Uteroferrin has N-asparagine-linked high-mannose-type oligosaccharides that contain mannose 6-phosphate

The influences of cycle stage and pregnancy upon cell glycosylation in the endometrium of the mare

From Day 6.5-7 post-conception until its loss around Day 22, the equine embryo is enclosed in a mucinous capsule that prevents direct intercellular interaction between the trophectoderm and uterine epithelium. The embryo is, however, bathed in glycoprotein-rich secretions. In this study, lectin histochemistry was used to characterise the distribution and glycan composition of uterine glycoproteins destined for secretion, and to ascertain the local effect of an embryo on glycosylation in the endometrium. Endometrial biopsies were taken from mares in estrus, on Days 5, 8, 12 and 15 of diestrus, and on Days 12 and 15 of pregnancy and processed for lectin histochemistry. During estrus, lumenal epithelial cells were as truncated pyramids and mainly non-ciliated with glycosylated granules in the cytoplasm. Occasional ciliated cells contained few granules. Five days post-ovulation, non-ciliated cells of the lumenal epithelium were taller, and had accumulated many highly glycosylated apical granules. By Days 12 and 15 post-ovulation these cells were more cuboidal and some showed fewer secretory granules. In marked contrast, by Days 12 and 15 of pregnancy, the ciliated cells were distended, with numerous granules but non-ciliated cells had only a few in the apical cytoplasm. Glycosylation changed dramatically in pregnancy in the luminal and superficial gland epithelium, with fewer fucosylated termini, more N-acetyl galactosamine residues, together with an overall reduction in sialic acid and several other sugar structures. Glycosylation in ciliated cells on Days 12 and 15 of pregnancy showed a striking similarity to that of the blastocyst capsule. The data strongly suggests that glycoprotein production by luminal epithelial cells is influenced by the presence of a conceptus. We speculate that, as well as providing nourishment for the developing embryo, epithelial secretory glycoproteins may contribute components to the capsule, which develops only partially in embryos cultured in vitro.

Targeted Analysis of Lysosomal Directed Proteins and Their Sites of Mannose-6-phosphate Modification

Mannose-6-phosphate (M6P) is a distinctive post-translational modification critical for trafficking of lysosomal acid hydrolases into the lysosome. Improper trafficking into the lysosome, and/or lack of certain hydrolases, results in a toxic accumulation of their substrates within the lysosomes. To gain insight into the enzymes destined to the lysosome these glycoproteins can be distinctively enriched and studied using their unique M6P tag. Here we demonstrate, by adapting a protocol optimized for the enrichment of phosphopeptides using Fe3+-IMAC chromatography, that proteome-wide M6P glycopeptides can be selectively enriched and subsequently analyzed by mass spectrometry, taking advantage of exclusive phosphomannose oxonium fragment marker ions. As proof-of-concept of this protocol, applying it to HeLa cells, we identified hundreds of M6P-modified glycopeptides on 35 M6P-modified glycoproteins. We next targeted CHO cells, either wild-type or cells deficient in Acp2 and Acp5, which are acid phosphatases targeting M6P. In the KO CHO cells we observed a 20-fold increase of the abundance of the M6P-modification on endogenous CHO glycoproteins but also on the recombinantly over-expressed lysosomal human alpha-galactosidase. We conclude that our approach could thus be of general interest for characterization of M6P glycoproteomes as well as characterization of lysosomal enzymes used as treatment in enzyme replacement therapies targeting lysosomal storage diseases.

Pregnancy-secreted Acid phosphatase, uteroferrin, enhances fetal erythropoiesis

Uteroferrin (UF) is a progesterone-induced acid phosphatase produced by uterine glandular epithelia in mammals during pregnancy and targeted to sites of hematopoiesis throughout pregnancy. The expression pattern of UF is coordinated with early fetal hematopoietic development in the yolk sac and then liver, spleen, and bone to prevent anemia in fetuses. Our previous studies suggested that UF exerts stimulatory impacts on hematopoietic progenitor cells. However, the precise role and thereby the mechanism of action of UF on hematopoiesis have not been investigated previously. Here, we report that UF is a potent regulator that can greatly enhance fetal erythropoiesis. Using primary fetal liver hematopoietic cells, we observed a synergistic stimulatory effect of UF with erythropoietin and other growth factors on both burst-forming unit-erythroid and colony-forming unit-erythroid formation. Further, we demonstrated that UF enhanced erythropoiesis at terminal stages using an in vitro culture system. Surveying genes that are crucial for erythrocyte formation at various stages revealed that UF, along with erythropoietin, up-regulated transcription factors required for terminal erythrocyte differentiation and genes required for synthesis of hemoglobin. Collectively, our results demonstrate that UF is a cytokine secreted by uterine glands in response to progesterone that promotes fetal erythropoiesis at various stages of pregnancy, including burst-forming unit-erythroid and colony-forming unit-erythroid progenitor cells and terminal stages of differentiation of hematopoietic cells in the erythroid lineage.

