1H-n.m.r. analysis of glycolipids possessing mono- and multi-meric X and Y haptens: characterization of two novel extended Y structures from human adenocarcinoma

Evaluation of receptor binding specificity of Escherichia coli K88 (F4) fimbrial adhesin variants using porcine serum transferrin and glycosphingolipids as model receptors

Diarrheal disease caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli expressing the K88 (F4) fimbrial adhesin (K88 ETEC) is a significant source of mortality and morbidity among newborn and weaned piglets. K88 fimbrial adhesins are filamentous surface appendages whose lectin (carbohydrate-binding) activity allows K88 ETEC to attach to specific glycoconjugates (receptors) on porcine intestinal epithelial cells. There are three variants of K88 adhesin (K88ab, K88ac, and K88ad), which possess different, yet related, carbohydrate-binding specificities. We used porcine serum transferrin (pSTf) and purified glycosphingolipids (GSL) to begin to define the minimal recognition sequence for K88 adhesin variants. We found that K88ab adhesin binds with high affinity to pSTf (dissociation constant, 75 microM), while neither K88ac nor K88ad adhesin recognizes pSTf. Degradation of the N-glycan on pSTf by extensive metaperiodate treatment abolished its interaction with the K88ab adhesin, indicating that the K88ab adhesin binds to the single N-glycan found on pSTf. Using exoglycosidase digestion of the pSTf glycan, we demonstrated that K88ab adhesin recognizes N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residues in the core of the N-glycan on pSTf. All three K88 variants were found to bind preferentially to GSL containing a beta-linked N-acetylhexosamine (HexNAc), either GlcNAc or N-acetylgalactosamine, in the terminal position or, alternatively, in the penultimate position with galactose in the terminal position. Considering the results from pSTf and GSL binding studies together, we propose that the minimal recognition sequence for the K88 adhesin variants contains a beta-linked HexNAc. In addition, the presence of a terminal galactose beta-linked to this HexNAc residue enhances K88 adhesin binding.

Novel carbohydrate binding site recognizing blood group A and B determinants in a hybrid of cholera toxin and Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin B-subunits

The B-subunits of cholera toxin (CTB) and Escherichia coli heat-labile enterotoxin (LTB) are structurally and functionally related. However, the carbohydrate binding specificities of the two proteins differ. While both CTB and LTB bind to the GM1 ganglioside, LTB also binds to N-acetyllactosamine-terminated glycoconjugates. The structural basis of the differences in carbohydrate recognition has been investigated by a systematic exchange of amino acids between LTB and CTB. Thereby, a CTB/LTB hybrid with a gain-of-function mutation resulting in recognition of blood group A and B determinants was obtained. Glycosphingolipid binding assays showed a specific binding of this hybrid B-subunit, but not CTB or LTB, to slowly migrating non-acid glycosphingolipids of human and animal small intestinal epithelium. A binding-active glycosphingolipid isolated from cat intestinal epithelium was characterized by mass spectrometry and proton NMR as GalNAcalpha3(Fucalpha2)Galbeta4(Fucalpha3)Glc NAcbeta3Galbeta4Glc NAcbeta3Galbeta4Glcbeta1Cer. Comparison with reference glycosphingolipids showed that the minimum binding epitope recognized by the CTB/LTB hybrid was Galalpha3(Fucalpha2)Galbeta4(Fucalpha3)GlcNAc beta. The blood group A and B determinants bind to a novel carbohydrate binding site located at the top of the B-subunit interfaces, distinct from the GM1 binding site, as found by docking and molecular dynamics simulations.

