High-resolution polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of fluorophore-labeled reducing saccharides

Arylsulfatase K inactivation causes mucopolysaccharidosis due to deficient glucuronate desulfation of heparan and chondroitin sulfate

Mucopolysaccharidoses comprise a group of rare metabolic diseases, in which the lysosomal degradation of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) is impaired due to genetically inherited defects of lysosomal enzymes involved in GAG catabolism. The resulting intralysosomal accumulation of GAG-derived metabolites consequently manifests in neurological symptoms and also peripheral abnormalities in various tissues like liver, kidney, spleen and bone. As each GAG consists of differently sulfated disaccharide units, it needs a specific, but also partly overlapping set of lysosomal enzymes to accomplish their complete degradation. Recently, we identified and characterized the lysosomal enzyme arylsulfatase K (Arsk) exhibiting glucuronate-2-sulfatase activity as needed for the degradation of heparan sulfate (HS), chondroitin sulfate (CS) and dermatan sulfate (DS). In the present study, we investigated the physiological relevance of Arsk by means of a constitutive Arsk knockout mouse model. A complete lack of glucuronate desulfation was demonstrated by a specific enzyme activity assay. Arsk-deficient mice show, in an organ-specific manner, a moderate accumulation of HS and CS metabolites characterized by 2-O-sulfated glucuronate moieties at their non-reducing ends. Pathophysiological studies reflect a rather mild phenotype including behavioral changes. Interestingly, no prominent lysosomal storage pathology like bone abnormalities were detected. Our results from the Arsk mouse model suggest a new although mild form of mucopolysacharidose (MPS), which we designate MPS type IIB.

Novel Technologies for Quantitative O-Glycomics and Amplification/Preparation of Cellular O-Glycans

Mucin-type O-glycosylation (O-glycans, O-glycome) characterized by GalNAc linked to Serine/Threonine or even tyrosine residues in proteins is one of the major types of glycosylations. In animals, O-glycans on glycoproteins participate in many critical biological processes such as cell adhesion, development, and immunity. Importantly, the O-glycome is different in a tissue/cell-specific manner, and often altered in cells at their pathological states; and this alteration, in turn, affects cellular properties and functions. Clearly, the Functional O-glycomics, which concerns biological roles of O-glycans, requires a comprehensive understanding of O-glycome. Structural and/or quantitative analysis of O-glycans, however, is an unmet demand because no enzyme can universally release O-glycans from glycoproteins. Furthermore, the preparation of complex O-glycans for biological studies is even more challenging. To meet these demands, we have developed a novel technology termed Cellular O-glycome Reporter/Amplification (CORA) for profiling cellular O-glycan structures and amplifying/preparing complex O-glycans from cultured cells. In this chapter, we describe the recent advances of CORA: quantitative-CORA (qCORA) and preparative-CORA (pCORA). qCORA takes the strategy of “metabolic stable isotopic labeling O-glycome of culture cells (SILOC),” and pCORA adapts cells to “O-glycan factories” when supplied with R-α-GalNAc(Ac)3 derivatives. qCORA and pCORA technologies can facilitate the cellular O-glycomics and functional O-glycomics studies.

Metabolic flux-driven sialylation alters internalization, recycling, and drug sensitivity of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in SW1990 pancreatic cancer cells

In prior work we reported that advanced stage, drug-resistant pancreatic cancer cells (the SW1990 line) can be sensitized to the EGFR-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) erlotinib and gefitinib by treatment with 1,3,4-O-Bu₃ManNAc (Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. (2015) 25(6):1223-7). Here we provide mechanistic insights into how this compound inhibits EGFR activity and provides synergy with TKI drugs. First, we showed that the sialylation of the EGFR receptor was at most only modestly enhanced (by ∼20 to 30%) compared to overall ∼2-fold increase in cell surface levels of this sugar. Second, flux-driven sialylation did not alter EGFR dimerization as has been reported for cancer cell lines that experience increased sialylation due to spontaneous mutations. Instead, we present evidence that 1,3,4-O-Bu₃ManNAc treatment weakens the galectin lattice, increases the internalization of EGFR, and shifts endosomal trafficking towards non-clathrin mediated (NCM) endocytosis. Finally, by evaluating downstream targets of EGFR signaling, we linked synergy between 1,3,4-O-Bu₃ManNAc and existing TKI drugs to a shift from clathrin-coated endocytosis (which allows EGFR signaling to continue after internalization) towards NCM endocytosis, which targets internalized moieties for degradation and thereby rapidly diminishes signaling.

Quantification of hyaluronan (HA) using a simplified fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE) procedure

Hyaluronan (HA) exhibits numerous important roles in physiology and pathologies, and these facts necessitate an ability to accurately and reproducibly measure its quantities in tissues and cell cultures. Our group previously reported a rigorous and analytical procedure to quantify HA (and chondroitin sulfate, CS) using a reductive amination chemistry and separation of the fluorophore-conjugated, unsaturated disaccharides unique to HA and CS on high concentration acrylamide gels. This procedure is known as fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE) and has been adapted for the detection and quantification of all glycosaminoglycan types. While this previous FACE procedure is relatively straightforward to implement by carbohydrate research investigators, many nonglycoscience laboratories now studying HA biology might have difficulties establishing this prior FACE procedure as a routine assay for HA. To address this need, we have greatly simplified our prior FACE procedure for accurate and reproducible assessment of HA in tissues and cell cultures. This chapter describes in detail this simplified FACE procedure and, because it uses an enzyme that degrades both HA and CS, investigators will also gain additional insight into the quantities of CS in the same samples dedicated for HA analysis.

