The structure of bovine lysosomal alpha-mannosidase suggests a novel mechanism for low-pH activation

ZNT5-6 and ZNT7 play an integral role in protein N-glycosylation by supplying Zn2+ to Golgi α-mannosidase II

The stepwise addition of monosaccharides to N-glycans attached to client proteins to generate a repertoire of mature proteins involves a concerted action of many glycosidases and glycosyltransferases. Here, we report that Golgi α-mannosidase II (GMII), a pivotal enzyme catalyzing the first step in the conversion of hybrid- to complex-type N-glycans, is activated by Zn2+ supplied by the early secretory compartment-resident ZNT5-ZNT6 heterodimers (ZNT5-6) and ZNT7 homodimers (ZNT7). Loss of ZNT5-6 and ZNT7 function results in marked accumulation of hybrid-type and complex/hybrid glycans with concomitant reduction of complex- and high-mannose-type glycans. In cells lacking the ZNT5-6 and ZNT7 functions, the GMII activity is substantially decreased. In contrast, the activity of its homolog, lysosomal mannosidase (LAMAN), is not decreased. Moreover, we show that the growth of pancreatic cancer MIA PaCa-2 cells lacking ZNT5-6 and ZNT7 is significantly decreased in a nude mouse xenograft model. Our results indicate the integral roles of ZNT5-6 and ZNT7 in N-glycosylation and highlight their potential as novel target proteins for cancer therapy.

Expression and Characterization of a GH38 α-Mannosidase from the Hyperthermophile Pseudothermotoga thermarum

This study focused on the bio-characterization of a GH38 α-mannosidase from the hyperthermophile Pseudothermotoga thermarum DSM 5069. We aimed to successfully express and characterize this thermophilic α-mannosidase and to assess its functional properties. Subsequently, recombinant α-mannosidase PtαMan was expressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) and purified via affinity chromatography, and native protein was verified as a tetramer by size exclusion chromatography. In addition, the activity of α-mannosidase PtαMan was relatively stable at pH 5.0-6.5 and temperatures up to 75 ℃. α-Mannosidase PtαMan was active toward Co²⁺ and had a good catalytic efficiency deduced from the kinetic parameters. However, its activity was strongly inhibited by Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, SDS, and swainsonine. In summary, this cobalt-required α-mannosidase is putatively involved in the direct modification of glycoproteins.

Biochemical characteristics of point mutated Capra hircus lysosome α-mannosidase

Locoweeds, a type of poisonous weedare, are widely distributed throughout the world and have a significant impact on the development of herbivore animal husbandry. Swainsonine (SW), the main toxin in locoweeds, can competitively inhibit lysosomes α-mannosidase (LAM) in animal cells, resulting in α-mannosidosis. However, the specifics of the interaction between SW and LAM are still unclear. Here, we used molecular docking to predicte the interaction points between SW and LAM, built mutated lysosomes α-mannosidase (LAM^M), and analyzed its biochemical properties changes in presumption points. The Trp at the 28th position and the Tyr at the 599th position of the LAM were interaction point candidates, and the above two amino acids in Capra hircus LAM (chLAM), were successfully mutated to glycine by constructing recombinant yeast GS115/PIC9K- LAM^M. The results showed that the sensitivity of Capra hircus LAM^M (chLAM^M), to SW decreased significantly compared with wild-type LAM, the enzyme activity of LAM decreased approximately threefold, the optimum temperature of LAM^M decreased from 55°C to 50°C, the optimum pH value increased from 4.5 to 5.0, and the effects of Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Al³⁺, Co²⁺, Cr³⁺, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) on LAM enzyme activity before and after point mutation changed significantly. These findings help us better understanding the molecular mechanism of the interaction mechanism between SW and chLAM, and provide new reference for solving locoweeds poisoning.

Mechanism of high-mannose N-glycan breakdown and metabolism by Bifidobacterium longum

Bifidobacteria are early colonizers of the human gut and play central roles in human health and metabolism. To thrive in this competitive niche, these bacteria evolved the capacity to use complex carbohydrates, including mammalian N-glycans. Herein, we elucidated pivotal biochemical steps involved in high-mannose N-glycan utilization by Bifidobacterium longum. After N-glycan release by an endo-β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, the mannosyl arms are trimmed by the cooperative action of three functionally distinct glycoside hydrolase 38 (GH38) α-mannosidases and a specific GH125 α-1,6-mannosidase. High-resolution cryo-electron microscopy structures revealed that bifidobacterial GH38 α-mannosidases form homotetramers, with the N-terminal jelly roll domain contributing to substrate selectivity. Additionally, an α-glucosidase enables the processing of monoglucosylated N-glycans. Notably, the main degradation product, mannose, is isomerized into fructose before phosphorylation, an unconventional metabolic route connecting it to the bifid shunt pathway. These findings shed light on key molecular mechanisms used by bifidobacteria to use high-mannose N-glycans, a perennial carbon and energy source in the intestinal lumen.

