New investigations of the structure of grape arabinogalactan-protein

Applications of the Yariv reagent in polysaccharide analysis and plant physiology from theory to practice

Arabinogalactan (AG), a biologically active substance found abundantly in plants, is of significant interest in plant physiology due to its unique physicochemical properties. Yariv reagent, widely utilized in AG-II related applications, forms insoluble precipitates when bound to AG-II. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the synthesis methods, physicochemical properties, and various dissociation methods of the Yariv reagent to enhance its utility in AG-II studies. Furthermore, the review explores the binding mechanisms and applications of the Yariv reagent, highlighting the advancements in studying the Yariv-AG complex in plant physiology. The aim of this review is to inspire new research ideas and foster novel applications of the Yariv reagent from synthesis to implementation.

Quantitative Data-Independent Acquisition Glycoproteomics of Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine is an alcoholic beverage enjoyed around the world. The sensory properties of sparkling wine depend on a complex interplay between the chemical and biochemical components in the final product. Glycoproteins have been linked to positive and negative qualities in sparkling wine, but the glycosylation profiles of sparkling wine have not been previously investigated in detail. We analyzed the glycoproteome of sparkling wines using protein- and glycopeptide-centric approaches. We developed an automated workflow that created ion libraries to analyze sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry data based on glycopeptides identified by Byonic (Protein Metrics; version 2.13.17). We applied our workflow to three pairs of experimental sparkling wines to assess the effects of aging on lees and of different yeast strains used in the liqueur de tirage for secondary fermentation. We found that aging a cuvée on lees for 24 months compared with 8 months led to a dramatic decrease in overall protein abundance and an enrichment in large glycans at specific sites in some proteins. Secondary fermentation of a Riesling wine with Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast strain Siha4 produced more yeast proteins and glycoproteins than with S. cerevisiae yeast strain DV10. The abundance and glycosylation profiles of grape glycoproteins were also different between grape varieties. To our knowledge, this work represents the first in-depth study into protein- and peptide-specific glycosylation in sparkling wines and describes a quantitative glycoproteomic sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra/data-independent acquisition workflow that is broadly applicable to other sample types.

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Development of an automated glycoproteomic sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra workflow.

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Application to three pairs of commercial-scale experimental sparkling wines.

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Decreased protein abundance in cuvée during the aging process.

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Different yeast strains produce varying levels of yeast proteins.

Arabinogalactan in banana: Chemical characterization and pharmaceutical effects

It is generally recognized that banana has diverse health benefits. However, most of the molecules responsible for the health benefits remain unknown. In this work, an important polysaccharide was extracted from banana and purified. The molecular weight was determined to be 526.2 kDa. It was identified by chemical and spectroscopic methods as arabinogalactan with β-D-(1→6)-galactan as backbone. This arabinogalactan was comprised of three monosaccharides, including Ara, Gal and GlcA with a relatively molar ratio of 5.8: 5.9: 1.0. The side chains were identified to be α-L-Araf-(1→, β-D-GlcpA-(1→, α-L-Araf-(1→5)-α-L-Araf-(1→ and α-D-Galp-(1→3)-α-L-Araf-(1→. They were linked to β-D-(1→6)-galactan at O-3, respectively. The putative structure was drawn as below. This arabinogalactan could induce NO production. It could also inhibit ROS production with a dose-dependent behaviour.

Degradation of plant arabinogalactan proteins by intestinal bacteria: characteristics and functions of the enzymes involved

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are complex plant proteoglycans that function as dietary fiber utilized by human intestinal bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides species. However, the degradative mechanism is unknown because of the complexity of sugar chains of AGPs as well as variation among plant species and organs. Recently, AGP degradative enzymes have been characterized in Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides species. In this review, we summarize the characteristics and functions of AGP degradative enzymes in human intestinal bacteria.

Degradative enzymes for type II arabinogalactan side chains in Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum

Type II arabinogalactan (AG) is a soluble prebiotic fiber stimulating the proliferation of bifidobacteria in the human gut. Larch AG, which is comprised of type II AG, is known to be utilized as an energy source for Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum (B. longum). We have previously characterized GH43_24 exo-β-1,3-galactanase (Bl1,3Gal) for the degradation of type II AG main chains in B. longum JCM1217. In this study, we characterized GH30_5 exo-β-1,6-galactobiohydrolase (Bl1,6Gal) and GH43_22 α-L-arabinofuranosidase (BlArafA), which are degradative enzymes for type II AG side chains in cooperation with exo-β-1,3-galactanase. The recombinant exo-β-1,6-galactobiohydrolase specifically released β-1,6-galactobiose (β-1,6-Gal₂) from the nonreducing terminal of β-1,6-galactooligosaccharides, and the recombinant α-L-arabinofuranosidase released arabinofuranose (Araf) from α-1,3-Araf-substituted β-1,6-galactooligosaccharides. β-1,6-Gal₂ was additively released from larch AG by the combined use of type II AG degradative enzymes, including Bl1,3Gal, Bl1,6Gal, and BlArafA. The gene cluster encoding the type II AG degradative enzymes is conserved in all B. longum strains, but not in other bifidobacterial species. The degradative enzymes for type II AG side chains are thought to be important for the acquisition of type II AG in B. longum.

