Characterization of a rat liver Golgi sulphotransferase responsible for the 6-O-sulphation of N-acetylglucosamine residues in beta-linkage to mannose: role in assembly of sialyl-galactosyl-N-acetylglucosamine 6-sulphate sequence of N-linked oligosaccharides

Sulfated glycans containing NeuAcα2-3Gal facilitate the propagation of human H1N1 influenza A viruses in eggs

When human influenza viruses are isolated and passaged in chicken embryos, variants with amino acid substitutions around the receptor binding site of hemagglutinin (HA) are selected; however, the mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon have yet to be elucidated. Here, we analyzed the receptor structures that contributed to propagation of egg-passaged human H1N1 viruses. The analysis included seasonal and 2009 pandemic strains, both of which have amino acid substitutions of HA found in strains isolated or passaged in eggs. These viruses exhibited high binding to sulfated glycans containing NeuAcα2-3Gal. In MDCK cells overexpressing the sulfotransferase that synthesize Galβ1-4(SO3--6)GlcNAc, production of human H1N1 viruses was increased up to 90-fold. Furthermore, these sulfated glycans were expressed on the allantoic and amniotic membranes of chicken embryos. These results suggest that 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X and/or NeuAcα2-3Galβ1-4(SO3--6)GlcNAc are involved in efficient propagation of human H1N1 viruses in chicken embryos.

A comparative study of N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) and cytotoxic T cell (CT) carbohydrate expression in normal and dystrophin-deficient dog and human skeletal muscle

The expression of N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) and the cytotoxic T cell (CT) carbohydrate can impact the severity of muscular dystrophy arising from the loss of dystrophin in mdx mice. Here, we describe the expression of these two glycans in skeletal muscles of dogs and humans with or without dystrophin-deficiency. Neu5Gc expression was highly reduced (>95%) in muscle from normal golden retriever crosses (GR, n = 3) and from golden retriever with muscular dystrophy (GRMD, n = 5) dogs at multiple ages (3, 6 and 13 months) when compared to mouse muscle, however, overall sialic acid expression in GR and GRMD muscles remained high at all ages. Neu5Gc was expressed on only a minority of GRMD satellite cells, CD8⁺ T lymphocytes and macrophages. Human muscle from normal (no evident disease, n = 3), Becker (BMD, n = 3) and Duchenne (DMD, n = 3) muscular dystrophy individuals had absent to very low Neu5Gc staining, but some punctate intracellular muscle staining was present in BMD and DMD muscles. The CT carbohydrate was localized to the neuromuscular junction in GR muscle, while GRMD muscles had increased expression on a subset of myofibers and macrophages. In humans, the CT carbohydrate was ectopically expressed on the sarcolemmal membrane of some BMD muscles, but not normal human or DMD muscles. These data are consistent with the notion that altered Neu5Gc and CT carbohydrate expression may modify disease severity resulting from dystrophin deficiency in dogs and humans.

Metabolism of vertebrate amino sugars with N-glycolyl groups: resistance of α2-8-linked N-glycolylneuraminic acid to enzymatic cleavage

The sialic acid (Sia) N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and its hydroxylated derivative N-glycolylneuraminic acid (Neu5Gc) differ by one oxygen atom. CMP-Neu5Gc is synthesized from CMP-Neu5Ac, with Neu5Gc representing a highly variable fraction of total Sias in various tissues and among different species. The exception may be the brain, where Neu5Ac is abundant and Neu5Gc is reported to be rare. Here, we confirm this unusual pattern and its evolutionary conservation in additional samples from various species, concluding that brain Neu5Gc expression has been maintained at extremely low levels over hundreds of millions of years of vertebrate evolution. Most explanations for this pattern do not require maintaining neural Neu5Gc at such low levels. We hypothesized that resistance of α2-8-linked Neu5Gc to vertebrate sialidases is the detrimental effect requiring the relative absence of Neu5Gc from brain. This linkage is prominent in polysialic acid (polySia), a molecule with critical roles in vertebrate neural development. We show that Neu5Gc is incorporated into neural polySia and does not cause in vitro toxicity. Synthetic polymers of Neu5Ac and Neu5Gc showed that mammalian and bacterial sialidases are much less able to hydrolyze α2-8-linked Neu5Gc at the nonreducing terminus. Notably, this difference was not seen with acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of polySias. Molecular dynamics modeling indicates that differences in the three-dimensional conformation of terminal saccharides may partly explain reduced enzymatic activity. In keeping with this, polymers of N-propionylneuraminic acid are sensitive to sialidases. Resistance of Neu5Gc-containing polySia to sialidases provides a potential explanation for the rarity of Neu5Gc in the vertebrate brain.

