Control of mucin-type O-glycosylation: a classification of the polypeptide GalNAc-transferase gene family

Targeting altered glycosylation in secreted tumor glycoproteins for broad cancer detection

There is an urgent need to develop new tumor biomarkers for early cancer detection, but the variability of tumor-derived antigens has been a limitation. Here we demonstrate a novel anti-Tn antibody microarray platform to detect Tn+ glycoproteins, a near universal antigen in carcinoma-derived glycoproteins, for broad detection of cancer. The platform uses a specific recombinant IgG1 to the Tn antigen (CD175) as a capture reagent and a recombinant IgM to the Tn antigen as a detecting reagent. These reagents were validated by immunohistochemistry in recognizing the Tn antigen using hundreds of human tumor specimens. Using this approach, we could detect Tn+ glycoproteins at subnanogram levels using cell lines and culture media, serum, and stool samples from mice engineered to express the Tn antigen in intestinal epithelial cells. The development of a general cancer detection platform using recombinant antibodies for detection of altered tumor glycoproteins expressing a unique antigen could have a significant impact on cancer detection and monitoring.

Glycosylated extracellular mucin domains protect against SARS-CoV-2 infection at the respiratory surface

Mucins play an essential role in protecting the respiratory tract against microbial infections while also acting as binding sites for bacterial and viral adhesins. The heavily O-glycosylated gel-forming mucins MUC5AC and MUC5B eliminate pathogens by mucociliary clearance. Transmembrane mucins MUC1, MUC4, and MUC16 can restrict microbial invasion at the apical surface of the epithelium. In this study, we determined the impact of host mucins and mucin glycans on epithelial entry of SARS-CoV-2. Human lung epithelial Calu-3 cells express the SARS-CoV-2 entry receptor ACE2 and high levels of glycosylated MUC1, but not MUC4 and MUC16, on their cell surface. The O-glycan-specific mucinase StcE specifically removed the glycosylated part of the MUC1 extracellular domain while leaving the underlying SEA domain and cytoplasmic tail intact. StcE treatment of Calu-3 cells significantly enhanced infection with SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus and authentic virus, while removal of terminal mucin glycans sialic acid and fucose from the epithelial surface did not impact viral entry. In Calu-3 cells, the transmembrane mucin MUC1 and ACE2 are located to the apical surface in close proximity and StcE treatment results in enhanced binding of purified spike protein. Both MUC1 and MUC16 are expressed on the surface of human organoid-derived air-liquid interface (ALI) differentiated airway cultures and StcE treatment led to mucin removal and increased levels of SARS-CoV-2 replication. In these cultures, MUC1 was highly expressed in non-ciliated cells while MUC16 was enriched in goblet cells. In conclusion, the glycosylated extracellular domains of different transmembrane mucins might have similar protective functions in different respiratory cell types by restricting SARS-CoV-2 binding and entry.

Intestinal mucus and their glycans: A habitat for thriving microbiota

The colon mucus layer is organized with an inner colon mucus layer that is impenetrable to bacteria and an outer mucus layer that is expanded to allow microbiota colonization. A major component of mucus is MUC2, a glycoprotein that is extensively decorated, especially with O-glycans. In the intestine, goblet cells are specialized in controlling glycosylation and making mucus. Some microbiota members are known to encode multiple proteins that are predicted to bind and/or cleave mucin glycans. The interactions between commensal microbiota and host mucins drive intestinal colonization, while at the same time, the microbiota can utilize the glycans on mucins and affect the colonic mucus properties. This review will examine this interaction between commensal microbes and intestinal mucins and discuss how this interplay affects health and disease.

Aberrant Glycosylation as Immune Therapeutic Targets for Solid Tumors

Glycosylation occurs at all major types of biomolecules, including proteins, lipids, and RNAs to form glycoproteins, glycolipids, and glycoRNAs in mammalian cells, respectively. The carbohydrate moiety, known as glycans on glycoproteins and glycolipids, is diverse in their compositions and structures. Normal cells have their unique array of glycans or glycome which play pivotal roles in many biological processes. The glycan structures in cancer cells, however, are often altered, some having unique structures which are termed as tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs). TACAs as tumor biomarkers are glycan epitopes themselves, or glycoconjugates. Some of those TACAs serve as tumor glyco-biomarkers in clinical practice, while others are the immune therapeutic targets for treatment of cancers. A monoclonal antibody (mAb) to GD2, an intermediate of sialic-acid containing glycosphingolipids, is an example of FDA-approved immune therapy for neuroblastoma indication in young adults and many others. Strategies for targeting the aberrant glycans are currently under development, and some have proceeded to clinical trials. In this review, we summarize the currently established and most promising aberrant glycosylation as therapeutic targets for solid tumors.

ST6GALNAC4 promotes hepatocellular carcinogenesis by inducing abnormal glycosylation

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal tumor types worldwide. Glycosylation has shown promise in the study of tumor mechanisms and treatment. The glycosylation status of HCC and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still not fully elucidated. Using bioinformatic analysis we obtained a more comprehensive characterization of glycosylation of HCC. Our analysis presented that high glycosylation levels might correlate with tumor progression and poor prognosis. Subsequent Experiments identified key molecular mechanisms for ST6GALNAC4 promoting malignant progression by inducing abnormal glycosylation. We confirmed the contribution of ST6GALNAC4 to proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistic studies revealed that ST6GALNAC4 may be induced abnormal TGFBR2 glycosylation, resulting in the higher protein levels of TGFBR2 and TGF[Formula: see text] pathway increased activation. Our study also provided a further understand of immunosuppressive function of ST6GALNAC4 through T antigen-galectin3+ TAMs axis. This study has provided one such possibility that galectin3 inhibitors might be an acceptable treatment choice for HCC patients with high T antigen expression.

Recent Advances in Proteinuric Kidney Disease/Nephrotic Syndrome: Lessons from Knockout/Transgenic Mouse Models

Proteinuria is known to be associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, and nephrotic syndrome is defined by the level of proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia. With advances in medicine, new causative genes for genetic kidney diseases are being discovered increasingly frequently. We reviewed articles on proteinuria/nephrotic syndrome, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis, membranous nephropathy, diabetic kidney disease/nephropathy, hypertension/nephrosclerosis, Alport syndrome, and rare diseases, which have been studied in mouse models. Significant progress has been made in understanding the genetics and pathophysiology of kidney diseases thanks to advances in science, but research in this area is ongoing. In the future, genetic analyses of patients with proteinuric kidney disease/nephrotic syndrome may ultimately lead to personalized treatment options.

Role of Truncated O-GalNAc Glycans in Cancer Progression and Metastasis in Endocrine Cancers

Glycans are an essential part of cells, playing a fundamental role in many pathophysiological processes such as cell differentiation, adhesion, motility, signal transduction, host-pathogen interactions, tumour cell invasion, and metastasis development. These glycans are also able to exert control over the changes in tumour immunogenicity, interfering with tumour-editing events and leading to immune-resistant cancer cells. The incomplete synthesis of O-glycans or the formation of truncated glycans such as the Tn-antigen (Thomsen nouveau; GalNAcα- Ser/Thr), its sialylated version the STn-antigen (sialyl-Tn; Neu5Acα2-6GalNAcα-Ser/Thr) and the elongated T-antigen (Thomsen-Friedenreich; Galβ1-3GalNAcα-Ser/Thr) has been shown to be associated with tumour progression and metastatic state in many human cancers. Prognosis in various human cancers is significantly poor when they dedifferentiate or metastasise. Recent studies in glycobiology have shown truncated O-glycans to be a hallmark of cancer cells, and when expressed, increase the oncogenicity by promoting dedifferentiation, risk of metastasis by impaired adhesion (mediated by selectins and integrins), and resistance to immunological killing by NK cells. Insight into these truncated glycans provides a complimentary and attractive route for cancer antigen discovery. The recent emergence of immunotherapies against cancers is predicted to harness the potential of using such agents against cancer-associated truncated glycans. In this review, we explore the role of truncated O-glycans in cancer progression and metastasis along with some recent studies on the role of O-glycans in endocrine cancers affecting the thyroid and adrenal gland.

