Influence of sphingolipid enzymes on blood glucose levels, development of diabetes, and involvement of pericytes

AIMS

Sulfatide is a chaperone for insulin manufacturing in beta cells. Here we explore whether the blood glucose values normally could be associated with this sphingolipid and especially two of its building enzymes CERS2 and CERS6. Both T1D and T2D have low blood sulfatide levels, and insulin resistance on beta cells at clinical diagnosis. Furthermore, we examined islet pericytes for sulfatide, and beta-cell receptors for GLP-1, both of which are related to the insulin production.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We examined mRNA levels in islets from the DiViD and nPOD studies, performed genetic association analyses, and histologically investigated pericytes in the islets for sulfatide.

RESULTS

Polymorphisms of the gene encoding the CERS6 enzyme responsible for synthesising dihydroceramide, a precursor to sulfatide, are associated with random blood glucose values in non-diabetic persons. This fits well with our finding of sulfatide in pericytes in the islets, which regulates the capillary blood flow in the islets of Langerhans, which is important for oxygen supply to insulin production. In the islets of newly diagnosed T1D patients, we observed low levels of GLP-1 receptors; this may explain the insulin resistance in their beta cells and their low insulin production. In T2D patients, we identified associated polymorphisms in both CERS2 and CERS6.

CONCLUSIONS

Here, we describe several polymorphisms in sulfatide enzymes related to blood glucose levels and HbA1c in non-diabetic individuals. Islet pericytes from such persons contain sulfatide. Furthermore, low insulin secretion in newly diagnosed T1D may be explained by beta-cell insulin resistance due to low levels of GLP-1 receptors.

A bidirectional link between sulfatide and Alzheimer's disease

Reduced sulfatide level is found in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. Here, we demonstrate that amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing regulates sulfatide synthesis and vice versa. Different cell culture models and transgenic mice models devoid of APP processing or in particular the APP intracellular domain (AICD) reveal that AICD decreases Gal3st1/CST expression and subsequently sulfatide synthesis. In return, sulfatide supplementation decreases Aβ generation by reducing β-secretase (BACE1) and γ-secretase processing of APP. Increased BACE1 lysosomal degradation leads to reduced BACE1 protein level in endosomes. Reduced γ-secretase activity is caused by a direct effect on γ-secretase activity and reduced amounts of γ-secretase components in lipid rafts. Similar changes were observed by analyzing cells and mice brain samples deficient of arylsulfatase A responsible for sulfatide degradation or knocked down in Gal3st1/CST. In line with these findings, addition of sulfatides to brain homogenates of AD patients resulted in reduced γ-secretase activity. Human brain APP level shows a significant negative correlation with GAL3ST1/CST expression underlining the in vivo relevance of sulfatide homeostasis in AD.

A comprehensive review on structural and therapeutical insight of Cerebroside sulfotransferase (CST) - An important target for development of substrate reduction therapy against metachromatic leukodystrophy

This review is an effort towards the development of substrate reduction therapy using cerebroside sulfotransferase (CST) as a target protein for the development of inhibitors intended to treat pathophysiological condition resulting from the accumulation of sulfatide, a product from the catalytic action of CST. Accumulation of sulfatides leads to progressive impairment and destruction of the myelin structure, disruption of normal physiological transmission of electrical impulse between nerve cells, axonal loss in the central and peripheral nervous system and cumulatively gives a clinical manifestation of metachromatic leukodystrophy. Thus, there is a need to develop specific and potent CST inhibitors to positively control sulfatide accumulation. Structural similarity and computational studies revealed that LYS85, SER172 and HIS141 are key catalytic residues that determine the catalytic action of CST through the transfer of sulfuryl group from the donor PAPS to the acceptor galactosylceramide. Computational studies revealed catalytic site of CST consists two binding site pocket including PAPS binding pocket and substrate binding pocket. Specific substrate site residues in CST can be targeted to develop specific CST inhibitors. This review also explores the challenges of CST-directed substrate reduction therapy as well as the opportunities available in natural products for inhibitor development.

Investigation of Clinical Features and Association between Vascular Endothelial Injury Markers and Cytomegalovirus Infection Associated with Thrombotic Microangiopathy in Patients with Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-Associated Vasculitis: Case-Based Research

Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV) can occasionally trigger thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) may be reactivated during intensive immunosuppressive therapy for AAV and cause TMA. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the clinical features of and the association between vascular endothelial injury markers and TMA due to CMV in patients with AAV. A 61-year-old female was diagnosed with AAV and severe kidney injury. Immunosuppressive therapy gradually improved her symptoms and laboratory findings. However, 2 weeks after induction therapy initiation, she exhibited altered consciousness, a significant decrease in platelet count, and hemolytic anemia, resulting in a TMA diagnosis. Plasma exchange did not improve TMA findings and routine screening test revealed CMV infection. Ganciclovir injection improved the infection and TMA findings. Consequently, we diagnosed her with CMV-induced TMA. Both AAV and CMV may induce severe vascular endothelial injury, potentially leading to TMA development. CMV-induced TMA should be considered when TMA develops during induction therapy against AAV. Moreover, of the three serum markers of vascular injury-serum sulfatides, soluble thrombomodulin, and pentraxin 3-serum sulfatides may be associated with the development of TMA, and a high level of soluble thrombomodulin may be associated with the development of CMV viremia during the clinical course of AAV.

MALDI mass spectrometry imaging discloses the decline of sulfoglycosphingolipid and glycerophosphoinositol species in the brain regions related to cognition in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease

Aging and neurodegenerative disease are accompanied by lipid perturbations in the brain. Understanding the changes in the contents and functional activity of lipids remains a challenge not only because of the many areas in which lipids perform bioactivities but also because of the technical limitations in identifying lipids and their metabolites. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate how brain lipids are altered in Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like pathology by using mass spectrometry imaging (MSI). The spatial distributions and relative abundances of lipids in the brains were compared between APP/PS1 mice and their age-matched wild-type (WT) mice by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) MSI assays. The comparisons were correlated with the analysis using a spectrophotometric method to determine the relative contents of sulfatides in different brain regions. Significant changes of brain lipids between APP/PS1 and WT mice were identified: eight sulfoglycosphingolipid species, namely, sulfatides/sulfated hexosyl ceramides (ShexCer) and two glycerophosphoinositol (GroPIn) species, PI 36:4 and PI 38:4. The declines in the spatial distributions of these ShexCer and GroPIn species in the APP/PS1 mice brains were associated with learning- and memory-related brain regions. Compared with young WT mice, aged WT mice showed significant decreases in the levels of these ShexCer and GroPIn species. Our results provide technical clues for assessing the impact of brain lipid metabolism on the senescent and neurodegenerative brain. The decline in sulfatides and GroPIns may be crucial markers during brain senescence and AD pathology. Appropriate lipid complementation might be important potentials as a therapeutic strategy for AD.

