Properties of N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase from isolated normal and I-cell lysosomes

Human alpha-galactosidase A: characterization of the N-linked oligosaccharides on the intracellular and secreted glycoforms overexpressed by Chinese hamster ovary cells

Human alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-Gal A) is the lysosomal glycohydrolase that cleaves the terminal alpha-galactosyl moieties of various glycoconjugates. Overexpression of the enzyme in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells results in high intracellular enzyme accumulation and the selective secretion of active enzyme. Structural analysis of the N -linked oligosaccharides of the intracellular and secreted glycoforms revealed that the secreted enzyme's oligosaccharides were remarkably heterogeneous, having high mannose (63%), complex (30%), and hybrid (5%) structures. The major high mannose oligosaccharides were Man5-7GlcNAc2 species. Approximately 40% of the high mannose and 30% of the hybrid oligosaccharides had phosphate monoester groups. The complex oligosaccharides were mono-, bi-, 2,4-tri-, 2,6-tri- and tetraantennary with or without core-region fucose, many of which had incomplete outer chains. Approximately 30% of the complex oligosaccharides were mono- or disialylated. Sialic acids were mostly N -acetylneuraminic acid and occurred exclusively in alpha2, 3-linkage. In contrast, the intracellular enzyme had only small amounts of complex chains (7.7%) and had predominantly high mannose oligosaccharides (92%), mostly Man5GlcNAc2 and smaller species, of which only 3% were phosphorylated. The complex oligosaccharides were fucosylated and had the same antennary structures as the secreted enzyme. Although most had mature outer chains, none were sialylated. Thus, the overexpression of human alpha-Gal A in CHO cells resulted in different oligosaccharide structures on the secreted and intracellular glycoforms, the highly heterogeneous secreted forms presumably due to the high level expression and impaired glycosylation in the trans- Golgi network, and the predominately Man5-7GlcNAc2 cellular glycoforms resulting from carbohydrate trimming in the lysosome.

Supramolecular assemblies from lysosomal matrix proteins and complex lipids

Most lysosomal hydrolases are soluble enzymes. Lamp-II (lysosome-associated membrane protein-II) is a major constituent of the lysosomal membrane. We studied the aggregation of a series of lysosomal molecules. The aggregation-sensitive lysosomal marker enzymes were optimally aggregated at intralysosomal pH. A similar pH dependence was recorded for aggregation of Lamp-II. The pH-dependent loss of solubility of isolated Lamp-II required components of the lysosome extract. Conditions of mild acid pH promoting aggregation triggered the formation of complexes with lipids of lysosomal origin. We fractionated a membrane-free lysosome extract by gel-filtration chromatography and could reconstitute assemblies in vitro from separated fractions. We found some selectivity in the lysosomal proteins binding to complex lipids, phosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, and phosphatidylethanolamine being most effective. We propose that the formation at pH 5.0 of such supramolecular assemblies between lysosomal proteins and lipids occurs within the intralysosomal environment. Some possible consequences of such an intralysosomal matrix formation on organelle function are discussed.

An endosomal-lysosomal pathway for degradation of amyloid precursor protein

We previously reported evidence for a lysosomal degradative pathway for APP and C-terminal fragments thereof, based on Western and immunocytochemical analysis of drug-treated cells. Here, we verify the existence of a lysosomal degradative pathway for APP using pulse chase immunoprecipitation analysis of drug-treated cells and fibroblasts with and without a known lysosomal hydrolase targeting defect. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that part or all of the beta-protein domain of APP is normally degraded by lysosomes. A mechanism for beta-protein deposition based on this data is hypothesized.

Quantitative correlation between the residual activity of β-hexosaminidase A and arylsulfatase A and the severity of the resulting lysosomal storage disease

A previously suggested model for the correlation between residual activity of a lysosomal enzyme and the turnover rate of its substrate(s) has been extended to a discussion of substrate accumulation rates in individual cells and whole organs. With these considerations, much of the observed variability in age of onset and clinical phenotype, as well as the phenomenon of pseudo-deficiency, can be understood as the consequences of small differences in the residual activity of the affected enzyme. In order to experimentally verify the basic assumptions on which this model rests, studies were performed in cell culture. The radiolabeled substrates ganglioside GM2 and sulfatide were added to cultures of skin fibroblasts with different activities of beta-hexosaminidase A or arylsulfatase A, respectively, and their uptake and turnover measured. In both series of experiments, the correlation between residual enzyme activity and the turnover rate of the substrate was essentially as predicted: degradation increased steeply with residual activity, to reach the control level at a residual activity of approximately 10-15% of normal. All cells with an activity above this critical threshold had a normal turnover. Comparison of the results of these feeding studies with the clinical status of the donor of each cell line basically confirmed our notions but also revealed the limitations of the cell culture approach.