Dynamic expression of mucins and the genes controlling mucin-type O-glycosylation within the mouse respiratory system

The COVID-19 global pandemic has underscored the need to understand how viruses and other pathogens are able to infect and replicate within the respiratory system. Recent studies have highlighted the role of highly O-glycosylated mucins in the protection of the respiratory system as well as how mucin-type O-glycosylation may be able to modify viral infectivity. Therefore, we set out to identify the specific genes controlling mucin-type O-glycosylation throughout the mouse respiratory system as well as determine how their expression and the expression of respiratory mucins is influenced by infection or injury. Here, we show that certain mucins and members of the Galnt family are abundantly expressed in specific respiratory tissues/cells and demonstrate unique patterns of O-glycosylation across diverse respiratory tissues. Moreover, we find that the expression of certain Galnts and mucins is altered during lung infection and injury in experimental mice challenged with infectious agents, toxins, and allergens. Finally, we examine gene expression changes of Galnts and mucins in a mouse model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our work provides foundational knowledge regarding the specific expression of Galnt enzyme family members and mucins throughout the respiratory system, and how their expression is altered upon lung infection and injury.

O-GalNAc glycosylation determines intracellular trafficking of APP and Aβ production

A primary pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is Aβ deposition in brain parenchyma and blood vessels, the latter being called cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). Parenchymal amyloid plaques presumably originate from neuronal Aβ precursor protein (APP). Although vascular amyloid deposits' origins remain unclear, endothelial APP expression in APP-knock-in mice was recently shown to expand CAA pathology, highlighting endothelial APP's importance. Furthermore, two types of endothelial APP-highly O-glycosylated APP and hypo-O-glycosylated APP-have been biochemically identified, but only the former is cleaved for Aβ production, indicating the critical relationship between APP O-glycosylation and processing. Here, we analyzed APP glycosylation and its intracellular trafficking in neurons and endothelial cells. Although protein glycosylation is generally believed to precede cell surface trafficking, which was true for neuronal APP, we unexpectedly observed that hypo-O-glycosylated APP is externalized to the endothelial cell surface and transported back to the Golgi apparatus, where it then acquires additional O-glycans. Knockdown of genes encoding enzymes initiating APP O-glycosylation significantly reduced Αβ production, suggesting this non-classical glycosylation pathway contributes to CAA pathology and is a novel therapeutic target.

Protein posttranslational modifications in health and diseases: Functions, regulatory mechanisms, and therapeutic implications

Protein posttranslational modifications (PTMs) refer to the breaking or generation of covalent bonds on the backbones or amino acid side chains of proteins and expand the diversity of proteins, which provides the basis for the emergence of organismal complexity. To date, more than 650 types of protein modifications, such as the most well-known phosphorylation, ubiquitination, glycosylation, methylation, SUMOylation, short-chain and long-chain acylation modifications, redox modifications, and irreversible modifications, have been described, and the inventory is still increasing. By changing the protein conformation, localization, activity, stability, charges, and interactions with other biomolecules, PTMs ultimately alter the phenotypes and biological processes of cells. The homeostasis of protein modifications is important to human health. Abnormal PTMs may cause changes in protein properties and loss of protein functions, which are closely related to the occurrence and development of various diseases. In this review, we systematically introduce the characteristics, regulatory mechanisms, and functions of various PTMs in health and diseases. In addition, the therapeutic prospects in various diseases by targeting PTMs and associated regulatory enzymes are also summarized. This work will deepen the understanding of protein modifications in health and diseases and promote the discovery of diagnostic and prognostic markers and drug targets for diseases.

Abnormal glycosylation in glioma: related changes in biology, biomarkers and targeted therapy

Glioma is a rapidly growing and aggressive primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system that can diffusely invade the brain tissue around, and the prognosis of patients is not significantly improved by traditional treatments. One of the most general posttranslational modifications of proteins is glycosylation, and the abnormal distribution of this modification in gliomas may shed light on how it affects biological behaviors of glioma cells, including proliferation, migration, and invasion, which may be produced by regulating protein function, cell-matrix and cell‒cell interactions, and affecting receptor downstream pathways. In this paper, from the perspective of regulating protein glycosylation changes and abnormal expression of glycosylation-related proteins (such as glycosyltransferases in gliomas), we summarize how glycosylation may play a crucial role in the discovery of novel biomarkers and new targeted treatment options for gliomas. Overall, the mechanistic basis of abnormal glycosylation affecting glioma progression remains to be more widely and deeply explored, which not only helps to inspire researchers to further explore related diagnostic and prognostic markers but also provides ideas for discovering effective treatment strategies and improving glioma patient survival and prognosis.

Bioinformatic analysis reveals potential relationship between chondrocyte senescence and protein glycosylation in osteoarthritis pathogenesis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative and progressive joint disease. Cellular senescence is an irreversible cell cycle arrest progressive with age, while protein glycosylation is the most abundant post-translational modification, regulating various cellular and biological pathways. The implication of either chondrocyte senescence or protein glycosylation in the OA pathogenesis has been extensively and individually studied. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible relationship between chondrocyte senescence and protein glycosylation on the pathogenesis of OA using single-cell RNA sequencing datasets of clinical OA specimens deposited in the Gene Expression Omnibus database with a different cohort. We demonstrated that both cellular senescence signal and protein glycosylation pathways in chondrocytes are validly associated with OA pathogenesis. In addition, the cellular senescence signal is well-connected to the O-linked glycosylation pathway in OA chondrocyte and vice-versa. The expression levels of the polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (GALNT) family, which is essential for the biosynthesis of O-Glycans at the early stage, are highly upregulated in OA chondrocytes. Moreover, the expression levels of the GALNT family are prominently associated with chondrocyte senescence as well as pathological features of OA. Collectively, these findings uncover a crucial relationship between chondrocyte senescence and O-linked glycosylation on the OA pathophysiology, thereby revealing a potential target for OA.

Protein glycosylation alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma: function and clinical implications

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Understanding the cancer mechanisms provides novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic markers for the management of HCC disease. In addition to genomic and epigenomic regulation, post-translational modification exerts a profound influence on protein functions and plays a critical role in regulating various biological processes. Protein glycosylation is one of the most common and complex post-translational modifications of newly synthesized proteins and acts as an important regulatory mechanism that is implicated in fundamental molecular and cell biology processes. Recent studies in glycobiology suggest that aberrant protein glycosylation in hepatocytes contributes to the malignant transformation to HCC by modulating a wide range of pro-tumorigenic signaling pathways. The dysregulated protein glycosylation regulates cancer growth, metastasis, stemness, immune evasion, and therapy resistance, and is regarded as a hallmark of HCC. Changes in protein glycosylation could serve as potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic factors in HCC. In this review, we summarize the functional importance, molecular mechanism, and clinical application of protein glycosylation alterations in HCC.

Galectin-3 and Epithelial MUC1 Mucin-Interactions Supporting Cancer Development

Aberrant glycosylation of cell surface proteins is a very common feature of many cancers. One of the glycoproteins, which undergoes specific alterations in the glycosylation of tumor cells is epithelial MUC1 mucin, which is highly overexpressed in the malignant state. Such changes lead to the appearance of tumor associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) on MUC1, which are rarely seen in healthy cells. One of these structures is the Thomsen-Friedenreich disaccharide Galβ1-3GalNAc (T or TF antigen), which is typical for about 90% of cancers. It was revealed that increased expression of the T antigen has a big impact on promoting cancer progression and metastasis, among others, due to the interaction of this antigen with the β-galactose binding protein galectin-3 (Gal-3). In this review, we summarize current information about the interactions between the T antigen on MUC1 mucin and Gal-3, and their impact on cancer progression and metastasis.

