp residues.

Identification of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (orosomucoid) in human synovial fluid by capillary electrophoresis

Capillary electrophoresis of human synovial fluid in a phosphate borate run buffer containing sodium dodecyl sulphate separates a hydrophilic glycoprotein, hyaluronan and a number of low-molecular-mass components. The hydrophilic glycoprotein is identified as alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), orosomucoid, by co-injection methods with human AGP and by reaction with neuraminidase which released N-acetylneuraminic acid. Finally, a sample of the glycoprotein was isolated by micropreparative capillary electrophoresis, examined by sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis methods and shown to give a positive reaction with AGP antibodies. The peak due to AGP in the capillary electrophoresis is broad and gives evidence for the presence of glycoforms.

Alpha-1-acid (AAG, orosomucoid) glycoprotein: interaction with bacterial lipopolysaccharide and protection from sepsis

In the acute phase response to a variety of insults a rise in the levels of the acute phase proteins, including elevations of serum alpha 1 acid glycoprotein (AAG) occurs. The physiological role of AAG is unknown, however, the time course of AAG production in the acute phase response together with its strong affinity for basic compounds suggests that AAG may function as an immune modulator to bind both exogenous and endogenous inflammatory mediators. Using E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an initiator of the acute inflammatory response associated with septic shock, we demonstrate that AAG-LPS complexes can activate mouse macrophages in vitro. In a mouse animal model of sepsis, AAG was shown to protect against meningococcal endotoxin. To pursue the mechanism of AAG action we demonstrated that AAG interacts directly with LPS using dynamic light scattering particle sizing and particle mobility. We also determined the enthalpy of interaction of AAG and LPS and showed that AAG leads to agglutination of LPS impregnated rabbit red blood cells. These studies suggest that AAG may function as an immune-modulator in the acute phase response, possibly by counter-regulating the activity of macrophage pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Effects of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein on tissue factor expression and tumor necrosis factor secretion in human monocytes

Activated monocytes express tissue factor (TF) and secrete tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), which are important in the initiation of blood coagulation and inflammation. We investigated the effect of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (alpha 1-AGP), an acute phase protein, on the induction of the expression of TF and the secretion of TNF alpha in human monocytes in vitro. The TF activity of both fresh human monocytes and human monocytic cell line U937 significantly increased in a dose-dependent manner after a 6 h incubation with human or bovine alpha 1-AGP. The activity of TF gradually tailed off after 24 h. RT-PCR and Southern blot analysis revealed that TF mRNA synthesis was induced in monocytes. Inhibition of alpha 1-AGP induced TF expression by actinomycin D (ActD) further support that de novo TF mRNA synthesis was required. The specificity of the alpha 1-AGP-induced TF activity was demonstrated by anti-alpha 1-AGP antibody inhibition. TNF alpha secretion in alpha 1-AGP stimulated monocytes was also increased; this could be blocked by pentoxifylline (PTX). The possible contamination of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the alpha 1-AGP was excluded by limulus amoebocyte lysate. Therefore, these results indicate that alpha 1-AGP may contribute to the cellular initiation of coagulation and inflammation by increasing TF expression and TNF alpha secretion of monocytes.

Binding of thalidomide to alpha1-acid glycoprotein may be involved in its inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha production

In addition to its well known sedative and teratogenic effects, thalidomide also possesses potent immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory activities, being most effective against leprosy and chronic graft-versus-host disease. The immunomodulatory activity of thalidomide has been ascribed to the selective inhibition of tumor necrosis factor alpha from monocytes. The molecular mechanism for the immunomodulatory effect of thalidomide remains unknown. To elucidate this mechanism, we synthesized an active photoaffinity label of thalidomide as a probe to identify the molecular target of the drug. Using the probe, we specifically labeled a pair of proteins of 43-45 kDa with high acidity from bovine thymus extract. Purification of these proteins and partial peptide sequence determination revealed them to be alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP). We show that the binding of thalidomide photoaffinity label to authentic human AGP is competed with both thalidomide and the nonradioactive photoaffinity label at concentrations comparable to those required for inhibition of production of tumor necrosis factor alpha from human monocytes, suggesting that AGP may be involved in the immunomodulatory activity of thalidomide.

Chromatographic investigation of the glycosylation pattern of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein secreted by the HepG2 cell line; a putative model for inflammation?

