Use of sialylated or sulfated derivatives and acrylamide copolymers of Gal beta 1,3GalNAc alpha- and GalNAc alpha- to determine the specificities of blood group T- and Tn-specific lectins and the copolymers to measure anti-T and anti-Tn antibody levels in cancer patients

Investigation of TF-binding lectins from dietary sources and SRL on proliferation and cell cycle progression in human colon HT29 and SW620 cells

TF antigen binding lectins from dietary sources PNA, ACA, ABL, JAC, and SRL from Sclerotium rolfsii have been reported to induce diverse effects on cancer cell proliferation by different mechanisms. This study aimed to compare effects of these lectins on growth and cell cycle progression in colon cancer HT29 and SW620 cells. As reported SRL, ABL, and JAC inhibited while PNA and ACA increased cell proliferation. ABL and JAC treated HT29 cells showed increased cell population in G0/G1 phase. PNA, ACA, ABL, and JAC increased SW620 cell population in S and decreased in G2/M phase. In contrast, SRL and JAC increased hypodiploid population in both the cells. PNA and ACA reduced whereas SRL and ABL diminished cell cyclin D1 expression. SRL, PNA, and ACA also reduced cellular cyclin D3 level while SRL, ABL, and JAC reduced cyclin E levels. ABL decreased CDK5 levels while SRL and ACA completely abolished CDK5 expression. All the lectins completely abolished cyclin D2 expression. These results not only confirms growth regulatory effects of TF-binding lectins but also indicates different effects of these lectins on cell growth is associated with regulation on expression of cell cycle associated proteins in G1-S phase and on cell cycle progression.

Novel interactions of complex carbohydrates with peanut (PNA), Ricinus communis (RCA-I), Sambucus nigra (SNA-I) and wheat germ (WGA) agglutinins as revealed by the binding specificities of these lectins towards mucin core-2 O-linked and N-linked glycans and related structures

Plant lectins through their multivalent quaternary structures bind intrinsically flexible oligosaccharides. They recognize fine structural differences in carbohydrates and interact with different sequences in mucin core 2 or complex-type N-glycan chain and also in healthy and malignant tissues. They are used in characterizing cellular and extracellular glycoconjugates modified in pathological processes. We study here, the complex carbohydrate-lectin interactions by determining the effects of substituents in mucin core 2 tetrasaccharide Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-6(Galβ1-3)GalNAcα-O-R and fetuin glycopeptides on their binding to agarose-immobilized lectins PNA, RCA-I, SNA-I and WGA. Briefly, in mucin core 2 tetrasaccharide (i) structures modified by α2-3/6-Sialyl LacNAc, LewisX and α1-3-Galactosyl LacNAc resulted in regular binding to PNA whereas compounds with 6-sulfo LacNAc displayed no-binding; (ii) strucures bearing α2-6-sialyl 6-sulfo LacNAc, or 6-sialyl LacdiNAc carbohydrates displayed strong binding to SNA-I; (iii) structures with α2-3/6-sialyl, α1-3Gal LacNAc or LewisX were non-binder to RCA-I and compounds with 6-sulfo LacNAc only displayed weak binding; (iv) structures containing LewisX, 6-Sulfo LewisX, α2-3/6-sialyl LacNAc, α2-3/6-sialyl 6-sulfo LacNAc and GalNAc Lewis-a were non-binding to WGA, those with α1-2Fucosyl, α1-3-Galactosyl LacNAc, α2-3-sialyl T-hapten plus 3'/6'sulfo LacNAc displayed weak binding, and compounds with α2-3-sialyl T-hapten, α2.6-Sialyl LacdiNAc, α2-3-sialyl D-Fucβ1-3 GalNAc and Fucα-1-2 D-Fucβ-1-3GalNAc displaying regular binding and GalNAc LewisX and LacdiNAc plus D-Fuc β-1-3 GalNAcα resulting in tight binding. RCA-I binds Fetuin triantennary asialoglycopeptide 100 % after α-2-3 and 25 % after α-2-6 sialylation, 30 % after α-1-2 and 100 % after α-1-3 fucosylation, and 50 % after α-1-3 galactosylation. WGA binds 3-but not 6-Fucosyl chitobiose core. Thus, information on the influence of complex carbohydrate chain constituents on lectin binding is apparently essential for the potential application of lectins in glycoconjugate research.