The early and late processing of lysosomal enzymes: proteolysis and compartmentation

Lysosomal enzymes are subjected to a number of modifications including carbohydrate restructuring and proteolytic maturation. Some of these reactions support lysosomal targeting, others are necessary for activation or keeping the enzyme inactive before being segregated, while still others may be adventitious. The non-segregated fraction of the enzyme is secreted and can be isolated from the medium. It is considered that the secreted lysosomal enzymes fulfill certain physiological and pathophysiological roles. By comparing the secreted and the intracellular enzymes it is possible to distinguish between the reactions that occur before and after the segregation. In this review the reactions that may influence the segregation are referred to as the early processing and those characteristic for the enzymes isolated from lysosomal compartments as the late processing. The early processing is characterized mainly by modifications of carbohydrate side chains. In the late processing, proteolytic fragmentation represents the most conspicuous changes. The review focuses on the compartmentation of the reactions and the proteolytic fragmentation of lysosomal enzyme precursors. While a plethora of proteolytic reactions are involved, our knowledge of the proteinases responsible for the particular maturation reactions remains very limited. The review points also to work with cells from patients affected with lysosomal storage disorders, which contributed to our understanding of the lysosomal apparatus.

Binding receptors for alpha-L-fucosidase in human B-lymphoid cell lines

An established mechanism for directing newly made acid hydrolases to lysosomes involves acquisition of mannose 6-phosphate residues by the carbohydrate portion of acid hydrolases followed by binding to specific membrane-bound transport receptors and delivery to lysosomes. Two distinct phosphomannosyl receptors (CI-MPR and CD-MPR) have been identified. Alternative mechanisms for trafficking acid hydrolases exist. This report examines means for the possible receptor-mediated intracellular transport of alpha-L- fucosidase in lymphoid cells. The binding of alpha-L-fucosidase to intact cells and to total cell membrane preparations, in conjunction with immunoassays of solubilized membrane preparations, revealed the presence of CI-MPR and CD-MPR on human lymphoid and fibroblast cell lines. The mean level of CD-MPR in nine lymphoid cell lines was 7.2-fold greater than CI-MPR. The mean level of CI-MPR in two fibroblast lines was 3.8-fold greater than CD-MPR. The mean content of CI-MPR was 19.5-fold greater in the fibroblasts than in the lymphoid cells. The CD-MPR content of fibroblasts and lymphoid cells was nearly equivalent. Among these cell lines were a fibroblast and a lymphoid line from the same individual. These results indicate that human B-lymphoid cells are deficient in CI-MPR and suggest that modulation of expression of CI-MPR and CD-MPR in lymphoid cells differs from that in fibroblasts, including cell lines with identical genomes. No specific receptor capable of binding alpha-L-fucosidase independent of mannose 6-phosphate was demonstrable, despite published results that support the existence of a mannose 6-phosphate independent trafficking mechanism in lymphoid cells for this enzyme.

Lysosomal enzyme activity in human aqueous humor

Activity of the lysosomal enzymes N-acetyl-beta-D-hexosaminidase, alpha-D-mannosidase, beta-D-glucuronidase, and beta-D-galactosidase was detected in aqueous humor from eyes undergoing intraocular surgery. There was no correlation between lysosomal enzyme activity and age. Lysosomal enzyme activity in human released by ocular tissues surrounding the anterior chamber including the cornea, trabecular meshwork, ciliary body, iris, and lens. Their release into aqueous humor may have a role in regulating aqueous outflow in normal and glaucomatous eyes.