In certain pathophysiological conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, there are alterations in the glycosylation pattern of the acute phase protein, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP). These changes are likely to be functionally significant, however, verification of the latter role requires a system which reflects in vivo glycosylation changes in AGP and also produces sufficient quantities of the protein for further study. The human hepatoma cell line HepG2 is documented as displaying a shift in the glycosylation pattern of glycoproteins from normal state to acute phase after stimulation with inflammatory mediators. We have isolated AGP from the culture medium of HepG2 cells both before and after stimulation with a cytokine preparation and analysed the glycosylation pattern of each preparation, after enzymatic release, by high pH anion-exchange chromatography. Before stimulation, the glycosylated population was similar to a profile of AGP isolated from normal plasma; however, cytokine stimulation resulted in a shift to a profile which was consistent with that of AGP from a rheumatoid arthritis sufferer. Thus a HepG2 cell culture system is capable of being a crude model of the changes in glycosylation of acute phase proteins although it has a tendency to produce oligosaccharide chains which are not fully sialylated.

Specific protein interacting with a tumor promoter, debromoaplysiatoxin, in bovine serum is alpha 1-acid glycoprotein

Aplysiatoxin and debromoaplysiatoxin, a debrominated form of aplysiatoxin, have both been shown to be potent tumor promoters in a two-stage carcinogenesis experiment on mouse skin. However, debromoaplysiatoxin did not behave like aplysiatoxin in most of the biological assay systems using cultured cells. The discrepancy was supposed to be due to a factor in the bovine serum used for culture, a similar factor not being present in sera of eight other animal species examined. The factor was purified to homogeneity from bovine serum by ammonium sulfate fractionation and chromatographies on DEAE-cellulose, Sephadex G-150, hydroxyapatite, and a reversed-phase HPLC column. The factor was a 40-kDa protein, and partial amino-acid sequencing of its tryptic peptides indicated that the factor is alpha 1-acid glycoprotein. Both the purified factor and the commercially available bovine alpha 1-acid glycoprotein abolished in vitro the activation of protein kinase C by debromoaplysiatoxin but not that by aplysiatoxin. Debromoaplysiatoxin induced differentiation of HL-60 cells into macrophages at a comparable concentration to aplysiatoxin, when serum-free medium was used. These results suggest that alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, which interacts specifically with debromoaplysiatoxin, contained in bovine serum must have masked the in vitro properties of the tumor promoter in the biological assay systems.

alpha 1-Acid glycoprotein binds human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) envelope glycoprotein via N-linked glycans

In the present study, we demonstrate a specific low-affinity interaction between recombinant precursor gp160 (rgp160) or surface unit gp120 (rgp120) of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), a human glycoprotein displaying complex type N-glycans. Binding of rgp160/rgp120 to agarose-coupled AGP was dose-dependent, saturable, calcium-, pH- and temperature-dependent. Binding was inhibited by soluble AGP, asialo-AGP, fetuin, beta-D-GlcNAc47-BSA, alpha-D-Man20-BSA, mannan, complex-type asialo-agalacto-tetraanternary precursor oligosaccharide from human AGP and oligomannose 9 from porcine thyroglobulin; fully deglycosylated AGP was not inhibitory. The three AGP glycoforms separated on immobilized ConA bound rgp160 to the same extent as did unfractionated AGP. These findings extend our previous results on the carbohydrate-binding properties of HIV-1 envelope (Env) glycoprotein in that they demonstrate the involvement of AGP glycan moieties in the binding to rgp160/rgp120. Preincubation of rgp160 with AGP or mannan significantly reduced its binding to monocyte-derived macrophages (MDM), suggesting that AGP may play a role in preventing binding of soluble or virus-bound Env glycoprotein to CD4+ monocytic cells.

Heat denaturation of human orosomucoid in water/methanol mixtures

Heat denaturation of orosomucoid in solutions of methanol concentrations ranging from 0 to 70% (v/v) has been studied by using circular dichroism, intrinsic protein fluorescence and thermal difference absorption spectroscopy. Regardless of its high saccharide content (40%), the highly cooperative denaturation transition of orosomucoid is fully reversible in neutral water solution. A two-state model has been successfully applied; the numerical analysis results in thermodynamical parameter values that are in close agreement with previously reported experimental data from calorimetric measurements. However, in solutions containing even minute concentrations of methanol (5%) the heat denaturation is irreversible. After cooling of the denatured protein the refolded molecules exhibit a higher alpha-helical content than the native one. Possibilities of methanol interaction with native and denatured protein molecule are discussed.