Characterization of expression of glycan ligands for Siglec-F in normal mouse lungs

Sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-like lectin (Siglec)-F, an inhibitory receptor on mouse eosinophils, preferentially recognizes the glycan ligand 6'-sulfated sialyl Lewis X, but little is known about the requirements for its lung expression. RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry were used to detect and localize the sulfotransferase keratin sulfate galactose 6-O sulfotransferase (KSGal6ST, also known as carbohydrate sulfotransferase 1; gene name, Chst1) that is putatively required for 6'-sulfated Sialyl Lewis X synthesis. RT-PCR detected the greatest constitutive expression of Chst1 in lung, liver, and spleen tissue. Immunohistochemistry localized the expression of KSGal6ST in lung tissue primarily to airway epithelium. Siglec-F-Ig fusion protein selectively bound in a similar pattern, and was unaffected in lung tissue treated with methanol or deficient in Type 2 α2,3 sialyltransferase (St3gal2), but was eliminated by proteinase K or sialidase, and was absent in tissue deficient in the Type 3 α2,3 sialyltransferase (St3gal3). Binding of the Siglec-F-Ig fusion protein was similar in pattern to, and completely blocked by, a plant lectin recognizing α2,3-linked sialic acid. Thus, α2,3-linked sialic acid-containing glycoprotein Siglec-F ligands and the enzymes required for their synthesis are constitutively expressed in murine lungs, especially by airway epithelium. St3gal3, but not St3gal2, is required for constitutive Siglec-F ligand synthesis. The survival of eosinophils entering the lung may be shortened by encountering these Siglec-F sialoside ligands.

Calcium in the Golgi apparatus

The secretory-pathway Ca2+-ATPases (SPCAs) represent a recently recognized family of phosphorylation-type ATPases that supply the lumen of the Golgi apparatus with Ca2+ and Mn2+ needed for the normal functioning of this structure. Mutations of the human SPCA1 gene (ATP2C1) cause Hailey-Hailey disease, an autosomal dominant skin disorder in which keratinocytes in the suprabasal layer of the epidermis detach. We will first review the physiology of the SPCAs and then discuss how mutated SPCA1 proteins can lead to an epidermal disorder.

Diseases involving the Golgi calcium pump

Secretory-pathway Ca2(+)-transport ATPases (SPCA) provide the Golgi apparatus with Ca2+ and Mn2+ needed for the normal functioning of this organelle. Loss of one functional copy of the human SPCA1 gene (ATP2C1) causes Hailey-Hailey disease, a rare skin disorder characterized by recurrent blisters and erosions in the flexural areas. Here, we will review the properties and functional role of the SPCAs. The relationship between Hailey-Hailey disease and its defective gene (ATP2C1) will be adressed as well.

Analysis of the specificity of sialyltransferases toward mucin core 2, globo, and related structures. identification of the sialylation sequence and the effects of sulfate, fucose, methyl, and fluoro substituents of the carbohydrate chain in the biosynthesis of selectin and siglec ligands, and novel sialylation by cloned alpha2,3(O)sialyltransferase

