Analysis by lectin affinity chromatography of N-linked glycans of BHK cells and ricin-resistant mutants

Mannosidase 2, alpha 1 deficiency is associated with ricin resistance in embryonic stem (ES) cells

Host gene products required for mediating the action of toxins are potential targets for reversing or controlling their pathogenic impact following exposure. To identify such targets libraries of insertional gene-trap mutations generated with a PiggyBac transposon in Blm-deficient embryonic stem cells were exposed to the plant toxin, ricin. Resistant clones were isolated and genetically characterised and one was found to be a homozygous mutant of the mannosidase 2, alpha 1 (Man2α1) locus with a matching defect in the homologous allele. The causality of the molecular lesion was confirmed by removal of the transposon following expression of PB-transposase. Comparative glycomic and lectin binding analysis of the Man2α1 (-/-) ricin resistant cells revealed an increase in the levels of hybrid glycan structures and a reduction in terminal β-galactose moieties, potential target receptors for ricin. Furthermore, naïve ES cells treated with inhibitors of the N-linked glycosylation pathway at the mannosidase 2, alpha 1 step exhibited either full or partial resistance to ricin. Therefore, we conclusively identified mannosidase 2, alpha 1 deficiency to be associated with ricin resistance.

Toxin-based therapeutic approaches

Protein toxins confer a defense against predation/grazing or a superior pathogenic competence upon the producing organism. Such toxins have been perfected through evolution in poisonous animals/plants and pathogenic bacteria. Over the past five decades, a lot of effort has been invested in studying their mechanism of action, the way they contribute to pathogenicity and in the development of antidotes that neutralize their action. In parallel, many research groups turned to explore the pharmaceutical potential of such toxins when they are used to efficiently impair essential cellular processes and/or damage the integrity of their target cells. The following review summarizes major advances in the field of toxin based therapeutics and offers a comprehensive description of the mode of action of each applied toxin.

N-glycosylation augmentation of the cystic fibrosis epithelium improves Pseudomonas aeruginosa clearance

Chronic lung colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa is anticipated in cystic fibrosis (CF). Abnormal terminal glycosylation has been implicated as a candidate for this condition. We previously reported a down-regulation of mannose-6-phosphate isomerase (MPI) for core N-glycan production in the CFTR-defective human cell line (IB3). We found a 40% decrease in N-glycosylation of IB3 cells compared with CFTR-corrected human cell line (S9), along with a threefold-lower surface attachment of P. aeruginosa strain, PAO1. There was a twofold increase in intracellular bacteria in S9 cells compared with IB3 cells. After a 4-hour clearance period, intracellular bacteria in IB3 cells increased twofold. Comparatively, a twofold decrease in intracellular bacteria occurred in S9 cells. Gene augmentation in IB3 cells with hMPI or hCFTR reversed these IB3 deficiencies. Mannose-6-phosphate can be produced from external mannose independent of MPI, and correction in the IB3 clearance deficiencies was observed when cultured in mannose-rich medium. An in vivo model for P. aeruginosa colonization in the upper airways revealed an increased bacterial burden in the trachea and oropharynx of nontherapeutic CF mice compared with mice treated either with an intratracheal delivery adeno-associated viral vector 5 expressing murine MPI, or a hypermannose water diet. Finally, a modest lung inflammatory response was observed in CF mice, and was partially corrected by both treatments. Augmenting N-glycosylation to attenuate colonization of P. aeruginosa in CF airways reveals a new therapeutic avenue for a hallmark disease condition in CF.

Genetic defect in N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I gene of a ricin-resistant baby hamster kidney mutant

The analysis of mutations associated with glycosylation-defective cell lines has the potential for identifying critical residues associated with the activities of enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of glycoconjugates. A ricin-resistant (RicR) baby hamster kidney (BHK) cell mutant, clone RicR14, has a deficiency in N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GlcNAc-TI) activity and as a consequence is unable to synthesize complex and hybrid N-glycans. Here we show that RicR14 cells transfected with wild-type GlcNAc-TI regained the ability to synthesize complex N-glycans, demonstrating that the glycosylation defect of RicR14 cells is due solely to the lack of GlcNAc-TI activity. With the use of specific antibodies to GlcNAc-TI, RicR14 cells were shown to synthesize an inactive GlcNAc-TI protein that is correctly localized to the Golgi apparatus. We have cloned and sequenced the open reading frame of GlcNAc-TI from parental BHK and RicR14 cells. A comparison of several RicR14 cDNA clones with the parental BHK GlcNAc-TI sequence indicated the presence of two different RicR14 cDNA species. One contained a premature stop codon at position +81, whereas the second contained a point mutation in the catalytic domain of GlcNAc-TI resulting in the amino acid substitution Gly320-->Asp. The introduction of a Gly320-->Asp mutation into wild-type rabbit GlcNAc-TI resulted in a complete loss of activity; the GlcNAc-TI mutant was correctly localized to the Golgi, indicating that the inactive GlcNAc-TI protein was transport-competent. Gly320 is conserved in GlcNAc-TI from all species so far examined. Overall these results demonstrate that Gly320 is a critical residue for GlcNAc-TI activity.