Identification of an intestinal neutral glycosphingolipid as a phenotype-specific receptor for the K88ad fimbrial adhesin of Escherichia coli

In this study, we identified a receptor for the K88ad fimbrial adhesin of Escherichia coli in neutral glycosphingolipid preparations from intestinal epithelial cells of K88ad-adhesive pigs, which was absent in preparations from K88ad-nonadhesive pigs. Neither K88ab nor K88ac adhesin variants bound to this neutral glycosphingolipid. Because this receptor is an intestinal glycosphingolipid that binds K88ad adhesin, it has been designated IGLad. Carbohydrate compositional analysis of a partially purified preparation of IGLad identified galactose, glucose, and N-acetylglucosamine in a ratio of 1.5:1.0:0.5 as the major monosaccharides. Preliminary characterization experiments using lectins showed that IGLad contains the terminal glycanic structure Galbeta1-4GlcNAc. Removal of terminal beta-linked galactose residues from IGLad decreased the recognition of IGLad by the K88ad adhesin, indicating that terminal beta-linked galactose is an essential component of the K88ad adhesin recognition site on IGLad. Studies with purified glycosphingolipid standards demonstrated that K88ad adhesin binds to neolactotetraosylceramide (nLc4Cer) (Galbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-3Galbeta1-4Glcbeta1-1Cer) , lactotriosylceramide (GlcNAcbeta1-3Galbeta1-4Glcbeta1-1Cer) and lactotetraosylceramide (Galbeta1-3GlcNAcbeta1-3Galbeta1-4Glcbeta1-1Cer) . Based on these studies, IGLad appears to be nLc4Cer.

Two novel isoneolacto-undecaglycosylceramides carrying Galalpha1-->3Lewis(x) on the 6-linked antenna and N-acetylneuraminic acidalpha2-->3 or Galactose alpha1-->3 on the 3-linked antenna, expressed in porcine kidney

Three sialosylated and three neutral glycosphingolipids sharing a common iso-neolacto core were isolated from porcine kidney cortex. They were purified by preparative HPTLC, and were characterized by partial exoglycosidase hydrolysis followed by thin layer chromatography and immunostaining with anti-Galalpha1-->3Gal, anti-type 2 lactosamine and anti-Lewis(x) antibodies, methylation analysis, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Among neutral glycolipids, one was a known structure, VI3VI'3(alphaGal)2-iso-nLc8Cer, and two were novel structures differing by the number of Galalpha3Lewis(x) determinants: VI3VI'3(alphaGal)2V'3alphaFuc-iso-nLc8, and VI3VI'3(alphaGal)2 V3V'3(alphaFuc)2-iso-nLc8. The single Galalpha3Lewis(x) determinant was found on the 6-linked antenna. Among sialosylated glycolipids, two had been previously found in other species and tissues, VI3VI'3(NeuAc)2-iso-nLc8, and VI3NeuAcVI'3alphaGal-iso-nLc8. A novel structure was discovered presenting a Galalpha3Lewis(x) determinant on the 6-linked antenna and a N-acetylneuraminic acid on the 3-linked antenna, VI3NeuAcVI'3alphaGalV'3alphaFuc-iso-nLc8. These results indicate that, in vivo, the porcine kidney alpha3fucosyltransferase synthesizes the Gala3Lewis(x) determinant, acting on the 6-linked before the 3-linked Galalpha3neolactosamine, and appears unable to synthesize the sialosylated Lewis(x) determinant on neolactoseries glycolipids.

Structural and immunochemical identification of Le(a), Le(b), H type 1, and related glycolipids in small intestinal mucosa of a group O Le(a-b-) nonsecretor

Total nonacid glycosphingolipids were isolated from small intestine mucosal scrapings of a red cell blood group O Le(a-b-) nonsecretor cadaver. Glycolipids were extracted and fractionated into five fractions based on chromatographic and immunostaining properties. These glycolipid fractions were then analysed by thin-layer chromatography for Lewis activity with antibodies reactive to the type 1 precursor (Le(c)), H type 1 (Le(d)), Le(a) and Le(b) epitopes. Fractions were structurally characterized by mass spectrometry (EI-MS and EI-MS/MS-TOF) and proton NMR spectroscopy. EI-MS/MS-TOF allowed for the identification of trace substances in fractions containing several other glycolipid species. Consistent with the red cell phenotype, large amounts of lactotetraosylceramide (Le(c)-4) were detected. Inconsistent with the red cell phenotype, small quantities of Le(a)-5, H-5-1 and Le(b)-6 glycolipids were immunochemically and structurally identified in the small intestine of this individual. By EI-MS/MS-TOF several large glycolipids with 9 and 10 sugar residues were also identified. The extensive carbohydrate chain elongation seen in this individual with a Lewis negative nonsecretor phenotype supports the concept that Lewis and Secretor blood group fucosylation may be a mechanism to control type 1 glycoconjugate chain extension.