Sialic acids are key determinants in many carbohydrates involved in biological recognition. We studied the acceptor specificities of three cloned sialyltransferases (STs) [alpha2,3(N)ST, alpha2,3(O)ST, and alpha2,6(N)ST] and another alpha2,3(O)ST present in prostate cancer cell LNCaP toward mucin core 2 tetrasaccharide [Galbeta1,4GlcNAcbeta1,6(Galbeta1,3)GalNAcalpha-O-Bn] and Globo [Galbeta1,3GalNAcbeta1,3Galalpha-O-Me] structures containing sialyl, fucosyl, sulfo, methyl, or fluoro substituents by identifying the products by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectral analysis and other biochemical methods. The Globo precursor was an efficient acceptor for both alpha2,3(N)ST and alpha2,3(O)ST, whereas only alpha2,3(O)ST used its deoxy analogue (d-Fucbeta1,3GalNAcbeta1,3-Gal-alpha-O-Me); 2-O-MeGalbeta1,3GlcNAc and 4-OMeGalbeta1,4GlcNAc were specific acceptors for alpha2,3(N)ST. Other major findings of this study include: (i) alpha2,3 sialylation of beta1,3Gal in mucin core 2 can proceed even after alpha1,3 fucosylation of beta1,6-linked LacNAc. (ii) Sialylation of beta1,3Gal must precede the sialylation of beta1,4Gal for favorable biosynthesis of mucin core 2 compounds. (iii) alpha2,3 sialylation of the 6-O-sulfoLacNAc moiety in mucin core 2 (e.g., GlyCAM-1) is facilitated when beta1,3Gal has already been alpha2,3 sialylated. (iv) alpha2,6(N)ST was absolutely specific for the beta1,4Gal in mucin core 2. Either alpha1,3 fucosylation or 6-O-sulfation of the GlcNAc moiety reduced the activity. Sialylation of beta1,3Gal in addition to 6-O-sulfation of GlcNAc moiety abolished the activity. (v) Prior alpha2,3 sialylation or 3-O-sulfation of beta1,3Gal would not affect alpha2,6 sialylation of Galbeta1,4GlcNAc of mucin core 2. (vi) A 3- or 4-fluoro substituent in beta1,4Gal resulted in poor acceptors for the cloned alpha2,6(N)ST and alpha2,3(N)ST, whereas 4-fluoro- or 4-OMe-Galbeta1,3GalNAcalpha was a good acceptor for cloned alpha2,3(O)ST. (vii) 4-O-Methylation of beta1,4Gal abolished the acceptor ability toward alpha2,6(N)ST but increased the acceptor efficiency considerably toward alpha2,3(N)ST. (viii) Just like LNCaPalpha1,2-FT and Gal-3-O-sulfotransferase T2, the cloned alpha2,3(N)ST which modifies terminal Gal in Galbeta1,4GlcNAc also efficiently utilizes the terminal beta1,3Gal in the Globo backbone. Utilization of C-3 blocked compounds such as 3-O-sulfo-Galbeta1,3GalNAcbeta1,3Galalpha-OMe as acceptors by cloned alpha2,3(O)ST and analyses of the resulting products by lectin chromatography and mass spectrometry indicate that alpha2,3(O)ST is capable of attaching NeuAc to another position in C-3-substituted beta1,3Gal.

Characterization of the oligosaccharide component of microsomal beta-glucuronidase from rat liver

The oligosaccharides of microsomal beta-glucuronidase were analysed by gel permeation and weak anion exchange chromatography following hydrazine release. N-linked glycans, constituted 80% of the total glycan pool and were mainly of the tri- and biantennary complex type with or without core and arm fucose. The major oligosaccharide, that comprised 30.6% of all the species analysed, was structurally identified by reagent array analysis method and found to be a triantennary complex structure, Galbeta1,4GlcNAcbeta1,2Manalpha1,6(3)(Galbeta1,4GlcNAcbeta1,4(Galbeta1,4GlcNAcbeta1,2) Manalpha1,3(6))Manbeta1,4GlcNAcbeta1,4 GlcNAc. O-Linked glycans comprised 20% of the total glycan pool, the major species being Galbeta1,3GalNAc. All of the N- and O-linked glycans were charged. Most of the negative charge was due to sialic acid (85.0%) with the remainder being phosphate present as phosphomonoesters (7.3%) and phosphodiesters (5%). This is the first report of O-linked carbohydrate chains in microsomal beta-glucuronidase. The presence of O-linked glycans and branched N-linked glycans in a microsomal enzyme, in relation to the current view of glycosyltransferase compartmentalization in the Golgi is discussed.