Mannose 6 dephosphorylation of lysosomal proteins mediated by acid phosphatases Acp2 and Acp5

Mannose 6-phosphate (Man6P) residues represent a recognition signal required for efficient receptor-dependent transport of soluble lysosomal proteins to lysosomes. Upon arrival, the proteins are rapidly dephosphorylated. We used mice deficient for the lysosomal acid phosphatase Acp2 or Acp5 or lacking both phosphatases (Acp2/Acp5(-/-)) to examine their role in dephosphorylation of Man6P-containing proteins. Two-dimensional (2D) Man6P immunoblot analyses of tyloxapol-purified lysosomal fractions revealed an important role of Acp5 acting in concert with Acp2 for complete dephosphorylation of lysosomal proteins. The most abundant lysosomal substrates of Acp2 and Acp5 were identified by Man6P affinity chromatography and mass spectrometry. Depending on the presence of Acp2 or Acp5, the isoelectric point of the lysosomal cholesterol-binding protein Npc2 ranged between 7.0 and 5.4 and may thus regulate its interaction with negatively charged lysosomal membranes at acidic pH. Correspondingly, unesterified cholesterol was found to accumulate in lysosomes of cultured hepatocytes of Acp2/Acp5(-/-) mice. The data demonstrate that dephosphorylation of Man6P-containing lysosomal proteins requires the concerted action of Acp2 and Acp5 and is needed for hydrolysis and removal of degradation products.

Acid phosphatase 5 is responsible for removing the mannose 6-phosphate recognition marker from lysosomal proteins

Most newly synthesized proteins destined for the lysosome reach this location via a specific intracellular pathway. In the Golgi, a phosphotransferase specifically labels lysosomal proteins with mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P). This modification is recognized by receptors that target the lysosomal proteins to the lysosome where, in most cell types, the Man-6-P recognition marker is rapidly removed. Despite extensive characterization of this pathway, the enzyme responsible for the removal of the targeting modification has remained elusive. In this study, we have identified this activity. Preliminary investigations using a cell-based bioassay were used to follow a dephosphorylation activity that was associated with the lysosomal fraction. This activity was high in the liver, where endogenous lysosomal proteins are efficiently dephosphorylated, but present at a much lower level in the brain, where the modification persists. This observation, combined with an analysis of the expression of lysosomal proteins in different tissues, led us to identify acid phosphatase 5 (ACP5) as a candidate for the enzyme that removes Man-6-P. Expression of ACP5 in N1E-115 neuroblastoma cells, which do not efficiently dephosphorylate lysosomal proteins, significantly decreased the steady state levels of Man6-P glycoproteins. Analysis of ACP5-deficient mice revealed that levels of Man-6-P glycoproteins were highly elevated in tissues that normally express ACP5, and this resulted from a failure to dephosphorylate lysosomal proteins. These results indicate a central role for ACP5 in removal of the Man-6-P recognition marker and open up new avenues to investigate the importance of this process in cell biology and medicine.

Expression and proteolytic processing of mammalian purple acid phosphatase in CHO-K1 cells

Rat recombinant purple acid phosphatase (PAP) stably expressed in fibroblast-like CHO-K1 cells was purified and characterized with respect to post-translational modifications such as N-glycosylation and proteolytic processing in order to elucidate subcellular and molecular pathways for proteolytic activation. In these cells, proteolytically processed PAP was more abundant than the monomeric form. PAP-transfected CHO-K1 cells were expressing active cathepsin K intracellularly, which was partially co-localized with PAP. However, neither cathepsin K nor trypsin digestion of the purified monomeric PAP in vitro did result in a two-subunit form with kinetic and electrophoretic properties resembling the endogenous cellular two-subunit form. Treatment of PAP-transfected CHO-K1 cells with the cysteine proteinase inhibitor E-64 suggested that only a minor fraction of secreted PAP is processed intracellularly by cysteine proteinases. These data do not support a dominant or critical role for cathepsins or trypsin-like serine proteinases in the proteolytic activation of PAP in CHO-K1 cells, implicating yet unidentified proteinases in the proteolytic processing of both intracellular and secreted PAP in this cell line.

