Biomedical differences between human and nonhuman hominids: potential roles for uniquely human aspects of sialic acid biology

Single missense mutations in Vi capsule synthesis genes confer hypervirulence to Salmonella Typhi

Many bacterial pathogens, including the human exclusive pathogen Salmonella Typhi, express capsular polysaccharides as a crucial virulence factor. Here, through S. Typhi whole genome sequence analyses and functional studies, we found a list of single point mutations that make S. Typhi hypervirulent. We discovered a single point mutation in the Vi biosynthesis enzymes that control Vi polymerization or acetylation is enough to result in different capsule variants of S. Typhi. All variant strains are pathogenic, but the hyper Vi capsule variants are particularly hypervirulent, as demonstrated by the high morbidity and mortality rates observed in infected mice. The hypo Vi capsule variants have primarily been identified in Africa, whereas the hyper Vi capsule variants are distributed worldwide. Collectively, these studies increase awareness about the existence of different capsule variants of S. Typhi, establish a solid foundation for numerous future studies on S. Typhi capsule variants, and offer valuable insights into strategies to combat capsulated bacteria.

Sialylated glycoproteins and sialyltransferases in digestive cancers: Mechanisms, diagnostic biomarkers, and therapeutic targets

Sialic acid (SA), as the ultimate epitope of polysaccharides, can act as a cap at the end of polysaccharide chains to prevent their overextension. Sialylation is the enzymatic process of transferring SA residues onto polysaccharides and is catalyzed by a group of enzymes known as sialyltransferases (SiaTs). It is noteworthy that the sialylation level of glycoproteins is significantly altered when digestive cancer occurs. And this alteration exhibits a close correlation with the progression of these cancers. In this review, from the perspective of altered SiaTs expression levels and changed glycoprotein sialylation patterns, we summarize the pathogenesis of gastric cancer (GC), colorectal cancer (CRC), pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Furthermore, we propose potential early diagnostic biomarkers and prognostic indicators for different digestive cancers. Finally, we summarize the therapeutic value of sialylation in digestive system cancers.

Single missense mutations in Vi capsule synthesis genes confer hypervirulence to Salmonella Typhi

Many bacterial pathogens, including the human exclusive pathogen Salmonella Typhi, express capsular polysaccharides as a crucial virulence factor. Here, through S. Typhi whole genome sequence analyses and functional studies, we found a list of single point mutations that make S . Typhi hypervirulent. We discovered a single point mutation in the Vi biosynthesis enzymes that control the length or acetylation of Vi is enough to create different capsule variants of S. Typhi. All variant strains are pathogenic, but the hyper-capsule variants are particularly hypervirulent, as demonstrated by the high morbidity and mortality rates observed in infected mice. The hypo-capsule variants have primarily been identified in Africa, whereas the hyper-capsule variants are distributed worldwide. Collectively, these studies increase awareness about the existence of different capsule variants of S. Typhi, establish a solid foundation for numerous future studies on S. Typhi capsule variants, and offer valuable insights into strategies to combat capsulated bacteria.

Human-specific features and developmental dynamics of the brain N-glycome

Comparative "omics" studies have revealed unique aspects of human neurobiology, yet an evolutionary perspective of the brain N-glycome is lacking. We performed multiregional characterization of rat, macaque, chimpanzee, and human brain N-glycomes using chromatography and mass spectrometry and then integrated these data with complementary glycotranscriptomic data. We found that, in primates, the brain N-glycome has diverged more rapidly than the underlying transcriptomic framework, providing a means for rapidly generating additional interspecies diversity. Our data suggest that brain N-glycome evolution in hominids has been characterized by an overall increase in complexity coupled with a shift toward increased usage of α(2-6)-linked N-acetylneuraminic acid. Moreover, interspecies differences in the cell type expression pattern of key glycogenes were identified, including some human-specific differences, which may underpin this evolutionary divergence. Last, by comparing the prenatal and adult human brain N-glycomes, we uncovered region-specific neurodevelopmental pathways that lead to distinct spatial N-glycosylation profiles in the mature brain.

Synthesis and Binding Mode Predictions of Novel Siglec-7 Ligands

Siglec-7 regulates immune cell activity and is a promising target for immunomodulation. Here, we report the discovery of novel sialic acid derivatives binding to Siglec-7. Synthesis and affinity measurements are complemented by high-quality models of sialoside-Siglec-7 complexes based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulations on the microsecond time scale. We provide details for the predicted binding modes for the new ligands, e.g., that an extension of the carbon backbone leads to a different molecular interaction pattern with the receptor and the nearby water structure than found for known Siglec-7 ligands. Further on, we uncover some shortcomings of the GLYCAM06 and GAFF2 force fields when used for the simulation of sialoside-based glycomimetics. Our results open new opportunities for the rational design of Siglec-7 inhibitors. In addition, we provide strategies on how to use and visualize MD simulations to describe and investigate sialoside-Siglec complexes in general.

Developmental Programming, Evolution, and Animal Welfare: A Case for Evolutionary Veterinary Science

The conditions animals experience during the early developmental stages of their lives can have critical ongoing effects on their future health, welfare, and proper development. In this paper we draw on evolutionary theory to improve our understanding of the processes of developmental programming, particularly Predictive Adaptive Responses (PAR) that serve to match offspring phenotype with predicted future environmental conditions. When these predictions fail, a mismatch occurs between offspring phenotype and the environment, which can have long-lasting health and welfare effects. Examples include metabolic diseases resulting from maternal nutrition and behavioral changes from maternal stress. An understanding of these processes and their evolutionary origins will help in identifying and providing appropriate developmental conditions to optimize offspring welfare. This serves as an example of the benefits of using evolutionary thinking within veterinary science and we suggest that in the same way that evolutionary medicine has helped our understanding of human health, the implementation of evolutionary veterinary science (EvoVetSci) could be a useful way forward for research in animal health and welfare.

Metagenomic survey reveals global distribution and evolution of microbial sialic acid catabolism

Sialic acids comprise a varied group of nine-carbon amino sugars found mostly in humans and other higher metazoans, playing major roles in cell interactions with external environments as well as other cells. Microbial sialic acid catabolism (SAC) has long been considered a virulence determinant, and appears to be mainly the purview of pathogenic and commensal bacterial species associated with eukaryotic hosts. Here, we used 2,521 (pre-)assembled metagenomes to evaluate the distribution of SAC in microbial communities from diverse ecosystems and human body parts. Our results demonstrated that microorganisms possessing SAC globally existed in non-host associated environments, although much less frequently than in mammal hosts. We also showed that the ecological significance and taxonomic diversity of microbial SAC have so far been largely underestimated. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a strong signal of horizontal gene transfer among distinct taxa and habitats, and also suggested a specific ecological pressure and a relatively independent evolution history in environmental communities. Our study expanded the known diversity of microbial SAC, and has provided the backbone for further studies on its ecological roles and potential pathogenesis.