Deficiency of ATP2C1, a Golgi ion pump, induces secretory pathway defects in endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation and sensitivity to ER stress

Relatively few clues have been uncovered to elucidate the cell biological role(s) of mammalian ATP2C1 encoding an inwardly directed secretory pathway Ca2+/Mn2+ pump that is ubiquitously expressed. Deficiency of ATP2C1 results in a human disease (Hailey-Hailey), which primarily affects keratinocytes. ATP2C1-encoded protein is detected in the Golgi complex in a calcium-dependent manner. A small interfering RNA causes knockdown of ATP2C1 expression, resulting in defects in both post-translational processing of wild-type thyroglobulin (a secretory glycoprotein) as well as endoplasmic reticulum-associated protein degradation of mutant thyroglobulin, whereas degradation of a nonglycosylated misfolded secretory protein substrate appears unaffected. Knockdown of ATP2C1 is not associated with elevated steady state levels of ER chaperone proteins, nor does it block cellular activation of either the PERK, ATF6, or Ire1/XBP1 portions of the ER stress response. However, deficiency of ATP2C1 renders cells hypersensitive to ER stress. These data point to the important contributions of the Golgi-localized ATP2C1 protein in homeostatic maintenance throughout the secretory pathway.

Beta 1,4-galactosyltransferase (beta 4GalT)-IV is specific for GlcNAc 6-O-sulfate. Beta 4GalT-IV acts on keratan sulfate-related glycans and a precursor glycan of 6-sulfosialyl-Lewis X

The Galbeta1-->4(SO(3)(-)-->6)GlcNAc moiety is present in various N-linked and O-linked glycans including keratan sulfate and 6-sulfosialyl-Lewis X, an L-selectin ligand. We previously found beta1,4-galactosyltransferase (beta4GalT) activity in human colonic mucosa, which prefers GlcNAc 6-O-sulfate (6SGN) as an acceptor to non-substituted GlcNAc (Seko, A., Hara-Kuge, S., Nagata, K., Yonezawa, S., and Yamashita, K. (1998) FEBS Lett. 440, 307-310). To identify the gene for this enzyme, we purified the enzyme from porcine colonic mucosa. The purified enzyme had the characteristic requirement of basic lipids for catalytic activity. Analysis of the partial amino acid sequence of the enzyme revealed that the purified beta4GalT has a similar sequence to human beta4GalT-IV. To confirm this result, we prepared cDNA for each of the seven beta4GalTs cloned to date and examined substrate specificities using the membrane fractions derived from beta4GalT-transfected COS-7 cells. When using several N-linked and O-linked glycans with or without 6SGN residues as acceptor substrates, only beta4GalT-IV efficiently recognized 6SGN, keratan sulfate-related oligosaccharides, and Galbeta1-->3(SO(3)(-)-->6GlcNAcbeta1-->6) GalNAcalpha1-O-pNP, a precursor for 6-sulfosialyl-Lewis X. These results suggested that beta4GalT-IV is a 6SGN-specific beta4GalT and may be involved in the biosynthesis of various glycoproteins carrying a 6-O-sulfated N-acetyllactosamine moiety.

Specificities of N-acetylglucosamine-6-O-sulfotransferases in relation to L-selectin ligand synthesis and tumor-associated enzyme expression