N-glycosylation influences the latency and catalytic properties of mammalian purple acid phosphatase

Purple acid phosphatase (PAP), also known as tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase or uteroferrin, contains two potential consensus N-glycosylation sites at Asn(97) and Asn(128). In this study, endogenous rat bone PAP was found to possess similar N-glycan structures as rat recombinant PAP heterologously expressed in baculovirus-infected Sf9 insect cells. PAP from Sf9 cells was shown to contain two N-linked oligosaccharides, whereas PAP expressed by mammalian CHO-K1 cells was less extensively glycosylated. The extent of N-glycosylation affected the catalytic properties of the enzyme, as N97Q and N128Q mutants, containing a single oligosaccharide chain, exhibited a lower substrate affinity and catalytic activity compared to those of the fully glycosylated PAP in the native, monomeric state. The differences in substrate affinity and catalytic activity were abolished and partially restored, respectively, by proteolytic cleavage in the loop domain, indicating that the extent of N-glycosylation influences the interaction of the repressive loop domain with catalytically important residues.

Acid phosphatases as markers of bone metabolism

Various biochemical markers have been used to assess bone metabolism and to monitor the effects of treatments. Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP; EC 3.1.3.2) has often been used to assess bone absorption. Although osteoclasts contain abundant TRAP and they are responsible for bone resorption, the total TRAP activities in the serum measured by colorimetric methods little reflect the bone turnover. TRAP 5 is further separated into 5a and 5b by electrophoresis. Type 5b is considered to be derived from the osteoclast, and therefore attempts are being made to measure exclusively serum TRAP 5b by kinetic methods, immunological methods, and chromatographic methods including ion-exchange and heparin column chromatography.

Extramedullary hematopoiesis in the endometrium

Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) in the endometrium is an extremely rare occurrence. Four of the eight previously reported cases were related to an underlying hematological disorder, although the remainder had no such relationship. We describe a case of endometrial EMH associated with retained products of conception after termination of pregnancy. Routinely and immunohistochemically stained slides revealed several collections of normoblasts and granulocytic precursors in the endometrium with synchronous chronic endometritis. Retained chorionic villi were also identified. The patient had no known history of a hematological disorder or systemic disease and no such abnormality was detected after detailed hematological work-up. Local effects of growth factors on circulating stem cells may play a pathogenetic role in this process, although an association with recent pregnancy in this case suggests that implantation of fetal hematopoietic elements from the fetus or yolk sac may be more likely.

Expression and distribution of tartrate-resistant purple acid phosphatase in the rat nervous system

Tartrate-resistant purple acid phosphatase (TRAP) of osteoclasts and certain cells of the monocyte-macrophage lineage belongs to the family of purple acid phosphatases (PAPs). We provide here evidence for TRAP/PAP expression in the central and peripheral nervous systems in the rat. TRAP/PAP protein was partially purified and characterized from the trigeminal ganglion, brain, and spinal cord. The TRAP activity (U/mg tissue) in these tissues was about 10-20 times lower than in bone. Reducing agents, e.g. ascorbate and ferric iron, increased the TRAP activity from the neural tissues (nTRAP) and addition of oxidizing agents completely inactivated both bone and nTRAP. The IC(50) for three known oxyanion inhibitors of TRAP/PAP was similar for bone and nTRAP with the same rank order of potency (molybdate > tungstate > phosphate). This indicates that the redox-sensitive binuclear iron center characteristic of mammalian PAPs is present also in nTRAP. Western blots of partially purified nTRAP revealed a band with the expected size of 35 kD. The expression of TRAP in the trigeminal ganglion, brain, and spinal cord was confirmed at the mRNA level by RT-PCR. In situ hybridization histochemistry demonstrated TRAP mRNA expression in small ganglion cells of the trigeminal ganglion, in alpha-motor neurons of the ventral spinal cord, and in Purkinje cells of the cerebellum. TRAP-like immunoreactivity was encountered in the cytoplasm of neuronal cell bodies in specific areas of both the central and the peripheral nervous system. Together, the data demonstrate that active TRAP/PAP is expressed in certain parts of the rat nervous system.