Mining glycosylation-related prognostic lncRNAs and constructing a prognostic model for overall survival prediction in glioma: A study based on bioinformatics analysis

Dysregulation of protein glycosylation plays a crucial role in the development of glioma. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNAs), functional RNA molecules without protein-coding ability, regulate gene expression and participate in malignant glioma progression. However, it remains unclear how lncRNAs are involved in glycosylation glioma malignancy. Identification of prognostic glycosylation-related lncRNAs in gliomas is necessary. We collected RNA-seq data and clinicopathological information of glioma patients from the cancer genome atlas and Chinese glioma genome atlas. We used the "limma" package to explore glycosylation-related gene and screened related lncRNAs from abnormally glycosylated genes. Using univariate Cox analyses Regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analyses, we constructed a risk signature with 7 glycosylation-related lncRNAs. Based on the median risk score (RS), patients with gliomas were divided into low- and high-risk subgroups with different overall survival rates. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses regression analyses were performed to assess the independent prognostic ability of the RS. Twenty glycosylation-related lncRNAs were identified by univariate Cox regression analyses. Two glioma subgroups were identified using consistent protein clustering, with the prognosis of the former being better than that of the latter. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis identified 7 survival RSs for glycosylation-related lncRNAs, which were identified as independent prognostic markers and predictors of glioma clinicopathological features. Glycosylation-related lncRNAs play an important role in the malignant development of gliomas and may help guide treatment options.

Altered Glycosylation in Progression and Management of Bladder Cancer

Bladder cancer (BC) is the 10th most common malignancy worldwide, with an estimated 573,000 new cases and 213,000 deaths in 2020. Available therapeutic approaches are still unable to reduce the incidence of BC metastasis and the high mortality rates of BC patients. Therefore, there is a need to deepen our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying BC progression to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. One such mechanism is protein glycosylation. Numerous studies reported changes in glycan biosynthesis during neoplastic transformation, resulting in the appearance of the so-called tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACAs) on the cell surface. TACAs affect a wide range of key biological processes, including tumor cell survival and proliferation, invasion and metastasis, induction of chronic inflammation, angiogenesis, immune evasion, and insensitivity to apoptosis. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current information on how altered glycosylation of bladder cancer cells promotes disease progression and to present the potential use of glycans for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

Exosomal circSPIRE1 mediates glycosylation of E-cadherin to suppress metastasis of renal cell carcinoma

Metastasis is the main cause of mortality in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Circular RNAs (circRNAs) involvement in RCC metastasis has been described, although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. We evaluated recurring lung-metastasis cases using patient-derived xenograft models and isolated a highly metastatic clone. CircSPIRE1 was identified as a metastasis-inhibiting circRNA in clinical cohort and xenograft models. Mechanistically, circSPIRE1 suppressed mesenchymal state through regulating ELAV like RNA binding protein 1-mRNA binding, and upregulating polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 (GALNT3) and KH domain RNA binding protein (QKI) expression. GALNT3 promoted glycosylation and cytomembrane localization of E-cadherin. QKI formed a positive feedback loop to enhance circSPIRE1 expression. Meanwhile, exosomal circSPIRE1 suppressed angiogenesis and vessel permeability. Our work reveals a non-canonical route for circRNAs in RCC to suppress metastasis. Furthermore, a nanomedicine consisting of circSPIRE1 plasmid suppressed metastasis formation. In conclusion, circSPIRE1 may be a predictor of metastasis and a potential therapeutic target of metastatic RCC.

Targeting Tn-positive tumors with an afucosylated recombinant anti-Tn IgG

The aberrant expression of the Tn antigen (CD175) on surface glycoproteins of human carcinomas is associated with tumorigenesis, metastasis, and poor survival. To target this antigen, we developed Remab6, a recombinant, human chimeric anti-Tn-specific monoclonal IgG. However, this antibody lacks antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) effector activity, due to core fucosylation of its N-glycans. Here we describe the generation of an afucosylated Remab6 (Remab6-AF) in HEK293 cells in which the FX gene is deleted (FXKO). These cells cannot synthesize GDP-fucose through the de novo pathway, and lack fucosylated glycans, although they can incorporate extracellularly-supplied fucose through their intact salvage pathway. Remab6-AF has strong ADCC activity against Tn+ colorectal and breast cancer cell lines in vitro, and is effective in reducing tumor size in an in vivo xenotransplant mouse model. Thus, Remab6-AF should be considered as a potential therapeutic anti-tumor antibody against Tn+ tumors.

Effects of GHR Deficiency and Juvenile Hypoglycemia on Immune Cells of a Porcine Model for Laron Syndrome

Laron syndrome (LS) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by low levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) and high levels of growth hormone (GH) due to mutations in the growth hormone receptor gene (GHR). A GHR-knockout (GHR-KO) pig was developed as a model for LS, which displays many of the same features as humans with LS-like transient juvenile hypoglycemia. This study aimed to investigate the effects of impaired GHR signaling on immune functions and immunometabolism in GHR-KO pigs. GHR are located on various cell types of the immune system. Therefore, we investigated lymphocyte subsets, proliferative and respiratory capacity of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), proteome profiles of CD4− and CD4+ lymphocytes and IFN-α serum levels between wild-type (WT) controls and GHR-KO pigs, which revealed significant differences in the relative proportion of the CD4+CD8α− subpopulation and in IFN-α levels. We detected no significant difference in the respiratory capacity and the capacity for polyclonal stimulation in PBMCs between the two groups. But proteome analysis of CD4+ and CD4− lymphocyte populations revealed multiple significant protein abundance differences between GHR-KO and WT pigs, involving pathways related to amino acid metabolism, beta-oxidation of fatty acids, insulin secretion signaling, and oxidative phosphorylation. This study highlights the potential use of GHR-KO pigs as a model for studying the effects of impaired GHR signaling on immune functions.

O-Linked Sialoglycans Modulate the Proteolysis of SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Likely Contribute to the Mutational Trajectory in Variants of Concern

The emergence of a polybasic cleavage motif for the protease furin in SARS-CoV-2 spike has been established as a major factor for human viral transmission. The region N-terminal to that motif is extensively mutated in variants of concern (VOCs). Besides furin, spikes from these variants appear to rely on other proteases for maturation, including TMPRSS2. Glycans near the cleavage site have raised questions about proteolytic processing and the consequences of variant-borne mutations. Here, we identify that sialic acid-containing O-linked glycans on Thr678 of SARS-CoV-2 spike influence furin and TMPRSS2 cleavage and posit O-linked glycosylation as a likely driving force for the emergence of VOC mutations. We provide direct evidence that the glycosyltransferase GalNAc-T1 primes glycosylation at Thr678 in the living cell, an event that is suppressed by mutations in the VOCs Alpha, Delta, and Omicron. We found that the sole incorporation of N-acetylgalactosamine did not impact furin activity in synthetic O-glycopeptides, but the presence of sialic acid reduced the furin rate by up to 65%. Similarly, O-glycosylation with a sialylated trisaccharide had a negative impact on TMPRSS2 cleavage. With a chemistry-centered approach, we substantiate O-glycosylation as a major determinant of spike maturation and propose disruption of O-glycosylation as a substantial driving force for VOC evolution.

