Sialic acid residues on astrocytes regulate neuritogenesis by controlling the assembly of laminin matrices

Single-Cell Transcriptome Atlas of Newcastle Disease Virus in Chickens Both In Vitro and In Vivo

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is an avian paramyxovirus that causes major economic losses to the poultry industry around the world, with NDV pathogenicity varying due to strain virulence differences. However, the impacts of intracellular viral replication and the heterogeneity of host responses among cell types are unknown. Here, we investigated the heterogeneity of lung tissue cells in response to NDV infection in vivo and that of the chicken embryo fibroblast cell line DF-1 in response to NDV infection in vitro using single-cell RNA sequencing. We characterized the NDV target cell types in the chicken lung at the single-cell transcriptome level and classified cells into five known and two unknown cell types. The five known cell types are the targets of NDV in the lungs with virus RNA detected. Different paths of infection in the putative trajectories of NDV infection were distinguished between in vivo and in vitro, or between virulent Herts/33 strain and nonvirulent LaSota strain. Gene expression patterns and the interferon (IFN) response in different putative trajectories were demonstrated. IFN responses were elevated in vivo, especially in myeloid and endothelial cells. We distinguished the virus-infected and non-infected cells, and the Toll-like receptor signaling pathway was the main pathway after virus infection. Cell-cell communication analysis revealed the potential cell surface receptor-ligand of NDV. Our data provide a rich resource for understanding NDV pathogenesis and open the way to interventions specifically targeting infected cells. IMPORTANCE Newcastle disease virus (NDV) is an avian paramyxovirus that causes major economic losses to the poultry industry around the world, with NDV pathogenicity varying due to strain virulence differences. However, the impacts of intracellular viral replication and the heterogeneity of host responses among cell types are unknown. Here, we investigated the heterogeneity of lung tissue cells in response to NDV infection in vivo and that of the chicken embryo fibroblast cell line DF-1 in response to NDV infection in vitro using single-cell RNA sequencing. Our results open the way to interventions specifically targeting infected cells, suggest principles of virus-host interactions applicable to NDV and other similar pathogens, and highlight the potential for simultaneous single-cell measurements of both host and viral transcriptomes for delineating a comprehensive map of infection in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, this study can be a useful resource for the further investigation and understanding of NDV.

Soluble laminin polymers enhance axon growth of primary neurons in vitro

A substrate of laminin polymers formed at pH 4 (acidic pH-induced laminin; aLam) promotes neurite growth of embryonic rat cortical neurons better than a substrate of similar but structurally different laminin polymers formed at neutral pH (neutral pH-induced laminin; nLam). We investigated the effects of these laminin polymers, used as soluble supplements, on neurite growth of cultured adult rat primary dorsal root ganglion neurons. When added to the culture medium, aLam was found to promote neurite growth about twofold better than nLam. Immunoblocking experiments revealed that aLam elicited neurite growth to a similar extent through the α1 or α3 integrin subunit, while nLam required the availability of the α1 integrin subunit to elicit neurite growth. With aLam, but not nLam, immunoblocking of the α1 or α3 subunit resulted in an increase in the protein level of the alternative subunit. The presence of a mature focal adhesion complex, which is associated with neurite growth, was elevated in neurons in the presence of aLam relative to nLam or culture medium. Our data indicated that the two types of laminin polymers promote neurite growth of adult rat primary sensory neurons to a different degree, likely through different ligand-receptor interactions. These findings support the potential of soluble laminin polymers as injectable therapeutics for eliciting axon growth after nervous system injury. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 106A:2372-2381, 2018.

A fractal nature for polymerized laminin

Polylaminin (polyLM) is a non-covalent acid-induced nano- and micro-structured polymer of the protein laminin displaying distinguished biological properties. Polylaminin stimulates neuritogenesis beyond the levels achieved by ordinary laminin and has been shown to promote axonal regeneration in animal models of spinal cord injury. Here we used confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) to characterize its three-dimensional structure. Renderization of confocal optical slices of immunostained polyLM revealed the aspect of a loose flocculated meshwork, which was homogeneously stained by the antibody. On the other hand, an ordinary matrix obtained upon adsorption of laminin in neutral pH (LM) was constituted of bulky protein aggregates whose interior was not accessible to the same anti-laminin antibody. SEM and AFM analyses revealed that the seed unit of polyLM was a flat polygon formed in solution whereas the seed structure of LM was highly heterogeneous, intercalating rod-like, spherical and thin spread lamellar deposits. As polyLM was visualized at progressively increasing magnifications, we observed that the morphology of the polymer was alike independently of the magnification used for the observation. A search for the Hausdorff dimension in images of the two matrices showed that polyLM, but not LM, presented fractal dimensions of 1.55, 1.62 and 1.70 after 1, 8 and 12 hours of adsorption, respectively. Data in the present work suggest that the intrinsic fractal nature of polymerized laminin can be the structural basis for the fractal-like organization of basement membranes in the neurogenic niches of the central nervous system.

