The biology and enzymology of protein tyrosine O-sulfation

Determination of the sites of tyrosine O-sulfation in peptides and proteins

Tyrosine O-sulfation is a key post-translational modification that regulates protein-protein interactions in extracellular space. We describe a subtractive strategy to determine the sites of tyrosine O-sulfation in proteins. Hydroxyl groups on unsulfated tyrosines are blocked by stoichiometric acetylation in a one-step reaction using sulfosuccinimidyl acetate (S-NHSAc) in the presence of imidazole at pH 7.0. The presence of sulfotyrosine is indicated by the detection of free tyrosine after tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) analysis under conditions in which the sulfuryl group of sulfotyrosine is labile. Since phosphorylation and sulfation of tyrosine are isobaric, we used alkaline phosphatase treatment to distinguish these two modifications. Using this methodology we identified the sites and the order of sulfation of several peptides mediated by purified human tyrosylprotein sulfotransferases (TPSTs), and unambiguously determined the tyrosine sulfation sites in mouse lumican and human vitronectin.

A mutation in Tpst2 encoding tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase causes dwarfism associated with hypothyroidism

The growth-retarded (grt) mouse has an autosomal recessive, fetal-onset, severe thyroid hypoplasia related to TSH hyporesponsiveness. Through genetic mapping and complementation experiments, we show that grt is a missense mutation of a highly conserved region of the tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase 2 (Tpst2) gene, encoding one of the two Tpst genes implicated in posttranslational tyrosine O-sulfation. We present evidence that the grt mutation leads to a loss of TPST2 activity, and TPST2 isoform has a high degree of substrate preference for TSH receptor (TSHR). The expression of TPST2 can restore TSH-TSHR-mediated cAMP production in fibroblasts derived from grt mice. Therefore, we propose that the tyrosine sulfation of TSHR by TPST2 is crucial for TSH signaling and resultant thyroid gland function.

Surface accessibility of protein post-translational modifications

Protein post-translational modifications are crucial to the function of many proteins. In this study, we have investigated the structural environment of 8378 incidences of 44 types of post-translational modifications with 19 different approaches. We show that modified amino acids likely to be involved in protein-protein interactions, such as ester-linked phosphorylation, methylarginine, acetyllysine, sulfotyrosine, hydroxyproline, and hydroxylysine, are clearly surface associated. Other modifications, including O-GlcNAc, phosphohistidine, 4-aspartylphosphate, methyllysine, and ADP-ribosylarginine, are either not surface associated or are in a protein's core. Artifactual modifications were found to be randomly distributed throughout the protein. We discuss how the surface accessibility of post-translational modifications can be important for protein-protein interactivity.

Antigen selection from an HIV-1 immune antibody library displayed on yeast yields many novel antibodies compared to selection from the same library displayed on phage

Phage display of antibody libraries has been widely used for over a decade to generate monoclonal antibodies. Yeast display has been developed more recently. Here the two approaches were directly compared using the same HIV-1 immune scFv cDNA library expressed in phage and yeast display vectors and using the same selecting antigen (HIV-1 gp120). Yeast display was shown to sample the immune antibody repertoire considerably more fully than phage display, selecting all the scFv identified by phage display and twice as many novel antibodies. Positive phage display selection appeared to largely reflect those antibodies that as phage-scFv gave the highest signal in phage ELISAs assessing antigen binding. This signal is thought to reflect the efficiency of expression of folded scFv at the phage surface. Increased access to immune repertoires may increase the rescue of novel antibodies of therapeutic or analytical value that often form a minor part of a typical antibody response.

Human cationic trypsinogen is sulfated on Tyr154

The crystal structure of human pancreatic cationic trypsin showed the chemical modification of Tyr154, which was originally described as phosphorylation [Gaboriaud C, Serre L, Guy-Crotte O, Forest E & Fontecilla-Camps JC (1996) J Mol Biol259, 995-1010]. Here we report that Tyr154 is sulfated, not phosphorylated. Cationic and anionic trypsinogens were purified from human pancreatic juice and subjected to alkaline hydrolysis. Modified tyrosine amino acids were separated on a Dowex cation-exchange column and analyzed by thin layer chromatography. Both human cationic and anionic trypsinogens contained tyrosine sulfate, but no tyrosine phosphate, whereas bovine trypsinogen contained neither. Furthermore, incorporation of [(35)S]SO(4) into human cationic trypsinogen transiently expressed by human embryonic kidney 239T cells was demonstrated. Mutation of Tyr154 to Phe abolished radioactive sulfate incorporation, confirming that Tyr154 is the site of sulfation in cationic trypsinogen. Sulfated pancreatic cationic trypsinogen exhibited faster autoactivation than a nonsulfated recombinant form, suggesting that tyrosine sulfation of trypsinogens might enhance intestinal digestive zymogen activation in humans. Finally, sequence alignment revealed that the sulfation motif is only conserved in primate trypsinogens, suggesting that typsinogen sulfation is absent in other vertebrates.

Molecular biology of PCSK9: its role in LDL metabolism

Proprotein convertase subtilisin-like kexin type 9 (PCSK9) is a newly discovered serine protease that destroys low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors in liver and thereby controls the level of LDL in plasma. Mutations that increase PCSK9 activity cause hypercholesterolemia and coronary heart disease (CHD); mutations that inactivate PCSK9 have the opposite effect, lowering LDL levels and reducing CHD. Although the mechanism of PCSK9 action is not yet clear, the protease provides a new therapeutic target to lower plasma levels of LDL and prevent CHD.

Identification and functional characterization of phytosulfokine receptor using a ligand-based approach

Almost all plant cells, even when fully differentiated, can dedifferentiate and proliferate in vitro to form a callus, in which they can then differentiate to form various organs. These sequential processes can be promoted by exposing the cells to a conditioned medium in which either the same or other cells have previously been grown, indicating the involvement of cell-to-cell communication mediated by a chemical factor. This factor was purified from the conditioned medium and identified as a 5-amino-acid sulfated peptide. The addition of this peptide, named phytosulfokine (PSK), to the culture medium, even at nanomolar concentrations, significantly promotes cellular proliferation and/or cellular differentiation. We purified a membrane receptor for PSK (PSKR1) by ligand-based affinity chromatography and identified it as a member of leucine-rich repeat receptor kinases. The PSK-binding domain of PSKR1 was further identified by ligand photoaffinity labeling using a novel "on-column photoaffinity labeling" methodology that allows repeated incorporation of the photoaffinity label. Analysis of loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutants of the Arabidopsis PSKR1 revealed that PSK signaling affects cellular longevity and potential for growth without interfering with basic plant morphogenesis. These results suggest that PSK represents a new class of hormones that affect the potential for cellular growth and longevity of individual cells via binding to PSKR1, thereby exerting a pleiotropic effect on individual cells in response to environmental conditions.