Interactions of Bowringia mildbraedii agglutinin with complex- and hybrid-type glycans

Affinity chromatography on Bowringia mildbraedii agglutinin (BMA) Sepharose of glycopeptides confirmed a previous report using oligosaccharides (Animashaun, T. and Hughes, R. C. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264,4657-4663) that high affinity binding requires the sequence Man alpha 1---2 Man alpha 1----6 Man alpha 1----6 Man beta 1----4. However, moderate binding was still exhibited by structures lacking this sequence provided the oligosaccharide core sequence Man alpha 1----3[Man alpha 1----6]Man beta 1----4GlcNAc was present. This moderate binding was not affected by substitution with N-acetylglucosamine at C2 and C4, respectively, of the Man alpha 1----3 and Man beta 1----4 residues and BMA Sepharose should prove to be a useful tool for the isolation of bisected or non-bisected hybrid-type glycans.

Expression, glycosylation and secretion of yeast acid phosphatase in hamster BHK cells

The gene PHO5 coding for one of the repressible acid phosphatases of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae has been expressed at high efficiency in the baby hamster kidney (BHK) cell line. The expression vector was constructed from PHO5 driven by the human beta-actin promoter and was transfected into BHK cells by the calcium phosphate method. The recombinant APase (r-APase) which was secreted in active form from the cells was estimated by SDS/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to have molecular mass M(r) = 62,000, indicating substitution of the polypeptide moiety by 2-3 asparagine-linked glycans. Analysis by sequential lectin affinity chromatography of glycopeptides obtained from r-APase with Pronase showed that the glycans are predominantly of the 2.2.4 triantennary and tetraantennary complex-type. These data suggest that the extensive glycosylation of yeast APase, which contains eight polymannose substituents, is not essential for secretion and expression of enzymatic activity of the transfected gene product.

Effects of brefeldin A on oligosaccharide processing. Evidence for decreased branching of complex-type glycans and increased formation of hybrid-type glycans

Brefeldin A (BFA), a drug that induces redistribution of Golgi-apparatus proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum, was used to determine the role of subcellular compartmentalization in the processing of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides. Baby-hamster kidney cells were pulse-labelled with [3H]mannose for 30-60 min and chased for up to several hours in the presence or in the absence of BFA or labelled continuously for several hours with and without the drug. Cellular glycoproteins were digested to glycopeptides with Pronase and either fractionated into glycan classes by lectin affinity chromatography or digested further by endoglycosidase H and endoglycosidase D. Released oligosaccharides obtained in the latter procedure were then separated from each other and from endoglycosidase-resistant glycopeptides by paper chromatography. The results show that BFA induces a very fast processing of protein-linked Glc3Man9GlcNAc2 oligosaccharide down to man5GlcNAc2 and conversion into complex-type and hybrid-type glycans. The major difference between untreated and BFA-treated cells is a large increase in bi-antennary and hybrid-type glycans in the latter cells. These results indicate that galactosylation of a mono-antennary GlcNAcMan5GlcNAc2 hybrid blocks subsequent action by mannosidase II and N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase II, producing galactosylated hybrid-type glycans. Similarly, galactosylation of the product of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases I and II, i.e. a Man3GlcNAc2 core substituted with GlcNAc beta 1----2 on both alpha 1----3- and alpha 1----6-linked mannose residues, blocks branching N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases IV and V, thereby causing an increase in bi-antennary glycans and a decrease in tri- and tetra-antennary glycans.

Temporal aspects of O-glycosylation of glycoprotein C from herpes simplex virus type-1

Herpes simplex virus type-1 glycoprotein C (gC1) contains several O-linked oligosaccharides clustered near N-linked chains, and Pronase digestion produces glycopeptides carrying both oligosaccharide types. We have taken advantage of this fact to investigate the temporal relationship between the initiation of O-linked chains and the processing of N-linked oligosaccharides. gC1 was isolated from herpes-simplex-virus-infected BHK (baby-hamster kidney) cells after short labelling periods with [3H]glucosamine, and the labelled Pronase-cleaved glycopeptides fractionated on concanavalin A-Sepharose. N-[3H]Acetylgalactosamine, mostly convertible into free N-[3H]acetylgalactosaminitol on mild alkaline-borohydride treatment, was found in glycopeptides with an affinity to concanavalin A-Sepharose corresponding to that of glycopeptides carrying Man8GlcNAc2 or larger N-linked chains. Since there is evidence that the processing of N-linked chains up to Man8GlcNAc2 involves enzymes located in the rough endoplasmic reticulum, current results strongly suggest that gC1 acquires O-linked N-acetylgalactosamine before the glycoprotein routing to the Golgi apparatus. The addition of the second sugar to the nascent O-linked chain appeared to occur after a relatively long lag time.