Mining the "glycocode"--exploring the spatial distribution of glycans in gastrointestinal mucin using force spectroscopy

Mucins are the main components of the gastrointestinal mucus layer. Mucin glycosylation is critical to most intermolecular and intercellular interactions. However, due to the highly complex and heterogeneous mucin glycan structures, the encoded biological information remains largely encrypted. Here we have developed a methodology based on force spectroscopy to identify biologically accessible glycoepitopes in purified porcine gastric mucin (pPGM) and purified porcine jejunal mucin (pPJM). The binding specificity of lectins Ricinus communis agglutinin I (RCA), peanut (Arachis hypogaea) agglutinin (PNA), Maackia amurensis lectin II (MALII), and Ulex europaeus agglutinin I (UEA) was utilized in force spectroscopy measurements to quantify the affinity and spatial distribution of their cognate sugars at the molecular scale. Binding energy of 4, 1.6, and 26 aJ was determined on pPGM for RCA, PNA, and UEA. Binding was abolished by competition with free ligands, demonstrating the validity of the affinity data. The distributions of the nearest binding site separations estimated the number of binding sites in a 200-nm mucin segment to be 4 for RCA, PNA, and UEA, and 1.8 for MALII. Binding site separations were affected by partial defucosylation of pPGM. Furthermore, we showed that this new approach can resolve differences between gastric and jejunum mucins.

Novel O-linked glycans containing 6'-sulfo-Gal/GalNAc of MUC1 secreted from human breast cancer YMB-S cells: possible carbohydrate epitopes of KL-6(MUC1) monoclonal antibody

Human serum Krebs von den Lugen-6 (KL-6) antigen is a MUC1 glycoprotein (KL-6/MUC1) recognized by anti-KL-6 monoclonal antibody (KL-6/mAb) and has been utilized as a diagnostic marker for interstitial pneumonia. KL-6/mAb is thought to recognize the specific glycopeptides sequence of MUC1, but the precise glycan structure of the epitope is unclear. In this study, we determined the carbohydrate structures of KL-6/MUC1 to search the carbohydrate epitopes for KL-6/mAb. KL-6/MUC1 was purified from the culture medium of human breast cancer YMB-S cells by KL-6/mAb-affinity chromatography; the O-linked glycan structures were determined in combination with paper electrophoresis, several lectin column chromatographies, sialidase digestion and methanolysis. KL-6/MUC1 contained core 1 and extended core 1 glycans modified with one or two sialic acid/sulfate residues. Based on these structures, several synthetic glycans binding to anti-KL-6/mAb were compared with one another by surface plasmon resonance. Sequentially, related radiolabeled oligosaccharides were enzymatically synthesized and analyzed for binding to a KL-6/mAb-conjugated affinity column. 3'-sialylated, 6'-sulfated LNnT [Neu5Acα2-3(SO(3)(-)-6)Galβ1-4GlcNAcβ1-3Galβ1-4Glc], 3'-sialylated, 6-sulfated core 1 [Neu5Acα2-3Galβ1-3(SO(3)(-)-6)GalNAc] and disulfated core 1 SO(3)(-)-3Galβ1-3(SO(3)(-)-6)GalNAc exhibited substantial affinity for KL-6/mAb, and 3'-sulfated core 1 derivatives [SO(3)(-)-3Galβ1-3(±Neu5Acα2-6)GalNAc] and 3'-sialylated core 1 weakly interacted with KL-6/mAb. These results indicated that the possible carbohydrate epitopes of KL-6/mAb involve not only 3'-sialylated core 1 but also novel core 1 and extended core 1 with sulfate and sialic acid residues. Epitope expressing changes with suppression or over-expression of the Gal6ST (Gal 6-O-sulfotransferase) gene, suggesting that Gal6ST is involved in the biosynthesis of the unique epitopes of KL-6/mAb.

Profiling human serum antibodies with a carbohydrate antigen microarray

Carbohydrate antigen arrays (glycan arrays) have been recently developed for the high-throughput analysis of carbohydrate macromolecule interactions. When profiling serum, information about experimental variability, interindividual biological variability, and intraindividual temporal variability is critical. In this report, we describe the characterization of a carbohydrate antigen array and assay for profiling human serum. Through optimization of assay conditions and development of a normalization strategy, we obtain highly reproducible results with a within-experiment coefficient of variation (CV) of 10.8% and an overall CV (across multiple batches of slides and days) of 28.5%. We also report antibody profiles for 48 human subjects and evaluate for the first time the effects of age, race, sex, geographic location, and blood type on antibody profiles for a large set of carbohydrate antigens. We found significant dependence on age and blood type of antibody levels for a variety of carbohydrates. Finally, we conducted a longitudinal study with a separate group of 7 serum donors to evaluate the variation in anti-carbohydrate antibody levels within an individual over a period ranging from 3 to 13 weeks and found that, for nearly all antigens on our array, antibody levels are generally stable over this period. The results presented here provide the most comprehensive evaluation of experimental and biological variation reported to date for a glycan array and have significant implications for studies involving human serum profiling.