Synthesis, α-mannosidase inhibition studies and molecular modeling of 1,4-imino-ᴅ-lyxitols and their C-5-altered N-arylalkyl derivatives

A synthesis of 1,4-imino-ᴅ-lyxitols and their N-arylalkyl derivatives altered at C-5 is reported. Their inhibitory activity and selectivity toward four GH38 α-mannosidases (two Golgi types: GMIIb from Drosophila melanogaster and AMAN-2 from Caenorhabditis elegans, and two lysosomal types: LManII from Drosophila melanogaster and JBMan from Canavalia ensiformis) were investigated. 6-Deoxy-DIM was found to be the most potent inhibitor of AMAN-2 (K _i = 0.19 μM), whose amino acid sequence and 3D structure of the active site are almost identical to the human α-mannosidase II (GMII). Although 6-deoxy-DIM was 3.5 times more potent toward AMAN-2 than DIM, their selectivity profiles were almost the same. N-Arylalkylation of 6-deoxy-DIM resulted only in a partial improvement as the selectivity was enhanced at the expense of potency. Structural and physicochemical properties of the corresponding inhibitor:enzyme complexes were analyzed by molecular modeling.

1,4-Dideoxy-1,4-imino-D- and L-lyxitol-based inhibitors bind to Golgi α-mannosidase II in different protonation forms

The development of effective inhibitors of Golgi α-mannosidase II (GMII, E.C.3.2.1.114) with minimal off-target effects on phylogenetically-related lysosomal α-mannosidase (LMan, E.C.3.2.1.24) is a complex task due to the complicated structural and chemical properties of their active sites. The pKa values (and also protonation forms in some cases) of several ionizable amino acids, such as Asp, Glu, His or Arg of enzymes, can be changed upon the binding of the inhibitor. Moreover, GMII and LMan work under different pH conditions. The pKa calculations on large enzyme-inhibitor complexes and FMO-PIEDA energy decomposition analysis were performed on the structures of selected inhibitors obtained from docking and hybrid QM/MM calculations. Based on the calculations, the roles of the amino group incorporated in the ring of the imino-D-lyxitol inhibitors and some ionizable amino acids of Golgi-type (Asp270-Asp340-Asp341 of Drosophila melanogaster α-mannosidase dGMII) and lysosomal-type enzymes (His209-Asp267-Asp268 of Canavalia ensiformis α-mannosidase, JBMan) were explained in connection with the observed inhibitory properties. The pyrrolidine ring of the imino-D-lyxitols prefers at the active site of dGMII the neutral form while in JBMan the protonated form, whereas that of imino-L-lyxitols prefers the protonation form in both enzymes. The calculations indicate that the binding mechanism of inhibitors to the active-site of α-mannosidases is dependent on the inhibitor structure and could be used to design new selective inhibitors of GMII. A series of novel synthetic N-substituted imino-D-lyxitols were evaluated with four enzymes from the glycoside hydrolase GH38 family (two of Golgi-type, Drosophila melanogaster GMIIb and Caenorhabditis elegans AMAN-2, and two of lysosomal-type, Drosophila melanogaster LManII and Canavalia ensiformis JBMan, enzymes). The most potent structures [N-9-amidinononyl and N-2-(1-naphthyl)ethyl derivatives] inhibited GMIIb (Ki = 40 nM) and AMAN-2 (Ki = 150 nM) with a weak selectivity index (SI) toward Golgi-type enzymes of IC50(LManII)/IC50(GMIIb) = 35 or IC50(JBMan)/IC50(AMAN-2) = 86. On the other hand, weaker micromolar inhibitors, such as N-2-naphthylmethyl or 4-iodobenzyl derivatives [IC50(GMIIb) = 2.4 μM and IC50 (AMAN-2) = 7.6 μM], showed a significant SI in the range from 111 to 812.

Harnessing natural-product-inspired combinatorial chemistry and computation-guided synthesis to develop N-glycan modulators as anticancer agents

Modulation of N-glycosylation using human Golgi α-mannosidase II (α-hGMII) inhibitors is a potential anticancer approach, but the clinical utility of current α-hGMII inhibitors is limited by their co-inhibition of human lysosomal α-mannosidase (α-hLM), resulting in abnormal storage of oligomannoses. We describe the synthesis and screening of a small library of novel bicyclic iminosugar-based scaffolds, prepared via natural product-inspired combinatorial chemistry (NPICC), which resulted in the identification of a primary α-hGMII inhibitor with 13.5-fold selectivity over α-hLM. Derivatization of this primary inhibitor using computation-guided synthesis (CGS) yielded an advanced α-hGMII inhibitor with nanomolar potency and 106-fold selectivity over α-hLM. In vitro studies demonstrated its N-glycan modulation and inhibitory effect on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. In vivo studies confirmed its encouraging anti-HCC activity, without evidence of oligomannose accumulation.

An integrated strategy of Natural-Product-Inspired Combinatorial Chemistry (NPICC) and Computation-Guided Synthesis is used to develop an α-hGMII inhibitor with 106-fold selectivity over α-hLM, with inhibitory effect on hepatocellular carcinoma.

Targeting cancer via Golgi α-mannosidase II inhibition: How far have we come in developing effective inhibitors?

Dysregulation of glycosylation pathways has been well documented in several types of cancer, where it often participates in cancer development and progression, especially cancer metastasis. Hence, inhibition of glycosidases such as mannosidases can disrupt the biosynthesis of glycans on cell surface glycoproteins and modify their role in carcinogenesis and metastasis. Several reviews have delineated the role of N-glycosylation in cancer, but the data regarding effective inhibitors remains sparse. Golgi α-mannosidase has been an attractive therapeutic target for preventing the formation of ß1,6-branched complex type N-glycans. However, due to its high structural similarity to the broadly specific lysosomal α-mannosidase, undesired co-inhibition occurs and this leads to serious side effects that complicates its potential role as a therapeutic agent. Even though extensive efforts have been geared towards the discovery of effective inhibitors, no breakthrough has been achieved thus far which could allow for their use in clinical settings. Improving the specificity of current inhibitors towards Golgi α-mannosidase is requisite in progressing this class of compounds in cancer chemotherapy. In this review, we highlight a few potent and selective inhibitors discovered up to the present to guide researchers for rational design of further effective inhibitors to overcome the issue of specificity.