Assembly of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides in baby hamster kidney cells treated with castanospermine, an inhibitor of processing glucosidases

We have shown previously that the processing of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides in baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells is blocked only partially by the glucosidase inhibitors, 1-deoxynojirimycin and N-methyl-1-deoxynojirimycin [Hughes, R. C., Foddy, L. & Bause, E. (1987) Biochem. J. 247, 537-544]. Similar results are now reported for castanospermine, another inhibitor of processing glucosidases, and a detailed study of oligosaccharide processing in the inhibited cells is reported. In steady-state conditions the major endo-H-released oligosaccharides contained glucose residues but non-glycosylated oligosaccharides, including Man9GlcNAc to Man5GlcNAc, were also present. To determine the processing sequences occurring in the presence of castanospermine, BHK cells were pulse-labelled for various times with [3H]mannose and the oligosaccharide intermediates, isolated by gel filtration and paper chromatography, characterized by acetolysis and sensitivity to jack bean alpha-mannosidase. The data show that Glc3Man9GlcNAc2 is transferred to protein and undergoes processing to produce Glc3Man8GlcNAc2 and Glc3Man7GlcNAc2 as major species as well as a smaller amount of Man9GlcNAc2. Glucosidase-processed intermediates, Glc1Man8GlcNAc2 and Glc1Man7GlcNAc2, were also obtained as well as a Man7GlcNAc2 species derived from Glc1Man7GlcNAc2 and different from the Man7GlcNAc2 isomer formed in the usual processing pathway. No evidence for the direct transfer of non-glucosylated oligosaccharides to proteins was obtained and we conclude that the continued assembly of complex-type glycans in castanospermine-inhibited BHK cells results from residual activity of processing glucosidases.

Adhesion defective BHK cell mutant has cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycan of altered properties

In the light of accumulating data that implicate cell surface heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) with a role in cell interactions with extracellular matrix molecules such as fibronectin, we have compared the properties of these molecules in wild-type BHK cells and an adhesion-defective ricin-resistant mutant (RicR14). Our results showed that the mutant, unlike BHK cells, cannot form focal adhesions when adherent to planar substrates in the presence of serum. Furthermore, while both cell lines possess similar amounts of cell surface HSPG with hydrophobic properties, that of RicR14 cells had decreased sulfation, reduced affinity for fibronectin and decreased half-life on the cell surface when compared to the normal counterpart. Our conclusions based on this data are that these altered properties may, in part, account for the adhesion defect in the ricin-resistant mutant. Whether this results from the known alteration in assembly of N-linked glycans affecting the carbohydrate chains on the proteoglycan or some other combination of factors is discussed.

Asparagine-linked oligosaccharides of BHK cells treated with inhibitors of oligosaccharide processing

Baby-hamster kidney (BHK) cells were labelled with [2-3H]mannose for 1-2 days in media containing 1-deoxynojirimycin, N-methyl-1-deoxynojirimycin or 1-deoxymannojirimycin. Glycopeptides obtained by Pronase digestion of disrupted cells were analysed by lectin affinity chromatography, by Bio-Gel P4 gel filtration and by paper chromatography of oligosaccharides released by endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H. Biosynthesis of complex-type oligosaccharides was diminished but not abolished, the greatest effect being obtained by continuous culture of cells with 1-deoxymannojirimycin. Under these conditions cells contained only 20-30% of the concentration of complex-type chains found in control cells and correspondingly increased amounts of oligomannose-type chains. Similar concentrations of asparagine-linked Man6-GlcNAc2 and Man5GlcNAc2 were present in 1-deoxymannojirimycin-treated cells and control cells, indicating that the inhibition of complex-type chain formation was not related simply to an inability of inhibitor-treated cells to carry out extensive mannosidase-catalysed processing. N-Methyl-1-deoxynojirimycin induced accumulation of oligomannose-type chains containing three glucose residues, and cells treated with 1-deoxynojirimycin contained oligosaccharides with one to three glucose residues. Cells cultured in the presence of the inhibitors retained sensitivity towards the galactose-binding lectins ricin and modeccin.