Neurogenesis and vascularization of the damaged brain using a lactate-releasing biomimetic scaffold

Regenerative medicine strategies to promote recovery following traumatic brain injuries are currently focused on the use of biomaterials as delivery systems for cells or bioactive molecules. This study shows that cell-free biomimetic scaffolds consisting of radially aligned electrospun poly-l/dl lactic acid (PLA70/30) nanofibers release L-lactate and reproduce the 3D organization and supportive function of radial glia embryonic neural stem cells. The topology of PLA nanofibers supports neuronal migration while L-lactate released during PLA degradation acts as an alternative fuel for neurons and is required for progenitor maintenance. Radial scaffolds implanted into cavities made in the postnatal mouse brain fostered complete implant vascularization, sustained neurogenesis, and allowed the long-term survival and integration of the newly generated neurons. Our results suggest that the endogenous central nervous system is capable of regeneration through the in vivo dedifferentiation induced by biophysical and metabolic cues, with no need for exogenous cells, growth factors, or genetic manipulation.

The follicular thyroid cell line PCCL3 responds differently to laminin and to polylaminin, a polymer of laminin assembled in acidic pH

The extracellular-matrix protein laminin forms polymers both in vivo and in vitro. Acidification of pH leads to the formation of an artificial polymer with biomimetic properties, named polylaminin (polyLM). Follicle cells in the thyroid are in close contact with laminin, but their response to this important extracellular signal is still poorly understood. PCCL3 thyroid follicular cells cultured on glass, on regular laminin (LM) or on laminin previously polymerized in acidic pH (polyLM) showed different cell morphologies and propensities to proliferate, as well as differences in the organization of their actin cytoskeleton. On polyLM, cells displayed a typical epithelial morphology and radially organized actin fibers; whereas on LM, they spread irregularly on the substrate, lost cell contacts, and developed thick actin fibers extending through the entire cytoplasm. Iodide uptake decreased similarly in response to both laminin substrates, in comparison to glass. On both the LM and polyLM substrates, the expression of the sodium iodide symporter (NIS) decreased slightly but not significantly. NIS showed dotted immunostaining at the plasma membrane in the cells cultured on glass; on polyLM, NIS was observed mainly in the perinuclear region, and more diffusely throughout the cytoplasm on the LM substrate. Additionally, polyLM specifically favored the maintenance of cell polarity in culture. These findings indicate that PCCL3 cells can discriminate between LM and polyLM and that they respond to the latter by better preserving the phenotype observed in the thyroid tissue.

Single-cell resolution diagnosis of cancer cells by carbon nanotube electrical spectroscopy

We report the use of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) as electrical endoscopes (biosensors) for cancer metastatic diagnosis at single-cell resolution. The device is based on direct signal extraction by means of vertically aligned conductive carbon nanotubes from a live cell membrane, which has been disrupted during carcinogenesis at its primary and progressive stages. The value of this electrical disruption depends on the cancer metastatic grade. In addition, the electrical resonance behavior of the cell, halted during cancer progression, could be monitored as a new cancer diagnostic profile. By taking a second derivative of the cell impedance with respect to applied frequency, we have arrived at a new spectroscopy tool for distinguishing cancerous stages of colon and breast carcinoma cells.

Platelets recognize brain-specific glycolipid structures, respond to neurovascular damage and promote neuroinflammation

Platelets respond to vascular damage and contribute to inflammation, but their role in the neurodegenerative diseases is unknown. We found that the systemic administration of brain lipid rafts induced a massive platelet activation and degranulation resulting in a life-threatening anaphylactic-like response in mice. Platelets were engaged by the sialated glycosphingolipids (gangliosides) integrated in the rigid structures of astroglial and neuronal lipid rafts. The brain-abundant gangliosides GT1b and GQ1b were specifically recognized by the platelets and this recognition involved multiple receptors with P-selectin (CD62P) playing the central role. During the neuroinflammation, platelets accumulated in the central nervous system parenchyma, acquired an activated phenotype and secreted proinflammatory factors, thereby triggering immune response cascades. This study determines a new role of platelets which directly recognize a neuronal damage and communicate with the cells of the immune system in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases.