A solute-binding protein in the closed conformation induces ATP hydrolysis in a bacterial ATP-binding cassette transporter involved in the import of alginate

The Gram-negative bacterium Sphingomonas sp. A1 incorporates alginate into cells via the cell-surface pit without prior depolymerization by extracellular enzymes. Alginate import across cytoplasmic membranes thereby depends on the ATP-binding cassette transporter AlgM1M2SS (a heterotetramer of AlgM1, AlgM2, and AlgS), which cooperates with the periplasmic solute-binding protein AlgQ1 or AlgQ2; however, several details of AlgM1M2SS-mediated alginate import are not well-understood. Herein, we analyzed ATPase and transport activities of AlgM1M2SS after reconstitution into liposomes with AlgQ2 and alginate oligosaccharide substrates having different polymerization degrees (PDs). Longer alginate oligosaccharides (PD ≥ 5) stimulated the ATPase activity of AlgM1M2SS but were inert as substrates of AlgM1M2SS-mediated transport, indicating that AlgM1M2SS-mediated ATP hydrolysis can be stimulated independently of substrate transport. Using X-ray crystallography in the presence of AlgQ2 and long alginate oligosaccharides (PD 6-8) and with the humid air and glue-coating method, we determined the crystal structure of AlgM1M2SS in complex with oligosaccharide-bound AlgQ2 at 3.6 Å resolution. The structure of the ATP-binding cassette transporter in complex with non-transport ligand-bound periplasmic solute-binding protein revealed that AlgM1M2SS and AlgQ2 adopt inward-facing and closed conformations, respectively. These in vitro assays and structural analyses indicated that interactions between AlgM1M2SS in the inward-facing conformation and periplasmic ligand-bound AlgQ2 in the closed conformation induce ATP hydrolysis by the ATP-binding protein AlgS. We conclude that substrate-bound AlgQ2 in the closed conformation initially interacts with AlgM1M2SS, the AlgM1M2SS-AlgQ2 complex then forms, and this formation is followed by ATP hydrolysis.

Hyaluronan oligosaccharides stimulate matrix metalloproteinase and anabolic gene expression in vitro by intervertebral disc cells and annular repair in vivo

The role of hyaluronan (HA) oligosaccharides in disc cell-mediated matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and anabolic gene expression in vitro and annular repair in vivo were examined. Monolayer and alginate bead cultures of ovine intervertebral disc cells were stimulated with 10-12 mer hyaluronan oligosaccharides (HA-oligos). Annulus fibrosus (AF) monolayers were poorly responsive to the HA-oligos, proMMP-2 levels were marginally elevated and levels were MMP-9 unaffected. ProMMP-2 displayed a strong dose-dependent increase in the nucleus pulposus (NP) monolayers. In AF alginate bead cultures, proMMP-2 and active MMP-9 increased up to day 10, in NP cultures proMMP-2 was progressively converted to active MMP-2 over days 7-10 and active MMP-9 levels were elevated on day 10. A steady decline in MMP-2 and MMP-9 activity was evident over days 2-10 in the non-stimulated NP cultures. Disc cell viabilities were ≥92 ± 5% in all cultures indicating that the HA-oligo was not cytotoxic. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction demonstrated an upregulation in MMP1, MMP113 and ADAMTS1 and the anabolic matrix repair genes ACAN, COL1A1 and COL2A1 in the NP by HA-oligos, whereas AF MMP13, ADAMTS1, ADAMTS4 and ADAMTS5, ACAN and COL2A1 were down-regulated; this differential regulation is expected to promote clearance of granulation/scar tissue from AF defects and matrix replenishment. The AF defect sites contained enlarged annular lamellae in vivo in response to the HA oligos, which is consistent with an active repair response. Masson trichrome and PicroSirius red histology and immunolocalization of type I collagen supported active remodelling in the outer lesion zone by the HA-oligo treatment but not the inner lesion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Purification, structural characterization and antiproliferative properties of chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate from tunisian fish skins

Chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate GAGs were extracted and purified from the skins of grey triggerfish (GTSG) and smooth hound (SHSG). The disaccharide composition produced by chondroitinase ABC treatment showed the presence of nonsulfated disaccharide, monosulfated disaccharides ΔDi6S and ΔDi4S, and disulfated disaccharides in different percentages. In particular, the nonsulfated disaccharide ΔDi0S of GTSG and SHSG were 3.5% and 5.5%, respectively, while monosulfated disaccharides ΔDi6S and ΔDi4S were evaluated to be 18.2%, 59% and 14.6%, 47.0%, respectively. Capillary elecrophoresis analysis of GTSG and SHSG contained 99.2% and 95.4% of chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate, respectively. PAGE analysis showed a GTSG and SHSG having molecular masses with average values of 41.72KDa and 23.8KDa, respectively. HCT116 cell proliferation was inhibited (p<0.05) by 70.6% and 72.65% at 200μg/mL of GTSG and SHSG respectively. Both GTSG and SHSG demonstrated promising antiproliferative potential, which may be used as a novel, effective agent.