Characterization of a mannosidase acting on alpha 1----3- and alpha 1----6-linked mannose residues of oligomannosidic intermediates of glycoprotein processing

Baby hamster kidney (BHK) cell extracts catalyze the conversion of [3H]mannose-labelled (Man)5GlcNAc and (Man)6GlcNAc oligosaccharides to a (Man)3GlcNAc species that retains affinity for concanavalin-A-Sepharose and appears to be Man alpha 1----3[Man alpha 1----6]Man beta 1----4GlcNAc. The properties of the (Man)5GlcNAc-hydrolase activity differ from lysosomal alpha-mannosidases as well as previously described processing mannosidases acting on oligosaccharide intermediates of N-glycan assembly. Mosquito cell extracts catalyze hydrolysis of (Man)6GlcNAc but lack the (Man)5GlcNAc hydrolase activity detected in BHK cell extracts. Glycopeptide analysis has been carried out on a ricin-resistant BHK mutant RicR14 that lacks N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase I and fails to convert oligomannosidic N-glycans to complex-type chains, and mosquito cells that constitutively lack N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase I. In both cell lines, the cellular glycoproteins contain (Man)5GlcNAc oligosaccharide as the major stable component equivalent to a 15-20-fold increase compared with normal BHK cells. Although containing very high amounts of asparagine-linked (Man)5(GlcNAc)2, RicR14 cells exhibit (Man)5GlcNAc hydrolase activity at levels similar to wild-type BHK cells. This result, together with previous work [Foddy, L., Feeney, J. & Hughes, R.C. (1986) Biochem. J. 233, 697-706] showing the complete inhibition of conversion of oligomannosidic intermediates to complex-type N-glycans in BHK cells treated with swainsonine, an inhibitor of mannosidase II but not the (Man)5GlcNAc hydrolase activity, argues against a major role for the (Man)5GlcNAc hydrolase activity in N-glycan assembly and suggesting other functions for the mannosidase activity in BHK cells.

Distinct patterns of glycosylation of colligin, a collagen-binding glycoprotein, and SPARC (osteonectin), a secreted Ca2+-binding glycoprotein. Evidence for the localisation of colligin in the endoplasmic reticulum

Mouse parietal endoderm PYS cells were labelled with [2-3H]mannose for 16-24 h. Colligin, an Mr-47000 collagen-binding protein, and SPARC, a Mr-43000 protein, highly homologous to the Ca2+-binding protein osteonectin, were isolated from labelled cell extracts and culture medium respectively. Glycopeptides obtained by exhaustive digestion with pronase were analysed by lectin-affinity, ion-exchange, and gel-filtration chromatography and by paper chromatography of high-mannose oligosaccharides after endo H release. The results show that the N-linked carbohydrate chains of colligin are exclusively the high-mannose type, of which (Man)8(GlcNAc)2 and (Man)9(GlcNAc)2 make up 77%. This carbohydrate structure provides strong evidence that colligin is a component of the endoplasmic reticulum, and argues against a role in cell-surface interactions. By contrast to colligin, SPARC secreted by PYS cells contains predominantly a diantennary complex type of chain containing a variable number of sialic acid and core-substituted fucose residues. Similar glycosylation patterns to those discussed above were seen in colligin isolated from primary mouse embryonic parietal endoderm cells and the murine 3T3 cell line, and in SPARC secreted by bovine corneal endothelial cells. Unlike the type-IV-collagen-binding glycoprotein studied by Dennis, J., Waller, C. and Schirrmacher, V. [J. Cell Biol. 99, 1416-1423 (1984)], removal of N-linked oligosaccharides from colligin had no effect on its binding to native type IV collagen.

Role of membrane glycoproteins in mediating trophic responses

During growth and differentiation the plasma membrane has a key role not only in the reception and transmission of extracellular signals such as hormones and growth factors, but also in communicating cellular response to the cellular microenvironment. Cellular response to trophic stimuli includes alterations of cell shape and cell surface antigenicity, of cell-cell recognition and cellular adhesion, of cell matrix binding and the adaptation of cell surface receptors. The plasma membrane is therefore regarded as a 'central agency' for the integration of a single cell into the complex system of a tissue or of an organism. The numerous functions of the plasma membrane are mainly mediated by membrane integrated glycoproteins or glycolipids both sharing the common feature of covalently bound oligosaccharide side chains. Specific alterations of oligosaccharide structure and metabolism associated with growth, differentiation and various pathologic conditions suggest a specific role for the oligosaccharide moieties in the regulation of cell surface functions (Table 1). This review intends to focus on the role of plasma membrane glycoproteins describing briefly principles of glycoprotein structure and function, and characteristics of their biosynthesis and degradation.