Molecular Recognition of GalNAc in Mucin-Type O-Glycosylation

ConspectusN-Acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc)-type O-glycosylation is an essential posttranslational modification (PTM) that plays fundamental roles in biology. Malfunction of this PTM is exemplified by the presence of truncated O-glycans in cancer. For instance, the glycoprotein MUC1 is overexpressed in many tumor tissues and tends to carry simple oligosaccharides that allow for the presentation of different tumor-associated antigens, such as the Tn or sTn antigens (GalNAc-α-1-O-Thr/Ser and Neu5Acα2-6GalNAcα1-O-Ser/Thr, respectively). In other cases, such as tumoral calcinosis associated with O-glycosylation of the fibroblast growth factor 23, O-glycans are absent or less abundant. Significant progress has been made in determining the three-dimensional structures of biomolecules that recognize GalNAc, such as antibodies, lectins, mucinases, GalNAc-transferases, and other glycosyltransferases. Analysis of the complexes between these entities and GalNAc-containing glycopeptides, in most cases derived from crystallographic or NMR analysis, provides an understanding of the key structural elements that control molecular recognition of these glycopeptides. Here, we describe and compare the binding sites of these proteins in detail, focusing on how the GalNAc moieties interact selectively with them. We also summarize the differences and similarities in GalNAc recognition. In general, the recognition of GalNAc-containing glycopeptides is determined by hydrogen bonds between hydroxyl groups and the N-acetyl group of GalNAc with proteins, as well as CH-π contacts in which the hydrophobic α-face of the sugar and the methyl group of NHAc can be involved. The latter interaction usually provides the basis for selectivity. It is worth noting that binding of these glycopeptides depends primarily on recognition of the sugar moiety, with some exceptions such as a few anti-MUC1 antibodies that primarily recognize the peptide backbone and use the sugar to facilitate shape complementarity or to establish a limited number of interactions with the protein. Focusing specifically on the GalNAc moiety, we can observe that there is some degeneracy of interactions within the same protein families, likely due to substrate flexibility. However, when all studied proteins are considered together, despite the commonalities within each protein family, no pattern can be discerned between the different families, apart from the presence of common residues such as Tyr, His, or Asp, which are responsible for hydrogen bonds. The lack of a pattern can be anticipated, given the diverse functions of mucinases, glycosyltransferases, antibodies, and lectins. Finally, it is important to point out that the conformational differences observed in solution in glycopeptides bearing GalNAc-α-1-O-Ser or GalNAc-α-1-O-Thr also can be found in the bound state. This unique characteristic is exploited, for instance, by the enzyme C1GalT1 to broadly glycosylate both acceptor substrates. The findings summarized in this review may contribute to the rational structure-guided development of therapeutic vaccines, novel diagnostic tools for early cancer detection, and new cancer treatments for cancer with tailored anti-Tn or anti-STn antibodies or new drugs to inhibit GalNAc-T isoenzymes.

Orchestration of MUC2 - The key regulatory target of gut barrier and homeostasis: A review

The gut mucosa of human is covered by mucus, functioning as a crucial defense line for the intestine against external stimuli and pathogens. Mucin2 (MUC2) is a subtype of secretory mucins generated by goblet cells and is the major macromolecular component of mucus. Currently, there is an increasing interest on the investigations of MUC2, noting that its function is far beyond a maintainer of the mucus barrier. Moreover, numerous gut diseases are associated with dysregulated MUC2 production. Appropriate production level of MUC2 and mucus contributes to gut barrier function and homeostasis. The production of MUC2 is regulated by a series of physiological processes, which are orchestrated by various bioactive molecules, signaling pathways and gut microbiota, etc., forming a complex regulatory network. Incorporating the latest findings, this review provided a comprehensive summary of MUC2, including its structure, significance and secretory process. Furthermore, we also summarized the molecular mechanisms of the regulation of MUC2 production aiming to provide developmental directions for future researches on MUC2, which can act as a potential prognostic indicator and targeted therapeutic manipulation for diseases. Collectively, we elucidated the micro-level mechanisms underlying MUC2-related phenotypes, hoping to offer some constructive guidance for intestinal and overall health of mankind.

Systematic Analysis of RNA Expression Profiles in Different Ischemic Cortices in MCAO Mice

The prognosis of ischemic stroke patients is highly associated with the collateral circulation. And the competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) generated from different compensatory supply regions may also involve in the regulation of ischemic tissues prognosis. In this study, we found the apoptosis progress of ischemic neurons in posterior circulation-supplied regions (close to PCA, cortex2) was much slower than that in anterior circulation-supplied territory (close to ACA, cortex1) in MCAO-3-h mice. Using the RNA sequencing and functional enrichment analysis, we analyzed the difference between RNA expression profile in cortex1 and cortex2 and the related biological processes. The results indicated that the differential expressed ceRNAs in cortex1 were involved in cell process under acute injury, while the differential expressed ceRNAs in cortex2 was more likely to participate in long-term injury and repair process. Besides, by establishing the miRNA-ceRNA interaction network we further sorted out two specifically distributed miRNAs, namely mmu-miR446i-3p (in cortex1) and mmu-miR3473d (in cortex2). And the specifically increased mmu-miR3473d in cortex2 mainly involved the angiogenesis and cell proliferation after ischemic stroke, which may be the critical reason for the longer therapeutic time window in cortex2. In conclusion, the present study reported the specific changes of ceRNAs in distinct compensatory regions potentially involved in the evolution of cerebral ischemic tissues and the unbalance prognosis after stroke. It provided more evidence for the collateral compensatory effects on patients' prognosis and carried out the new targets for the ischemic stroke therapy.

Upregulation of GALNT7 in prostate cancer modifies O-glycosylation and promotes tumour growth

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and it is estimated that over 350,000 men worldwide die of prostate cancer every year. There remains an unmet clinical need to improve how clinically significant prostate cancer is diagnosed and develop new treatments for advanced disease. Aberrant glycosylation is a hallmark of cancer implicated in tumour growth, metastasis, and immune evasion. One of the key drivers of aberrant glycosylation is the dysregulated expression of glycosylation enzymes within the cancer cell. Here, we demonstrate using multiple independent clinical cohorts that the glycosyltransferase enzyme GALNT7 is upregulated in prostate cancer tissue. We show GALNT7 can identify men with prostate cancer, using urine and blood samples, with improved diagnostic accuracy than serum PSA alone. We also show that GALNT7 levels remain high in progression to castrate-resistant disease, and using in vitro and in vivo models, reveal that GALNT7 promotes prostate tumour growth. Mechanistically, GALNT7 can modify O-glycosylation in prostate cancer cells and correlates with cell cycle and immune signalling pathways. Our study provides a new biomarker to aid the diagnosis of clinically significant disease and cements GALNT7-mediated O-glycosylation as an important driver of prostate cancer progression.

Protein glycosylation in urine as a biomarker of diseases

Human body fluids have become an indispensable resource for clinical research, diagnosis and prognosis. Urine is widely used to discover disease-specific glycoprotein biomarkers because of its recurrently non-invasive collection and disease-indicating properties. While urine is an unstable fluid in that its composition changes with ingested nutrients and further as it is excreted through micturition, urinary proteins are more stable and their abnormal glycosylation is associated with diseases. It is known that aberrant glycosylation can define tumor malignancy and indicate disease initiation and progression. However, a thorough and translational survey of urinary glycosylation in diseases has not been performed. In this article, we evaluate the clinical applications of urine, introduce methods for urine glycosylation analysis, and discuss urine glycoprotein biomarkers. We emphasize the importance of mining urinary glycoproteins and searching for disease-specific glycosylation in various diseases (including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and viral infections). With advances in mass spectrometry-based glycomics/glycoproteomics/glycopeptidomics, characterization of disease-specific glycosylation will optimistically lead to the discovery of disease-related urinary biomarkers with better sensitivity and specificity in the near future.