N-Acetylglucosamine-6-O-sulfotransferase (GlcNAc6ST) catalyzes the transfer of sulfate from adenosine 3'-phosphate,5'-phosphosulfate to the C-6 position of the non-reducing GlcNAc. Three human GlcNAc6STs, namely GlcNAc6ST-1, GlcNAc6ST-2 (HEC-GlcNAc6ST), and GlcNAc6ST-3 (I-GlcNAc6ST), were produced as fusion proteins to protein A, and their substrate specificities as well as their enzymological properties were determined. Both GlcNAc6ST-1 and GlcNAc6ST-2 efficiently utilized the following oligosaccharide structures as acceptors: GlcNAcbeta1-6[Galbeta1-3]GalNAc-pNP (core 2), GlcNAcbeta1-6ManOMe, and GlcNAcbeta1-2Man. The ratios of activities to these substrates were not significantly different between the two enzymes. However, GlcNAc6ST-2 but not GlcNAc6ST-1 acted on core 3 of GlcNAcbeta1-3GalNAc-pNP. GlcNAc6ST-3 used only the core 2 structure among the above mentioned oligosaccharide structures. The ability of GlcNAc6ST-1 to sulfate core 2 structure as efficiently as GlcNAc6ST-2 is consistent with the view that GlcNAc6ST-1 is also involved in the synthesis of l-selectin ligand. Indeed, cells doubly transfected with GlcNAc6ST-1 and fucosyltransferase VII cDNAs supported the rolling of L-selectin-expressing cells. The activity of GlcNAc6ST-2 on core 3 and its expression in mucinous adenocarcinoma suggested that this enzyme corresponds to the sulfotransferase, which is specifically expressed in mucinous adenocarcinoma (Seko, A., Sumiya, J., Yonezawa, S., Nagata, K., and Yamashita, K. (2000) Glycobiology 10, 919-929).

Epitope diversity of N-glycans from bovine peripheral myelin glycoprotein P0 revealed by mass spectrometry and nano probe magic angle spinning 1H NMR spectroscopy

The carbohydrate structures present on the glycoproteins in the central and peripheral nerve systems are essential in many cell adhesion processes. The P0 glycoprotein, expressed by myelinating Schwann cells, plays an important role during the formation and maintenance of myelin, and it is the most abundant constituent of myelin. Using monoclonal antibodies, the homophilic binding of the P0 glycoprotein was shown to be mediated via the human natural keller cell (HNK)-1 epitope (3-O-SO(3)H-GlcUA(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc) present on the N-glycans. We recently described the structure of the N-glycan carrying the HNK-1 epitope, present on bovine peripheral myelin P0 (Voshol, H., van Zuylen, C. W. E. M., Orberger, G., Vliegenthart, J. F. G., and Schachner, M. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 22957-22960). In this study, we report on the structural characterization of the detectable glycoforms, present on the single N-glycosylation site, using state-of-the-art NMR and mass spectrometry techniques. Even though all structures belong to the hybrid- or biantennary complex-type structures, the variety of epitopes is remarkable. In addition to the 3-O-sulfate present on the HNK-1-carrying structures, most of the glycans contain a 6-O-sulfated N-acetylglucosamine residue. This indicates the activity of a 6-O-sulfo-GlcNAc-transferase, which has not been described before in peripheral nervous tissue. The presence of the disialo-, galactosyl-, and 6-O-sulfosialyl-Lewis X epitopes provides evidence for glycosyltransferase activities not detected until now. The finding of such an epitope diversity triggers questions related to their function and whether events, previously attributed merely to the HNK-1 epitope, could be mediated by the structures described here.

Purification and characterization of N-acetylglucosaminyl sulfotransferase from chick corneas

N-Acetylglucosaminyl(GlcNAc) sulfotransferase, which transfers sulfate from adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate to GlcNAc at the nonreducing end of oligosaccharides, was purified 887-fold with a 8.4% yield from 2-day-old chick corneas by chromatography on CM-Sepharose, WGA-agarose, GlcNAc-agarose, and 3',5'-ADP-agarose columns. The purified enzyme has an optimum pH of 6.0 (Mes buffer) and specifically transfers a sulfate to GlcNAc at the nonreducing end but not to internal GlcNAc. The enzyme was stimulated by protamine and Mn(2+). SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the purified enzyme still showed two main bands (66 and 55 kDa) with some minor bands. It appears that this enzyme competes with beta-galactosyltransferase in binding to the nonreducing GlcNAc residue on KS synthesis; this suggests that the sulfation of the GlcNAc residue is coupled with the elongation of the KS chain.