Recent advances on N-acetylneuraminic acid: Physiological roles, applications, and biosynthesis

N-Acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), the most common type of Sia, generally acts as the terminal sugar in cell surface glycans, glycoconjugates, oligosaccharides, lipo-oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides, thus exerting numerous physiological functions. The extensive applications of Neu5Ac in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries make large-scale production of this chemical desirable. Biosynthesis which is associated with important application potential and environmental friendliness has become an indispensable approach for large-scale synthesis of Neu5Ac. In this review, the physiological roles of Neu5Ac was first summarized in detail. Second, the safety evaluation, regulatory status, and applications of Neu5Ac were discussed. Third, enzyme-catalyzed preparation, whole-cell biocatalysis, and microbial de novo synthesis of Neu5Ac were comprehensively reviewed. In addition, we discussed the main challenges of Neu5Ac de novo biosynthesis, such as screening and engineering of key enzymes, identifying exporters of intermediates and Neu5Ac, and balancing cell growth and biosynthesis. The corresponding strategies and systematic strategies were proposed to overcome these challenges and facilitate Neu5Ac industrial-scale production.

Comparative physiological anthropogeny: exploring molecular underpinnings of distinctly human phenotypes

Anthropogeny is a classic term encompassing transdisciplinary investigations of the origins of the human species. Comparative anthropogeny is a systematic comparison of humans and other living nonhuman hominids (so-called "great apes"), aiming to identify distinctly human features in health and disease, with the overall goal of explaining human origins. We begin with a historical perspective, briefly describing how the field progressed from the earliest evolutionary insights to the current emphasis on in-depth molecular and genomic investigations of "human-specific" biology and an increased appreciation for cultural impacts on human biology. While many such genetic differences between humans and other hominids have been revealed over the last two decades, this information remains insufficient to explain the most distinctive phenotypic traits distinguishing humans from other living hominids. Here we undertake a complementary approach of "comparative physiological anthropogeny," along the lines of the preclinical medical curriculum, i.e., beginning with anatomy and considering each physiological system and in each case considering genetic and molecular components that are relevant. What is ultimately needed is a systematic comparative approach at all levels from molecular to physiological to sociocultural, building networks of related information, drawing inferences, and generating testable hypotheses. The concluding section will touch on distinctive considerations in the study of human evolution, including the importance of gene-culture interactions.

LIS1, a glyco-humanized swine polyclonal anti-lymphocyte globulin, as a novel induction treatment in solid organ transplantation

Anti-thymocyte or anti-lymphocyte globulins (ATGs/ALGs) are immunosuppressive drugs used in induction therapies to prevent acute rejection in solid organ transplantation. Because animal-derived, ATGs/ALGs contain highly immunogenic carbohydrate xenoantigens eliciting antibodies that are associated with subclinical inflammatory events, possibly impacting long-term graft survival. Their strong and long-lasting lymphodepleting activity also increases the risk for infections. We investigated here the in vitro and in vivo activity of LIS1, a glyco-humanized ALG (GH-ALG) produced in pigs knocked out for the two major xeno-antigens αGal and Neu5Gc. It differs from other ATGs/ALGs by its mechanism of action excluding antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity and being restricted to complement-mediated cytotoxicity, phagocyte-mediated cytotoxicity, apoptosis and antigen masking, resulting in profound inhibition of T-cell alloreactivity in mixed leucocyte reactions. Preclinical evaluation in non-human primates showed that GH-ALG dramatically reduced CD4+ (p=0.0005,***), CD8+ effector T cells (p=0.0002,***) or myeloid cells (p=0.0007,***) but not T-reg (p=0.65, ns) or B cells (p=0.65, ns). Compared with rabbit ATG, GH-ALG induced transient depletion (less than one week) of target T cells in the peripheral blood (<100 lymphocytes/L) but was equivalent in preventing allograft rejection in a skin allograft model. The novel therapeutic modality of GH-ALG might present advantages in induction treatment during organ transplantation by shortening the T-cell depletion period while maintaining adequate immunosuppression and reducing immunogenicity.

Myeloid checkpoints for cancer immunotherapy

Myeloid checkpoints are receptors on the myeloid cell surface which can mediate inhibitory signals to modulate anti-tumor immune activities. They can either inhibit cellular phagocytosis or suppress T cells and are thus involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases. In the tumor microenvironment, besides killing tumor cells by phagocytosis or activating anti-tumor immunity by tumor antigen presentation, myeloid cells could execute pro-tumor efficacies through myeloid checkpoints by interacting with counter-receptors on other immune cells or cancer cells. In summary, myeloid checkpoints may be promising therapeutic targets for cancer immunotherapy.

Origins of glycan selectivity in streptococcal Siglec-like adhesins suggest mechanisms of receptor adaptation

Bacterial binding to host receptors underlies both commensalism and pathogenesis. Many streptococci adhere to protein-attached carbohydrates expressed on cell surfaces using Siglec-like binding regions (SLBRs). The precise glycan repertoire recognized may dictate whether the organism is a strict commensal versus a pathogen. However, it is currently not clear what drives receptor selectivity. Here, we use five representative SLBRs and identify regions of the receptor binding site that are hypervariable in sequence and structure. We show that these regions control the identity of the preferred carbohydrate ligand using chimeragenesis and single amino acid substitutions. We further evaluate how the identity of the preferred ligand affects the interaction with glycoprotein receptors in human saliva and plasma samples. As point mutations can change the preferred human receptor, these studies suggest how streptococci may adapt to changes in the environmental glycan repertoire.

Distribution and Evolutionary History of Sialic Acid Catabolism in the Phylum Actinobacteria

Sialic acids are present in humans and other metazoans, playing essential roles in physiological and pathological processes. Commensal and pathogenic bacteria have evolved the capacity to utilize sialic acids as nutrient and energy sources. However, in some actinobacteria, sialic acid catabolism (SAC) is associated with free-living populations. To unravel the distribution and evolutionary history of SAC in the phylum Actinobacteria, we analyzed the presence and diversity of the putative SAC gene cluster (nan) in 7,180 high-quality, nonredundant actinobacterial genomes that covered 1,969 species. The results showed that ∼13% of actinobacterial species had the potential to utilize sialic acids, with 45 species capable of anhydro-SAC, all except two of them through the canonical pathway. These species belonged to 20 orders and 81 genera, with ∼36% of them from four genera, Actinomyces, Bifidobacterium, Corynebacterium, and Streptomyces. Moreover, ∼40% of the nan-positive species are free living. Phylogenetic analysis of the key nan genes, nanA, nanK, and nanE, revealed a strong signal of horizontal gene transfer (HGT), accompanied with vertical inheritance and gene loss. This evolutionary pattern led to high diversity and differential distribution of nan among actinobacterial taxa and might cause the cluster to spread to some free-living species while losing in some host-associated species. The evolution of SAC in actinobacteria probably represents the evolution of certain kinds of noncore bacterial functions for environmental adaptation and lifestyle switch, in which HGT plays a dominant role. IMPORTANCE Sialic acids play essential roles in the physiology of humans and other metazoan animals, and microbial sialic acid catabolism (SAC) is one of the processes critical for pathogenesis. To date, microbial SAC is studied mainly in commensals and pathogens, while its distribution in free-living microbes and evolutionary pathway remain largely unexplored. Here, by examining all actinobacterial genomes available, we demonstrate that putative SAC is present in a small proportion of actinobacterial species, of which, however, ∼40% are free-living species. We also reveal remarkable difference in the distribution of SAC among actinobacterial taxa and high diversity of the putative SAC gene clusters. HGT plays a significant role in the evolution of SAC, accompanied with vertical inheritance and gene loss. Our results provide a comprehensive and systematic picture of the distribution and evolutionary history of SAC in actinobacteria, expanding the current knowledge on bacterial adaptation and diversification.