Revolutionary impact of nanodrug delivery on neuroscience

Brain research is the most expanding interdisciplinary research that is using the state of the art techniques to overcome limitations in order to conduct more accurate and effective experiments. Drug delivery to the target site in the central nervous system (CNS) is one of the most difficult steps in neuroscience researches and therapies. Taking advantage of the nanoscale structure of neural cells (both neurons and glia); nanodrug delivery (second generation of biotechnological products) has a potential revolutionary impact into the basic understanding, visualization and therapeutic applications of neuroscience. Current review article firstly provides an overview of preparation and characterization, purification and separation, loading and delivering of nanodrugs. Different types of nanoparticle bioproducts and a number of methods for their fabrication and delivery systems including (carbon) nanotubes are explained. In the second part, neuroscience and nervous system drugs are deeply investigated. Different mechanisms in which nanoparticles enhance the uptake and clearance of molecules form cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are discussed. The focus is on nanodrugs that are being used or have potential to improve neural researches, diagnosis and therapy of neurodegenerative disorders.

Neuron-astroglial interactions in cell-fate commitment and maturation in the central nervous system

Neuron-astroglia interactions play a key role in several events of brain development, such as neuronal generation, migration, survival, and differentiation; axonal growth; and synapse formation and function. While there is compelling evidence of the effects of astrocyte factors on neurons, their effects on astrocytes have not been fully determined. In this review, we will focus on the role of neurons in astrocyte generation and maturation. Further, we highlight the great heterogeneity and diversity of astroglial and neural progenitors such as radial glia cells, and discuss the importance of the variety of cellular interactions in controlling the structural and functional organization of the brain. Finally, we present recent data on a new role of astrocytes in neuronal maturation, as mediators of the action of biolipids in the cerebral cortex. We will argue that the functional architecture of the brain depends on an intimate neuron-glia partnership, by briefly discussing the emerging view of how neuron-astrocyte dysfunctions might be associated with neurodegenerative diseases and neurological disorders.

Astrocytes treated by lysophosphatidic acid induce axonal outgrowth of cortical progenitors through extracellular matrix protein and epidermal growth factor signaling pathway

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) plays important roles in many biological processes, such as brain development, oncogenesis and immune functions, via its specific receptors. We previously demonstrated that LPA-primed astrocytes induce neuronal commitment of cerebral cortical progenitors (Spohr et al. 2008). In the present study, we analyzed neurite outgrowth induced by LPA-treated astrocytes and the molecular mechanism underlying this event. LPA-primed astrocytes increase neuronal differentiation, arborization and neurite outgrowth of developing cortical neurons. Treatment of astrocytes with epidermal growth factor (EGF) ligands yielded similar results, suggesting that members of the EGF family might mediate LPA-induced neuritogenesis. Furthermore, treatment of astrocytes with LPA or EGF ligands led to an increase in the levels of the extracellular matrix molecule, laminin (LN), thus enhancing astrocyte permissiveness to neurite outgrowth. This event was reversed by pharmacological inhibitors of the MAPK signaling pathway and of the EGF receptor. Our data reveal an important role of astrocytes and EGF receptor ligands pathway as mediators of bioactive lipids action in brain development, and implicate the LN and MAPK pathway in this process.