Heterogeneity of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein in rheumatoid arthritis

alpha 1-Acid glycoprotein (AGP) or orosomucoid is a major serum glycoprotein, of unknown physiological function, which is classified as one of the positive acute phase reactants since its plasma concentration becomes elevated two- to five-fold in certain disease states. Additionally, the proportions and identities of the five asparaginyl-linked complex oligosaccharide chains are altered during several physiological and pathological conditions, which may be functionally significant. The key to studying the structural heterogeneity of AGP is to develop a procedure that will isolate AGP without structural degradation. We have developed a method for the purification of AGP, using procedures unlikely to damage the glycoprotein structure, which was utilised to isolate AGP from samples of normal and rheumatoid plasma. The effectiveness of the purification procedure was examined by enzymatically deglycosylating each sample of AGP and separating the released oligosaccharides by chromatography on a pellicular high-performance anion-exchange (HPAE) resin at pH 13. The analytical profile for normal AGP was consistent with that previously reported thus indicating that the purification procedure did not denature the oligosaccharide chains of AGP. Additionally, there was a noticeable difference between the profiles for AGP from normal and rheumatoid plasma.

Fast purification of Phaseolus vulgaris isolectins

Phytohemagglutinin from red kidney bean has been purified by affinity chromatography on a human alpha 1-acid glycoprotein Sepharose 4B column. Further purification of the hemagglutinin's five isolectins was achieved on a Mono S column with an 86% protein recovery. Each sequentially eluted isolectin from the ion exchange column displayed either hemagglutinating or mitogenic activity. The main activity of each fraction was the result of the combination of varying proportions of the L and E subunits.

Vibrational Raman optical activity of glycoproteins

This paper reports the first vibrational Raman optical activity (ROA) spectrum of a glycoprotein. The sample, orosomucoid (alpha 1-acid glycoprotein), shows ROA bands characteristic of a high beta-sheet content together with new bands which could be specific for the carbohydrate and its association with the protein. Our results suggest that ROA spectra of intact glycoproteins may contain information about both protein and carbohydrate conformation and the mutual influence on each other's stability and conformation.

Differential interactions of camptothecin lactone and carboxylate forms with human blood components

The intrinsic fluorescent emissions from the lactone and carboxylate forms of camptothecin have been exploited in order to elucidate their markedly different interactions with the various components of human blood. In phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) at pH 7.4, human serum albumin (HSA) preferentially binds the carboxylate form with a 150-fold higher affinity than the lactone form; these interactions result in camptothecin opening more rapidly and completely in the presence of HSA than in the protein's absence [Burke, T.G., & Mi, Z. (1993) Anal. Biochem. 212, 285-287]. In human plasma, at pH 7.4 and 37 degrees C, we have observed camptothecin lactone to open rapidly and fully to the carboxylate form (t1/2 = 11 min; % lactone at equilibrium, 0.2%). Substitution of a 10-hydroxy moiety into the camptothecin fluorophore makes the agent's emission spectrum highly sensitive to microenvironment polarity; we have observed pronounced blue shifting (from 530 to 430 nm) in the emission spectra of the hydroxy-substituted carboxylate both upon HSA association as well as upon drug dissolution in organic solvents of low dielectric strength. Hence, it appears that camptothecin carboxylate's fluorophore locates in a hydrophobic binding pocket in native HSA. Ionic interactions also appear to strongly affect binding between camptothecin carboxylate and the HSA binding pocket, since a 6-fold increase in solution salt concentration diminished camptothecin carboxylate binding by 10-fold. Our findings that HSA denaturation abolishes high-affinity binding indicate that interactions of the carboxylate drug form are specific for the native HSA conformation. Interestingly, high-affinity binding of the carboxylate appeared not to occur in the presence of other blood proteins, such as gamma-globulin, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, fibrinogen, and the oxy and deoxy forms of hemoglobin. In whole blood versus plasma, camptothecin was found to display enhanced stability (t1/2 value of 22 min and a lactone concentration at equilibrium value of 5.3%). The enhanced stability of camptothecin in human blood was found to be due to drug associations with the lipid bilayers of red blood cells. Camptothecin lactone partitions into the lipid bilayers of erythrocytes, with the drug locating in a hydrophobic environment protected from hydrolysis.

