Different gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase mRNAs are expressed in human liver and kidney

Combination of poly-γ-glutamic acid and galactooligosaccharide improves intestinal microbiota, defecation status, and relaxed mood in humans: a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group comparison trial

The genus Bifidobacterium comprises beneficial intestinal bacteria that play a crucial role in the regulation of human health. Traditional prebiotics are known to increase intestinal bifidobacteria by supplying a carbon source necessary for their growth. However, intestinal bifidobacteria need not only a carbon source but also a nitrogen source for growth. Moreover, the growth of bifidobacteria is known to be inhibited in a culture medium that does not contain glutamic acid. Based on these reports, we hypothesized that the combined intake of traditional prebiotics and glutamic acid would be beneficial for growth of bifidobacteria in the gut. In this study, we investigated the effects of the combination of galactooligosaccharide (GOS; traditional prebiotic material) and poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA; source of glutamic acid) and only GOS on the intestinal microbiota and health conditions (including intestinal regulation, mood status, gastrointestinal condition, skin condition, and sleep quality) in a randomized, double-blind, parallel-group comparison trial in healthy subjects. The combined intake of GOS and γ-PGA significantly increased the prevalence of B. longum compared to the intake of GOS alone. A minimum effective dose of 2.0 g GOS and 0.3 g γ-PGA improved defecation and mood status. We revealed the combined effects of GOS and γ-PGA on intestinal microbiota as well as physical condition and concluded that the delivery of glutamic acid to the large intestine with traditional prebiotics is useful as an advanced prebiotic.

Human GGT2 does not autocleave into a functional enzyme: A cautionary tale for interpretation of microarray data on redox signaling

AIMS

Human γ-glutamyltranspeptidase 1 (hGGT1) is a cell-surface enzyme that is a regulator of redox adaptation and drug resistance due to its glutathionase activity. The human GGT2 gene encodes a protein that is 94% identical to the amino-acid sequence of hGGT1. Transcriptional profiling analyses in a series of recent publications have implicated the hGGT2 enzyme as a modulator of disease processes. However, hGGT2 has never been shown to encode a protein with enzymatic activity. The aim of this study was to express the protein encoded by hGGT2 and each of its known variants and to assess their stability, cellular localization, and enzymatic activity.

RESULTS

We discovered that the proteins encoded by hGGT2 and its variants are inactive propeptides. We show that hGGT2 cDNAs are transcribed with a similar efficiency to hGGT1, and the expressed propeptides are N-glycosylated. However, they do not autocleave into heterodimers, fail to localize to the plasma membrane, and do not metabolize γ-glutamyl substrates. Substituting the coding sequence of hGGT1 to conform to alterations in a CX3C motif encoded by hGGT2 mRNAs disrupted autocleavage of the hGGT1 propeptide into a heterodimer, resulting in loss of plasma membrane localization and catalytic activity.

INNOVATION AND CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to evaluate hGGT2 protein. The data show that hGGT2 does not encode a functional enzyme. Microarray data which have reported induction of hGGT2 mRNA should not be interpreted as induction of a protein that has a role in the metabolism of extracellular glutathione and in maintaining the redox status of the cell.

