Selection and characterization of Chinese hamster ovary cells resistant to the cytotoxicity of lectins

Mutational and functional analysis of Large in a novel CHO glycosylation mutant

Inactivating mutations of Large reduce the functional glycosylation of alpha-dystroglycan (alpha-DG) and lead to muscular dystrophy in mouse and humans. The N-terminal domain of Large is most similar to UDP-glucose glucosyltransferases (UGGT), and the C-terminal domain is related to the human i blood group transferase beta1,3GlcNAcT-1. The amino acids at conserved motifs DQD+1 and DQD+3 in the UGGT domain are necessary for mammalian UGGT activity. When the corresponding residues were mutated to Ala in mouse Large, alpha-DG was not functionally glycosylated. A similar result was obtained when a DXD motif in the beta1,3GlcNAcT-1 domain was mutated to AIA. Therefore, the first putative glycosyltransferase domain of Large has properties of a UGGT and the second of a typical glycosyltransferase. Co-transfection of Large mutants affected in the different glycosyltransferase domains did not lead to complementation. While Large mutants were more localized to the endoplasmic reticulum than wild-type Large or revertants, all mutants were in the Golgi, and only very low levels of Golgi-localized Large were necessary to generate functional alpha-DG. When Large was overexpressed in ldlD.Lec1 mutant Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells which synthesize few, if any, mucin O-GalNAc glycans and no complex N-glycans, functional alpha-DG was produced, presumably by modifying O-mannose glycans. To investigate mucin O-GalNAc glycans as substrates of Large, a new CHO mutant Lec15.Lec1 that lacked O-mannose and complex N-glycans was isolated and characterized. Following transfection with Large, Lec15.Lec1 cells also generated functionally glycosylated alpha-DG. Thus, Large may act on the O-mannose, complex N-glycans and mucin O-GalNAc glycans of alpha-DG.

International Commission for Protection Against Environmental Mutagens and Carcinogens. Working paper no. 2. Spontaneous mutations in mammalian cells

Spontaneous or background mutation in mammals plays an important role in both medical and evolutionary contexts. However, establishing mutation frequencies or rates has not always been easy. When the field of mammalian mutagenesis was in its infancy, the word "variant" rather than "mutant" was often used because the genetic nature of the observed phenotypic alterations could not be adequately proven. Nowadays numerous target genes have been identified in which mutant frequencies can be measured, and occasionally even rates can be estimated. Indeed, the genetic basis for 'variants' now often comes from direct DNA sequencing. This review describes the most often used and best understood genetic markers for mutation research and examines their usefulness. In addition, mutational specificity is compared for several loci and the use of DNA-sequence data in determining the origins of spontaneous mutation is also discussed. An important observation is that spontaneous mutation frequencies of similarly sized genes can vary by more than an order of magnitude. Chromosomal location, the nature of the gene product and mutational specificity may offer a partial explanation.

Transfection of a human gene that corrects the Lec1 glycosylation defect: evidence for transfer of the structural gene for N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) glycosylation mutants provide an approach to cloning mammalian glycosyltransferases by transfection and gene rescue. In this paper, complementation of the lec1 CHO mutation by human DNA is described. Lec1 transfectants expressed human N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GlcNAc-TI) activity and possessed common human DNA fragments. Cloning of GlcNAc-TI should therefore be possible.

Transfection of a human gene that corrects the Lec1 glycosylation defect: evidence for transfer of the structural gene for N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) glycosylation mutants provide an approach to cloning mammalian glycosyltransferases by transfection and gene rescue. In this paper, complementation of the lec1 CHO mutation by human DNA is described. Lec1 transfectants expressed human N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GlcNAc-TI) activity and possessed common human DNA fragments. Cloning of GlcNAc-TI should therefore be possible.

Identification of temperature-sensitive DNA- mutants of Chinese hamster cells affected in cellular and viral DNA synthesis

We described a strategy which facilitates the identification of cell mutants which are restricted in DNA synthesis in a temperature-dependent manner. A collection of over 200 cell mutants temperature-sensitive for growth was isolated in established Chinese hamster cell lines (CHO and V79) by a variety of selective and nonselective techniques. Approximately 10% of these mutants were identified as ts DNA- based on differential inhibition of macromolecular synthesis at the restrictive temperature (39 degrees C) as assessed by incorporation of [3H]thymidine and [35S]methionine. Nine such mutants, selected for further study, demonstrated rapid shutoff of DNA replication at 39 degrees C. Infections with two classes of DNA viruses extensively dependent on host-cell functions for their replication were used to distinguish defects in DNA synthesis itself from those predominantly affecting other aspects of DNA replication. All cell mutants supported human adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) and mouse polyomavirus DNA synthesis at the permissive temperature. Five of the nine mutants (JB3-B, JB3-O, JB7-K, JB8-D, and JB11-J) restricted polyomavirus DNA replication upon transfection with viral sequences at 33 degrees C and subsequent shift to 39 degrees C either before or after the onset of viral DNA synthesis. Only one of these mutants (JB3-B) also restricted Ad2 DNA synthesis after virion infection under comparable conditions. No mutant was both restrictive for Ad2 and permissive for polyomavirus DNA synthesis at 39 degrees C. The differential effect of these cell mutants on viral DNA synthesis is expected to assist subsequent definition of the biochemical defect responsible.