Purification of the channel component of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter and its reconstitution into planar lipid bilayers

The purification of the channel-forming component of the mitochondrial calcium uniporter and its channel properties are described. After ethanol and 50% ethanol-water extraction of mitochondria from beef heart or perfused rat liver, the extract was passed through thiopropyl-Sepharose 6B column, and absorbed components were eluted with 2-mercaptoethanol, followed by gel-filtration on Sephadex G-15. The last fraction eluted (M(r) about 2000) was then subjected to reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Of the more than 10 distinct peaks, only one showed specific Ca(2+)-channel activity in BLM with properties similar to earlier, less extensively purified preparations, i.e., conductance of 20 pS and multiples thereof, clustering of channels, participation of 2 or more subunits in channel formation, and sensitivity to 1 microM ruthenium red. Voltage sensitivity and cooperativity between channels are described. The Ca(2+)-binding glycoprotein with which the peptide was associated was found to have high homology with human acid alpha 1-glycoprotein (orosomucoid) and to show identity with beef plasma orosomucoid in the Ouchterlony immunodiffusion test.

Identification of human biliary alpha 1-acid glycoprotein as a cholesterol crystallization promoter

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We have recently outlined the biochemical features of a human 42-kilodalton biliary glycoprotein that shows concentration-dependent cholesterol crystallization-promoting activity. The goal in this work was to establish its identity and to examine some aspects of its biochemical properties relative to its activity.

METHODS

Internal amino acid sequencing following tryptic digestion was performed. Based upon this result, immunoreactivity against the 42-kilodalton glycoprotein was examined using a relevant antibody. With the same antibody, the 42-kilodalton glycoprotein was isolated from bile and assayed for activity. Sequential enzymatic deglycosylation of successive terminal glycans of the purified glycoprotein was performed, and the effects on both reductions in molecular radius (M(r)) and on comparative promoter activities were examined.

RESULTS

Both amino acid sequence and immunochemical data identify the 42-kilodalton glycoprotein as a biliary form of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein. When purified by immunoaffinity chromatography, potent promoting activity shown was proportionately reduced by successive removal of terminal glycans that also reduced the M(r)s.

CONCLUSIONS

The 42-kilodalton cholesterol crystallization-promoting glycoprotein is now identified as a biliary form of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein. Further, some aspects of the important role of glycans in this extensively glycosylated protein have been explored.

Diethylnitrosamine- and partial hepatectomy-induced decrease in alpha 2u-globulin mRNA level in the rat liver

Changes in gene expression in the rat liver were investigated by analyzing cDNA libraries for liver mRNAs from adult male rats injected with a chemical carcinogen diethylnitrosamine (DEN). Differential screening using normal and DEN-treated liver cDNAs as probes demonstrated that some of the mRNA species had noticeably lower abundance in the DEN-treated liver than in the untreated liver. Surprisingly, most of those clones were found to code for alpha 2u-globulin (A2uG), an abundant protein in the male rat liver. Further analysis by in situ hybridization revealed that the decrease in the A2uG mRNA level occurred in the area where liver cells were proliferating due to DEN treatment and/or partial hepatectomy (PH). The findings indicate coincidence of cell proliferation with a decrease in the A2uG gene expression in the adult male rat liver, implying that the A2uG-related change favors chemical carcinogen-induced cell growth.

Induction of liver alpha-1 acid glycoprotein gene expression involves both positive and negative transcription factors

Expression of the alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) gene is liver specific and acute phase responsive. Within the 180-bp region of the AGP promoter, at least five cis elements have been found to interact with trans-acting factors. Four of these elements (A, C, D, and E) interacted with AGP/EBP, a liver-enriched transcription factor, as shown by footprinting analysis and by an anti-AGP/EBP antibody-induced supershift in a gel retardation assay. Modification of these sites by site-directed mutagenesis coupled with transfection analysis indicated that AGP/EBP binding to all of these sites resulted in positive regulation of the promoter. Dose-response data suggest that AGP/EBP binding to these sites results in the cooperative activation of the promoter. In contrast, functional assays showed that element B is a negative regulatory element; this element is recognized by heat-stable DNA-binding factors which are found in many cells and tissues. The regulation of these binding proteins was studied in rat liver treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which induced an acute-phase reaction. We found that LPS treatment resulted in a two- to threefold increase in AGP/EBP activity and a severalfold decrease in the activity of factors that bind to element B in the liver. These results indicate that expression of the AGP gene can be regulated by both positive and negative factors and that the modulation of these factors can account for the LPS induction of the AGP gene.