The human gamma-glutamyltransferase gene family

Assays for gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT1, EC 2.3.2.2) activity in blood are widely used in a clinical setting to measure tissue damage. The well-characterized GGT1 is an extracellular enzyme that is anchored to the plasma membrane of cells. There, it hydrolyzes and transfers gamma-glutamyl moieties from glutathione and other gamma-glutamyl compounds to acceptors. As such, it has a critical function in the metabolism of glutathione and in the conversion of the leukotriene LTC4 to LTD4. GGT deficiency in man is rare and for the few patients reported to date, mutations in GGT1 have not been described. These patients do secrete glutathione in urine and fail to metabolize LTC4. Earlier pre-genome investigations had indicated that besides GGT1, the human genome contains additional related genes or sequences. These sequences were given multiple different names, leading to inconsistencies and confusion. Here we systematically evaluated all human sequences related to GGT1 using genomic and cDNA database searches and identified thirteen genes belonging to the extended GGT family, of which at least six appear to be active. In collaboration with the HUGO Gene Nomenclature Committee (HGNC) we have designated possible active genes with nucleotide or amino acid sequence similarity to GGT1, as GGT5 (formerly GGL, GGTLA1/GGT-rel), GGT6 (formerly rat ggt6 homologue) and GGT7 (formerly GGTL3, GGT4). Two loci have the potential to encode only the light chain portion of GGT and have now been designated GGTLC1 (formerly GGTL6, GGTLA4) and GGTLC2. Of the five full-length genes, three lack of significant nucleotide sequence homology but have significant (GGT5, GGT7) or very limited (GGT6) amino acid similarity to GGT1 and belong to separate families. GGT6 and GGT7 have not yet been described, raising the possibility that leukotriene synthesis, glutathione metabolism or gamma-glutamyl transfer is regulated by their, as of yet uncharacterized, enzymatic activities. In view of the widespread clinical use of assays that measure gamma-glutamyl transfer activity, this would appear to be of significant interest.

Is the expression of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase messenger RNA an indicator of biological behavior in recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma?

AIM: To investigate the correlation between gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GTP) expression in the primary HCC and post-resection recurrence and its biological behaviors.

METHODS: Forty consecutive patients having curative resection for HCC were included in this study. The primers for reverse -transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were corresponding to the 5’-noncoding human γ-GTP mRNA of fetal liver (type A), HepG2 cells (type B), and placenta (type C). Both the cancer and non-cancerous tissues of the resected liver were analyzed. The correlations between the expression of γ-GTP and the clinicopathological variables and outcomes (recurrence and survival) were studied.

RESULTS: Those with type B γ-GTP mRNA in cancer had significant higher recurrence rate than those without it (63.6% vs 14.3%). Both those with type B in cancer and in non -cancer died significantly more than those without it (45.5% vs 0% and 53.6% vs 0%, respectively). By multivariate analysis, the significant predictors of recurrence included high serum AFP (P = 0.0108), vascular permeation (P = 0.0084), and type B γ-GTP mRNA in non-cancerous liver (P = 0.0107). The significant predictors of post-recurrence death included high serum AFP (P = 0.0141), vascular permeation ( P = 0.0130), and daughter nodules (P = 0.0053). As to the manifestations (recurrent number 2, recurrent extent 2 segments, extra-hepatic metastasis, and death) in recurrent patients, there were no statistical significant differences between those with type B in the primary tumor and those without it. The difference between those with type B in non-cancerous liver and those without it also was not significant.

CONCLUSION: Patients of HCC with type B γ-GTP mRNA both in cancer and in non-cancerous tissue had a worse outcome, earlier recurrence, and more post-recurrence death.

Lectin affinity chromatography and electrophoretic properties of human platelet gamma-glutamyl transferase

The sialoglycoprotein, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT, gamma-GT, EC 2.3.2.2) is a membrane enzyme found in many cells including platelets and leukocytes. In platelets GGT converts leukotriene C4 (LTC4) to leukotriene D4 (LTD4) and is involved in glutathione metabolism. In this study, human platelet GGT was solubilized with Triton X-100 and purified by lectin affinity chromatography on Con A Sepharose 4B to determine its electrophoretic properties. The specific activity of purified GGT was 236 mU/mg protein; 73.7% of human platelet GGT activity was found bound to Con A and 50% of the bound activity was released with 0.3 mol/l methyl alpha-D-mannopyranoside. We observed that human platelet GGT has only one isoenzyme band showing a carbohydrate stained band near the origin on polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). The electrophoretic mobility of papain-solubilized GGT was higher than that of Triton X-100-solubilized GGT at PAGE. Also GGT activities were determined on neuraminidase, trypsin or n-butanol-DIPE (diisopropyl ether)-treated Triton X-100-solubilized membrane fractions. This characterization may be useful when trying to establish the contribution of platelet GGT to serum GGT activity. This marker may reflect the extent of platelet activation.