Mutual regulation between glycosylation and transforming growth factor-β isoforms signaling pathway

Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily members orchestrate a wide breadth of biological processes. Through Sma and Mad (Smad)-related dependent or noncanonical pathways, TGF-β members involve in the occurrence and development of many diseases such as cancers, fibrosis, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular diseases and brain diseases. Glycosylation is one kind of the most common posttranslational modifications on proteins or lipids. Abnormal protein glycosylation can lead to protein malfunction and biological process disorder, thereby causing serious diseases. Previously, researchers commonly make comprehensive systematic overviews on the roles of TGF-β signaling in a specific disease or biological process. In recent years, more and more evidences associate glycosylation modification with TGF-β signaling pathway, and we can no longer disengage and ignore the roles of glycosylation from TGF-β signaling to make investigation. In this review, we provide an overview of current findings involved in glycosylation within TGF-βs and theirs receptors, and the interaction effects between glycosylation and TGF-β subfamily signaling, concluding that there is an intricate mutual regulation between glycosylation and TGF-β signaling, hoping to present the glycosylation regulatory patterns that concealed in TGF-βs signaling pathways.

Identification of global inhibitors of cellular glycosylation

Small molecule inhibitors of glycosylation enzymes are valuable tools for dissecting glycan functions and potential drug candidates. Screening for inhibitors of glycosyltransferases are mainly performed by in vitro enzyme assays with difficulties moving candidates to cells and animals. Here, we circumvent this by employing a cell-based screening assay using glycoengineered cells expressing tailored reporter glycoproteins. We focused on GalNAc-type O-glycosylation and selected the GalNAc-T11 isoenzyme that selectively glycosylates endocytic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR)-related proteins as targets. Our screen of a limited small molecule compound library did not identify selective inhibitors of GalNAc-T11, however, we identify two compounds that broadly inhibited Golgi-localized glycosylation processes. These compounds mediate the reversible fragmentation of the Golgi system without affecting secretion. We demonstrate how these inhibitors can be used to manipulate glycosylation in cells to induce expression of truncated O-glycans and augment binding of cancer-specific Tn-glycoprotein antibodies and to inhibit expression of heparan sulfate and binding and infection of SARS-CoV-2.

The effect of a methyl group on structure and function: Serine vs. threonine glycosylation and phosphorylation

A variety of glycan structures cover the surface of all cells and are involved in myriad biological processes, including but not limited to, cell adhesion and communication, protein quality control, signal transduction and metabolism, while also being intimately involved in innate and adaptive immune functions. Immune surveillance and responses to foreign carbohydrate antigens, such as capsular polysaccharides on bacteria and surface protein glycosylation of viruses, are the basis of microbial clearance, and most antimicrobial vaccines target these structures. In addition, aberrant glycans on tumors called Tumor-Associated Carbohydrate Antigens (TACAs) elicit immune responses to cancer, and TACAs have been used in the design of many antitumor vaccine constructs. A majority of mammalian TACAs are derived from what are referred to as mucin-type O-linked glycans on cell-surface proteins and are linked to the protein backbone through the hydroxyl group of either serine or threonine residues. A small group of structural studies that have compared mono- and oligosaccharides attached to each of these residues have shown that there are distinct differences in conformational preferences assumed by glycans attached to either "unmethylated" serine or ß-methylated threonine. This suggests that the linkage point of antigenic glycans will affect their presentation to the immune system as well as to various carbohydrate binding molecules (e.g., lectins). This short review, followed by our hypothesis, will examine this possibility and extend the concept to the presentation of glycans on surfaces and in assay systems where recognition of glycans by proteins and other binding partners can be defined by different attachment points that allow for a range of conformational presentations.

Targeted O-glycoproteomics for the development of diagnostic markers for advanced colorectal cancer

Aberrant glycosylation is a prominent feature of cancer, that can be used as targets to improve the existing cancer biomarkers, and help to assess metastasis risks, and therapeutic effects. We developed a targeted O-glycoproteomics method using serum specimens, and evaluated its utility in identifying advanced colorectal cancer (CRC) markers. To this end, we combined consecutive lectin affinity purification using Maclura pomifera lectin (MPL), jacalin, and Sambucus nigra lectin, which have affinities for the following O-glycans, that have received attention as cancer-related antigens, Tn (GalNAc-Ser/Thr), Sialyl Tn (Siaα2-6GalNAc-Ser/Thr), T (Galβ1-3GalNAc-Ser/Thr), Sialyl T (Siaα2-3Galβ1-GalNAc-Ser/Thr), and di-Sialyl T (Siaα2-3Galβ1-3[Siaα2-6] GalNAc-Ser/Thr), with a unique O-glycoproteomics approach. A total of 2,068 O-glycoforms derived from 265 proteins were identified in healthy individuals and patients with advanced CRC, of which 44 CRC-specific O-glycoforms were extracted. Particularly, five glycoproteins with T, Sialyl T, and di-Sialyl T antigens in specific peptide regions were evaluated quantitatively and statistically. We found that fibulin-2 (FBLN2) (aa330-349)/T antigen (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.92); macrophage colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) (aa370-395)/(T + di-Sialyl T) (AUC = 0.94); macrophage mannose receptor 1 (MRC1) (aa1083-1101 and aa1215-1229)/T (AUC = 0.96 and 0.99); fibrinogen alpha chain (FGA) (aa354-367, aa511-527 and aa559-573)/Sialyl T (AUC = 0.98, 0.90 and 0.94); and complement component C7 (C7) (aa692-701)/di-Sialyl T (AUC = 1.00), can have high diagnostic efficacy to strategically predict advanced CRC groups. Hence, they could be promising markers for detection of advanced CRC, and provide new clinical test indicators along with lectins, such as MPL and jacalin. Our O-glycoproteomics platform provides a novel tool and resource, for researchers and clinicians seeking to better understand and treat advanced CRC.

Polypeptide N-Acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 14 (GALNT14) as a Chemosensitivity-Related Biomarker for Osteosarcoma

Purpose

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary bone tumor. Polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 14 (GALNT14), a member of the N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase family, has been considered to be associated with various cancers. However, its role in osteosarcoma remains unknown. Here, we aimed to explore the expression and potential mechanism of GALNT14 in osteosarcoma through bioinformatics analysis and in vitro experiments.

Methods

We investigated GALNT14 expression in osteosarcoma using GEO, the TIMER database, and clinical samples. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis on GALNT14 was performed by STRING. TARGET was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high and low GALNT14 expression. The correlation between GALNT14 and cuproptosis-related genes in osteosarcoma was analyzed by R language. The prognostic significance of GALNT14 was examined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Additionally, we inhibited GALNT14 function in an osteosarcoma cell line by transfecting siRNA and subsequently explored the effect on drug sensitivity by CCK-8, clonogenic assay, and flow cytometry.

Results

GALNT14 was significantly elevated in osteosarcoma tissue, osteosarcoma cell lines, and metastatic osteosarcoma. PPI analysis revealed that GALNT14 was associated with MUC7, MUC13, MUC5AC, C1GALT1, MUC15, MUC16, MUC1, MUC4, MUC21, and MUC17. In the high GALNT14 expression group, we discovered 81 upregulated DEGs and 73 downregulated DEGs. Functional enrichment analysis of DEGs showed significant enrichment in the Wnt, TGF-β, Hippo, PI3K signaling pathways and cell adhesion molecules. Expression of cuproptosis-related genes was closely related in osteosarcoma, and GALNT14 expression was significantly positively correlated with FDX1, a key regulator of cuproptosis. Kaplan-Meier survival showed that GALNT14 was linked to poor overall survival and disease-free survival in osteosarcoma. In vitro experiments suggested that GALNT14 was associated with chemotherapy resistance in osteosarcoma.

Conclusion

We identified a GALNT family gene, GALNT14, that was highly expressed in osteosarcoma. This gene was closely associated with metastasis, progression, cuproptosis-related genes, and chemosensitivity of osteosarcoma, and showed correlation with poor overall survival and disease-free survival in osteosarcoma.