Serum sulfatide level is associated with severe systemic vasculitis with kidney involvement

Sulfatides are a type of sulfated glycosphingolipid that are secreted with lipoproteins into the serum. These molecules are involved in the inflammatory pathway of vessels in addition to coagulation and platelet aggregation. Previous studies have proposed that sulfatides play a pivotal role in regulating inflammation-related disorders. Systemic vasculitis (SV) diseases are generally caused by autoimmune diseases and often involve kidney vasculitis, which may lead to rapidly progressive kidney dysfunction and end-stage kidney disease. Our earlier pilot study revealed that the level of serum sulfatides (SSs) was significantly decreased in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-associated vasculitis (AAV), a representative disease-causing SV with kidney involvement (SVKI), especially in patients exhibiting active crescentic findings on kidney biopsy. To further explore the clinical significance of an association between SS and SVKI, we analyzed and compared the SS level of patients with various SVKI diseases in this retrospective cohort study. Among patients admitted to our hospital between 2008 and 2021, we ultimately enrolled 26 patients with IgA vasculitis (IgAV), 62 patients with AAV, and 10 patients with anti-glomerular basement membrane disease (GBM) as examples of SVKI diseases, as well as 50 patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN) and 23 donors for living kidney transplantation as controls. The mean ± standard deviation SS level in the donor, IgAN, IgAV, AAV, and GBM groups was 8.26 ± 1.72, 8.01 ± 2.21, 6.01 ± 1.73, 5.37 ± 1.97, and 2.73 ± 0.99 nmol/mL, respectively. Analysis of patients in the SVKI disease group showed that those with the crescentic class kidney biopsy finding exhibited a significantly lower SS level than did those with other class biopsy features. Additionally, the SS level had a higher detection ability for SVKI patients with crescentic class kidney biopsy findings (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.82-0.99) than did several other predictor candidates. Our results indicate that the SS level is decreased in more severe SVKI diseases and may be associated with active glomerular lesions in SVKI kidney biopsy samples.

Elucidating the Therapeutic Utility of Olaparib in Sulfatide-Induced Human Astrocyte Toxicity and Neuroinflammation

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a severe demyelinating, autosomal recessive genetic leukodystrophy, with no curative treatment. The disease is underpinned by mutations in the arylsulfatase A gene (ARSA), resulting in deficient activity of this lysosomal enzyme, and consequential accumulation of galactosylceramide-3-O-sulfate (sulfatide) in the brain. Most of the effects in the brain have been attributed to the accumulation of sulfatides in oligodendrocytes and their cell damage. In contrast, less is known regarding sulfatide toxicity in astrocytes. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors are anti-cancer therapeutics that have proven efficacy in preclinical models of many neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases, but have never been tested for MLD. Here, we examined the toxic effect of sulfatides on human astrocytes and restoration of this cell damage by the marketed PARP-1 inhibitor, Olaparib. Cultured human astrocytes were treated with increasing concentrations of sulfatides (5-100 μM) with or without Olaparib (100 nM). Cell viability assays were used to ascertain whether sulfatide-induced toxicity was rescued by Olaparib. Immunofluorescence, calcium (Ca2+) imaging, ROS, and mitochondrial damage assays were also used to explore the effects of sulfatides and Olaparib. ELISAs were performed and chemotaxis of peripheral blood immune cells was measured to examine the effects of Olaparib on sulfatide-induced inflammation in human astrocytes. Here, we established a concentration-dependent (EC50∼20 μM at 24 h) model of sulfatide-induced astrocyte toxicity. Our data demonstrate that sulfatide-induced astrocyte toxicity involves (i) PARP-1 activation, (ii) pro-inflammatory cytokine release, and (iii) enhanced chemoattraction of peripheral blood immune cells. Moreover, these sulfatide-induced effects were attenuated by Olaparib (IC50∼100 nM). In addition, sulfatide caused impairments of ROS production, mitochondrial stress, and Ca2+ signaling in human astrocytes, that were indicative of metabolic alterations and that were also alleviated by Olaparib (100 nM) treatment. Our data support the hypothesis that sulfatides can drive astrocyte cell death and demonstrate that Olaparib can dampen many facets of sulfatide-induced toxicity, including, mitochondrial stress, inflammatory responses, and communication between human astrocytes and peripheral blood immune cells. These data are suggestive of potential therapeutic utility of PARP inhibitors in the sphere of rare demyelinating diseases, and in particular MLD. Graphical abstract. Proposed mechanism of action of Olaparib in sulfatide-treated astrocytes. Human astrocytes treated for 24 h with sulfatides increase PARP-1 expression and die. PARP-1 overexpression is modulated by Ca2+ release from the endoplasmic reticulum, thus enhancing intracellular Ca2+ concentration. PARP-1 inhibition with Olaparib reduces Ca2+ influx and cell death. Olaparib also decreases IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, and CX3CL1 release from sulfatide-stimulated astrocytes, suggesting that PARP-1 plays a role in dampening neuroinflammation in MLD. This is confirmed by the reduction of immune cell migration such as lymphocytes, NK cells, and T cells towards sulfatide-treated astrocytes. Moreover, mitochondrial stress and ROS production induced by sulfatides are rescued by PARP-1 inhibition. Future studies will focus on the signaling cascades triggered by PARP-1-mediated currents in reactive astrocytes and Olaparib as a potential therapeutic target for MLD.

Sphingolipidoses in Morocco: Chemical profiling for an affordable and rapid diagnosis strategy

Sphingolipidoses are a group of metabolic diseases in which lysosomal hydrolases dysfunction disrupt normal sphingolipids' metabolism, leading to excess accumulation in cellular compartments and excretion in urine. These pathologies represent a significant burden among Moroccan population, for which an easy access to enzymatic assays and genetic tests is not guaranteed. Parallel analytical methods thus have to be developed for preliminary screening. In this study, 107 patients were addressed to the metabolic platform of the Marrakesh Faculty of Medicine for diagnosis confirmation. Thin-Layer Chromatography was used as a first step to perform chemical profiling of the patients' urinary lipids, allowing 36% of the patients to be efficiently oriented towards the adequate enzymatic assay. UPLC-MS/MS analyses of urinary sulfatides excreted in urines patient had been used to control the reliability of TLC analysis and to obtain more accurate information related to the sulfatides isoforms. This analytical process combining TLC with UPLC-MS/MS has enabled rapid and appropriate patient management in a reduced time and with reduced resources.

The structure of a Plasmodium vivax Tryptophan Rich Antigen domain suggests a lipid binding function for a pan-Plasmodium multi-gene family

Tryptophan Rich Antigens (TRAgs) are encoded by a multi-gene family found in all Plasmodium species, but are significantly expanded in P. vivax and closely related parasites. We show that multiple P. vivax TRAgs are expressed on the merozoite surface and that one, PVP01_0000100 binds red blood cells with a strong preference for reticulocytes. Using X-ray crystallography, we solved the structure of the PVP01_0000100 C-terminal tryptophan rich domain, which defines the TRAg family, revealing a three-helical bundle that is conserved across Plasmodium and has structural homology with lipid-binding BAR domains involved in membrane remodelling. Biochemical assays confirm that the PVP01_0000100 C-terminal domain has lipid binding activity with preference for sulfatide, a glycosphingolipid present in the outer leaflet of plasma membranes. Deletion of the putative orthologue in P. knowlesi, PKNH_1300500, impacts invasion in reticulocytes, suggesting a role during this essential process. Together, this work defines an emerging molecular function for the Plasmodium TRAg family.