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase gene organization and expression: a comparative analysis in rat, mouse, pig and human species

Gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is an enzyme located at the external surface of epithelial cells. It initiates extracellular glutathione (GSH) breakdown, provides cells with a local cysteine supply and contributes to maintain intracellular GSH level. GGT expression, highly sensitive to oxidative stress, is a part of the cell antioxidant defense mechanisms. We describe recent advances in GGT gene structure and expression knowledge and put emphasis on the complex transcriptional organization of that gene and its conservation among different species. GGT gene structure has been elucidated in rat and mouse where a single gene is transcribed from multiple promoters into several transcripts which finally yield a unique polypeptidic chain. Analysis of rat, mouse, human and pig cDNA and gene sequences reveals a large conservation of the transcriptional organization of that gene. This complex structure provides flexibility in GGT expression controlled at the promoter level, through multiple regulatory sites, and at RNA level by alternate 5' untranslated sequences which may create a diversity in the stability and translational efficiency of the different transcripts. In conclusion, transcription of the GGT gene from several promoters offers multiple DNA and RNA targets for various oxidative stimuli and contributes to a broad antioxidant cell defense through GGT induction and subsequent cysteine supply from extracellular glutathione.

An intronic promoter controls the expression of truncated human gamma-glutamyltransferase mRNAs

We have identified and characterized a genomic DNA fragment containing the coding sequences corresponding to the human gamma-glutamyltransferase type 1 mRNA. The coding part of the gene spans over 16 kb and comprises 12 exons and 11 introns exhibiting a similar organization as for the mouse and rat GGT genes. The exons 1-7 encode the heavy subunit whereas exons 8-12 which encode the carboxy-terminal part of the heavy subunit (exon 8) and the light subunit are clustered in a 1.6-kb BglII fragment. Exons 7 and 8 are separated by a 3.9-kb intron containing in its 3' part the sequences corresponding to the 5'-UTRs of the truncated GGT mRNAs described for human lung. Sequence analysis upstream this transcribed region exhibited putative promoter sequences and after transient transfection significant promoter activities were measured in V79 lung fibroblasts and KYN-2 hepatoma cells but not in A2780 ovarian cells. This specificity disappeared when only 550 bp upstream the transcription start site were used as promoter. These results argue for a promoter of truncated GGT mRNAs in intron 7, specifically regulated in human tissues.

gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase: catalytic mechanism and gene expression

The gamma-glutamyl transpeptidases are key enzymes in the so-called gamma-glutamyl cycle involving glutathione synthesis, the recovery of its constituents, and in the transport of amino acids. This membrane-bound ectoenzyme thus serves to regulate glutathione synthesis. This chapter deals with the active site chemistry of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, including the role of side-chain groups on the light subunit as well as several serine residues in the catalytic process. Also considered are genomic studies indicating (a) the presence of a single gene in mouse and rat; (b) the occurrence of multiple genes in humans; (c) the involvement of multiple promoters for gene expression; and (d) how these multiple promoters may play a role in the tissue-specific expression of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidases.

Mice with genetic gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase deficiency exhibit glutathionuria, severe growth failure, reduced life spans, and infertility

A mouse mutant with glutathionuria was discovered by screening for amino acidurias in the progeny of ethylnitrosourea-mutagenized mice. Total glutathione concentration was increased in both blood and urine but decreased in liver homogenates from affected mice. Glutathionuric mice exhibited lethargy, severe growth failure, shortened life spans and infertility. gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase activity was deficient in kidney homogenates of glutathionuric mice. The glutathionuric phenotype in these mice is inherited as an autosomal recessive trait. This mouse mutant will be a useful animal model for the study of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase physiology and glutathione metabolism.