A variant of mucolipidosis. II. Clinical, biochemical and pathological investigations

We present in this paper a patient with a clinically intermediate form of mucolipidosis (ML). Lysosomal hydrolase activity in fibroblasts was normal and levels of these enzymes in culture media were not elevated. There was a striking elevation of several hydrolases in serum and a deficiency (15% of normal) of N-acetyl-glucosamine phosphotransferase in fibroblasts. Atypical electron microscopic findings were also observed. There was no evidence of increased synthesis, slower turnover, unbalanced distribution or further changes in lysosomal enzymes. Phosphotransferase deficiency against endogenous beta-glucosaminidase and the fact that the electrophoretic mobility of lysosomal enzymes was identical to that of MLII suggest that these enzymes are not phosphorylated. Hypotheses that could explain this atypical pathology are discussed.

Heterozygosity for phosphodiester glycosidase deficiency: a novel human mutation of lysosomal enzyme processing

We have carried out studies on the fibroblasts of III-3, a clinically normal Lebanese individual previously reported to have abnormally high plasma lysosomal enzyme levels. Mannose-6-phosphate (man-6-P) receptors in III-3 fibroblasts were found to be functioning normally, but the cells had only half normal levels of phosphodiester glycosidase activity. Pinocytosis of III-3 fibroblast secreted beta-hexosaminidase B (hex B) into Sandhoff disease fibroblasts was 18% of control, and the apparent KD for binding of III-3 hex B to man-6-P receptors was 3.7 X 10(-9) M compared to 1.25 X 10(-9) M for control enzyme. Hex B secreted by III-3 fibroblasts included an enzyme pool less electro-negative than control enzyme which had a very low affinity for man-6-P receptors and which did not bind to DEAE-Sephadex. Treatment of this abnormal hex B with exogenous placental phosphodiester glycosidase increased its binding to man-6-P receptors three-fold. Secretion rates of seven lysosomal enzymes from III-3 fibroblasts were, on average, twice as great as rates measured for two I-cell disease heterozygote fibroblast lines. The results suggest that III-3 fibroblasts are heterozygous for phosphodiester glycosidase deficiency. The possibility that an individual homozygous for this enzyme deficiency would develop I-cell disease is discussed.

Ricin-binding properties of acid hydrolases from isolated lysosomes implies prior processing by terminal transferases of the trans-Golgi apparatus

Acid hydrolases were isolated from the lysosome fraction of beta-galactosidase-deficient human fibroblasts and from the mannose 6-phosphate containing medium in which they were grown. Nearly half of the total beta-hexosaminidase and beta-glucuronidase from both sources bound to Ricin specifically. Lysosomal beta-hexosaminidase, metabolically labelled with [35S]-methionine, was also fractionated on Ricin-agarose. SDS-PAGE of immunoprecipitates from Ricin-binding and non-binding fractions revealed approximately equivalent amounts of cross-reacting material at the appropriate MW. We interpret these results to mean that acid hydrolases which are segregated to lysosomes are exposed to trans-Golgi processing enzymes to about the same extent as enzymes which are secreted, and that segregation by the Man 6-P receptor occurs after transit through the trans-Golgi compartment.

I-cell disease and pseudo-Hurler polydystrophy: heterozygote detection and characteristics of the altered N-acetyl-glucosamine-phosphotransferase in genetic variants

The human disorders I-cell disease and pseudo-Hurler polydystrophy (also known as mucolipidosis II and III, respectively) are caused by an inherited deficiency of UDP-GlcNAc: lysosomal enzyme precursor GlcNAc-P transferase activity. The most common genetic variants of these diseases (complementation group A) can be identified in homozygotes and heterozygotes using a GlcNAc-P transferase assay with artificial acceptors and commercially available radiochemicals. The kinetic characteristics of the residual GlcNAc-P transferase activity in complementation group A fibroblasts indicates that the low activity is due to a low Vmax. The measured Michaelis-Menten constants for the substrates UDP-GlcNAc and alpha-methyl mannoside are in the normal range. Homozygotes and heterozygotes of another less common variant of pseudo-Hurler polydystrophy (complementation group C) have normal activity and normal kinetic characteristics with this assay using alpha-methyl mannoside as the acceptor substrate. Several PHP variants with unusual characteristics are discussed.