Hibernation and plasma lipids in free-ranging brown bears-implications for diabetes

Brown bears (Ursus arctos) prepare for winter by overeating and increasing adipose stores, before hibernating for up to six months without eating, drinking, and with minimal movement. In spring, the bears exit the den without any damage to organs or physiology. Recent clinical research has shown that specific lipids and lipid profiles are of special interest for diseases such as diabetes type 1 and 2. Furthermore, rodent experiments show that lipids such as sulfatide protects rodents against diabetes. As free-ranging bears experience fat accumulation and month-long physical inactivity without developing diabetes, they could possibly be affected by similar protective measures. In this study, we investigated whether lipid profiles of brown bears are related to protection against hibernation-induced damage. We sampled plasma from 10 free-ranging Scandinavian brown bears during winter hibernation and repeated sampling during active state in the summer period. With quantitative shotgun lipidomics and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, we profiled 314 lipid species from 26 lipid classes. A principal component analysis revealed that active and hibernation samples could be distinguished from each other based on their lipid profiles. Six lipid classes were significantly altered when comparing plasma from active state and hibernation: Hexosylceramide, phosphatidylglycerol, and lysophosphatidylglycerol were higher during hibernation, while phosphatidylcholine ether, phosphatidylethanolamine ether, and phosphatidylinositol were lower. Additionally, sulfatide species with shorter chain lengths were lower, while longer chain length sulfatides were higher during hibernation. Lipids that are altered in bears are described by others as relevant for and associated with diabetes, which strengthens their position as potential effectors during hibernation. From this analysis, a range of lipids are suggested as potential protectors of bear physiology, and of potential importance in diabetes.

Adult-onset depletion of sulfatide leads to axonal degeneration with relative myelin sparing

3-O-sulfogalactosylceramide (sulfatide) constitutes a class of sphingolipids that comprise about 4% of myelin lipids in the central nervous system. Previously, our group characterized a mouse with sulfatide's synthesizing enzyme, cerebroside sulfotransferase (CST), constitutively disrupted. Using these mice, we demonstrated that sulfatide is required for establishment and maintenance of myelin, axoglial junctions, and axonal domains and that sulfatide depletion results in structural pathologies commonly observed in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Interestingly, sulfatide is reduced in regions of normal appearing white matter (NAWM) of MS patients. Sulfatide reduction in NAWM suggests depletion occurs early in disease development and consistent with functioning as a driving force of disease progression. To closely model MS, an adult-onset disease, our lab generated a "floxed" CST mouse and mated it against the PLP-creERT mouse, resulting in a double transgenic mouse that provides temporal and cell-type specific ablation of the Cst gene (Gal3st1). Using this mouse, we demonstrate adult-onset sulfatide depletion has limited effects on myelin structure but results in the loss of axonal integrity including deterioration of domain organization accompanied by axonal degeneration. Moreover, structurally preserved myelinated axons progressively lose the ability to function as myelinated axons, indicated by the loss of the N1 peak. Together, our findings indicate that sulfatide depletion, which occurs in the early stages of MS progression, is sufficient to drive the loss of axonal function independent of demyelination and that axonal pathology, which is responsible for the irreversible loss of neuronal function that is prevalent in MS, may occur earlier than previously recognized.

Anti-Glycolipid Antibody Examination in Five EAE Models and Theiler's Virus Model of Multiple Sclerosis: Detection of Anti-GM1, GM3, GM4, and Sulfatide Antibodies in Relapsing-Remitting EAE

Anti-glycolipid antibodies have been reported to play pathogenic roles in peripheral inflammatory neuropathies, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome. On the other hand, the role in multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory demyelinating disease in the central nervous system (CNS), is largely unknown, although the presence of anti-glycolipid antibodies was reported to differ among MS patients with relapsing-remitting (RR), primary progressive (PP), and secondary progressive (SP) disease courses. We investigated whether the induction of anti-glycolipid antibodies could differ among experimental MS models with distinct clinical courses, depending on induction methods. Using three mouse strains, SJL/J, C57BL/6, and A.SW mice, we induced five distinct experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35-55, MOG92-106, or myelin proteolipid protein (PLP)139-151, with or without an additional adjuvant curdlan injection. We also induced a viral model of MS, using Theiler's murine encephalomyelitis virus (TMEV). Each MS model had an RR, SP, PP, hyperacute, or chronic clinical course. Using the sera from the MS models, we quantified antibodies against 11 glycolipids: GM1, GM2, GM3, GM4, GD3, galactocerebroside, GD1a, GD1b, GT1b, GQ1b, and sulfatide. Among the MS models, we detected significant increases in four anti-glycolipid antibodies, GM1, GM3, GM4, and sulfatide, in PLP139-151-induced EAE with an RR disease course. We also tested cellular immune responses to the glycolipids and found CD1d-independent lymphoproliferative responses only to sulfatide with decreased interleukin (IL)-10 production. Although these results implied that anti-glycolipid antibodies might play a role in remissions or relapses in RR-EAE, their functional roles need to be determined by mechanistic experiments, such as injections of monoclonal anti-glycolipid antibodies.

Altered plasma membrane abundance of the sulfatide-binding protein NF155 links glycosphingolipid imbalances to demyelination

Myelin is a multilayered membrane that tightly wraps neuronal axons, enabling efficient, high-speed signal propagation. The axon and myelin sheath form tight contacts, mediated by specific plasma membrane proteins and lipids, and disruption of these contacts causes devastating demyelinating diseases. Using two cell-based models of demyelinating sphingolipidoses, we demonstrate that altered lipid metabolism changes the abundance of specific plasma membrane proteins. These altered membrane proteins have known roles in cell adhesion and signaling, with several implicated in neurological diseases. The cell surface abundance of the adhesion molecule neurofascin (NFASC), a protein critical for the maintenance of myelin-axon contacts, changes following disruption to sphingolipid metabolism. This provides a direct molecular link between altered lipid abundance and myelin stability. We show that the NFASC isoform NF155, but not NF186, interacts directly and specifically with the sphingolipid sulfatide via multiple binding sites and that this interaction requires the full-length extracellular domain of NF155. We demonstrate that NF155 adopts an S-shaped conformation and preferentially binds sulfatide-containing membranes in cis, with important implications for protein arrangement in the tight axon-myelin space. Our work links glycosphingolipid imbalances to disturbance of membrane protein abundance and demonstrates how this may be driven by direct protein-lipid interactions, providing a mechanistic framework to understand the pathogenesis of galactosphingolipidoses.