A novel glycosphingolipid expressed in pig kidney: Gal alpha 1-3Lewis(x) hexaglycosylceramide

Immunodetection of thin layer chromatograms of neutral glycosphingolipids of pig kidney cortex with a polyclonal antibody directed against the Gal alpha 1-3Gal determinant revealed several glycosphingolipids reacting with different intensities. A minor glycosphingolipid was isolated by preparative high performance thin layer chromatography. It was characterized as a type 2 hexaglycosylceramide with the following structure Gal alpha 1-3Gal beta 1-4(Fuc alpha 1-3)GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-Cer by fast atom bombardment- and desorption-chemical ionization-mass spectrometry, methylation analysis and hydrolysis with alpha-galactosidase followed by immunostaining with an anti-Lewis(x) monoclonal antibody. The proton NMR spectrum was found compatible with the proposed structure. Two other glycosphingolipids carrying the new determinant were partially characterized as an octa- and a branched-dodecaglycosylceramide. The expression of the Gal alpha 1-3 Lewis(x) determinant appeared to be developmentally regulated as it increased with age. The characterization of Gal alpha 1-3Le(x) in pig kidney indicates a new epitope capable of recognition by human natural antibodies in the context of xenotransplantation of pig organs to man. It also adds new members to the family of Le(x)-based glycolipids.

Structural characterization of blood group A glycosphingolipids recognized by the antibody 3G9-A

In this study, the antibody 3G9-A was assayed for activity against human erythrocyte glycosphingolipids. The antibody was found to recognize glycosphingolipid components from blood group A erythrocytes but not glycosphingolipids from blood group B or O erythrocytes. Subsequent investigation revealed that the glycosphingolipid components recognized by the antibody were also recognized by a blood group A specific monoclonal antibody. The structures of two of the isolated active glycosphingolipid components were structurally characterized using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) techniques and were found to consist of two blood group A glycosphingolipids; the type 2 chain Ab and type 3 chain Aa glycosphingolipids. Subsequent analysis of the remaining active components by GC-MS and immunostaining techniques revealed that all of the active components were blood group A glycosphingolipids. Furthermore, structural studies of the active components suggested that the epitope of the antibody consisted of the group A trisaccharide, GalNAc alpha 1,3(Fuc alpha 1,2)Gal.

Total synthesis of glycononaosyl ceramide with a sialyl dimeric Le(x)-sequence

The first total synthesis of glycononaosyl ceramide with a sialyl dimeric Le(x) sequence 1 is described. Regio- and stereo-selective glycosylations of sialyl donors 6,7,8 with the suitably protected Le(x) trisaccharide acceptors 9,10 beta were performed to give the expected tetrasaccharides 15 and 21, which were converted into the corresponding donors 20 and 22. Boron trifluoride etherate-promoted glycosylation of 20 with pentasaccharide acceptor 11 afforded regioselectively the expected nonasaccharide 23. After replacing benzyl groups of 23 by acetyl groups, the anomeric acetate was transformed into the alpha-trichloroacetimidate 27. The crucial coupling between 27 and (2S, 3R, 4E-3-O-benzoyl-2-N-tetracosanoylsphingenine 3 was executed to afford completely protected beta-glycoside 28. Finally, selective cleavage of the methyl ester and N,O-deprotection of 28 gave the target ganglioside 1.

Blood group glycosphingolipid expression in kidney of an individual with the rare blood group A1 Le(a-b+) p phenotype: absence of blood group structures based on the globoseries