Identification of temperature-sensitive DNA- mutants of Chinese hamster cells affected in cellular and viral DNA synthesis

We described a strategy which facilitates the identification of cell mutants which are restricted in DNA synthesis in a temperature-dependent manner. A collection of over 200 cell mutants temperature-sensitive for growth was isolated in established Chinese hamster cell lines (CHO and V79) by a variety of selective and nonselective techniques. Approximately 10% of these mutants were identified as ts DNA- based on differential inhibition of macromolecular synthesis at the restrictive temperature (39 degrees C) as assessed by incorporation of [3H]thymidine and [35S]methionine. Nine such mutants, selected for further study, demonstrated rapid shutoff of DNA replication at 39 degrees C. Infections with two classes of DNA viruses extensively dependent on host-cell functions for their replication were used to distinguish defects in DNA synthesis itself from those predominantly affecting other aspects of DNA replication. All cell mutants supported human adenovirus type 2 (Ad2) and mouse polyomavirus DNA synthesis at the permissive temperature. Five of the nine mutants (JB3-B, JB3-O, JB7-K, JB8-D, and JB11-J) restricted polyomavirus DNA replication upon transfection with viral sequences at 33 degrees C and subsequent shift to 39 degrees C either before or after the onset of viral DNA synthesis. Only one of these mutants (JB3-B) also restricted Ad2 DNA synthesis after virion infection under comparable conditions. No mutant was both restrictive for Ad2 and permissive for polyomavirus DNA synthesis at 39 degrees C. The differential effect of these cell mutants on viral DNA synthesis is expected to assist subsequent definition of the biochemical defect responsible.

Control of carbohydrate processing: the lec1A CHO mutation results in partial loss of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I activity

Lec1 CHO cell glycosylation mutants are defective in N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GlcNAc-TI) activity and therefore cannot convert the oligomannosyl intermediate (Man5GlcNAc2Asn) into complex carbohydrates. Lec1A CHO cell mutants have been shown to belong to the same genetic complementation group but exhibit different phenotypic properties. Evidence is presented that lec1A represents a new mutation at the lec1 locus resulting in partial loss of GlcNAc-TI activity. Structural studies of the carbohydrates associated with vesicular stomatitis virus grown in Lec1A cells (Lec1A/VSV) revealed the presence of biantennary and branched complex carbohydrates as well as the processing intermediate Man5GlcNAc2Asn. By contrast, the glycopeptides from virus grown in CHO cells (CHO/VSV) possessed only fully processed complex carbohydrates, whereas those from Lec1/VSV were almost solely of the Man5GlcNAc2Asn intermediate type. Therefore, the Lec1A glycosylation phenotype appears to result from the partial processing of N-linked carbohydrates because of reduced GlcNAc-TI action on membrane glycoproteins. Genetic experiments provided evidence that lec1A is a single mutation affecting GlcNAc-TI activity. Lec1A mutants could be isolated at frequencies of 10(-5) to 10(-6) from unmutagenized CHO cell populations by single-step selection, a rate inconsistent with two mutations. In addition, segregants selected from Lec1A X parental cell hybrid populations expressed only Lec1A or related lectin-resistant phenotypes and did not include any with a Lec1 phenotype. The Lec1A mutant should be of interest for studies on the mechanisms that control carbohydrate processing in animal cells and the effects of reduced GlcNAc-TI activity on the glycosylation, translocation, and compartmentalization of cellular glycoproteins.

Membrane mutants of animal cells: rapid identification of those with a primary defect in glycosylation

Membrane mutants of animal cells have been isolated by several laboratories, using a variety of selection protocols. The majority are lectin receptor mutants arising from altered glycosylation of membrane molecules. They have been obtained by selection for resistance to cytotoxic plant lectins or by alternative protocols designed, in many cases, to isolate different classes of receptor mutants. The identification of most membrane mutants expressing altered surface carbohydrates is rapidly achieved by determining their resistance to several lectins of different carbohydrate-binding specificities. For Chinese hamster ovary mutants, genetic novelty may subsequently be determined by complementation analysis with selected members of 10 recessive, glycosylation-defective complementation groups defined by this laboratory. In an attempt to identify new complementation groups, 11 Chinese hamster ovary membrane mutants independently isolated in different laboratories have been investigated for their lectin resistance and complementation properties. Only one new complementation group was defined by these studies. The remaining 10 mutants fell into complementation group 1, 2, 3, or 8. Although no evidence for intragenic complementation was observed, indirect evidence for different mutations within some genes was obtained. Seven of the independent isolates fell into complementation group 1, reflecting the high probability of isolating the Lec1 phenotype from Chinese hamster ovary populations. The results emphasize the importance of performing a genetic analysis before biochemical characterization of putative new membrane mutants.