Biosynthesis of L-selectin ligands: sulfation of sialyl Lewis x-related oligosaccharides by a family of GlcNAc-6-sulfotransferases

The leukocyte adhesion molecule L-selectin mediates lymphocyte homing to secondary lymphoid organs and to certain sites of inflammation. The cognate ligands for L-selectin possess the unusual sulfated tetrasaccharide epitope 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis x (Siaalpha2-->3Galbeta1-->4[Fucalpha1-->3][SO(3)-->6]GlcNAc). Sulfation of GlcNAc within sialyl Lewis x is a crucial modification for L-selectin binding, and thus, the underlying sulfotransferase may be a key modulator of lymphocyte trafficking. Four recently discovered GlcNAc-6-sulfotransferases are the first candidate contributors to the biosynthesis of 6-sulfo sLex in the context of L-selectin ligands. Here we report the in vitro activity of the four GlcNAc-6-sulfotransferases on a panel of synthetic oligosaccharide substrates that comprise structural motifs derived from sialyl Lewis x. Each enzyme preferred a terminal GlcNAc residue, and was impeded by the addition of a beta1,4-linked Gal residue (i.e., terminal LacNAc). Surprisingly, for three of the enzymes, significant activity was observed with sialylated LacNAc, and two of the enzymes were capable of detectable sulfation of GlcNAc in the context of sialyl Lewis x. On the basis of these results, we propose possible pathways for 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis x biosynthesis and suggest that sulfation may be an early committed step.

Sulfation of N-acetylglucosamine by chondroitin 6-sulfotransferase 2 (GST-5)

Based on sequence homology with a previously cloned human GlcNAc 6-O-sulfotransferase, we have identified an open reading frame (ORF) encoding a novel member of the Gal/GalNAc/GlcNAc 6-O-sulfotransferase (GST) family termed GST-5 on the human X chromosome (band Xp11). GST-5 has recently been characterized as a novel GalNAc 6-O-sulfotransferase termed chondroitin 6-sulfotransferase-2 (Kitagawa, H., Fujita, M., Itio, N., and Sugahara K. (2000) J. Biol. Chem. 275, 21075-21080). We have coexpressed a human GST-5 cDNA with a GlyCAM-1/IgG fusion protein in COS-7 cells and observed four-fold enhanced [(35)S]sulfate incorporation into this mucin acceptor. All mucin-associated [(35)S]sulfate was incorporated as GlcNAc-6-sulfate or Galbeta1-->4GlcNAc-6-sulfate. GST-5 was also expressed in soluble epitope-tagged form and found to catalyze 6-O-sulfation of GlcNAc residues in synthetic acceptor structures. In particular, GST-5 was found to catalyze 6-O-sulfation of beta-benzyl GlcNAc but not alpha- or beta-benzyl GalNAc. In the mouse genome we have found a homologous ORF that predicts a novel murine GlcNAc 6-O-sulfotransferase with 88% identity to the human enzyme. This gene was mapped to mouse chromosome X at band XA3.1-3.2. GST-5 is the newest member of an emerging family of carbohydrate 6-O-sulfotransferases that includes chondroitin 6-sulfotransferase (GST-0), keratan-sulfate galactose 6-O-sulfotransferase (GST-1), the ubiquitously expressed GlcNAc 6-O-sulfotransferase (GST-2), high endothelial cell GlcNAc 6-O-sulfotransferase (GST-3), and intestinal GlcNAc 6-O-sulfotransferase (GST-4).

Functional expression and genomic structure of human N-acetylglucosamine-6-O-sulfotransferase that transfers sulfate to beta-N-acetylglucosamine at the nonreducing end of an N-acetyllactosamine sequence

The cDNA and gene encoding human N-acetylglucosamine-6-O-sulfotransferase (Gn6ST) have been cloned. Comparative analysis of this cDNA with the mouse Gn6ST sequence indicates 96% amino acid identity between the two sequences. The expression of a soluble recombinant form of the protein in COS-1 cells produced an active sulfotransferase, which transferred sulfate to the terminal GlcNAc in GlcNAcbeta1-O-CH(3), GlcNAcbeta1-3Galbeta1-O-CH(3) and GlcNAcbeta1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-3Galbeta1-4Gl cNAc but not in GlcNAcalpha1-4GlcAbeta1-3Galbeta1-3Galbeta1-4 Xylbeta1-O-Ser. In addition, neither Galbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-O-naphthalenemethanol nor GalNAcbeta1-4GlcAbeta1-3Galbeta1-3Galbeta1-4X ylbeta1-O-Ser were utilized as acceptors. These findings indicate that a terminal beta-linked GlcNAc residue is necessary for acceptor substrates of Gn6ST. The human Gn6ST gene spans about 7 kb, consists of two exons and exhibits an intron-less coding region.

