Reduced efficiency in the glycosylation of the first sequon of Saccharomyces cerevisiae exoglucanase leads to the synthesis and secretion of a new glycoform of the molecule

A search for hyperglycosylation signals in yeast glycoproteins

N-oligosaccharides of Saccharomyces cerevisiae glycoproteins are classified as core and mannan types. The former contain 13-14 mannoses whereas mannan-type structures consist of an inner core extended with an outer chain of up to 200-300 mannoses, a process known as hyperglycosylation. The selection of substrates for hyperglycosylation poses a theoretical and practical question. To identify hyperglycosylation determinants, we have analyzed the influence of the second amino acid (Xaa) of the sequon in this process using the major exoglucanase as a model. Our results indicate that negatively charged amino acids inhibit hyperglycosylation, whereas positively charged counterparts promote it. On the basis of the tridimensional structure of Exg1, we propose that Xaa influences the orientation of the inner core making it accessible to mannan polymerase I in the appropriate position for the addition of alpha-1,6-mannoses. The presence of Glu in the Xaa of the second sequon of the native exoglucanase suggests that negative selection may drive evolution of these sites. However, a comparison of invertases secreted by S. cerevisiae and Pichia anomala suggests that hyperglycosylation signals are also subjected to positive selection.

Screening for new yeast mutants affected in mannosylphosphorylation of cell wall mannoproteins

We have carried out a screen of 622 deletion strains generated during the EUROFAN B0 project to identify non-essential genes related to the mannosylphosphate content of the cell wall. By examining the affinity of the deletants for the cationic dye alcian blue and the ion exchanger QAE-Sephadex, we have selected 50 strains. On the basis on their reactivity (blue colour intensity) in the alcian blue assay, mutants with a lower phosphate content than wild-type cells were then arranged in groups defined by previously characterized mutants, as follows: group I (mnn6), group II (between mnn6 and mnn9) and group III (mnn9). Similarly, strains that behaved like mnn1 (i.e. a blue colour deeper than wild-type) were included in group VI. To confirm the association between the phenotype and a specific mutation, strains were complemented with clones or subjected to tetrad analysis. Selected strains were further tested for extracellular invertase and exoglucanase. Within groups I, II and III, we found some genes known to be involved in oligosaccharide biosynthesis (ALG9, ALG12, HOC1), secretion (BRE5, COD4/COG5, VPS53), transcription (YOL072w/THP1, ELP2, STB1, SNF11), cell polarity (SEP7, RDG1), mitochondrial function (YFH1), cell metabolism, as well as orphan genes. Within group VI, we found genes involved in environmentally regulated transduction pathways (PAL2 and RIM20) as well as others with miscellaneous or unknown functions. We conclude that mannosylphosphorylation is severely impaired in some deletants deficient in specific glycosylation/secretion processes, but many other different pathways may also modulate the amount of mannosylphosphate in the cell wall.

The major exoglucanase secreted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model to study protein glycosylation

The major yeast exoglucanase (ExgIb) consists of a 408 amino acid polypeptide carrying two short N-linked oligosaccharides attached to asparagines 165 (Asn(165)) and 325 (Asn(325)). These oligosaccharides are very similar, in both length and composition, to those present in the vacuolar protease carboxypeptidase Y. Minor glycoforms of exoglucanase arise by underglycosylation of the protein precursor (Exg(165) and Exg(325)) or by elongation of the second oligosaccharide (ExgIa). The fact that these glycoforms can be readily separated and identified by HPLC and/or Western blots converts ExgI in an excellent model to study the role of the several components or branches of the precursor oligosaccharide in the efficiency and selectivity of the oligosaccharidyl transferase in vivo. We have found that the presence of a single glucose attached to Dol-PP-GlcNAc(2)-Man(9) increases the efficiency of transfer of that oligosaccharide to the protein acceptor. Also, the glucotriose unit appears to be involved in the selection of the sequons to be occupied, in such a way that its absence results in a bias towards the glycosylation of a particular sequon. Finally, we have shown the transfer of GlcNAc(2) from Dol-PP-GlcNAc(2) to exoglucanase, an indication that this intermediate is able to translocate from the cytoplasmic to the lumenal face of the endoplasmic reticulum membrane.

Asparagine-linked glycosylation in the yeast Golgi

The Golgi complex is the site where the terminal carbohydrate modification of proteins and lipids occurs. These carbohydrates play a variety of biological roles, ranging from the stabilization of glycoprotein structure to the provision of ligands for cell-cell interactions to the regulation of cell surface properties. Progress in our understanding of the biosynthesis and regulation of glycoconjugates has been accelerating at a rapid pace. Recent advances in the field of yeast glycobiology have been particularly impressive. This review focuses on glycosylation of proteins in the Golgi of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, with emphasis on the candidate mannosyltransferases that participate in the synthesis of N-linked oligosaccharides. Current views on how these enzymes may be regulated and how glycosylation relates on other cellular processes are also discussed.