Enzyme Replacement Therapy for Genetic Disorders Associated with Enzyme Deficiency

Mutations in human genes might lead to loss of functional proteins, causing diseases. Among these genetic disorders, a large class is associated with the deficiency in metabolic enzymes, resulting in both an increase in the concentration of substrates and a loss in the metabolites produced by the catalyzed reactions. The identification of therapeutic actions based on small molecules represents a challenge to medicinal chemists because the target is missing. Alternative approaches are biology-based, ranging from gene and stem cell therapy, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, distinct types of RNAs, and enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). This review will focus on the latter approach that since the 1990s has been successfully applied to cure many rare diseases, most of them being lysosomal storage diseases or metabolic diseases. So far, a dozen enzymes have been approved by FDA/EMA for lysosome storage disorders and only a few for metabolic diseases. Enzymes for replacement therapy are mainly produced in mammalian cells and some in plant cells and yeasts and are further processed to obtain active, highly bioavailable, less degradable products. Issues still under investigation for the increase in ERT efficacy are the optimization of enzymes interaction with cell membrane and internalization, the reduction in immunogenicity, and the overcoming of blood-brain barrier limitations when neuronal cells need to be targeted. Overall, ERT has demonstrated its efficacy and safety in the treatment of many genetic rare diseases, both saving newborn lives and improving patients' life quality, and represents a very successful example of targeted biologics.

Selective Golgi α-mannosidase II inhibitors: N-alkyl substituted pyrrolidines with a basic functional group

Enzymatic assays, molecular modeling and NMR studies of novel 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-l-lyxitols provided new information on the GH38 family enzyme inhibitors and their selectivity.

Synthesis of hydroxymethyl analogues of mannostatin A and their evaluation as inhibitors of GH38 α-mannosidases

Analogues of mannostatin A were synthesised and evaluated as inhibitors of GH38 α-mannosidases. Different regioselectivity of aziridine opening with sodium methanethiolate was observed and investigated by quantum mechanics calculations.

Cryo-EM structure of fission yeast tetrameric α-mannosidase Ams1

Fungal α‐mannosidase Ams1 and its mammalian homolog MAN2C1 hydrolyze terminal α‐linked mannoses in free oligosaccharides released from misfolded glycoproteins or lipid‐linked oligosaccharide donors. Ams1 is transported by selective autophagy into vacuoles. Here, we determine the tetrameric structure of Ams1 from the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe at 3.2 Å resolution by cryo‐electron microscopy. Distinct from a low resolution structure of S. cerevisiae Ams1, S. pombe Ams1 has a prominent N‐terminal tail that mediates tetramerization and an extra β‐sheet domain. Ams1 shares a conserved active site with other enzymes in glycoside hydrolase family 38, to which Ams1 belongs, but contains extra N‐terminal domains involved in tetramerization. The atomic structure of Ams1 reported here will aid understanding of its enzymatic activity and transport mechanism.

Genomic and transcriptomic landscapes and evolutionary dynamics of molluscan glycoside hydrolase families with implications for algae-feeding biology

•

Genome-wide characterization of GH families is conducted for Mollusca.

•

GH9, GH10, GH18 and GH20 families are remarkably expanded in molluscs.

•

The wide adoption of CBMs likely facilitates the hydrolysis of polysaccharides.

•

Hepatopancreas is the main organ for the prominent expression of GH families.

•

Functional divergence of GH families possibly contributes to their adaptive roles.

The hydrolysis of sugar-containing compounds by glycoside hydrolases (GHs) plays essential roles in many major biological processes, but to date our systematic understanding of the functional diversity and evolution of GH families remains largely limited to a few well-studied terrestrial animals. Molluscs represent the largest marine phylum in the animal kingdom, and many of them are herbivorous that utilize algae as a main nutritional source, making them good subjects for studying the functional diversity and adaptive evolution of GH families. In the present study, we conducted genome-wide identification and functional and evolutionary analysis of all GH families across major molluscan lineages. We revealed that the remarkable expansion of the GH9, GH10, GH18 and GH20 families and the wide adoption of carbohydrate-binding modules in molluscan expanded GH families likely contributed to the efficient hydrolysis of marine algal polysaccharides and were involved in the consolidation of molluscan algae-feeding habits. Gene expression and network analysis revealed the hepatopancreas as the main organ for the prominent expression of approximately half of the GH families (well corresponding to the digestive roles of the hepatopancreas) and key or hub GHs in the coexpression gene network with potentially diverse functionalities. We also revealed the evolutionary signs of differential expansion and functional divergence of the GH family, which possibly contributed to lineage-specific adaptation. Systematic analysis of GH families at both genomic and transcriptomic levels provides important clues for understanding the functional divergence and evolution of GH gene families in molluscs in relation to their algae-feeding biology.

