Acceptor specificity of different length constructs of human recombinant alpha 1,3/4-fucosyltransferases. Replacement of the stem region and the transmembrane domain of fucosyltransferase V by protein A results in an enzyme with GDP-fucose hydrolyzing activity

Glycosphingolipids: from metabolism to chemoenzymatic total synthesis

GSLs are the major glycolipids in vertebrates and mediate many key biological processes from intercellular recognition to cis regulation of signal transduction. The fast-expanding field of glycobiology has led to a growing demand for diverse and structurally defined GSLs, and enzymatic GSL synthesis is developing rapidly in accordance. This article provides an overview of natural GSL biosynthetic pathways and surveys the bacterial enzymes applied to GSL synthesis and recent progress in synthesis strategies. By correlating these three areas, this article aims to define the gaps between GSL biosynthesis and chemoenzymatic synthesis and evaluate the opportunities for harnessing natural forces to access GSLs efficiently.

(Sialyl)Lewis Antigen Expression on Glycosphingolipids, N-, and O-Glycans in Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines is Linked to a Colon-Like Differentiation Program

Alterations in the glycomic profile are a hallmark of cancer, including colorectal cancer (CRC). While, the glycosylation of glycoproteins and glycolipids has been widely studied for CRC cell lines and tissues, a comprehensive overview of CRC glycomics is still lacking due to the usage of different samples and analytical methods. In this study, we compared glycosylation features of N-, O-glycans, and glycosphingolipid glycans for a set of 22 CRC cell lines, all measured by porous graphitized carbon nano-liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. An overall, high abundance of (sialyl)Lewis antigens for colon-like cell lines was found, while undifferentiated cell lines showed high expression of H blood group antigens and α2-3/6 sialylation. Moreover, significant associations of glycosylation features were found between the three classes of glycans, such as (sialyl)Lewis and H blood group antigens. Integration of the datasets with transcriptomics data revealed positive correlations between (sialyl)Lewis antigens, the corresponding glycosyltransferase FUT3 and transcription factors CDX1, ETS, HNF1/4A, MECOM, and MYB. This indicates a possible role of these transcription factors in the upregulation of (sialyl)Lewis antigens, particularly on glycosphingolipid glycans, via FUT3/4 expression in colon-like cell lines. In conclusion, our study provides insights into the possible regulation of glycans in CRC and can serve as a guide for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers.

Cancer snap-shots: Biochemistry and glycopathology of O-glycans: A review

Cancer pathogenesis is strongly linked to the qualitative and quantitative alteration of the cell surface glycans, that are glycosidically linked to proteins and lipids. Glycans that are covalently linked to the polypeptide backbone of a protein through nitrogen or oxygen, are known as N-glycans or O-glycans, respectively. Although the role of glycans in the expression, physiology, and communication of cells is well documented, the function of these glycans in tumor biology is not fully elucidated. In this context, current review summarizes biosynthesis, modifications and pathological implications of O-glycans The review also highlights illustrative examples of cancer types modulated by aberrant O-glycosylation. Related O-glycans like Thomsen-nouveau (Tn), Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF), Lewisa/x, Lewisb/y, sialyl Lewisa/x and some other O-glycans are discussed in detail. Since, the overexpression of O-glycans are attributed to the aggressiveness and metastatic behavior of cancer cells, the current review attempts to understand the relation between metastasis and O-glycans.

Glycosyltransferase 8 domain-containing protein 1 (GLT8D1) is a UDP-dependent galactosyltransferase

Glycosyltransferases (GTs) are enzymes that catalyze the formation of glycosidic bonds and hundreds of GTs have been identified so far in humans. Glycosyltransferase 8 domain-containing protein 1 (GLT8D1) has been associated with central nervous system diseases and cancer. However, evidence on its enzymatic properties, including its substrates, has been scarcely described. In this paper, we have produced and purified recombinant secretory GLT8D1. The enzyme was found to be N-glycosylated. Differential scanning fluorimetry was employed to analyze the stabilization of GLT8D1 by Mn2+ and nucleotides, revealing UDP as the most stabilizing nucleotide scaffold. GLT8D1 displayed glycosyltransferase activity from UDP-galactose onto N-acetylgalactosamine but with a low efficiency. Modeling of the structure revealed similarities with other GT-A fold enzymes in CAZy family GT8 and glycosyltransferases in other families with galactosyl-, glucosyl-, and xylosyltransferase activities, each with retaining catalytic mechanisms. Our study provides novel structural and functional insights into the properties of GLT8D1 with implications in pathological processes.

Glycosyltransferases involved in the synthesis of MUC-associated metastasis-promoting selectin ligands

The sialyl Lewis a and x (sLe(a/x)) antigens frequently displayed on the surface of tumor cells are involved in metastasis. Their synthesis has been attributed to altered expression of selective glycosyltransferases. Identification of these glycosyltransferases and the glycoproteins that carry these carbohydrate antigens should help advance our understanding of selectin-mediated cancer metastasis. In this study, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis coupled with in situ proximity ligation assay and small interference RNA treatment shows involvement of β3galactosyltransferase-V in the synthesis of MUC16-associated sLe(a) in H292 cells. Also, α3fucosyltransferase-V, which is absent in BEAS-2B human immortalized bronchial epithelial cells and A549 lung carcinoma cells, participates in the synthesis of MUC1-associated sLe(x) in CFT1 human immortalized bronchial epithelial cells and H292 lung carcinoma cells. Neither selectin ligand is found on MUC1 in BEAS-2B and A549 cells. Knockdown of either enzyme suppresses migration, and selectin tethering and rolling properties of H292 cells under dynamic flow as determined by wound healing and parallel plate flow chamber assays, respectively. These results provide insights into how the synthesis of mucin-associated selectin ligands and the metastatic properties of cancer cells can be regulated by selective glycosyltransferases that work on mucins. They may help develop novel anticancer drugs.

The cancer glycome: carbohydrates as mediators of metastasis

Glycosylation is a frequent post-translational modification which results in the addition of carbohydrate determinants, "glycans", to cell surface proteins and lipids. These glycan structures form the "glycome" and play an integral role in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions through modulation of adhesion and cell trafficking. Glycosylation is increasingly recognized as a modulator of the malignant phenotype of cancer cells, where the interaction between cells and the tumor micro-environment is altered to facilitate processes such as drug resistance and metastasis. Changes in glycosylation of cell surface adhesion molecules such as selectin ligands, integrins and mucins have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several solid and hematological malignancies, often with prognostic implications. In this review we focus on the functional significance of alterations in cancer cell glycosylation, in terms of cell adhesion, trafficking and the metastatic cascade and provide insights into the prognostic and therapeutic implications of recent findings in this fast-evolving niche.

The Lewis histo-blood group system: molecular analysis of the 59T>G, 508G>A, and 1067T>A polymorphisms in an Amazonian population

Background

The Lewis (FUT3) gene is responsible for the expression of the Le^a and Le^b blood group antigens. The individuals, who not synthesize these antigens have the phenotype Lewis negative, due to the presence of some single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), such as 59T>G, 508G>A and 1067T>A, whose distribution is different in various ethnic groups. Our aim was to verify the frequencies of these SNPs in an admixed population of Belém-Pará-Brazil.

Materials and Methods

Polymerase chain reaction/restriction enzyme method were used to detect these SNPs in the FUT3 gene, whereas Lewis phenotypes were defined by the direct hemagglutination and in saliva by Dot-Elisa assay in a random sample of 150 individuals from admixed population of Belém in the northeast Brazilian Amazon region.

Results

The frequency of these SNPs was detected as 47.6% (59T>G), 17.3% (508G>A) and 5.3% (1067T>A).The discrepancies between blood and salivary Lewis phenotypes are related to the relatively high frequencies of 59T>G and the null allele 508G>A. Whereas 38.6% of the individuals were Lewis negative based on blood, only 17.24% also tested negative when their saliva were analyzed.

Conclusion

We have found a marked consistency between the phenotypes and genotypes of the Lewis blood group system. Furthermore, our obtained F_ST values reveal distinct frequencies of the FUT3 SNPs between the present sample and its representative ancestral populations. These observations will help to evaluate the Lewis antigens impact as susceptibility markers, in genetic association studies to certain diseases.