Species specificity of monoclonal antibodies to human tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase

Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) is expressed abundantly by osteoclasts and is required for bone resorption. This enzyme is emerging as an important biomarker in bone pathology, both for histochemical identification of osteoclasts and as a serum marker of osteoclast activity and increased bone turnover. Rat and mouse models are becoming popular systems for studying osteoclast development, bone physiology and morphogenesis, and bone diseases such as osteoporosis. We have developed two unique antibodies to human TRAP purified from hairy cell leukemia spleen. Both antibodies (9C5 and 14G6) are suitable for immunohistochemistry of osteoclasts and macrophages. Only one (14G6) is capable of immunoprecipitating active TRAP from human cell lysates. Antibody 9C5 reacts with a denatured epitope of TRAP while antibody 14G6 probably reacts with a native, conformational determinant. The high degree of homology among TRAPs of various species predicts that these antibodies should be suitable for work in experimental animals as well as humans. Immunohistochemical staining, electrophoretic analyses, immunoprecipitation and immunoblotting assays of human rat and mouse TRAP were carried out to test the validity of these antibodies as cell markers in rodents. Both antibodies were suitable for immunohistochemistry in all species. Antibody 9C5 was suitable for immunoblotting of denatured TRAP of all species tested. Antibody 14G6 reacted with the native TRAP of humans only and failed to immunoprecipitate mouse or rat TRAP activity. Although TRAP is a phylogenetically conserved protein, subtle, species-specific determinants exist. Care should be exercised when anti-TRAP antibodies are used for immunoassay in experimental animals.

Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase from human bone: purification and development of an immunoassay

Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) was purified 20,000-fold to apparent homogeneity from human bone. The purified enzyme consisted of one 32 kd subunit, which was cleaved by beta-mercaptoethanol into two subunits of 15 kd and 20 kd, as shown by sodium dodecyl sulfide-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and silver staining. The purified enzyme was identified by N-terminal amino acid sequencing, and it was shown to be homologous with previously purified TRAPs from other sources. We developed a polyclonal antiserum against the purified enzyme in mice. In immunohistochemistry, the antiserum recognized osteoclasts from human bone and alveolar macrophages from human lung tissue, but no cells from human spleen tissue. It also stained osteoclasts from rat bone cells cultured on bovine bone slices. Purified TRAP could be inhibited by vanadate and molybdate, but not by tartrate, and it was activated 2-fold by beta-mercaptoethanol. The glycoprotein structure of human bone TRAP was analyzed, and it was shown to contain only high-mannose type carbohydrates. We used the polyclonal antibody to develop a competitive fluorescence immunoassay for measuring serum TRAP concentrations. According to the assay, children have higher serum TRAP concentrations than adults, and postmenopausal women have higher concentrations than premenopausal women. Postmenopausal women also have higher serum TRAP concentrations than postmenopausal women on estrogen replacement therapy.

Dephosphorylation of the mannose-6-phosphate recognition marker is localized in later compartments of the endocytic route. Identification of purple acid phosphatase (uteroferrin) as the candidate phosphatase

The mannose-6-phosphate (Man6P) recognition marker in lysosomal proteins is known to be dephosphorylated after the delivery of lysosomal proteins to the endosome/lysosome compartment. The rate of Man6P recognition marker inactivation depends on the cell type and lysosomal protein. In the present study we show that in BHK 21 cells, which rapidly dephosphorylate lysosomal proteins, the recognition marker is stable in the endosomal compartment, to which lysosomal enzymes such as arylsulfatase A are delivered during endocytosis at 20 degrees C. Dephosphorylation depends on the transfer of internalized lysosomal enzymes from the 20 degrees C compartment to later compartments, most likely lysosomes. This transfer is sensitive to NH4C1 and nocodazole. In vitro experiments identified purple acid phosphatase (uteroferrin) as a candidate for the lysosomal phosphatase catalyzing in vivo the dephosphorylation of Man6P recognition marker.