Recombinant mucin biotechnology and engineering

Mucins represent a largely untapped class of polymeric building block for biomaterials, therapeutics, and other biotechnology. Because the mucin polymer backbone is genetically encoded, sequence-specific mucins with defined physical and biochemical properties can be fabricated using recombinant technologies. The pendent O-glycans of mucins are increasingly implicated in immunomodulation, suppression of pathogen virulence, and other biochemical activities. Recent advances in engineered cell production systems are enabling the scalable synthesis of recombinant mucins with precisely tuned glycan side chains, offering exciting possibilities to tune the biological functionality of mucin-based products. New metabolic and chemoenzymatic strategies enable further tuning and functionalization of mucin O-glycans, opening new possibilities to expand the chemical diversity and functionality of mucin building blocks. In this review, we discuss these advances, and the opportunities for engineered mucins in biomedical applications ranging from in vitro models to therapeutics.

Understanding the Clinical Significance of MUC5AC in Biliary Tract Cancers

Biliary tract cancers (BTC) arise from biliary epithelium and include cholangiocarcinomas or CCA (including intrahepatic (ICC) and extrahepatic (ECC)) and gallbladder cancers (GBC). They often have poor outcomes owing to limited treatment options, advanced presentations, frequent recurrence, and poor response to available systemic therapy. Mucin 5AC (MUC5AC) is rarely expressed in normal biliary epithelium, but can be upregulated in tissues of benign biliary disease, premalignant conditions (e.g., biliary intraepithelial neoplasia), and BTCs. This mucin's numerous glycoforms can be divided into less-glycosylated immature and heavily-glycosylated mature forms. Reported MUC5AC tissue expression in BTC varies widely, with some associations based on cancer location (e.g., perihilar vs. peripheral ICC). Study methods were variable regarding cancer subtypes, expression positivity thresholds, and MUC5AC glycoforms. MUC5AC can be detected in serum of BTC patients at high concentrations. The hesitancy in developing MUC5AC into a clinically useful biomarker in BTC management is due to variable evidence on the diagnostic and prognostic value. Concrete conclusions on tissue MUC5AC are difficult, but serum detection might be relevant for diagnosis and is associated with poor prognosis. Future studies are needed to further the understanding of the potential clinical value of MUC5AC in BTC, especially regarding predictive and therapeutic value.

The (Sialyl) Tn antigen: Contributions to immunosuppression in gastrointestinal cancers

Cellular signaling pathways are intricately regulated to maintain homeostasis. During cancer progression, these mechanisms are manipulated to become harmful. O-glycosylation, a crucial post-translational modification, is one such pathway that can lead to multiple isoforms of glycoproteins. The Tn (GalNAc-O-Ser/Thr) and Sialyl Tn (STn; Neu5Ac-GalNAc-O-Ser/Thr) antigens resulting from the incomplete synthesis of fully branched O-glycan chains on proteins contribute to disease progression in the pancreas and other gastrointestinal cancers. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a major constituent of tumors and a key modulator of their behavior. Multiple cellular and secretory components of the TME dictate the development and metastasis of tumors. Immune cells like macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells, B and T lymphocytes are a part of the tumor "immune" microenvironment (TIME). The expression of the Tn and STn antigens on tumors has been found to regulate the function of these immune cells and alter their normal antitumor cytotoxic role. This is possible through multiple cell intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways, elaborated in this review. Studying the interaction between Tn/STn antigens and the TIME of gastrointestinal cancers can help develop better and more robust therapies that can counteract immunosuppressive mechanisms to sensitize these tumors to anticancer therapies.

"Glyco-sulfo barcodes" regulate chemokine receptor function

Chemokine ligands and receptors regulate the directional migration of leukocytes. Post-translational modifications of chemokine receptors including O-glycosylation and tyrosine sulfation have been reported to regulate ligand binding and resulting signaling. Through in silico analyses, we determined potential conserved O-glycosylation and sulfation sites on human and murine CC chemokine receptors. Glyco-engineered CHO cell lines were used to measure the impact of O-glycosylation on CC chemokine receptor CCR5, while mutation of tyrosine residues and treatment with sodium chlorate were performed to determine the effect of tyrosine sulfation. Changing the glycosylation or tyrosine sulfation on CCR5 reduced the receptor signaling by the more positively charged CCL5 and CCL8 more profoundly compared to the less charged CCL3. The loss of negatively charged sialic acids resulted only in a minor effect on CCL3-induced signal transduction. The enzymes GalNAc-T1 and GalNAc-T11 were shown to be involved in the process of chemokine receptor O-glycosylation. These results indicate that O-glycosylation and tyrosine sulfation are involved in the fine-tuning and recognition of chemokine interactions with CCR5 and the resulting signaling.

Relationships of ferroptosis-related genes with the pathogenesis in polycystic ovary syndrome

Background

Numerous studies have suggested that ferroptosis plays a significant role in the development of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), but the mechanism remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, we explored the role of ferroptosis-related genes in the pathogenesis of PCOS using a comprehensive bioinformatics method. First, we downloaded several Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets and combined them into a meta-GEO dataset. Differential expression analysis was performed to screen for significant ferroptosis-related genes between the normal and PCOS samples. The least absolute shrinkage selection operator regression and support vector machine-recursive feature elimination were used to select the best signs to construct a PCOS diagnostic model. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and decision curve analysis were applied to test the performance of the model. Finally, a ceRNA network-related ferroptosis gene was constructed.

Results

Five genes, namely, NOX1, ACVR1B, PHF21A, FTL, and GALNT14, were identified from 10 differentially expressed ferroptosis-related genes to construct a PCOS diagnostic model. Finally, a ceRNA network including 117 lncRNAs, 67 miRNAs, and five ferroptosis-related genes was constructed.

Conclusion

Our study identified five ferroptosis-related genes that may be involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS, which may provide a novel perspective for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of PCOS.

In silico analysis of glycosylation pattern in 5th-6th repeat sequence of reelin glycoprotein

Reelin is an extracellular matrix glycoprotein that plays a key role in cortical development, maturation, synaptic plasticity, and memory formation in the adult mammalian brain. Glycosylation is a significant post- and co-translational modification of proteins. Although glycosylation contributes to the characteristic of proteins from their production to molecular interactions, the knowledge about the glycosylation pattern of reelin is very limited. In this study, we aimed to predict the potential glycosylation pattern of the 5^th-6^th repeat of central reelin fragment that responsible for their signaling, by using in silico methods. We found that the predicted glycosylation pattern of the 5^th-6^th repeat of human reelin was highly conserved between vertebrate species. However, this conservation was not observed in analyzed invertebrates. For the first time, we described the sites of glycosylation at a three-dimensional protein structure in human reelin. Because the sites were very closed to EGF-like repeats and receptor binding sites, they could contribute the interaction with a partner of reelin in addition to the effect of thermostability to protein. Many of the residues related glycosylation were also conserved in analyzed species. These findings may guide biochemical, genetic, and glycobiology base on further experiments about reelin glycosylation. The understanding of reelin glycosylation might change the point of view of treatment for many pathological conditions in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease. Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Protein Glycosylation as Biomarkers in Gynecologic Cancers

Gynecologic cancers are the leading cause of death in women. Endometrial, ovarian, and cervical cancer are the three main types of gynecologic cancers. Poor prognoses and high mortality rates of advanced-stage cancer are still challenges of all three types. Diagnostic tools for early cancer detection could be the cornerstone for further cancer treatment and prevention. Glycosylation plays a vital role in cell proliferation, adhesion, motility, and angiogenesis, and is aberrantly expressed in cancer cells. Alterations of glycosylation may represent promising biomarkers with potential diagnostic and monitoring applications, as well as disease prognosis. Many glycosylated biomarkers, including glycoprotein, glycan, and enzyme, were discovered and well-studied for application in gynecologic cancers. Some of them have been developed as targets for cancer treatment. The use of certain biomarkers for diagnostics and monitoring of gynecologic cancers has clinical advantages, as it is quantitative, comparable, convenient, and inexpensive. However, one of the single markers have sufficient sensitivity for the screening of gynecologic cancers. In this review, we introduced the details of glycosylation and the current application of glycosylated biomarkers in these three cancers. Moreover, we also reviewed the different roles of each biomarker in other cancers and aimed to understand these glycosylated biomarkers comprehensively.