Control of carbohydrate processing: the lec1A CHO mutation results in partial loss of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I activity

Lec1 CHO cell glycosylation mutants are defective in N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GlcNAc-TI) activity and therefore cannot convert the oligomannosyl intermediate (Man5GlcNAc2Asn) into complex carbohydrates. Lec1A CHO cell mutants have been shown to belong to the same genetic complementation group but exhibit different phenotypic properties. Evidence is presented that lec1A represents a new mutation at the lec1 locus resulting in partial loss of GlcNAc-TI activity. Structural studies of the carbohydrates associated with vesicular stomatitis virus grown in Lec1A cells (Lec1A/VSV) revealed the presence of biantennary and branched complex carbohydrates as well as the processing intermediate Man5GlcNAc2Asn. By contrast, the glycopeptides from virus grown in CHO cells (CHO/VSV) possessed only fully processed complex carbohydrates, whereas those from Lec1/VSV were almost solely of the Man5GlcNAc2Asn intermediate type. Therefore, the Lec1A glycosylation phenotype appears to result from the partial processing of N-linked carbohydrates because of reduced GlcNAc-TI action on membrane glycoproteins. Genetic experiments provided evidence that lec1A is a single mutation affecting GlcNAc-TI activity. Lec1A mutants could be isolated at frequencies of 10(-5) to 10(-6) from unmutagenized CHO cell populations by single-step selection, a rate inconsistent with two mutations. In addition, segregants selected from Lec1A X parental cell hybrid populations expressed only Lec1A or related lectin-resistant phenotypes and did not include any with a Lec1 phenotype. The Lec1A mutant should be of interest for studies on the mechanisms that control carbohydrate processing in animal cells and the effects of reduced GlcNAc-TI activity on the glycosylation, translocation, and compartmentalization of cellular glycoproteins.

Membrane mutants of animal cells: rapid identification of those with a primary defect in glycosylation

Membrane mutants of animal cells have been isolated by several laboratories, using a variety of selection protocols. The majority are lectin receptor mutants arising from altered glycosylation of membrane molecules. They have been obtained by selection for resistance to cytotoxic plant lectins or by alternative protocols designed, in many cases, to isolate different classes of receptor mutants. The identification of most membrane mutants expressing altered surface carbohydrates is rapidly achieved by determining their resistance to several lectins of different carbohydrate-binding specificities. For Chinese hamster ovary mutants, genetic novelty may subsequently be determined by complementation analysis with selected members of 10 recessive, glycosylation-defective complementation groups defined by this laboratory. In an attempt to identify new complementation groups, 11 Chinese hamster ovary membrane mutants independently isolated in different laboratories have been investigated for their lectin resistance and complementation properties. Only one new complementation group was defined by these studies. The remaining 10 mutants fell into complementation group 1, 2, 3, or 8. Although no evidence for intragenic complementation was observed, indirect evidence for different mutations within some genes was obtained. Seven of the independent isolates fell into complementation group 1, reflecting the high probability of isolating the Lec1 phenotype from Chinese hamster ovary populations. The results emphasize the importance of performing a genetic analysis before biochemical characterization of putative new membrane mutants.

Glycosyl transferases of baby-hamster-kidney (BHK) cells and ricin-resistant mutants. N-glycan biosynthesis

Five cell lines of ricin-resistant BHK cells have been assayed for gross carbohydrate analysis of cellular glycoproteins, for the activities of several glycosidases and of specific glycosyl transferases active in assembly of N-glycans of glycoproteins. The latter enzymes include sialyl transferase using asialofetuin as glycosyl acceptor, fucosyl transferases using asialofetuin and asialoagalactofetuin acceptors, galactosyl transferases using ovalbumin, ovomucoid and N-acetylglucosamine as acceptors and N-acetylglucosaminyl transferases using ovalbumin and glycopeptides as acceptors. Cell line RicR14, binding less ricin than normal BHK cells, contains reduced amounts of sialic acid, galactose and N-acetylglucosamine in cellular glycoproteins and lacks almost completely N-acetylglucosamine transferase I, an essential enzyme in assembly of ricin-binding carbohydrate sequences of N-glycans. These cells also contain reduced levels of N-acetylglucosamine transferase II active on a product of N-acetylglucosamine transferase I action. Sialyl transferase activity is severely depressed while fucose-(alpha 1 leads to 6)-N-acetylglucosamine fucosyl transferase activity is increased. Cell lines RicR15, 17, 19 and 21 showed partial deficiencies in galactosyl and N-acetylglucosaminyl transferases. A hypothesis is put forward to account for the different carbohydrate compositions and ricin binding properties of glycoproteins synthesised by these cells in terms of the determined enzyme defects, the normal level of sialyl transferases detected in RicR15 and RicR21 cells and the elevated levels of sialyl and fucosyl transferases detected in RicR17 and 19 cells. None of the above changes in glycosyl transfer reactions in the RicR cell lines are due to enhanced glycosidase or sugar nucleotidase activities in the mutant cells.