Post-translational modifications in the context of therapeutic proteins

The majority of protein-based biopharmaceuticals approved or in clinical trials bear some form of post-translational modification (PTM), which can profoundly affect protein properties relevant to their therapeutic application. Whereas glycosylation represents the most common modification, additional PTMs, including carboxylation, hydroxylation, sulfation and amidation, are characteristic of some products. The relationship between structure and function is understood for many PTMs but remains incomplete for others, particularly in the case of complex PTMs, such as glycosylation. A better understanding of such structural-functional relationships will facilitate the development of second-generation products displaying a PTM profile engineered to optimize therapeutic usefulness.

The role of the N-terminal domain of the complement fragment receptor C5L2 in ligand binding

C5L2 is a new cellular receptor found to interact with the human anaphylatoxins complement factor C5a and its C-terminal cleavage product C5a des Arg. The classical human C5a receptor (C5aR) preferentially binds C5a, with a 10-100-fold lower affinity for C5a des Arg. In contrast, C5L2 binds both ligands with nearly equal affinity. C5aR presents acidic and tyrosine residues in its N terminus that interact with the core of C5a while a hydrophobic pocket formed by the transmembrane helices interacts with residues in the C terminus of C5a. Here, we have investigated the molecular basis for the increased affinity of C5L2 for C5a des Arg. Rat and mouse C5L2 preferentially bound C5a des Arg, whereas rodent C5aR showed much higher affinity for intact C5a. Effective peptidic and non-peptidic ligands for the transmembrane hydrophobic pocket of C5aR were poor inhibitors of ligand binding to C5L2. An antibody raised against the N terminus of human C5L2 did not affect the binding of C5a to C5L2 but did inhibit C5a des Arg binding. A chimeric C5L2, containing the N terminus of C5aR, had little effect on the affinity for C5a des Arg. Mutation of acidic and tyrosine residues in the N terminus of human C5L2 revealed that 3 residues were critical for C5a des Arg binding but had little involvement in C5a binding. C5L2 thus appears to bind C5a and C5a des Arg by different mechanisms, and, unlike C5aR, C5L2 uses critical residues in its N-terminal domain for binding only to C5a des Arg.

Detection and purification of tyrosine-sulfated proteins using a novel anti-sulfotyrosine monoclonal antibody

Protein tyrosine O-sulfation is a post-translational modification mediated by one of two Golgi tyrosylprotein sulfotransferases (TPST1 and TPST2) that catalyze the transfer of sulfate to tyrosine residues in secreted and transmembrane proteins. Tyrosine sulfation plays a role in protein-protein interactions in several well defined systems. Although dozens of tyrosine-sulfated proteins are known, many more are likely to exist and await description. Advancing our understanding of the importance of tyrosine sulfation in biological systems requires the development of new tools for the detection and study of tyrosine-sulfated proteins. We have developed a novel anti-sulfotyrosine monoclonal antibody (called PSG2) that binds with high affinity and exquisite specificity to sulfotyrosine residues in peptides and proteins independently of sequence context. We show that it can detect tyrosine-sulfated proteins in complex biological samples and can be used as a probe to assess the role of tyrosine sulfation in protein function. We also demonstrate the utility of PSG2 in the purification of tyrosine-sulfated proteins from crude tissue samples. Finally, Western blot analysis using PSG2 showed that certain sperm/epididymal proteins are undersulfated in Tpst2(-/-) mice. This indicates that TPST1 and TPST2 have distinct macromolecular substrate specificities and provides clues as to the molecular mechanism of the infertility of Tpst2(-/-) males. PSG2 should be widely applicable for identification of tyrosine-sulfated proteins in other systems and organisms.

Structural Differences in the Hinge Region of the Glycoprotein Hormone Receptors: Evidence from the Sulfated Tyrosine Residues

Tyrosine sulfation is a late posttranslational modification of proteins that takes place in the Golgi network. In the past few years, this process has been identified as an important modulator of protein-protein interactions. Sulfated tyrosine residues have recently been identified in the C-terminal, so-called hinge region of the ectodomain of glycoprotein hormone receptors [TSH, LH/chorionic gonadotropin (CG), and FSH receptors] and were shown to play an important role in the interaction with their natural ligands. The position of two sulfated tyrosine residues in a Y-D/E-Y motif appears perfectly conserved in the alignment of TSH and LH receptors from different species, and site-directed mutagenesis experiments demonstrated that sulfation of the first residue of this motif was responsible for the functional effect on hormone binding. In contrast, the corresponding motif is not conserved in the FSH receptor, in which the first tyrosine residue is missing: the Y-D/E-Y motif is replaced by F(333)DY(335). We extend here our previous observation that, in this case, it is sulfation of the second sole tyrosine residue in the motif that is functionally important. An LH/CG receptor harboring an F(331)DY(333) motif (i.e. displaying decreased sensitivity to human CG) was used as a backbone in which short portions of the FSH receptor were substituted. Segments from the FSH receptor capable of restoring sensitivity to human CG were identified by transfection of the chimeras in COS-7 cells. These experiments identified key amino acid residues in the hinge region of the FSH receptor associated with the functional role of the second sulfated tyrosine residue in a Y-D/E-Y motif, allowing for efficient hormone binding. The experiments represent strong evidence that structural differences in the hinge regions of FSH and LH/CG receptors play a significant role in hormone-receptor-specific recognition.

Using Phage Display to Select Antibodies Recognizing Post-translational Modifications Independently of Sequence Context

Many cellular activities are controlled by post-translational modifications, the study of which is hampered by the lack of specific reagents due in large part to their ubiquitous and non-immunogenic nature. Although antibodies against specifically modified sequences are relatively easy to obtain, it is extremely difficult to derive reagents recognizing post-translational modifications independently of the sequence context surrounding the modification. In this study, we examined the possibility of selecting such antibodies from large phage antibody libraries using sulfotyrosine as a test case. Sulfotyrosine is a post-translational modification important in many extracellular protein-protein interactions, including human immunodeficiency virus infection. After screening almost 8000 selected clones, we were able to isolate a single specific single chain Fv using two different selection strategies, one of which included elution with tyrosine sulfate. This antibody was able to recognize sulfotyrosine independently of its sequence context in test peptides and a number of different natural proteins. Antibody reactivity was lost by antigen treatment with sulfatase or preincubation with soluble tyrosine sulfate, indicating its specificity. The isolation of this antibody signals the potential of phage antibody libraries in the derivation of reagents specific for post-translational modifications, although the extensive screening required indicates that such antibodies are extremely rare.