The organization of the gamma-glutamyl transferase genes and other low copy repeats in human chromosome 22q11

A clone map consisting of YACs, cosmids, and fosmids has been constructed covering low copy repeat regions of human chromosome 22q11. A combination of clone restriction digest analysis, single-copy landmark content analysis, HindIII-Sau3AI fingerprinting, and sequencing of PCR products derived from clones was required to resolve the map in this region. Seven repeat-containing contigs were placed in 22q11, five containing gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) sequences described previously. In one case, a single interval at the resolution of the YAC map was shown to contain at least three GGT sequences after higher resolution mapping. The sequence information was used to design a rapid PCR/restriction digest technique that distinguishes the GGT loci placed in the YAC map. This approach has allowed us to resolve the previous cDNA and mapping information relating to GGT and link it to the physical map of 22q11.

Cloning and expression of a novel type (III) of human gamma-glutamyltransferase truncated mRNA

We report the characterization of a novel human gamma-glutamyltransferase mRNA type. This type III mRNA differs from type I and type II mRNAs previously described by several point mutations and the presence of an unspliced 81 bp intron in the open reading frame. Further, type III mRNAs are truncated ones and are tissue and pathology specifically expressed. In fact, type III mRNAs are present in human placenta, sigmoid, lung and in 50% of acute lymphoblastic leukemia blood cells but they are never found in healthy lymphocytes.

Characterization of a promoter for gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase activated in rat liver in response to aflatoxin B1 and ethoxyquin

gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) is normally absent from adult rat hepatocytes but is induced by a range of xenobiotics, including carcinogens and chemoprotective agents. As many as six mRNA species for this enzyme have been described in both rat and mouse, with various degrees of tissue specificity. These originate from one gene and have separate promoters within alternative 5' untranslated sequences. By using a cDNA-derived sequence specific for GGT mRNA III to screen a rat genomic library, a clone that contains the promoter region for this mRNA was isolated and characterized. The transcriptional start site lay some 3.5 kb upstream from that already characterized for mRNA II in rat kidney. Luciferase activity was obtained after transfection of rat hepatoma-derived cell lines with constructs containing the putative promoter III fused to a luc reporter. Although this promoter lacks a TATA box, a sequence close to the start site that binds the transcription factor TFIID in vitro was identified. By using PCR techniques, mRNA III (homologous to both mouse III and IV) and an mRNA (IV) with homology to VI in mouse were found in ethoxyquin- and aflatoxin B1-treated rat liver and kidney as well as in a hepatoma-derived cell line. No evidence was found for a product homologous to mRNA from promoter V described in the mouse.

A precursor form of human kidney gamma-glutamyl transferase in normal and cancerous tissues, and its possible post-translational modification

We have found three molecular forms of human gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in normal and renal cell carcinomatous tissues, and also have reported the marked differences in the sugar chains of GGTs between normal and cancerous tissues by serial lectin affinity chromatographies. In this study, the peptide maps of three purified GGTs (79 kDa, 50 kDa and 25 kDa) obtained by lysylendopeptidase digestion, the subcellular localization of GGTs, and the sugar chains of GGTs were compared between normal and cancerous tissues. According to the results, the total peptide bands of the digested 79 kDa component represented the sum of those of the digested 50 and 25 kDa components on 12.5% SDS-PAGE. In addition, C-terminal and N-terminal amino-acid sequences of the 79 kDa protein were the same as the sequences of light and heavy subunits, respectively, suggesting that the 79 kDa component is of the precursor form of the 50 kDa mature heavy and 25 kDa light subunits, respectively. On the other hand, the GGT activity in renal cell carcinomatous tissues was significantly increased in the microsomal fraction and decreased in the soluble fraction compared with that of normal tissues. Meanwhile, the sugar moiety of GGTs in the respective subcellular fractions was obviously different between normal and cancerous tissues. In particular, a reduced multiantennary complex type sugar chain and an elevated high-mannose or hybrid-type sugar chain in the microsomal fraction were observed in the GGT in cancerous tissues.