Pectic-β(1,4)-galactan, extensin and arabinogalactan-protein epitopes differentiate ripening stages in wine and table grape cell walls

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cell wall changes in ripening grapes (Vitis vinifera) have been shown to involve re-modelling of pectin, xyloglucan and cellulose networks. Newer experimental techniques, such as molecular probes specific for cell wall epitopes, have yet to be extensively used in grape studies. Limited general information is available on the cell wall properties that contribute to texture differences between wine and table grapes. This study evaluates whether profiling tools can detect cell wall changes in ripening grapes from commercial vineyards.

METHODS

Standard sugar analysis and infra-red spectroscopy were used to examine the ripening stages (green, véraison and ripe) in grapes collected from Cabernet Sauvignon and Crimson Seedless vineyards. Comprehensive microarray polymer profiling (CoMPP) analysis was performed on cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid (CDTA) and NaOH extracts of alcohol-insoluble residue sourced from each stage using sets of cell wall probes (mAbs and CBMs), and the datasets were analysed using multivariate software.

KEY RESULTS

The datasets obtained confirmed previous studies on cell wall changes known to occur during grape ripening. Probes for homogalacturonan (e.g. LM19) were enriched in the CDTA fractions of Crimson Seedless relative to Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Probes for pectic-β-(1,4)-galactan (mAb LM5), extensin (mAb LM1) and arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs, mAb LM2) were strongly correlated with ripening. From green stage to véraison, a progressive reduction in pectic-β-(1,4)-galactan epitopes, present in both pectin-rich (CDTA) and hemicellulose-rich (NaOH) polymers, was observed. Ripening changes in AGP and extensin epitope abundance also were found during and after véraison.

CONCLUSIONS

Combinations of cell wall probes are able to define distinct ripening phases in grapes. Pectic-β-(1,4)-galactan epitopes decreased in abundance from green stage to véraison berries. From véraison there was an increase in abundance of significant extensin and AGP epitopes, which correlates with cell expansion events. This study provides new ripening biomarkers and changes that can be placed in the context of grape berry development.

Back to the future with the AGP-Ca2+ flux capacitor

BACKGROUND

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are ubiquitous in green plants. AGPs comprise a widely varied group of hydroxyproline (Hyp)-rich cell surface glycoproteins (HRGPs). However, the more narrowly defined classical AGPs massively predominate and cover the plasma membrane. Extensive glycosylation by pendant polysaccharides O-linked to numerous Hyp residues like beads of a necklace creates a unique ionic compartment essential to a wide range of physiological processes including germination, cell extension and fertilization. The vital clue to a precise molecular function remained elusive until the recent isolation of small Hyp-arabinogalactan polysaccharide subunits; their structural elucidation by nuclear magentic resonance imaging, molecular simulations and direct experiment identified a 15-residue consensus subunit as a β-1,3-linked galactose trisaccharide with two short branched sidechains each with a single glucuronic acid residue that binds Ca(2+) when paired with its adjacent sidechain.

SCOPE

AGPs bind Ca(2+) (Kd ∼ 6 μm) at the plasma membrane (PM) at pH ∼5·5 but release it when auxin-dependent PM H(+)-ATPase generates a low periplasmic pH that dissociates AGP-Ca(2+) carboxylates (pka ∼3); the consequential large increase in free Ca(2+) drives entry into the cytosol via Ca(2+) channels that may be voltage gated. AGPs are thus arguably the primary source of cytosolic oscillatory Ca(2+) waves. This differs markedly from animals, in which cytosolic Ca(2+) originates mostly from internal stores such as the sarcoplasmic reticulum. In contrast, we propose that external dynamic Ca(2+) storage by a periplasmic AGP capacitor co-ordinates plant growth, typically involving exocytosis of AGPs and recycled Ca(2+), hence an AGP-Ca(2+) oscillator.

CONCLUSIONS

The novel concept of dynamic Ca(2+) recycling by an AGP-Ca(2+) oscillator solves the long-standing problem of a molecular-level function for classical AGPs and thus integrates three fields: AGPs, Ca(2+) signalling and auxin. This accounts for the involvement of AGPs in plant morphogenesis, including tropic and nastic movements.