Microarrays with varying carbohydrate density reveal distinct subpopulations of serum antibodies

Antigen arrays have become important tools for profiling complex mixtures of proteins such as serum antibodies. These arrays can be used to better understand immune responses, discover new biomarkers, and guide the development of vaccines. Nevertheless, they are not perfect and improved array designs would enhance the information derived from this technology. In this study, we describe and evaluate a strategy for varying antigen density on an array and then use the array to study binding of lectins, monoclonal antibodies, and serum antibodies. To vary density, neoglycoproteins containing differing amounts of carbohydrate were synthesized and used to make a carbohydrate microarray with variations in both structure and density. We demonstrate that this method provides variations in density on the array surface within a range that is relevant for biological recognition events. The array was used to evaluate density dependent binding properties of three lectins (Vicia villosa lectin B4, Helix pomatia agglutinin, and soybean agglutinin) and three monoclonal antibodies (HBTn-1, B1.1, and Bric111) that bind the tumor-associated Tn antigen. In addition, serum antibodies were profiled from 30 healthy donors. The results show that variations in antigen density are required to detect the full spectrum of antibodies that bind a particular antigen and can be used to reveal differences in antibody populations between individuals that are not detectable using a single antigen density.

Differential contributions of recognition factors of two plant lectins -Amaranthus caudatus lectin and Arachis hypogea agglutinin, reacting with Thomsen-Friedenreich disaccharide (Galbeta1-3GalNAcalpha1-Ser/Thr)

Previous reports on the carbohydrate specificities of Amaranthus caudatus lectin (ACL) and peanut agglutinin (PNA, Arachis hypogea) indicated that they share the same specificity for the Thomsen-Friedenreich (T(alpha), Galbeta1-3GalNAcalpha1-Ser/Thr) glycotope, but differ in monosaccharide binding--GalNAc>>Gal (inactive) for ACL; Gal>>GalNAc (weak) with respect to PNA. However, knowledge of the recognition factors of these lectins was based on studies with a small number monosaccharides and T-related oligosaccharides. In this study, a wider range of interacting factors of ACL and PNA toward known mammalian structural units, natural polyvalent glycotopes and glycans were examined by enzyme-linked lectinosorbent and inhibition assays. The results indicate that the main recognition factors of ACL, GalNAc was the only monosaccharide recognized by ACL as such, its polyvalent forms (poly GalNAcalpha1-Ser/Thr, Tn in asialo OSM) were not recognized much better. Human blood group precursor disaccharides Galbeta1-3/4GlcNAcbeta (I(beta)/II(beta)) were weak ligands, while their clusters (multiantennary II(beta)) and polyvalent forms were active. The major recognition factors of PNA were a combination of alpha or beta anomers of T disaccharide and their polyvalent complexes. Although I(beta)/II(beta) were weak haptens, their polyvalent forms played a significant role in binding. From the 50% molar inhibition profile, the shape of the ACL combining site appears to be a cavity type and most complementary to a disaccharide of Galbeta1-3GalNAc (T), while the PNA binding domain is proposed to be Galbeta1-3GalNAcalpha or beta1--as the major combining site with an adjoining subsite (partial cavity type) for a disaccharide, and most complementary to the linear tetrasaccharide, Galbeta1-3GalNAcbeta1-4Galbeta1-4Glc (T(beta)1-4L, asialo GM(1) sequence). These results should help us understand the differential contributions of polyvalent ligands, glycotopes and subtopes for the interaction with these lectins to binding, and make them useful tools to study glycosciences, glycomarkers and their biological functions.

Correlation index-based responsible-enzyme gene screening (CIRES), a novel DNA microarray-based method for enzyme gene involved in glycan biosynthesis

BACKGROUND

Glycan biosynthesis occurs though a multi-step process that requires a variety of enzymes ranging from glycosyltransferases to those involved in cytosolic sugar metabolism. In many cases, glycan biosynthesis follows a glycan-specific, linear pathway. As glycosyltransferases are generally regulated at the level of transcription, assessing the overall transcriptional profile for glycan biosynthesis genes seems warranted. However, a systematic approach for assessing the correlation between glycan expression and glycan-related gene expression has not been reported previously.

METHODOLOGY

To facilitate genetic analysis of glycan biosynthesis, we sought to correlate the expression of genes involved in cell-surface glycan formation with the expression of the glycans, as detected by glycan-recognizing probes. We performed cross-sample comparisons of gene expression profiles using a newly developed, glycan-focused cDNA microarray. Cell-surface glycan expression profiles were obtained using flow cytometry of cells stained with plant lectins. Pearson's correlation coefficients were calculated for these profiles and were used to identify enzyme genes correlated with glycan biosynthesis.

CONCLUSIONS

This method, designated correlation index-based responsible-enzyme gene screening (CIRES), successfully identified genes already known to be involved in the biosynthesis of certain glycans. Our evaluation of CIRES indicates that it is useful for identifying genes involved in the biosynthesis of glycan chains that can be probed with lectins using flow cytometry.