Total neutral glycolipid fractions were isolated from kidney and ureter tissue obtained at autopsy of an individual of the rare blood group A1 Le(a-b+) p. The amount of glycolipids isolated were 3.7 and 2.5 mg g-1 dry tissue weight for the kidney and ureter tissue, which is in the range of reference blood group P kidneys. Part of the kidney glycolipid fraction was subfractionated by HPLC. Glycolipid compounds were structurally characterized by thin-layer chromatography (chemical detection and immunostaining with monoclonal antibodies), proton NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Globotriaosyl- and globotetraosyl-ceramides, which are the major compounds in kidneys of P individuals, were absent in the p kidney, and a comparatively increased amount of monoglycosyl- and lactosylceramides was found. A shift to longer fatty acyl chains in the ceramide part of lactosylceramides was noted. Elongated globoseries compounds with five to seven sugar residues, including the blood group A type 4 chain structure, were lacking. A slight increase in neolactotetraosyl- and blood group X pentaglycosyl-ceramides was noticed. The study confirms an enzymatic block in the conversion of lactosylceramide to elongated globoseries compounds in the kidney tissue similar to that of erythrocytes of p individuals.

Chemical synthesis of a hexasaccharide comprising the Lewisx determinant linked beta-(1-->6) to a linear trimannosyl core and the precursor pentasaccharide lacking fucose

Phenyl 2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-6-O-chloroacetyl-1-thio-alpha,beta-mannopyranoside (5) was condensed with benzyl O-(2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-beta-D-mannopyranosyl)-(1-->6)-2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl- alpha-D- mannopyranoside (12) in the presence of NIS-triflic acid to give, after removal of the chloroacetyl group, the key intermediate, benzyl O-(2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl)-(1-->6)-O-(2,3,4-tri-O-ben zyl- beta-D-mannopyranosyl)-(1-->6)-2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-alpha-D-mannopyranosid e (14). A similar condensation of 6 and 7 with acceptor 14, followed by the removal of protecting groups, afforded 16 and 18, respectively. These compounds are expected to be useful in specificity studies of an antibody raised against a related, synthetic antigen that we are currently investigating.

Synthesis of precursors for the dimeric 3-O-SO3Na Lewis X and Lewis A structures

Stereoselective syntheses of 3-O-SO3Na-beta-Gal-(1-->4)-beta-GlcNAc- (1-->3)-beta-Gal-(1-->4)-GlcNAc-beta-OBn (15) and 3-O-SO3Na-beta-Gal-(1-->3)-beta-GlcNAc-(1-->3)-beta-Gal-(1-->3)- beta-GlcNAc-(1-->3)-beta-Gal-(1-->4)-Glc-beta-OBn (25) were accomplished through the use of two novel glycosyl donors, namely, ethyl O-(2,6-di-O-acetyl-3,4-O-isopropylidene-beta-D- galactopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-3-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-phthalimido-1-thio-6-O- trimethylacetyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (8). and ethyl O-(2,6-di-O-acetyl-3,4-O-isopropylidene-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)- (1-->3)-4-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-2-phthalimido-1-thio-6-O-trimethylace tyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside (18).

Structural and immunochemical identification of Leb glycolipids in the plasma of a group O Le(a-b-) secretor

Total non-acid glycosphingolipids were isolated from the plasma of a healthy red blood cell group O Le(a-b-) salivary ABH secretor individual. Glycolipids were fractionated by HPLC and combined into eight fractions based on chromatographic and immunoreactive properties. These glycolipid fractions were analysed by thin-layer chromatography and tested for Lewis activity with antibodies reactive to the type 1 precursor (Le(c)), H type 1 (Le(d)), Le(a) and Le(b) epitopes. Fractions were structurally characterized by mass spectrometry (EI-MS and LSIMS) and proton NMR spectroscopy. Expected blood group glycolipids, such as H type 1, (Fuc alpha 1-2Gal beta 1-3GlcNac beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-1Cer) were immunochemically and structurally identified. Inconsistent with the red cell phenotype and for the first time, small quantities of Le(b) blood group glycolipids (Fuc alpha 1-2Gal beta 1-3(Fuc alpha 1-4)GlcNAc beta 1-4Glc beta 1-1Cer) were immunochemically and structurally identified in the plasma of a Lewis-negative individual. These findings confirm recent immunological evidence suggesting the production of small amounts of Lewis antigens by Lewis negative individuals.