Protein sulfation analysis—A primer

The aim of this review is to present an overview of protein sulfation in the context of 'modificomics', i.e. post-translational modification-specific proteome research. In addition to a short introduction to the biology of protein sulfation (part 1), we will provide detailed discussion regarding (i) methods and tools for prediction of protein tyrosine sulfation sites (part 2), (ii) biochemical techniques used for protein sulfation analysis (part 3.1), and (iii) mass spectrometric strategies and methods applied to protein sulfation analysis (part 3.2). We will highlight strengths and limitations of different strategies and approaches (including references), providing a primer for newcomers to protein sulfation analysis.

Recombinant expression of selectively sulfated proteins in Escherichia coli

Although tyrosine sulfation is a post-translational modification widespread across multicellular eukaryotes, its biological functions remain largely unknown. This is in part due to the difficulties of synthesizing selectively sulfated proteins. Here we report the selective incorporation of sulfotyrosine into proteins in bacteria by genetically encoding the modified amino acid in response to the amber nonsense codon TAG. Moreover, we show that this strategy enables direct expression in Escherichia coli of sulfo-hirudin, previously inaccessible through recombinant methods. The affinity of sulfo-hirudin toward human thrombin is enhanced more than tenfold over that of desulfo-hirudin, suggesting that sulfo-hirudin may offer clinical advantages for use as an anticoagulant. This general approach to the biosynthesis of sulfated proteins should facilitate further study and application of tyrosine sulfation.

The monoclonal antibody CHO-131 identifies a subset of cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen T cells enriched in P-selectin-binding cells

T cells use the vascular adhesion molecules E- and P-selectin to enter inflamed skin. Previous studies have indicated the possibility for diversity in the synthesis of E- and P-selectin glycan ligands by activated T cells due to their different requirements for the O-glycan branching enzyme core 2 beta1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I and its independent regulation. It is known that T cell staining by the mAb HECA-452 (referred to as cutaneous lymphocyte-associated Ag (CLA) T cells) correlates with E-selectin binding, yet whether these cells uniformly bind P-selectin is less clear. The mAb CHO-131 and P-selectin binding require a glycan moiety consisting of a sialylated and fucosylated oligosaccharide properly positioned on a core-2 O-glycan. Interestingly, CHO-131 stains a subset of CLA(+) T cells. A direct comparison of the selectin binding capacity of CHO-131(+) and CHO-131(-) CLA(+) T cells revealed a significantly greater P-selectin, but not E-selectin, binding activity by the former subset. Based on the expression of homing and central and effector memory cell markers, CHO-131(+) and CHO-131(-) CLA(+) T cells have an overlapping skin-tropic and memory phenotype. CHO-131(+) T cells were considerably enriched in psoriatic skin, yet, unlike the peripheral blood of healthy individuals, HECA-452 and CHO-131 stained a similar proportion of T cells in the cutaneous lesions, indicating an accumulation advantage by CHO-131(+) T cells. We conclude that the CHO-131(+)CLA(+) T cell subset is enriched in P-selectin binding cells. These findings should provide new insights into the regulation and function of skin homing T cells.

Differential enzymatic characteristics and tissue-specific expression of human TPST-1 and TPST-2

Protein tyrosine sulfation is emerging as a widespread post-translational modification in multicellular eukaryotes. The responsible enzyme, named tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase (TPST), catalyzes the sulfate transfer from 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate to tyrosine residues of proteins. Two distinct TPSTs, designated TPST-1 and TPST-2, had previously been identified. In the present study, we cloned human TPST-1 and TPST-2 expressed and characterized the recombinant enzymes using peptide substrates. These enzymes displayed distinct acidic pH optima and stimulatory effects of Mn(2+). Additionally, the activity of TPST-2, but not TPST-1, was stimulated in the presence of Mg(2+). Compared with TPST-2, TPST-1 displayed considerably lower K(m) and V(max) for the majority of the tested peptide substrates, implying their differential substrate specificity. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis showed that although the two TPSTs were co-expressed in all 20 human tissues examined, the levels of expression of TPST-1 and TPST-2 varied significantly among different tissues. These latter findings may imply distinct physiological functions of TPST-1 and TPST-2.

Selectins and glycosyltransferases in leukocyte rolling in vivo

Leukocyte rolling is an important step for the successful recruitment of leukocytes into tissue and occurs predominantly in inflamed microvessels and in high endothelial venules of secondary lymphoid organs. Leukocyte rolling is mediated by a group of C-type lectins, termed selectins. Three different selectins have been identified - P-, E- and L-selectin - which recognize and bind to crucial carbohydrate determinants on selectin ligands. Among selectin ligands, P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 is the main inflammatory selectin ligand, showing binding to all three selectins under in vivo conditions. Functional relevant selectin ligands expressed on high endothelial venules of lymphoid tissue are less clearly defined at the protein level. However, high endothelial venule-expressed selectin ligands were instrumental in uncovering the crucial role of post-translational modifications for selectin ligand activity. Several glycosyltransferases, such as core 2 beta1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-I, beta1,4-galactosyltransferases, alpha1,3-fucosyltransferases and alpha2,3-sialyltransferases have been described to participate in the synthesis of core 2 decorated O-glycan structures carrying the tetrasaccharide sialyl Lewis X, a carbohydrate determinant on selectin ligands with binding activity to all three selectins. In addition, modifications, such as carbohydrate or tyrosine sulfation, were also found to contribute to the synthesis of functional selectin ligands.

A Sulfitylation−Oxidation Protocol for the Preparation of Sulfates

A novel, high-yielding method for sulfation of alcohols has been developed, proceeding via sulfite- and sulfate diester intermediates. Sulfite diesters serve as versatile sulfate monoester precursors, allowing for transformations that are difficult or impossible with the latter compounds.