Enterococcus faecalis α1-2-mannosidase (EfMan-I): an efficient catalyst for glycoprotein N-glycan modification

While multiple α 1-2-mannosidases are necessary for glycoprotein N-glycan maturation in vertebrates, a single bacterial α1-2-mannosidase can be sufficient to cleave all α1-2-linked mannose residues in host glycoprotein N-glycans. We report here the characterization and crystal structure of a new α1-2-mannosidase (EfMan-I) from Enterococcus faecalis, a Gram-positive opportunistic human pathogen. EfMan-I catalyzes the cleavage of α1-2-mannose from not only oligomannoses but also high-mannose-type N-glycans on glycoproteins. Its 2.15 Å resolution crystal structure reveals a two-domain enzyme fold similar to other CAZy GH92 mannosidases. An unexpected potassium ion was observed bridging two domains near the active site. These findings support EfMan-I as an effective catalyst for in vitro N-glycan modification of glycoproteins with high-mannose-type N-glycans.

Synthesis of 1,4-imino-L-lyxitols modified at C-5 and their evaluation as inhibitors of GH38 α-mannosidases

A synthetic approach to 1,4-imino-L-lyxitols with various modifications at the C-5 position is reported. These imino-L-lyxitol cores were used for the preparation of a series of N-(4-halobenzyl)polyhydroxypyrrolidines. An impact of the C-5 modification on the inhibition and selectivity against GH38 α-mannosidases from Drosophila melanogaster, the Golgi (GMIIb) and lysosomal (LManII) mannosidases and commercial jack bean α-mannosidase from Canavalia ensiformis was evaluated. The modification at C-5 affected their inhibitory activity against the target GMIIb enzyme. In contrast, no inhibition effect of the pyrrolidines against LManII was observed. The modification of the imino-L-lyxitol core is therefore a suitable motif for the design of inhibitors with desired selectivity against the target GMIIb enzyme.

Structural Basis of Outstanding Multivalent Effects in Jack Bean α-Mannosidase Inhibition

Multivalent design of glycosidase inhibitors is a promising strategy for the treatment of diseases involving enzymatic hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds in carbohydrates. An essential prerequisite for successful applications is the atomic-level understanding of how outstanding binding enhancement occurs with multivalent inhibitors. Herein we report the first high-resolution crystal structures of the Jack bean α-mannosidase (JBα-man) in apo and inhibited states. The three-dimensional structure of JBα-man in complex with the multimeric cyclopeptoid-based inhibitor displaying the largest binding enhancements reported so far provides decisive insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying multivalent effects in glycosidase inhibition.

N-Benzyl Substitution of Polyhydroxypyrrolidines: The Way to Selective Inhibitors of Golgi α-Mannosidase II

Inhibition of the biosynthesis of complex N-glycans in the Golgi apparatus influences progress of tumor growth and metastasis. Golgi α-mannosidase II (GMII) has become a therapeutic target for drugs with anticancer activities. One critical task for successful application of GMII drugs in medical treatments is to decrease their unwanted co-inhibition of lysosomal α-mannosidase (LMan), a weakness of all known potent GMII inhibitors. A series of novel N-substituted polyhydroxypyrrolidines was synthesized and tested with modeled GH38 α-mannosidases from Drosophila melanogaster (GMIIb and LManII). The most potent structures inhibited GMIIb (K_i =50-76 μm, as determined by enzyme assays) with a significant selectivity index of IC₅₀ (LManII)/IC₅₀ (GMIIb) >100. These compounds also showed inhibitory activities in in vitro assays with cancer cell lines (leukemia, IC₅₀ =92-200 μm) and low cytotoxic activities in normal fibroblast cell lines (IC₅₀ >200 μm). In addition, they did not show any significant inhibitory activity toward GH47 Aspergillus saitoiα1,2-mannosidase. An appropriate stereo configuration of hydroxymethyl and benzyl functional groups on the pyrrolidine ring of the inhibitor may lead to an inhibitor with the required selectivity for the active site of a target α-mannosidase.

Genome-wide identification, functional prediction, and evolutionary analysis of the R2R3-MYB superfamily in Brassica napus

R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs) have been shown to play important roles in plants, including in development and in various stress conditions. Phylogenetic analysis showed the presence of 249 R2R3-MYB TFs in Brassica napus, called BnaR2R3-MYB TFs, clustered into 38 clades. BnaR2R3-MYB TFs were distributed on 19 chromosomes of B. napus. Sixteen gene clusters were identified. BnaR2R3-MYB TFs were characterized by motif prediction, gene structure analysis, and gene ontology. Evolutionary analysis revealed that BnaR2R3-MYB TFs are mainly formed as a result of whole-genome duplication. Orthologs and paralogs of BnaR2R3-MYB TFs were identified in B. napus, B. rapa, B. oleracea, and Arabidopsis thaliana using synteny-based methods. Purifying selection was pervasive within R2R3-MYB TFs. K_n/K_s values lower than 0.3 indicated that BnaR2R3-MYB TFs are being functionally converged. The role of gene conversion in the formation of BnaR2R3-MYB TFs was significant. Cis-regulatory elements in the upstream regions of BnaR2R3-MYB genes, miRNA targeting BnaR2R3MYB TFs, and post translational modifications were identified. Digital expression data revealed that BnaR2R3-MYB genes were highly expressed in the roots and under high salinity treatment after 24 h. BnaMYB21, BnaMYB141, and BnaMYB148 have been suggested for improving salt-tolerant B. napus. BnaR2R3-MYB genes were mostly up regulated on the 14th day post inoculation with Leptosphaeria biglobosa and L. maculan. BnaMYB150 is a candidate for increased tolerance to Leptospheria in B. napus.