Chronic brain damage in HIV-infected individuals under antiretroviral therapy is associated with viral reservoirs, sulfatide release, and compromised cell-to-cell communication

HIV infection has become a chronic and manageable disease due to the effective use of antiretroviral therapies (ART); however, several chronic aging-related comorbidities, including cognitive impairment, remain a major public health issue. However, these mechanisms are unknown. Here, we identified that glial and myeloid viral reservoirs are associated with local myelin damage and the release of several myelin components, including the lipid sulfatide. Soluble sulfatide compromised gap junctional communication and calcium wave coordination, essential for proper cognition. We propose that soluble sulfatide could be a potential biomarker and contributor to white matter compromise observed in HIV-infected individuals even in the current ART era.

Neuronal Ganglioside and Glycosphingolipid (GSL) Metabolism and Disease : Cascades of Secondary Metabolic Errors Can Generate Complex Pathologies (in LSDs)

Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are a diverse group of membrane components occurring mainly on the surfaces of mammalian cells. They and their metabolites have a role in intercellular communication, serving as versatile biochemical signals (Kaltner et al, Biochem J 476(18):2623-2655, 2019) and in many cellular pathways. Anionic GSLs, the sialic acid containing gangliosides (GGs), are essential constituents of neuronal cell surfaces, whereas anionic sulfatides are key components of myelin and myelin forming oligodendrocytes. The stepwise biosynthetic pathways of GSLs occur at and lead along the membranes of organellar surfaces of the secretory pathway. After formation of the hydrophobic ceramide membrane anchor of GSLs at the ER, membrane-spanning glycosyltransferases (GTs) of the Golgi and Trans-Golgi network generate cell type-specific GSL patterns for cellular surfaces. GSLs of the cellular plasma membrane can reach intra-lysosomal, i.e. luminal, vesicles (ILVs) by endocytic pathways for degradation. Soluble glycoproteins, the glycosidases, lipid binding and transfer proteins and acid ceramidase are needed for the lysosomal catabolism of GSLs at ILV-membrane surfaces. Inherited mutations triggering a functional loss of glycosylated lysosomal hydrolases and lipid binding proteins involved in GSL degradation cause a primary lysosomal accumulation of their non-degradable GSL substrates in lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). Lipid binding proteins, the SAPs, and the various lipids of the ILV-membranes regulate GSL catabolism, but also primary storage compounds such as sphingomyelin (SM), cholesterol (Chol.), or chondroitin sulfate can effectively inhibit catabolic lysosomal pathways of GSLs. This causes cascades of metabolic errors, accumulating secondary lysosomal GSL- and GG- storage that can trigger a complex pathology (Breiden and Sandhoff, Int J Mol Sci 21(7):2566, 2020).

Sulfatide Deficiency, an Early Alzheimer's Lipidomic Signature, Causes Brain Ventricular Enlargement in the Absence of Classical Neuropathological Hallmarks

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive memory loss and a decline in activities of daily life. Ventricular enlargement has been associated with worse performance on global cognitive tests and AD. Our previous studies demonstrated that brain sulfatides, myelin-enriched lipids, are dramatically reduced in subjects at the earliest clinically recognizable AD stages via an apolipoprotein E (APOE)-dependent and isoform-specific process. Herein, we provided pre-clinical evidence that sulfatide deficiency is causally associated with brain ventricular enlargement. Specifically, taking advantage of genetic mouse models of global and adult-onset sulfatide deficiency, we demonstrated that sulfatide losses cause ventricular enlargement without significantly affecting hippocampal or whole brain volumes using histological and magnetic resonance imaging approaches. Mild decreases in sulfatide content and mild increases in ventricular areas were also observed in human APOE4 compared to APOE2 knock-in mice. Finally, we provided Western blot and immunofluorescence evidence that aquaporin-4, the most prevalent aquaporin channel in the central nervous system (CNS) that provides fast water transportation and regulates cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricles, is significantly increased under sulfatide-deficient conditions, while other major brain aquaporins (e.g., aquaporin-1) are not altered. In short, we unraveled a novel and causal association between sulfatide deficiency and ventricular enlargement. Finally, we propose putative mechanisms by which sulfatide deficiency may induce ventricular enlargement.

Sulfatide with ceramide composed of phytosphingosine (t18:0) and 2-hydroxy fatty acids in renal intercalated cells

Diverse molecular species of sulfatide with differences in FA lengths, unsaturation degrees, and hydroxylation statuses are expressed in the kidneys. However, the physiological functions of specific sulfatide species in the kidneys are unclear. Here, we evaluated the distribution of specific sulfatide species in the kidneys and their physiological functions. Electron microscopic analysis of kidneys of Cst-deficient mice lacking sulfatide showed vacuolar accumulation in the cytoplasm of intercalated cells in the collecting duct, whereas the proximal and distal tubules were unchanged. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that vacuolar H⁺-ATPase-positive vesicles were accumulated in intercalated cells in sulfatide-deficient kidneys. Seventeen sulfatide species were detected in the murine kidney by iMScope MALDI-MS analysis. The distribution of the specific sulfatide species was classified into four patterns. Although most sulfatide species were highly expressed in the outer medullary layer, two unique sulfatide species of m/z 896.6 (predicted ceramide structure: t18:0-C22:0h) and m/z 924.6 (predicted ceramide structure: t18:0-C24:0h) were dispersed along the collecting duct, implying expression in intercalated cells. In addition, the intercalated cell-enriched fraction was purified by fluorescence-activated cell sorting using the anti-vacuolar H⁺-ATPase subunit 6V0A4, which predominantly contained sulfatide species (m/z 896.6 and 924.6). The Degs2 and Fa2h genes, which are responsible for ceramide hydroxylation, were expressed in the purified intercalated cells. These results suggested that sulfatide molecular species with ceramide composed of phytosphingosine (t18:0) and 2-hydroxy FAs, which were characteristically expressed in intercalated cells, were involved in the excretion of NH₃ and protons into the urine.

Functional Analysis of Sulfatide in Influenza A Virus Infection and Replication

3-O-sulfation synthesizes sulfatide in the galactose moiety of galactosylceramide. Sulfatide is expressed in many organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, trachea, kidney, and central nervous system. Influenza A virus binds not only to glycoconjugates terminally containing sialic acid as a viral binding receptor but also to sulfatide not containing sialic acid. On the surface of infected cells, the envelope glycoprotein hemagglutinin of influenza A virus interacts with sulfatide. This interaction enhances the nuclear export of viral ribonucleoprotein complexes, resulting in efficient progeny viruses. Inhibiting this interaction would be a new potent anti-influenza drug that suppresses the progeny virus production in the infected cells.

Annexin A4 inhibits sulfatide-induced activation of coagulation factor XII

BACKGROUND

Factor XII (FXII) is a plasma serine protease that initiates the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation upon contact with anionic substances, such as the sulfated glycolipid sulfatide. Annexins (ANXs) have been implicated in the regulation of the blood coagulation reaction by binding to anionic surfaces composed of phospholipids and sulfated glycoconjugates, but their physiological importance is only partially understood.

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that ANXs are involved in suppressing the intrinsic pathway initiated by sulfatide, we examined the effect of eight recombinant ANX proteins on the intrinsic coagulation reaction and their sulfatide binding activities.