Glycosphingolipid synthesis in cerebellar Purkinje neurons: roles in myelin formation and axonal homeostasis

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) occur in all mammalian plasma membranes. They are most abundant in neuronal cells and have essential roles in brain development. Glucosylceramide (GlcCer) synthase, which is encoded by the Ugcg gene, is the key enzyme driving the synthesis of most neuronal GSLs. Experiments using conditional Nestin-Cre Ugcg knockout mice have shown that GSL synthesis in vivo is essential, especially for brain maturation. However, the roles of GSL synthesis in mature neurons remain elusive, since Nestin-Cre is expressed in neural precursors as well as in postmitotic neurons. To address this problem, we generated Purkinje cell-specific Ugcg knockout mice using mice that express Cre under the control of the L7 promoter. In these mice, Purkinje cells survived for at least 10-18 weeks after Ugcg deletion. We observed apparent axonal degeneration characterized by the accumulation of axonal transport cargos and aberrant membrane structures. Dendrites, however, were not affected. In addition, loss of GSLs disrupted myelin sheaths, which were characterized by detached paranodal loops. Notably, we observed doubly myelinated axons enveloped by an additional concentric myelin sheath around the original sheath. Our data show that axonal GlcCer-based GSLs are essential for axonal homeostasis and correct myelin sheath formation.

Polylaminin, a polymeric form of laminin, promotes regeneration after spinal cord injury

Regeneration of spinal cord injury (SCI) is a major topic of biomedical research. Laminin is an extracellular matrix protein implicated in neural development and regeneration, but despite that, there are no reports of exogenous laminin contributing to improve the outcome of experimental SCI. Here we investigated whether a biomimetic polymer of laminin assembled on pH acidification, henceforth called polylaminin, could be used to treat SCI in rats. Acute local injection of polylaminin, but not of nonpolymerized laminin, improved motor function after thoracic compression, partial or complete transection. In the latter case, the BBB score for open field locomotion 8 wk after lesion increased from 4.2 ± 0.48 to 8.8 ± 1.14 in animals treated with polylaminin of human origin. Accordingly, neurons retrogradely labeled from the sublesion stump were detected in the spinal cord and brain stem, indicating regrowth of short and long fibers across a complete transection. Polylaminin also played an unsuspected anti-inflammatory role, which underlies the early onset of its positive effects on locomotion from the first week after treatment. The beneficial effects of polylaminin were not observed in animals treated with the nonpolymerized protein or vehicle only. We propose that polylaminin is a promising therapeutic agent to treat human SCI.

Effects of the flavonoid casticin from Brazilian Croton betulaster in cerebral cortical progenitors in vitro: direct and indirect action through astrocytes

Neurodegenerative diseases are a major constraint on the social and economic development of many countries. Evidence has suggested that phytochemicals have an impact on brain pathology; however, both their mechanisms of action and their cell targets are incompletely known. Here, we investigated the effects of the flavonoid casticin, extracted from Croton betulaster, a common plant in the state of Bahia in Brazil, on rat cerebral cortex neurons in vitro. Treatment of neural progenitors with 10 microM casticin increased the neuronal population positive for the neuronal marker beta-tubulin III and the neuronal transcriptional factor Tbr2 by approximately 20%. This event was followed by a 50% decrease in neuronal death. Pools of astrocyte (GFAP and S100beta), neural (nestin), and oligodendrocyte (Olig2 and NG2) progenitors were not affected by casticin. Neither neuronal commitment nor proliferation of progenitors was affected by casticin, suggesting a neuroprotective effect of this compound. Culture of neural progenitors on casticin-treated astrocyte monolayers increased the neuronal population by 40%. This effect was reproduced by conditioned medium derived from casticin-treated astrocytes, suggesting the involvement of a soluble factor. ELISA assays of the conditioned medium revealed a 20% increase in interleukin-6 level in response to casticin. In contrast to the direct effect, neuronal death was unaffected, but a 52% decrease in the death of nestin-positive progenitors was observed. Together our data suggest that casticin influences the neuronal population by two mechanisms: 1) directly, by decreasing neuronal death, and 2) indirectly, via astrocytes, by modulating the pool of neuronal progenitors.

Role of gangliosides in brain aging and neurodegeneration

Gangliosides are membrane glycosphingolipids bearing sialic acid residues. Within membranes, gangliosides are specifically enriched in highly organized domains, lipid rafts, and are attributed with diverse functions such as intercellular interactions, cell recognition, neurotransmission, and signal transduction. The highest concentration and variability of ganglioside structures are found in the human brain. Specific temporal and regional distribution of brain gangliosides has been reported; moreover, gangliosides may serve as markers of neurodevelopmental stages, aging and neurodegeneration. Brain ganglioside content and composition as well as ganglioside metabolism are altered in Alzheimer’s disease. It appears that the alterations of ganglioside metabolism leading to changes in membrane physico-chemical properties are not merely a consequence of primary pathology, but may also be involved in the early pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease through documented effects on APP proteolytic processing and amyloid aggregation. Investigations of glycolipid metabolic alterations which accompany neurodegenerative disorders provide insight into pathogenetic mechanisms and enable recognition of diagnostic markers as well as molecular structures acting as therapeutic tools interfering with cascade of pathological events.