α2,3-Sialyltransferase ST3Gal IV promotes migration and metastasis in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells and tends to be highly expressed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues

Sialyltransferases have received much attention recently as they are frequently up-regulated in cancer cells. However, the role played by each sialyltransferase in tumour progression is still unknown. α2,3-Sialyltransferases ST3Gal III and ST3Gal IV are involved in sialyl-Lewis(x) (SLe(x)) synthesis. Given that the role of ST3Gal III in pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells has been previously reported, in this study we have focused on investigating the role of ST3Gal IV in the acquisition of adhesive, migratory and metastatic capabilities and, secondly, in analyzing the expression of ST3Gal III and ST3Gal IV in pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues versus control tissues. ST3Gal IV overexpressing pancreatic adenocarcinoma MDAPanc-28 cell lines were generated. They showed a heterogeneous increase in SLe(x), and enhanced E-selectin adhesion and migration. Furthermore, when injected into nude mice, increased metastasis and decreased survival were found in comparison with controls. The behaviour of MDAPanc-28 ST3Gal IV overexpressing cells in these processes was similar to the already reported MDAPanc-28 ST3Gal III overexpressing cells. Furthermore, pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues tended to express high levels of ST3Gal III and ST3Gal IV together with other fucosyltransferase genes FUT3 and FUT6, all involved in the last steps of sialyl-Lewis(x) biosynthesis. In conclusion, both α2,3-sialyltransferases are involved in key steps of pancreatic tumour progression processes and are highly expressed in most pancreatic adenocarcinoma tissues.

Glycomimicry: display of fucosylation on the lipo-oligosaccharide of recombinant Escherichia coli K12

We recently described the design of Escherichia coli K12 and Salmonella enterica sv Typhimurium to display the gangliomannoside 3 (GM3) antigen on the cell surface. We report here the fucosylation of modified lipooligosaccharide in a recombinant E.coli strain with a truncated lipid A core due to deletion of the core glycosyltransferases genes waaO and waaB. This truncated structure was used as a scaffold to assemble the Lewis Y motif by consequent action of the heterologously expressed β-1,4 galactosyltransferase LgtE (Neisseria gonorrheae), the β-1,3 N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase LgtA and the β-1,3 galactosyltransferase LgtB from Neisseria meningitidis, as well as the α-1,2 and α-1,3 fucosyltransferases FutC and FutA from Helicobacter pylori. We show the display of the Lewis Y structure by immunological and chemical analysis.

5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine increases sialyl Lewis X on MUC1 by stimulating β-galactoside:α2,3-sialyltransferase 6 gene

Sialyl Lewis X is a tumor-associated antigen frequently found in the advanced cancers. However, the mechanism for the production of this cancer antigen is not entirely clear. The objective of this study is to examine whether epigenetics is involved in the regulation of the formation of this antigen. We observed an increase of sialyl Lewis X in HCT15 cells, a colon cancer cell line, treated with 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine. This treatment enhanced the expression of β-galactoside:α2,3-sialyltransferase 6 gene and sialyl Lewis X on MUC1, and the adherence of these cells to E-selectin under dynamic flow conditions. In addition, 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment inhibited methylation of β-galactoside:α2,3-sialyltransferase 6 gene and siRNA knockdown of this gene drastically reduced sialyl Lewis X without affecting MUC1 expression. We conclude that 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment increases sialyl Lewis X on MUC1 by stimulating the β-galactoside:α2,3-sialyltransferase 6 gene via inhibition of DNA methylation. Increased sialyl Lewis X by 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine raises a concern about the safety of this chemotherapeutic drug. In addition, β-galactoside:α2,3-sialyltransferase 6 gene may be a potential therapeutic target for suppressing tumorigenicity of colon cancer.

Differential expression of alpha-2,3-sialyltransferases and alpha-1,3/4-fucosyltransferases regulates the levels of sialyl Lewis a and sialyl Lewis x in gastrointestinal carcinoma cells

Sialyl Lewis x and sialyl Lewis a expression depends on sialyltransferases and fucosyltransferases. In this study, we screened for major variations of sialyltransferases and fucosyltransferases involved in the synthesis and regulation of sialyl Lewis x and sialyl Lewis a epitopes in gastrointestinal carcinoma cells. Our results show that expression of ST3Gal IV in several gastrointestinal cell lines is correlated with the expression of sialyl Lewis x at the cell surface. ST3Gal IV overexpressed in the gastric MKN45 cell line, showed exclusive enzymatic activity towards glycoproteins containing terminal Galbeta1-4GlcNAc structure. On the other hand, when ST3Gal III was overexpressed in MKN45, an increase in the expression levels of both sialyl Lewis epitopes was observed. ST3Gal III and ST3Gal IV lead to de novo synthesis of sialyl Lewis x determinant on different molecular weight glycoproteins of MKN45 cells suggesting that each enzyme used different substrates within the available glycoproteome. The final glycosylation step in sialyl Lewis x and sialyl Lewis a biosynthesis in MKN45 cell line was shown to be associated to FUT5, which efficiently fucosylated sialyl Lewis precursors on glycoproteins. Moreover we demonstrate that the expression of sialyl Lewis epitopes in the MKN45 was induced by cell confluence, which can be regarded as a model to study altered glycosylation during tumour progression. This increase was observed together with an increase in mRNA levels of ST3GAL3, FUT5 and FUT6, and a decrease in FUT4 transcript levels in MKN45 confluent cells, suggesting a possible control at the transcriptional level.

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of multivalent neoglycoconjugates carrying the helminth glycan antigen LDNF

Several parasitic helminthes, such as the human parasite Schistosoma mansoni, express glycoconjugates that contain terminal GalNAc beta1-4(Fuc alpha1-3)GlcNAc beta-R (LDNF) moieties. These LDNF glycans are dominant antigens of the parasite and are recognized by human dendritic cells via the C-type lectin DC-SIGN. To study the functional role of the LDNF antigen in interaction with the immune system, we have developed an easy chemoenzymatic method to synthesize multivalent neoglycoconjugates carrying defined amounts of LDNF antigens. An acceptor substrate providing a terminal N-acetylglucosamine was prepared by coupling a fluorescent hydrophobic aglycon, 2,6-diaminopyridine (DAP), to N,N'-diacetylchitobiose. By the subsequent action of recombinant Caenorhabditis elegans beta1,4-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase and human alpha1,3-fucosyltransferase VI (FucT-VI), this substrate was converted to the LDNF antigen. We showed that human FucT-VI has a relatively high affinity for the unusual substrate GalNAc beta1-4GlcNAc (LDN), and this enzyme was used to produce micromolar amounts of LDNF-DAP. The synthesized LDNF-DAP was coupled to carrier protein via activation of the DAP moiety by diethyl squarate. By varying the molar glycan:protein ratio, neoglycoconjugates were constructed with defined amounts of LDNF, as was determined by MALDI-TOF analysis and ELISA using an anti-LDNF antibody.

Golgi targeting of Drosophila melanogaster beta4GalNAcTB requires a DHHC protein family-related protein as a pilot

Drosophila melanogaster β4GalNAcTB mutant flies revealed that this particular N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase is predominant in the formation of lacdiNAc (GalNAcβ1,4GlcNAc)-modified glycolipids, but enzymatic activity could not be confirmed for the cloned enzyme. Using a heterologous expression cloning approach, we isolated β4GalNAcTB together with β4GalNAcTB pilot (GABPI), a multimembrane-spanning protein related to Asp-His-His-Cys (DHHC) proteins but lacking the DHHC consensus sequence. In the absence of GABPI, inactive β4GalNAcTB is trapped in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Coexpression of β4GalNAcTB and GABPI generates the active enzyme that is localized together with GABPI in the Golgi. GABPI associates with β4GalNAcTB and, when expressed with an ER retention signal, holds active β4GalNAcTB in the ER. Importantly, treatment of isolated membrane vesicles with Triton X-100 disturbs β4GalNAcTB activity. This phenomenon occurs with multimembrane-spanning glycosyltransferases but is normally not a property of glycosyltransferases with one membrane anchor. In summary, our data provide evidence that GABPI is required for ER export and activity of β4GalNAcTB.