Human TPST1 Transmembrane Domain Triggers Enzyme Dimerisation and Localisation to the Golgi Compartment

TPST1 is a human tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase that uses 3'phosphoadenosine-5'phosphosulfate (PAPS) to transfer the sulfate moiety to proteins predominantly designated for secretion. To achieve a general understanding of the cellular role of human tyrosine-directed sulfotransferases, we investigated targeting, structure and posttranslational modification of TPST1. Golgi localisation of the enzyme in COS-7 and HeLa cells was visualised by fluorescence imaging techniques. PNGase treatment and mutational studies determined that TPST1 bears N-linked glycosyl residues exclusively at position Asn60 and Asn262. By alanine mutation of these asparagine residues, we could determine that the N-linked oligosaccharides do not have an influence on Golgi retention of TPST1. In concert with N and C-terminal flanking residues, the transmembrane domain of TPST1 was determined to act in targeting and retention of the enzyme to the trans-Golgi compartment. This domain exhibits a pronounced secondary structure in a lipid environment. Further in vivo FRET studies using the transmembrane domain suggest that the human tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase may be functional as homodimer/oligomer in the trans-Golgi compartment.

Drosophila Knickkopf and Retroactive are needed for epithelial tube growth and cuticle differentiation through their specific requirement for chitin filament organization

Precise epithelial tube diameters rely on coordinated cell shape changes and apical membrane enlargement during tube growth. Uniform tube expansion in the developing Drosophila trachea requires the assembly of a transient intraluminal chitin matrix, where chitin forms a broad cable that expands in accordance with lumen diameter growth. Like the chitinous procuticle, the tracheal luminal chitin cable displays a filamentous structure that presumably is important for matrix function. Here, we show that knickkopf (knk) and retroactive (rtv) are two new tube expansion mutants that fail to form filamentous chitin structures, both in the tracheal and cuticular chitin matrices. Mutations in knk and rtv are known to disrupt the embryonic cuticle, and our combined genetic analysis and chemical chitin inhibition experiments support the argument that Knk and Rtv specifically assist in chitin function. We show that Knk is an apical GPI-linked protein that acts at the plasma membrane. Subcellular mislocalization of Knk in previously identified tube expansion mutants that disrupt septate junction (SJ) proteins, further suggest that SJs promote chitinous matrix organization and uniform tube expansion by supporting polarized epithelial protein localization. We propose a model in which Knk and the predicted chitin-binding protein Rtv form membrane complexes essential for epithelial tubulogenesis and cuticle formation through their specific role in directing chitin filament assembly.

Recognition of a CXCR4 sulfotyrosine by the chemokine stromal cell-derived factor-1alpha (SDF-1alpha/CXCL12)

Tyrosine sulfation of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 enhances its interaction with the chemokine SDF-1alpha. Given similar post-translational modification of other receptors, including CCR5, CX3CR1 and CCR2b, tyrosine sulfation may be of universal importance in chemokine signaling. N-terminal domains from seven transmembrane chemokine receptors have been employed for structural studies of chemokine-receptor interactions, but never in the context of proper post-translational modifications known to affect function. A CXCR4 peptide modified at position 21 by expressed tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase-1 and unmodified peptide are both disordered in solution, but bind SDF-1alpha with low micromolar affinities. NMR and fluorescence polarization measurements showed that the CXCR4 peptide stabilizes dimeric SDF-1alpha, and that sulfotyrosine 21 binds a specific site on the chemokine that includes arginine 47. We conclude that the SDF-1alpha dimer preferentially interacts with receptor peptide, and residues beyond the extreme N-terminal region of CXCR4, including sulfotyrosine 21, make specific contacts with the chemokine ligand.

A mosquito-specific protein family includes candidate receptors for malaria sporozoite invasion of salivary glands

We describe a previously unrecognized protein family from Aedes and Anopheles mosquitoes, here named SGS proteins. There are no SGS homologues in Drosophila or other eukaryotes, but SGS presence in two mosquito genera suggests that the protein family is widespread among mosquitoes. Ae. aegypti aaSGS1 mRNA and protein are salivary gland specific, and protein is localized in the basal lamina covering the anatomical regions that are preferentially invaded by malaria sporozoites. Anti-aaSGS1 antibodies inhibited sporozoite invasion into the salivary glands in vivo, confirming aaSGS1 as a candidate sporozoite receptor. By homology to aaSGS1 we identified the complete complement of four SGS genes in An. gambiae, which were not recognized in the genome annotation. Two An. gambiae SGS genes display salivary gland specific expression like aaSGS1. Bioinformatic analysis predicts that SGS proteins possess heparin-binding domains, and have among the highest density of tyrosine sulphation sites of all An. gambiae proteins. The major sporozoite surface proteins (CS and TRAP) also bind heparin, and interact with sulphoconjugates during liver cell invasion. Thus, we speculate that sporozoite invasion of mosquito salivary glands and subsequently the vertebrate liver may share similar mechanisms based on sulphation. Phylogenomic analysis suggests that an SGS ancestor was involved in a lateral gene transfer.

Functional expression and properties of Sec14p-like protein with molecular mass 45 kD from rat olfactory epithelium

cDNA of Sec14p-like water-soluble protein with molecular mass 45 kD from rat olfactory epithelium was expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta cells. The expression product was purified by a two-step chromatographic procedure on DEAE-Sepharose and Sephacryl S-200. The identity of structural and functional characteristics of the recombinant and native proteins was demonstrated by CD, mass spectrometry, and Western blotting. Using several lipids immobilized on nitrocellulose membranes, it was shown that phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-triphosphate is the specific ligand for the studied protein.

Targeted disruption of tyrosylprotein sulfotransferase-2, an enzyme that catalyzes post-translational protein tyrosine O-sulfation, causes male infertility

Tyrosine O-sulfation is a post-translational modification mediated by one of two Golgi tyrosylprotein sulfotransferases (TPST-1 and -2) expressed in all mammalian cells. Tyrosine sulfation plays an important role in the function of some known TPST substrates by enhancing protein-protein interactions. To explore the role of these enzymes in vivo and gain insight into other potential TPST substrates, TPST-2-deficient mice were generated by targeted disruption of the Tpst2 gene. Tpst2(+/-) mice appear normal and, when interbred, yield litters of normal size with a Mendelian distribution of the targeted mutation. Tpst2(-/-) mice have moderately delayed growth but appear healthy and attain normal body weight by 10 weeks of age. In contrast to Tpst1(-/-) males that have normal fertility, Tpst2(-/-) males are infertile. Tpst2(-/-) sperm are normal in number, morphology, and motility in normal media and appear to capacitate and undergo acrosomal exocytosis normally. However, they are severely defective in their motility in viscous media and in their ability to fertilize zona pellucida-intact eggs. Adhesion of Tpst2(-/-) sperm to the egg plasma membrane is reduced compared with wild type sperm, but sperm-egg fusion is similar or even increased. These data strongly suggest that tyrosine sulfation of unidentified substrate(s) play a crucial role in these processes and document for the first time the critical importance of post-translational tyrosine sulfation in male fertility.