Evidence that Agaricus bisporus agglutinin (ABA) has dual sugar-binding specificity

Agaricus bisporus agglutinin (ABA) is known as a useful lectin to detect T-antigen (Core1) disaccharide (Galbeta1-3GalNAcalpha) and related O-linked glycans. However, a recent X-ray crystallographic study revealed the presence of another intrinsic sugar-binding site, i.e., for GlcNAc. To confirm this possibility, detailed analysis was performed using two advanced methods: lectin microarray and frontal affinity chromatography (FAC). In the lectin microarray, intense signals were observed on ABA spots for both N-glycanase-treated and O-glycanase/beta1-4galactosidase-treated Cy3-labeled asialofetuin. This indicates substantial affinity for both O-linked and agalactosylated (GlcNAc-exposed) N-linked glycans. A further approach by FAC using 20 pNP and 130 PA-oligosaccharides demonstrated that ABA bound to Core1 (K(d) = 3.4 x 10(-6) M) and Core2 (1.9 x 10(-5) M) but not to Core3 and Core6 O-linked glycans. It also showed substantial affinity to mono-, bi-, and tri-antennary agalactosylated complex-type N-linked glycans (K(d) > 1.8 x 10(-5) M). These results establish ABA as a lectin having dual sugar-binding sites with distinct specificity, i.e., for Gal-exposed O-linked glycans and GlcNAc-exposed N-linked glycans.

CTL-based cancer preventive/therapeutic vaccines for carcinomas: role of tumour-associated carbohydrate antigens

In this study, we discuss the use of glycopeptides containing tumour-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACA) as preventive vaccines for carcinomas. The results of our recent studies suggest that CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells are capable of recognizing small TACA in a conventional class I MHC-restricted fashion. TACA-specific T-cell receptors are highly degenerate and their fine specificity includes the glycosylated amino acid linker together with the sugar moiety. TF, a disaccharide and Tn, its immediate precursor, are TACA largely expressed in carcinomas that can be successfully used as vaccines when conjugated to designer peptide backbones with optimal binding affinity for class I MHC molecules.

Designer glycopeptides for cytotoxic T cell-based elimination of carcinomas

Tumors express embryonic carbohydrate antigens called tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens (TACA). TACA-containing glycopeptides are appealing cytotoxic T cell (CTL)-based vaccines to prevent or treat cancer because the same sugar moieties are expressed in a variety of tumors, rendering a vaccination strategy applicable in a large population. Here we demonstrate that by using glycopeptides with high affinity for the major histocompatibility complex and glycosylated in a position corresponding to a critical T cell receptor (TcR) contact, it is possible to induce anti-TACA CTL in vivo. In the current study we show that designer glycopeptides containing the Thomsen-Freidenreich (TF) antigen (beta-Gal-[1-->3]-alpha-GalNAc-O-serine) are immunogenic in vivo and generate TF-specific CTL capable of recognizing a variety of tumor cells in vitro including a MUC1-expressing tumor. The fine specificity of the TF-specific CTL repertoire indicates that the TcR recognize the glycosylated amino acid residue together with TF in a conventional major histocompatibility complex class I-restricted fashion. These results have high potential for immunotherapy against a broad range of tumors.

Genetically altered mice with different sialyltransferase deficiencies show tissue-specific alterations in sialylation and sialic acid 9-O-acetylation

Glycan chains on glycoconjugates traversing the Golgi apparatus are often terminated by sialic acid residues, which can also be 9-O-acetylated. This process involves competition between multiple Golgi enzymes. Expression levels of Golgi enzyme mRNAs do not always correlate with enzyme activity, which in turn cannot accurately predict glycan sequences found on cell surfaces. Here we examine the cell type-specific expression of terminal glycans in tissues of normal mice in comparison with animals deficient in ST6Gal-I (transfers alpha2-6-linked sialic acid to Galbeta1-4GlcNAc) or ST3Gal-I (transfers alpha2-3-linked sialic acid to Galbeta1-3GalNAc). Tissues of ST6Gal-I null mice showed minimal binding of an alpha2-6-sialic acid-specific lectin, indicating that no other enzyme generates Siaalpha2-6Galbeta1-4GlcNAc and that Siaalpha2-6GalNAc (sialyl-Tn) is rare in mice. However, exposed Galbeta1-4GlcNAc termini were only moderately increased, indicating that these can be partially capped by other enzymes. Indeed, Galalpha1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc and Fucalpha1-2Galbeta1-4GlcNAc termini were enhanced in some tissues. Many tissues of ST3Gal-I null animals showed increases in Galbeta1-3GalNAc termini, and some increases in poly-N-acetyllactosamines. However, overall expression of alpha2-3-linked sialic acid was selectively reduced only in a few instances, indicating that other ST3Gal enzymes can generate this linkage in most tissues. Highly selective losses of 9-O-acetylation of sialic acid residues were also observed, with ST6Gal-I deficiency causing loss on endothelium and ST3Gal-I deficiency giving a marked decrease on CD4(+) lymphocytes. These data demonstrate selective regulation of sialylation and 9-O-acetylation, point to cell types with potential physiological defects in null animals, and show in vivo evidence for competition between Golgi enzymes.