Induction of liver alpha-1 acid glycoprotein gene expression involves both positive and negative transcription factors

Expression of the alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP) gene is liver specific and acute phase responsive. Within the 180-bp region of the AGP promoter, at least five cis elements have been found to interact with trans-acting factors. Four of these elements (A, C, D, and E) interacted with AGP/EBP, a liver-enriched transcription factor, as shown by footprinting analysis and by an anti-AGP/EBP antibody-induced supershift in a gel retardation assay. Modification of these sites by site-directed mutagenesis coupled with transfection analysis indicated that AGP/EBP binding to all of these sites resulted in positive regulation of the promoter. Dose-response data suggest that AGP/EBP binding to these sites results in the cooperative activation of the promoter. In contrast, functional assays showed that element B is a negative regulatory element; this element is recognized by heat-stable DNA-binding factors which are found in many cells and tissues. The regulation of these binding proteins was studied in rat liver treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which induced an acute-phase reaction. We found that LPS treatment resulted in a two- to threefold increase in AGP/EBP activity and a severalfold decrease in the activity of factors that bind to element B in the liver. These results indicate that expression of the AGP gene can be regulated by both positive and negative factors and that the modulation of these factors can account for the LPS induction of the AGP gene.

Preoperative serum immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP) test for the prognosis of gastric cancer: a statistical study of the threshold level and evaluation of the effect of the biological response modifier PSK

The prognostic value of immunosuppressive acidic protein (IAP), which is known to suppress various immune responses in cancer patients, was studied in a prospective randomized trial of advanced gastric cancer patients, designed to evaluate the effect of PSK, a kind of biological response modifier with protein-bound polysaccharides. Preoperative serum IAP levels were determined in 228 patients who received radical gastric resection and tests conducted in one laboratory by the single radial immunodiffusion (SRID) method. All patients were followed up for 24 months or more. There was an overall significant difference in disease-free survival time in favour of the PSK-treated group compared with the control group. Preoperative IAP values were strongly associated with disease-free survival time. The statistical analysis to define an appropriate cut-off level for IAP was performed using Cox's proportional hazards model. The most significant difference was observed at the threshold value of 580 micrograms/ml, the hazard ratio being 2.13 with a 95% confidence interval [1.17, 3.88] (P = 0.013). Patients in the PSK-treated group with a preoperative IAP of lower than 580 micrograms/ml showed improved disease-free survival (P = 0.029), however, no significant difference was seen between the two groups when the preoperative IAP exceeded the threshold level. From these results, 580 micrograms/ml is postulated to be the most appropriate threshold value for predicting the prognosis of advanced gastric cancer patients, and it is suggested that PSK would be most effective in patients whose preoperative IAP level is lower than the threshold level.

Properties of four acute phase proteins: C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A protein, alpha 1-acid glycoprotein, and fibrinogen

Four plasma proteins, referred to as positive acute phase proteins because of increases in concentration following inflammatory stimuli, are reviewed: C-reactive protein (CRP), serum amyloid A protein (SAA), alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AAG), and fibrinogen. The CRP and SAA may increase in concentration as much as 1000-fold, the AAG and fibrinogen approximately twofold to fourfold. All are synthesized mainly in the liver, but each may be produced in a number of extrahepatic sites. The role of cytokines in induction of the acute phase proteins is discussed, particularly the multiple functional capabilities of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Other cytokines that regulate acute phase gene expression and protein synthesis include IL-1, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, as well as other stimulatory factors and cofactors. The physicochemical characteristics of each protein are reviewed together with the molecular biology. For each protein, the known biological effects are detailed. The following functions for CRP have been described: reaction with cell surface receptors resulting in opsonization, enhanced phagocytosis, and passive protection; activation of the classical complement pathway; scavenger for chromatin fragments; inhibition of growth and/or metastases of tumor cells; modulation of polymorphonuclear function; and a few additional diverse activities. The role of plasma SAA is described as a precursor of protein AA in secondary amyloidosis; other functions are speculative. AAG may play an immunoregulatory role as well as a role in binding a number of diverse drugs. In addition to clot formation, new data are described for binding of fibrinogen and fibrin to complement receptor type 3. Finally, the concentration of each protein is discussed in a wide variety of noninfectious and infectious disease states, particularly in connective tissue diseases. The quantification of the proteins during the course of various acute and chronic inflammatory disorders is useful in diagnosis, therapy, and in some cases, prognosis.