METHODS

Recombinant ANXs were prepared in Escherichia coli expression systems and their anticoagulant effects on the intrinsic pathway initiated by sulfatide were examined using plasma clotting assay and chromogenic assay. ANXA4 active sites were identified by alanine scanning and fold deletion in the core domain.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

We found that ANXA3, ANXA4, and ANXA5 strongly inhibited sulfatide-induced plasma coagulation. Wild-type and mutated ANXA4 were used to clarify the molecular mechanism involved in inhibition. ANXA4 inhibited sulfatide-induced auto-activation of FXII to FXIIa and the conversion of its natural substrate FXI to FXIa but showed no effect on the protease activity of FXIIa or FXIa. Alanine scanning showed that substitution of the Ca2+ -binding amino acid residue in the fourth fold of the core domain of ANXA4 reduced anticoagulant activity, and deletion of the entire fourth fold of the core domain resulted in complete loss of anticoagulant activity.

Anti-GM1 and anti-sulfatide antibodies in polyneuropathies. Threshold titers and accuracy

OBJECTIVES

To determine threshold titers and diagnostic accuracy of anti-GM1 and anti-sulfatide antibodies (Ab) for autoimmune polyneuropathies (PN) in overall and for particular subtypes of them.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study 84 PN patients, 120 epileptics and 93 healthy controls' sera were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for autoAbs and results confirmed by thin-layer chromatography. Frequencies of positive patients at increasing cut-off were compared to determine threshold titers. Accuracy was determined by Receiver Operator Characteristic analysis.

RESULTS

A 1:2,000 titer for IgM anti-GM1 and a 1:4,000 titer for IgM anti-sulfatide Ab resulted to be threshold titers for autoimmune PN in overall. IgM anti-GM1 and anti-sulfatide Ab had low discriminating capacity between autoimmune PN and other PN, but good discriminating capacity between motor neuropathy (for anti-GM1 Ab) or PN in IgM-paraproteinemia or chronic painful sensory axonal PN (for anti-sulfatide Ab) and other PN.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that testing IgM anti-GM1 or anti-sulfatide Ab is useful only for diagnostic confirmation of specific subtypes of autoimmune PN.

Analysis of the functional characteristics of L-selectin and its expression on normal and CD18-deficient bovine neutrophils

In vivo responsiveness to epinephrine, expression of L-selectin on neutrophils, changes in intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i), sulfatide-induced superoxide production and tyrosine phosphorylation in neutrophils were evaluated to elucidate the role of L-selectin-associated functions of normal and CD18-deficient bovine neutrophils. The number of neutrophils in peripheral blood was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in four normal calves at 5-20 min after in vivo administration of epinephrine; however, no significant increase of neutrophils was found in three calves with bovine leucocyte adhesion deficiency (BLAD). Expression of L-selectin on neutrophils from three calves with BLAD was 61-77% of that of normal calves. Pretreatment of neutrophils with phorbol myristate acetate caused a marked decrease in the expression of L-selectin on neutrophils from both normal and BLAD calves. The sulfatide-induced sustained phase of [Ca2+]i concentration in neutrophils from calves with BLAD was significantly (P < 0.05) decreased. Following stimulation with aggregated IgG, the transient phase of [Ca2+]i in neutrophils from normal and BLAD calves was increased; however, the sustained phase of [Ca2+]i in BLAD neutrophils was significantly lower (P < 0.05) than that of controls. Sulfatide-induced O2- production and chemiluminescent response in neutrophils from calves with BLAD were 48-51% of those of normal calves and were inhibited by genistein and wortmannin, respectively, in a dose-dependent manner. The amount of tyrosine phosphorylated 100 kDa protein in neutrophils from BLAD calves stimulated with sulfatides was 57% of that of controls. The degree of L-selectin expression on neutrophils was correlated with the intracellular signalling events and the related superoxide production.

Bovine milk inhibits both adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to sulfatide and Helicobacter pylori-induced vacuolation of vero cells

Adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to gastric mucosal cells is an initial important step in colonization and infection. To study adhesion, we investigated whether milk inhibits the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to sulfatide, an acidic glycosphingolipid that exists in human gastric mucosa and to which Helicobacter pylori adheres. As a measure of functional significance, we also studied whether milk inhibits Helicobacter pylori-induced vacuolation of Vero cells. We used sulfatide-coated polystyrene plates and studied the effect of bovine milk on the adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to sulfatide. We used Vero cells for Helicobacter pylori-induced vacuolation. Bovine milk 100- to 200-fold diluted significantly inhibited both adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to sulfatide and Helicobacter pylori-induced vacuolation in Vero cells. Bovine milk significantly inhibited adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to MKN-45 cells and Lewis b antigen-coated polystyrene plates. In addition, these results suggest that bovine milk contains active substances that inhibit both adhesion of Helicobacter pylori to mucosa and vacuole formation. Bovine milk may have a protective effect on the gastric mucosa in Helicobacter pylori-associated gastritis.

Interaction between sulfogalactosylceramide and dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine increases the orientational fluctuation of their lipid hydrocarbon chains

The objective of this study was to investigate the interaction between sulfogalactosylceramide (SGC) and dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC) in a mixed model liposomal system (molar ratio SGC:DMPC, 2:3). Structural and dynamic changes of the liposome components were monitored by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Thermotropic FTIR analysis of the mixed liposomes showed a single gel/liquid crystalline phase transition, centered at approximately 42 degrees C. Spectral changes of the amide and ester C = O bands arising from functional groups at the interfacial region indicated a reduced hydrogen bonding of these groups in the mixed liposomes. Pressure-tuning FTIR of mixed liposomes showed that the methylene chains of SGC and DMPC were more orientationally disordered than those of the individual lipid SGC liposomes or DMPC liposomes. These results suggest that the mixed liposomes (molar ratio SGC:DMPC, 2:3) consisted of a homogeneous mixture of SGC and DMPC molecules in which mutual shielding reduced hydrogen bonding in the interfacial region, with a concurrent increase in the orientational disorder of the hydrocarbon chains of both SGC and DMPC.

Inhibition of pancreatic elastase by sulfated lipids in the intestinal mucosa

Sulfated lipids, cholesterol sulfate (CS) and I3SO3-GalCer, are commonly present in the epithelia of the digestive tracts of pigs, humans, rabbits, and rats. CS was the only sulfated lipid in the esophageal epithelia of these mammals, and I3SO3-GalCer, together with CS, was detected in the epithelia of the gastrointestinal tracts, at a concentration higher than 0.05 micromol per gram of dry weight. Although no sulfated lipids were present in the pancreatic duct, they were found in relatively high concentrations in the duodenal, jejunal, and ileal epithelia. To elucidate the functional significance of sulfated lipids in the digestive tract, we determined the effect of CS and I3SO3-GalCer on the activities of pancreatic and Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastases and found that both characteristically inhibited the pancreatic elastase but not the P. aeruginosa elastase. Desulfation of CS and I3SO3-GalCer abolished their inhibitory activity, and other membrane constituents including free fatty acids, phospholipids, and gangliosides failed to inhibit pancreatic elastase. In addition, steroid sulfates, such as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and pregnenolone sulfate, did not exhibit any inhibitory activity toward pancreatic elastase, indicating that the sulfate group and a suitable hydrophobic side chain are required in the inhibition of elastase. Inhibition of elastase by sulfated lipids occurred in a dose-dependent manner, and the molar ratios of CS and I3SO3-GalCer to elastase at which the enzyme activity was inhibited to 50% of the maximum level were 6:1 and 9:1, respectively. CS-treated elastase had the same Km and a lower Vmax compared with the untreated enzyme, and sulfated lipids were observed to bind tightly to the enzyme, suggesting irreversible inhibition. Thus, CS and I3SO3-GalCer in the digestive tracts of mammals were shown to function as epithelial inhibitors of pancreatic elastase.