Isolation and analysis of sugar nucleotides using solid phase extraction and fluorophore assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis

The building blocks of simple and complex oligosaccharides, termed sugar nucleotides, are often overlooked for their role in metabolic diseases and may hold the key to the underlying disease pathogenesis. Multiple reasons may account for the lack of analysis and quantitation of these sugar nucleotides, including the difficulty in isolation and purification as well as the required expensive instrumentation such as a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), mass spectrometer, or capillary electrophoresis. We have established a simple yet effective way to purify and quantitate sugar nucleotides using solid phase extraction (SPE) chromatography combined with fluorophore assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE). The simplicity of use, combined with the ability to run multiple samples at one time, give this technique a distinct advantage over the established methods for isolation and analysis of sugar nucleotides from cell culture models.

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Sugar nucleotides can be easily purified with solid phase extraction chromatography.

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FACE can be used to analyze multiple nucleotide sugar extracts with a single run.

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The proposed method is simple, affordable, and uses common everyday research labware.

Enhanced erythropoietin heterogeneity in a CHO culture is caused by proteolytic degradation and can be eliminated by a high glutamine level

The molecular heterogeneity of recombinant humanerythropoietin (EPO) increased during the course of abatch culture of transfected Chinese hamster ovary(CHO) cells grown in serum-free medium. This wasshown by both an increased molecular weight and pIrange of the isolated EPO at the end of the culture. However, analysis of the N-glycan structures of themolecule by fluorophore-assisted carbohydrateelectrophoresis (FACE) and HPLC anion exchangechromatography indicated a consistent pattern ofglycosylation. Seven glycoforms were identified, thepredominant structure being a fully sialylatedtetra-antennary glycan. The degree of sialylationwas maintained throughout the culture. Analysis ofthe secreted EPO indicated a time-dependent increasein the molecular weight band width of the peptideconsistent with proteolytic degradation. A highglutamine concentration (16-20 mM) in the culturedecreased the apparent degradation of the EPO.

Identification of a gene coding for a deglycosylating enzyme in Hypocrea jecorina

An enzyme with mannosyl glycoprotein endo-N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (ENGase)-type activity was partially purified from the extracellular medium of the mould Hypocrea jecorina (Trichoderma reesei). Internal peptides were generated and used to identify the gene in the T. reesei genome. The active enzyme is processed both at the N- and at the C-terminus. High-mannose-type glycoproteins are good substrates, whereas complex-type glycans are not hydrolysed. The enzyme represents the first fungal member of glycoside hydrolase family 18 with ENGase-type activity. Bacterial ENGases and the fungal chitinases belonging to the same family show very low homology with Endo T. Database searches identify several highly homologous genes in fungi and the activity is also found within other Trichoderma species. This ENGase activity, not coregulated with cellulase production, could be responsible for the extensive N-deglycosylation observed for several T. reesei cellulases.

High-performance liquid chromatography and on-line mass spectrometry detection for the analysis of chondroitin sulfates/hyaluronan disaccharides derivatized with 2-aminoacridone

In this study, we developed an on-line reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (RP-HPLC-ESI-MS) separation and structural characterization of hyaluronan (HA)/chondroitin sulfate (CS)/dermatan sulfate (DS) disaccharides released by enzymatic treatment and derivatized with 2-aminoacridone (AMAC), providing a high-resolution system also applicable by using a further fluorimetric detector (Fp) before ESI-MS spectral acquisition. Isomeric nonsulfated HA and CS/DS disaccharides, isomeric monosulfated and isomeric disulfated CS/DS disaccharides, and the trisulfated species were distinctly separated and unambiguously identified by their retention times and mass spectra in negative ionization mode. In general, no multiply charged ions were detected even for highly charged disaccharides, but the presence of desulfonated products for highly sulfated species due to the relative instability of sulfo groups was observed. RP-HPLC-ESI-MS of each AMAC disaccharide was found to be linear from 3 to 500 ng with very high coefficient of correlation values due to the high efficiency of separation and the sharp outline of the peaks. Various CS/DS samples were characterized for disaccharide composition, and minor oligomer species identified as GalNAcSO(4) at the nonreducing end of chains was observed as a common component of these macromolecules. Furthermore, purified endogenous normal human plasma CS disaccharides were also evaluated by means of RP-HPLC-(Fp)-ESI-MS.

Physical state of κ-carrageenan modulates the mode of action of κ-carrageenase from Pseudoalteromonas carrageenovora

Pseudoalteromonas carrageenovora κ-carrageenase is a glycoside hydrolase involved in the bioconversion of carrageenans. Carrageenans are sulfated galactans that are densely packed in red algal cell walls. Previous crystallographic investigations revealed that the active site of κ-carrageenase has a tunnel-shaped topology, suggesting a processive mode of action for this enzyme. To biochemically characterize the enzymatic depolymerization of κ-carrageenan, soluble and solid substrates (in both gel and powder forms) were incubated with P. carrageenovora κ-carrageenase. The average molecular mass of soluble carrageenan decreased rapidly, and all possible degradation products were observed, suggesting random degradation of κ-carrageenan. In contrast, as expected for a processive-type carrageenase, the average molecular mass of solid carrageenan decreased very slowly, and tetrasaccharide production was high. Interestingly, experimentally determined processivity was similar for gel and powder, suggesting that, in addition to an adapted catalytic site, the substrate must be in the solid state for κ-carrageenase processivity to operate, whatever the level of carrageenan ordering.