Localization of a regulatory region on the 5'-untranslated region of human hepatoma HepG2 gamma-glutamyltransferase mRNA and response to dexamethasone and antisense oligonucleotide treatment

We are reporting the functional analysis of the 5'-untranslated region (5'UTR) of human hepatoma HepG2 gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) mRNA. Transient expression of hybrid GGT-luciferase reporter gene mutants in HepG2 shows that this 5'UTR acts as a tissue-specific translational enhancer. A domain of 173 bases containing a steroid hormone response element (HRE) is responsible for the enhancing effect, which can be amplified by addition of dexamethasone at 10(-6) M. Furthermore, the regulatory role of the 5'UTR is demonstrated by interaction with sense and antisense oligonucleotides.

Expression of multiple gamma-glutamyltransferase genes in man

In clinical and pharmacological laboratories, the assay for gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) activity is an important diagnostic test, but one with high biological variability. Although the human genome contains multiple GGT genomic sequences, the diagnostic tests generally assume that only a single GGT gene is active. In the current study, segments encompassing parts of seven different potential human GGT genes have been molecularly cloned. Based on sequence determination of exons within these distinct genomic clones, oligonucleotide primers were designed which would prime and PCR-amplify putative mRNA of all seven potential GGT genes, if expressed. Gene-specific oligonucleotide probes were then utilized to assay the transcriptional status of the seven possible GGT genes in a wide variety of human RNAs. Our results show that a single GGT gene exhibits ubiquitous expression in all RNAs tested, including those from fetal and adult liver. A surprisingly large number of four additional GGT genes is expressed in man. Interestingly, these novel GGT genes are expressed in a tissue-restricted manner, which suggests that their corresponding gene products exhibit distinct functions in these specific tissues.

Characterization of gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase in the liver of the frog: 1. Comparison to the rat liver enzyme

The characteristics of the enzyme gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase were determined in frog liver and compared to those of the rat. In Rana pipiens, tissue distribution studies indicated the order of activity to be: kidney >>> liver >> nerve > egg > lung > heart > skeletal muscle in homogenates. In the Rana pipiens relative to the Fischer 344 rat, the activity of the liver enzyme was somewhat greater (1.8-fold) and the kidney enzyme substantially less (25-fold). Frog liver gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase displayed strain-dependent differences in activity with Rana pipiens and Rana sylvatica exhibiting comparable activities and Xenopus laevis exhibiting 20-fold lower activities. No influence of sex was apparent in Rana pipiens in contrast to the sex dependent differences observed in the Fischer 344 rat: female:male = 7:1. In homogenates and plasma membrane fractions of Rana pipiens, Xenopus laevis and the Fischer 344 rat, high, and comparable relative specific activities, were observed, 8-11, coupled with protein yields of 2.2-2.5 per cent indicating the enzyme to be plasma membrane bound and associated with the sinusoidal surface of the liver cell.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

The 5' untranslated region of the human gamma-glutamyl transferase mRNA contains a tissue-specific active translational enhancer

We report the functional and structural analysis of the 5' untranslated region (5'UTR) of human hepatoma HepG2 gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) mRNA. Transient expression of a hybrid GGT-luciferase gene in HepG2, MIA-Pa-Ca-2 and MG 63 cell lines shows that this 5'UTR acts as a tissue-specific translational enhancer. Evidence for transcripts with multiple 5'UTR coding for HepG2 GGT was obtained by RNase protection. Computer analysis of this 5'UTR detected the existence of a stable stem and loop structure containing multiple steroid modulatory elements.