B3galt5 deficiency attenuates hepatocellular carcinoma by suppressing mTOR/p70s6k-mediated glycolysis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies with high morbidity and mortality. Beta-1,3-galactosyltransferase 5 (b3galt5) plays crucial roles in protein glycosylation, but its function in HCC remains unclear. Here, we investigated the role and underlying mechanism of b3galt5 in HCC. We found that b3galt5 is highly expressed and associated with a poor prognosis in HCC patients. In vitro studies showed that b3galt5 promoted the proliferation and survival of HCC cells. We also demonstrated that b3galt5 deficiency suppressed hepatocarcinogenesis in DEN/TCPOBOP-induced HCC. Further investigation confirmed that b3galt5 promoted aerobic glycolysis in HCC. Mechanistically, b3galt5 promoted glycolysis by activating the mTOR/p70s6k pathway through O-linked glycosylation modification on mTOR. Moreover, p70s6k inhibition reduced the expression of key glycolytic enzymes and the glycolysis rate in b3galt5-overexpressing cells. Our study uncovers a novel mechanism by which b3galt5 mediates glycolysis in HCC and highlights the b3galt5-mTOR/p70s6k axis as a potential target for HCC therapy.

Immunohistochemical analysis of Tn antigen expression in colorectal adenocarcinoma and precursor lesions

BACKGROUND

The Tn antigen (CD175) is an O-glycan expressed in various types of human adenocarcinomas, including colorectal cancer (CRC), though prior studies have relied heavily upon poorly characterized in-house generated antibodies and lectins. In this study, we explored Tn expression in CRC using ReBaGs6, a well-characterized recombinant murine antibody with high specificity for clustered Tn antigen.

METHODS

Using well-defined monoclonal antibodies, expression patterns of Tn and sialylated Tn (STn) antigens were characterized by immunostaining in CRC, in matched peritumoral [transitional margin (TM)] mucosa, and in normal colonic mucosa distant from the tumor, as well as in adenomas. Vicia villosa agglutinin lectin was used to detect terminal GalNAc expression. Histo-scoring (H scoring) of staining was carried out, and pairwise comparisons of staining levels between tissue types were performed using paired samples Wilcoxon rank sum tests, with statistical significance set at 0.05.

RESULTS

While minimal intracellular Tn staining was seen in normal mucosa, significantly higher expression was observed in both TM mucosa (p < 0.001) and adenocarcinoma (p < 0.001). This pattern was reflected to a lesser degree by STn expression in these tissue types. Interestingly, TM mucosa demonstrates a Tn expression level even higher than that of the adenocarcinoma itself (p = 0.019). Colorectal adenomas demonstrated greater Tn and STn expression relative to normal mucosa (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, CRC is characterized by alterations in Tn/STn antigen expression in neoplastic epithelium as well as peritumoral benign mucosa. Tn/STn antigens are seldom expressed in normal mucosa. This suggests that TM mucosa, in addition to CRC itself, represents a source of glycoproteins rich in Tn that may offer future biomarker targets.

The Role of Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Cholangiocarcinoma: A Systematic Review

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) play an essential role in various malignancies, but their role in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) remains to be elucidated. Therefore, the purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the association between SNPs and CCA, focusing on tumorigenesis and prognosis. A systematic literature search was carried out using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and the Cochrane database for the association between SNPs and CCA, including literature published between January 2000 and April 2022. This systematic review compiles 43 SNPs in 32 genes associated with CCA risk, metastatic progression and overall prognosis based on 34 studies. Susceptibility to CCA was associated with SNPs in genes related to inflammation (PTGS2/COX2, IL6, IFNG/IFN-γ, TNF/TNF-α), DNA repair (ERCC1, MTHFR, MUTYH, XRCC1, OGG1), detoxification (NAT1, NAT2 and ABCC2), enzymes (SERPINA1, GSTO1, APOBEC3A, APOBEC3B), RNA (HOTAIR) and membrane-based proteins (EGFR, GAB1, KLRK1/NKG2D). Overall oncological prognosis was also related to SNPs in eight genes (GNB3, NFE2L2/NRF2, GALNT14, EGFR, XRCC1, EZH2, GNAS, CXCR1). Our findings indicate that multiple SNPs play different roles at various stages of CCA and might serve as biomarkers guiding treatment and allowing oncological risk assessment. Considering the differences in SNP detection methods, patient ethnicity and corresponding environmental factors, more large-scale multicentric investigations are needed to fully determine the potential of SNP analysis for CCA susceptibility prediction and prognostication.

Recent advances in demystifying O-glycosylation in health and disease

O-Glycosylation is one of the most common protein post-translational modifications (PTM) and plays an essential role in the pathophysiology of diseases. However, the complexity of O-glycosylation and the lack of specific enzymes for the processing of O-glycans and their O-glycopeptides make O-glycosylation analysis challenging. Recently, research on O-glycosylation has received attention owing to technological innovation and emerging O-glycoproteases. Several serine/threonine endoproteases have been found to specifically cleave O-glycosylated serine or threonine, allowing for the systematic analysis of O-glycoproteins. In this review, we first assessed the field of protein O-glycosylation over the past decade and used bibliometric analysis to identify keywords and emerging trends. We then summarized recent advances in O-glycosylation, covering several aspects: O-glycan release, site-specific elucidation of intact O-glycopeptides, identification of O-glycosites, characterization of different O-glycoproteases, mass spectrometry (MS) fragmentation methods for site-specific O-glycosylation assignment, and O-glycosylation data analysis. Finally, the role of O-glycosylation in health and disease was discussed.

A Sweet Warning: Mucin-Type O-Glycans in Cancer

Glycosylation is a common post-translational modification process of proteins. Mucin-type O-glycosylation is an O-glycosylation that starts from protein serine/threonine residues. Normally, it is involved in the normal development and differentiation of cells and tissues, abnormal glycosylation can lead to a variety of diseases, especially cancer. This paper reviews the normal biosynthesis of mucin-type O-glycans and their role in the maintenance of body health, followed by the mechanisms of abnormal mucin-type O-glycosylation in the development of diseases, especially tumors, including the effects of Tn, STn, T antigen, and different glycosyltransferases, with special emphasis on their role in the development of gastric cancer. Finally, tumor immunotherapy targeting mucin-type O-glycans was discussed.

Global mapping of GalNAc-T isoform-specificities and O-glycosylation site-occupancy in a tissue-forming human cell line

Mucin-type-O-glycosylation on proteins is integrally involved in human health and disease and is coordinated by an enzyme family of 20 N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases (GalNAc-Ts). Detailed knowledge on the biological effects of site-specific O-glycosylation is limited due to lack of information on specific glycosylation enzyme activities and O-glycosylation site-occupancies. Here we present a systematic analysis of the isoform-specific targets of all GalNAc-Ts expressed within a tissue-forming human skin cell line, and demonstrate biologically significant effects of O-glycan initiation on epithelial formation. We find over 300 unique glycosylation sites across a diverse set of proteins specifically regulated by one of the GalNAc-T isoforms, consistent with their impact on the tissue phenotypes. Notably, we discover a high variability in the O-glycosylation site-occupancy of 70 glycosylated regions of secreted proteins. These findings revisit the relevance of individual O-glycosylation sites in the proteome, and provide an approach to establish which sites drive biological functions.