Boronate affinity saccharide electrophoresis: a novel carbohydrate analysis tool

The incorporation of specialised carbohydrate affinity ligand methacrylamido phenylboronic acid in polyacrylamide gels for fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis greatly improved the effective separation of saccharides that show similar mobilities in standard electrophoresis. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis using methacrylamido phenylboronic acid in low loading (typically 0.5-1% dry weight) was unequivocally shown to alter retention of labelled saccharides depending on their boronate affinity. While conventional fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis of 2-aminoacridone labelled glucose oligomers showed an inverted parabolic migration, an undesired trait of small oligosaccharides labelled with this neutral fluorophore, boron affinity saccharide electrophoresis separation of these carbohydrates completely restored their predicted running order, based on their charge/mass ratio, and resulted in improved separation of the analyte saccharides. These results exemplify boron affinity saccharide electrophoresis as an important new technique for analysing carbohydrates and sugar-containing molecules.

Quantitative continuous assay for hyaluronan synthase

A rapid, continuous, and convenient three-enzyme coupled UV absorption assay was developed to quantitate the glucuronic acid and N-acetylglucosamine transferase activities of hyaluronan synthase from Pasteurella multocida (PmHAS). Activity was measured by coupling the UDP produced from the PmHAS-catalyzed transfer of UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-GlcUA to a hyaluronic acid tetrasaccharide primer with the oxidation of NADH. Using a fluorescently labeled primer, the products were characterized by gel electrophoresis. Our results show that a truncated soluble form of recombinant PmHAS (residues 1-703) can catalyze the glycosyl transfers in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The assay can be used to determine kinetic parameters, inhibition constants, and mechanistic aspects of this enzyme. In addition, it can be used to quantify PmHAS during purification of the enzyme from culture media.

Prebiotic effects of neoagaro-oligosaccharides prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis of agarose

To investigate the prebiotic properties of neoagaro-oligosaccharides (NAOS), obtained from enzymatic hydrolysis of agarose, the in vitro and in vivo effects of NAOS on bacterial growth were studied. In vitro NAOS were found to be highly resistant to enzymes of the upper gastrointestinal tract, which remained intact after 24h incubation with different amylolytic enzymes. NAOS significantly stimulated the growth of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in Man-Rogosa-Sharp (MRS) medium, anaerobically. Compared with fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), 1% (w/v) NAOS promoted the specific growth rate of beneficial bacteria by about 100%. The decreases of media pH with NAOS were almost the same as that with FOS. In vivo, NAOS significantly increased the numbers of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria (P<0.05) in fresh feces or cecal content while reducing putrefactive microorganisms. Mice fed with 2.5% (w/v) NAOS for 7 days had larger increases in colonic beneficial bacteria population than those fed with even 5% (w/v) FOS for 14 days. No side effects, such as eructation and bloating, were found. Interestingly, NAOS with higher degrees of polymerization (DP) showed better prebiotic activity. These results indicated that NAOS had great prebiotic effect, which could be beneficial to the host.

Interactions of carbohydrates and proteins by fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis

A sensitive,specific, and rapid method for the detection of carbohydrate-protein interactions is demonstrated by fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE). The procedure is simple and the cost is low. The advantage of this method is that carbohydrate-protein interactions can be easily displayed by FACE, and the carbohydrates do not need to be purified.

Disease-associated sequence variations congregate in a polyanion recognition patch on human factor H revealed in three-dimensional structure

Mutations and polymorphisms in the regulator of complement activation, factor H, have been linked to atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS), membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis, and age-related macular degeneration. Many aHUS patients carry mutations in the two C-terminal modules of factor H, which normally confer upon this abundant 155-kDa plasma glycoprotein its ability to selectively bind self-surfaces and prevent them from inappropriately triggering the complement cascade via the alternative pathway. In the current study, the three-dimensional solution structure of the C-terminal module pair of factor H has been determined. A binding site for a fully sulfated heparin-derived tetrasaccharide has been delineated using chemical shift mapping and the C3d/C3b-binding site inferred from sequence comparisons and computational docking. The resultant information allows assessment of the likely consequences of aHUS-associated amino acid substitutions in this critical region of factor H. It is striking that, excepting those likely to perturb the three-dimensional structure, aHUS-associated missense mutations congregate in the polyanion-binding site delineated in this study, thus potentially disrupting a vital mechanism for control of complement on self-surfaces in the microvasculature of the kidney. It is intriguing that a single nucleotide polymorphism predisposing to age-related macular degeneration occupies another region of factor H that harbors a polyanion-binding site.