The evolution of galactose alpha2,3-sialyltransferase: Ciona intestinalis ST3GAL I/II and Takifugu rubripes ST3GAL II sialylate Galbeta1,3GalNAc structures on glycoproteins but not glycolipids

Sialyltransferases are a family of enzymes catalyzing the transfer of sialic acid residues to terminal non-reducing positions of oligosaccharide chains of glycoproteins and glycolipids. Although expression of sialic acid is well documented in animals of the deuterostomian lineage, sialyltransferases have been predominantly described for relatively recent vertebrate lineages such as birds and mammals. This study outlines the characterization of the only sialyltransferase gene found in the tunicate Ciona intestinalis, the first such report of a non-vertebrate deuterostomian sialyltransferase, which has been discussed as a possible orthologue of the common ancestor of galactose alpha2,3-sialyltransferases. We also report for the first time the characterization of a ST3Gal II gene from the bony fish Takifugu rubripes. We demonstrate that both genes encode functional alpha2,3-sialyltransferases that are structurally and functionally related to the ST3Gal family of mammalian sialyltransferases. However, characterization of the recombinant, purified forms of both enzymes reveal novel acceptor substrate specificities, with sialylation of the disaccharide Galbeta1-3GalNAc and asialofetuin, but not GM1 or GD1b observed. This is in contrast to the mammalian ST3Gal II that predominantly sialylates gangliosides. Taken together the ceramide binding/recognition site previously proposed for the mouse ST3Gal II might represent a unique feature of mammalian ST3Gal II that is missing in the evolutionary more distant fish and tunicate species reported here. This suggests that during the evolution of the ST3Gal II, probably following the separation of the teleosts, a significant shift in substrate specificity enabling the sialylation of gangliosides took place.

Site-directed mutagenesis of glutamate 317 of bovine alpha-1,3Galactosyltransferase and its effect on enzyme activity: implications for reaction mechanism

Bovine alpha1,3galactosyltransferase (alpha1,3GalT) transfers galactose from UDP-alpha-galactose to terminal beta-linked galactosyl residues with retention of configuration of the incoming galactose residue. The epitope synthesized has been shown to be critical for xenotransplantation. According to a proposed double-displacement reaction mechanism, glutamate-317 (E317) is thought to be the catalytic nucleophile. The proposed catalytic role of E317 involves an initial nucleophilic attack with inversion of configuration and formation of a covalent sugar-enzyme intermediate between E317 and galactose from the donor substrate, followed by a second nucleophilic attack performed by the acceptor substrate with a second inversion of configuration. To determine whether E317 of alpha1,3GalT is critical for enzyme activity, site-directed mutagenesis was used to substitute alanine, aspartic acid, cysteine and histidine for E317. If the proposed reaction mechanism for the alpha1,3GalT enzyme is correct, E317D and E317H would produce active enzymes since they can act as nucleophiles. The non-conservative mutation E317A and conservative mutation E317C are predicted to produce inactive or very low activity enzymes since the E317A mutant cannot engage in a nucleophilic attack, and the E317C mutant would trap the galactose residue. The results obtained demonstrate that E317D and E317H mutants retained activity, albeit significantly less than the wild-type enzyme. Additionally, both E317A and E317C mutant also retained enzyme activity, suggesting that E317 is not the catalytic nucleophile proposed in the double-displacement mechanism. Therefore, either a different amino acid may act as the catalytic nucleophile or the reaction must proceed by a different mechanism.

Biosynthesis and expression of the Sda and sialyl Lewis x antigens in normal and cancer colon

The carbohydrate determinants Sd(a) and sialyl Lewis x (sLex) both result from substitution of an alpha2,3-sialylated type 2 chain: the first with an N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) beta1,4-linked to Gal and the second by an alpha1,3-linked fucose on N-acetylglucosamine. The Sd(a) antigen is synthesized by Sd(a) beta1,4-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase II (beta4GalNAcT-II), which is downregulated in colon cancer, whereas sLex is a cancer-associated antigen. In view of the possible competition between beta4GalNAcT-II and the fucosyltransferases (FucTs) synthesizing the sLex antigen, we investigated whether beta4GalNAcT-II acts as a negative regulator of sLex expression in colon cancer. beta4GalNAcT-II cDNA, when expressed in LS174T colon cancer cells, induces the expression of the Sd(a) antigen, a dramatic inhibition of sLex expression on cell membranes, and the replacement of sLex with the Sd(a) antigen on 290 kDa glycoproteins. Unexpectedly, in colorectal cancer specimens, beta4GalNAcT-II and sLex show a direct relation. The reasons appear to be (i) Sd(a) and sLex antigens are expressed by different glycoproteins of 340 and 290 kDa, respectively; (ii) the activity of alpha1,3-FucTs on 3'-sialyllactosamine parallels that of beta4GalNAcT-II; and (iii) both beta4GalNAcT-II and FucT activities parallel sLex expression. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis reveals that the transcripts of beta4GalNAcT-II and those of FucT-III and FucT-VII are positively correlated. These data indicate that in colon cancer tissues, the sLex antigen is regulated mainly by the total FucT activity on 3'-sialyllactosamine acceptors and that beta4GalNAcT-II can inhibit sLex expression in an experimental model, although not in colon cancer tissues.

Fucosylation in prokaryotes and eukaryotes

Fucosylated carbohydrate structures are involved in a variety of biological and pathological processes in eukaryotic organisms including tissue development, angiogenesis, fertilization, cell adhesion, inflammation, and tumor metastasis. In contrast, fucosylation appears less common in prokaryotic organisms and has been suggested to be involved in molecular mimicry, adhesion, colonization, and modulating the host immune response. Fucosyltransferases (FucTs), present in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, are the enzymes responsible for the catalysis of fucose transfer from donor guanosine-diphosphate fucose to various acceptor molecules including oligosaccharides, glycoproteins, and glycolipids. To date, several subfamilies of mammalian FucTs have been well characterized; these enzymes are therefore delineated and used as models. Non-mammalian FucTs that possess different domain construction or display distinctive acceptor substrate specificity are highlighted. It is noteworthy that the glycoconjugates from plants and schistosomes contain some unusual fucose linkages, suggesting the presence of novel FucT subfamilies as yet to be characterized. Despite the very low sequence homology, striking functional similarity is exhibited between mammalian and Helicobacter pylori alpha1,3/4 FucTs, implying that these enzymes likely share a conserved mechanistic and structural basis for fucose transfer; such conserved functional features might also exist when comparing other FucT subfamilies from different origins. Fucosyltranferases are promising tools used in synthesis of fucosylated oligosaccharides and glycoconjugates, which show great potential in the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases and tumor metastasis.

Glycosyltransferases involved in type 1 chain and Lewis antigen biosynthesis exhibit glycan and core chain specificity

Sialyl Lewis A (SLe(a)), Lewis A (Le(a)), and Lewis B (Le(b)) have been studied in many different biological contexts, for example in microbial adhesion and cancer. Their biosynthesis is complex and involves beta1,3-galactosyltransferases (beta3Gal-Ts) and a combined action of alpha2- and/or alpha4-fucosyltransferases (Fuc-Ts). Further, O-glycans with different core structures have been identified, and the ability of beta3Gal-Ts and Fuc-Ts to use these as substrates has not been resolved. Therefore, to examine the in vivo specificity of enzymes involved in SLe(a), Le(a), and Le(b) synthesis, we have transiently transfected CHO-K1 cells with relevant human glycosyltransferases and, on secreted reporter proteins, detected the resulting Lewis antigens on N- and O-linked glycans using western blotting and Le-specific antibodies. beta3Gal-T1, -T2, and -T5 could synthesize type 1 chains on N-linked glycans, but only beta3Gal-T5 worked on O-linked glycans. The latter enzyme could use both core 2 and core 3 precursor structures. Furthermore, the specificity of FUT5 and FUT3 in Le(a) and Le(b) synthesis was different, with FUT5 fucosylating H type 1 only on core 2, but FUT3 fucosylating H type 1 much more efficient on core 3 than on core 2. Finally, FUT1 and FUT2 were both found to direct alpha2-fucosylation on type 1 chains on both N- and O-linked structures. This knowledge enables us to engineer recombinant glycoproteins with glycan- and core chain-specific Lewis antigen substitution. Such tools will be important for investigations on the fine carbohydrate specificity of Le(b)-binding lectins, such as Helicobacter pylori adhesins and DC-SIGN, and may also prove useful as therapeutics.