A point-mutation in the C-domain of CMP-sialic acid synthetase leads to lethality of medaka due to protein insolubility

Vertebrate CMP-sialic acid synthetase (CSS), which catalyzes the synthesis of CMP-sialic acid (CMP-Sia), consists of a 28 kDa-N-domain and a 20 kDa-C-domain. The N-domain is known to be a catalytic domain; however, the significance of the C-domain still remains unknown. To elucidate the function of the C-domain at the organism level, we screened the medaka TILLING library and obtained medaka with non-synonymous mutations (t911a), or single amino acid substitutions of CSS, L304Q, in the C-domain. Prominently, most L304Q medaka was lethal within 19 days post-fertilization (dpf). L304Q young fry displayed free Sia accumulation, and impairment of sialylation, up to 8 dpf. At 8 dpf, a marked abnormality in ventricular contraction and skeletal myogenesis was observed. To gain insight into the mechanism of L304Q-induced abnormalities, L304Q was biochemically characterized. Although bacterially expressed soluble L304Q and WT showed the similar V_max/K_m values, very few soluble L304Q was detected when expressed in CHO cells in sharp contrast to the WT. Additionally, the thermostability of various mutations of L304 greatly decreased, except for WT and L304I. These results suggest that L304 is important for the stability of CSS, and that an appropriate level of expression of soluble CSS is significant for animal survival.

Dietary Neu5Ac Intervention Protects Against Atherosclerosis Associated With Human-Like Neu5Gc Loss-Brief Report

Objective

Species-specific pseudogenization of the CMAH gene during human evolution eliminated common mammalian sialic acid N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) biosynthesis from its precursor N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac). With metabolic nonhuman Neu5Gc incorporation into endothelia from red meat, the major dietary source, anti-Neu5Gc antibodies appeared. Human-like Ldlr-/-Cmah-/- mice on a high-fat diet supplemented with a Neu5Gc-enriched mucin, to mimic human red meat consumption, suffered increased atherosclerosis if human-like anti-Neu5Gc antibodies were elicited.

Approach and Results

We now ask whether interventional Neu5Ac feeding attenuates metabolically incorporated Neu5Gc-mediated inflammatory acceleration of atherogenesis in this Cmah-/-Ldlr-/- model system. Switching to a Neu5Gc-free high-fat diet or adding a 5-fold excess of Collocalia mucoid-derived Neu5Ac in high-fat diet protects against accelerated atherosclerosis. Switching completely from a Neu5Gc-rich to a Neu5Ac-rich diet further reduces severity. Remarkably, feeding Neu5Ac-enriched high-fat diet alone has a substantial intrinsic protective effect against atherosclerosis in Ldlr-/- mice even in the absence of dietary Neu5Gc but only in the human-like Cmah-null background.

Conclusions

Interventional Neu5Ac feeding can mitigate or prevent the red meat/Neu5Gc-mediated increased risk for atherosclerosis, and has an intrinsic protective effect, even in the absence of Neu5Gc feeding. These findings suggest that similar interventions should be tried in humans and that Neu5Ac-enriched diets alone should also be investigated further.

N-Glycolylneuraminic Acid in Animal Models for Human Influenza A Virus

The first step in influenza virus infection is the binding of hemagglutinin to sialic acid-containing glycans present on the cell surface. Over 50 different sialic acid modifications are known, of which N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) are the two main species. Animal models with α2,6 linked Neu5Ac in the upper respiratory tract, similar to humans, are preferred to enable and mimic infection with unadapted human influenza A viruses. Animal models that are currently most often used to study human influenza are mice and ferrets. Additionally, guinea pigs, cotton rats, Syrian hamsters, tree shrews, domestic swine, and non-human primates (macaques and marmosets) are discussed. The presence of NeuGc and the distribution of sialic acid linkages in the most commonly used models is summarized and experimentally determined. We also evaluated the role of Neu5Gc in infection using Neu5Gc binding viruses and cytidine monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase (CMAH)-/- knockout mice, which lack Neu5Gc and concluded that Neu5Gc is unlikely to be a decoy receptor. This article provides a base for choosing an appropriate animal model. Although mice are one of the most favored models, they are hardly naturally susceptible to infection with human influenza viruses, possibly because they express mainly α2,3 linked sialic acids with both Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc modifications. We suggest using ferrets, which resemble humans closely in the sialic acid content, both in the linkages and the lack of Neu5Gc, lung organization, susceptibility, and disease pathogenesis.

Evolutionary conservation of human ketodeoxynonulosonic acid production is independent of sialoglycan biosynthesis

Human metabolic incorporation of nonhuman sialic acid (Sia) N-glycolylneuraminic acid into endogenous glycans generates inflammation via preexisting antibodies, which likely contributes to red meat-induced atherosclerosis acceleration. Exploring whether this mechanism affects atherosclerosis in end-stage renal disease (ESRD), we instead found serum accumulation of 2-keto-3-deoxy-d-glycero-d-galacto-2-nonulosonic acid (Kdn), a Sia prominently expressed in cold-blooded vertebrates. In patients with ESRD, levels of the Kdn precursor mannose also increased, but within a normal range. Mannose ingestion by healthy volunteers raised the levels of urinary mannose and Kdn. Kdn production pathways remained conserved in mammals but were diminished by an M42T substitution in a key biosynthetic enzyme, N-acetylneuraminate synthase. Remarkably, reversion to the ancestral methionine then occurred independently in 2 lineages, including humans. However, mammalian glycan databases contain no Kdn-glycans. We hypothesize that the potential toxicity of excess mannose in mammals is partly buffered by conversion to free Kdn. Thus, mammals probably conserve Kdn biosynthesis and modulate it in a lineage-specific manner, not for glycosylation, but to control physiological mannose intermediates and metabolites. However, human cells can be forced to express Kdn-glycans via genetic mutations enhancing Kdn utilization, or by transfection with fish enzymes producing cytidine monophosphate-Kdn (CMP-Kdn). Antibodies against Kdn-glycans occur in pooled human immunoglobulins. Pathological conditions that elevate Kdn levels could therefore result in antibody-mediated inflammatory pathologies.