An N-terminal truncated form of Orp150 is a cytoplasmic ligand for the anti-proliferative mushroom Agaricus bisporus lectin and is required for nuclear localization sequence-dependent nuclear protein import

Nuclear localization sequence-dependent nuclear protein import is essential for maintaining cell function and can be selectively blocked in epithelial cells by mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) lectin. Here we report that a major intracellular ligand for this lectin is an N-terminally truncated form of oxygen-regulated protein 150 (Orp150), which lacks the endoplasmic reticulum translocation signal peptide of full-length Orp150. This cytoplasmic form of Orp150 expresses the lectin carbohydrate ligand (sialyl-2,3-galactosyl-beta1,3-N-acetylgalactosamine-alpha) and is shown to be essential for nuclear localization sequence-dependent nuclear protein import.

Influence of terminal residue on adjacent disaccharide immunogenicity

Aberrant O-glycosylation of cell surface mucin antigens is characteristic of epithelial cancer cells. For example, Thomsen-Friedenreich disaccharide (TFD) is a chemically well-defined carbohydrate antigen with a documented link to malignancy. There have been many attempts to improve immune response to carbohydrate antigens, for use in immunotherapy. As part of an alternative strategy to improve carbohydrate immunogenicity, we studied the influence of terminal benzyl (Bzl) or p-nitrophenyl (pNP) residue on immunogenicity of adjacent TFD. Mice immunized with keyhole limpets hemocyanin-TFD (KLH-TFD), KLH-TFD(alpha)Bzl, or KLH-TFD(alpha)pNP produced anti-KLH antibodies, which were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). KLH-TFD did not give significant anti-TFD antibody titer, confirming the poor immunogenicity of TFD. Immunization with KLH-TFD(alpha)Bzl and KLH-TFD(alpha)pNP raised antibody titers against TFD(alpha)Bzl and TFD(alpha)pNP, respectively. KLH-TFD(alpha)Bzl also gave higher anti-TFD antibody response, whereas KLH-TFD(alpha)pNP did not, indicating that terminal Bzl residue improves immune response to adjacent carbohydrate. Analysis of anti-TFD(alpha)Bzl or anti-TFD(alpha)pNP IgG antibodies by competitive ELISA, using carbohydrate-related antigens as inhibitors, demonstrated their high specificity to their respective antigens. Anti-TFD(alpha)pNP antibody was not inhibited by TFD, but was significantly inhibited by GalNAc(alpha)pNP. The fact that p-nitrophenol (pNPol) has more competitive ability that GalNAc indicates that terminal polar residue is the main target antigen. In contrast, anti-TFD(alpha)Bzl antibody was inhibited to a similar degree by GalNAc(alpha)Bzl and TFD, confirming the carbohydrate recognition by antibodies yielded by terminal non-polar modification of the immunogen.

Synthesis and protein binding properties of T-antigen containing GlycoPAMAM dendrimers

Allyl O-(beta-D-galactopyranosyl)-(1-3)-2-acetamido-2-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranoside (8) was prepared in excellent yield from the corresponding galactosyl bromide (6, 7) and allyl 2-acetamido-4,6-benzylidene-2-deoxy-alpha-D-galactopyranoside (5) using Hg(CN)2 as a promoter. Compound 5 was obtained from N-acetylglucosamine 1 following sequential protecting group strategy and C-4 epimerization as a key step. Carboxylic acid functionalized T-antigen derivative 15, obtained by radical addition of 3-mercaptopropionic acid to allyl disaccharide 10, was conjugated to PAMAM dendritic cores 13-16 by an efficient amide coupling strategy using TBTU. GlycoPAMAM dendrimers having T-antigen residues with 4, 8, 16 and 32 valencies (17-20) were obtained in 73 to 99% yields. Their protein binding properties were demonstrated using peanut lectin from Arachis hypogaea and a mouse monoclonal IgG antibody. The higher valency conjugates generated stronger binding interactions indicating a cluster effect. The inhibitory potential of these glycoPAMAM conjugates toward antibody-coating antigen interactions was enhanced up to 3800 times over that of the monomeric T-antigen residue (10).

Simultaneous binding of mouse monoclonal antibody and streptavidin to heterobifunctional dendritic L-lysine core bearing T-antigen tumor marker and biotin

Thiolated T-antigen [Galbeta-(1-3)-GalNAcalpha, T-Ag] (6), derived in situ from thioacetate 5 was coupled to N-chloroacetylated glycylglycyl L-lysine dendritic cores (7-9) using high yielding substitution reactions to afford di- (10), tetra- (11), and octa-valent (12) glycodendrimers in good yields (76-86%). Heterobifunctional conjugate 14 was prepared as a biosensor from tetravalent conjugate 11 and biotin hydrazide 13 using TBTU strategy. In a solid-phase double sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), biotinylated conjugate 14 was shown to bind to streptavidin used as a coating material. Mouse monoclonal anti T-Ag antibody (IgG3) and horseradish peroxydase-labeled goat anti mouse IgG, used for quantification, were found to bind T-Ag tetramer 14 immobilized on the surface of the streptavin layer. A typical saturation curve was observed for 14 while non-biotinylated tetramer 11 showed no binding in the entire concentration range. These results demonstrate the availability of both haptens toward the T-Ag antibody and streptavidin receptors.