Purification, Kinetic Characterization, and Mapping of the Minimal Catalytic Domain and the Key Polar Groups of Helicobacter pylori α-(1,3/1,4)-Fucosyltransferases

The minimal catalytic domain of alpha-(1,3/1,4)-fucosyltransferases (FucTs) from Helicobacter pylori strains NCTC11639 and UA948 was mapped by N- and C-terminal truncations. Only the C terminus could be truncated without significant loss of activity. 11639FucT and UA948FucT contain 10 and 8 heptad repeats, respectively, which connect the catalytic domain with the C-terminal putative amphipathic alpha-helices. Deletion of all heptad repeats almost completely abolished enzyme activity. Nevertheless, with only one heptad repeat 11639FucT is fully active, whereas UA948FucT is partially active. Removal of the two putative amphipathic alpha-helices dramatically increased protein expression and solubility, enabling purification with yields of milligrams/liter. Steady-state kinetic analysis of the purified FucTs showed that 11639FucTs possessed slightly tighter binding affinity for both Type II acceptor and GDP-fucose donor than UA948FucT, and its kcat of 2.3 s(-1) was double that of UA948FucT, which had a kcat value of 1.1 s(-1) for both Type II and Type I acceptors. UA948FucT strongly favors Type II over the Type I acceptor with a 20-fold difference in acceptor Km. Sixteen modified Type I and Type II series acceptors were employed to map the molecular determinants of acceptors required for recognition by H. pylori alpha-(1,3/1,4)-FucTs. Deoxygenation at 6-C of the galactose in Type II acceptor caused a 5000-fold decrease in alpha1,3 activity, whereas in Type I acceptor this completely abolished alpha1,4 activity, indicating that this hydroxyl group is a key polar group.

High level expression of monomeric and dimeric human α1,3-fucosyltransferase V

alpha3/4-Fucosyltransferases play a crucial role in inflammatory processes and tumor metastasis. While several human fucosyltransferases (FucTs) with different acceptor substrate specificities have been identified, the design of specific inhibitors for therapeutic approaches is hampered by the lack of structural information. In this study, we evaluated the expression of different constructs of human fucosyltransferase V to generate the large amounts required for structural studies. The truncated constructs lacking the transmembrane region and the cytosolic N-terminus, were expressed in baculovirus-infected Trichoplusia ni (Tn) insect cells and in two non-lytic expression systems, stably transfected human HEK 293 and T. ni cells. Since secretion of some glycosyltransferases is controlled by formation of dimeric molecules via disulfide bonds, one of the fucosyltransferase V constructs contained the N-terminal cysteine residue 64 for dimerization, whereas this residue was replaced in the other construct by serine. In both human and insect cells dimerization did not prove to be essential for efficient expression and secretion. On the basis of enzymatic activity, the yield of secreted fucosyltransferase V was approximately 10-fold higher in stably transfected insect cells than in HEK 293 cells. In particular the monomeric form of the enzyme provides a valuable tool for structural analyses to elucidate the fine specifity of fucosyltransferase V-mediated fucosylation of Lewis type glycans.

Expression of Lea in gastric cancer cell lines depends on FUT3 expression regulated by promoter methylation

Aberrant expression of Lewis antigens has been demonstrated in gastric lesions, namely gastritis, intestinal metaplasia (IM) and gastric carcinoma (GC), and can be partly due to overexpression of the Lewis (FUT3) enzyme. Our aim was to evaluate the role of promoter methylation in FUT3 and Le(a) expression in gastric carcinoma cell lines. MKN45 cell line showed low amounts of Le(a), in the absence of FUT3; GP220 expressed high levels of Le(a) and FUT3. After 5aza-2'deoxycytidine MKN45 showed increased levels of FUT3 and Le(a), by immunohistochemistry and Real-Time PCR, whereas GP220 showed an increase in FUT3 without increase of Le(a). Enzyme activity assays confirmed an increase in alpha-1,4 fucosyltransferase activity in both cell lines by 5aza-2'deoxycytidine. Luciferase reporter gene assays, using methylated and unmethylated deletion constructs of FUT3 promoter, showed that FUT3 expression is regulated by methylation. Summing up, we showed that FUT3 overexpression in gastric cells depends upon promoter hypomethylation and that FUT3 is responsible for overexpression of Le(a) in gastric cells, in vitro. FUT3, Lea, Methylation.

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of the 3-sulfated Lewisa pentasaccharide

The sulfated pentasaccharide benzyl O-(3-O-sulfo-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)-(1-->3)-O-[(alpha-L-fucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)]-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->3)-O-(beta-D-galactopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside sodium salt was synthesized using a chemo-enzymatic approach. Lacto-N-tetraose, obtained from two disaccharides [4-methoxybenzyl O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D-galactopyranosyl)-(1-->3)-4,6-O-benzylidene-2-deoxy-2-phtalimido-beta-D-glucopyranoside and benzyl 2,6-di-O-acetyl-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-(1-->4)-2,3,6-tri-O-acetyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside], was regioselectively sulfated at the 3 OH position of the terminal galactose using the stannylene procedure. The fucosylation of the sulfated tetrasaccharide was performed using soluble or immobilized fucosyltransferase FucT-III to give the title compound.

A single aromatic amino acid at the carboxyl terminus of Helicobacter pylori {alpha}1,3/4 fucosyltransferase determines substrate specificity

Fucosyltransferases (FucT) from different Helicobacter pylori strains display distinct Type I (Galbeta1,3GlcNAc) or Type II (Galbeta1,4GlcNAc) substrate specificity. FucT from strain UA948 can transfer fucose to the OH-3 of Type II acceptors as well as to the OH-4 of Type I acceptors on the GlcNAc moiety, so it has both alpha1,3 and alpha1,4 activities. In contrast, FucT from strain NCTC11639 has exclusive alpha1,3 activity. Our domain swapping study (Ma, B., Wang, G., Palcic, M. M., Hazes, B., and Taylor, D. E. (2003) J. Biol. Chem. 278, 21893-21900) demonstrated that exchange of the hypervariable loops, (347)DNPFIFC(353) in 11639FucT and (345)CNDAHYSALH(354) in UA948FucT, were sufficient to either confer or abolish alpha1,4 activity. Here we performed alanine scanning site-directed mutagenesis to identify which amino acids within (345)CNDAHYSALH(354) of UA948FucT confer Type I substrate specificity. The Tyr(350) --> Ala mutation dramatically reduced alpha1,4 activity without lowering alpha1,3 activity. None of the other alanine substitutions selectively eliminated alpha1,4 activity. To elucidate how Tyr(350) determines alpha1,4 specificity, mutants Tyr(350) --> Phe, Tyr(350) --> Trp, and Tyr(350) --> Gly were constructed in UA948FucT. These mutations did not decrease alpha1,3 activity but reduced the alpha1,4 activity to 66.9, 55.6, and 3.1% [corrected] of wild type level, respectively. Apparently the aromatic nature, but not the hydroxyl group of Tyr(350), is essential for alpha1,4 activity. Our data demonstrate that a single amino acid (Tyr(350)) in the C-terminal hypervariable region of UA948FucT determines Type I acceptor specificity. Notably, a single aromatic residue (Trp) has also been implicated in controlling Type I acceptor preference for human FucT III, but it is located in an N-terminal hypervariable stem domain.

Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of conformationally constrained oligosaccharides

N-Acetyllactosamine derivative 4, which has a methylene amide tether between C-6 and C-2', was enzymatically glycosylated using rat liver alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase (ST6GalI) or recombinant human fucosyltransferase V (FucT-V) to give conformationally constrained trisaccharides 5 and 6, respectively. The methylene amide linker of 4 was installed by a two-step procedure, which involved acylation of a C-6 amino function of a LacNAc derivative with chloroacetic anhydride followed by macrocyclization by nucleophilic displacement of the chloride by a C-2' hydroxyl. The conformational properties of 4 were determined by a combination of NOE and trans-glycosidic heteronuclear coupling constant measurements and molecular mechanics simulations and these studies established that the glycosidic linkage of 4 is conformationally constrained and resides in only one of the several energy minima accessible to LacNAc. The apparent kinetic parameters of transfer to LacNAc and conformationally constrained saccharides 3 and 4 indicates that fucosyltransferase V recognize LacNAc in its A-conformer whereas alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase recognizes the B-conformer of LacNAc.