Construction of giant glycosidase inhibitors from iminosugar-substituted fullerene macromonomers

An ultra-fast synthetic procedure based on grafting of twelve fullerene macromonomers onto a fullerene hexa-adduct core was used for the preparation of a giant molecule with 120 peripheral iminosugar residues. The inhibition profile of this giant iminosugar ball was evaluated against various glycosidases. In the particular case of the Jack bean α-mannosidase, a dramatic enhancement of the glycosidase inhibitory effect was observed for the giant molecule with 120 peripheral subunits as compared to that of the corresponding mono- and dodecavalent model compounds.

Carbohydrate-Processing Enzymes of the Lysosome: Diseases Caused by Misfolded Mutants and Sugar Mimetics as Correcting Pharmacological Chaperones

Lysosomal storage diseases are hereditary disorders caused by mutations on genes encoding for one of the more than fifty lysosomal enzymes involved in the highly ordered degradation cascades of glycans, glycoconjugates, and other complex biomolecules in the lysosome. Several of these metabolic disorders are associated with the absence or the lack of activity of carbohydrate-processing enzymes in this cell compartment. In a recently introduced therapy concept, for susceptible mutants, small substrate-related molecules (so-called pharmacological chaperones), such as reversible inhibitors of these enzymes, may serve as templates for the correct folding and transport of the respective protein mutant, thus improving its concentration and, consequently, its enzymatic activity in the lysosome. Carbohydrate-processing enzymes in the lysosome, related lysosomal diseases, and the scope and limitations of reported reversible inhibitors as pharmacological chaperones are discussed with a view to possibly extending and improving research efforts in this area of orphan diseases.

Using DFT methodology for more reliable predictive models: Design of inhibitors of Golgi α-Mannosidase II

Human Golgi α-mannosidase II (GMII), a zinc ion co-factor dependent glycoside hydrolase (E.C.3.2.1.114), is a pharmaceutical target for the design of inhibitors with anti-cancer activity. The discovery of an effective inhibitor is complicated by the fact that all known potent inhibitors of GMII are involved in unwanted co-inhibition with lysosomal α-mannosidase (LMan, E.C.3.2.1.24), a relative to GMII. Routine empirical QSAR models for both GMII and LMan did not work with a required accuracy. Therefore, we have developed a fast computational protocol to build predictive models combining interaction energy descriptors from an empirical docking scoring function (Glide-Schrödinger), Linear Interaction Energy (LIE) method, and quantum mechanical density functional theory (QM-DFT) calculations. The QSAR models were built and validated with a library of structurally diverse GMII and LMan inhibitors and non-active compounds. A critical role of QM-DFT descriptors for the more accurate prediction abilities of the models is demonstrated. The predictive ability of the models was significantly improved when going from the empirical docking scoring function to mixed empirical-QM-DFT QSAR models (Q(2)=0.78-0.86 when cross-validation procedures were carried out; and R(2)=0.81-0.83 for a testing set). The average error for the predicted ΔGbind decreased to 0.8-1.1kcalmol(-1). Also, 76-80% of non-active compounds were successfully filtered out from GMII and LMan inhibitors. The QSAR models with the fragmented QM-DFT descriptors may find a useful application in structure-based drug design where pure empirical and force field methods reached their limits and where quantum mechanics effects are critical for ligand-receptor interactions. The optimized models will apply in lead optimization processes for GMII drug developments.

Insect midgut α-mannosidases from family 38 and 47 with emphasis on those of Tenebrio molitor

α-Mannosidases are enzymes which remove non-reducing terminal residues from glycoconjugates. Data on both GH47 and GH38 (Golgi and lysosomal) enzymes are available. Data on insect midgut α-mannosidases acting in digestion are preliminary and do not include enzyme sequences. Tenebrio molitor midgut α-mannosidases were separated by chromatography into two activity peaks: a major (Man1) and a minor (Man2). An antibody generated against a synthetic peptide corresponding to a sequence of α-mannosidase fragment recognizes Man2 but not Man1. That fragment was later found to correspond to TmMan2 (GenBank access KP892646), showing that the cDNA coding for Man2 is actually TmMan2. TmMan2 codes for a mature α-mannosidase with 107.5 kDa. Purified Man2 originates after SDS-PAGE one band of about 72 kDa and another of 51 kDa, which sums 123 kDa, in agreement with gel filtration (123 kDa) data. These results suggest that Man2 is processed into peptides that remain noncovalently linked within the functional enzyme. The physical and kinetical properties of purified Man1 and Man2 are similar. They have a molecular mass of 123 kDa (gel filtration), pH optimum (5.6) and response to inhibitors like swainsonine (Man1 Ki, 68 nM; Man2 Ki, 63 nM) and deoxymannojirimycin (Man1 Ki, 0.12 mM; Man2 Ki, 0.15 mM). Their substrate specificities are a little different as Man2 hydrolyzes α-1,3 and α-1,6 bonds better than α-1,2, whereas the contrary is true for Man1. Thus, they pertain to Class II (GH38 α-mannosidases), that are catabolic α-mannosidases similar to lysosomal α-mannosidase. However, Man2, in contrast to true lysosomal α-mannosidase, is secreted (immunocytolocalization data) into the midgut contents. There, Man2 may participate in digestion of fungal cell walls, known to have α-mannosides in their outermost layer. The amount of family 38 α-mannosidase sequences found in the transcriptome (454 pyrosequencing) of the midgut of 9 insects pertaining to 5 orders is perhaps related to the diet of these organisms, as suggested by a large number of lysosomal α-mannosidase in the T. molitor midgut.