Radial immunodiffusion assay for rat alpha 1-acid glycoprotein

alpha 1-Acid glycoprotein (AGP) is an "acute phase protein" whose expression is altered in several human pathologies. Using antiserum from New Zealand white rabbits, a radial immunodiffusion assay for measuring AGP levels in rat plasma was developed operating in the range of 50-2500 micrograms/ml with high specificity. Standard curves were constructed (precipitin ring diameter 2 vs. micrograms/ml AGP) yielding highly linear plots (r = .98). The plasma concentration of AGP in spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats was double that of the normotensive Kyoto-Wistar (WKY) rats (208 +/- 10 vs. 118 +/- 5 micrograms/ml). AGP induction by turpentine resulted in a 14- and 26-fold increase in AGP levels in SHR and WKY rats, respectively. Induction of AGP by dexamethasone injection was examined in the SHR and WKY rat strains resulting in a 5- and 12-fold increase in AGP levels, respectively. AGP concentration in whole brain of rats was determined to be 12.7 +/- 1.8 micrograms/g. AGP concentrations in SHR and WKY liver were also determined to be 159 +/- 3 and 148 +/- 5 micrograms/g liver tissue.

Gracilaria tikvahiae agglutinin. Partial purification and preliminary characterization of its carbohydrate specificity

A potent agglutinin of rabbit and sheep red blood cells, obtained from the red alga Gracilaria tikvahiae, was purified by ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion exchange, gel filtration, and hydroxylapatite chromatography. Human A and B blood group erythrocytes were also agglutinated, whereas human O blood group erythrocytes were not agglutinated. The hemagglutination titer was not significantly affected by the addition of EDTA or the divalent cations Ca2+, Mg2+, or Mn2+. The carbohydrate specificity was characterized by hemagglutination inhibition using various monosaccharides, glycoproteins, and glycopeptides. The results suggested that the agglutinin has affinity for N-acetylneuraminic acid as well as glycoconjugates containing N-acetylneuraminic acid.

Orosomucoid typing by isoelectric focusing: genetic variation of orosomucoid in Asian macaques (genus Macaca)

Genetic variation of orosomucoid (ORM) in the genus Macaca was investigated. Plasma samples were subjected to isoelectric focusing in a pH range of 4-6.5, followed by immunoprinting with anti-human ORM antibodies. A total of 25 alleles were identified in 231 Asian macaques belonging to 13 species from 23 populations and 22 members belonging to a family of M. fascicularis. Family data presented evidence for a codominant mode of inheritance with multi-alleles at a single autosomal locus. A population study revealed enormous intra- and interspecies variations. The heterozygosity values varied from 0.855 in M. fascicularis (Malaysia) to 0.000 in M. radiata (India), M. silenus (India) and M. arctoides (Malaysia).

Unfolding behavior of human alpha 1-acid glycoprotein is compatible with a loosely folded region in its polypeptide chain

The unfolding of human plasma alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) induced by heat or guanidine hydrochloride was studied under equilibrium conditions. In thermal unfolding, an intermediate state was detected by the appearance of unusual positive difference absorption bands in the 287-295-nm region, which occurred at lower temperatures than the common denaturation bands at 284 and 291 nm. The formation of this intermediate species apparently involves a local conformational change that perturbs the environment of tryptophyl residues, without affecting the secondary structure of the protein as judged from circular dichroism spectra. On the other hand, denaturation of the glycoprotein induced by guanidine hydrochloride seemed to follow a two-state model with no evidence of any intermediate species; however, the analysis of the transition curve indicated that the change in the accessibility to solvent of amino acid residues of AGP upon unfolding is significantly lower than those observed for other proteins. According to these results, it is proposed that part of the polypeptide chain in native AGP, namely, that from residue 122 to the C-terminus, may be "loosely" folded.

A carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) binding protein from ascites influences CEA uptake by macrophages

A variant of CEA which is less readily endocytosed by macrophages has been isolated from malignant ascites. In vivo, CEA is cleared more slowly by the liver (t1/2 = 15.1 minutes) than CEAs isolated from hepatic metastases (t1/2 = 3.1 minutes). In vitro, rat and human Kupffer cells and rat alveolar macrophages endocytose this CEA less effectively. This slow clearing form of CEA is associated with a smaller (45kD) acidic glycoprotein (CORA) with which it forms a stable complex. CORA can be visualized on reducing gels but not on non reducing gels or by HPLC run under non reducing conditions. This suggests a non-covalent complex between the two glycoproteins. Analysis of protein conformation by circular dichroism revealed changes in the ascites CEA consistent with binding of CORA to the molecule. Western blot showed that CORA crossreacts with antisera to alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and double immunodiffusion demonstrated cross-reactivity but not identify. Sequencing of CNBr peptides showed sequence homology with alpha 1-acid glycoprotein but areas of unique sequence were also found. It is suggested that binding of CORA to CEA blocks the macrophage receptor binding of CEA.