Decorin from different bovine tissues: study of glycosaminoglycan chain by PAGEFS

The sulphation pattern of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) plays a critical role in biological functions of proteoglycans. In this study, we showed that decorins from different bovine tissues present specific sulphation pattern coupled with peculiar biological activity. In order to elucidate chemical structure of decorin glycosaminoglycan chains, we improved an electrophoretic method to analyse fluorescent disaccharides from dermatan/chondroitin sulphate GAG chains. The disaccharide separation is based on minigels, and this technique was able to define the polysaccharide chain composition in terms of sulphated and not sulphated disaccharides. This approach allowed not only the measurement of few picomoles of material, but it also permits a rapid qualitative analysis of the GAG chains. Data obtained by PAGEFS indicate that the sulphation pattern of GAG is tissue specific and this finding may explain the different binding properties to von Willebrand factor of decorins.

Variations in matrix composition and GAG fine structure among scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering

OBJECTIVE

To compare matrix composition and glycosaminoglycan (GAG) fine structure among five scaffolds commonly used for in vitro chondrocyte culture and cartilage tissue engineering.

DESIGN

Bovine articular chondrocytes were seeded into agarose, alginate, collagen I, fibrin and polyglycolic acid (PGA) constructs and cultured for 20 or 40 days. In addition to construct DNA and sulfated GAG (sGAG) contents, the delta-disaccharide compositions of the chondroitin/dermatan sulfate GAGs were determined for each scaffold group via fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE).

RESULTS

Significant differences were found in cell proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation among the five scaffold groups. Significant cell proliferation was observed for all scaffold types but occurred later (20-40 days) in PGA constructs compared to the other groups (0-20 days). By 40 days, agarose constructs had the highest sGAG to DNA ratio, while alginate and collagen I had the lowest levels. Quantitative differences in the Delta-disaccharide composition of the GAGs accumulated in the different scaffolds were also found, with the most striking variations in unsulfated and disulfated delta-disaccharides. Agarose constructs had the highest fraction of disulfated residues and the lowest fraction of unsulfated residues, with a 6-sulfated/4-sulfated disaccharide ratio most similar to that of native articular cartilage.

CONCLUSIONS

The similarities and differences among scaffolds in proteoglycan accumulation and GAG composition suggest that the scaffold material directly or indirectly influences chondrocyte proteoglycan metabolism and may have an influence on the quality of tissue engineered cartilage.

Cell wall modifications during osmotic stress in Lactobacillus casei

AIMS

To study the modification of the cell wall of Lactobacillus casei ATCC 393 grown in high salt conditions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Differences in the overall structure of cell wall between growth in high salt (MRS + 1 mol l(-1) NaCl; N condition) and control (MRS; C condition) conditions were determined by transmission electronic microscopy and analytical procedures. Lactobacillus casei cells grown in N condition were significantly larger than cells grown under unstressed C condition. Increased sensitivity to mutanolysin and antibiotics with target in the cell wall was observed in N condition. Purified cell wall also showed the increased sensitivity to lysis by mutanolysin. Analysis of peptidoglycan (PG) from stressed cells showed that modification was at the structural level in accordance with a decreased PG cross-link involving penicillin-binding proteins (PBP). Nine PBP were first described in this species and these proteins were expressed in low percentages or presented a modified pattern of saturation with penicillin G (Pen G) during growth in high salt. Three of the essential PBP were fully saturated in N condition at lower Pen G concentrations than in C condition, suggesting differences in functionality in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

The results show that growth in high salt modified the structural properties of the cell wall.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF STUDY

Advances in understanding the adaptation to high osmolarity, in particular those involving sensitivity to lysis of lactic acid bacteria.

Microdetermination of chondroitin sulfate in normal human plasma by fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE)

An inexpensive, simple, sensitive and reproducible analytical method for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of chondroitin sulfate (CS) from human blood plasma samples by using fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE) has been developed. After treatment with a nonspecific protease to convert proteins into small peptides, CS from 100 microl of normal human plasma was extracted by using a filter membrane (molecular mass cut-off of 3000 Da) or purification by using an anion-exchange resin. The recovered CS was converted into unsaturated disaccharides through the action of chondroitin ABC lyase, derivatized with 2-aminoacridone by reductive amination in the presence of cyanoborohydride and separated by FACE. The procedure using the purification of plasma CS on the anion-exchange resin produced a cleaner separation and a better resolution of Delta-disaccharides then using microfiltration. The linearity, sensitivity and reproducibility of the method were determined in comparison with HPLC equipped with postcolumn derivatization and fluorescence detection using 2-cyanoacetamide as a fluorogenic reagent. The detection limit was calculated to be 50 ng of CS with a linear response from 50 to 2000 ng. The recovery was found greater than 85% (from 2 to 10 microg CS) with a variation coefficient of approx. 10%. Furthermore, the results obtained from 100 microl plasma were almost identical to those obtained using 20 microl, 50 microl and 200 microl. This method was applied to the characterization of CS in 33 healthy human subjects ageing from 30 to 63 years old.

Biochemical evidence for the presence of two alpha-glucoside ABC-transport systems in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus

The hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus can utilize different carbohydrates, such as starch, maltose and trehalose. Uptake of alpha-glucosides is mediated by two different, binding protein-dependent, ATP-binding cassette (ABC)-type transport systems. The maltose transporter also transports trehalose, whereas the maltodextrin transport system mediates the uptake of maltotriose and higher malto-oligosaccharides, but not maltose. Both transport systems are induced during growth on their respective substrates.