Analysis of site-specific N-glycan remodeling in the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi

The hallmark of N-linked protein glycosylation is the generation of diverse glycan structures in the secretory pathway. Dynamic, non-template-driven processes of N-glycan remodeling in the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi provide the cellular setting for structural diversity. We applied newly developed mass spectrometry-based analytics to quantify site-specific N-glycan remodeling of the model protein Pdi1p expressed in insect cells. Molecular dynamics simulation, mutational analysis, kinetic studies of in vitro processing events and glycan flux analysis supported the defining role of the protein in N-glycan processing.

amamutdb.no: A relational database for MAN2B1 allelic variants that compiles genotypes, clinical phenotypes, and biochemical and structural data of mutant MAN2B1 in α-mannosidosis

α-Mannosidosis is an autosomal recessive lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the MAN2B1 gene, encoding lysosomal α-mannosidase. The disorder is characterized by a range of clinical phenotypes of which the major manifestations are mental impairment, hearing impairment, skeletal changes, and immunodeficiency. Here, we report an α-mannosidosis mutation database, amamutdb.no, which has been constructed as a publicly accessible online resource for recording and analyzing MAN2B1 variants (http://amamutdb.no). Our aim has been to offer structured and relational information on MAN2B1 mutations and genotypes along with associated clinical phenotypes. Classifying missense mutations, as pathogenic or benign, is a challenge. Therefore, they have been given special attention as we have compiled all available data that relate to their biochemical, functional, and structural properties. The α-mannosidosis mutation database is comprehensive and relational in the sense that information can be retrieved and compiled across datasets; hence, it will facilitate diagnostics and increase our understanding of the clinical and molecular aspects of α-mannosidosis. We believe that the amamutdb.no structure and architecture will be applicable for the development of databases for any monogenic disorder.

Mutational analysis of divalent metal ion binding in the active site of class II α-mannosidase from Sulfolobus solfataricus

Mutational analysis of Sulfolobus solfataricus class II α-mannosidase was focused on side chains that interact with the hydroxyls of the -1 mannosyl of the substrate (Asp-534) or form ligands to the active site divalent metal ion (His-228 and His-533) judged from crystal structures of homologous enzymes. D534A and D534N appeared to be completely inactive. When compared to the wild-type enzyme, the mutant enzymes in general showed only small changes in K(M) for the substrate, p-nitrophenyl-α-mannoside, but elevated activation constants, K(A), for the divalent metal ion (Co²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mn²⁺, or Cd²⁺). Some mutant enzyme forms displayed an altered preference for the metal ion compared to that of the wild type-enzyme. Furthermore, the H228Q, H533E, and H533Q enzymes were inhibited at increasing Zn²⁺ concentrations. The catalytic rate was reduced for all enzymes compared to that of the wild-type enzyme, although less dramatically with some activating metal ions. No major differences in the pH dependence between wild-type and mutant enzymes were found in the presence of different metal ions. The pH optimum was 5, but enzyme instability was observed at pH <4.5; therefore, only the basic limb of the bell-shaped pH profile was analyzed.

'Click chemistry' synthesis of 1-(α-D-mannopyranosyl)-1,2,3-triazoles for inhibition of α-mannosidases

Three new triazole conjugates derived from d-mannose were synthesized and assayed in in vitro assays to investigate their ability to inhibit α-mannosidase enzymes from the glycoside hydrolase (GH) families 38 and 47. The triazole conjugates were more selective for a GH47 α-mannosidase (Aspergillus saitoi α1,2-mannosidase), showing inhibition at the micromolar level (IC50 values of 50-250 μM), and less potent towards GH38 mannosidases (IC50 values in the range of 0.5-6 mM towards jack bean α-mannosidase or Drosophila melanogaster lysosomal and Golgi α-mannosidases). The highest selectivity ratio [IC50(GH38)/IC50(GH47)] of 100 was exhibited by the phenyltriazole conjugate. To understand structure-activity properties of synthesized compounds, 3-D complexes of inhibitors with α-mannosidases were built using molecular docking calculations.

The natural course and complications of alpha-mannosidosis--a retrospective and descriptive study

Most alpha-mannosidosis patients described have been children and information on the natural course of the disorder has been based on a very limited number of observations. In order to assess the disease presentation in detail and to study disease characteristics, a study was started in 1991 and has been ongoing for over 20 years. Patients with confirmed alpha-mannosidosis were recruited through The International Society for Mannosidosis and Related Diseases (ISMRD) where families affected with alpha-mannosidosis received a questionnaire on general clinical information to be filled out by the responsible physician. The questionnaire was returned by 125 patients (64%). Of these, 45 patients were 15 years old or older at the time of evaluation. The questionnaire allowed us to assess the following features: Facial dysmorphism, columnar disease, arthritis, myopathy, hearing impairment, mental impairment, psychosis, bone disease and motor function as well as general health. This study describes the progression of alpha-mannosidosis and may be helpful in determining the clinical characteristics for assessments of prognosis.

Jack bean α-mannosidase: amino acid sequencing and N-glycosylation analysis of a valuable glycomics tool

Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) seeds contain several biologically important proteins among which α-mannosidase (EC 3.2.1.24) has been purified, its biochemical properties studied and widely used in glycan analysis. In the present study, we have used the purified enzyme and derived its amino acid sequence covering both the known subunits (molecular mass of ∼66,000 and ∼44,000 Da) hitherto not known in its entirety. Peptide de novo sequencing and structural elucidation of N-glycopeptides obtained either directly from proteolytic digestion or after zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography solid phase extraction-based separation were performed by use of nanoelectrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry and low-energy collision-induced dissociation experiments. De novo sequencing provided new insights into the disulfide linkage organization, intersection of subunits and complete N-glycan structures along with site specificities. The primary sequence suggests that the enzyme belongs to glycosyl hydrolase family 38 and the N-glycan sequence analysis revealed high-mannose oligosaccharides, which were found to be heterogeneous with varying number of hexoses viz, Man8-9GlcNAc2 and Glc1Man9GlcNAc2 in an evolutionarily conserved N-glycosylation site. This site with two proximal cysteines is present in all the acidic α-mannosidases reported so far in eukaryotes. Further, a truncated paucimannose type was identified to be lacking terminal two mannose, Man1(Xyl)GlcNAc2 (Fuc).