The distribution of glycan structures in individual N-glycosylation sites in animal and plant glycoproteins

Glycopeptides representing each individual N-glycosylation site in six animal and plant glycoproteins (ovoinhibitor and ovotransferrin, orosomucoid, antitrypsin, phaseolin, and phytohemagglutinin) have been isolated and compared by mass spectrometric analysis. Since the isolation step separates each individual peptide regardless of the nature of the glycan attached to it, it is possible to observe the entire spectrum of glycans associated with each site from the mass spectrum of the corresponding glycopeptide. The three glycosylation sites in ovoinhibitor have very similar but not identical glycans; they are significantly different from those observed in the single site of ovotransferrin. The three sites in serum antitrypsin also have quite similar glycans, whereas the five sites in orosomucoid show considerable variation in both the nature and the relative amount of glycans. The two plant glycoproteins each have two sites with very different glycan structures. Except for the first and third glycosylation sites of antitrypsin which were found to have remarkably homogeneous glycans (97 and 90% of a biantennary complex structure), all the individual glycosylation sites contained heterogeneous mixtures of glycan structures. The results support the proposition that each N-linked glycan in a glycoprotein is affected by its unique protein environment to such an extent that each one may be displayed to the processing enzymes as a unique structural entity. On the basis of a limited number of observations of the glycan interfering with chymotryptic but not tryptic cleavage in the proximity of the glycan attachment site, it is proposed that hydrophobic interactions between the protein and the glycan may be involved in the conformational modulation of the glycans.

Con A-nonreactive human alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) is more effective in modulation of lymphocyte proliferation than Con A-reactive AGP serum variants

Human alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) has been shown to modulate various cellular and humoral immune reactions in vitro. Using glycosidase-modified derivatives of AGP, the importance of its carbohydrate moiety with regard to these effects has been noted. In normal serum, three molecular AGP forms interacting differently with concanavalin A (Con A) are present. The ratio of these forms is often changed during various physiopathological conditions. In this study, we could show that differences exist between the three AGP forms with regard to their immunomodulatory effectiveness. At physiological concentrations, the Con A-nonreactive variant AGP-A induced a stronger inhibition of the anti-CD3 stimulated lymphocyte proliferation than the other forms. Interestingly, AGP-A was also found to be responsible for the stimulation of lymphocyte proliferation induced by low AGP concentrations in vitro. Both immunomodulatory effects of AGP were abrogated by desialylation of the glycoprotein. These results support an immunomodulatory role of AGP in conditions characterized by a changed ratio of the differently glycosylated AGP forms.

Diacytosis of asialoglycoprotein in isolated hepatocytes is dependent on the structure of ligand and cellular distribution of the receptors

Diacytosis, degradation and retention of 125I-labeled asialoorosomucoid (ASOR), its reduced and carboxymethylated N-terminal cyanogen bromide-cleaved fragment (RC-ASCNBr-I) and asialofetuin preloaded into isolated rat or rabbit hepatocytes for various periods of time were compared. In rat hepatocytes preloaded with a saturating concentration (3.10(-8) M) of the ligands, the proportion of the preloaded ligands distributed to degradation and diacytosis was fairly constant during 4 h of preincubation. In addition, a small portion of the preloaded ligands was neither diacytosed nor degraded, but was retained intracellularly. Diacytosis of 125I-ASOR (29%) was greater than that of either 125I-RC-ASCNBr-I (23%) or 125I-asialofetuin (15%). Diacytosis of 125I-ASOR, when preloaded in the presence of 5 microM colchicine, was significantly enhanced by 79% (increasing from 29% to 52%), whereas those of 125I-RC-ASCNBr-I and 125I-asialofetuin were not significantly altered (with average increases of 14% and 19%, respectively). The fraction of the preloaded 125I-asialofetuin (69%) and 125I-RC-ASCNBr-I (68.6%) that was degraded was slightly higher than that of 125I-ASOR (64%) and all was decreased by colchicine. The fraction of all three ligands retained by the cells was increased 2- to 4-fold by colchicine. The extents of retention of 125I-asialofetuin and 125I-ASCNBr-I were greater than that of 125I-ASOR, particularly after preloaded for more than 2 h. Preloading of the cells with ligands at a non-saturating concentration (6.5.10(-10) M) did not change these patterns of ligand distribution. Conjugation of diphtheria toxin fragment A (DTA) to ASOR or RC-ASCNBr-I also did not significantly alter the pattern of ligand distribution. In rabbit hepatocytes containing more asialoglycoprotein receptors than rat cells, 125I-ASOR was diacytosed to a greater extent (50%, -colchicine; 61%, + cholchicine) but degraded to a lesser extent (33%, -colchicine; 13%, + colchicine) than was observed in rat cells. The extent of retention of 125I-ASOR in rabbit cells was also greater than that in rat cells. A similar pattern of differences between rabbit and rat hepatocytes was observed for 125I-DTA-ASOR. These results indicate that intracellular sorting of internalized asialglycoproteins between diacytosis and degradation is dependent on both the structure of the ligand and the distribution of the cellular receptors.