Differences in adhesiveness among type 1 fimbriate strains of Enterobacteriaceae revealed by an in vitro HEp2 cell adhesion model

Ten type 1 fimbriate strains of Enterobacteriaceae were examined in an in vitro adhesion assay with HEp2 epithelial cells. The range of HEp2 cell adhesiveness, which was characteristic for each strain, was affected by motility, type 1 fimbriation and production of mannose sensitive haemagglutinin. Nevertheless, not all type 1 fimbriate strains adhered well in this model. The findings are discussed with regard to the possibility that different type 1 fimbriate enterobacteria, though all are mannose sensitive, recognize different mannose-containing receptors present or available on the surfaces of the HEp2 cells.

Functional differences in the interactions of glycosylation-deficient cell lines with fibronectin, laminin, and type IV collagen

Fibronectin isolated from the conditioned medium of monolayer cultures of baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells and several ricin-resistant (Ric) mutants derived from them express differences in N-glycosylation. The asparagine-linked oligosaccharides of BHK cell-derived fibronectin consist largely of complex chains, whereas hybrid and/or high-mannose chains are present in the fibronectins of mutant cell lines. The fibronectins exhibiting different glycosylation patterns are incorporated to similar extents into the cell-layer of human skin fibroblasts. In contrast, mutant cells retain significantly less endogenously produced fibronectin than BHK cells and also incorporate less human cellular fibronectin into a pericellular matrix. In vitro adhesion assays show that mutant cells attach to and spread relatively poorly on fibronectin-or type IV collagen-coated substrata but interact as well as do BHK cells with a laminin substratum. These results indicate that asparagine-linked oligosaccharides of fibronectin are not required for the binding and incorporation of the molecule into cell layers, but, as constituents of other cellular glycoproteins, they do modulate the ability of BHK cells to interact with some matrix components.

Interactions of lectins with normal, swainsonine-treated and ricin-resistant baby hamster kidney BHK cells

The aggregation of single-cell suspensions of normal and four ricin-resistant cell lines of baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells by several lectins has been studied by particle counting. Normal BHK cells were aggregated by concanavalin A, Ricinus communis agglutinin and ricin, Abrus precatorius agglutinin, wheat germ agglutinin, and Erythrina cristagalli and Erythrina corallodendron agglutinins. Neuraminidase treatment increased 4-13 fold the aggregation of BHK cells by the latter two lectins, as reported earlier for ricin. After long-term culture of normal BHK cells with swainsonine, an inhibitor of complex N-glycan assembly, the aggregation of cells by each lectin except concanavalin A was much decreased or totally abolished. The lectin-induced aggregation of ricin-resistant cell lines RicR 14, 15, 19, and 21 was very similar to swainsonine treated BHK cells. Aggregation of RicR 15, 19, and 21 cells by Erythrina lectins was increased markedly by neuraminidase treatment of the cells. A smaller effect was obtained with Ric 14 cells. The data reported are consistent with similar hybrid N-glycans being present in swainsonine-treated BHK cells and the ricin-resistant cells. The hybrid structures bind lectins of Ricinus, Abrus, and Erythrina species after desialylation.

Ricin-resistant mutants of baby-hamster-kidney cells deficient in alpha-mannosidase-II-catalyzed processing of asparagine-linked oligosaccharides

Previous work has shown that two ricin-resistant mutants of baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, RicR15 and RicR19, synthesize only hybrid and oligomannose-type asparagine-linked oligosaccharides [Hughes, R. C. and Mills, G. (1985) Biochem. J. 226, 487-498]. In the present report glycopeptides were released from disrupted cells by exhaustive digestion with pronase, fractionated by chromatography on concanavalin-A--Sepharose, DEAE-Sephacel and lentil-lectin--Sepharose and characterized by 500-MHz 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The major hybrid structure identified in both cell lines contains five mannose residues and the sequence NeuNAc alpha 2----3Gal beta 1----4GlcNAc beta 1----2 linked to the alpha 1----3 arm mannose of the core pentasaccharide. Analysis of extracts of normal or mutant cells has shown in the mutants a deficiency in alpha-mannosidase activity measured with p-nitrophenyl alpha-mannoside. This activity is swainsonine-sensitive and exhibits a pH optimum at about 6-6.5. Assays using a specific substrate for alpha-mannosidase II, a terminal processing glycosidase in conversion of penta-mannose hybrid intermediates to complex N-glycans, reveals a reduced activity in RicR15 cells. Analysis of glycopeptides obtained from cells labelled with [3H]fucose or [3H]galactose revealed a small proportion of branched complex N-glycans of normal structure in mutant cells.