Human α-L-iduronidase uses its own N-glycan as a substrate-binding and catalytic module

N-glycosylation is a major posttranslational modification that endows proteins with various functions. It is established that N-glycans are essential for the correct folding and stability of some enzymes; however, the actual effects of N-glycans on their activities are poorly understood. Here, we show that human α-l-iduronidase (hIDUA), of which a dysfunction causes accumulation of dermatan/heparan sulfate leading to mucopolysaccharidosis type I, uses its own N-glycan as a substrate binding and catalytic module. Structural analysis revealed that the mannose residue of the N-glycan attached to N372 constituted a part of the substrate-binding pocket and interacted directly with a substrate. A deglycosylation study showed that enzyme activity was highly correlated with the N-glycan attached to N372. The kinetics of native and deglycosylated hIDUA suggested that the N-glycan is also involved in catalytic processes. Our study demonstrates a previously unrecognized function of N-glycans.

Bovine brain myelin glycerophosphocholine choline phosphodiesterase is an alkaline lysosphingomyelinase of the eNPP-family, regulated by lysosomal sorting

Glycerophosphocholine choline phosphodiesterase (GPC-Cpde) is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored alkaline hydrolase that is expressed in the brain and kidney. In brain the hydrolase is synthesized by the oligodendrocytes and expressed on the myelin membrane. There are two forms of brain GPC-Cpde, a membrane-linked (mGPC-Cpde) and a soluble (sGPC-Cpde). Here we report the characterisation sGPC-Cpde from bovine brain. The amino acid sequence was identical to ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 6 (eNPP6) precursor, lacking the N-terminal signal peptide region and a C-terminal stretch, suggesting that the hydrolase was solubilised by C-terminal proteolysis, releasing the GPI-anchor. sGPC-Cpde existed as two isoforms, a homodimer joined by a disulfide bridge linking C414 from each monomer, and a monomer resulting from proteolysis N-terminally to this disulfide bond. The only internal disulfide bridge, linking C142 and C154, stabilises the choline-binding pocket. sGPC-Cpde was specific for lysosphingomyelin, displaying 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher catalytic activity than towards GPC and lysophosphatidylcholine, suggesting that GPC-Cpde may function in the sphingomyelin signaling, rather than in the homeostasis of acylglycerophosphocholine metabolites. The truncated high mannose and bisected hybrid type glycans linked to N118 and N341 of sGPC-Cpde is a hallmark of glycans in lysosomal glycoproteins, subjected to GlcNAc-1-phosphorylation en route through Golgi. Thus, sGPC-Cpde may originate from the lysosomes, suggesting that lysosomal sorting contributes to the level of mGPC-Cpde on the myelin membrane.

Systematic structure-activity study on potential chaperone lead compounds for acid α-glucosidase

Acid α-glucosidase (GAA) is a lysosomal enzyme and a pharmacological target for Pompe disease, an inherited lysosomal storage disorder (LSD). An emerging treatment for LSDs is the use of pharmacological chaperones, small molecules that enhance total cellular activity of the target lysosomal protein. We have systematically studied thirteen inhibitors, which provide good lead compounds for the development of GAA chaperones. We have verified binding on GAA at low and neutral pH, mapping the range of pH during transport to lysosomes. These ligands inhibit GAA competitively and reversibly, and a few of the compounds show higher molecular stabilisation capacity than would be expected from their binding affinity. These molecules also increase lysosomal localisation of GAA variants in cells. In order to understand the specific molecular mechanism of the interactions, we docked the compounds to a homology model of the human GAA. Three factors contribute to the tightness of binding. Firstly, well-positioned hydroxy groups are essential to orient the ligand and make the binding specific. Secondly, the open nature of the GAA active site allows both large and small ligands to bind. The third and most important binding determinant is the positive charge on the ligand, which is neutralised by Asp 518 or Asp 616 on GAA. Our study creates a firm basis for the design of drugs to treat Pompe disease, as it provides a comparable study of the ligand properties. Our analysis suggests a useful drug design framework for specific pharmacological chaperones for human GAA.

Expression, purification and preliminary crystallographic analysis of Drosophila melanogaster lysosomal α-mannosidase

The lysosomal α-mannosidases are class II mannosidases that belong to glycoside hydrolase family 38 and play an important role in the degradation of asparagine-linked carbohydrates of glycoproteins. Based on peptide similarity to human and bovine lysosomal mannosidase (LM), recombinant α-mannosidase from Drosophila melanogaster (dLM408) was cloned and heterologously expressed in Pichia pastoris. The recombinant form of dLM408 designed for structural analysis lacks the transmembrane domain and was crystallized using standard vapour-diffusion and counter-diffusion techniques. The crystals grew as flat plates and as tetragonal bipyramids, respectively. The plate-shaped crystals exhibited the symmetry of space group P2(1)2(1)2(1) and diffracted to a minimum d-spacing of 3.5 Å.