N-glycosylation by transfer of GlcNAc2 from dolichol-PP-GlcNAc2 to the protein moiety of the major yeast exoglucanase

Transfer of truncated oligosaccharides to yeast exoglucanase (Exg) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae alg1 has been investigated. When incubated at the non-permissive temperature, alg1 cells secreted into the culture medium, in addition to the exoglucanase glycoforms secreted by wild type, underglycosylated forms as well as material with ionic properties of the non-glycosylated enzyme. As expected, none of the latter had affinity towards concanavalin A, but part of it bound to wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), suggesting that it contained, in addition to non-glycosylated Exg, glycoforms carrying non-reducing terminal GlcNAc. Only the WGA-bound material could be labelled with galactosyltransferase; furthermore, the label could be released by treatment with peptide-N4-N-acetyl-beta-glucosamine asparagine amidase. These results unambiguously demonstrate that GlcNAc2 can be transferred from dolichol-PP-GlcNAc2 to one or both sequons of yeast Exg. Accordingly, they support previous observations suggesting that this early intermediate is able to translocate in vivo in order to make its sugar portion accessible to the oligosaccharyltransferase in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum.

Preferential transfer to truncated oligosaccharides to the first sequon of yeast exoglucanase in Saccharomyces cerevisiae alg3 cells

In addition to the exoglucanases (Exg) secreted into the culture medium by wild type cells, ExgIa and ExgIb, which have oligosaccharides attached to both potential N-glycosylation sites, Saccharomyces cerevisiae alg3 mutant secreted substantial amounts (35--44%) of underglycosylated and unglycosylated forms. Quantification of these forms indicated that no more than 78% of the available N-sites were occupied. About 50% of the transferred oligosaccharides were endo H sensitive, indicating that the lipid-linked precursor had completed its synthesis to Glc3-Man9-GlcNAc2. The other 50% remained endo H-resistant and, accordingly, it should be derived from the precursor oligosaccharide Man5-GlcNAc2 synthesized by this mutant. A closer analysis of forms that have received two oligosaccharides (ExgIb) showed that the first sequon was enriched in truncated residues, whereas the second one was enriched in regular counterparts. Similarly, analysis of the individual underglycosylated glycoforms indicated that 38% of the oligosaccharides attached to the second site were regular. This percentage dropped to 20% for glycoforms carrying the oligosaccharide in the first sequon. The preferential transfer of truncated oligosaccharides to the first glycosylation site seems to be a consequence of (1) the low percentage of truncated lipid linked oligosaccharides that receives the glucotriose unit, and (2) the effect of the glucotriose unit on the selection of N-sites to be glycosylated.

In vivo processing of the precursor of the major exoglucanase by KEX2 endoprotease in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae secretory pathway

We have established the main post-translational modification of the major exoglucanase of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as the enzyme progresses through the secretory pathway. The protein portion of the enzyme accumulated by sec18 cells was about 2 kDa larger than that of the secreted enzyme. This precursor (form A) was stable when maintained in the endoplasmic reticulum but was processed to the mature form (form B) before the block imposed by the sec7 mutation. Sec7 cells, when incubated at 37 degrees C, accumulated form B first, but upon prolonged incubation, form A was preferentially accumulated. When the supply of newly synthesized exoglucanase was prevented by the addition of cycloheximide, the accumulated A was transformed into B in the presence of altered Sec7p that still prevented secretion. Conversion of A into B was prevented in the double mutant sec7 kex2-1, indicating that Kex2p is central to the in vivo processing. Consistent with this, a KEX2 deletion mutant secreted form A exclusively. Conversion of A into B was also prevented in sec7 cells by the presence of dinitrophenol, a poison that depletes ATP levels, indicating that processing is dependent upon intracellular transport which involves ER --> Golgi and/or, at least, one intra-Golgi step(s). It follows that this transport step(s) is independent of functional Sec7p.

Molecular biology of yeast exoglucanases

Three exoglucanase (Exg) genes have been reported in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Gene EXG1 encodes the major isoenzyme (ExgI). Differential glycosylation of the primary translation product throughout the secretory pathway results in the secretion of several glycoforms. The major glycoform (ExgIb) contains two short carboxypeptidase Y-like oligosaccharides attached to both potential glycosylation sites present in the molecule. A minor glycoform (ExgIa) arises from the former by elongation of the second oligosaccharide. The protein portion is processed in the secretory pathway by the Kex2 protease. Gene EXG2 encodes a 63 kDa polypeptide with 12 potential glycosylation sites. The predicted protein, ExgII, carries a signal peptide at the amino terminus and a glycosyl-phosphatidyl inositol anchoring motif at the carboxyl end. The latter appears responsible for the particulate nature of this isoenzyme, since its elimination results in the secretion of this activity into the culture medium. Gene SSG1 encodes a 52 kDa polypeptide which is specifically synthesized during sporulation of diploids. SSG1 expression is under control of both sexual (a1-alpha 2 element) and nutritional control. Although homozygous ssg1/ssg1 diploid strains are still able to complete sporulation, they exhibited a delay in the appearance of mature asci. Single or double disruption of EXG1 and EXG2 did not result in any relevant phenotype and the triple mutant behaved as ssg1/ssg1. A ExgI-related enzyme is secreted by Candida albicans. All these four enzymes share 8 highly conserved regions in the same relative positions, indicating that they derived from a common ancestor. However, no clear function has so far been demonstrated for them.