Properties of baby-hamster kidney (BHK) cells treated with Swainsonine, an inhibitor of glycoprotein processing. Comparison with ricin-resistant BHK-cell mutants

Baby-hamster kidney (BHK) cells were grown continuously in long-term monolayer culture in the presence of Swainsonine, an inhibitor of alpha-mannosidase II, a processing enzyme involved in glycoprotein biosynthesis. The asparagine-linked oligosaccharides (N-glycans) were isolated from Pronase-digested cells by gel filtration, ion-exchange chromatography and affinity chromatography on concanavalin A--Sepharose and lentil lectin--Sepharose. The major N-glycans, analysed by 500 MHz 1H-n.m.r. spectroscopy, were identified as hybrid structures containing five mannose residues and neutral high-mannose N-glycans. The major hybrid species contained a core-substituted fucose alpha(1----6) residue and a NeuNAc alpha(2----3)Gal beta(1----4)GlcNAc terminal sequence; smaller amounts of non-sialylated and non-fucosylated hybrid structures were also detected. Swainsonine-treated cells also produced neutral oligosaccharides containing a single reducing N-acetylglucosamine residue substituted with polymannose sequences. The glycopeptide composition of Swainsonine-treated BHK cells resembles closely that of the ricin-resistant BHK cell mutant, RicR21 [P. A. Gleeson, J. Feeney and R. C. Hughes (1985) Biochemistry 24, 493-503], except the hybrid structures of RicR21 cells contain three, not five, mannose residues. Like RicR21 cells, Swainsonine-treated BHK cells showed a greatly increased resistance to ricin cytotoxicity, but not to modeccin, another galactose-binding lectin. These effects were readily reversed on removal of Swainsonine and growth in normal medium.

Cell Wall and Cytoplasmic Isozymes of Radish beta-Fructosidase Have Different N-Linked Oligosaccharides

When 36-hour-old dark grown radish seedlings are transferred to far-red light, there is a decrease in cytoplasmic beta-fructosidase (betaF) and an increase in cell wall betaF compared to the dark controls. Cytoplasmic and cell wall-bound beta-fructosidase are both glycoproteins and exhibit high antigenic similarities, but differ according to charge heterogeneity and carbohydrate microheterogeneity. Growth of radish seedlings in the presence of tunicamycin results in a partial inhibition of betaF glycosylation but nonglycosylated betaF still accumulates in the cell wall under far-red light. Thus, glycosylation is not necessary for intracellular transport, for correct targetting, or for wall association of an active betaF. The nonglycosylated cytoplasmic and cell wall betaF forms have the same relative molecular mass but glycosylated forms have different oligosaccharide side-chains, with respect to size and susceptibility to alpha-mannosidase and endoglycosidase D digestion. The oligosaccharides of both forms are partly removed by endoglycosidase H when betaF is denatured. Isoelectric focusing analysis of betaF shows that the cell wall-associated isozymes are more basic than the cytoplasmic isozymes, and that the charge heterogeneity also exists within a single plant. A time course of changes in betaF zymograms shows a far red light stimulation of the appearance of the basic forms of the enzyme. However, the more basic cell wall specific betaF forms are not present when N-glycosylation is prevented with tunicamycin. These results indicate that cytoplasmic and cell wall betaF probably have common precursor polypeptides and basic cell wall forms arise via processing events which are tunicamycin sensitive.

Role of glycosylation in expression of functional diphtheria toxin receptors

We have previously demonstrated, by using a detergent-solubilized system, the existence of specific diphtheria toxin-binding glycoproteins on the surface of toxin-sensitive cells. We have now tested the effect of tunicamycin treatment on the sensitivity of cells in culture to diphtheria toxin and have investigated the toxin sensitivity of mutant cells with known defects in glycosylation of asparagine-linked glycoproteins. Treatment of CHO-K1 cells with tunicamycin, which blocks the synthesis of both high-mannose-type and complex-type oligosaccharide chains of asparagine-linked glycoproteins, resulted in a 50- to 100-fold decrease in sensitivity to diphtheria toxin. In contrast, CHO-K1 mutants, defective in the synthesis of either high-mannose-type or complex-type oligosaccharides, showed no difference in toxin sensitivity compared with that of their parental cell lines. When we used an acid shock system, which is believed to result in receptor-dependent direct toxin penetration at the cell surface, the toxin sensitivity of tunicamycin-treated cells was not restored to that of untreated cells, suggesting that tunicamycin treatment results in a decrease in functional toxin receptors. Direct binding studies with 125I-labeled toxin demonstrated that this decrease in functional receptors is due to a decrease in the affinity of the receptors rather than to a change in the number of receptors. Taken together, these data are consistent with the interpretation that the diphtheria toxin receptor is a glycoprotein and suggest that the toxin binds neither to carbohydrate residues unique to the high-mannose-type oligosaccharides nor to those unique to the complex-type oligosaccharides. Furthermore, these data are consistent with the hypothesis that diphtheria toxin binds to the peptide backbone of the glycoprotein receptor.