Binding of laminin-1 to monosialoganglioside GM1 in lipid rafts is crucial for neurite outgrowth

Laminin-1, an extracellular matrix molecule, promotes neurite outgrowth through the interaction of integrin and actin. Monosialoganglioside GM1 in the lipid rafts associates with and activates the NGF receptor TrkA, and enhances neurite outgrowth. However, the role of GM1 in laminin-1-induced neurite outgrowth was still unclear. Here, we describe that laminin-1 binds to GM1 through a carbohydrate moiety and a specific conformation of GM1, induces focal formation of large clusters of GM1, and enhances the relocation of TrkA in the membrane of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and PC12 cells. We found that laminin-1-mediated clustering of GM1 causes the translocation and enrichment of beta1 integrin in lipid rafts--where TrkA colocalizes with beta1 integrin--and the activation of Lyn, Akt and MAPK to promote the outgrowth of neurites. Our results suggest that the binding of laminin-1 to GM1 facilitates the formation of a focal microdomain in the membrane, and enhances signal transduction that promotes neurite outgrowth by linking NGF-TrkA signaling with the laminin-integrin signaling pathways.

Lysophosphatidic acid receptor-dependent secondary effects via astrocytes promote neuronal differentiation

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a simple phospholipid derived from cell membranes that has extracellular signaling properties mediated by at least five G protein-coupled receptors referred to as LPA(1)-LPA(5). In the nervous system, receptor-mediated LPA signaling has been demonstrated to influence a range of cellular processes; however, an unaddressed aspect of LPA signaling is its potential to produce specific secondary effects, whereby LPA receptor-expressing cells exposed to, or "primed," by LPA may then act on other cells via distinct, yet LPA-initiated, mechanisms. In the present study, we examined cerebral cortical astrocytes as possible indirect mediators of the effects of LPA on developing cortical neurons. Cultured astrocytes express at least four LPA receptor subtypes, known as LPA(1)-LPA(4). Cerebral cortical astrocytes primed by LPA exposure were found to increase neuronal differentiation of cortical progenitor cells. Treatment of unprimed astrocyte-progenitor cocultures with conditioned medium derived from LPA-primed astrocytes yielded similar results, suggesting the involvement of an astrocyte-derived soluble factor induced by LPA. At least two LPA receptor subtypes are involved in LPA priming, since the priming effect was lost in astrocytes derived from LPA receptor double-null mice (LPA(1)((-/-))/LPA(2)((-/-))). Moreover, the loss of LPA-dependent differentiation in receptor double-null astrocytes could be rescued by retrovirally transduced expression of a single deleted receptor. These data demonstrate that receptor-mediated LPA signaling in astrocytes can induce LPA-dependent, indirect effects on neuronal differentiation.

(Glyco)sphingolipidology: an amazing challenge and opportunity for systems biology

Sphingolipids are found in essentially all eukaryotes and in some prokaryotes and viruses, where they influence cell structure, signaling and interactions with the extracellular environment. Because of the combinatorial nature of their biosynthesis, the sphingolipidome comprises untold thousands of species that encompass bioactive backbones and complex phospho- and glycolipids. Mass spectrometry is able to analyze a growing fraction of the sphingolipidome and is beginning to provide information about localization. Use of these structure specific, quantitative methods is producing insights, and surprises, regarding sphingolipid structure, metabolism, function and disease. Dealing with such large data sets poses special challenges for systems biology, but the intrinsic and elegant interrelationships among these compounds might provide a key to dealing with the complexity of the sphingolipidome.