Establishment of a V79 transfected cell line highly producing recombinant human gamma-glutamyltransferase

gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT) is a glutathione-metabolizing enzyme whose activity variations in serum and organs are valuable markers of preneoplastic processes, alcohol abuse and induction by drugs. To elucidate the implication of GGT in various metabolic pathways, we established a stable transfected V79 cell line highly producing the human GGT. A full length cDNA, encoding the human hepatoma Hep G2 GGT, was subcloned into an expression vector under the control of the SV40 early promoter and was used to transfect V79 cells. A cell line was selected, exhibiting a GGT activity of 2 units per mg of protein, one of the highest levels reported to date. The recombinant GGT purified from this cell line showed the expected heterodimeric structure, with two subunits existing as sialylated and differentially glycosylated isoforms, with mean molecular masses of 80 and 29 kDa. Catalytic features were found to be identical to those of human serum and Hep G2 GGTs. Thus, the newly engineered cell line should be useful for the production of human GGT and as a potential alternative model for pharmacological studies.

Human lung expresses unique gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase transcripts

gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase (EC 2.3.2.2, gamma GT) is a membrane-bound ectoenzyme that plays an important role in the metabolism of glutathione. It is composed of two subunits, both of which are encoded by a common mRNA. We examined the expression of gamma GT in human lung tissue by Northern blot analysis and screening a cDNA library made from human lung poly(A)+ RNA. Our results show that there are two gamma GT mRNA populations in human lung tissue. We define these as group I (2.4 kb) and group II (approximately 1.2 kb) transcripts. In the present communication, we characterize the unique lung transcript. Sequence analysis of representative clones shows that group I transcripts are virtually identical to those previously isolated from liver and placenta but possess a unique 5' untranslated region. In marked contrast, group II transcripts appear to be human-lung-specific. Group II transcripts appear on Northern blots probed with full-length or 3'-biased gamma GT cDNA. Sequence analysis of group II clones shows them to be homologous with group I clones in the region that encodes the reading frame for the light chain; however, they possess a series of unique 5' untranslated regions, which suggests that they arise from lung-specific message processing. Additionally, approximately 50% of the isolated group II clones contain 34 nt substitutions compared with the "wild-type" gamma GT transcripts. These data indicate that human lung expresses unique gamma GT transcripts of unknown function as well as the classical form. The abundant group II transcripts may encode part of a heterodimer related to gamma GT or represent processed lung-specific pseudogenes.

A pump-pore model for transmembrane transport of hydrophilic solutes

Transmembrane transport of a hydrophilic solute is presumed to begin when hydrated ligand adheres in Velcro-like fashion to hydrated membrane surface. Asymmetric physical forces cause rolling movements of ligand over membrane surface until contact occurs with appropriate transport machinery, consisting of a pump (Pu) to which is tethered a ligand (Li)-specific perm-selective pore (Po). The Po is in the open form when the Li is attached to an external high-affinity allosteric site on it. The active form of the Pu is stabilized by attachment of the Li to high-affinity internal or low-affinity external allosteric sites. The active form of the Pu induces closure of the Po, even when ligand is bound to it; the inactive conformation of the Pu permits Po opening. Attachment of Li to either one of two binding sites on the active Pu and irreversible envelopment by it in Venus fly-trap fashion trigger transmembrane transport of Li. Multistep attachment of Li is rate-limiting in the transport process. Application of a simple equation derived from relevant kinetic considerations relating velocity of transport (V) to concentration of Li (L), V = k1(L)1/2, gives V-L curves approximating transport data obtained in a variety of biological systems. This model is congruent with the ability of cells to concentrate substances from extremely dilute solutions and with the adaptive informational value to cells of rates of transport.