An overview and future prospects of sialic acids

Sialic acids (Sias) are negatively charged functional monosaccharides present in a wide variety of natural sources (plants, animals and microorganisms). Sias play an important role in many life processes, which are widely applied in the medical and food industries as intestinal antibacterials, antivirals, anti-oxidative agents, food ingredients, and detoxification agents. Most Sias are composed of N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac, >99%), and Sia is its most commonly used name. In this article, we review Sias in terms of their structures, applications, determination methods, metabolism, and production strategies. In particular, we summarise and compare different production strategies, including extraction from natural sources, chemical synthesis, polymer decomposition, enzymatic synthesis, whole-cell catalysis, and de novo biosynthesis via microorganism fermentation. We also discuss research on their physiological functions and applications, barriers to efficient production, and strategies for overcoming these challenges. We focus on efficient de novo biosynthesis strategies for Neu5Ac via microbial fermentation using novel synthetic biology tools and methods that may be applied in future. This work provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances on Sias, and addresses future challenges regarding their functions, applications, and production.

Generation and Characterization of Typhoid Toxin-Neutralizing Human Monoclonal Antibodies

Typhoid toxin is a virulence factor of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi, the causative agent of typhoid fever, and is thought to be responsible for the symptoms of severe disease. This toxin has a unique A2B5 architecture with two active subunits, the ADP ribosyl transferase PltA and the DNase CdtB, linked to a pentameric B subunit, which is alternatively made of PltB or PltC. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of typhoid toxin-neutralizing human monoclonal antibodies by immunizing genetically engineered mice that have a full set of human immunoglobulin variable region genes. We identified several monoclonal antibodies with strong in vitro and in vivo toxin-neutralizing activity and different mechanisms of toxin neutralization. These antibodies could serve as the basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies against typhoid fever.

Glycosylated Biotherapeutics: Immunological Effects of N-Glycolylneuraminic Acid

The emerging field of biotherapeutics provides successful treatments for various diseases, yet immunogenicity and limited efficacy remain major concerns for many products. Glycosylation is a key factor determining the pharmacological properties of biotherapeutics, including their stability, solubility, bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and immunogenicity. Hence, an increased attention is directed at optimizing the glycosylation properties of biotherapeutics. Currently, most biotherapeutics are produced in non-human mammalian cells in light of their ability to produce human-like glycosylation. However, most mammals produce the sialic acid N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), while humans cannot due to a specific genetic defect. Humans consume Neu5Gc in their diet from mammalian derived foods (red meat and dairy) and produce polyclonal antibodies against diverse Neu5Gc-glycans. Moreover, Neu5Gc can metabolically incorporate into human cells and become presented on surface or secreted glycans, glycoproteins, and glycolipids. Several studies in mice suggested that the combination of Neu5Gc-containing epitopes and anti-Neu5Gc antibodies could contribute to exacerbation of chronic inflammation-mediated diseases (e.g., cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmunity). This could potentially become complicated with exposure to Neu5Gc-containing biotherapeutics, bio-devices or xenografts. Indeed, Neu5Gc can be found on various approved and marketed biotherapeutics. Here, we provide a perspective review on the possible consequences of Neu5Gc glycosylation of therapeutic protein drugs due to the limited published evidence of Neu5Gc glycosylation on marketed biotherapeutics and studies on their putative effects on immunogenicity, drug efficacy, and safety.

ST3GAL3, ST3GAL4, and ST3GAL6 differ in their regulation of biological functions via the specificities for the α2,3-sialylation of target proteins

The α2,3-sialylation of N-glycans is considered important but complicated because the functions of the three β-galactoside α2,3-sialyltransferases, ST3GAL3, ST3GAL4, and ST3GAL6, could be compensating for one another. To distinguish their specific functions, we established each individual knockout (KO) cell line. Loss of either the ST3GAL3 or ST3GAL6 genes decreased cell proliferation and colony formation, as opposed to the effect in the ST3GAL4 KO cells. The phosphorylation levels of ERK and AKT were significantly suppressed in the ST3GAL6 KO and ST3GAL3 KO cells, respectively. The cell aggregations were clearly observed in the KO cells, particularly the ST3GAL3 KO and ST3GAL6 KO cells, and the expression levels of E-cadherin and claudin-1 were enhanced in both those cell lines, but were suppressed in the ST3GAL4 KO cells. Those alterations were reversed with an overexpression of each corresponding gene in rescued cells. Of particular interest, the α2,3-sialylation levels of β1 integrin were clearly suppressed in the ST3GAL4 KO cells, but these were increased in the ST3GAL3 KO and ST3GAL6 KO cells, whereas the α2,3-sialylation levels of EGFR were significantly decreased in the ST3GAL6 KO cells. The decrease in α2,3-sialylation increased the α2,6-sialylation on β1, but not EGFR. Furthermore, a cross-restoration of each of the three genes in ST3GAL6 KO cells showed that overexpression of ST3GAL6 sufficiently rescued the total α2,3-sialylation levels, cell morphology, and α2,3-sialylation of EGFR, whereas the α2,3-sialylation levels of β1 were greatly enhanced by an overexpression of ST3GAL4. These results clearly demonstrate that the three α2,3-sialyltransferases modify characteristic target proteins and regulate cell biological functions in different ways.

9-Azido Analogues of Three Sialic Acid Forms for Metabolic Remodeling of Cell-Surface Sialoglycans

Neu5Ac, Neu5Gc, and KDN are three forms of sialic acids in vertebrates that possess distinct biological functions. Herein, we report the synthesis and metabolic incorporation of the 9-azido analogues of three sialic acid forms in mammalian cells. The incorporated sialic acid analogues enable fluorescent imaging of cell-surface sialoglycans and proteomic profiling of sialoglycoproteins. Furthermore, we apply them to metabolically engineer cell surfaces with sialoglycans terminated with distinct sialic acids or their 9-azido analogues. The remodeled cells expressing specific cell-surface sialoglycoforms show distinct binding affinity toward subtilase cytotoxin (SubAB), a toxin secreted by Shiga toxigenic Escherichia coli. The 9-azido analogues of sialic acid forms developed in this work provide a versatile tool for metabolic remodeling of cell-surface properties and modulating pathogen-host interactions.

Synthesis of N-Glycolylneuraminic Acid (Neu5Gc) and Its Glycosides

Sialic acids constitute a family of negatively charged structurally diverse monosaccharides that are commonly presented on the termini of glycans in higher animals and some microorganisms. In addition to N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac), N-glycolyl neuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) is among the most common sialic acid forms in nature. Nevertheless, unlike most animals, human cells loss the ability to synthesize Neu5Gc although Neu5Gc-containing glycoconjugates have been found on human cancer cells and in various human tissues due to dietary incorporation of Neu5Gc. Some pathogenic bacteria also produce Neu5Ac and the corresponding glycoconjugates but Neu5Gc-producing bacteria have yet to be found. In addition to Neu5Gc, more than 20 Neu5Gc derivatives have been found in non-human vertebrates. To explore the biological roles of Neu5Gc and its naturally occurring derivatives as well as the corresponding glycans and glycoconjugates, various chemical and enzymatic synthetic methods have been developed to obtain a vast array of glycosides containing Neu5Gc and/or its derivatives. Here we provide an overview on various synthetic methods that have been developed. Among these, the application of highly efficient one-pot multienzyme (OPME) sialylation systems in synthesizing compounds containing Neu5Gc and derivatives has been proven as a powerful strategy.