Selective elongation of the oligosaccharide attached to the second potential glycosylation site of yeast exoglucanase: effects on the activity and properties of the enzyme

Three exoglucanases (Exgs), ExgIa, ExgIb and Exg325, are secreted by Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. They share a common protein portion with two potential glycosylation sites (sequons) but differ in the amount of N-linked carbohydrate [Basco, R.D., Muñoz, M.D., Hernández, L.M., Váquez de Aldana, C. and Larriba, G. (1993) Yeast 9, 221-234]. ExgIb contains two short oligosaccharides attached to asparagines (Asn) 165 and 325 of the primary translation product [Hernández, L.M., Olivero, I., Alvarado, E. and Larriba, G. (1992) Biochemistry 31, 9823-9831]. Exg325 carries a single, short oligosaccharide bound to Asn325 whereas ExgIa has at least one large oligosaccharide, since it has not been produced by mutant mnn9. To address the question of the origin of ExgIa, both sequons were individually mutated by substituting Gln for Asn. An ExgIa-like isoenzyme was still secreted by mutant Exg165 but not by mutant Exg325. Additional studies on sequential deglycosylation of ExgIa with endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H (endo H), the susceptibility of both oligosaccharides to the endoglycosidase, and analysis of the presence of GlcNAc at both asparagine residues after total deglycosylation with endo H, indicated that ExgIa contained two oligosaccharides, a short one bound to Asn165 and a large one bound to Asn325, and, accordingly, originated from ExgIb. The elongation of the second oligosaccharide did not result in a higher stability towards thermal inactivation or unfolding, or in an increased resistance to proteases as compared with ExgIb; however, the affinity of the enzyme towards laminarin decreased by 50%. This site-specific elongation occurred in the oligosaccharide that was less susceptible to endo H, indicating that these properties are determined by different conformational constraints.

Glycosylation of yeast exoglucanase sequons in alg mutants deficient in the glucosylation steps of the lipid-linked oligosaccharide. Presence of glucotriose unit in Dol-PP-GlcNAc2Man9Glc3 influences both glycosylation efficiency and selection of N-linked sites

The major exoglucanase (Exg) from Saccharomyces cerevisiae has a short N-linked oligosaccharide attached to each of the potential glycosylation sites present in the primary translation product. We have studied the Exg glycoforms secreted by alg mutants deficient in the final steps of the assembly of dolichol-P-P-GlcNAc2-Man9-Glc3. These mutants synthesize and transfer to nascent proteins truncated oligosaccharides lacking two (alg8) or three (alg5 and alg6) glucoses. In addition to the enzyme carrying both sugar chains (ExgII), all three mutants secreted underglycosylated forms containing one oligosaccharide attached to either the first (ExgII'1/2) or the second (ExgII1/2) potential glycosylation site, and nonglycosylated enzyme (ExgTuni). As compared with alg5 and alg6, alg8 secreted a higher proportion of ExgII, which was paralleled by a significant drop in the proportion of ExgTuni and, to a lesser extent, of ExgII1/2. The presence of a single glucose attached to Dol-P-P-GlcNAc2-Man9 therefore increases the efficiency of transfer of the that oligosaccharide to the protein acceptor in vivo. Moreover, whereas ExgII'1/2 was never secreted by wild type cells, it was the most abundant underglycosylated form secreted by all three mutants. These mutants are affected in the efficiency at which the individual sequons that are glycosylated, and this suggests a role for the glucotriose unit in the selection of the sequons are to be occupied in glycoproteins synthesized by wild type.

Another brick in the wall? Recent developments concerning the yeast cell envelope

To a yeast, the cell wall is an important living organelle performing a number of vital functions, including osmotic and physical protection, selective permeability barrier, immobilized enzyme support and cell-cell recognition and adhesion. Our basic model of wall structure involves attachment of secreted mannoproteins to a fibrillar inner layer of beta-glucan. Recent work has emphasised the importance of chitin in lateral walls, examined the mechanisms of attachment of mannoproteins to the various cell wall glucan fractions and elucidated the pathway of beta-glucan synthesis, by means of resistance to glucan-binding killer toxins. The conventional view of wall structure has been challenged by the discovery of a class of GPI-anchored, serine/threonine-rich wall-proteins. It has been suggested, that these proteins are anchored in the plasma membrane, spanning the wall with extended O-glycosylated structures and protruding out into the medium. Examination of these proteins shows a diversity of structures, sizes and behaviour that makes it improbable that these represent a new class of wall proteins. The possible roles of one of these proteins associated with flocculation, Flo1p, are discussed.