Modification of the N-linked oligosaccharides in cell surface glycoproteins during chick embryo development. A using lectin affinity and a high resolution chromatography study

Important differences in asparagine-linked glycopeptides were observed in vitro cultured fibroblasts derived from chick embryo at different stages of development. Cells from 8-day and 16-day embryos were labeled metabolically with [3H]mannose. Cell surface glycopeptides obtained after mild trypsin treatment were extensively digested with pronase and then chromatographed on concanavalin-A-Sepharose and other immobilized lectins. The most important changes concerned the complex type chains. The ratio between triantennary plus tetraantennary and biantennary chains increased about 2.5-fold from the 8th to the 16th day of development. In the same way, complex chains with bisecting N-acetylglucosamine increased from 8-day to 16-day cells as shown by Phaseolus-vulgaris-erythroagglutinin--agarose chromatography. In 16-day cells, the majority of triantennary chains (60%) with alpha-linked mannose substituted at C2 and C6 positions and biantennary chains (50%) were shown to contain fucosyl (alpha 1----6)N-acetylglucosaminyl structure in the core region by their ability to bind to a lentil lectin affinity column. Similarly, in 8-day cells, triantennary chains (50%) were more fucosylated than biantennary chains (35%). Thus, complex structures exhibited an increased fucosylation of their invariable core from the 8th to the 16th day of development, except for fucosylated triantennary chains which were retained on Phaseolus vulgaris Leucoagglutin and on lentil lectin. These latter structures were present at the surface of 8-day cells and absent at the surface of 16-day cells. After chromatography on Bio-Gel P6 and treatment with endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H, the [3H]-mannose-labeled glycopeptides were separated by high resolution chromatography into glycopeptides with complex chains and glycopeptides with high-mannose chains. Analysis of the high-mannose oligosaccharides released after endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase H treatment by chromatography on Bio-Gel P4 indicated that the same type of high-mannose chains were present at the surface of 8-day and 16-day cells. Quantification of mannose, galactose and sialic acid residues using gas liquid chromatography was consistent with a decrease of the relative amount of oligomannose chains and an increase of the relative amount of complex type chains in 16-day cells compared to 8-day cells. Thus N-linked oligosaccharides derived from cell surface glycoproteins undergo changes during embryo development resulting in greater complexity of carbohydrate chains.

Alteration of glycosyltransferase activities during proliferation of cultivated arterial endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells

The activities of glycosyltransferases involved in the biosynthesis of N-linked glycans of glycoproteins in cultivated endothelial and smooth muscle cells have been analysed. Both cell types contain galactosyl-, N-acetylglucosaminyl-, sialyl- and fucosyltransferases in decreasing order of activity, but the specific enzyme activity of glycosyltransferases is higher in endothelial cells. These differences are due neither to elevated glycosidase activities nor to enhanced hydrolysis of nucleotide sugars. Cell growth and differentiation have substantial influence on glycosyltransferase expression. Within 5 days after plating of endothelial cells all glycosyltransferase activities increase 3-10-fold. The highest activities are found in confluent cultures. In smooth muscle cells, however, the activities of all transferases except N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase, whose activity does not change during the logarithmic growth phase, increase by only 20-50%. Glycosidases are subject to variations but the specific activities are not strictly correlated to cell proliferation. Four days after the beginning of cultivation the activities of alpha-fucosidase and beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase are at a minimum in endothelial cells, whereas the activities of these enzymes attain their maxima in smooth muscle cells. The results suggest that the biosynthesis of glycoproteins in endothelial and smooth muscle cells is subject to growth-dependent regulation. Thus, substantial alterations of the cellular glycoprotein pattern are expected to occur during cell proliferation.

Ricin-resistant human T-cell hybridomas producing interferon gamma

Ricin-resistant variants of the SH9 T-cell line were selected after growth of this line in medium containing toxic amounts of ricin, a lectin derived from Ricinus communis. The ricin-resistant SH9 lines, SH9.R0 and SH9.R1, were demonstrated to be deficient in cell surface ricin-binding sites, but otherwise had the cellular phenotype of SH9 cells. Ricin-resistant T-cell hybridomas were prepared by fusion of SH9.R0 and SH9.R1 with activated T-lymphocytes. The presence of ricin in the selection medium rapidly killed unfused T-lymphocytes and prevented cell transformation by human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) which is shed by the SH9.R0 and SH9.R1 cells. This ensured that the cells growing out were indeed hybridomas. Ricin-resistant T-cell hybridomas were characterised and also shown to lack cell surface receptors for ricin. Analysis of T-cell surface markers indicated that the T-cell hybridomas could be the result of fusions between SH9.R1 cells and T-helper lymphocytes or T-suppressor lymphocytes. All of the T-cell hybridomas prepared in this study spontaneously produced interferon gamma (IFN gamma).