Changes in glycan distribution within the porcine interhaemal barrier during gestation

Changing patterns of glycan distribution are described in porcine placentae at 15, 19, 26, 43, 58, 69 and 109 days gestation, using a carefully selected panel of lectins that allowed partial analysis of saccharide classes and sequences. The lectins used were from Galanthus nivalis, Pisum sativum, Phaseolus vulgaris (leukohaemagglutinin), Triticum vulgaris, Tetragonolobus purpureus, Ulex europaeus-1, Arachis hypogaea, Erythrina cristagalli, Glycine max, Maclura pomifera, Wisteria floribunda, Dolichos biflorus, Maackia amurensis, Sambucus nigra and Limax flavus. During the course of gestation the trophoblast developed from a smooth to a deeply folded membrane, while enlarging fetal and maternal capillaries grew closer to each other. The fetomaternal interface expressed many classes of saccharide, both O- and N-linked, but failed to bind DBA, MAA and SNA. Many granules were present in the maternal epithelium, and a striking feature was the appearance of staining with DBA and UEA-1 by day 43. This stage of pregnancy was also associated with changes in trophoblast glycan expression, with a diminution in staining intensity of AHA, MPA and LTA, but an increased intensity with ECA, SBA and WFA. Changes in lectin binding throughout gestation are correlated with previous ultrastructural findings and their relevance to the immunological and functional aspects of pregnancy is discussed.

Effect of insulin-like growth factor II on uptake of arylsulfatase A by cultured rat hepatocytes and Kupffer cells

Mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptors have been characterized in hepatocytes and Kupffer cells isolated from adult rat liver. Affinity labeling with [125I]insulin-like growth factor II revealed a protein of Mr 250,000 in both cell types. Labeling was inhibited by an antiserum against the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor. In Kupffer cells, [125I]insulin-like growth factor II was also cross-linked to a second protein of Mr 130,000. In both cell types, insulin-like growth factor II was 10 times more potent than insulin-like growth factor I in displacing [125I]insulin-like growth factor II from its receptor. The mannose 6-phosphate-specific uptake of [125I]arylsulfatase A via the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor was inhibited by insulin-like growth factor II and antibodies against the receptor, but was not affected by insulin-like growth factor I, insulin or transforming growth factor beta 1. Cell surface iodination followed by immunoprecipitation of the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor showed that expression of the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptors at the plasma membrane was increased two-fold by insulin-like growth factor II. These results suggest that binding of insulin-like growth factor II to the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor II receptor blocks the binding and uptake of mannose 6-phosphate-containing lysosomal enzymes and may be directly involved in a co-ordinate regulation of ligand uptake from plasma into hepatocytes and Kupffer cells.

Purification and properties of the native form of the purple acid phosphatase from bovine spleen

The purple acid phosphatase (PAP) from bovine spleen has been shown to exist as a single ca. 36-kDa polypeptide in intact spleen tissue. The previously isolated microheterogeneous complex of 15-kDa and 23- or 21-kDa subunits appears to arise from proteolytic cleavage of an exposed, highly variable loop in the polypeptide chain. Small amounts of a single polypeptide form, presumed to be the native form of the enzyme, have been obtained; this has permitted its optical and EPR spectra and fundamental kinetic properties to be determined. The most notable difference between the native and two-subunit forms of PAP is a ca. 3-fold higher enzymatic activity for the latter, which is due to a simple increase in Vmax. The two forms are very similar spectroscopically and chemically and appear to differ only in the loss of a highly antigenic ca. five amino acid segment of the polypeptide between positions 155 and 160 but not in NH2-terminal sequence or in carbohydrate content. Analysis of published sequence data suggests that the existence of an exposed highly antigenic loop at positions corresponding to 155-161 of the spleen PAP sequence is a relatively general feature of PAP's. Trypsin and chymotrypsin cleave both bovine spleen PAP and uteroferrin, apparently in this region, with significant enhancement of enzymatic activity.

Uteroferrin contains complex and high mannose-type oligosaccharides when synthesized in vitro

Mature uteroferrin (Uf; Mr = 35,500) is a progesterone-induced acid phosphatase secreted by the pig uterus. It contains a single, unphosphorylated, high mannose-type oligosaccharide. Endometrial explants cultured in vitro secrete Uf with a Mr of 37,000 (37k Uf) having phosphorylated high mannose oligosaccharides. In this report we demonstrate that 37k Uf contains two N-linked oligosaccharides which are a mixture of complex and high mannose-type oligosaccharides. The complex-type glycopeptides are biantennary and a portion may be fucosylated on the GlcNac of the chitobiose core proximal to the peptide. Only a portion of the high mannose-type oligosaccharides are phosphorylated. The remainder appear to be typical Man6-4GlcNac2 oligosaccharides found on mature Uf.