Measuring the multifaceted roles of mucin-domain glycoproteins in cancer

Mucin-domain glycoproteins are highly O-glycosylated cell surface and secreted proteins that serve as both biochemical and biophysical modulators. Aberrant expression and glycosylation of mucins are known hallmarks in numerous malignancies, yet mucin-domain glycoproteins remain enigmatic in the broad landscape of cancer glycobiology. Here we review the multifaceted roles of mucins in cancer through the lens of the analytical and biochemical methods used to study them. We also describe a collection of emerging tools that are specifically equipped to characterize mucin-domain glycoproteins in complex biological backgrounds. These approaches are poised to further elucidate how mucin biology can be understood and subsequently targeted for the next generation of cancer therapeutics.

Comprehensive N- and O-Glycoproteomic Analysis of Multiple Chinese Hamster Ovary Host Cell Lines

Glycoproteomic analysis of three Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) suspension host cell lines (CHO-K1, CHO-S, and CHO-Pro5) commonly utilized in biopharmaceutical settings for recombinant protein production is reported. Intracellular and secreted glycoproteins were examined. We utilized an immobilization and chemoenzymatic strategy in our analysis. Glycoproteins or glycopeptides were first immobilized through reductive amination, and the sialyl moieties were amidated for protection. The desired N- or O-glycans and glycopeptides were released from the immobilization resin by enzymatic or chemical digestion. Glycopeptides were studied by Orbitrap Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC/MS), and the released glycans were analyzed by Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight (MALDI-TOF). Differences were detected in the relative abundances of N- and O-glycopeptide types, their resident and released glycans, and their glycoprotein complexity. Ontogeny analysis revealed key differences in features, such as general metabolic and biosynthetic pathways, including glycosylation systems, as well as distributions in cellular compartments. Host cell lines and subfraction differences were observed in both N- and O-glycan and glycoprotein pools. Differences were observed in sialyl and fucosyl glycan distributions. Key differences were also observed among glycoproteins that are problematic contaminants in recombinant antibody production. The differences revealed in this study should inform the choice of cell lines best suited for a particular bioproduction application.

Emerging roles of GALNT5 on promoting EGFR activation in cholangiocarcinoma: a mechanistic insight

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a lethal cancer in that the incidence is now increasing worldwide. N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 5 (GALNT5), an enzyme that initiates the first step of mucin type-O glycosylation, has been reported to promote aggressiveness of CCA cells via the epithelial to the mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and Akt/Erk activation. In this study, the clinical and biological relevance of GALNT5 and the molecular mechanisms by which GALNT5 modulated EGFR in promoting CCA progression were examined. Using publicly available datasets, upregulation of GALNT5 in patient CCA tissues and its correlation with EGFR expression was noted. High levels of GALNT5 were significantly associated with the short survival of patients, suggesting a prognostic marker of GALNT5 for CCA. GALNT5 modulated EGFR expression as shown in CCA cell lines. Upregulation of GALNT5 significantly increased EGFR mRNA and protein in GALNT5 overexpressing cells, whereas suppression of GALNT5 expression gave the opposite results. The molecular dynamics simulations and MM/PB(GB)SA-based free energy calculations showed that O-glycosylation on the EGFR extracellular domain enhanced the structural stability, compactness, and H-bond formation of the EGF/GalNAc-EGFR complex compared with those of EGF/EGFR. This stabilized the growth factor binding site and fostered stronger interactions between EGF and EGFR. Using the EGF-induced EGFR activation model, GALNT5 was shown to mediate EGFR stability via a decreased rate of EGFR degradation and enhanced EGFR activity by increasing the binding affinity of EGF/EGFR that consequently increasing the activation of EGFR and its downstream effectors Akt and Erk. In summary, GALNT5 was upregulated in CCA tissues and associated with a worse prognosis. The study identified for the first time the impacts of GALNT5 on EGFR activity by increasing: 1) EGFR expression via a transcriptional-dependent mechanism, 2) EGFR stability by reducing EGFR degradation, and 3) EGFR activation through an increased binding affinity of EGF/EGFR which all together fostered the activation of EGFR. These results expanded the understanding of the molecular mechanism of how GALNT5 impacted CCA progression and suggested GALNT5 as a new target for therapeutic intervention against metastatic CCA.

Metabolic utilization and remodeling of glycan biosynthesis using fucose analogs

BACKGROUND

Fucose (Fuc), a monosaccharide present at the core or the termini of glycans, critically regulates various biological phenomena and is associated with various diseases. Specifically detecting Fuc residues or inhibiting the fucosylation pathway is pivotal in understanding the mechanisms of how fucosylated glycans are related to biological processes and diseases and in developing novel therapeutic agents.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

This review focuses on chemical biology approaches using Fuc analogs developed for metabolically labeling fucosylated glycans or inhibiting the biosynthesis of fucosylated glycans.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Developed Fuc analogs have different potency, specificity and effects on protein and cellular functions. Developing highly enzyme-specific probes and inhibitors is desirable for future investigations.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Chemical glycobiology approaches using sugar analogs are useful for revealing novel mechanisms of inter-relationships among sugar metabolism pathways and manipulating glycan expression to develop new glycan-targeted therapies.

Polypeptide N-acetylgalactosamine transferase 3: a post-translational writer on human health

Polypeptide N-acetylgalactosamine transferase 3 (ppGalNAc-T3) is an enzyme involved in the initiation of O-GalNAc glycan biosynthesis. Acting as a writer of frequent post-translational modification (PTM) on human proteins, ppGalNAc-T3 has key functions in the homeostasis of human cells and tissues. We review the relevant roles of this molecule in the biosynthesis of O-GalNAc glycans, as well as in biological functions related to human physiological and pathological conditions. With main emphasis in ppGalNAc-T3, we draw attention to the different ways involved in the modulation of ppGalNAc-Ts enzymatic activity. In addition, we take notice on recent reports of ppGalNAc-T3 having different subcellular localizations, highlight critical intrinsic and extrinsic functions in cellular physiology that are exerted by ppGalNAc-T3-synthesized PTMs, and provide an update on several human pathologies associated with dysfunctional ppGalNAc-T3. Finally, we propose biotechnological tools as new therapeutic options for the treatment of pathologies related to altered ppGalNAc-T3. KEY MESSAGES: ppGalNAc-T3 is a key enzyme in the human O-GalNAc glycans biosynthesis. enzyme activity is regulated by PTMs, lectin domain and protein-protein interactions. ppGalNAc-T3 is located in human Golgi apparatus and cell nucleus. ppGalNAc-T3 has a central role in cell physiology as well as in several pathologies. Biotechnological tools for pathological management are proposed.

Glycosylation in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Mechanisms and Clinical Implications

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors of the urinary system, accounting for around 2% of all cancer diagnoses and deaths worldwide. Clear cell RCC (ccRCC) is the most prevalent and aggressive histology with an unfavorable prognosis and inadequate treatment. Patients' progression-free survival is considerably improved by surgery; however, 30% of patients develop metastases following surgery. Identifying novel targets and molecular markers for RCC prognostic detection is crucial for more accurate clinical diagnosis and therapy. Glycosylation is a critical post-translational modification (PMT) for cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion, involving the transfer of glycosyl moieties to specific amino acid residues in proteins to form glycosidic bonds through the activity of glycosyltransferases. Most cancers, including RCC, undergo glycosylation changes such as branching, sialylation, and fucosylation. In this review, we discuss the latest findings on the significance of aberrant glycans in the initiation, development, and progression of RCC. The potential biomarkers of altered glycans for the diagnosis and their implications in RCC have been further highlighted.