Molecular Cloning and Characterization of a Novel 3′-Phosphoadenosine 5′-Phosphosulfate Transporter, PAPST2

Sulfation is an important posttranslational modification associated with a variety of molecules. It requires the involvement of the high energy form of the universal sulfate donor, 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (PAPS). Recently, we identified a PAPS transporter gene in both humans and Drosophila. Although human colonic epithelial tissues express many sulfated glycoconjugates, PAPST1 expression in the colon is trace. In the present study, we identified a novel human PAPS transporter gene that is closely related to human PAPST1. This gene, called PAPST2, is predominantly expressed in human colon tissues. The PAPST2 protein is localized on the Golgi apparatus in a manner similar to the PAPST1 protein. By using yeast expression studies, PAPST2 protein was shown to have PAPS transport activity with an apparent Km value of 2.2 microM, which is comparable with that of PAPST1 (0.8 microM). Overexpression of either the PAPST1 or PAPST2 gene increased PAPS transport activity in human colon cancer HCT116 cells. The RNA interference of the PAPST2 gene in the HCT116 cells significantly reduced the reactivity of G72 antibody directed against the sialyl 6-sulfo N-acetyllactosamine epitope and total sulfate incorporation into cellular proteins. These findings indicate that PAPST2 is a PAPS transporter gene involved in the synthesis of sulfated glycoconjugates in the colon.

Hormonal regulation of mummy is needed for apical extracellular matrix formation and epithelial morphogenesis in Drosophila

Many epithelia produce apical extracellular matrices (aECM) that are crucial for organ morphogenesis or physiology. Apical ECM formation relies on coordinated synthesis and modification of constituting components, to enable their subcellular targeting and extracellular assembly into functional matrices. The exoskeleton of Drosophila, the cuticle, is a stratified aECM containing ordered chitin polysaccharide lamellae and proteinaceous layers, and is suited for studies of molecular functions needed for aECM assembly. Here, we show that Drosophila mummy (mmy) mutants display defects in epithelial organisation in conjunction with aberrant deposition of the cuticle and an apical matrix needed for tracheal tubulogenesis. We find that mmy encodes the UDP-N-acetylglucosamine pyrophosphorylase, which catalyses the production of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine, an obligate substrate for chitin synthases as well as for protein glycosylation and GPI-anchor formation. Consequently, in mmy mutants GlcNAc-groups including chitin are severely reduced and modification and subcellular localisation of proteins designated for extracellular space is defective. Moreover, mmy expression is selectively upregulated in epithelia at the time they actively deposit aECM, and is altered by the moulting hormone 20-Hydroxyecdysone, suggesting that mmy is part of a developmental genetic programme to promote aECM formation.

A sulfated metabolite produced by stf3 negatively regulates the virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Sulfated molecules have been shown to modulate isotypic interactions between cells of metazoans and heterotypic interactions between bacterial pathogens or symbionts and their eukaryotic host cells. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis, produces sulfated molecules that have eluded functional characterization for decades. We demonstrate here that a previously uncharacterized sulfated molecule, termed S881, is localized to the outer envelope of M. tuberculosis and negatively regulates the virulence of the organism in two mouse infection models. Furthermore, we show that the biosynthesis of S881 relies on the universal sulfate donor 3'-phosphoadenosine-5'-phosphosulfate and a previously uncharacterized sulfotransferase, stf3. These findings extend the known functions of sulfated molecules as general modulators of cell-cell interactions to include those between a bacterium and a human host.

Construction and Application of a Yeast Surface-displayed Human cDNA Library to Identify Post-translational Modification-dependent Protein-Protein Interactions

Although post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation mediate fundamental biological processes within the cell, relatively few methods exist that allow proteome-wide identification of proteins that interact with these modifications. We constructed a yeast surface-displayed human cDNA library and utilized it to identify protein fragments with affinity for phosphorylated peptides derived from the major tyrosine autophosphorylation sites of the epidermal growth factor receptor or focal adhesion kinase. We identified cDNAs encoding the Src homology 2 domains from adapter protein APS, phosphoinositide 3-kinase regulatory subunit 3, SH2B, and tensin, demonstrating the effectiveness of this approach. Our results suggest that large libraries of functional human protein fragments can be efficiently displayed on the yeast surface. In addition to the analysis of post-translational modifications, yeast surface-displayed human cDNA libraries have many potential applications, including identifying targets and defining potential cross-reactive proteins for small molecules or drugs.

Molecular basis for G protein control of the prokaryotic ATP sulfurylase

Sulfate assimilation is a critical component of both primary and secondary metabolism. An essential step in this pathway is the activation of sulfate through adenylation by the enzyme ATP sulfurylase (ATPS), forming adenosine 5'-phosphosulfate (APS). Proteobacterial ATPS overcomes this energetically unfavorable reaction by associating with a regulatory G protein, coupling the energy of GTP hydrolysis to APS formation. To discover the molecular basis of this unusual role for a G protein, we biochemically characterized and solved the X-ray crystal structure of a complex between Pseudomonas syringae ATPS (CysD) and its associated regulatory G protein (CysN). The structure of CysN*D shows the two proteins in tight association; however, the nucleotides bound to each subunit are spatially segregated. We provide evidence that conserved switch motifs in the G domain of CysN allosterically mediate interactions between the nucleotide binding sites. This structure suggests a molecular mechanism by which conserved G domain architecture is used to energetically link GTP turnover to the production of an essential metabolite.

Proteomics of the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum

The lethal species of malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, continues to exact a huge toll of mortality and morbidity, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Completion of the genome sequence of this organism and advances in proteomics and mass spectrometry have opened up unprecedented opportunities for understanding the complex biology of this parasite and how it responds to drug challenge and other interventions. This review describes recent progress that has been made in applying proteomics technology to this important pathogen and provides a look forward to likely future developments.