Human species-specific loss of CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid hydroxylase enhances atherosclerosis via intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) events due to atherosclerosis cause one-third of worldwide deaths and risk factors include physical inactivity, age, dyslipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, and red meat consumption. However, ∼15% of first-time events occur without such factors. In contrast, coronary events are extremely rare even in closely related chimpanzees in captivity, despite human-like CVD-risk-prone blood lipid profiles, hypertension, and mild atherosclerosis. Similarly, red meat-associated enhancement of CVD event risk does not seem to occur in other carnivorous mammals. Thus, heightened CVD risk may be intrinsic to humans, and genetic changes during our evolution need consideration. Humans exhibit a species-specific deficiency of the sialic acid N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), due to pseudogenization of cytidine monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) hydroxylase (CMAH), which occurred in hominin ancestors ∼2 to 3 Mya. Ldlr ^-/- mice with human-like Cmah deficiency fed a sialic acids (Sias)-free high-fat diet (HFD) showed ∼1.9-fold increased atherogenesis over Cmah wild-type Ldlr ^-/- mice, associated with elevated macrophage cytokine expression and enhanced hyperglycemia. Human consumption of Neu5Gc (from red meat) acts as a "xeno-autoantigen" via metabolic incorporation into endogenous glycoconjugates, as interactions with circulating anti-Neu5Gc "xeno-autoantibodies" potentiate chronic inflammation ("xenosialitis"). Cmah ^-/- Ldlr ^-/- mice immunized with Neu5Gc-bearing antigens to generate human-like anti-Neu5Gc antibodies suffered a ∼2.4-fold increased atherosclerosis on a Neu5Gc-rich HFD, compared with Neu5Ac-rich or Sias-free HFD. Lesions in Neu5Gc-immunized and Neu5Gc-rich HFD-fed Cmah ^-/- Ldlr ^-/- mice were more advanced but unexplained by lipoprotein or glucose changes. Human evolutionary loss of CMAH likely contributes to atherosclerosis predisposition via multiple intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms, and future studies could consider this more human-like model.

Virulence Traits of a Serogroup C Meningococcus and Isogenic cssA Mutant, Defective in Surface-Exposed Sialic Acid, in a Murine Model of Meningitis

In serogroup C Neisseria meningitidis, the cssA (siaA) gene codes for an UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase that catalyzes the conversion of UDP-N-acetyl-α-d-glucosamine into N-acetyl-d-mannosamine and UDP in the first step in sialic acid biosynthesis. This enzyme is required for the biosynthesis of the (α2→9)-linked polysialic acid capsule and for lipooligosaccharide (LOS) sialylation. In this study, we have used a reference serogroup C meningococcal strain and an isogenic cssA knockout mutant to investigate the pathogenetic role of surface-exposed sialic acids in a model of meningitis based on intracisternal inoculation of BALB/c mice. Results confirmed the key role of surface-exposed sialic acids in meningococcal pathogenesis. The 50% lethal dose (LD50) of the wild-type strain 93/4286 was about four orders of magnitude lower than that of the cssA mutant. Compared to the wild-type strain, the ability of this mutant to replicate in brain and spread systemically was severely impaired. Evaluation of brain damage evidenced a significant reduction in cerebral hemorrhages in mice infected with the mutant in comparison with the levels in those challenged with the wild-type strain. Histological analysis showed the typical features of bacterial meningitis, including inflammatory cells in the subarachnoid, perivascular, and ventricular spaces especially in animals infected with the wild type. Noticeably, 80% of mice infected with the wild-type strain presented with massive bacterial localization and accompanying inflammatory infiltrate in the corpus callosum, indicating high tropism of meningococci exposing sialic acids toward this brain structure and a specific involvement of the corpus callosum in the mouse model of meningococcal meningitis.

The Sodium Sialic Acid Symporter From Staphylococcus aureus Has Altered Substrate Specificity

Mammalian cell surfaces are decorated with complex glycoconjugates that terminate with negatively charged sialic acids. Commensal and pathogenic bacteria can use host-derived sialic acids for a competitive advantage, but require a functional sialic acid transporter to import the sugar into the cell. This work investigates the sodium sialic acid symporter (SiaT) from Staphylococcus aureus (SaSiaT). We demonstrate that SaSiaT rescues an Escherichia coli strain lacking its endogenous sialic acid transporter when grown on the sialic acids N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) or N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc). We then develop an expression, purification and detergent solubilization system for SaSiaT and demonstrate that the protein is largely monodisperse in solution with a stable monomeric oligomeric state. Binding studies reveal that SaSiaT has a higher affinity for Neu5Gc over Neu5Ac, which was unexpected and is not seen in another SiaT homolog. We develop a homology model and use comparative sequence analyses to identify substitutions in the substrate-binding site of SaSiaT that may explain the altered specificity. SaSiaT is shown to be electrogenic, and transport is dependent upon more than one Na⁺ ion for every sialic acid molecule. A functional sialic acid transporter is essential for the uptake and utilization of sialic acid in a range of pathogenic bacteria, and developing new inhibitors that target these transporters is a valid mechanism for inhibiting bacterial growth. By demonstrating a route to functional recombinant SaSiaT, and developing the in vivo and in vitro assay systems, our work underpins the design of inhibitors to this transporter.

Evolution of sialic acids: Implications in xenotransplant biology

All living cells are covered with a dense “sugar-coat” of carbohydrate chains (glycans) conjugated to proteins and lipids. The cell surface glycome is determined by a non-template driven process related to the collection of enzymes that assemble glycans in a sequential manner. In mammals, many of these glycans are topped with sialic acids (Sia), a large family of acidic sugars. The “Sialome” is highly diverse owing to various Sia types, linkage to underlying glycans, range of carriers, and complex spatial organization. Presented at the front of cells, Sia play a major role in immunity and recognition of “self” versus “non-self,” largely mediated by the siglecs family of Sia-binding host receptors. Albeit many mammalian pathogens have evolved to hijack this recognition system to avoid host immune attack, presenting a fascinating host-pathogen evolutionary arms race. Similarly, cancer cells exploit Sia for their own survival and propagation. As part of this ongoing fitness, humans lost the ability to synthesize the Sia type N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), in contrast to other mammals. While this loss had provided an advantage against certain pathogens, humans are continuously exposed to Neu5Gc through mammalian-derived diet (eg, red meat), consequently generating a complex immune response against it. Circulating anti-Neu5Gc antibodies together with Neu5Gc on some human tissues mediate chronic inflammation “xenosialitis” that exacerbate various human diseases (eg, cancer and atherosclerosis). Similarly, Neu5Gc-containing xenografts are exposed to human anti-Neu5Gc antibodies with implications to sustainability. This review aimed to provide a glimpse into the evolution of Sia and their implications to xenotransplantation.