Use of a biosensor to determine the binding kinetics of five lectins for Galactosyl-N-acetylgalactosamine

The dietary lectins, edible mushroom (ABL) and Jacalin (JAC) inhibit the proliferation of colonic cancer cells, whereas Amaranth (ACL) and peanut (PNA) stimulate their proliferation. All these lectins share as their preferred ligand the Thomsen-Friedenreich (TF) antigen galactosyl beta1,3 N-Acetylgalactosamine (Galbeta1,3GalNAc), but differ in their finer specificities for modifications of this determinant and in their specificities for cancerous epithelia. We have investigated, using a resonant mirror biosensor, the kinetics of binding of these lectins, and Maclura pomifera lectin (MPL), which is similar to JAC, to two different Gal-GalNac bearing glycoproteins, antarctic fish antifreeze glycoprotein (AFG) and asialofetuin. JAC had the highest affinity for AFG [K(d) 0.027 microM] due to a fast association rate constant [k(ass) 610,000 (Ms)(-1)]. The other lectins had considerably lower affinities, with K(d) ranging from 0.16 microM (ABL) to 5.7 microM (PNA), largely due to slower k(ass) [ABL 74,000 (Ms)(-1) to PNA 2700 (Ms)(-1)]. Similarly, JAC had a much higher affinity for asialofetuin [K(d) 0.083 microM] than the other lectins [K(d) 1.0 microM-4.5 microM]. Affinities were also calculated from the extent of binding at equlibrium and were generally similar to those calculated from the kinetic parameters indicating the true nature of these values.

Usage of Aplysia lectin interactions with T antigen and poly-N-acetyllactosamine for screening of E. coli strains which bear glycoforms cross-reacting with cancer-associated antigens

Aplysia gonad lectin (AGL), which strongly agglutinates cancer cells, was found, in the present study, to bind to erythrocyte T antigen, in addition to its affinity to Ii system antigens. These antigens were reported to be overexpressed and to contribute to tumor progression and invasion. In healthy human sera, there are antibodies against them, stimulated by the normal intestinal microflora, which bear similar glycoforms. Since the levels of these antibodies were reported to be lower in most cancer patients' sera, we have examined the applicability of AGL to isolation of enteric commensal Escherichia coli strains which bear glycoforms cross-reacting with the cancer-associated antigens. Among 30 E. coli isolates examined, two were agglutinated by AGL. One of them was also agglutinated by certain related galactophilic lectins, which bind to the T and Tn antigens. The agglutination of the two bacteria by healthy human sera, as a group, was stronger than that displayed by the cancer patients' sera. These results indicate that AGL might be useful for identification of the desired bacteria, which could potentially serve for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Synthesis of N,N'-bis(acrylamido)acetic acid-based T-antigen glycodendrimers and their mouse monoclonal IgG antibody binding properties

Novel glycodendrimers based on N,N'-bis(acrylamido)acetic acid core with valencies between two and six were synthesized. The breast cancer-associated T-antigen carbohydrate marker, (beta-Gal-(1-3)-alpha-GalNAc-OR), was then conjugated by (i) 1,4-conjugate addition of thiolated T-antigen to the N-acrylamido dendritic cores and by (ii) amide bond formation between an acid derivative of the T-antigen and the polyamino dendrimers. The protein-binding ability of these new glycodendrimers was fully demonstrated by turbidimetric analysis and by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using peanut lectin from Arachis hypogaea and a mouse monoclonal antibody (MAb) FAA-J11 (IgG3). When tested as inhibitors of binding between MAb and a polymeric form of the T-antigen (T-antigen-co-polyacrylamide) used as a coating antigen, di- (17), tetra- (20), hexa- (21), and tetravalent (22) dendrimers showed IC(50) values of 174, 19, 48, and 18 nM, respectively. Two tetramers showed 120- to approximately 128-fold increased inhibitory properties over the monovalent antigen 6 used as a standard (IC(50) 2.3 mM). Heterobifunctional glycodendrimer bearing a biotin probe was also prepared for cancer cell labeling.

Opposite effects on human colon cancer cell proliferation of two dietary Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen-binding lectins

Increased cell surface expression of the Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen (TF antigen, Galbeta1-3GalNAcalpha-) is a common feature in malignant and pre-malignant epithelia. Our previous studies have shown that dietary TF-binding lectins from peanut (Arachis hypogea) and edible mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) produce marked but different effects on human intestinal epithelial cell proliferation. This study investigates the proliferative effects of the other two known dietary TF-binding lectins: jacalin (Artocarpus integrifolia, JAC) and amaranth lectin (Amaranthus caudatus, ACA). JAC produced dose-dependent and non-cytotoxic inhibition of proliferation in HT29 human colon cancer cells with maximal effects of 46 +/- 4% at 20 microg/ml, whereas ACA produced dose-dependent stimulation of proliferation with maximal effects of 22 +/- 3% at 20 microg/ml when assessed both by incorporation of [3H]thymidine into DNA and by cell counting. The lectin-mediated effects were inhibitable by the presence of appropriate Galbeta1-3GalNAc-expressing glycoproteins but differences existed between JAC and ACA in their patterns of inhibition by such substances. Ligand binding equilibrium studies using iodinated lectins revealed different Kd of the two lectins for HT29 cell surface glycoproteins. Lectin blots of cell membrane extracts showed different binding patterns in all the four TF-binding lectins. These results provide further evidence that dietary TF-binding lectins can have marked effects on the proliferation of human malignant gastro-intestinal epithelial cells and hence may play a role in intestinal cancer development, and also show that the biological effects of dietary lectins cannot be predicted solely from their carbohydrate binding properties.