Diversity and functions of glycosaminoglycan sulfotransferases

Sulfate residues attached to the specific position of the component sugar residues of glycosaminoglycans play important roles in the formation of functional domain structures. The introduction of a sulfate group is catalyzed by various sulfotransferases with strict substrate specificities. A rapid development achieved in the cloning of various glycosaminoglycan sulfotransferases has allowed us to study the biological functions of glycosaminoglycan sulfotransferases and their products, sulfated glycosaminoglycans.

Sequential biosynthesis of sulfated and/or sialylated Lewis x determinants by transferases of the human bronchial mucosa

The structural determination of sulfated carbohydrate chains from a cystic fibrosis patient respiratory mucins has shown that sulfation may occur either on the C-3 of the terminal Gal, or on the C-6 of the GlcNAc residue of a terminal N -acetyllactosamine unit. The two enzymes responsible for the transfer of sulfate from PAPS to the C-3 of Gal or to the C-6 of GlcNAc residues have been characterized in human respiratory mucosa. These two enzymes, in conjunction with fucosyl- and sialyltransferases, allow the synthesis of different sulfated epitopes such as 3-sulfo Lewis x (with a 3- O -sulfated Gal), 6-sulfo Lewis x and 6-sulfo-sialyl Lewis x (with a 6- O -sulfated GlcNAc). In the present study, the sequential biosynthesis of these epitopes has been investigated using microsomal fractions from human respiratory mucosa incubated with radiolabeled nucleotide-sugars or PAPS, and oligosaccharide acceptors, mostly prepared from human respiratory mucins. The structures of the radiolabeled products have been determined by their coelution in HPAEC with known oligosaccharidic standards. In the biosynthesis of 6- O -sulfated carbohydrate chains by the human respiratory mucosa, the 6- O -sulfation of a terminal nonreducing GlcNAc residue precedes beta1-4-galactosylation, alpha2-3-sialylation (to generate 6-sulfo-sialyl- N -acetyllactosamine), and alpha1-3-fucosylation (to generate the 6-sulfo-sialyl Lewis x determinant). The 3- O -sulfation of a terminal N -acetyllactosamine may occur if this carbohydrate unit is not substituted. Once an N -acetyllactosamine unit is synthesized, alpha1-3-fucosylation of the GlcNAc residue to generate a Lewis x structure blocks any further substitution. Therefore, the present study defines the pathways for the biosynthesis of Lewis x, sialyl Lewis x, sulfo Lewis x, and 6-sulfo-sialyl Lewis x determinants in the human bronchial mucosa.

Spatially and temporally regulated expression of N-acetylglucosamine-6-O-sulfotransferase during mouse embryogenesis

GlcNAc-6-O-sulfotransferase is involved in formation of 6-sulfo-N -acetyllactosamine-containing structures such as 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis x. We investigated the mode of expression of GlcNAc-6-O-sulfotransferase during postimplantation embryogenesis in the mouse by in situ hybridization. Sulfotransferase mRNA was not detected on embryonic day (E) 6.5, while on E7.5 it was detected in the mesoderm, ectoderm, and ectoplacental cone. On E10.5, the sulfotransferase signals were mainly observed in the nervous tissue. On E12.5 and 13.5, various tissues in the process of differentiation expressed this mRNA. Several epithelial and mesenchymal tissues undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal interactions strongly expressed the mRNA. For example, in the developing tooth strong sulfotransferase mRNA expression was found only in the condensing mesenchyme on E13.5. On E13.5 and 15.5, the sites showing intense expression of the sulfotransferase again became restricted. In the brain, sulfotransferase mRNA was frequently found as discrete signals in narrow regions. These results suggest that 6-sulfo-N-acetyllactosamine structures have important roles in development. On E13.5 and 15.5, G152 (6-sulfo sialyl Lewis x antigen) was expressed in the neocortex, and AG223 (6-sulfo Lewis x antigen) in the thalamus and neocortex where the sulfotransferase signal was detected. However, in other organs, expression of these antigens did not correlate with the sulfotransferase mRNA, implicating complex nature of regulation of expression of the fucosyl 6-sulfo antigens.