Structural characterization of a novel mono-sulfated gangliotriaosylceramide containing a 3-O-sulfated N-acetylgalactosamine from rat kidney

A novel mono-sulfated glycosphingolipid based on the gangliotriaose core structure was isolated from rat kidney. The isolation procedure involved extraction of lipids with chloroform/methanol, mild alkaline methanolysis, column chromatographies with anion exchangers and silica beads. The structure was characterized by compositional analysis, FTIR spectroscopy, methylation analysis, 1H-NMR spectroscopy and negative-ion liquid secondary ion mass spectrometry (LSMIS) using the intact glycolipid and its desulfation product. The two dimensional chemical shift correlated spectroscopy provided information on the sugar sequence as well as anomeric configurations, and indicated the presence of a 3-O-sulfated N-acetylgalactosamine within the molecule. Negative-ion LSIMS with high- and low-energy collision-induced dissociation defined the sugar sequence and ceramide composition, confirming the presence of a sulfated N-acetylgalactosamine at the non-reducing terminus. From these results, the complete structure was proposed to be HSO3-3GalNAc beta 1-4Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-1Cer (Gg3Cer III3-sulfate, SM2b).

Pyrene lipids as markers of peroxidative processes in different regions of low and high density lipoproteins

Three different pyrene derivatives, pyrene decanoyl phosphatidylcholine (P10PC), pyrene dodecanoyl sulfatide (P12CS) and cholesteryl pyrenyl hexanoate (P6Chol), were used to follow lipid peroxidation in low and high density lipoproteins. Probe-labelled lipoproteins were subjected to Cu2+ catalyzed peroxidation. In all cases the fluorescence of the probes progressively decreased due to the involvement of pyrene in the peroxidative reaction. Thus, we used the fluorescence decrease of P6Chol to monitor the lipid peroxidation in the hydrophobic core of LDL and HDL, and that of the amphipatic probes, P10PC and P12CS, to follow lipid peroxidation in the envelope of both lipoproteins. The possibility of following lipid peroxidation in individual lipoprotein regions could lead to more detailed information on the oxidative modifications that play an important role in the altered cholesterol homeostasis involved in the formation of atherosclerotic lesions. No differences were observed in the peroxidation kinetics of the hydrophobic core of HDL and LDL monitored with P6Chol. On the contrary kinetics obtained with P10PC and P12 CS demonstrated the HDL envelope to be more susceptible to Cu2+ -dependent lipid peroxidation than that of the LDL. This could be due to a greater radical generating capacity of the HDL envelope and can be explained on the basis of low vitamin E levels and large amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids esterified on phospholipids determined in HDL, and on literature evidence that indicates HDL as the principal vehicle of circulating plasma lipids peroxides.

Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection of SK-N-MC cells: domains of gp120 involved in entry into a CD4-negative, galactosyl ceramide/3' sulfo-galactosyl ceramide-positive cell line

The primary receptor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the CD4 molecule; however, in vitro evidence suggests that a neutral glycolipid, galactosyl ceramide (GalCer) or a derivative molecule, 3' sulfogalactosyl ceramide (GalS), may serve as an alternative receptor for HIV type 1 (HIV-1) in cells of neural and colonic origin. Biochemical studies have demonstrated that recombinant gp120 envelope protein binds to GalCer/GalS in both solid-phase enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and high-performance thin-layer chromatography overlays. We have used the SK-N-MC cell line, a CD4-negative, GalCer/GalS-positive cell line previously characterized as susceptible to HIV-1 infection, to identify virus isolates with either a positive infection phenotype, HIVHxB2, or a negative infection phenotype, HIV-1(89.6). Using a solid-phase virus binding assay, we determined the level of restriction in HIV-1(89.6) infection to be at the level of virus-glycolipid binding. Furthermore, using HIV-1HxB2-HIV-1(89.6) chimeras, we have identified a 193-amino-acid fragment from the envelope region of HIV-1HxB2 containing the V3, V4, and V5 regions which confers a positive infection phenotype on the HIV-1(89.6) background. Recombinant viruses which separate this 193-amino-acid fragment into two distinct chimeras are each able to confer a positive infection phenotype on the background of HIV89.6, suggesting that a stable GalCer/GalS-envelope interaction is dependent on the conformation of the envelope protein in the context of the viral membrane. Alternatively, the GalCer/GalS-gp120 bond may involve multiple sites on the oligomeric envelope protein.

Glycolipid migration from the apical to the equatorial subdomains of the sperm head plasma membrane precedes the acrosome reaction. Evidence for a primary capacitation event in boar spermatozoa

In order to extend the static information of immunolabelling sulphogalactolipids in fixed boar spermatozoa, a fluorescent sulphogalactolipid analogue, galactose(3-sulphate)-beta 1–1′[(N-lissamine rhodaminyl)-12-aminodode-canoyl]-sphingosine, was incorporated into plasma membranes of living spermatozoa and its lateral distribution over the sperm head was studied. The fluorescent lipid was enriched in the apical ridge subdomain of freshly ejaculated sperm cells. After sperm binding to the zona pellucida the lipid redistributed to the equatorial segment of the sperm surface. A similar shift occurred during capacitation in vitro with 2 mM CaCl2 or with 4% (w/v) bovine serum albumin. The desulphated derivative galactose-beta 1–1′[(N-lissamine rhodaminyl)-12-aminododecanoyl]-sphingosine was also incorporated into the plasma membrane of freshly ejaculated sperm cells and clearly stained the apical ridge subdomain and the (pre)-equatorial subdomains of the sperm heads. The desulphogalactolipid analogue showed a slightly faster migration to the equatorial segment of the sperm plasma membrane than did its sulphated counterpart. The measured fluorescence intensity distributions correlated linearly with the spatial probe distribution, which was checked by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. The observed migration of the incorporated glycolipids precedes the acrosome reaction and is one of the underlying molecular events likely to be important in the process of sperm capacitation. The results of this study suggest that lipid phase segregation is an important driving force for the organization of the sperm head plasma membrane into subdomains.