Unravelling the specificity and mechanism of sialic acid recognition by the gut symbiont Ruminococcus gnavus

Ruminococcus gnavus is a human gut symbiont wherein the ability to degrade mucins is mediated by an intramolecular trans-sialidase (RgNanH). RgNanH comprises a GH33 catalytic domain and a sialic acid-binding carbohydrate-binding module (CBM40). Here we used glycan arrays, STD NMR, X-ray crystallography, mutagenesis and binding assays to determine the structure and function of RgNanH_CBM40 (RgCBM40). RgCBM40 displays the canonical CBM40 β-sandwich fold and broad specificity towards sialoglycans with millimolar binding affinity towards α2,3- or α2,6-sialyllactose. RgCBM40 binds to mucus produced by goblet cells and to purified mucins, providing direct evidence for a CBM40 as a novel bacterial mucus adhesin. Bioinformatics data show that RgCBM40 canonical type domains are widespread among Firmicutes. Furthermore, binding of R. gnavus ATCC 29149 to intestinal mucus is sialic acid mediated. Together, this study reveals novel features of CBMs which may contribute to the biogeography of symbiotic bacteria in the gut.

The mucus layer is an important physical niche within the gut which harbours a distinct microbial community. Here the authors show that specific carbohydrate-binding modules associated with bacterial carbohydrate-active enzymes are mucus adhesins that target regions of the distal colon rich in sialomucins.

Evolution of host adaptation in the Salmonella typhoid toxin

The evolution of virulence traits is central for the emergence or re-emergence of microbial pathogens and for their adaptation to a specific host 1-5 . Typhoid toxin is an essential virulence factor of the human-adapted bacterial pathogen Salmonella Typhi 6,7 , the cause of typhoid fever in humans 8-12 . Typhoid toxin has a unique A2B5 architecture with two covalently linked enzymatic 'A' subunits, PltA and CdtB, associated with a homopentameric 'B' subunit made up of PltB, which has binding specificity for the N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) sialoglycans 6,13 prominently present in humans 14 . Here, we examine the functional and structural relationship between typhoid toxin and ArtAB, an evolutionarily related AB5 toxin encoded by the broad-host Salmonella Typhimurium 15 . We find that ArtA and ArtB, homologues of PltA and PltB, can form a functional complex with the typhoid toxin CdtB subunit after substitution of a single amino acid in ArtA, while ArtB can form a functional complex with wild-type PltA and CdtB. We also found that, after addition of a single-terminal Cys residue, a CdtB homologue from cytolethal distending toxin can form a functional complex with ArtA and ArtB. In line with the broad host specificity of S. Typhimurium, we found that ArtB binds human glycans, terminated in N-acetylneuraminic acid, as well as glycans terminated in N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc), which are expressed in most other mammals 14 . The atomic structure of ArtB bound to its receptor shows the presence of an additional glycan-binding site, which broadens its binding specificity. Despite equivalent toxicity in vitro, we found that the ArtB/PltA/CdtB chimaeric toxin exhibits reduced lethality in an animal model, indicating that the host specialization of typhoid toxin has optimized its targeting mechanisms to the human host. This is a remarkable example of a toxin evolving to broaden its enzymatic activities and adapt to a specific host.

Potential damaging mutation in LRP5 from genome sequencing of the first reported chimpanzee with the Chiari malformation

The genus Pan is the closest related to humans (Homo sapiens) and it includes two species: Pan troglodytes (chimpanzees) and Pan paniscus (bonobos). Different characteristics, some of biomedical aspect, separate them from us. For instance, some common human medical conditions are rare in chimpanzees (menopause, Alzheimer disease) although it is unclear to which extent longevity plays an active role in these differences. However, both humans and chimpanzees present similar pathologies, thus, understanding traits in chimpanzees can help unravel the molecular basis of human conditions. Here, we sequenced the genome of Nico, a central chimpanzee diagnosed with a particular biomedical condition, the Chiari malformation. We performed a variant calling analysis comparing his genome to 25 whole genomes from healthy individuals (bonobos and chimpanzees), and after predicting the effects of the genetic variants, we looked for genes within the OMIM database. We found a novel, private, predicted as damaging mutation in Nico in LRP5, a gene related to bone density alteration pathologies, and we suggest a link between this mutation and his Chiari malformation as previously shown in humans. Our results reinforce the idea that a comparison between humans and chimpanzees can be established in this genetic frame of common diseases.

The BRAIN Initiative Cell Census Consortium: Lessons Learned toward Generating a Comprehensive Brain Cell Atlas

A comprehensive characterization of neuronal cell types, their distributions, and patterns of connectivity is critical for understanding the properties of neural circuits and how they generate behaviors. Here we review the experiences of the BRAIN Initiative Cell Census Consortium, ten pilot projects funded by the U.S. BRAIN Initiative, in developing, validating, and scaling up emerging genomic and anatomical mapping technologies for creating a complete inventory of neuronal cell types and their connections in multiple species and during development. These projects lay the foundation for a larger and longer-term effort to generate whole-brain cell atlases in species including mice and humans.

N-glycolyl groups of nonhuman chondroitin sulfates survive in ancient fossils

Biosynthesis of the common mammalian sialic acid N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) was lost during human evolution due to inactivation of the CMAH gene, possibly expediting divergence of the Homo lineage, due to a partial fertility barrier. Neu5Gc catabolism generates N-glycolylhexosamines, which are potential precursors for glycoconjugate biosynthesis. We carried out metabolic labeling experiments and studies of mice with human-like Neu5Gc deficiency to show that Neu5Gc degradation is the metabolic source of UDP-GlcNGc and UDP-GalNGc and the latter allows an unexpectedly selective incorporation of N-glycolyl groups into chondroitin sulfate (CS) over other potential glycoconjugate products. Partially N-glycolylated-CS was chemically synthesized as a standard for mass spectrometry to confirm its natural occurrence. Much lower amounts of GalNGc in human CS can apparently be derived from Neu5Gc-containing foods, a finding confirmed by feeding Neu5Gc-rich chow to human-like Neu5Gc-deficient mice. Unlike the case with Neu5Gc, N-glycolyl-CS was also stable enough to be detectable in animal fossils as old as 4 My. This work opens the door for investigating the biological and immunological significance of this glycosaminoglycan modification and for an "ancient glycans" approach to dating of Neu5Gc loss during the evolution of Homo.

Receptor-Mediated Sorting of Typhoid Toxin during Its Export from Salmonella Typhi-Infected Cells

Typhoid toxin is an essential virulence factor of Salmonella Typhi, the cause of typhoid fever. Typhoid toxin is secreted into the lumen of Salmonella-containing vacuole (SCV), after which it is packaged into vesicle carrier intermediates and released extracellularly through incompletely understood mechanisms. Following export, the toxin targets cells by interacting with human-specific Neu5Ac-terminated glycan receptors. We show that typhoid toxin is sorted from the SCV into vesicle carrier intermediates via interactions of its B subunit, PltB, with specific lumenal sialylated glycan packaging receptors. Cells deficient in N-glycosylation or the synthesis of specific gangliosides or displaying Neu5Gc-terminated, as opposed to Neu5Ac-terminated, glycans do not support typhoid toxin export. Additionally, typhoid toxin packaging requires the specific SCV environment, as toxin produced by an S. Typhi mutant with impaired trafficking is not properly sorted into vesicles. These results reveal how the exotoxin of an intracellular pathogen engages host pathways for packaging and release.