Expression of cell surface Lewis X and Y antigens and FUT4 mRNA is increased in Jurkat cells undergoing apoptosis

Cell surface molecules undergo specific changes during apoptosis, including the expression of phosphatidylserine (PS) and some proteins and alterations in sugar chains. Among the various sugar chains on the cell surface, Lewis X (Le(X)) and Lewis Y (Le(Y)) antigens are key determinants for a variety of biological processes. We studied the changes in Le(X) and Le(Y) expression in Jurkat cells, a human T cell line, during apoptosis. Flow cytometry showed that Le(X) and Le(Y) antigen expression was enhanced on the cell surface during apoptosis induced by anti-Fas antibody. To clarify the mechanism of enhanced Le(X) and Le(Y) expression, we assessed the expression levels of fucosyltransferase (FUT1, 2, 3-5-6, 4, and 9) mRNAs that are predominantly expressed in Jurkat cells and which are considered to form Le(X) and Le(Y). The expression of FUT4 mRNA was up-regulated after exposing cells to anti-Fas antibody. Moreover, the increase in Le(X) and Le(Y) antigen levels was significantly suppressed by caspase 3 or 8 inhibitors. These results indicated that the induction of FUT (mainly FUT4), the gene expression of which is mediated by signals downstream of caspase 3, increases Le(X) and Le(Y) expression in apoptotic cells.

Glycosyltransferase activity can be selectively modulated by chemical modifications of acceptor substrates

A range of N-acetyllactosamine derivatives, which are modified by a wide range of functionalities at C-2(') and C-6, have been synthesised and the kinetic parameters of transfer catalysed by recombinant alpha-2,6-sialyltransferase and alpha-1,3-fucoyltransferase VI determined. Several of the chemical modifications led to selective modulate the activity the enzymes and offer promising lead compounds for the development of oligosaccharide primers for selective metabolic inhibition of oligosaccharide biosynthesis.

Lewis enzyme (alpha1-3/4 fucosyltransferase) polymorphisms do not explain the Lewis phenotype in the gastric mucosa of a Portuguese population

The human alpha-1,3/4 fucosyltransferase III (FucT III) catalyses the synthesis of Lewis antigens including Le(b) antigen which is a ligand for Helicobacter pylori adhesion. Several polymorphisms have been described in the FUT3 gene affecting both the transmembrane and catalytic domains, some of which affect the enzyme activity. The aim of the present work was to study the Lewis gene polymorphisms in a Caucasian Portuguese population, with a high rate of H. pylori infection, and to evaluate the implications of mutant enzymes in Le(b) expression in the gastric mucosa. We studied 460 asymptomatic or dyspeptic individuals from northern Portugal. Screening for Lewis gene polymorphisms was performed by SSCP and direct sequencing. Lewis phenotype in gastric mucosa was determined by immunohistochemistry. In 47 individuals with a Lewis negative blood group, we found FUT3 gene polymorphisms that were previously described in other populations: 59T>G, 202T>C, 314C>T, 508G>A and 1067T>A. Among the 47 Lewis negative individuals in blood, only nine were also negative in gastric mucosa, suggesting the existence of another alpha 1-4 fucosyltransferase that is responsible for Le(a) and Le(b) synthesis in gastric mucosa.

Glycosyltransferase activity can be modulated by small conformational changes of acceptor substrates

A range of N-acetyllactosamine derivatives (compounds 4-7) that have restricted mobilities around their glycosidic linkages have been employed to determine how small changes in conformational properties of an oligosaccharide acceptor affect catalytic efficiencies of glycosylations by alpha-2,6- and alpha-2,3-sialyltransferases and alpha-1,3-fucosyltransferases IV and VI. Restriction of conformational mobility was achieved by introducing tethers of different length and chemical composition between the C-6 and C-2' hydroxyl of LacNAc. Compound 4 is a 2',6-anhydro derivative which is highly constrained and can adopt only two unusual conformations at the LacNAc glycosidic linkage. Compound 5 is modified by a methylene acetal tether and can exist in a larger range of conformations; however, the Phi dihedral angle is restricted to values smaller than 30 degrees, which are not entirely similar to minimum energy conformations of LacNAc. The ethylene-tethered 6 can attain conformations in the relatively large energy plateau of LacNAc that include syn conformations A and B, whereas compound 7, which is modified by a methylamide tether, can only reside in the B-conformer. 2',6-Dimethoxy derivative 2 was employed to determine the effect of alkylation of the C-6 and C-2' hydroxyls of 5 and 6 whereas 3 was used to reveal the effects of the C-6 amide and C-2' alkylation of 7. The apparent kinetic parameters of transfer to the conformationally constrained 4-7 and reference compounds 1-3 catalyzed by alpha-2,6- and alpha-2,3-sialyltransferases and alpha-1,3-fucosyltransferases IV and VI were determined, and the results correlated with their conformational properties. The data for 4-6 showed that each enzyme recognizes N-acetyllactosamine in a low minimum energy conformation. A small change in conformational properties such as in compound 5 resulted in a significant loss of catalytic activity. Larger conformational changes such as in compound 4 abolished all activity of the sialyltransferases whereas the fucosyltransferases showed some activity, albeit very low. The kinetic data for compounds 4 and 5 demonstrate clearly that different glycosyltransferases respond differently to conformational changes, and the fucosyltransferases lost less activity than the sialyltransferases. Correlating apparent kinetic parameters of conformationally constrained 6 and 7 and their reference compounds 2 and 3 further supports the fact that different enzymes respond differently and indicates that sialyltransferases and fucosyltransferases recognize N-acetyllactosamine in a different conformation. Collectively, the data presented here indicate that small conformational changes of an oligosaccharide acceptor induced by, for example, the protein structure can be employed to modulate the patterns of protein glycosylation.

C-terminal amino acids of Helicobacter pylori alpha1,3/4 fucosyltransferases determine type I and type II transfer

The alpha1,3/4 fucosyltransferase (FucT) enzyme from Helicobacter pylori catalyzes fucose transfer from donor GDP-beta-l-fucose to the GlcNAc group of two series of acceptor substrates in H. pylori lipopolysaccharide: betaGal1,3betaGlcNAc (Type I) or betaGal1,4betaGlcNAc (Type II). Fucose is added either in alpha1,3 linkage of Type II acceptor to produce Lewis X or in alpha1,4 linkage of Type I acceptor to produce Lewis A, respectively. H. pylori FucTs from different strains have distinct Type I or Type II substrate specificities. FucT in H. pylori strain NCTC11639 has an exclusive alpha1,3 activity because it recognizes only Type II substrates, whereas FucT in H. pylori strain UA948 can utilize both Type II and Type I acceptors; thus it has both alpha1,3 and alpha1,4 activity, respectively. To identify elements conferring substrate specificity, 12 chimeric FucTs were constructed by domain swapping between 11639FucT and UA948FucT and characterized for their ability to transfer fucose to Type I and Type II acceptors. Our results indicate that the C-terminal region of H. pylori FucTs controls Type I and Type II acceptor specificity. In particular, the highly divergent C-terminal portion, seven amino acids DNPFIFC at positions 347-353 in 11639FucT, and the corresponding 10 amino acids CNDAHYSALH at positions 345-354 in UA948FucT, controls the Type I and Type II acceptor recognition. This is the opposite of mammalian FucTs where acceptor preference is determined primarily by the N-terminal residues in the hypervariable stem domain.

A highly conserved His-His motif present in alpha1-->3/4fucosyltransferases is required for optimal activity and functions in acceptor binding

Alpha1-->3/4fucosyltransferases (FucTs) from several species contain a highly conserved His-His motif adjacent to an enzyme region correlating with the ability to catalyze fucose transfer to type 1 chain acceptors. Site-directed mutagenesis has been employed to analyze structure-function relationships of this His-His motif in human FucT-IV. The results indicate that most changes of His(113) and His(114) and nearby residues of FucT-IV reduced the specific activity of the enzymes. Analysis of acceptor properties demonstrated close similarity of most mutants with wild-type FucT-IV, whereas an apparent preference for the H-type II acceptor was observed for the His(114) mutants. Kinetic studies demonstrated that mutants of His(114) had a substantially increased K(m) for acceptor compared to other enzymes tested. The dramatic increase in acceptor K(m) for the His(114) mutants, particularly for the nonfucosylated acceptor, suggests that this His-His motif is involved in acceptor binding and perhaps interacts with GlcNAc residues of type 2 acceptors. The presence of fucose in acceptor substrates may promote more efficient substrate binding and presumably partially overcomes the weaker interaction with GlcNAc caused by the mutation.