Pactamycin resistance in CHO cells: morphological changes induced by the drug in the wild-type and mutant cells

Stable mutants resistant to pactamycin (PacR), a polypeptide chain initiation inhibitor, have been selected in a single step in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The sensitivity of protein synthesis in mutant cell extracts to pactamycin indicates that resistance involves an alteration in the permeability of this drug. The failure of PacR mutants to show cross-resistance to other compounds provides further indication that the lesion is presumably specific for pactamycin. Cell hybrids formed between PacR X PacS lines show intermediate sensitivity towards pactamycin, suggesting that the PacR lesion behaves codominantly under these conditions. In the presence of subinhibitory concentrations of pactamycin, CHO cells, which are normally short, polygonal and disoriented, became greatly elongated and aligned themselves in parallel fashion to produce highly oriented colony morphologies, reminiscent of normal diploid fibroblasts. This effect of pactamycin on cellular morphology was seen much more clearly with the PacR mutants, although somewhat higher concentrations of the drug were required to produce this change.

Genetic markers for quantitative mutagenesis studies in Chinese hamster ovary cells: characteristics of some recently developed selective systems

Selection conditions have been optimized in the Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell system for a number of genetic markers. The genetic systems studied include resistance to the protein-synthesis inhibitors emetine (Emtr) and diphtheria toxin (Dipr), resistance to methylglyoxalbisguanylhydrazone (Mbgr) which affects polyamine transport, resistance to the nucleoside analogs toyocamycin and tubercidin (Toyr), and resistance to thioguanine (Thgr) and ouabain (OuaR). The optimal expression time following mutagenesis for various markers was between 2 and 6 days. A linear dose--response relationship between the concentration of mutagen (ethyl methanesulfonate) and mutation frequency has been observed over the range of 10--700 micrograms/ml, for all of the above markers except Toyr. The response of these markers to other mutagens such as tritium (3H) decay and ICR-191 show some specificity. Since the response of a number of genetic markers can be studied simultaneously in the CHO system, it should prove very useful for studies of quantitative mutagenesis and in assay systems for mutagen detection.

Complementation between mutants of CHO cells resistant to a variety of plant lectins

Chinese hamster cell mutants resistant to the lectins PHA, WGA, RIC, LCA, and CON A were previously grouped into 8--10 distinct phenotypes on the basis of their unique patterns of lectin resistance and lectin-binding properties. All but one of these classes of lectin-resistant (LecR) mutants behave recessively in somatic cell hybrids. One ricin-resistant class (RicRII) behaves dominantly. Tests for complementation, by measuring the lectin-resistant properties of appropriate hybrids, show that seven distinct complimentation groups can be delineated among the phenotypically recessive mutants.

Lectin receptors and lectin resistance in chinese hamster ovary cells

Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells previously selected in a single-step for resistance to one or two different lectins and assigned to individual phenotypic groups on the basis of their unique patterns of lectin resistance, have been examined for their lectin-binding abilites. The lectin-binding parameters of CHO cells were shown to be very complex in a detailes study of the binding of 125I-WGA to wild-type (WT) cells. On the basis of these results, standard assay conditions were established and comparative binding studies between the twenty-two WT and lectin-resistant (LecR) clones were performed. A general correlation of lectin resistance with decreased lectin-binding ability and of lectin sensitivity with increased lectin-binding ability was found, although several exceptions to this trend were observed.

Genetic characterization of methotrexate-resistant chinese hamster ovary cells

In a previous report, we described the selection and partial characterization of three methotrexate (Mtx)-resistant Chinese hamster ovary cells (CHO) (1). Class I cells contained an apparent structural alteration in dihydrofolate reductase. Class II cells had an alteration affecting the permeability of the drug. Class III cells, selected from Class I cells, had an increased activity of the altered enzyme. In the work described here, it has been shown that the spontaneous mutation rate to Class I resistance is in the order of 2 X 10-9 mutations per locus per generation and that in single-step mutagenized selections the number of resistant colonies of Class I and II are about equal. Class I and Class III resistance is expressed codominantly in somatic cell hybrids, whereas the Class II resistant marker is a recessive trait.