Chemoenzymatic synthesis of glycopolypeptides carrying alpha-Neu5Ac-(2-->3)-beta-D-Gal-(1-->3)-alpha-D-GalNAc, beta-D-Gal-(1-->3)-alpha-D-GalNAc, and related compounds and analysis of their specific interactions with lectins

Glycopolypeptide (1) carrying the beta-D-Gal-(1-->3)-alpha-D-GalNAc unit as a kind model of asialo-type mucin was synthesized through three steps: enzymatic synthesis of p-nitrophenyl disaccharide glycoside, reduction of the p-nitrophenyl group, and coupling of the amino group with the carboxyl group of poly(L-glutamic acid)s (PGA). In a similar manner, glycopolypeptides (2-7) carrying beta-D-Gal-(1-->3)-beta-D-GalNAc, beta-D-Gal-(1-->3)-beta-D-GlcNAc, beta-D-Gal-(1-->6)-alpha-D-GalNAc, beta-D-Gal-(1-->6)-beta-D-GalNAc, alpha-D-GalNAc, and beta-D-GalNAc, respectively, were synthesized as analogous polymers of polymer 1. Glycopolypeptides 8 and 9 as a mimic of sialo-type mucin were further prepared from polymers 1 and 2 as the acceptor of CMP-Neu5Ac by alpha2,3-(O)-sialyltransferase, respectively. Interactions of these glycopolypeptides with lectins were investigated with the double-diffusion test and the hemagglutination-inhibition assay and in terms of an optical biosensor based on surface plasmon resonance. Polymers 1 and 2 reacted strongly with peanut (Arachis hypogaea) agglutinin (PNA) and Agaricus bisporus agglutinin (ABA). On the other hand, polymers 8 and 9 through sialylation from polymers 1 and 2 reacted with ABA, but did not with PNA. Other polymers 3-7 did not show any reactivity for both the lectins. These results show that PNA acts precisely in an exo manner on the beta-D-Gal-(1-->3)-D-GalNAc sequence, while ABA acts in an endo manner. Polymers 6 and 7 substituted with GalNAc reacted strongly with soybean (Glycine max) agglutinin and Vicia villosa agglutinin B4, regardless of the configuration of the glycosidic linkage. The interaction of all polymers with Bauhinia purpurea agglutinin was much stronger than that of the corresponding sugars. Polymers 8 and 9 reacted with wheat germ (Triticum vulgaris) agglutinin (WGA), to which Neu5Ac residues are needed for binding, but polymers 1 and 2 did not. These sugar-substituted glycopolypeptides interacted specifically with the corresponding lectins. Furthermore, polymers 4-7 reacted with WGA, but the corresponding sugars did not. It suggests that the N-acetyl group along the PGA backbone has a cluster effect for WGA. The artificial glycopolypeptides were shown to be useful as tools and probes of carbohydrate recognition and modeling in the analysis of glycoprotein-lectin interactions.

T-antigen (Gal β3 GaINAc α-) containing glycoproteins of human reace

Desialation of cell surface glycoconjugates due to bacterial or viral infection can expose epitopes like T-antigenic structure which can also occur during oncological transformations. Human platelet plasma membrane glycoproteins were isolated by jacalin affinity chromatography. Potential T-antigen containing glycoproteins which were not reported before could be identified on the Western blot using peanut agglutinin-horse radish peroxidase (PNA-HRP) after neuraminidase treatment. Alpha-galactosyl epitopes recognized by anti-gal were found to be absent in human platelet plasma membrane glycoproteins. Under the experimental conditions employed, the Gp IIbα was identified most rich in T-antigenic structures. Probable role of exposed T-antigenic structures and α-galactosyl epitopes in pathological conditions is discussed. The identity of major glycoprotein bands was confirmed by differential lectin-binding studies with Concanavalin A on the Western blot. The higher binding affinity of jacalin for T-antigenic structures when compared to PNA enabled the isolation and detection of the antigen containing platelet surface glycoproteins which were not reported before.