β-galactosyl Yariv reagent binds to the β-1,3-galactan of arabinogalactan proteins

Yariv phenylglycosides [1,3,5-tri(p-glycosyloxyphenylazo)-2,4,6-trihydroxybenzene] are a group of chemical compounds that selectively bind to arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs), a type of plant proteoglycan. Yariv phenylglycosides are widely used as cytochemical reagents to perturb the molecular functions of AGPs as well as for the detection, quantification, purification, and staining of AGPs. However, the target structure in AGPs to which Yariv phenylglycosides bind has not been determined. Here, we identify the structural element of AGPs required for the interaction with Yariv phenylglycosides by stepwise trimming of the arabinogalactan moieties using combinations of specific glycoside hydrolases. Whereas the precipitation with Yariv phenylglycosides (Yariv reactivity) of radish (Raphanus sativus) root AGP was not reduced after enzyme treatment to remove α-l-arabinofuranosyl and β-glucuronosyl residues and β-1,6-galactan side chains, it was completely lost after degradation of the β-1,3-galactan main chains. In addition, Yariv reactivity of gum arabic, a commercial product of acacia (Acacia senegal) AGPs, increased rather than decreased during the repeated degradation of β-1,6-galactan side chains by Smith degradation. Among various oligosaccharides corresponding to partial structures of AGPs, β-1,3-galactooligosaccharides longer than β-1,3-galactoheptaose exhibited significant precipitation with Yariv in a radial diffusion assay on agar. A pull-down assay using oligosaccharides cross linked to hydrazine beads detected an interaction of β-1,3-galactooligosaccharides longer than β-1,3-galactopentaose with Yariv phenylglycoside. To the contrary, no interaction with Yariv was detected for β-1,6-galactooligosaccharides of any length. Therefore, we conclude that Yariv phenylglycosides should be considered specific binding reagents for β-1,3-galactan chains longer than five residues, and seven residues are sufficient for cross linking, leading to precipitation of the Yariv phenylglycosides.

An exo-β-(1→3)-D-galactanase from Streptomyces sp. provides insights into type II arabinogalactan structure

An exo-β-(1→3)-D-galactanase (SGalase1) that specifically cleaves the β-(1→3)-D-galactan backbone of arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) was isolated from culture filtrates of a soil Streptomyces sp. Internal peptide sequence information was used to clone and recombinantly express the gene in E. coli. The molecular mass of the isolated enzyme was ~45 kDa, similar to the 48.2 kDa mass predicted from the amino acid sequence. The pI, pH and temperature optima for the enzyme were ~7.45, 3.8 and 48 °C, respectively. The native and recombinant enzymes specifically hydrolysed β-(1→3)-D-galacto-oligo- or poly-saccharides from the upstream (non-reducing) end, typical of an exo-acting enzyme. A second homologous Streptomyces gene (SGalase2) was also cloned and expressed. SGalase2 was similar in size (47.9 kDa) and enzyme activity to SGalase1 but differed in its pH optimum (pH 5). Both SGalase1 and SGalase2 are predicted to belong to the CAZy glycosyl hydrolase family GH 43 based on activity, sequence homology and phylogenetic analysis. The K(m) and V(max) of the native exo-β-(1→3)-D-galactanase for de-arabinosylated gum arabic (dGA) were 19 mg/ml and 9.7 μmol D-Gal/min/mg protein, respectively. The activity of these enzymes is well suited for the study of type II galactan structures and provides an important tool for the investigation of the biological role of AGPs in plants. De-arabinosylated gum arabic (dGA) was used as a model to investigate the use of these enzymes in defining type II galactan structure. Exhaustive hydrolysis of dGA resulted in a limited number of oligosaccharide products with a trisaccharide of Gal(2)GlcA(1) predominating.

Structure analysis of an acidic polysaccharide isolated from green tea

An acidic polysaccharide (ATPS-2) was isolated and purified from coarse green tea. ATPS-2 with peak molecular weight of 4430 Da was composed of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose and galacturonic acid. Structure features of the purified ATPS-2 were investigated by a combination of chemical and instrumental analysis, such as periodate oxidation, Smith degradation, (1)H NMR, (13)C NMR, COSY, HSQC, HMBC and ROESY spectrum. It was found that ATPS-2 was a pectic polysaccharide. The backbone proved to consist of the smooth region of alpha-1,4-D-galactopyranosyluronan blocks interconnected by 1,2-linked rhamnose residues involved in the linear sugar chain. The ramified hairy regions were shown to contain the following of the backbone: -->4)-alpha-D-GalpA-(1 --> 2)-alpha-L-Rhap-(1 --> 4)alpha-D-GalpA-(1--> and the side chains attached to the residues of rhamnopyranose of these fragments. The backbone galacturonic acid residues of ATPS-2 were partially O-methyl esterified and acetylated. The side chains contain linear and branched alpha-L-Araf and beta-D-Galp residues.