Molecular characterization of plant acidic alpha-mannosidase, a member of glycosylhydrolase family 38, involved in the turnover of N-glycans during tomato fruit ripening

It has been reported that acidic α-mannosidase activity increases during tomato fruit ripening, suggesting the turnover of N-glycoproteins is deeply associated with fruit ripening. As part of a study to reveal the relationship between the plant α-mannosidase activity and fruit maturation at the molecular level, we have already purified and characterized an α-mannosidase from tomato fruit (Hossain et al., Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem. 2009;73:140-146). In this article, we describe the identification and expression of the tomato acidic α-mannosidase gene using the yeast-expression system. The α-mannosidase-gene located at chomosome 6 is a 10 kb spanned containing 30 exons. The gene-encoded-protein is single polypeptide chain of 1,028 amino acids containing glycosyl hydrolase domain-38 with predicted molecular mass of 116 kDa. The recombinant enzyme showed maximum activity at pH 5.5, and was almost completely inhibited by both of 1-deoxymannojirimycin and swainsonine. The recombinant α-mannosidase, like the native enzyme, could cleave α1-2, 1-3 and 1-6 mannosidic linkage from both high-mannose and truncated complex-type N-glycans. A molecular 3D modelling shows that catalytically important residues of animal lysosomal α-mannosidase could be superimposed on those of tomato α-mannosidase, suggesting that active site conformation is highly conserved between plant acidic α-mannosidase and animal lysosomal α-mannosidase.

The molecular characterization of a novel GH38 α-mannosidase from the crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus revealed its ability in de-mannosylating glycoproteins

α-Mannosidases, important enzymes in the N-glycan processing and degradation in Eukaryotes, are frequently found in the genome of Bacteria and Archaea in which their function is still largely unknown. The α-mannosidase from the hyperthermophilic Crenarchaeon Sulfolobus solfataricus has been identified and purified from cellular extracts and its gene has been cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. The gene, belonging to retaining GH38 mannosidases of the carbohydrate active enzyme classification, is abundantly expressed in this Archaeon. The purified α-mannosidase activity depends on a single Zn(2+) ion per subunit is inhibited by swainsonine with an IC(50) of 0.2 mM. The molecular characterization of the native and recombinant enzyme, named Ssα-man, showed that it is highly specific for α-mannosides and α(1,2), α(1,3), and α(1,6)-D-mannobioses. In addition, the enzyme is able to demannosylate Man(3)GlcNAc(2) and Man(7)GlcNAc(2) oligosaccharides commonly found in N-glycosylated proteins. More interestingly, Ssα-man removes mannose residues from the glycosidic moiety of the bovine pancreatic ribonuclease B, suggesting that it could process mannosylated proteins also in vivo. This is the first evidence that archaeal glycosidases are involved in the direct modification of glycoproteins.

N-glycan moieties of the crustacean egg yolk protein and their glycosylation sites

Vitellogenin (Vg) is the precursor of the egg yolk glycoprotein of crustaceans. In the prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii, Vg is synthesized in the hepatopancreas, secreted to the hemolymph, and taken up by means of receptor-mediated endocytosis into the oocytes. The importance of glycosylation of Vg lies in its putative role in the folding, processing and transport of this protein to the egg yolk and in the fact that the N-glycan moieties could provide a source of carbohydrate during embryogenesis. The present study describes, for the first time, the structure of the glycan moieties and their sites of attachment to the Vg of M. rosenbergii. Bioinformatics analysis revealed seven putative N-glycosylation sites in M. rosenbergii Vg; two of these glycosylation sites are conserved throughout the Vgs of decapod crustaceans from the Pleocyemata suborder (N 159 and N 660). The glycosylation of six putative sites of M. rosenbergii Vg (N 151, N 159, N ,168 N ,614 N 660 and N 2300) was confirmed; three of the confirmed glycosylation sites are localized around the N-terminally conserved N-glycosylation site N 159. From a theoretical three-dimensional structure, these three N-glycosylated sites N 151, N 159, and N 168 were localized on the surface of the Vg consensus sequence. In addition, an uncommon high mannose N-linked oligosaccharide structure with a glucose cap (Glc1Man9GlcNAc2) was characterized in the secreted Vg. These findings thus make a significant contribution to the structural elucidating of the crustacean Vg glycan moieties, which may shed light on their role in protein folding and transport and in recognition between Vg and its target organ, the oocyte.

Human lysosomal alpha-mannosidases exhibit different inhibition and metal binding properties

Two structurally-related members of the lysosomal mannosidase family, the broad substrate specificity enzyme human lysosomal alpha-mannosidase (hLM, MAN2B1) and the human core alpha-1, 6-specific mannosidase (hEpman, MAN2B2) act in a complementary fashion on different glycosidic linkages, to effect glycan degradation in the lysosome. We have successfully expressed these enzymes in Drosophila S2 cells and functionally characterized them. hLM and hEpman were significantly inhibited by the class II alpha-mannosidase inhibitors, swainsonine and mannostatin A. We show that three pyrrolidine-based compounds designed for selective inhibition of Golgi alpha-mannosidase II (GMII) exhibited varying degrees of inhibition for hLM and hEpman. While these compounds inhibited hLM and GMII similarly, they inhibited hEpman to a lesser extent. Further, the two lysosomal alpha-mannosidases also show differential metal dependency properties. This has led us to propose a secondary metal binding site in hEpman. These results set the stage for the development of selective inhibitors to members of the GH38 family, and, henceforth, the further investigation of their physiological roles.