Activation of osteoblast insulin-like growth factor-II/cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptors by specific phosphorylated sugars and antibodies induce insulin-like growth factor-II effects

The phosphorylated monosaccharide, mannose-6-phosphate (M6P), causes a dose-dependent stimulation of alkaline phosphatase production by osteoblasts. The concentrations tested ranged from 0.1 to 30 mM. A maximal effect was reproducibly seen at 10-30 mM, and represented a 30% stimulation over control cells. Glucose-6-phosphate and fructose-1-phosphate also stimulated osteoblast alkaline phosphatase production, but not to the same extent as M6P. Sugar residues such as mannose, mannose-1-phosphate, and fructose-6-phosphate had no effect. The stimulatory effect of M6P is similar to that seen with insulin-like growth factor II(IGF-II). However, increasing doses of IGF-II did not further stimulate or add to the effect of 10 mM M6P. These data indicate that the mechanism for the transduction of the stimulatory signal may be similar for both IGF-II and M6P. They do not address, however, the possibility of separate or similar binding sites for the two agents. A specific polyclonal antibody to the IGF-II/cation-independent mannose-6-phosphate receptor (IGF-II/CI-MPR) elicits the same effects as M6P and IGF-II in these bone cells. Non-immune serum used as a control does not have any effect. These results suggest that activation of the osteoblast IGF-II/CI-MPR by either M6P or a specific antibody can evoke a biological response similar to that observed with IGF-II.

Insulin-like growth factor II: complexity of biosynthesis and receptor binding

Insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) belongs to the insulin family of peptides and acts as a growth factor in many fetal tissues and tumors. The gene expression of IGF-II is initiated at three different promoters which gives rise to multiple transcripts. In a human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line IN 157 IGF-II mRNAs of 6.0-kb, 4.8-kb, and 4.2-kb are present. Fractionation of cellular extracts on sucrose gradients and Northern blot analysis showed that only the 4.8-kb mRNA was associated with polysomes, whereas the other transcripts cosedimented with monosomal particles. This suggests that only the 4.8-kb mRNA is translated to IGF-II. The cell line secretes two forms of immunoreactive and bioactive IGF-II to the medium of molecular size 10 kd and 7.5 kd which may be involved in autocrine control of cell growth. IGF-II binds to two receptors on the surface of many cell types: the IGF-I receptor and the mannose-6-phosphate (Man-6-P)/IGF-II receptor. There is consensus that the cellular effects of IGF-II are mediated by the IGF-I receptor via activation of its intrinsic tyrosine kinase. The Man-6-P/IGF-II receptor is involved in endocytosis of lysosomal enzymes and IGF-II. In selected cell types, however, Man-6-P induces cellular responses. We have studied rat brain neuronal precursor cells where Man-6-P acted as a mitogen suggesting that phosphomannosylated proteins may act as growth factors via the Man-6-P/IGF-II receptor. In conclusion, the gene expression and mechanism of action of IGF-II is very complex suggesting that its biological actions can be regulated at different levels including the transcription, translation, posttranslational processing, receptor binding and intracellular signalling.

Immunolocalization and endocytosis of the uterine secretory protein, uteroferrin, in pre-implantation pig trophectoderm on day 11 of pregnancy

Uteroferrin is a progesterone-induced, iron-binding glycoprotein secreted by the glandular epithelium of the pig endometrium. Evidence is presented that maternal uteroferrin is present in trophectoderm of preimplantation pig blastocysts on day 11 of pregnancy. Although [35S]-methionine was not incorporated into uteroferrin during in vitro culture of blastocysts, solubilized tissue extracts from 10-20-mm-diameter blastocysts contained uteroferrin by western blotting with monospecific antiserum to uteroferrin. Uteroferrin was detected in the apical and basolateral cytoplasm of trophectoderm by immunocytochemistry of paraffin-embedded blastocysts. Immunostaining was excluded from cells of the endoderm and the inner cell mass. Furthermore, blastocysts internalized fluorescein-labeled uteroferrin from medium during in vitro culture in a temperature-dependent manner. Fluorescent label was located in apical and basolateral cytoplasm in a punctate distribution, and clustered in the supranuclear region of trophectoderm. Addition of a threefold excess of unlabeled uteroferrin to culture medium did not inhibit uptake. These results suggest that the pre-implantation pig blastocyst actively endocytoses uteroferrin from glandular secretions in utero. Uptake was restricted to trophectoderm.