Structural requirements of carbohydrates to bind Agaricus bisporus lectin

Galbeta1-3GalNAc (T-disaccharide) and related molecules were assayed to describe the structural requirements of carbohydrates to bind Agaricus bisporus lectin (ABL). Results provide insight into the most relevant regions of T-disaccharide involved in the binding of ABL. It was found that monosaccharides bind ABL weakly indicating a more extended carbohydrate-binding site as compared to those involvedin the T-disaccharide specific lectins such as jacalin and peanut agglutinin. Lacto-N-biose (Galbeta1-3GlcNAc) unlike T-disaccharide, is unable to inhibit the ABL interaction, thus showing the great importance of the position of the axial C-4 hydroxyl group of GalNAc in T-disaccharide. This finding could explain the inhibitory ability of Galbeta1-6GlcNAc and lactose because C-4 and C-3 hydroxyl groups of reducing Glc, respectively, occupy a similar position as reported by conformational analysis. From the comparison of different glycolipids bearing terminal T-disaccharide bound to different linkages, it can be seen than ABL binding is even more impaired by an adjacent C-6 residual position than by the anomeric influence of T-disaccharide. Furthermore, the addition of beta-GlcNAc to the terminal T-disaccharide in C-3 position of Gal does not affect the ABL binding whereas if an anionic group such as glucuronic acid is added to C-3, the binding is partially affected. These findings demonstrate that ABL holds a particular binding nature different from that of other T-disaccharide specific lectins.

Invasion potential and N-acetylgalactosamine expression in a human melanoma model

Reactivity of the N-acetylgalactosamine-binding Helix pomatia agglutinin (HPA) in tumours has been associated with poor prognosis and metastasis development. In our LOX/FEMX-I human melanoma model, the binding of HPA correlates with experimental lung metastasis formation in athymic nude mice. In the present study, the metastatic potential of 2 human melanoma cell lines (LOX and FEMX-I) was assessed in relation to carbohydrate and invasive phenotype. Immunocytological and invasion assays highlighted significant differences between these 2 cell lines. Immuno-cytochemical analysis confirmed the widespread expression of HPA-binding glycoconjugates on LOX but not FEMX-I cells. One of these HPA-binding glycoconjugates, the Tn antigen, was expressed highly on the surface of LOX cells but only weakly in the cytoplasm of FEMX-I cells. The sialyl Tn antigen was expressed in FEMX-I but not in LOX cells. There was no difference between the cell lines in adhesion/rate of trapping in athymic nude mouse lung tissues. In Matrigel invasion assays, LOX cells demonstrated an invasion potential more than 6 times greater than that observed with FEMX-I cells. Matrigel invasion of LOX cells was inhibited after incubation with HPA (89%) compared to controls with HPA and GalNAc blocking sugar or without HPA (p < 0.0005 at 5 df). In contrast, there was no inhibitory effect with the anti-Tn antibody IE3. Invasion of FEMX-I cells was not affected by the lectin and the IE3 antibody. Immuno-cytochemical analysis revealed expression of the terminal galactose- and polylactosamine-binding lectin galectin 3 (Mac-2) in these melanoma cell lines. Expression of both the lectin and its receptor may be a contributory feature in the pulmonary invasion of LOX melanoma cells. Overall, our findings suggest that HPA-binding glycoconjugates other than the alphaGalNAc-O-Ser/Thr of the Tn antigen may be important in the extracellular matrix invasion of LOX melanoma cells.

Human monoclonal antibodies specific for the tumour associated Thomsen-Friedenreich antigen

Five hybridomas producing human monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) of IgA and IgM isotypes reacting with the tumour associated TF antigen were generated after in vitro immunisation or antigen specific isolation of normal peripheral blood B cells using asialoglycophorin, a TF containing antigen. All 5 antibodies produced by the hybridomas bound strongly to asialoglycophorin and to synthetic glycoprotein containing the TF-epitope, with preference to the beta form (Galb1-3GalNAc-beta-O-CETE-BSA) as compared to the alpha form (Galbl-3GalNAc-alpha-O-APE-HSA) in ELISA. Flow cytometry analysis revealed binding to carcinoma cell lines of different origin such as breast, colon, pancreas, ovary, bladder, lung and, in addition, to some tumour cell lines of haematopoietic origin. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumour tissues revealed staining patterns typical for mucins, and the antibodies were found to bind to glycoproteins among the MUC-1 positive high m.w. fraction shed from a TF antigen positive ovarian carcinoma cell line.

Differential reactivities of the Arachis hypogaea (peanut) and Vicia villosa B4 lectins with human ovarian carcinoma cells, grown either in vitro or in vivo xenograft model

PNA and VVA B4 recognize the tumor-associated T antigen and its immediate precursor Tn, respectively. We found that both lectins are highly reactive in vitro, with human ovarian carcinoma cell lines, but only VVA B4 bound significantly to breast and oral cancer cells. This binding is inhibited by specific monosaccharides. The lectin binding receptors were purified, revealing a glycoprotein of 32 kDa for PNA, and two glycoproteins of 35 and 38 kDa for VVA B4. In vivo localization of PNA was almost exclusive (except for the kidneys) to the ovarian tumor xenografts. VVA B4 showed wider tissue biodistribution being preferentially accumulated in the tumors and ovaries.