Comparison of propranolol-binding plasma proteins in sheep with those in humans, dogs and rats

Alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AGP), a plasma protein responsible for the binding of a variety of basic lipophilic drugs including propranolol, is different from other plasma proteins in being nonprecipitable after treatment with 1.2M perchloric acid (PCA). To assess the contribution of AGP to drug disposition in sheep and three other species (rats, dogs, and humans), the binding of [3H]propranolol was measured before and after PCA precipitation. PCA precipitation reduced propranolol binding 14-fold in sheep, compared to 2- to 3-fold in the other species. This implied either that sheep AGP binds less propranolol than other species, or that the AGP in sheep is more precipitable. It was not due to inherently poor propranolol binding, as whole sheep plasma bound a higher fraction than the other species. When samples of PCA-precipitated sheep plasma were analyzed using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, the concentration of AGP was 10-20% that of the other species. Phenobarbital induction was used as a tool to examine the changes in the plasma protein profile. Phenobarbital induced propranolol binding and AGP along with two other proteins in sheep. One of these proteins migrated similarly to AGP deglycosylated by peptide-N-glycosidase F. It is postulated that the greater precipitability of propranolol binding in sheep is due to a less glycosylated form of AGP which is not important in other species.

Molecular cloning of cDNAs corresponding to two genes of alpha 1-acid glycoprotein and characterization of two alleles of AGP-1 in the mouse

cDNAs corresponding to two types of mouse alpha 1-acid glycoproteins (AGPs), Agp-1 and Agp-2, were cloned and sequenced. Two alleles of Agp-1 were also identified from inbred mice by restriction site polymorphisms. One allele, Agp-1A, is associated with AKR/J, SJL/J, and SWR/J mice, while the other, Agp-1B, is found in BALB/c, DBA/2, C57BL/6, B10, and A/J mice. cDNAs of both Agp-1A and Agp-1B were cloned from BALB/c and (B10 x AKR/J)F1 mice. A single nucleotide substitution in the coding sequence of Agp-1 is responsible for the observed difference in electrophoretic mobilities of Agp-1A and Agp-1B. Several additional nucleotide variations in the 3' untranslated region were also found. In contrast to these two alleles, substantial nucleotide difference exist between Agp-1 and Agp-2. Agp-1 and Agp-2 contain five and six potential N-glycosylation sites, respectively.

The cyanogen bromide fragment I of asialoorosomucoid is transported more efficiently than asialoorosomucoid in rat hepatocytes

Cultured rat hepatocytes internalized and degraded 125I-labeled asialoorosomucoid (125I-ASOR) through asialoglycoprotein receptor at rates about half that of its cyanogen bromide fragment I (125I-ASCNBr-I). Reduction and carboxymethylation of the fragment resulted in decreased rates of internalization and degradation which were still greater than those of 125I-ASOR. In the presence of 5 microM colchicine, degradation of all three ligands was inhibited. However, the intracellular level of 125I-ASOR at steady state remained unchanged, while those of the fragments increased continuously. Study of the binding of these ligands to hepatocytes at 4 degrees C indicated that there was no significant difference in binding parameters between ASOR, ASCNBr-I and RC-ASCNBr-I (reduced and carboxymet ASCNBr-I). Studies of the fate of these ligands preloaded in the cell at 37 degrees C indicated that a higher fraction of the internalized ASOR than of the fragments was released by diacytosis. In contrast to ASOR, diacytosis of the fragments was not enhanced by colchicine. Studies of the distribution of intracellular ligands by Percoll density gradient centrifugation indicated that they were internalized initially into two early endosomal compartments of d = 1.037 g/ml and d = 1.045 g/ml. In the presence of colchicine, accumulation of the ligands in a third endosomal compartment of d = 1.08-1.095 g/ml was revealed, while in the presence of leupeptin accumulation of the ligands in lysosomes was observed. The results of a kinetic analysis indicated that both cyanogen bromide fragments were transported to all these compartments more rapidly than was ASOR. It appears that they are internalized and degraded more rapidly than ASOR due to a more efficient sorting of the internalized ligand into the pathway of lysosomal degradation.