Hybrid sialylated N-glycans are minor constituents of normal BHK-cell glycoproteins and a prominent feature in glycoproteins of some ricin-resistant cell lines

Baby-hamster kidney (BHK) cells were labelled metabolically by growth in media containing radioactive sugars and the asparagine-linked glycopeptides (N-glycans) obtained by Pronase digestion of disrupted cells were fractionated by chromatography on concanavalin A-Sepharose. About 2-3% of the total [3H]galactose- or [3H]fucose-labelled glycopeptides were found to be bound tightly to the lectin column and were eluted with 500 mM-methyl alpha-mannoside. Further analysis of these minor components by chromatography on Bio-Gel P4, lentil-lectin-Sepharose and DEAE-Sephacel and sensitivity to alpha-mannosidase indicates the presence in BHK-cell glycopeptides of hybrid structures of the following form: (Formula: see text) Similar structures were identified as major features of the glycoproteins of ricin-resistant mutants RicR17 and RicR19 as described previously for RicR21 cells [Hughes, Mills & Stojanovic (1983) Carbohydr. Res. 120, 215-234]. The RicR15 cell line also produces significant amounts of hybrid N-glycans. The studies show that the novel N-glycans accumulating in ricin-resistant mutants are derived by a metabolic pathway that exists to a minor extent in normal BHK cells.

Structures of N-glycans of a ricin-resistant mutant of baby hamster kidney cells. Synthesis of high-mannose and hybrid N-glycans

The asparagine-linked glycopeptides (N-glycans) of a ricin-resistant mutant of baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, RicR21, have been isolated and fractionated from a Pronase digest of disrupted cells by concanavalin A (Con A)-Sepharose chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography, and lentil lectin chromatography. The structures of all the major N-glycans have been determined by 500-MHz H NMR spectroscopy. RicR21 synthesizes only hybrid and high-mannose N-glycans. All the hybrid structures contain only three mannose residues. The major hybrid glycopeptide has the following structure: (Formula: see text). There is also about 15% of the nonfucosylated species present. Only a small amount (less than or equal to 5%) of the asialo hybrid is produced. Branched hybrid N-glycans are also present in RicR21 cells, containing two complex antenna linked beta 1----2 and beta 1----4 to the Man alpha 1----3 arm; about 70% of this species is core fucosylated. Man6GlcNAc2 glycopeptide is the most abundant (about 70%) of the high-mannose N-glycans. These studies account for the very poor ricin binding property of this mutant, as the sialic acid residues of the major hybrid N-glycan are exclusively linked alpha 2----3 to galactose and ricin is unable to bind to alpha 2----3-substituted galactosyl residues [Baenziger, J. U., & Fiete, D. (1979) J. Biol. Chem. 254, 9795-9799].

Glycosyl transferases of baby hamster kidney cells and ricin-resistant mutants. O-glycan biosynthesis

Extracts of baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells catalyzed the incorporation of N-acetylgalactosamine from UDP-N-acetyl[14C]galactosamine into myelin basic protein and an acylated tetrapeptide, N-acetylthreonyl-triproline, based on the threonine residue 98, glycosylated in myelin basic protein. The incorporated N-acetylgalactosamine residues were shown to be in alpha linkage to the peptide moieties. Several ricin-resistant BHK cell lines contained enhanced (approximately twofold) levels of the transferase activity. Apomucins obtained from bovine submaxillary gland mucin by chemical or enzymic degradation were relatively poor acceptors. Using asialomucin as acceptor, galactosyl, transferase activities and a weak sialyl transferase activity were detected in BHK cell extracts. Galactose transfer occurred at two sites: to peptide-linked N-acetylgalactosamine residues to form the linkage, galactosyl-(beta 1 leads to 3)-N-acetylgalactosamine and to terminally linked N-acetylglucosamine residues that exist as a minor constituent in bovine submaxillary mucin O-glycans, to form a galactosyl N-acetylglucosamine linkage. This reaction was not inhibited by ovalbumin, an efficient acceptor of the beta 1 leads to 4 galactosyl transferase involved in N-glycan assembly. Incorporation of galactose and N-acetylgalactosamine into endogenous proteins of BHK cell extracts was also detected. Sialic acid, fucose and N-acetylglucosamine residues were not incorporated. The incorporated N-acetylgalactosamine residues were shown to be in alpha linkage to polypeptide, and galactose incorporation represented synthesis of the galactosyl-(beta 1 leads to 3)-N-acetylgalactosamine sequence linked to polypeptide. The major endogenous protein labelled by either sugar had a molecular weight of approximately 80 000. A BHK-cell-associated glycoprotein, analogous to the urinary Tamm-Horsfall glycoprotein of molecular weight similar to the major endogenous acceptor of glycosylation, was not glycosylated in the experiments in vitro.