Are humans prone to autoimmunity? Implications from evolutionary changes in hominin sialic acid biology

Given varied intrinsic and extrinsic challenges to the immune system, it is unsurprising that each evolutionary lineage evolves distinctive features of immunoreactivity, and that tolerance mechanisms fail, allowing autoimmunity. Humans appear prone to many autoimmune diseases, with mechanisms both genetic and environmental. Another rapidly evolving biological system involves sialic acids, a family of monosaccharides that are terminal caps on cell surface and secreted molecules of vertebrates, and play multifarious roles in immunity. We have explored multiple genomic changes in sialic acid biology that occurred in human ancestors (hominins), some with implications for enhanced immunoreactivity, and hence for autoimmunity. Human ancestors lost the enzyme synthesizing the common mammalian sialic acid Neu5Gc, with an accumulation of the precursor sialic acid Neu5Ac. Resulting changes include an enhanced reactivity by some immune cells and increased ability of macrophages to kill bacteria, at the cost of increased endotoxin sensitivity. There are also multiple human-specific evolutionary changes in inhibitory and activating Siglecs, immune cell receptors that recognize sialic acids as "self-associated molecular patterns" (SAMPs) to modulate immunity, but can also be hijacked by pathogen molecular mimicry of SAMPs. Altered expression patterns and fixed or polymorphic SIGLEC pseudogenization in humans has modulated both innate and adaptive immunity, sometimes favoring over-reactivity. Meanwhile, dietary intake of Neu5Gc (derived primarily from red meats) allows metabolic incorporation of this non-human molecule into human cells--apparently the first example of "xeno-autoimmunity" involving "xeno-autoantigen" interactions with circulating "xeno-autoantibodies". Taken together, some of these factors may contribute to the apparent human propensity for autoimmunity.

Biochemical, Cellular, Physiological, and Pathological Consequences of Human Loss of N-Glycolylneuraminic Acid

About 2-3 million years ago, Alu-mediated deletion of a critical exon in the CMAH gene became fixed in the hominin lineage ancestral to humans, possibly through a stepwise process of selection by pathogen targeting of the CMAH product (the sialic acid Neu5Gc), followed by reproductive isolation through female anti-Neu5Gc antibodies. Loss of CMAH has occurred independently in some other lineages, but is functionally intact in Old World primates, including our closest relatives, the chimpanzee. Although the biophysical and biochemical ramifications of losing tens of millions of Neu5Gc hydroxy groups at most cell surfaces remains poorly understood, we do know that there are multiscale effects functionally relevant to both sides of the host-pathogen interface. Hominin CMAH loss might also contribute to understanding human evolution, at the time when our ancestors were starting to use stone tools, increasing their consumption of meat, and possibly hunting. Comparisons with chimpanzees within ethical and practical limitations have revealed some consequences of human CMAH loss, but more has been learned by using a mouse model with a human-like Cmah inactivation. For example, such mice can develop antibodies against Neu5Gc that could affect inflammatory processes like cancer progression in the face of Neu5Gc metabolic incorporation from red meats, display a hyper-reactive immune system, a human-like tendency for delayed wound healing, late-onset hearing loss, insulin resistance, susceptibility to muscular dystrophy pathologies, and increased sensitivity to multiple human-adapted pathogens involving sialic acids. Further studies in such mice could provide a model for other human-specific processes and pathologies involving sialic acid biology that have yet to be explored.

Humanized mouse model for assessing the human immune response to xenogeneic and allogeneic decellularized biomaterials

Current assessment of biomaterial biocompatibility is typically implemented in wild type rodent models. Unfortunately, different characteristics of the immune systems in rodents versus humans limit the capability of these models to mimic the human immune response to naturally derived biomaterials. Here we investigated the utility of humanized mice as an improved model for testing naturally derived biomaterials. Two injectable hydrogels derived from decellularized porcine or human cadaveric myocardium were compared. Three days and one week after subcutaneous injection, the hydrogels were analyzed for early and mid-phase immune responses, respectively. Immune cells in the humanized mouse model, particularly T-helper cells, responded distinctly between the xenogeneic and allogeneic biomaterials. The allogeneic extracellular matrix derived hydrogels elicited significantly reduced total, human specific, and CD4⁺ T-helper cell infiltration in humanized mice compared to xenogeneic extracellular matrix hydrogels, which was not recapitulated in wild type mice. T-helper cells, in response to the allogeneic hydrogel material, were also less polarized towards a pro-remodeling Th2 phenotype compared to xenogeneic extracellular matrix hydrogels in humanized mice. In both models, both biomaterials induced the infiltration of macrophages polarized towards a M2 phenotype and T-helper cells polarized towards a Th2 phenotype. In conclusion, these studies showed the importance of testing naturally derived biomaterials in immune competent animals and the potential of utilizing this humanized mouse model for further studying human immune cell responses to biomaterials in an in vivo environment.

Expectations for the methodology and translation of animal research: a survey of the general public, medical students and animal researchers in North America

To determine what are considered acceptable standards for animal research (AR) methodology and translation rate to humans, a validated survey was sent to: a) a sample of the general public, via Sampling Survey International (SSI; Canada), Amazon Mechanical Turk (AMT; USA), a Canadian city festival (CF) and a Canadian children's hospital (CH); b) a sample of medical students (two first-year classes); and c) a sample of scientists (corresponding authors and academic paediatricians). There were 1379 responses from the general public sample (SSI, n = 557; AMT, n = 590; CF, n = 195; CH, n = 102), 205/330 (62%) medical student responses, and 23/323 (7%, too few to report) scientist responses. Asked about methodological quality, most of the general public and medical student respondents expect that: AR is of high quality (e.g. anaesthesia and analgesia are monitored, even overnight, and 'humane' euthanasia, optimal statistical design, comprehensive literature review, randomisation and blinding, are performed), and costs and difficulty are not acceptable justifications for lower quality (e.g. costs of expert consultation, or more laboratory staff). Asked about their expectations of translation to humans (of toxicity, carcinogenicity, teratogenicity and treatment findings), most expect translation more than 60% of the time. If translation occurred less than 20% of the time, a minority disagreed that this would "significantly reduce your support for AR". Medical students were more supportive of AR, even if translation occurred less than 20% of the time. Expectations for AR are much higher than empirical data show to have been achieved.