Glycoconjugate receptors for P-fimbriated Escherichia coli in the mouse. An animal model of urinary tract infection

Glycosphingolipids were isolated from kidneys, urethers, and bladders (including urethrae) of C3H/HeN mice. Binding was studied of a clinical isolate and recombinant strains of uropathogenic P-fimbriated Escherichia coli to these glycolipids. A series of receptor-active glycolipids with Gal alpha 4Gal in common, previously shown to be recognized by these bacteria, was identified by use of specific monoclonal antibodies, fast-atom bombardment and electron-impact mass spectrometry, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy: galabiosylceramide (Gal alpha 4Gal beta Cer), globotriaosylceramide (Gal alpha 4Gal beta 4Glc beta Cer), globoside (GalNAc beta 3Gal alpha 4Gal beta 4Glc beta Cer), the Forssman glycolipid (GalNAc alpha 3GalNAc beta 3Gal alpha 4Gal beta 4Glc beta Cer), Gal beta 4GlcNAc beta 6(Gal beta 3)GalNAc beta 3Gal alpha 4Gal beta 4Glc beta Cer, and Gal beta 4(Fuc alpha 3)GlcNAc beta 6(Gal beta 3)GalNAc beta 3Gal alpha 4Gal beta 4Glc beta Cer. The binding pattern for mouse kidney glycolipids differed from that for kidney glycolipids of man and monkey. In particular, the dominant 8-sugar glycolipid in the mouse was not detected in the primates. A second difference was found in the binding of E. coli to kidney glycoproteins on blots after electrophoresis; the mouse showed distinct receptor-active bands while human and monkey did not. These differences may be of relevance when using the mouse as a model for clinical urinary tract infection of man.

[Carbohydrate building blocks for the construction of tumor-associated antigens. Synthesis of Lewis Y determinants]

The synthesis of the ethoxycarbonyloctanyl glycoside of the Lewis-Y (Ley) tetrasaccharide, a part of complex glycosphingolipids, was based on the trichloroacetimidate method for glycoside synthesis. The regioselective introduction of protective groups and the high yield of epimers of the azidonitration reaction applied to O-[2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-6-O-[dimethyl-(2,3-dimethyl-2-butyl)silyl]-beta-D- galactopyranosyl]-(1-->4)-3-O-acetyl-1,5-anhydro-6-O-[dimet hyl-(2,3- dimethyl-2-butyl)silyl]-D-arabino-hex-1-enitol led to a lactosamine acceptor molecule. The double specific introduction of an alpha-L-fucosyl group in high yield gave a protected Ley-tetrasaccharide. After activation to give the alpha-trichloroacetimidate, specific beta-glycosylation with 8-ethoxycarbonyl octanol under SN 2 condition, followed by cleavage of all protective groups led to the tetrasaccharide, alpha-L-Fucp-(1-->2)-beta-D-galp-(1-->4)-[alpha-L-fucp-(1--> 3)]-beta-D- GlcpNAcO(CH2)8CO2Et in high yield.

Extended type-1 chain glycosphingolipid antigens. Isolation and characterization of trifucosyl-Leb antigen (III4V4VI2Fuc3Lc6)

A Lewis-b-active glycosphingolipid containing a repetitive type-1 chain carbohydrate core was isolated from human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line Colo205. This glycosphingolipid was purified by HPLC and preparative high-performance thin-layer chromatography and its structure elucidated by positive-ion fast-atom-bombardment mass spectrometry with collision-induced disassociation, 1H-NMR spectroscopy and methylation analysis. The glycosphingolipid was found to be a trifucosylated derivative of this novel carbohydrate core, having the following structure: [formula; see text].

Blood group type glycosphingolipids of human kidneys. Structural characterization of extended globo-series compounds

Blood group type glycosphingolipids present in kidneys of blood group A and B human individuals have been isolated and structurally characterized by mass spectrometry, proton NMR spectroscopy, degradation studies and by their reactivity with various monoclonal antibodies and Escherichia coli bacteria. The two major complex glycolipids present in the blood group A and B kidneys were globopentaosylceramide (IV3Gal beta-Gb4Cer) and the X pentaglycosylceramide (III3Fuc alpha-nLc4Cer). The major blood group A glycolipid in the blood group A kidneys was based on the type 4 chain (globo-series). There were also small amounts of the type 2 chain and trace amounts of the type 1 and type 3 chain based A glycolipids. In addition, the blood group H type 4 chain structure was present together with Le(a) and Le(b) compounds. In the blood group B kidneys, the major B glycolipids were monofucosylated hexa- and octaglycosylceramides, where the former were based on the type 2 carbohydrate chain. The blood group B type 4 chain heptaglycosylceramide was found to be a minor component making up only about 1% of the total blood group B structures.