Type 5 acid phosphatase. Sequence, expression and chromosomal localization of a differentiation-associated protein of the human macrophage

The purple acid phosphatases and uteroferrin belong to a diverse multifunctional class of binuclear iron-containing proteins that includes haemerythrin and ribonucleotide reductase. In the pig, uteroferrin has been implicated in the delivery of iron to the foetus, but the role of the related human type 5 acid phosphatase that is principally found in resident tissue macrophages is not yet clear. To define further the function of this metalloenzyme, we have isolated and sequenced a cDNA clone for type 5 acid phosphatase and investigated expression of its gene in human tissues. The phosphatase clone contains an open reading frame of 975 bp and encodes a protein of 325 amino acids, including a signal peptide of 19 residues and two potential sites for N-glycosylation. The type 5 acid phosphatase gene mapped to the short arm of human chromosome 19 and was found to have a restriction fragment length polymorphism on digestion with XbaI. Expression of phosphatase mRNA was restricted to mononuclear phagocytes and the enzyme was induced greater than 20-fold on transformation of normal human monocytes to macrophages by culture in serum-supplemented medium. Type 5 acid phosphatase thus represents a tightly regulated system for the study of molecular events in the differentiation programme of the normal macrophage.

Mannose-6-phosphate stimulates proliferation of neuronal precursor cells

The mitogenic signal function of mannose-6-phosphate (Man-6-P)/insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) receptors was studied in neuronal precursor cells from developing rat brain (E15). About 30% of the cellular Man-6-P/IGF-II receptors were present on the cell surface. Man-6-P and IGF-II stimulated DNA synthesis twofold and their effects were additive. Antibody 3637 to the Man-6-P/IGF-II receptor blocked the response to Man-6-P but not that to IGF-II. Other phosphorylated hexoses were also active. Fructose-1-phosphate was equally potent with Man-6-P, whereas glucose-6-phosphate was 5 times less potent. We conclude that Man-6-P-containing proteins and IGF-II act as mitogens in developing brain by interaction with the Man-6-P/IGF-II receptor and the IGF-I receptor, respectively.

cDNA sequence, gene organization, and progesterone induction of mRNA for uteroferrin, a porcine uterine iron transport protein

The complete nucleotide sequence of porcine uteroferrin mRNA was determined by analysis of overlapping cDNA and genomic clones. The uteroferrin mRNA is 1,424 nucleotides in length and encodes a precursor protein of 338 amino acids, of which 20 residues subsequently are cleaved to form the mature peptide. The uteroferrin gene spans 3.5 kb and consists of three exons and two introns. The first intron separates the 5' untranslated sequences from the translation initiation codon ATG while the other intron interrupts the coding region of the mature protein. Primer extension analysis localized the presumptive transcription initiation site of the mRNA 94 nucleotides 5' of the ATG. No canonical TATA or CAAT sequences were apparent upstream from the mRNA cap site. However, sequences within the 5'-flanking region of the gene exhibit similarities to defined regulatory sequences for iron- and steroid hormone-responsive genes. The steady-state level of uteroferrin mRNA is enhanced by progesterone but not by estrogen alone, although the extent of progesterone induction is lower than at midgestation. The simple organization of the uteroferrin gene, which contrasts with those of the transferrin gene family, and the progesterone induction of uteroferrin mRNA expression suggest that, although this protein may have evolved in a manner distinct from other iron binding proteins, its regulation by steroid hormones may be similar.

Complete nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of human and murine preprocathepsin L. An abundant transcript induced by transformation of fibroblasts

Transfection of an activated rat oncogene into NIH3T3 fibroblasts leads to transformation and induction of a metastatic phenotype. To identify genes whose activation might mediate these processes, we used a differential screening strategy. A 1.5-kb transcript is induced fiftyfold, constitutes 1% of ras transformed cell messenger RNA (mRNA) and is the most abundantly induced message in these cells. Our sequence data shows that it encodes murine cathepsin L, a potent collagenolytic and elastinolytic lysosomal enzyme. The murine clone was used to isolate human cathepsin L complementary DNA (cDNA) clones. The complete nucleotide and deduced amino acid sequences of human and murine preprocathepsin L are presented and compared to other papain family cysteine proteinases. Northern analysis shows that both human and murine cathepsin L probes hybridize to a 1.5-kb transcript in several tissues, but also to a 4-kb transcript in human kidney. These clones will facilitate studies of the structure, expression, and function of cathepsin L, including its unexpected upregulation in transformation.