Ion-selective enrichment of tyrosine-sulfated peptides from complex protein digests

We have developed a novel procedure for concentrating sulfated peptides, as a front end to mass spectrometric analysis, based on ion-selective interaction of sulfate ions with anion exchangers. Ions with a higher charge and smaller solvated ion radius, such as sulfate ions, have higher retention in an ion exchanger due to their greater degree of coulombic interactions. We tested the effectiveness of this approach for enrichment and identification of sulfated peptides using a tryptic digest of bovine serum albumin spiked with model sulfated peptide (molar ratio 20:1) and using a tryptic digest of bovine fibrinogen. Sulfated peptides are identified by mass spectrometry in which both the molecular ion and its specific fragment ion produced by facile loss of SO(3) are detected. In both experiments, sulfated peptides were strongly retained on the anion exchanger and were eluted by higher concentrations of competing ion with minimal contamination of nonsulfated peptides. Using this procedure, we determined that the 13-amino acid C-terminal peptide of the minor gamma'-chain of bovine fibrinogen contains sulfated tyrosine.

Role of sulfated tyrosines of thyroglobulin in thyroid hormonosynthesis

Our previous studies showed that sulfated tyrosines (Tyr-S) are involved in thyroid hormone synthesis and that Tyr(5), the main hormonogenic site of thyroglobulin (Tg), is sulfated. In the present paper, we studied the role of Tyr-S in the formation and activity of the peroxidase-Tg complex. Results show that noniodinated (35)SO(3)-Tg specifically binds (Kd=1.758 microM) to immobilized lactoperoxidase (LPO) via Tyr-S linkage by using saturation binding and competition experiments. We found that NIFEY-S, a 15-amino acid peptide corresponding to the NH2-end sequence of Tg and containing the hormonogenic acceptor Tyr5-S, was a better competitor than cholecystokinin and Tyr-S. 35SO3-Tg, iodinated without peroxidase, bound to LPO with a Kd (1.668 microM) similar to that of noniodinated Tg, suggesting that 1) its binding occurs via Tyr-S linkage and 2) Tyr-S requires peroxidase to be iodinated, whereas nonsulfated Tyr does not. Iodination of NIFEY-S with [125I]iodide showed that Tyr5-S iodination increased with LPO concentration, whereas iodination of a nonsulfated peptide containing the donor Tyr130 was barely dependent on LPO concentration. Enzymatic hydrolysis of iodinated Tg or NIFEY-S showed that the amounts of sulfated iodotyrosines also depended on LPO amount. Sulfated iodotyrosines were detectable in the enzyme-substrate complex, suggesting they have a short life before the coupling reaction occurs. Our data suggest that after Tyr-S binding to peroxidase where it is iodinated, the sulfate group is removed, releasing an iodophenoxy anion available for coupling with an iodotyrosine donor.

Retroactive, a membrane-anchored extracellular protein related to vertebrate snake neurotoxin-like proteins, is required for cuticle organization in the larva of Drosophila melanogaster

Mutations in the rtv gene cause disarrangement of chitin fibers in the cuticle of the Drosophila larva, and occasionally the cuticle detaches from the epidermis. We have identified the rtv gene, and using the new HHpred homology detection method, we show that the Rtv protein defines a new family of disulfide-rich proteins in insects that are related to vertebrate snake neurotoxin-like proteins, including CD59 and transforming growth factor-beta type II receptors. Rtv is an extracellular membrane-anchored protein exposing six aromatic residues that may mediate binding to chitin. We propose that this binding function of Rtv may assist the organization of chitin fibers at the epidermal cell surface during cuticle assembly.

Type 1 sphingosine 1-phosphate G protein-coupled receptor signaling of lymphocyte functions requires sulfation of its extracellular amino-terminal tyrosines

The type 1 sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) G protein-coupled receptor (S1P1) transduces signals from S1P that mediate thymocyte emigration, T cell transmigration of lymph nodes, and T cell chemotaxis in tissues. Alterations in expression of functional S1P1 receptors by lymphocytes are the major mechanisms controlling their responses to S1P and were thought to be solely a consequence of the balance between surface down-regulation and insertion. However, results now show that lack of sulfation of tyrosines 19 and 22 of the extracellular N terminus of S1P1 diminishes high-affinity S1P binding and decreases S1P signaling of T cell migration and other functions. Non-sulfatable mutant (Y19,22F)S1P1 endows T cells with lower-affinity binding of [32P]S1P than wild-type S1P1 and transduces lesser effects of S1P on chemotaxis, chemokine-elicited chemotaxis, and T cell receptor-mediated proliferation and cytokine generation. Inhibition of S1P1 tyrosine sulfation or sulfatase removal of S1P1 sulfate in mouse CD4 T cells suppresses immune functional effects of S1P. Tyrosine sulfation of S1P1 may be a major controller of S1P effects on T cell traffic.

A crucial role for T-bet in selectin ligand expression in T helper 1 (Th1) cells

Proinflammatory T helper 1 (Th1) cells express high levels of carbohydrate ligands for the endothelial selectins, but the molecular basis for this phenotype is incompletely understood. We document here a significant role in selectin ligand formation for the recently described Th1 transcription factor T-bet. Th1 cells generated from T-bet-/- mice showed significantly lower levels of ligands for both E-selectin and P-selectin, compared with wild-type (WT) Th1 cells. Enforced expression of T-bet in WT Th0 cells only modestly up-regulated P-selectin ligands and had no effect on E-selectin ligands. To define a mechanism for the defects observed in T-bet-/- mice, we examined expression of glycosyltransferases involved in selectin ligand biosynthesis. T-bet-/- Th1 cells expressed significantly lower levels of core 2 beta1,6 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (C2GlcNAcT-I), but no differences in levels of alpha 2,3-sialyltransferase IV (ST3Gal-IV). Further, we show that T-bet is responsible for the signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (Stat4)-independent increase in Th1 cells of fucosyltransferase VII (FucT-VII). We also identify ST3Gal-VI, which is thought to play an important role in E- and P-selectin ligand formation, as an interleukin 12 (IL-12)-regulated, T-bet-dependent gene. These data show that T-bet controls selectin ligand formation in Th1 cells via control of expression of multiple key enzymes in response to IL-12 signaling and establishes an independent transcriptional pathway for control of Th1 cell traffic.

T-bet is required for optimal proinflammatory CD4+ T-cell trafficking

Inflammatory responses are controlled by T helper 1 (Th1) lymphocytes. An important function of this polarity is the ability of T cells to traffick appropriately in vivo. This differential trafficking is dependent upon the binding of P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 to P- and E-selectin on inflamed endothelium as well as the expression of specific chemokine receptors. Here we show that in the absence of T-box expressed in T cells (T-bet), selective migration of T cells in vivo is completely abrogated and that T-bet regulates the binding of CD4(+) T cells to P-selectin. T-bet is also required for the expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR3. Thus, T-bet controls Th1-cell migration to inflammatory sites, which has fundamental consequences for the control of immunologic disease.