Fucose in 1H COSY spectra of plasma membrane fragments shed from human malignant colorectal cells

The methyl-methine cross peak of bound fucose has been assigned in the COSY spectrum of plasma membrane shed from human malignant colorectal cells. This cross peak (1.33-4.27 ppm), which is superimposed on the methyl-methine cross peak of threonine, was assigned following hydrolysis of the sample. Acid hydrolysis led to a 28 +/- 5% reduction in the intensity of the cross peak and the appearance of the alpha and beta forms of fucose. Chemical analysis confirmed the release of free fucose. Lactate anion, which was not perturbed by the hydrolysis, was used as an internal standard.

Biological and NMR markers for cancer

The search for a universal tumor marker continues. Present markers range from tumor products (polyamines, glycoproteins, peptides, hormones or carbohydrate-linked markers) to reaction products produced by the host tissues during tumor invasion. Techniques used to identify them include the classical methods of histology and cytochemistry as well as the more recent radioimmunoassay and metabolic probes. The in vivo techniques of increasing use for patient monitoring are MRS (magnetic resonance spectroscopy) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). The efficiency of some markers and statistical methods used in analyzing data are discussed, as are the ethical problems surrounding the use of new testing methods. Recent developments in MRI and MRS, marker elucidation, and evidence for a new autocrine differentiation-inhibiting factor (ADIF) are reviewed. Future needs and approaches focus on greater utilization of indicators of the preneoplastic state and of risk to cancer, as well as more careful attention to statistical analysis.

Biosynthesis of fucose containing lacto-series glycolipids in human colonic adenocarcinoma Colo 205 cells

Biosynthesis of fucose containing lacto-series glycolipids has been studied in human colonic adenocarcinoma Colo 205 cells. Transfer of fucose in both alpha 1----3 linkage to type 2 chain acceptors and alpha 1----4 linkage to type 1 chain acceptors was demonstrated with a Triton X-100 solubilized membrane fraction. The enzyme was found to be highly active over a broad pH range between 6.0 and 7.5. Kinetics of the transfer reactions were studied and indicated that the enzyme had an apparent Km for GDPfucose of 53 and 49 microM with acceptors nLc4 and Lc4, respectively. The apparent Km values for acceptors Lc4, nLc4, and IV3NeuAcnLc4 were determined to be 42, 18, and 26 microM, respectively. Transfer of fucose to the type 1 chain acceptor Lc4 alone and in the presence of increasing concentrations of the type 2 chain acceptor IV3NeuAcnLc4 or Gb3 suggested that both type 1 and 2 acceptors were alternate acceptors for a single enzyme. This was further established by the finding that IV3NeuAcnLc4 behaved as a competitive inhibitor of fucose transfer with respect to Lc4. Conditions were defined for preparative scale in vitro synthesis of fucosylated products of nLc6 catalyzed by the Colo 205 cell enzyme. Yields of the monofucosyl derivative of 2.5 mg (46%) and 1 mg (17%) of the difucosyl derivative were obtained from 5 mg of original nLc6. The structures of these biosynthetic products were carefully studied by 1H NMR, +FAB-MS, and methylation analysis. These studies revealed extremely high purity products composed of III3FucnLc6 and III3V3Fuc2nLc6. The significance of the nature of these products and enzymatic properties is discussed.