Fuc-TIX: a versatile alpha1,3-fucosyltransferase with a distinct acceptor- and site-specificity profile

alpha1,3-Fucosyltransferases (Fuc-Ts) convert N-acetyllactosamine (LN, Galbeta1-4GlcNAc) to Galbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)GlcNAc, the Lewis x (CD15, SSEA-1) epitope, which is involved in various recognition phenomena. We describe details of the acceptor specificity of alpha1,3-fucosyltransferase IX (Fuc-TIX). The unconjugated N- and O-glycan analogs LNbeta1-2Man, LNbeta1-6Manalpha1-OMe, LNbeta1-2Manalpha1-3(LNbeta1-2Manalpha1-6)Manbeta1-4GlcNAc, and Galbeta1-3(LNbeta1-6)GalNAc reacted well in vitro with Fuc-TIX present in lysates of appropriately transfected Namalwa cells. Fuc-TIX reacted well with the reducing end LN of GlcNAcbeta1-3'LN (underscored site reacted) and GlcNAcbeta1-3'LNbeta1-3'LN (both LNs reacted), but very poorly with the reducing end LN of LNbeta1-3'LN. However, Fuc-TIX reacted significantly better with the non-reducing end LN as compared to the other LN units in the glycans LNbeta1-3'LN and LNbeta1-3'LNbeta1-3'LNbeta1-3'LN, confirming our previous data on LNbeta1-3'LNbeta1-OR. In contrast, the sialylated glycan Neu5Acalpha2-3'LNbeta1-3'LNbeta1-3'LNbeta1-3'LN was fucosylated preferentially at the two most reducing end LN units. We conclude that Fuc-TIX is a versatile alpha1,3-Fuc-T, that (1) generates distal Lewis x epitopes from many different acceptors, (2) possesses inherent ability for the biosynthesis of internal Lewis x epitopes on growing polylactosamine backbones, and (3) fucosylates the remote internal LN units of alpha2,3-sialylated i-type polylactosamines.

Expression of mucins (MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, and MUC6) and type 1 Lewis antigens in cases with and without Helicobacter pylori colonization in metaplastic glands of the human stomach

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) causes gastritis and intestinal metaplasia (TM) that may evolve to gastric carcinoma. Paradoxically, IM leads to clearing of H. pylori, except for some cases in which it persists in damaging the mucosa. The objective of this study was to compare the profile of mucins and type 1 Lewis antigens in IM cases with and without H. pylori. Gastric biopsies (n=32) were double-stained using immunohistochemistry (MUC1, MUC2, MUC5AC, MUC6, Le(a), sialyl-Le(a), and Le(b)) and histochemistry for H. pylori. H. pylori was observed in association with IM in 4 of 22 biopsies with IM (complete IM - 6; incomplete IM - 16). The four biopsies with IM and H. pylori displayed a particular pattern of incomplete IM: expression of MUC1 and MUC5AC and little/no expression of MUC2. The 18 biopsies with IM and without H. pylori had high levels of MUC2 expression, regardless of the IM type. The pattern of expression of type 1 Lewis antigens was similar in IM, regardless of the presence or absence of H. pylori. It is concluded that H. pylori is able to colonize incomplete IM whenever it contains foci expressing MUCI and MUC5AC and no MUC2, independently from Le(a), sialyl-Le(a) and Le(b). The results suggest, furthermore, that MUC2 expression affects the ability of H. pylori to colonize IM areas, regardless of the levels of expression of MUC1 and MUC5AC.

Several polylactosamine-modifying glycosyltransferases also use internal GalNAcbeta1-4GlcNAc units of synthetic saccharides as acceptors

The GalNAcbeta1-4GlcNAc determinant (LdN) occurs in some human and bovine glycoconjugates and also in lower vertebrates and invertebrates. It has been found in unsubstituted as well as terminally substituted forms at the distal end of conjugated glycans, but it has not been reported previously at truly internal positions of polylactosamine chains. Here, we describe enzyme-assisted conversion of LdNbeta1-OR oligosaccharides into GlcNAcbeta1-3GalNAcbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-OR. The extension reactions, catalyzed by human serum, were modeled after analogous beta3-GlcNAc transfer processes that generate GlcNAcbeta1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-OR. The newly synthesized GlcNAcbeta1-3GalNAc linkages were unambiguously identified by nuclear magnetic resonance data, including the appropriate long-range correlations in heteronuclear multiple bond correlation spectra. The novel GlcNAcbeta1-3'LdN determinant proved to be a functional acceptor for several mammalian glycosyltransferases, suggesting that human polylactosamines may contain internal LdN units in many distinct forms. The GlcNAcbeta1-3'LdN determinant was unusually resistant toward jackbean beta-N-acetylhexosaminidase; the slow degradation should lead to a convenient method for the search of putative internal LdN determinants in natural polylactosamine chains.

Cloning and sequencing of nineteen transcript isoforms of the human alpha2,3-sialyltransferase gene, ST3Gal III; its genomic organisation and expression in human tissues

The recruitment of human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) to sites of infection and inflammation requires the surface expression of Sialyl Lewis x glycoconjugates (SLe(x)) on white blood cells and their interaction with E- and P-selectins on activated endothelial cells. E-selectin has additionally been shown to interact with the sialyl Lewis a (SLe(a)) epitope. Human ST3Gal III codes for an alpha2,3-sialyltransferase involved in the biosynthesis of both SLe(a) and SLe(x) epitopes, although the latter with a lower efficiency. We have cloned and sequenced human ST3Gal III gene transcripts from human peripheral blood leukocytes, covering the coding region of this gene. Within our clones we isolated 19 different transcripts with a wide variety of deletions from 45 to 896 nucleotides, and insertions of 26 to 173 nucleotides. Among the insertions we identified two new exons (E3, E6). In order to map and characterise the ST3Gal III gene we used the GenBank database and "computer-cloned" and characterised the genomic organisation of the ST3Gal III gene. The coding sequences of the ST3Gal III gene stretch over a gene sequence of approximately 223 Kb comprised of 15 exons. RT-PCR and laser-induced fluorescent capillary electrophoresis (LIF-CE) were used to examine the expression of this gene in twenty-one human tissues, which showed a highly specific tissue expression pattern. Neural and muscular tissues showed the most complex patterns and were distinctly different from all other tissues examined.

Tumor necrosis factor alpha increases the expression of glycosyltransferases and sulfotransferases responsible for the biosynthesis of sialylated and/or sulfated Lewis x epitopes in the human bronchial mucosa

There is increasing evidence that inflammation may affect glycosylation and sulfation of various glycoproteins. The present study reports the effect of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), a proinflammatory cytokine, on the glycosyl- and sulfotransferases of the human bronchial mucosa responsible for the biosynthesis of Lewis x epitope and of its sialylated and/or sulfated derivatives, which are expressed in human bronchial mucins. Fragments of macroscopically normal human bronchial mucosa were exposed to TNF-alpha at a concentration of 20 ng/ml. TNF-alpha was shown to increase alpha1,3-fucosyltransferase activity as well as expression of the two alpha1,3-fucosyltransferase genes expressed in the human airway, FUT3 and FUT4. It had no influence on alpha1,2-fucosyltransferase activity or FUT2 expression. It also increased alpha2,3-sialyltransferase activity and the expression of ST3Gal-III and, more importantly, ST3Gal-IV and both N-acetylglucosamine 6-O-sulfotransferase and galactose 3-O-sulfotransferase. These results are consistent with the observation of oversialylation and increased expression sialyl-Lewis x epitopes on human airway mucins secreted by patients with severe lung infection such as those with cystic fibrosis, whose airways are colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. However, other cytokines may also be involved in this process.