The activation of factor VII in citrated plasma by charged long-chain saturated fatty acids at the interface of large triglyceride-rich lipoproteins

The prolonged incubation of dilute plasma on ice in the presence of added sulphatide vesicles or the long-chain saturated fatty acids (FA) stearic acid (C18:0) or behenic acid (C22:0) induced a concentration-dependent increase in factor VII coagulant activity (VIIc). The addition of FA at various ratios to human serum albumin showed the micellar non-bound pool to be responsible for this effect, FA bound to the high-affinity or low-affinity binding sites of albumin having no influence on VIIc. Plasma VIIc also increased following addition of behenate-enriched lipoprotein particles produced by incubation of the d < 1.006 g/ml lipoprotein fraction with this FA, or addition of lipoprotein remnants produced by pre-incubation of the d < 1.006 g/ml fraction with lipoprotein lipase. Long-chain saturated fatty acids in the interface of lipoprotein remnants, produced by the interaction of triglyceride-rich lipoprotein particles with lipoprotein lipase, appear to provide a surface that activates the contact system of coagulation and subsequently factor VII.

Biodistribution of calcitonin encapsulated in liposomes in mice with particular reference to the central nervous system

The biodistribution of [125I]porcine calcitonin (pCT) encapsulated in reverse-phase evaporation vesicles (REVs) in mice upon the intravenous administration was examined. It was found that sulfatide significantly improved the stability of REVs in vivo, and altered the relative distribution of [125I]pCT encapsulated in liposomes in mice. These sulfatide-containing REVs were able to target [125I]pCT into the liver and central nervous system (CNS) reasonably well, with the maximal effect of about 40% and 2% of the injected doses occurring at 30 min and 90 min, respectively, after injection. Neither free [125I]pCT, nor sulfatide-free liposome-encapsulated [125I]pCT, nor a mixture of free [125I]pCT and empty sulfatide liposomes was effective. [125I]pCT was widely distributed in the CNS, with predominance in hypothalamus, brainstem, striatum and spinal cord. The results indicate that pCT encapsulated in sulfatide-containing liposomes is able to pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and calcitonin, thus encapsulated, may be applicable to studies on its functions in the CNS.

Liposome targeting to rat brain: effect of osmotic opening of the blood-brain barrier

To determine whether sulfatide liposomes can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) with or without osmotic treatment by mannitol, we administered liposomes through the internal carotid artery in rats. Sulfatide liposomes could pass the BBB with osmotic treatment, but not without osmotic treatment. Therefore, we propose that the combination method of administration of the reticuloendothelial-system avoiding liposomes with osmotic treatment can be useful for treatment of various kinds of brain diseases.

Luteal phase-characteristic induction of I3SO3-GalCer in human cervical epithelia and uterine endometria, and follicular phase-characteristic formation of a ganglioside-derived negative charge gradient in different regions of fallopian tubes

In a series of experiments on the hormone-dependent molecular alteration in the human genital tract during the menstrual cycle, we focused our attention on a change in the negative charge due to the sulfuric acid- and sialic acid-containing glycosphingolipids. Although a ganglioside-derived negative charge was maintained in the cervical epithelia and uterine endometria at a relatively constant concentration throughout the luteal and follicular phases, I3SO3GalCer in both tissues characteristically increased in the luteal phase, indicating that the synthesis of I3SO3-GalCer in both tissues is associated with the menstrual cycle. However, I3SO3-GalCer in mucosae of the fallopian tubes in both phases was present in a concentration similar to that in the uterine endometrium in the luteal phase, and the change in the concentration did not associated with the menstrual cycle. On the other hand, although the concentrations of I3SO3-GalCer and II3NeuAc-LacCer, a major ganglioside, were similar in different regions, that is, the isthmus, ampulla and fimbriae of the fallopian tubes in the luteal phase, II3NeuAc-LacCer was present in a gradually increasing concentration from the isthmus to the fimbriae in the follicular phase, giving a gradually decreasing ratio of I3SO3GalCer to ganglioside from the uterus to the fimbriae. These findings indicate that the metabolism of sulfo- and sialoglycosphingolipids in the human genital tract is strictly controlled by estrogen and progesterone.

High residual arylsulfatase A (ARSA) activity in a patient with late-infantile metachromatic leukodystrophy

We identified a patient suffering from late-infantile metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) who has a residual arylsulfatase A (ARSA) activity of about 10%. Fibroblasts of the patient show significant sulfatide degradation activity exceeding that of adult MLD patients. Analysis of the ARSA gene in this patient revealed heterozygosity for two new mutant alleles: in one allele, deletion of C 447 in exon 2 leads to a frameshift and to a premature stop codon at amino acid position 105; in the second allele, a G-->A transition in exon 5 causes a Gly309-->Ser substitution. Transient expression of the mutant Ser309-ARSA resulted in only 13% enzyme activity of that observed in cells expressing normal ARSA. The mutant ARSA is correctly targeted to the lysosomes but is unstable. These findings are in contrast to previous results showing that the late-infantile type of MLD is always associated with the complete absence of ARSA activity. The expression of the mutant ARSA protein may be influenced by particular features of oligodendrocytes, such that the level of mutant enzyme is lower in these cells than in others.

One-step chromogenic equivalent of activated partial thromboplastin time evaluated for clinical application

We evaluated the clinical usefulness of a recently developed semi-automated one-step chromogenic equivalent of activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT; Behring). This simple test is easily adaptable for automation. Generally, the results with this chromogenic one-step APTT were at least as precise as those obtained with comparative coagulometric methods. The chromogenic one-step APTT showed, both in vitro and in vivo, adequate sensitivity to congenital intrinsic factor deficiency but no sensitivity to Factor VII deficiency. Unlike a two-step coagulometric APTT (Dade), the one-step chromogenic APTT seemed sensitive to activation products of the contact system, which are present in immunoadsorbed factor-deficient plasma. The in vitro sensitivity of the chromogenic APTT to heparin was comparable with that of a coagulometric APTT, but the sensitivity to heparin in patients' samples differed slightly. The chromogenic APTT is relatively insensitive to anomalies in the fibrinogen-fibrin conversion. Finally, we observed discrepancies between the chromogenic and coagulometric APTT results for plasma of patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation. We conclude that this one-step chromogenic APTT warrants further evaluation for possible use as a routine test for the clinical laboratory.