Release of macromolecules by Saccharomyces cerevisiae during ageing of French flor sherry wine “Vin jaune”

The French flor sherry wine "Vin jaune" spends 6 years and 3 months in the same barrel under a yeast velum. Because of temperature variations in the cellars, this velum sinks partially into the wine and a deposit of dead yeasts cells accumulates in the bottom of the barrels, favouring the formation of new velum. Growth and autolysis occur simultaneously. This study investigated the evolution of macromolecules released by yeasts during the ageing of "Vin jaune" in a model system closely simulating winemaking. It was observed that the release of macromolecules during the formation of the velums by living yeasts was low but greatly increased when the velums fell and yeast viability decreased. The release of macromolecules was then due to the autolysis of dead cells. Analysis of macromolecules during ageing revealed that they contained 73.3-78.5% neutral sugars and 6-7% proteins according to the ageing stage. Their amino acid composition did not change during ageing. A high content of serine and threonine commonly involved in O-glycosidic linkages present in yeast mannoproteins was observed. Throughout ageing, the mannose and glucose contents of macromolecules increased but the ratio of polymeric mannose to glucose decreased. Size exclusion chromatography showed that mannoproteins released in wine were partially hydrolysed by yeast beta-1,3-glucanases freed in wine.

Heterogeneity in the fine structure of alkali-extractable arabinoxylans isolated from two rye flours with high and low breadmaking quality and their coexistence with other cell wall components

The alkali extractable (AE) arabinoxylans from two rye flours differing in baking quality were studied following sequential extraction of water-unextractable and starch-free rye flour residue with saturated barium hydroxide solution, water and 1 M sodium hydroxide solution (Ba, BaH, and Na, respectively), and further fractionation of isolated fractions by ammonium sulfate precipitation. (1)H NMR and sugar analyses of AE subfractions provided evidence for the presence of lowly branched arabinoxylans (average arabinose-to-xylose ratio, Ara/Xyl approximately 0.5), containing mainly un- and monosubstituted xylopyranosyl residues (Xylp) in the chain. The proportion of this subfraction decreased from 50% in the Ba fraction to 35 and 17% in the Na and BaH fractions, respectively. Other subfractions, rich in both mono- and disubstituted Xylp, represented arabinoxylan populations with intermediate (Ara/Xyl approximately 0.8) and high substitution degree (Ara/Xyl approximately 1.1). The Ba and Na fractions contained phenolic compounds, whereas they were absent in the BaH fraction. The higher ratio of such phenolic compounds to arabinose (PhC/Ara) found in AE arabinoxylans from rye flour of inferior baking quality was one of the most pronounced differences between arabinoxylan populations from rye flours with high and low baking quality. The arabinoxylans from rye flour of high baking quality present in Ba and Na fractions had slightly higher apparent molecular weights (MWs) when compared to those from rye flour with low baking quality. The arabinoxylans present in the BaH fractions, characterized by the highest MWs, had similar MWs.

Structure of a hydroxyproline (Hyp)-arabinogalactan polysaccharide from repetitive Ala-Hyp expressed in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum

A synthetic gene encoding the fusion protein (Ala-Hyp)(51)-enhanced green fluorescent protein expressed in Nicotiana tabacum cells produced a fusion glycoprotein with all proline residues hydroxylated and substituted with an arabinogalactan polysaccharide. Alkaline hydrolysis of the fusion glycoprotein yielded a population of hydroxyproline (Hyp)-arabinogalactan polysaccharides ranging in size from 13 to 26 saccharide residues/Hyp, with a median size of 15-17 residues. We isolated a 15-residue Hyp-arabinogalactan for structure determination by sugar analyses and one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance techniques that provided the assignment of proton and carbon signals of a small polysaccharide O-linked to the hydroxyl group of Hyp. The polysaccharide consisted of a 1,3-linked beta-D-Galp backbone with a single 1,6-linked beta-D-Galp "kink." The backbone had two side chains of Galp substituted at position 3 with an arabinose di- or trisaccharide and at position 6 with glucuronic acid or rhamnosyl glucuronic acid. Energy-minimized space-filling molecular models showed hydrogen bonding within polysaccharides attached to repetitive Ala-Hyp and also between polysaccharides and the peptide backbone. Polysaccharides distorted the peptide Ramachandran angles consistent with the circular dichroic spectra of isolated (Ala-Hyp)(51) and its reversion to a polyproline II-like helix after deglycosylation. This first complete structure of a Hyp-arabinogalactan polysaccharide shows that computer-based molecular modeling of Hyp-rich glycoproteins is now feasible and supports the suggestion that small repetitive subunits comprise larger arabinogalactan polysaccharides.