1H-n.m.r. analysis of type-2 chain lacto-gangliosides. Confirmation of structure of a novel cancer-associated fucoganglioside, alpha-NeuAc-(2----6)- beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1----3)-beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-[alp ha-L- Fucp-(1----3)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1----3)-beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-beta -D-Glc p- (1----1)-Cer (VI6NeuAcIII3FucnLc6Cer)

Neolacto-glycosphingolipids, substituted with alpha-NeuAc-(2----3)- and -(2----6)-linked D-Galp residues were analyzed by one- and two-dimensional 1H-n.m.r. spectroscopy at 500 MHz in 49:1 (v/v) di(2H3)methyl sulfoxide-deuterium oxide solution. For the simplest structures analyzed, nLc4Cer, IV3NeuAcnLc4Cer, and IV6NeuAcnLc4Cer, sialosylation-induced changes in shifts of terminal and subterminal core residues were interpretable in terms of existing conformational models. Chemical shifts for H-3e and H-3a of NeuAc characteristic for the type of linkage, were also determined. In addition, regularly reproducible shifts were seen for H-1 and other resonances of terminal and subterminal core residues of all structures tested. Chemical-shift correlations proved to be useful in elucidating the structure of a unique ganglioside bearing an internal beta-D-Galp-(1----4)-[alpha-L-Fucp-(1----3)]-beta-D-GlcpNAc-(1---- 3) residue ("X-trisaccharide") with an alpha-NeuAc-(2----6)-substituted terminal group.

Synthesis of the isomeric trisaccharides, methyl O-alpha-L-fucopyranosyl- (1----3, 4, and 6)-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1----3)-beta- D-galactopyranoside

Benzylation of methyl 3-O-(2-acetamido-4,6-O-benzylidene-2-deoxy-beta-D- glucopyranosyl)-2,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside with benzyl bromide in N,N-dimethylformamide in the presence of sodium hydride afforded methyl 3-O- (2-acetamido-3-O-benzyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl) -2,4,6- tri-O-benzyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside (3). Reductive ring-opening of the benzylidene group of 3 gave methyl 3-O-(2-acetamido-3,6-di-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-beta-D- glucopyranosyl)- 2,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-beta-D-galactopyranoside (4). Cleavage of the 4,6-acetal group of 3 with hot, 80% aqueous acetic acid afforded the diol (5). Compounds 3, 4, and 5 were each subjected to halide ion-catalyzed glycosylation with 2,3,4-tri-O-benzyl-alpha-L-fucopyranosyl bromide to produce the corresponding trisaccharide derivatives, which, on catalytic hydrogenation, furnished the title trisaccharides, respectively.

Synthesis of O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1----3)-O-beta-D- galactopyranosyl-(1----4)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose and two related trisaccharides containing the "lacto-N-biose II" unit

Condensation of 3-O-(2-acetamido-3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-beta-D- glucopyranosyl)-2,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl bromide (1) with benzyl 2-acetamido-3,6-di-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranoside in boiling benzene and in the presence of mercuric cyanide afforded a trisaccharide that was O-deacetylated to give benzyl O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1----3)-O-beta-D- galactopyranosyl-(1----4)-3,6-di-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranosid e, the benzyl groups of which were cleaved by catalytic hydrogenolysis to furnish the title trisaccharide. Alternatively, bromide 1 was allowed to react with 2-acetamido-1,6-anhydro-3-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranose in 1:1 benzene-nitromethane in the presence of mercuric cyanide, followed by O-deacetylation, column chromatography, and reacetylation to give O-(2-acetamido-3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-beta-D- glucopyranosyl)-(1----3)-O-(2,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)- (1----4)-2-acetamido-1,6-anhydro-3-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranose . Acetolysis, followed by catalytic hydrogenation and subsequent O-deacetylation furnished the title trisaccharide. A similar condensation of bromide 1 with 4-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-4,6-O-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-beta-D-glucopyran oside and 2-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-4,6-O-(4-methoxybenzylidene)-alpha-D-galactopy ranoside produced two trisaccharide derivatives, the acetal groups of which were cleaved in hot, 60% aqueous acetic acid, and the resulting diol intermediates O-deacetylated to furnish the desired trisaccharides 4-nitrophenyl O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D- glucopyranosyl)-(1----3)-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)-(1----3)-2-acetamido -2- deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside and 2-nitrophenyl O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----3)-O-beta- D-galactopyranosyl-(1----3)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-galactopyranoside .