Cell wall mannan and cell surface hydrophobicity in Candida albicans serotype A and B strains

Cell surface hydrophobicity contributes to the pathogenesis of the opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida albicans. Previous work demonstrated a correlation between hydrophobicity status and changes in the acid-labile, phosphodiester-linked beta-1,2-oligomannoside components of the N-linked glycans of cell wall mannoprotein. Glycan composition also defines the two major serotypes, A and B, of C. albicans strains. Here, we show that the cell surface hydrophobicity of the two serotypes is qualitatively different, suggesting that the serotypes may differ in how they modulate cell surface hydrophobicity status. The cell wall mannoproteins from hydrophilic and hydrophobic cells of both serotypes were compared to determine whether the glycan differences due to serotype affect the glycan differences due to hydrophobicity status. Composition analysis showed that the protein, hexose, and phosphate contents of the mannoprotein fraction did not differ significantly among the strains tested. Electrophoretic profiles of the acid-labile mannan differed only with hydrophobicity status, not serotype, though some strain-specific differences were observed. Furthermore, a newly available beta-1,2-oligomannoside ladder allowed unambiguous identification of acid-labile mannan components. Finally, to assess whether the acid-stable mannan also affects cell surface hydrophobicity status, this fraction was fragmented into its component branches by acetolysis. The electrophoretic profiles of the acid-stable branches were very similar regardless of hydrophobicity status. However, differences were observed between serotypes. These results support and extend our current model that modification of the acid-labile beta-1,2-oligomannoside chain length but not modification of the acid-stable region is one common mechanism by which switching of cell surface hydrophobicity status of C. albicans strains occurs.

Preparation and application of biologically active fluorescent hyaluronan oligosaccharides

We report the production of biologically active hyaluronan (HA) oligosaccharides labeled with the fluorophore 2-aminobenzoic acid (2AA). Oligosaccharides from 4 to 40 residues in length were purified to homogeneity by ion exchange chromatography using a logarithmic gradient. Molecular weight and purity characterization of HA oligosaccharides is facilitated by 2AA derivatization because it enhances signals in MALDI-TOF MS and improves FACE (fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis) analysis by avoiding the inverted parabolic migration characteristic of 2-aminoacridone (AMAC)-labeled sugars. The small size and shape of the fluorophore maintains the biological activity of the derivatized oligosaccharides, as demonstrated by their ability to compete for polymeric HA binding to the G1-domain of human recombinant versican (VG1). An electrophoretic mobility shift assay was used to study VG1 binding to labeled HA 8-, 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-mers, and although no stable VG1 binding was observed to labeled 8-mers, the equilibrium dissociation constant (100 nM) for VG1 with HA(10) was estimated from densitometry analysis of the free oligosaccharide. Interactions involving HA 20-, 30-, and 40-mers (proposed to be multivalent) could also be studied using this protocol. Oligosaccharides labeled with 2AA therefore show excellent potential as probes in fluorescence-based assays that investigate protein-carbohydrate interactions.

The Interactions of Hepatocyte Growth Factor/Scatter Factor and Its NK1 and NK2 Variants with Glycosaminoglycans Using a Modified Gel Mobility Shift Assay

Full-length hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor interacts with both heparan and dermatan sulfates and is critically dependent upon them as cofactors for activation of the tyrosine kinase receptor Met. Two C-terminally truncated variants (NK1 and NK2) of this growth factor also occur naturally. Their glycosaminoglycan binding properties are not clear. We have undertaken a comparative study of the heparan/dermatan sulfate binding characteristics of all three proteins. This has entailed the development of a modified gel mobility shift assay, utilizing fluorescence end-tagged oligosaccharides, that is also widely applicable to the analysis of many glycosaminoglycan-protein interactions. Using this we have shown that all three hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor variants share identical heparan/dermatan sulfate binding properties and that both glycosaminoglycans occupy the same binding site. The minimal size of the oligosaccharide that binds with high affinity in all cases is a tetrasaccharide from heparan sulfate but a hexasaccharide from dermatan sulfate. These findings demonstrate that functional glycosaminoglycan binding is restricted to a binding site situated solely within the small N-terminal domain. The same minimal size fractions are also able to promote hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor-mediated activation of Met and consequent downstream signaling in the glycosaminoglycan-deficient Chinese hamster ovary pgsA-745 cells. A covalent complex of heparan sulfate tetrasaccharide with monovalent growth factor is also active. The binding and activity of tetrasaccharides put constraints upon the possible interactions and molecular geometry within the ternary signaling complex.