Distribution of acid hydrolases in subcellular fractions of proliferating vs non-proliferating fibroblasts

We have employed colloidal silica (Percoll) density-gradient subcellular fractionation technique to examine the distribution of lysosomal hydrolases between intermediate vesicles (primary lysosomes) and secondary lysosomes in contact-inhibited non-proliferating vs proliferating chicken embryo fibroblasts. We find that the activities of lysosomal specific enzymes from both phases of growth are distributed within two peaks; however, the relative amounts differ markedly. In normal, non-proliferating cells approx. 60% of the total activities of cathepsin B, beta-mannosidase, alpha-fucosidase, beta-galactosidase and hexosaminidase is recovered in the heavier density fraction corresponding to secondary lysosomes, while less than 9% of the enzyme activities are recovered in the light-density peak. With transformed cells, between 16 and 22% of activity for these enzymes are recovered in the lighter density intermediate vesicle fraction, when less than 40% of the enzyme activities recovered in the heavy density fraction. beta-Glucuronidase distribution was different from that of the above enzymes. First, a more even distribution between the two lysosomal fractions was found with non-proliferating normal cells (33% in heavy-density fraction and 21% in light-density fraction), whereas more than 40% of the total enzyme activity was recovered in the lighter density fraction from transformed cells. Also, the amount of cathepsin B contained in the vesicle fractions is increased severalfold relative to that of contact-inhibited normal cells. However, the apparent differences in enzyme distribution between confluent normal and transformed cells are not found when vesicles are prepared from subconfluent, actively proliferating cultures. We have also compared the Percoll density gradient patterns of membrane vesicles from proliferating and non-proliferating human fibroblasts, since most earlier studies utilized this system. Again, we find that the majority of beta-hexosaminidase activity (41%) of contact-inhibited, confluent cells is recovered in the heavier density fraction with less than 15% in the lighter density fraction. Also, the distribution of beta-hexosaminidase between the heavy density and light density vesicle fractions is altered in homogenates from exponentially growing cells, being 22% and 26% respectively. We conclude that the distribution of lysosomal hydrolases between the two vesicle populations is growth-phase dependent and is markedly heterogeneous in proliferating cells.

Two forms of acid alpha-D-mannosidase in monkey brain: evidence for the co-existence of high mannose and complex oligosaccharides in one form

Lysosomal alpha-D-mannosidase of monkey brain existed in two forms. One form of mannosidase was bound to the Ricinus communis agglutinin120 (RCA1)-Sepharose and could be specifically eluted with lactose. The other form did not bind to the RCA1-Sepharose. Both forms of mannosidase could bind to a similar extent to the immobilized brain lysosomal receptor protein. Both the forms were purified to apparent homogeneity. Neutral sugar analysis by GLC showed the presence of glucose, mannose and galactose in the RCA1-Sepharose bindable mannosidase and glucose and mannose in the non-bindable mannosidase. Several other brain lysosomal hydrolases did not bind to the RCA1-Sepharose. The results suggested the existence of only high mannose oligosaccharides in the RCA1 non-bindable mannosidase and both high mannose and complex oligosaccharides in the bindable mannosidase.

Lysosomal and microsomal beta-glucuronidase of monkey brain. Differential elution characteristics from con A-sepharose and neutral sugar composition

Microsomal and lysosomal beta-glucuronidase (beta-D-glucuronide glucuronosohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.31) of monkey brain were differentially eluted from Con A-Sepharose when subjected to chromatography and linear gradient elution with methyl alpha-glucoside at 28+/-1 degree C. The lysosomal enzyme was eluted as a sharp peak in the first few fractions, while the microsomal enzyme was eluted as a broad peak extending over several fractions. This differential pattern of elution was dependent only on the temperature of elution and the concentration of methyl alpha-glucoside used. The lysosomal and microsomal glucuronidases were purified to apparent homogeneity and their neutral sugar analysed. Both of them contained glucose, mannose and fucose but the microsomal enzyme contained about 3-times as much of all these sugars as the lysosomal enzyme. Sodium periodate treatment of the microsomal enzyme resulted in a shift in its elution pattern, similar to the lysosomal enzyme when subjected to Con A-Sepharose chromatography. The content of neutral sugars and the structural features of the oligosaccharide units in the microsomal glucuronidase might be responsible for its elution pattern. A processing of the carbohydrate units of the microsomal glucuronidase might be envisaged to take place if it were to act as a precursor of the lysosomal glucuronidase.