A Mouse Model for Dietary Xenosialitis: ANTIBODIES TO XENOGLYCAN CAN REDUCE FERTILITY

Humans can incorporate the xenoglycan N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) from the diet into reproductive tissues and secretions. Most humans also have circulating antibodies specific for this dietary xenoglycan. The potential for inflammation induced by incorporated Neu5Gc and circulating anti-Neu5Gc antibodies, termed xenosialitis, has been discussed as a factor influencing several human diseases. Potential effects of xenosialitis on human fertility remain unknown. Here, we investigate possible adverse effects of the presence of Neu5Gc on sperm or endometrium combined with anti-Neu5Gc antibodies in semen or uterine secretions in a mouse model. We use Cmah(-/-) mice, humanized for Neu5Gc deficiency. We find that the viability, migration, and capacitation of sperm with incorporated Neu5Gc are negatively affected when these are exposed to anti-Neu5Gc antibodies. In addition, we find that after copulation, activated uterine neutrophils and macrophages show increased phagocytosis of sperm in the presence of anti-Neu5Gc antibodies via the complement receptor 3 (C3R) and Fcγ I/II/III (Fc receptor). Furthermore, Neu5Gc in endometrial cells combined with the presence of anti-Neu5Gc antibodies alters the receptivity and decidualization of endometrial explants. These studies provide mechanistic insights on how Neu5Gc on sperm and/or endometrium combined with anti-Neu5Gc antibodies in semen and uterine fluid might contribute to unexplained human infertility.

Phylogenetic-Derived Insights into the Evolution of Sialylation in Eukaryotes: Comprehensive Analysis of Vertebrate β-Galactoside α2,3/6-Sialyltransferases (ST3Gal and ST6Gal)

Cell surface of eukaryotic cells is covered with a wide variety of sialylated molecules involved in diverse biological processes and taking part in cell–cell interactions. Although the physiological relevance of these sialylated glycoconjugates in vertebrates begins to be deciphered, the origin and evolution of the genetic machinery implicated in their biosynthetic pathway are poorly understood. Among the variety of actors involved in the sialylation machinery, sialyltransferases are key enzymes for the biosynthesis of sialylated molecules. This review focus on β-galactoside α2,3/6-sialyltransferases belonging to the ST3Gal and ST6Gal families. We propose here an outline of the evolutionary history of these two major ST families. Comparative genomics, molecular phylogeny and structural bioinformatics provided insights into the functional innovations in sialic acid metabolism and enabled to explore how ST-gene function evolved in vertebrates.

Typhoid toxin provides a window into typhoid fever and the biology of Salmonella Typhi

Salmonella Typhi is the cause of typhoid fever, a disease that has challenged humans throughout history and continues to be a major public health concern. Unlike infections with most other Salmonellae, which result in self-limiting gastroenteritis, typhoid fever is a life-threatening systemic disease. Furthermore, in contrast to most Salmonellae, which can infect a broad range of hosts, S. Typhi is a strict human pathogen. The unique features of S. Typhi pathogenesis and its stringent host specificity have been a long-standing puzzle. The discovery of typhoid toxin not only has provided major insight into these questions but also has offered unique opportunities to develop novel therapeutic and prevention strategies to combat typhoid fever.

On the apparent rarity of epithelial cancers in captive chimpanzees

Malignant neoplasms arising from epithelial cells are called carcinomas. Such cancers are diagnosed in about one in three humans in 'developed' countries, with the most common sites affected being lung, breast, prostate, colon, ovary and pancreas. By contrast, carcinomas are said to be rare in captive chimpanzees, which share more than 99% protein sequence homology with humans (and possibly in other related 'great apes'-bonobos, gorillas and orangutans). Simple ascertainment bias is an unlikely explanation, as these nonhuman hominids are recipients of excellent veterinary care in research facilities and zoos, and are typically subjected to necropsies when they die. In keeping with this notion, benign tumours and cancers that are less common in humans are well documented in this population. In this brief overview, we discuss other possible explanations for the reported rarity of carcinomas in our closest evolutionary cousins, including inadequacy of numbers surveyed, differences in life expectancy, diet, genetic susceptibility, immune responses or their microbiomes, and other potential environmental factors. We conclude that while relative carcinoma risk is a likely difference between humans and chimpanzees (and possibly other 'great apes'), a more systematic survey of available data is required for validation of this claim.

Loss of gene function and evolution of human phenotypes

Humans have acquired many distinct evolutionary traits after the human-chimpanzee divergence. These phenotypes have resulted from genetic changes that occurred in the human genome and were retained by natural selection. Comparative primate genome analyses reveal that loss-of-function mutations are common in the human genome. Some of these gene inactivation events were revealed to be associated with the emergence of advantageous phenotypes and were therefore positively selected and fixed in modern humans (the "less-ismore" hypothesis). Representative cases of human gene inactivation and their functional implications are presented in this review. Functional studies of additional inactive genes will provide insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying acquisition of various human-specific traits.

Rapid Trimming of Cell Surface Polysialic Acid (PolySia) by Exovesicular Sialidase Triggers Release of Preexisting Surface Neurotrophin

As acidic glycocalyx on primary mouse microglial cells and a mouse microglial cell line Ra2, expression of polysialic acid (polySia/PSA), a polymer of the sialic acid Neu5Ac (N-acetylneuraminic acid), was demonstrated. PolySia is known to modulate cell adhesion, migration, and localization of neurotrophins mainly on neural cells. PolySia on Ra2 cells disappeared very rapidly after an inflammatory stimulus. Results of knockdown and inhibitor studies indicated that rapid surface clearance of polySia was achieved by secretion of endogenous sialidase Neu1 as an exovesicular component. Neu1-mediated polySia turnover was accompanied by the release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor normally retained by polySia molecules. Introduction of a single oxygen atom change into polySia by exogenous feeding of the non-neural sialic acid Neu5Gc (N-glycolylneuraminic acid) caused resistance to Neu1-induced polySia turnover and also inhibited the associated release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. These results indicate the importance of rapid turnover of the polySia glycocalyx by exovesicular sialidases in neurotrophin regulation.

The distribution pattern of α2,3- and α2,6-linked sialic acids affects host cell preference in Toxoplasma gondii

Tachyzoites of Toxoplasma gondii, an obligate intracellular parasite, actively invade almost all types of nucleated cells. However, T. gondii tachyzoites preferentially infect particular types of animal tissue cells. The mechanism underlying the host cell preference of T. gondii is not yet known. In this study, we found that enzymatic removal of α2,3- but not α2,6-linked sialic acids on the surface of Vero cells decreased T. gondii tachyzoite adhesion or invasion to the treated cells. Although Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells express only α2,3-linked sialic acid, a genetically modified CHO cell line constructed by transfection with the α2,6-sialiltransferase gene contains subpopulations with a variety of expression patterns of α2,3- and α2,6-linked sialic acids. When T. gondii tachyzoites were added to the modified CHO cells, the tachyzoites preferentially attached to cells belonging to a subpopulation of cells that highly expressed α2,3-linked sialic acids. Additionally, multiple regression analysis performed to analyse the relationship between the amount of α2,3-linked/α2,6-linked sialic acids and parasite-expressed fluorescence intensity suggested that more tachyzoites adhered to individual α2,3-linked sialic acid rich-cells than to α2,3-linked sialic acid-poor/null cells. The results of confocal laser microscopy confirmed this finding. These results indicate that the host cell preference of T. gondii was, at least partially, affected by the distribution pattern of α2,3-, but almost never α2,6-linked sialic acids on host cells.