Tegument galactosylceramides of the cestode Spirometra mansonoides

The brush border-like surface of the tegument of the adult and the plerocercoid larva of a pseudophyllidean cestode, Spirometra mansonoides, has been shown to contain hydroxylated galactosylceramides. D-Galactosyl-N-(2-D-hydroxyoctadecanoyl)-D-phytosphingosine, D-galactosyl-N-(2-D-hydroxyoctadecanoyl)-D-dihydrosphingosine and D-galactosyl-N-(octadecanoyl)-D-phytosphingosine were identified as major glycosphingolipids in a tegumental plasma membrane fraction with associated microtriches, by combinations of chromatography (column, high performance thin-layer, gas-liquid), mass spectrometry (electron impact, field desorption, fast atom bombardment, collisionally induced decomposition) and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry. Galactosylceramides with hydroxylated long chain bases and fatty acids are known to occur in some eukaryotic microbes and in cells of vertebrate tissues exposed to plasma membrane destabilizing environments. This has led to a proposal that the capacity of hydroxylated ceramide moieties for intermolecular hydrogen bonding among themselves and with phosphoglycerides acts to stabilize the plasma membrane. Saturated fatty acyl groups in the ceramides would enhance stabilization by their orderly packing in the lipid bilayer. Consequently, the presence of such hydroxylated galactosylceramides in the tegument surface of S. mansonoides may contribute to the maintenance of its normal barrier properties in the face of the varied environmental insults encountered by the cestode in its life-cycle.

Total synthesis of X hapten, III3 Fuc alpha-nLc4 Cer

Total synthesis of O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1----4)-O-[alpha-L- fucopyranosyl- (1----3)]-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1----3)-O-beta- D- galactopyranosyl- (1----4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1----1)-2-N-tetracosanoyl-(2S,3R ,4E)- sphingenine was achieved by use of the key glycosyl donors O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D- galactopyranosyl)-(1----4)-O-[(2,3,4-tri-O-acetyl-alpha-L-fucopyranosyl) - (1----3)]-O-(2- acetamido-6-O-acetyl-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1----3)-O-(2,4,6-tr i-O- acetyl- beta-D-galactopyranosyl)-(1----4)-2,3,6-tri-O-acetyl-alpha-D-glucopyrano syl trichloroacetimidate and fluoride, as well as key glycosyl acceptor 3-O-benzoyl-2-N-tetracosanoyl- (2S,3R,4E)-sphingenine, in an unambiguous manner.

Synthesis of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-4-O-(2-O-methyl-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)- D-glucopyranose (N-acetyl-2'-O-methyllactosamine)

1,3,4,6-Tetra-O-acetyl-2-O-methyl-D-galactopyranose, prepared from known methyl 6-O-acetyl-3,4-O-isopropylidene-beta-D-galactopyranoside, was treated with hydrogen bromide in dichloromethane to afford 3,4,6-tri-O-acetl-2-O-methyl-alpha-D-galactopyranosyl bromide. Condensation with benzyl 2-acetamido-3,6-di-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-alpha-D-glucopyranoside in acetonitrile in the presence of mercuric cyanide gave an approximately 1:1 mixture of benzyl 2-acetamido-3, 6-di-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-4-O-(3,4,6-tri-O-acetyl-2-O-methyl-beta- (8) and -alpha-D-galactopyranosyl)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside. O-Deacetylation and catalytic hydrogenolysis of the benzyl group furnished 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-4-O-(2-O-methyl-beta- and alpha-D-galactopyranosyl)-D-glucopyranose. Alternatively, benzyl 2-acetamido-3,6-di-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-4-O-beta-D- galactopyranosyl-alpha-D-glucopyranoside was treated with tert-butyldiphenyl-chlorosilane in N,N-dimethylformamide, in the presence of imidazole, to give a 6'-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl intermediate that was in turn converted into its 3',4'-O-isopropylidene acetal. Methylation with methyl iodide-silver oxide in N,N-dimethylformamide, followed by removal of the silyl and isopropylidene groups gave benzyl 2-acetamido-3,6-di-O-benzyl-2-deoxy-4-O-(2-O-methyl-beta-D- galactopyranosyl)-alpha-D-glucopyranoside, which was further characterized as its triacetate 8.