Plant members of the alpha1-->3/4-fucosyltransferase gene family encode an alpha1-->4-fucosyltransferase, potentially involved in Lewis(a) biosynthesis, and two core alpha1-->3-fucosyltransferases

Three putative alpha1-->3/4-fucosyltransferase (alpha1-->3/4-FucT) genes have been detected in the Arabidopsis thaliana genome. The products of two of these genes have been identified in vivo as core alpha1-->3-FucTs involved in N-glycosylation. An orthologue of the third gene was isolated from a Beta vulgaris cDNA library. The encoded enzyme efficiently fucosylates Galbeta1-->3GlcNAcbeta1-->3Galbeta1-->4Glc. Analysis of the product by 400 MHz (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed that the product is alpha1-->4-fucosylated at the N-acetylglucosamine residue. In vitro, the recombinant B. vulgaris alpha1-->4-FucT acts efficiently only on neutral type 1 chain-based glycan structures. In plants the enzyme is expected to be involved in Lewis(a) formation on N-linked glycans.

Terminal glycosylation in cystic fibrosis (CF): a review emphasizing the airway epithelial cell

Altered terminal glycosylation, with increased fucosylation and decreased sialylation is a hallmark of the cystic fibrosis (CF) glycosylation phenotype. Oligosaccharides purified from the surface membrane glycoconjugates of CF airway epithelial cells have the Lewis x, selectin ligand in terminal positions. This review is focused on the investigations of the glycoconjugates of the CF airway epithelial cell surface. Two of the major bacterial pathogens in CF, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Haemophilus influenzae, have binding proteins which recognize fucose in alpha-1,3 linkage and asialoglycoconjugates. Therefore, consideration has been given to the possibility that the altered terminal glycosylation of airway epithelial glycoproteins in CF contributes to both the chronic infection and the robust, but ineffective, inflammatory response in the CF lung. Since the glycosylation phenotype of CF airway epithelial cells have been modulated by the expression of wtCFTR, the hypotheses which have been proposed to relate altered function of CFTR to the regulation of the glycosyltransferases are discussed. Understanding the effects of mutant CFTR on glycosylation may provide further insight into the regulation of glycoconjugate processing as well as new approaches to the therapy of CF.

Localization, purification and specificity of the full-length membrane-bound form of human recombinant alpha 1,3/4-fucosyltransferase from BHK-21B cells

Fucosyltransferase III [galactoside 3(4)-L-fucosyltransferase; EC 2.4.1.65] (FT3) is a Golgi type II membrane protein that catalyses the synthesis of fucosylated Lewis motifs that are associated with cell-adhesion events and are differentially expressed during cell differentiation. In the present work, the full-length membrane bound form of FT3 has been expressed in baby hamster kidney cells. The enzyme has been found in the trans-Golgi and trans-Golgi network (TGN) of the transfected cells, where it appeared as monomers and dimers, but not as oligomers with high molecular masses. Therefore oligomerization is not the basis for correct localization of FT3 in the Golgi. The enzyme has been purified, with a final yield of 2% and a total purification of 2900-fold, by DEAE-Sepharose, SP-Sepharose, GDP-Fractogel and Superdex 200 chromatography. The purified enzyme showed a clear preference for the Gal beta 3GlcNAc motif in oligosaccharides conjugated with the hydrophobic tail (CH(2))(3)-NHCO-(CH(2))(5)-NH-biotin. Substitution of galactose with alpha 2-linked fucose or alpha 2,3-linked N-acetylneuraminic acid yielded a 1.9-fold increase or a 43% decrease in activity respectively. The enzyme showed no activity towards asialofetuin, a glycoprotein containing the Gal beta 3GlcNAc acceptor motif. Therefore it has been concluded that the membrane-bound form of FT3 is present in the Golgi and the TGN in an equilibrium of monomers<-->dimers, which might fucosylate glycans from glycolipids, but not from glycoproteins.

In vivo fucosylation of lacto-N-neotetraose and lacto-N-neohexaose by heterologous expression of Helicobacter pylori alpha-1,3 fucosyltransferase in engineered Escherichia coli

We report here the in vivo production of type 2 fucosylated-N-acetyllactosamine oligosaccharides in Escherichia coli. Lacto-N-neofucopentaose Galbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-3Galbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)Glc, lacto-N-neodifucohexaose Galbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)Glc-NAcbeta1-3Galbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)Glc, and lacto-N-neodifucooctaose Galbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-3Galbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)GlcNAcbeta1-3Galbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)Glc were produced from lactose added in the culture medium. Two of them carry the Lewis X human antigen. High cell density cultivation allowed obtaining several grams of fucosylated oligosaccharides per liter of culture. The fucosylation reaction was catalyzed by an alpha-1,3 fucosyltransferase of Helicobacter pylori overexpressed in E. coli with the genes lgtAB of N. meningitidis. The strain was genetically engineered in order to provide GDP-fucose to the system, by genomic inactivation of gene wcaJ involved in colanic acid synthesis and overexpression of RcsA, positive regulator of the colanic acid operon. To prevent fucosylation at the glucosyl residue, lactulose Galbeta1-4Fru was assayed in replacement of lactose. Lactulose-derived oligosaccharides carrying fucose were synthesized and characterized. Fucosylation of the fructosyl residue was observed, indicating a poor acceptor specificity of the fucosyltransferase of H. pylori.

An amino acid region at the N-terminus of rat hepatoma alpha1-->2 fucosyltransferase modulates enzyme activity and interaction with lipids: strong preference for glycosphingolipids containing terminal Galbeta1-->3GalNAc-structures

A GDP-fucose:GM1 alpha1-->2 fucosyltransferase (FucT) is induced during early stages of chemical hepatocarcinogenesis in parenchymal cells of Fischer 344 rats fed a diet supplemented with 0.03% N-2-acetylaminofluorene (AAF). This enzyme is undetectable in normal rat liver tissues but is highly expressed in many rat hepatoma cell lines, including rat hepatoma H35 cells. Enzymatic properties and acceptor specificity of native rat hepatoma H35 cell alpha1-->2FucT, expressed recombinant full-length H35 cell alpha1-->2FucT, and a truncated form missing the first 27 amino acid residues from the N-terminus, comprising the cytoplasmic and transmembrane domains of the enzyme, were studied. The results indicate that the recombinant full-length enzyme has a specific activity over 80-fold higher than the truncated enzyme. Both the native and recombinant full-length enzymes display significant activity in the absence of detergent or phospholipid and optimal activity in the presence of Triton CF-54 detergent. The truncated enzyme is optimally activated by CHAPSO, showing little activity in its absence. These findings are in agreement with previous studies demonstrating a requirement of a lipidic environment for optimal activity with this enzyme and suggest that the N-terminal transmembrane domain is important either in the maintenance of an active conformation or in allowing efficient interaction with acceptor glycolipids. Both the full-length and truncated enzymes transfer fucose not only to GM1 and asialo-GM1 (Gg4) but also to galactosyl globoside (Gb5) as well. Weak or undetectable transfer to lacto- and neolacto-series acceptors was observed, demonstrating a strong preference for terminal Galbeta1-->3GalNAc- structures. The structures of two reaction products generated by expressed recombinant full-length alpha1-->2FucT, which are known to be important tumor-associated antigens (fucosyl-GM1 and fucosyl-Gb5), were unambiguously confirmed by 1H-NMR spectral analysis.

Neighboring cysteine residues in human fucosyltransferase VII are engaged in disulfide bridges, forming small loop structures

Among alpha 3-fucosyltransferases (alpha3-FucTs) from most species, four cysteine residues appear to be highly conserved. Two of these cysteines are located at the N-terminus and two at the C-terminus of the catalytic domain. FucT VII possesses two additional cysteines in close proximity to each other located in the middle of the catalytic domain. We identified the disulfide bridges in a recombinant, soluble form of human FucT VII. Potential free cysteines were modified with a biotinylated alkylating reagent, disulfide bonds were reduced and alkylated with iodoacetamide, and the protein was digested with either trypsin or chymotrypsin, before characterization by high-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. More than 98% of the amino acid sequence for the truncated enzyme (beginning at amino acid 53) was verified. Mass spectrometry analysis also demonstrated that both potential N-linked sites are occupied. All six cysteines in the FucT VII sequence were shown to be disulfide-linked. The pairing of the cysteines was determined by proteolytic cleavage of nonreduced protein and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry. The results demonstrated that Cys(68)-Cys(76), Cys(211)-Cys(214), and Cys(318)-Cys(321) are disulfide-linked. We have used this information, together with a method of fold recognition and homology modeling, using the (alpha/beta)(8)-barrel fold of Escherichia coli dihydrodipicolinate synthase as a template to propose a model for FucT VII.