Hormonal control and function of secretory proteins

The uterus of the pig secretes large amounts of protein in response to progesterone. Estrogen alone has little effect but in combination with progesterone is synergistic at low doses and inhibitory at high doses. The responses of the uterus to progesterone require prolonged hormone treatment and are not immediate. The proteins secreted by the uterus of all species are believed to play some role in the nutritional and developmental support of the conceptuses, particularly during early pregnancy. Such a role is likely to be of greater importance in species such as the pig which possesses a noninvasive, diffuse-type of epitheliochorial placentation. A group of basic polypeptides dominates the uterine secretions of the pig. The best characterized is uteroferrin, a purple colored, iron-containing acid phosphatase which transports iron across the placenta. Three polypeptides which are found associated noncovalently with uteroferrin have been shown to be antigenically closely related to each other and to have arisen from a single precursor polypeptide. Their function is unknown. A family of plasmin/trypsin inhibitors which show sequence homology with bovine pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (aprotinin) has been well characterized and appears to control intrauterine proteolytic events initiated by the conceptuses. Several other proteins secreted in response to progesterone remain to be characterized and functionally defined.

Histochemical investigations on the localization of the purple acid phosphatase in the bovine spleen

The localization of the purple tartrate-resistant, iron-containing acid phosphatase in the bovine spleen was studied by enzyme histochemistry at the light and electron microscopic levels as well as by immunohistochemistry. The purple phosphatase was localized only in lysosome-like-organelles of cells belonging to the reticulo-phagocytic system. The same cells were identified as containing large iron(III)-deposits as ferritin in homogeneously granular accumulations and freely in the cytoplasm, or as hemosiderin in siderosomes. The phagocytosing cells containing purple phosphatase and ferritin often had close contact with clusters of aged and deformed erythrocytes. A possible catabolic role of the purple enzyme as a phosphatase degrading phosphoproteins of the erythrocyte membrane and the cytoskeleton was assumed.

Possible function of carbohydrate on glycoproteins secreted by the pig uterus during pregnancy

Uteroferrin is a purple iron-containing acid phosphatase secreted by the porcine uterus under the influence of the hormone, progesterone. It is synthesized by the glandular epithelial cells of the uterine endometrium and during pregnancy is taken up by specialized structures (areolae) opposite each uterine gland. Uteroferrin is then released into the fetal circulation and cleared by the liver or fetal kidney. A major role in iron transport to the fetus has been proposed. Uteroferrin, as purified from uterine secretions of pigs, possesses mainly high mannose (predominantly Man5 and Man6) chains. These oligosaccharide chains of uteroferrin appear to be responsible for its binding and uptake by reticuloendothelial cells of the fetal liver which is the major site of erythropoiesis of the fetus. Uteroferrin, although implicated in transplantal iron transport, also possesses many of the properties of a lysosomal enzyme and, when newly synthesized, carries the so-called lysosomal recognition marker, mannose 6-phosphate. The phosphate group is masked by a covering N-acetylglucosamine residue, a feature which may account for its secretion rather than retention within lysosomes. Evidence is also presented that the oligosaccharide chains of newly synthesized uteroferrin are larger than those of the mature form and are trimmed after secretion. The phosphate group is also removed. It is not clear whether uteroferrin carbohydrate is implicated in the movement of the glycoprotein across the placenta as well as its uptake by the fetal liver.

Heterozygosity for phosphodiester glycosidase deficiency: a novel human mutation of lysosomal enzyme processing

We have carried out studies on the fibroblasts of III-3, a clinically normal Lebanese individual previously reported to have abnormally high plasma lysosomal enzyme levels. Mannose-6-phosphate (man-6-P) receptors in III-3 fibroblasts were found to be functioning normally, but the cells had only half normal levels of phosphodiester glycosidase activity. Pinocytosis of III-3 fibroblast secreted beta-hexosaminidase B (hex B) into Sandhoff disease fibroblasts was 18% of control, and the apparent KD for binding of III-3 hex B to man-6-P receptors was 3.7 X 10(-9) M compared to 1.25 X 10(-9) M for control enzyme. Hex B secreted by III-3 fibroblasts included an enzyme pool less electro-negative than control enzyme which had a very low affinity for man-6-P receptors and which did not bind to DEAE-Sephadex. Treatment of this abnormal hex B with exogenous placental phosphodiester glycosidase increased its binding to man-6-P receptors three-fold. Secretion rates of seven lysosomal enzymes from III-3 fibroblasts were, on average, twice as great as rates measured for two I-cell disease heterozygote fibroblast lines. The results suggest that III-3 fibroblasts are heterozygous for phosphodiester glycosidase deficiency. The possibility that an individual homozygous for this enzyme deficiency would develop I-cell disease is discussed.