Arabinan–cellulose composite in Opuntia ficus-indica prickly pear spines

The ultrastructure of the spines decorating the cladodes of the cactus Opuntia ficus-indica was investigated by optical microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, wide angle X-ray, and solid state 13C NMR analyses. Each spine consisted of a compact parallel arrangement of slender cellulosic fibers (0.4 mm in length and 6-10 microm in diameter) with small lumens. The fibers were disencrusted by alkali and sodium chlorite bleaching, yielding a remarkable arabinan-cellulose (1:1) product. X-ray fiber diagrams of the spines before and after purification confirmed the presence of crystalline cellulose domains with molecular axis parallel to the spine axis. CP-MAS 13C T1 NMR data showed a strong interaction at a nanometric level of a fraction of the arabinan and the cellulose crystalline domains. By sequential hydrothermal extractions, followed by a trifluoroacetic acid treatment, a relatively pure cellulose was isolated while the extracted fibers became fibrillated into slender microfibrils having no more than 4-6 nm diameter. The hydrothermal extract yielded the alpha-L-arabinofuranan consisting of a chain of (1-->5)-linked L-arabinosyl residues with branching either at C-2 or C-3 or at both C-2 and C-3. Taken together, these observations suggest that the bulk of the spine fibers consists of an intimate composite of cellulose microfibrils embedded in an arabinan matrix.

NMR structural determination of dissolved O-acetylated galactoglucomannan isolated from spruce thermomechanical pulp

Water-soluble O-acetylated galactoglucomannan (GGM) isolated from spruce thermomechanical pulp (TMP) by hot-water extraction was characterized by 1D and 2D (homo- and heteronuclear) NMR analysis. The backbone was found to consist of (1-->4)-linked mannopyranosyl and glucopyranosyl units in a ratio of 10:1.9-2.6. The mannopyranosyl units were acetylated at C-2 and C-3 with a degree of acetylation around 0.28-0.37 as determined by NMR. A slightly larger amount of 2-O-acetylated mannopyranosyl was detected when compared to the 3-O-acetylated component. Approximately every 10th mannopyranosyl unit was substituted at C-6 by a single alpha-galactopyranosyl unit. Fine structure determination based on sequence-specific chemical shift variations showed that the distribution of glycosyl residues is random. Small amounts of other minor polysaccharide species including xylans and galactans could also be identified by NMR.

Substrate specificity of the alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase from Rhizomucor pusillus HHT-1

The alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase (AF) from the fungus Rhizomucor pusillus HHT-1 released arabinose at appreciable rates from (1-->5)-alpha-L-arabinofuranooligosaccharides, sugar beet arabinan and debranched arabinan. This enzyme preferentially hydrolyzed the terminal arabinofuranosyl residue [alpha-(1-->5)-linked] of the arabinan backbone rather than the arabinosyl side chain [alpha-(1-->3)-linked residues]. The enzyme-hydrolyzed arabinan reacted at and debranched the arabinan almost at the same rate, and the degree of conversion for both cases was 65%. Methylation analysis of arabinan showed that the arabinosyl-linkage proportions were 2:2:2:1, respectively, for (1-->5)-Araf, T-Araf, (1-->3, 5)-Araf and (1-->3)-Araf, while the ratios for the AF-digested arabinan shifted to 3:1:2:1. Enzyme digestion resulted in an increase in the proportion of (1-->5)-linked arabinose and a decrease in the proportion of terminal arabinose indicated this AF cleaved the terminal arabinosyl residue of the arabinan back bone [alpha-(1-->5)-linked residues]. Peak assignments in the 13C NMR spectra also confirmed this linkage composition of four kinds of arabinose residues. Both 1H and 13C NMR spectra are dominated by signals of the alpha-anomeric configuration of the arabinofuranosyl moieties. No signals were recorded for arabinopyranosyl moieties in the NMR spectra. Methylation and NMR analysis of native and AF-digested arabinan revealed that this alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase can only hydrolyse alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl residues of arabinan.

Immunodetection of proteins from grapes and yeast in a white wine

The objective of this study was to analyze the origin of proteins of a Chardonnay wine. Three various polyclonal antibodies raised against must, yeast, and bacteria proteins were produced. For microorganisms, only the secreted macromolecules were used. To this end, yeast and bacteria were cultured in a model medium under conditions close to those of winemaking. Results obtained using these specific antibodies indicate that most of the wine proteins came from grapes and many of them were glycoproteins. Some proteins of this Chardonnay wine came from the yeast; they were released during the alcoholic fermentation and consisted of high molecular weight mannoproteins. In contrast, no bacteria proteins were detected in this Chardonnay wine.