Human alpha3-fucosyltransferases convert chitin oligosaccharides to products containing a GlcNAcbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)GlcNAcbeta1-4R determinant at the nonreducing terminus

Human alpha3-fucosyltransferases (Fuc-Ts) are known to convert N-acetyllactosamine to Galbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)GlcNAc (Lewis x antigen); some of them transfer fucose also to GalNAcbeta1-4GlcNAc, generating GalNAcbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)GlcNAc determinants. Here, we report that recombinant forms of Fuc-TV and Fuc-TVI as well as Fuc-Ts of human milk converted chitin oligosaccharides of 2-4 GlcNAc units efficiently to products containing a GlcNAcbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)GlcNAcbeta1-4R determinant at the nonreducing terminus. The product structures were identified by mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments; rotating frame nuclear Overhauser spectroscopy data suggested that the fucose and the distal N-acetylglucosamine are stacked in the same way as the fucose and the distal galactose of the Lewis x determinant. The products closely resembled a nodulation factor of Mesorhizobium loti but were distinct from nodulation signals generated by NodZ-enzyme.

The Genetic Regulation of Fucosylated and Sialylated Antigens on Developing Myeloid Cells

The first part of this article reviews the stages of normal development of haemopoietic cells committed to the myeloid lineage, properties of leukaemic cell lines that are arrested at specific maturation stages along the granulocytic pathway, the structures of carbohydrate antigenic markers that appear on myeloid cell surfaces, with especial reference to sialyl-Le(x) (NeuAcalpha2-3Galbeta1-4[Fucalpha1-3]GlcNAc), and the role of this antigen on mature granulocytes as a ligand for selectin molecules. The families of fucosyl- and sialyltransferase genes encoding enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of sialyl-Le(x), and the pathways leading to the formation of this antigen, and more complex related structures, are described. The second part of the article outlines the work carried out in the authors' laboratory with leukaemic cell lines in an attempt to ascertain the biochemical and genetic basis of the lowering of sialyl-Le(x) expression that occurs at intermediate stages of normal haemopoietic development. Analysis of enzyme levels and mRNA expression of the fucosyl- and sialyltransferase genes has led to the conclusion that depletion of substrate resulting from high levels of enzyme activity from co-expressed genes FUT4 and ST6Gal1 probably accounts for the dip in expression of sialyl-Le(x), rather than a change in the level of expression of FUT7, the gene in myeloid cells encoding the enzyme ultimately responsible for the synthesis of sialyl-Le(x). The possible significance of this change in relation to normal cell maturation is discussed.

The acceptor and site specificity of alpha 3-fucosyltransferase V. High reactivity of the proximal and low of the distal galbeta 1-4GlcNAc unit in i-type polylactosamines

We report here on in vitro acceptor and site specificity of recombinant alpha3-fucosyltransferase V (Fuc-TV) with 40 oligosaccharide acceptors. Galbeta1-4GlcNAc (LN) and GalNAcbeta1-4GlcNAc (LDN) reacted rapidly; Galbeta1-3GlcNAc (LNB) reacted moderately, and GlcNAcbeta1-4GlcNAc (N, N'-diacetyl-chitobiose) reacted slowly yet distinctly. In neutral and terminally alpha3-sialylated polylactosamines of i-type, the reducing end LN unit reacted rapidly and the distal (sialyl)LN group very slowly; the midchain LNs revealed intermediate reactivities. The data suggest that a distal LN neighbor enhances but a proximal LN neighbor reduces the reactivity of the midchain LNs. This implies that Fuc-TV may bind preferably the tetrasaccharide sequence Galbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc for transfer at the underlined monosaccharide. Terminal alpha3-sialylation of i-type polylactosamines almost doubled the reactivities of the LN units at all positions of the chains. We conclude that, in comparison with human Fuc-TIV and Fuc-TIX, Fuc-TV reacted with a highly distinct site specificity with i-type polylactosamines. The Fuc-TV reactivity of free LNB resembled that of LNBbeta1-3'R of a polylactosamine, contrasting strongly with the dissimilarity of the reactivities of the analogous pair of LN and LNbeta1-3'R. This observation supports the notion that LN and LNB may be functionally bound at distinct sites on Fuc-TV surface. Our data show that Fuc-TV worked well with a very wide range of LN-glycans, showing weak reactivity only with distal (sialyl)LN units of i-type polylactosamines, biantennary N-glycans, and I branches of polylactosamines.

Molecular cloning of rat alpha1,3-fucosyltransferase IX (Fuc-TIX) and comparison of the expression of Fuc-TIV and Fuc-TIX genes during rat postnatal cerebellum development

Fucosylated glycoconjugates play an essential role in central nervous system development, but the regulation of expression of these molecules is not well understood. The final biosynthetic step for a major group of cerebellar fucosylated glycoconjugates (those bearing the developmentally regulated epitope 3-fucosyl-N-acetyllactosamine, CD15, and related fucosylated epitopes) is catalyzed by an alpha-1,3-fucosyltransferase (FucT). The major FucT activity in postnatal rat cerebellum has a specificity consistent with that encoded by either a Fuc-TIV- or Fuc-TIX-like gene, and thus the expression of these genes was investigated during postnatal rat cerebellar development. A rFuc-TIX cDNA was cloned and a comparison of its enzymatic activity with rFuc-TIV revealed similar results on oligosaccharides, but strikingly higher activity on lipid acceptors, suggesting a greater role for rFuc-TIX than rFuc-TIV in the synthesis of CD15 glycolipids. rFuc-TIX mRNA levels were much higher than those of rFuc-TIV in neonatal cerebellum. Whereas rFuc-TIX mRNA levels remained relatively constant, rFuc-TIV mRNA levels declined during postnatal cerebellar development. In situ hybridization of postnatal rat cerebella also revealed different patterns of expression for these two genes. The rFuc-TIV gene was expressed predominantly in Purkinje cells and the deep cerebellar nuclei throughout postnatal development, but was expressed in granule neurons only in the neonatal, and not the adult, rat. In contrast, the rFuc-TIX gene was expressed in cells in the granule cell layers in both neonatal and in the adult rat. The potential implications of the different enzymatic activities and cell localization of rFuc-TIV and rFuc-TIX expression for the regulation of fucosylated glycoconjugates during cerebellar development are discussed.

Human alpha 1,3/4 fucosyltransferases. Characterization of highly conserved cysteine residues and N-linked glycosylation sites

Human alpha1,3 fucosyltransferases (FucTs) contain four highly conserved cysteine (Cys) residues, in addition to a free Cys residue that lies near the binding site for GDP-fucose (Holmes, E. H., Xu, Z. , Sherwood, A. L., and Macher, B. A. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 8145-8151). The participation of the highly conserved Cys residues in disulfide bonds and their functional significance were characterized by mass spectrometry (MS) analyses and site-directed mutagenesis, respectively. Among the human FucTs is a subset of enzymes (FucT III, V, and VI) having highly homologous sequences, especially in the catalytic domain, and Cys residues in FucT III and V were characterized. The amino acid sequence of FucT III was characterized. Peptides containing the four conserved Cys residues were detected after reduction and alkylation, and found to be involved in disulfide bonds. The disulfide bond pattern was characterized by multiple stage MS analysis and the use of Glu-C protease and MS/MS analysis. Disulfide bonds in FucT III occur between Cys residues (Cys(81) to Cys(338) and Cys(91) to Cys(341)) at the N and C termini of the catalytic domain, bringing these ends close together in space. Mutagenesis of highly conserved Cys residues to Ser in FucT V resulted in proteins lacking enzymatic activity. Three of the four mutants have molecular weights similar to wild type enzyme and maintained an ability to bind GDP, whereas the other (Cys(104)) produced a series of lower molecular weight bands when characterized by Western blot analysis, and did not bind GDP. FucTs have highly conserved, potential N-linked sites, and our mass spectrometry analyses demonstrated that both N-linked sites are modified with oligosaccharides.