Mixtures of semisynthetic species of cerebroside sulfate with dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine. Thermotropic phase behavior and permeability

The phase behavior of mixtures of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) with semisynthetic species of cerebroside sulfate (CBS) containing palmitic acid (C16:0-CBS) or lignoceric acid (C24:0-CBS) in 0.1 M KCl was studied using differential scanning calorimetry. DPPC and C16:0-CBS were miscible in all proportions in the gel phase above 10 mol% CBS and in the liquid-crystalline phase. However, C24:0-CBS was less miscible with DPPC over a wide concentration range in the gel phase. At high CBS concentrations it was probably also not entirely miscible with DPPC in the liquid-crystalline phase. Small amounts of both species of CBS lowered the transition temperature and enthalpy of DPPC, suggesting that they are more soluble in the liquid-crystalline phase of DPPC than the gel phase. The transition temperature at higher CBS concentrations was also less than expected, especially after cycling through the phase transition in the case of C24:0-CBS, suggesting that mixing with DPPC inhibited the intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions and dehydration of CBS. In C24:0-CBS-DPPC mixtures several populations were present over a wide compositional range, including two solid-solid solutions of fixed composition. At high C24:0-CBS concentrations some C24:0-CBS also phase separated out of the mixture. Structural considerations suggested that the C24:0-CBS which is mixed with DPPC must be interdigitated into the DPPC bilayer. Other populations that are present may have a different structural organization. A fatty acid spin label in these mixtures was a little less ordered than in either lipid by itself. The permeability of these lipids, as well as the two asymmetric species 1-stearoyl-2-caproyl phosphatidylcholine and 1-stearoyl-2-myristoyl phosphatidylcholine (18:10PC and 18:14PC), to a water-soluble spin label tempocholine chloride was also measured. The studies with 18:10PC and 18:14PC indicated that both triple-chain mixed interdigitated bilayers and double-chain partially interdigitated bilayers can trap water-soluble substances and have low permeability. Both species of CBS could also entrap the spin label and had low permeability at 4 degrees C. However, they rapidly lost the entrapped compound when they transformed into their stable dehydrated phases or into the liquid-crystalline phase. Mixing with DPPC prevented both of these losses. These studies supported the conclusion that a significant amount of the CBS was mixed with the DPPC and that this mixing prevented the dehydration changes which CBS undergoes by itself.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Interaction and fusion of unilamellar vesicles containing cerebrosides and sulfatides induced by myelin basic protein

The effects of myelin basic protein on the aggregation, lipid bilayer merging, intercommunication of aqueous compartments and leakage of small unilamellar vesicles of egg phosphatidylcholine containing different proportions of galactocerebroside and sulfatide were investigated. This was performed employing light scattering, absorbance changes and fluorescence assays (resonance energy transfer, Terbium/dipicolinic acid assay and carboxyfluorescein release). The apposition of membranes rapidly induced by myelin basic protein is enhanced by sulfatide but reduced by galactocerebroside compared to vesicles of egg phosphatidylcholine alone. On the other hand, the presence of either glycosphingolipid in the membrane interferes with the induction by myelin basic protein of lipid bilayer merging, subsequent fusion and changes of the membrane permeability. Our results support an important modulation by sulfatide and galactocerebroside on the interactions among membranes induced by myelin basic protein, depending on the relative proportions of the glycosphingolipids and phosphatidylcholine.

Thermotropic behavior of mixtures of glycosphingolipids and phosphatidylcholine: effect of monovalent cations on sulfatide and galactosylceramide

The thermotropic behavior of both sulfatide (3-sulfogalactosylceramide) and galactosylceramide in dielaidoylphosphatidylcholine (DEPC) liposomes was studied, using steady-state fluorescence polarization of parinaric acid isomers. The glycosphingolipid (GSL) concentration of the liposomes was varied from 0 to 100%, and phase diagrams were constructed. The data indicate that sulfatide and DEPC are immiscible in the gel phase at sulfatide mole ratios of less than 0.30. The temperature of onset of the gel-liquid-crystalline phase transition is higher in K+ -containing buffer than in osmotically equal Na+ -containing buffer. Similar measurements, using galactosylceramide, a neutral GSL, indicated that this lipid and DEPC are immiscible in the gel phase at galactosylceramide mole ratios of less than 0.40. In contrast to the results obtained with sulfatide, onset temperatures are identical in Na+- or K+-containing buffers. The phase properties of sulfatide/DEPC mixtures are shown to depend on the cation only when the sulfatides contain hydroxy fatty acids. Our observations indicate that physiologically relevant concentrations of monovalent cations affect motion and distribution of sulfatide in biological membranes and further implicate this GSL as an important determinant of function of the Na+,K+-ATPase. A preliminary report of these data [Rintoul, D.A., Welti, R., & Song, W. (1988) Biophys. J. 53, 126a].

Adriamycin entrapped in sulfatide-containing liposomes

Sulfatide-containing liposomes composed of PC, cholesterol, and sulfatide in a molar ratio of 7:2:1 entrapped ADM most efficiently among the negatively-charged liposomes tested. A unilamellar vesicle entrapped 123 ADM molecules, of which 6 molecules are localized in the internal space of the vesicle, 4 molecules are embedded into the membrane matrix, and 113 molecules are bound to the inner surface of the liposomal membrane. Highly efficient entrapment of ADM by the liposomes seems to be due to their rigidity. By the experiment using ovarian tumor-bearing nude mice, it was found that the liposome-entrapped ADM was maintained at much higher blood level, at lower concentration in the heart, and at higher concentration in the tumor than the free drug. The antitumor activity of the liposome-entrapped ADM was comparable with that of the free drug. The body weight of the animals was not affected by the former, whereas it was drastically decreased by the latter.

Liposomes for targeted delivery of radioiodinated IVdU and 3-CH3-IVdU for non-invasive detection of herpes simplex virus encephalitis in mice

Liposomal encapsulation of radioiodinated anti-herpes nucleosides was undertaken to reduce metabolic inactivation and increase blood-brain barrier penetration of the nucleosides, and so provide formulations suitable for use in the non-invasive scintigraphic diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). The nucleosides investigated were [125I]-IVdU and its more lipophilic 3-methyl derivative, and they were encapsulated in phosphatidylcholine:cholesterol:sulfatide liposomes with an efficiency of 4.4% and 1.7% respectively. The encapsulation of IVdU reduced in vitro phosphorolysis (by 31% in serum at 25 degrees C over 3 hr as compared with non-encapsulated IVdU), and markedly increased in vivo stability (fifty-fold greater than that of free drug). In normal mice, higher radioactivity levels were observed in most tissues and there was prolonged, constant blood and brain uptake. Biodistribution of liposomal IVdU in herpes simplex virus (HSV) infected animals was similar, but somewhat lower concentrations were attained. Liposomal encapsulation of [125I]-3-CH3-IVdU produced less dramatic changes in tissue distribution in either healthy or HSV infected mice, as compared with the non-encapsulated drug. Whilst, in HSV infected mice, liposomal encapsulation of both drugs caused increased uptake by spleen, liver and lung, the uptake by brain was still too low for detection by whole-body scintigraphy.

Mode of binding of adriamycin with sulfatide-containing liposomes

Association constants and maximum binding numbers of sulfatide- and phosphatidylserine (PS)-containing liposomes for their binding with adriamycin (ADM) were determined by the column equilibration method. Although these liposomes have two kinds of binding sites, hydrophobic and electrostatic, the majority of ADM molecules was associated with the liposomes via their latter binding sites. Since the association constant for the electrostatic binding of ADM was smaller in sulfatide-containing liposomes (3 x 10(3) M-1) than in PS-containing ones (1.1 x 10(4) M-1), high efficiency of sulfatide-containing liposomes for the entrapment of ADM might be explained by the effect of sulfatide making the liposomes rigid, thereby preventing the leakage of the entrapped ADM.