Fibronectin and Laminin Increase in the Mouse Brain after Controlled Cortical Impact Injury

The complex environment of the traumatically injured brain exhibits aspects of inhibition and ongoing cell death together with attempts at repair and regeneration. Elucidating these events and exploiting those factors involved in endogenous repair and regeneration may aid in developing more effective treatments for traumatic brain injury. Two extracellular matrix proteins critical to neural development--fibronectin and laminin--may also play a protective or reparative role in the injury response. While both of these proteins have been found to increase following human brain injury,the presence of these proteins has not been studied in a clinically-relevant animal model of blunt head trauma. In this study, we examined the spatiotemporal profile of both fibronectin and laminin in the mouse brain following controlled cortical impact injury. Fibronectin and laminin reactivity was localized to the injury penumbra up to 14 days post-injury and was significantly higher than uninjured controls at 3 days post-injury. Upon examining the spatial relationship of fibronectin and laminin to support cells, we found macrophages/activated microglia prominently present in the fibronectin-rich tissue, consistent with a role for fibronectin in facilitating debris clearing. Furthermore, reactive astrocyte processes were found sheathing laminin positive vasculature, suggesting that laminin may play a role in repairing the blood-brain barrier. These and other hypothesized reparative roles for fibronectin and laminin after traumatic brain injury are discussed.

Interactive properties of human glioblastoma cells with brain neurons in culture and neuronal modulation of glial laminin organization

The harmonious development of the central nervous system depends on the interactions of the neuronal and glial cells. Extracellular matrix elements play important roles in these interactions, especially laminin produced by astrocytes, which has been shown to be a good substrate for neuron growth and axonal guidance. Glioblastomas are the most common subtypes of primary brain tumors and may be astrocytes in origin. As normal laminin-producing glial cells are the preferential substrate for neurons, and glial tumors have been shown to produce laminin, we questioned whether glioblastoma retained the same normal glial-neuron interactive properties with respect to neuronal growth and differentiation. Then, rat neurons were co-cultured onto rat normal astrocytes or onto three human glioblastoma cell lines obtained from neurosurgery. The co-culture confirmed that human glioblastoma cells as well as astrocytes maintained the ability to support neuritogenesis, but non-neural normal or tumoral cells failed to do so. However, glioblastoma cells did not distinguish embryonic from post-natal neurons in relation to neurite pattern in the co-cultures, as normal astrocytes did. Further, the laminin organization on both normal and tumoral glial cells was altered from a filamentous arrangement to a mixed punctuate/filamentous pattern when in co-culture with neurons. Together, these results suggest that glioblastoma cells could identify neuronal cells as partners, to support their growth and induce complex neurites, but they lost the normal glia property to distinguish neuronal age. In addition, our results show for the first time that neurons modulate the organization of astrocytes and glioblastoma laminin on the extracellular matrix.

Heparin-binding Sites in Granulocyte-Macrophage Colony-stimulating Factor

The biological activity of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is modulated by the sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) heparan sulfate and heparin. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in such interactions are still not completely understood. We have proposed previously that helix C, one of the four alpha-helices of human GM-CSF (hGM-CSF), contains a GAG-binding site in which positively charged residues are spatially positioned for interaction with the sulfate moieties of the GAGs (Wettreich, A., Sebollela, A., Carvalho, M. A., Azevedo, S. P., Borojevic, R., Ferreira, S. T., and Coelho-Sampaio, T. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 31468-31475). Protonation of two histidine residues (His83 and His87) in helix C of hGM-CSF appears to act as a pH-dependent molecular switch to control the interaction with GAGs. Based on these findings, we have now generated a triple mutant form of murine GM-CSF (mGM-CSF) in which three noncharged residues in helix C of the murine factor (Tyr83, Gln85, and Tyr87) were replaced by the corresponding basic residues present in hGM-CSF (His83, Lys85, and His87). Binding assays on heparin-Sepharose showed that, at acidic pH, the triple mutant mGM-CSF binds to immobilized heparin with significantly higher affinity than wild type (WT) mGM-CSF and that neither protein binds to the column at neutral pH. The fact that even WT mGM-CSF binds to heparin at acidic pH indicates the existence of a distinct, lower affinity heparin-binding site in the protein. Chemical modification of the single histidine residue (His15) located in helix A of WT mGM-CSF with diethyl pyrocarbonate totally abolished binding to immobilized heparin. Moreover, replacement of His15 for an alanine residue significantly reduced the affinity of mGM-CSF for heparin at pH 5.0 and completely blocked heparin binding to a synthetic peptide corresponding to helix A of GM-CSF. These results indicate a major role of histidine residues in the regulation of the binding of GM-CSF to GAGs, supporting the notion that an acidic microenvironment is required for GM-CSF-dependent regulation of target cells. In addition, our results provide insight into the molecular basis of the strict species specificity of the biological activity of GM-CSF.