Purification and characterization of an endo-beta-(1-->6)-galactanase from Trichoderma viride

An endo-beta-(1-->6)-galactanase from Onozuka R-10, a commercial cellulase preparation from Trichoderma viride, was purified 57-fold. Apparent Mr values of the purified enzyme, estimated by denaturing gel electrophoresis and gel filtration, were 47,000 and 17,000, respectively. The enzyme was assayed with a galactan from Prototheca zopfii, which has a high proportion of beta-(1-->6)-linked galactosyl residues. It exhibited maximal activity toward the galactan at pH 4.3. The enzyme hydrolyzed specifically beta-(1-->6)-galactooligosaccharides with a degree of polymerization higher than 3 and their acidic derivatives with 4-O-methyl-glucosyluronic or glucosyluronic groups at the nonreducing terminals. The methyl beta-glycoside of beta-(1-->6)-galactohexaose was degraded to reducing galactooligomers with a degree of polymerization 2-5 as the products at the initial stage of hydrolysis, and galactose and galactobiose at the final stage, indicating that the enzyme can be classified as an endo-galactanase. The extent of hydrolysis of the carbohydrate portion of a radish root arabinogalactan-protein (AGP) increased when alpha-L-arabinofuranosyl residues attached to beta-(1-->6)-linked galactosyl side chains of the AGP were removed in advance. The enzyme released galactose, beta-(1-->6)-galactobiose, and 4-O-methyl-beta-glucuronosyl-(1-->6)-galactose as major hydrolysis products when allowed to act exhaustively on the modified AGP.

A hemicellulose B fraction from grape skin (Vitis vinifera, Palomino variety)

The structure of a hemicellulose B fraction (B-1) isolated from grape skins (Vitis vinifera) of the Palomino variety has been studied by methylation analysis, (1)H NMR and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, and partial acid hydrolysis. Hemicellulose B-1 appeared to be homogeneous by gel filtration with a weight-average molecular weight of 22 600. This polysaccharide is a linear xyloglucan chain composed of xylopyranosyl and glucopyranosyl residues linked by beta-(1-->4) glycosidic bonds. Attached to this backbone, 4-O-methyl-D-glucuronopyranosyl acid, D-glucopyranosyl, and L-fucopyranosyl residues occur at position 2 in a ratio of one residue for every five units of xylose in the main chain, with D-xylopyranosyl residues attached at position 6 of glucose units in a ratio of one residue for every two glucose-derived moieties in the main chain.

Structural features of arabinogalactan-proteins from the fruit of Lycium chinense Mill

In addition to the other arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) (Cp-1-C and -D) already reported, two kinds of AGP (Cp-2-B and Hp-2-C) were obtained from the fruit of Lycium chinense Mill. The ratio of arabinose to galactose was approximately 1:1 in both samples, and the carbohydrate was linked O-glycosidically to serine in Cp-2-B, and to both serine and threonine residues of the protein in Hp-2-C. The weight-average molecular weight was 71,000 for Cp-2-B and 120,000 for Hp-2-C. Both samples also contained non-reducing terminal 3-O- and 4-O-substituted galacturonic acids. The ratio of 6-O-substituted galactose (linear part) and 3,6-di-O-substituted galactose (branching point) was almost unity in both samples, being obviously different from the case of Cp-1-C (predominant in the branching domain) and Cp-1-D (predominant in the linear domain). These results offer fresh insight into the grouping of the AGPs, based on the ratio of 6-O- and 3,6-di-O-substituted galactosyl residues.

Structural elucidation of a new arabinogalactan from the leaves of Nerium indicum

A polysaccharide fraction, NIB-2, was obtained from the 3% aqueous sodium carbonate extract of Nerium indicum leaves using anion-exchange chromatography and gel-permeation chromatography. It was found to be composed of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, in the ratios of 1.0:10.4:4.4, along with 4% of galacturonic acid. The results of methylation analysis, periodate oxidation, partial acid hydrolysis, pectinase treatment, and 13C and 1H NMR spectroscopy indicate that it is mainly an arabinogalactan having a backbone of 1,6-linked beta-Galp, with branches at O-3, consisting of terminal, 1,5-, and 1,3,5-linked arabinofuranosyl residues, and a small proportion of galactosyl residues at the termini. Rhamnose and galacturonic acid arose from a contaminating rhamnogalacturonan.

Contiguous hydroxyproline residues direct hydroxyproline arabinosylation in Nicotiana tabacum

Hydroxyproline (Hyp) O-glycosylation characterizes the hydroxyproline-rich glycoprotein (HRGP) superfamily of the plant extracellular matrix. Hyp glycosylation occurs in two modes: Arabinosylation adds short oligoarabinosides (Hyp-arabinosides) while galactosylation leads to the addition of larger arabinogalactan polysaccharides (Hyp-polysaccharides). We hypothesize that sequence-dependent glycosylation of small peptide motifs results in glycomodules. These small functional units in combination with other repetitive peptide modules define the properties of HRGPs. The Hyp contiguity hypothesis predicts arabinosylation of contiguous Hyp residues and galactosylation of clustered noncontiguous Hyp residues. To determine the minimum level of Hyp contiguity that directs arabinosylation, we designed a series of synthetic genes encoding repetitive (Ser-Pro(2))(n), (Ser-Pro(3))(n), and (Ser-Pro(4))(n). A signal sequence targeted these endogenous substrates to the endoplasmic reticulum/Golgi for post-translational proline hydroxylation and glycosylation in transformed Nicotiana tabacum cells. The fusion glycoproteins also contained green fluorescence protein, facilitating their detection and isolation. The (Ser-Pro(2))(n) and (Ser-Hyp(4))(n) fusion glycoproteins yielded Hyp-arabinosides but no Hyp-polysaccharide. The motif (Ser-Pro(3))(n) was incompletely hydroxylated, yielding mixed contiguous/noncontiguous Hyp and a corresponding mixture of Hyp-arabinosides and Hyp-polysaccharides. These results plus circular dichroic spectra of the glycosylated and deglycosylated (Ser-Pro(2))(n), (Ser-Pro(3))(n), and (Ser-Pro(4))(n) modules corroborate the Hyp contiguity hypothesis and indicate that Hyp O-glycosylation is indeed sequence-driven.