Discovery of a sulfated tetrapeptide that binds to vascular endothelial growth factor

Molecules that mimic the sulfated glycosaminoglycan heparin and bind to heparin-binding growth factors would serve as important building blocks for synthetic biomaterials, e.g. to create a growth factor reservoir within a matrix. Peptide-based heparin mimetics would be particularly attractive, given the ease of peptide synthesis and modification. A sulfated tetrapeptide that fits this description and binds to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was discovered using a rationally-designed combinatorial approach. A approximately 6600 member library of tetrapeptides, designed to include heparin functionality, was synthesized by solid-phase Fmoc chemistry. The library was analyzed on-resin for VEGF binding using a fluorescence assay that employed a 7-amino-4-methylcoumarin-modified VEGF(165). The beads were ranked according to fluorescent signal and SY(SO(3))DY(SO(3)) was identified as the top binder. The binding affinity of the peptide for VEGF(165) was ascertained by surface plasmon resonance and compared with the heparin mimic suramin; the peptide binds to VEGF(165) 100-fold stronger than the sulfonated compound. These results suggest that the identified peptide may be useful in biomaterial applications where binding of VEGF is desired.

Autoimmunity and tyrosine sulfation

Homeostasis of the immune system is achieved through refined regulation and communication between immunologically relevant receptor and their cognate ligands amongst mononuclear cells during ontogeny and day to day immune responses. An aberrance in not only the kinetics of receptor expression but also the relative diversity of expression alter these events. More importantly, improper modulation of ligand binding affinity can be a triggering event that results in autoimmunity. As one of the most common post-translational modifications, tyrosine sulfation possesses the ability to regulate mononuclear cell function at various stages of the immune response. For example, removal of sulfated tyrosine residues consistently decreases the binding affinity of the ligand to its corresponding receptor as exemplified by studies of several tyrosine sulfated proteins such as PSGL-1, CD44v5, CCR5, and CXCR4, all known to play a role in a variety of autoimmune diseases. This review defines possible roles that tyrosine sulfated proteins may play in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.

The Sulfogalactose Moiety of Sulfoglycosphingolipids Serves as a Mimic of Tyrosine Phosphate in Many Recognition Processes

Multiple ligand co-recognition of 3'-sulfogalactosylceramide (SGC) and sulfotyrosine initiated the comparison of SGC and sulfotyrosine and, subsequently, phosphotyrosine (pY) binding. SGC is a receptor for ligands involved in cell adhesion/microbial pathology. pY forms a Src homology domain 2 recognition motif in intracellular signaling. Using hsp70, anti-SGC, and anti-pY antibodies, ligand binding is retained following phosphate/sulfate and tyrosine/galactose substitution in SGC and sulfate/phosphate exchange in pY. Remarkable lipid-dependent binding to phosphatidylethanolamine-conjugated sulfotyrosine suggests "microenvironmental" modulation of sulfotyrosine-containing receptors, similar to glycosphingolipids. Based on an aryl substrate-bound co-crystal of arylsulfatase A, a sulfogalactose and phosphotyrosine esterase, modeling provides a solvation basis for co-recognition. c-Src/Src homology domain 2:SGC/phosphogalactosylceramide binding confirms our hypothesis, heralding a carbohydrate-based approach to regulation of phosphotyrosine-mediated recognition.

Multisite protein modification and intramolecular signaling

Post-translational modification is a major mechanism by which protein function is regulated in eukaryotes. Instead of single-site action, many proteins such as histones, p53, RNA polymerase II, tubulin, Cdc25C and tyrosine kinases are modified at multiple sites by modifications like phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, ubiquitination, sumoylation and citrullination. Multisite modification on a protein constitutes a complex regulatory program that resembles a dynamic 'molecular barcode' and transduces molecular information to and from signaling pathways. This program imparts effects through 'loss-of-function' and 'gain-of-function' mechanisms. Among the latter, covalent modifications specifically recruit a diverse array of modules, including the SH2 domain, 14-3-3, WW domain, Polo box, BRCT repeat, bromodomain, chromodomain, Tudor domain and motifs binding to ubiquitin and other protein modifiers. Such recruitments are often modulated by modifications occurred at neighboring and distant sites. Multisite modification thus coordinates intermolecular and intramolecular signaling for the qualitative and quantitative control of protein function in vivo.

Strategies for drug discovery by targeting sulfation pathways

Posttranslational modifications of proteins such as phosphorylation have been recognized as pivotal modulators of biological activity in healthy and diseased tissues. Sulfation is a key posttranslational modification the role of which in physiology and pathology is only now becoming appreciated. Whereas phosphorylation is central to intracellular signal transduction, sulfation modulates cell-cell and cell-matrix communication. Sulfation involves a class of enzymes known as sulfotransferases, which transfer sulfate from the ATP-like sulfate donor 3'phosphoadenosine-5'phosphosulate to glycoproteins, glycolipids or metabolites. This review focuses on Golgi-localized sulfotransferases, their molecular biology and biochemistry, and strategies towards discovery of sulfotransferase inhibitors that could have potential as therapeutics in inflammation, cancer and infectious diseases.

Ligands for L-selectin: homing, inflammation, and beyond

Understanding the molecular basis of lymphocyte homing to lymphoid organs was originally a problem of concern only to immunologists. With the discovery of L-selectin and its ligands, interested scientists have expanded to include glycobiologists, immunopathologists, cancer biologists, and developmental biologists. Going beyond its first discovered role in homing to lymph nodes, the L-selectin system is implicated in such diverse processes as inflammatory leukocyte trafficking in both acute and chronic settings, hematogenous metastasis of carcinoma cells, effector mechanisms for inflammatory demyelination of axons, and implantation of the early mammalian embryo. This review focuses on the ligands for L-selectin that are found on vascular endothelium, leukocytes, carcinoma cells, and at various extravascular sites. The discovery of selectins and their ligands has validated the long-predicted hypothesis that carbohydrate-directed cell adhesion is relevant in eukaryotic systems. Emphasis will be given to the carbohydrate and sulfation modifications of the ligands, which enable recognition by L-selectin. The rapid "homing" of labeled cells into the lymph nodes presumably had its basis in the special affinity of small lymphocytes for the endothelium of the postcapillary venules.