Surface glycans of Candida albicans and other pathogenic fungi: physiological roles, clinical uses, and experimental challenges

Although fungi have always been with us as commensals and pathogens, fungal infections have been increasing in frequency over the past few decades. There is a growing body of literature describing the involvement of carbohydrate groups in various aspects of fungal disease. Carbohydrates comprising the cell wall or capsule, or as a component of glycoproteins, are the fungal cell surface entities most likely to be exposed to the surrounding environment. Thus, the fungus-host interaction is likely to involve carbohydrates before DNA, RNA, or even protein. The interaction between fungal and host cells is also complex, and early studies using whole cells or crude cell fractions often produced seemingly conflicting results. What was needed, and what has been developing, is the ability to identify specific glycan structures and determine how they interact with immune system components. Carbohydrate analysis is complicated by the complexity of glycan structures and by the challenges of separating and detecting carbohydrates experimentally. Advances in carbohydrate chemistry have enabled us to move from the foundation of composition analysis to more rapid characterization of specific structures. This, in turn, will lead to a greater understanding of how fungi coexist with their hosts as commensals or exist in conflict as pathogens.

Structure and biosynthesis of fungal cell walls: Methodological approaches

Fungal cell walls possess a characteristic chemical composition differentiating fungal cells from other cell types. For this reason, the mechanisms involved in cell-wall formation represent a potential target for selective antifungal drugs. Understanding the structure and biosynthesis of fungal cell walls opens the ways for design of effective drugs for treating fungal diseases. This article reviews the history methods employed in chemical and structural analysis of fungal cell walls and in studies concerning their formation.

Microscale analysis of mucin-type O-glycans by a coordinated fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis and mass spectrometry approach

The total glycan moiety was released in a single step from native glycoproteins by a nonreductive beta-elimination procedure. The generated oligosaccharides were further derivatized either with the hydrophobic fluorophore 2-aminoacridone (AMAC) or the charged 8-aminonaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid (ANTS) fluorophore, and the resulting fluorescent derivatives were separated according to their hydrodynamic size or charge with high-resolution gel electrophoresis. Both N- and O-glycans released by this beta-elimination procedure might be analyzed simultaneously. AMAC derivatization allows a rapid separation of neutral and charged oligosaccharides without prior fractionation. Derivatized oligosaccharide species were then eluted from the gel slices and analyzed by mass spectrometry. This methodology allowed the rapid structural characterization of each glycan in term of monosaccharide composition and sequence. Using this technique we were able to screen several heterogeneous O-glycan mixtures isolated at the picomolar range from reference glycoproteins or mucins.

The components of the Saccharomyces cerevisiae mannosyltransferase complex M-Pol I have distinct functions in mannan synthesis

The yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae processes N-linked glycans in the Golgi apparatus in two different ways. Whereas most of the proteins of internal membranes receive a simple core-type structure, a long branched polymer termed mannan is attached to the glycans of many of the proteins destined for the cell wall. The first step in mannan synthesis is the initiation and extension of an alpha-1,6-linked polymannose backbone. This requires the sequential action of two enzyme complexes, mannan polymerases (M-Pol) I and II. M-Pol I contains the proteins Mnn9p and Van1p, although the stoichiometry and individual contributions to enzyme action are unclear. We report here that the two proteins are each present as a single copy in the complex. Both proteins contain a DXD motif found in the active site of many glycosyltransferases, and mutations in this motif in Mnn9p or Van1p reveal that both proteins contribute to mannose polymerization. However, the effects of these mutations on both the in vivo and in vitro activity are distinct, suggesting that the two proteins may have different roles in the complex. Finally, we show that a simple glycoprotein based on hen egg lysozyme can be used as a substrate for modification by purified M-Pol I in vitro.

Fluorescent labeling of pectic oligosaccharides with 2-aminobenzamide and enzyme assay for pectin

Oligogalacturonides [oligomers composed of (1-->4)-linked alpha-D-galactosyluronic acid residues] with degrees of polymerization (DP) from 1 to 10, and a tri-, penta-, and heptasaccharide generated from the backbone of rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) were labeled at their reducing ends using aqueous 2-aminobenzamide (2AB) in the presence of sodium cyanoborohydride in over 90% yield. These derivatives were analyzed by high-performance anion-exchange chromatography (HPAEC) and structurally characterized by electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS) and by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The 2AB-labeled oligogalacturonides and RG-I oligomers are fragmented by endo- and exo-polygalacturonase and by Driselase, respectively. 2AB-labeled oligogalacturonide is an exogenous acceptor for galacturonosyltransferase of transferring galacturonic acid from UDP-GalA. Thus, the 2AB-labeled oligogalacturonides and RG-I oligomers are useful for studying enzymes involved in pectin degradation and biosynthesis and may be of value in determining the biological functions of pectic fragments in plants.

A study of immunoglobulin G glycosylation in monoclonal and polyclonal species by electrospray and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry

N-linked oligosaccharides were released from human and bovine polyclonal immunoglobulin G (IgG) obtained from commercial sources and also from a monoclonal IgG(1) secreted by murine B-lymphocyte hybridoma cells (CC9C10) grown under different serum-free conditions. These conditions differed according to their steady-state dissolved oxygen concentrations. This work is based on a previous quantitative study where released glycans were characterized by fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE) and high-pH anion-exchange chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC-PAD) (J. P. Kunkel, D. C. H. Jan, J. C. Jamieson, and M. Butler, 1998, J. Biotechnol. 62, 55-71). In the present article, peptide-N-glycosidase F-released glycans from different species of polyclonal IgG and murine monoclonal IgG were characterized qualitatively by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). The glycans were also analyzed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS). The MALDI mass spectrometer used allowed acquisition of MS and tandem MS data, which were useful in structural investigations at a more detailed level than allowed by FACE and HPAEC-PAD. Predominant N-linked structures, as determined by all techniques, were core-fucosyl asialyl biantennary chains with varying galactosylation. Minor amounts of afucosyl, bisected, and monosialyl oligosaccharides were also detected. In contrast to FACE and HPAEC-PAD, MALDI-double quadrupole/time-of-flight MS and HPLC/ESI-MS also detected low-abundance high-mannose and hybrid structures in some of the species under investigation.

Fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE) of glycosaminoglycans

OBJECTIVE

Quantitation and analyses of the fine structure of glycosaminoglycans are increasingly important for understanding many biological processes, including those most critical for understanding skeletal biology. We have developed a novel procedure, fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE), for determination of glycosaminoglycan fine structure and estimation of chain length.

DESIGN

FACE utilizes enzymes that cleave glycosaminoglycans to create products, usually disaccharides, characteristic of the enzyme specificity. Each cleavage exposes a new reducing terminus that is fluorotagged by reductive amination with 2-aminoacridone. The tagged products are then displayed by electrophoresis, identified by their characteristic migration and chemistry, and quantitated by their molar fluorescence.

RESULTS

Each class of glycosaminoglycan and the enzymes specific for each class are discussed. Specific application of the FACE technology is shown for analysis of the glycosaminoglycans on aggrecan isolated from knee cartilage of 5- and 68-year-old patients, and assessment of hyaluronan oligosaccharides.

CONCLUSIONS

The FACE technology is a powerful tool for analysis of all four classes of glycosaminoglycans obtained from a wide variety of biologic sources. While the FACE protocols are relative simple, they provide a wealth of information including quantitation in the pmole range, determination of fine structure, and estimation of chain length.

Keratan sulfate disaccharide composition determined by FACE analysis of keratanase II and endo-beta-galactosidase digestion products

Many tissues contain glycoproteins and proteoglycans, which are substituted with N-or O-linked keratan sulfate, a glycosaminoglycan in which the lactosamine (-galbeta1,4glcNAc-) disaccharide backbone is variably modified by sulfation, fucosylation, and sialylation. We report here a rapid, sensitive, and quantitative procedure for obtaining a complete disaccharide compositional analyses for keratan sulfates after FACE separation of products generated by hydrolysis of the glycosaminoglycans with B. fragillis keratanase II and E. freundii endo-beta-galactosidase. Seven digestion end products are separable in a single electrophoretic step using Monosaccharide composition gels. These are: the unsulfated disaccharide, glcNAcbeta1,3gal, the fucosylated trisaccharide, galbeta1,2[fucalpha1,3]glcNAc6S, the mono- and disulfated disaccharides, galbeta1,4glcNAc6S or gal6Sbeta1,4glcNAc6S from the chain interior, and the sialylated mono- and disulfated trisaccharides neuAalpha2,3galbeta1,4glcNAc6S or neuAalpha2,3gal6Sbeta1,4glcNAc6S from the nonreducing terminus. FACE analyses also revealed the presence of a contaminant beta-galactosidase activity in keratanase II enzyme preparations which cleaves the disaccharide, galbeta1,4glcNAc6S to its constituent monosaccharides, gal and glcNAc6S. It was particularly prominent at enzyme concentrations > 2 mU per nmole substrate glcNH(2) or after prolonged digestion times (> 12 h), and was not inhibitable by thiogalactosides or N-acetyl-lactosamine. As these monosaccharide products would not be detectable using the commonly described analytical methods for KS hydrolase products, such as (1)H-NMR and HPLC analyses, our data illustrate that the FACE procedure represents an improved approach for accurate compositional microanalyses of corneal and skeletal keratan sulfates, especially applicable to experimentation involving small amounts (1-2 microg) of this glycosaminoglycan.

Investigation of different combinations of derivatization, separation methods and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for standard oligosaccharides and glycans from ovalbumin

Derivatization procedures using 1-phenyl-3-methyl-5-pyrazolone (PMP) and 2-aminonaphthalene trisulfone (ANTS) were selected among a number of well known methods for labelling carbohydrates. PMP derivatives were selected owing to our laboratory's previous high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC/ESI-MS) experience with these, whereas the ANTS-labelled compounds were prepared for fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis (FACE) separation. ANTS-oligosaccharide standards were characterized to study their ionization patterns. Reversed-phase and normal-phase HPLC systems were coupled on-line with ESI-MS. Each necessitated its own mobile phase system which, in turn, imposed some important changes in the ionization conditions used and/or on the ionization patterns and spectra obtained. Following characterization of the intact glycoprotein ovalbumin with ESI-MS, its glycans were detached using the enzyme PNGase-F. The glycans were subjected to PMP and ANTS derivatization. It was very difficult to separate ANTS derivatives by reversed-phase HPLC owing to lack of retention, and normal-phase HPLC offered reasonable retention with limited separation. PMP compounds overall yielded better normal- and reversed-phase separations and improved sensitivity over the ANTS-labelled sugars, for which negative mode ESI had to be used. The combination of ESI of intact ovalbumin and ESI of PMP-glycans gave rise to the detection of over 20 different glycoforms, excluding the possible presence of structural isomers for each sugar composition detected.