Localization of a gamma-glutamyl-transferase-related gene family on chromosome 22

A gene family encompassing a minimum of four genes or pseudogenes for gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT; EC 2.3.2.2) is present on chromosome 22q11. We have previously isolated a cDNA related to GGT but clearly not belonging to its gene family. The chromosomal location of this related gene, GGTLA1, has been determined by both isotopic and fluorescence in situ hybridization to metaphase cells and by Southern blot analysis of somatic cell hybrid DNAs. We show that GGTLA1 is part of a distinct gene family, which has at least four members (GGTLA1, GGTLA2, GGTLA3, GGTLA4). At least two loci are located on chromosome 22 within band q11 and proximal to the chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) breakpoint in BCR (breakpoint cluster region gene). At least one other member is located more distally between the breakpoints found in Ewings sarcoma and CML. Some of the GGT and GGTLA family members are located on NotI restriction enzyme fragments of a similar size. Combined results indicate that a segment of human chromosome 22q11 has undergone large-scale amplification events relatively recently in evolution.

Differences in the enzymatic nature and the sugar-chain structure of gamma-glutamyl transferase between normal and carcinomatous human kidney and prostate

The enzymatic and immunological nature, and the sugar chain structure, of gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) purified from tissues of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), prostatic carcinoma (PCa) and renal cell carcinoma (RCa), were compared with those of the normal prostate (NP) and kidney (NK). The specific activities of GGTs in NP, NK, BPH, PCa and RCa were 78.9, 22.5, 105, 92.5 and 52.5 mU/mg protein, respectively. The molecular masses of GGTs from BPH, PCa and RCa were 72 kDa, 78 and 108 kDa, and 79 and 105 kDa, respectively. The Michaelis constants (Km), optimum pHs and the inhibition of GGT activities by several chemical compounds, revealed that the GGT from BPH, PCa and RCa was similar to that of normal GGT. Immunologically, the IgG fraction against anti-human seminal plasma GGT fused to the all of the GGTs tested. The sugar chain heterogeneities of the various GGTs, detected by the serial-lectin affinity technique, differed from one another. The sugar chain of GGT from BPH resembled the sugar chain from NP. On the contrary, the sugar chains of GGTs from PCa and RCa were markedly different from those from normal tissues. In the GGT from PCa, multi-antennary complex type sugar chains were more increased than the enzyme of NP. In general, as previously reported, the sugar chains of GGTs from carcinomatous tissues of prostate and kidney had an increased content of bisecting GlcNAc (beta 1-->4) containing complex type sugar chains. Moreover, the reductions of the biantennary complex type sugar chain with fucose linkage and the hybrid type sugar chain were obvious in the GGT from carcinomatous tissues of the prostate and kidney.

Gamma-glutamyltransferase: nucleotide sequence of the human pancreatic cDNA. Evidence for a ubiquitous gamma-glutamyltransferase polypeptide in human tissues

gamma-Glutamyltransferase (GGT, EC 2.3.2.2) is an enzyme involved in glutathione metabolism and drug and xenobiotic detoxification. Using human hepatoma Hep G2 GGT cDNA as probe, we isolated a cDNA from a human pancreatic cDNA library. Analysis of the nucleotide sequences revealed a 2244-bp insert that includes an open reading frame of 1710 bp, encoding a protein identical to the Hep G2 and human placenta GGTs. Similarly, the 5' untranslated region, though shorter, is highly homologous to that of Hep G2 cDNA. These data suggest strongly that the same gene encodes human GGT in the placenta, Hep G2 and the pancreas. We further studied the distribution of the corresponding mRNA, called type I mRNA, in different human tissues. Using a highly sensitive method associating reverse transcription with specific amplification by polymerase chain reaction, cDNA was synthesized from total RNA isolated from the tissues and GGT specific fragments were amplified. We observed the presence of a specific cDNA fragment corresponding to the type I mRNA in the human tissues and cells tested, providing the evidence for a ubiquitous expression of this GGT mRNA in human tissues.