Identification, function and structure of the mycobacterial sulfotransferase that initiates sulfolipid-1 biosynthesis

Sulfolipid-1 (SL-1) is an abundant sulfated glycolipid and potential virulence factor found in Mycobacterium tuberculosis. SL-1 consists of a trehalose-2-sulfate (T2S) disaccharide elaborated with four lipids. We identified and characterized a conserved mycobacterial sulfotransferase, Stf0, which generates the T2S moiety of SL-1. Biochemical studies demonstrated that the enzyme requires unmodified trehalose as substrate and is sensitive to small structural perturbations of the disaccharide. Disruption of stf0 in Mycobacterium smegmatis and M. tuberculosis resulted in the loss of T2S and SL-1 formation, respectively. The structure of Stf0 at a resolution of 2.6 A reveals the molecular basis of trehalose recognition and a unique dimer configuration that encloses the substrate into a bipartite active site. These data provide strong evidence that Stf0 carries out the first committed step in the biosynthesis of SL-1 and establish a system for probing the role of SL-1 in M. tuberculosis infection.

Physico-chemical characterization and synthesis of neuronally active alpha-conotoxins

The high specificity of alpha-conotoxins for different neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors makes them important probes for dissecting receptor subtype selectivity. New sequences continue to expand the diversity and utility of the pool of available alpha-conotoxins. Their identification and characterization depend on a suite of techniques with increasing emphasis on mass spectrometry and microscale chromatography, which have benefited from recent advances in resolution and capability. Rigorous physico-chemical analysis together with synthetic peptide chemistry is a prerequisite for detailed conformational analysis and to provide sufficient quantities of alpha-conotoxins for activity assessment and structure-activity relationship studies.

Retrograde transport of cholera toxin from the plasma membrane to the endoplasmic reticulum requires the trans-Golgi network but not the Golgi apparatus in Exo2-treated cells

Cholera toxin (CT) follows a glycolipid-dependent entry pathway from the plasma membrane through the trans-Golgi network (TGN) to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) where it is retro-translocated into the cytosol to induce toxicity. Whether access to the Golgi apparatus is necessary for transport to the ER is not known. Exo2 is a small chemical that rapidly blocks anterograde traffic from the ER to the Golgi and selectively disrupts the Golgi apparatus but not the TGN. Here we use Exo2 to determine the role of the Golgi apparatus in CT trafficking. We find that under the condition of complete Golgi ablation by Exo2, CT reaches the TGN and moves efficiently into the ER without loss in toxicity. We propose that even in the absence of Exo2 the glycolipid pathway that carries the toxin from plasma membrane into the ER bypasses the Golgi apparatus entirely.

O-Sulfonation of Serine and Threonine

Protein sulfonation on serine and threonine residues is described for the first time. This post-translational modification is shown to occur in proteins isolated from organisms representing a broad span of eukaryote evolution, including the invertebrate mollusk Lymnaea stagnalis, the unicellular malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum, and humans. Detection and structural characterization of this novel post-translational modification was carried out using liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray tandem mass spectrometry on proteins including a neuronal intermediate filament and a myosin light chain from the snail, a cathepsin-C-like enzyme from the parasite, and the cytoplasmic domain of the human orphan receptor tyrosine kinase Ror-2. These findings suggest that sulfonation of serine and threonine may be involved in multiple functions including protein assembly and signal transduction.

Structural basis of tyrosine sulfation and VH-gene usage in antibodies that recognize the HIV type 1 coreceptor-binding site on gp120

The conserved surface of the HIV-1 gp120 envelope glycoprotein that binds to the HIV-1 coreceptor is protected from humoral recognition by multiple layers of camouflage. Here we present sequence and genomic analyses for 12 antibodies that pierce these defenses and determine the crystal structures of 5. The data reveal mechanisms and atomic-level details for three unusual immune features: posttranslational mimicry of coreceptor by tyrosine sulfation of antibody, an alternative molecular mechanism controlling such sulfation, and highly selective V(H)-gene usage. When confronted by extraordinary viral defenses, the immune system unveils novel adaptive capabilities, with tyrosine sulfation enhancing the vocabulary of antigen recognition.

Analysis of post-translational CCR8 modifications and their influence on receptor activity

Post-translational modifications of the extracellular portions of receptors located in the cell membrane can contribute to modulating their biological activity. Using a mutagenesis approach in which single or multiple Tyr-to-Phe, Thr-to-Ala, Ser-to-Ala, and Asn-to-Gln substitutions were made at the appropriate positions, we analyzed the sulfation and glycosylation state of the murine CCR8 chemokine receptor, and the way in which these post-translational modifications affect CCR8 activity. A Y14Y15-to-F14F15 CCR8 mutant was less sulfated than the wild-type receptor. An N8-to-Q8 mutant was less glycosylated than wild-type, and a double T10T12-to-A10A12 mutant showed even less glycosylation. We established a flow cytometric analysis with an Fc-fused form of mouse CCL1 to determine precisely the ligand-binding activity of these mutants. Single mutants at amino acid positions 8, 10 or 12 bound CCL1-Fc similarly to wild-type CCR8, whereas the F14F15 double mutant was essentially inactive and the A10A12 double mutant showed about 65% of wild-type ligand-binding activity. Calcium flux activity assays were performed with these mutants, yielding results consistent with those from the ligand binding assays. These data indicate that sulfation at specific positions of the N-terminal domain of mouse CCR8 is critical for its biological activity, whereas glycosylation has a minor influence.

Prediction of tyrosine sulfation sites in animal viruses

Post-translational modification of proteins by tyrosine sulfation enhances the affinity of extracellular ligand-receptor interactions important in the immune response and other biological processes in animals. For example, sulfated tyrosines in polyomavirus and varicella-zoster virus may help modulate host cell recognition and facilitate viral attachment and entry. Using a Position-Specific-Scoring-Matrix with an accuracy of 96.43%, we analyzed the possibility of tyrosine sulfation in all 1517 animal viruses available in the Swiss-Prot database. From a total of 97,729 tyrosines, we predicted 5091 sulfated tyrosine sites from 1024 viruses. Our site predictions in hemagglutinin of influenza A, VP4 of rotavirus, and US28 of cytomegalovirus strongly suggest an important link between tyrosine sulfation and viral disease mechanisms. In each of these three viral proteins, we observed highly conserved amino acid sequences surrounding predicted sulfated tyrosine sites. Tyrosine sulfation appears to be much more common in animal viruses than is currently recognized.