N-acetylglucosamine and glucosamine-containing arabinogalactan proteins control somatic embryogenesis

In plants, complete embryos can develop not only from the zygote, but also from somatic cells in tissue culture. How somatic cells undergo the change in fate to become embryogenic is largely unknown. Proteins, secreted into the culture medium such as endochitinases and arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are required for somatic embryogenesis. Here we show that carrot (Daucus carota) AGPs can contain glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosaminyl and are sensitive to endochitinase cleavage. To determine the relevance of this observation for embryogenesis, an assay was developed based on the enzymatic removal of the cell wall from cultured cells. The resulting protoplasts had a reduced capacity for somatic embryogenesis, which could be partially restored by adding endochitinases to the protoplasts. AGPs from culture medium or from immature seeds could fully restore or even increase embryogenesis. AGPs pretreated with chitinases were more active than untreated molecules and required an intact carbohydrate constituent for activity. AGPs were only capable of promoting embryogenesis from protoplasts in a short period preceding cell wall reformation. Apart from the increase in embryogenesis, AGPs can reinitiate cell division in a subpopulation of otherwise non-dividing protoplasts. These results show that chitinase-modified AGPs are extracellular matrix molecules able to control or maintain plant cell fate.

Characterization of an arabinogalactan-protein isolated from pressed juice of Echinacea purpurea by precipitation with the beta-glucosyl Yariv reagent

An arabinogalactan-protein (AGP) from pressed juice of Echinacea purpurea herb was isolated from a high molecular weight fraction by precipitation with the beta-glucosyl Yariv reagent, followed by gel-permeation chromatography. It revealed characteristic features of other AGPs: i.e., a high amount of polysaccharide (83%) with a ratio of galactose to arabinose of 1.8:1, some uronic acids (4-5%), and a low protein content (7%) with high levels of serine, alanine and hydroxyproline. The molecular weight was estimated to be 1.2 x 10(6) Da. Linkage and 13C NMR analyses showed that the AGP is composed of a highly branched core polysaccharide of 3-, 6-, and 3,6-linked Galp residues with terminal Araf, GlcAp and terminal units of Araf-(1-->5)-Araf-(1-->. Partial acid hydrolysis resulted in loss of Araf residues at the periphery of the molecule. Complete loss of reactivity toward the beta-glucosyl Yariv antigen was then noticed.

Production of substrate for galactose oxidase by depolymerization of an arabinogalactan-peptide from wheat flour

Water extractable arabinogalactan-peptide (WE-AGP) isolated from white wheat flour was depolymerized enzymatically to liberate substrate for a galactose oxidase from Dactylium dendroides. A crude liquid pectolytic preparation from Aspergillus niger (p70) displayed activities capable of converting WE-AGP into a substrate for galactose oxidase. The most favorable substrate was observed when WE-AGP was not fully depolymerized into galactose and arabinose. alpha-L-Arabinofuranosidase B from A. niger was also able to produce substrate from WE-AGP; arabinofuranosidase-treated WE-AGP was a better substrate for galactose oxidase than galactose. Treatment by the crude p70 and purified enzymes showed that alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase was partly responsible for the production of substrate, whereas beta-galactosidase did not result in any substrate production or improve the effect of alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase. However, the positive effect of alpha-L-arabinofuranosidase was increased when p70 was added at the same level of arabinofuranosidase activity, suggesting that additional enzyme activities present in p70 were responsible for production of substrate for galactose oxidase.

Structure of a hemicellulose B fraction in dietary fiber from the seed of grape variety Palomino (Vitis vinifera cv. palomino)

The structure of one of the hemicellulose B fractions (HB-1) extracted from the seeds of the grape variety Palomino (Vitis vinifera cv. Palomino) has been studied by means of methylation analysis, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and partial acid hydrolysis. This hemicellulose seems to be a homogeneous polysaccharide with an apparent molecular weight of 35 000. Its structure is that of an acidic arabinoxylan, a linear chain of beta-D-xylopyranosyl units, bonded together by (1-->4) glycosidic links, containing a single L-arabinofuranosyl, alpha-D-xylopyranosyl and 4-O-methyl-alpha-D-glucopyranuronosyl residues joined by glycosidic links to position 2 of the xylose units of the main chain, in proportions of one branch to every seven units of xylose.