High-level expression of enzymatically active mature human gamma-glutamyltransferase in transgenic V79 Chinese hamster cells

gamma-Glutamyltransferase [GGT; (5-glutamyl)-peptide:amino-acid 5-glutamyltransferase, EC 2.3.2.2] is a glutathione-metabolizing enzyme, whose activity variations in serum and organs are valuable markers of preneoplastic processes, alcohol abuse, and induction by xenobiotics. To elucidate the implication of GGT in various metabolic pathways, we established a stable transgenic V79 cell line, highly producing the human GGT. A full-length cDNA, encoding the human hepatoma HepG2 GGT, was subcloned in an expression vector under the control of the simian virus 40 early promoter and was used to transfect V79 cells. We selected a cell line exhibiting a GGT activity of 2 units per mg of protein, the highest GGT expression level reported to date. As described for the human kidney and liver enzymes, the recombinant GGT purified from this cell line showed a heterodimeric structure. Its two subunits existed as sialylated and differentially glycosylated isoforms, with mean molecular masses of 80 and 29 kDa. However, catalytic features were found to be identical to those of human serum and HepG2 GGTs. The newly engineered cell line thus should be useful for the production of human GGT and as a potential alternative model for pharmacological studies.

Identification of a human gamma-glutamyl cleaving enzyme related to, but distinct from, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase

We have cloned a 2.4-kilobase cDNA from a human placental cDNA library by using a gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase [GGT; gamma-glutamyltransferase, (5-glutamyl)-peptide:amino acid 5-glutamyltransferase, EC 2.3.2.2] probe. The deduced amino acid sequence of this cDNA, GGT-rel, exhibited an overall similarity of 39.5% with human GGT. Sequences that could represent a heavy and a light chain, analogous to GGT, as well as a putative transmembrane region were identified in GGT-rel. Transfectants overexpressing GGT-rel were tested for their ability to catalyze cleavage of the gamma-glutamyl moiety from natural and synthetic substrates for GGT. Experiments with glutathione added to the medium suggested that GGT-rel could hydrolyze the gamma-glutamyl moiety. More definitive evidence was obtained in experiments in which this protein converted leukotriene C4 to leukotriene D4. However, GGT-rel did not convert synthetic substrates that are commonly used to assay GGT. Our results indicate that GGT can no longer be considered the only enzyme capable of cleaving the gamma-glutamyl linkage of leukotriene C4 and, most likely, of other natural compounds.

Expression and activity of gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase in the rat epididymis

Following Northern analysis, GGT mRNA was found predominantly within the caput epididymides and kidney. The size of mRNAs for kidney, caput, corpus, and ductus deferens were 2.2, 2.3, 2.2, and 2.3 kb, respectively, whereas cauda showed a doublet of 2.2 and 2.3 kb. GGT transpeptidation and hydrolytic activity within epididymal luminal fluids collected by micropuncture showed caput = corpus greater than cauda and corpus greater than caput greater than cauda, respectively. Caput luminal GGT transpeptidation activity was significantly inhibited by serine-borate and was optimal at pH 8.0. The calculated Km and Vmax values for hydrolysis of GSH by caput luminal GGT were 0.06 microM and 2.19 nmoles/min/microliters luminal fluid at pH 8.5 compared to 0.49 microM and 0.49 nmoles/min/microliters luminal fluid, respectively, at the physiological pH 6.5 of caput fluid. These studies would suggest that the epididymis can control the activity of luminal GGT by pH. Lower Km (0.12 microM) and higher Vmax (1.13 nmoles/min/microliters luminal fluid) values were also calculated when GSSG was used compared to GSH. Results from Triton X-114 partitioning experiments suggest that luminal GGT probably exists in both membrane bound and nonmembrane bound forms. Western blot analysis of proteins within epididymal luminal fluids revealed both subunits of GGT in all epididymal regions studied. However, two lower molecular bands, approximately 22 kDa and 21 kDa, were also observed in cauda fluid. It is suggested that as GGT is transported along the epididymal duct it undergoes degradation, which accounts for its loss of activity in the distal epididymal regions.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)