Proteoglycans and related components in plant cells

After the context is set by a brief description of the plant cell surface, emphasis is placed on one class of cell surface components, the arabinogalactan proteins. An expansion of knowledge regarding the structure, expression, and function of these proteoglycans has been initiated and is being sustained through new experimental approaches, including the development of monoclonal antibody probes and the cloning of cDNAs corresponding to core polypeptides. An examination of the structure of both the polypeptide and carbohydrate components of arabinogalactan proteins is presented with emphasis placed on recently deduced core polypeptide sequences. Information about the biosynthesis and turnover of arabinogalactan proteins is incomplete, especially with regard to the carbohydrate component. Although functions of arabinogalactan proteins have not been clearly identified, regulated expression and several other lines of evidence point to involvement in plant reproductive development, pattern formation, and somatic embryogenesis, as well as in the underlying processes of cell division, cell expansion, and cell death. Arabinogalactan proteins are compared with animal proteoglycans and mucins, and the results of searches for plant analogues of other animal extracellular matrix components are examined.

Structural analysis of the carbohydrate moiety of arabinogalactan-proteins from stigmas and styles of Nicotiana alata

Arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs) from the female reproductive tissues (stigmas and styles) of Nicotiana alata were isolated from the saturated ammonium sulfate supernatant of buffer-soluble extracts by precipitation with the beta-glucosyl Yariv reagent, followed by gel-filtration chromatography under dissociating conditions. The AGPs had characteristics typical of other AGPs: a high proportion of carbohydrate (95%) with a high ratio of Gal p to Ara f (2:1), and a low protein content (5%) with high levels of alanine, serine, and hydroxyproline. The AGPs consisted of a major species which was almost neutral, and a minor species which was more negatively charged. Sedimentation equilibrium experiments showed that the purified AGPs had a weight-average molecular weight of 143 kD. Linkage analysis showed that the AGPs contained a highly branched backbone of 3-, 6-, and 3,6-linked Gal p residues, bearing terminal Gal p and terminal Ara f residues. Analysis by one-dimensional and two-dimensional 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of these glycosyl linkage types, and showed a high mobility of the terminal Ara f residues consistent with their location on the periphery of the molecules. This analysis represents the most complete 1H assignment for AGP molecules in solution. No difference in the carbohydrate analyses was found between AGPs isolated separately from stigmatic or stylar tissue, or between AGPs isolated from stigmas and styles of plants of different self-incompatibility genotypes.

Characterization of five type II arabinogalactan-protein fractions from red wine of increasing uronic acid content

Five arabinogalactan-protein conjugates (AGP) were separated from red wine by two successive anion-exchange chromatography steps and further purified to apparent homogeneity by affinity and size-exclusion chromatography. Together they represent more than 40% of total wine polysaccharides, confirming the abundance of AGPs in red wine. The five purified fractions had a common arabinogalactan core with characteristics typical of wine type II AGPs, but differed mainly in their uronic acid content, as evidenced by differences in the strength of their binding to the anion-exchanger. Their uronic acid content and glycosidic linkage composition revealed that the three less acidic AGPs contained from 3 to 7% glucuronic acid, half in terminal non-reducing positions and half in terminal Rhap-(1-->4)-Glc pA-(1-->sequences. The two more acidic AGP-containing fractions contained both glucuronic (6.1 and 13.3%, respectively) and galacturonic (1.9 and 2.3%, respectively) acid in association with 2- and 2,4-linked rhamnose, indicating the presence of AG-rhamnogalacturonan fragments.

Purification and properties of an exo-(1-->3)-beta-D-galactanase from Aspergillus niger

An exo-(1-->3)-beta-D-galactanase was purified by six chromatographic steps from a culture supernatant of Aspergillus niger. Its apparent molecular mass was 66 kDa, as estimated by SDS-PAGE analysis. The purified enzyme had no detectable activity on various p-nitrophenyl glycosides and on native plant polysaccharides but exhibited a high activity on a (1-->3)-beta-D-linked galactan backbone obtained after partial acid hydrolysis and two Smith degradations of gum arabic. The optimum conditions were pH 4.5 and 40-50 degrees C. The enzyme had a Michaelis constant (Km) of 1.9 mg/mL for the beta-(1-->3)-D-galactan with a maximum reaction velocity (Vmax) of 1380 nkat/mg. The study of the reaction products obtained after enzyme treatment of two galactans derived from gum arabic through one or two Smith degradations showed that it was an exo-(1-->3)-beta-D-galactanase able to by-pass the branching points of galactan backbones and thus to release the side-chains of type II arabinogalactans in an undegraded form.