Identification and characterization of N-acetylglucosamine-6-O-sulfate-specific beta1,4-galactosyltransferase in human colorectal mucosa

6-Sulfo-sialyl Lewis X structure is attributable to recognition between lymphocytes and high endothelial venules. However, the biosynthetic pathway still remains unclear. We found that a beta-galactosyltransferase (betaGalT) in human colorectal mucosa preferentially acts on GlcNAc-6-O-sulfate (6S-GN). 6S-GN:beta4GalT was partially purified by UDP-hexanolamine-Sepharose and asialo-agalacto-ovomucin-Sepharose chromatographies. The optimum pH of this enzyme was found to be 6.5-7.5 and the Michaelis constants for 6S-GN and UDP-Gal were 0.43 mM and 16 microM, respectively. The enzymatic activity was dependent on divalent cations and the substrate specificity was not affected by alpha-lactalbumin. This is the first demonstration of the occurrence of 6S-GN:beta4GalT.

Molecular cloning and characterization of an N-acetylglucosamine-6-O-sulfotransferase

We isolated a cDNA clone encoding mouse N-acetylglucosamine-6-O-sulfotransferase based on sequence homology to the previously cloned mouse chondroitin 6-sulfotransferase. The cDNA clone contained an open reading frame that predicts a type II transmembrane protein composed of 483 amino acid residues. The expressed enzyme transferred sulfate to the 6 position of nonreducing GlcNAc in GlcNAcbeta1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc. Galbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc and various glycosaminoglycans did not serve as acceptors. Expression of the cDNA in COS-7 cells resulted in production of a cell-surface antigen, the epitope of which was NeuAcalpha2-3Galbeta1-4(SO4-6)GlcNAc; double transfection with fucosyltransferase IV yielded Galbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)(SO4-6)GlcNAc antigen. The sulfotransferase mRNA was strongly expressed in the cerebrum, cerebellum, eye, pancreas, and lung of adult mice. In situ hybridization revealed that the mRNA was localized in high endothelial venules of mesenteric lymph nodes. The sulfotransferase was concluded to be involved in biosynthesis of glycoconjugates bearing the 6-sulfo N-acetyllactosamine structure such as 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X. The products of the sulfotransferase probably include glycoconjugates with intercellular recognition signals; one candidate of such a glycoconjugate is an L-selectin ligand.

Identification of an N-acetylglucosamine-6-0-sulfotransferase activity specific to lymphoid tissue: an enzyme with a possible role in lymphocyte homing

BACKGROUND

The leukocyte adhesion molecule L-selection participates in the initial attachment of blood-borne lymphocytes to high endothelial venules (HEVs) during lymphocyte homing to secondary lymphoid organs, and contributes to leukocyte adhesion and extravasation in HEV-like vessels at sites of chronic inflammation. The L-selection ligands on lymph mode HEVs are mucin-like glycoproteins adorned with the unusual sulfated carbohydrate epitope, 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis x. Sulfation of this epitope on the N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) residue confers high-avidity L-selection binding, and is thought to be restricted in the vasculature to sites of sustained lymphocyte recruitment. The GlcNAc-6-0 sulfotransferase that installs the sulfate ester may be a key modulator of lymphocyte recruitment to secondary lymphoid organs and sites of chronic inflammation and is therefore a potential target for anti-inflammatory therapy.

RESULTS

A GlcNAc-6-0-sulfotransferase activity was identified within porcine lymph nodes and characterized using a rapid, sensitive, and quantitative assay. We synthesized two unnatural oligosaccharide substrates, GlcNAc beta 1-->6Gal alpha-R and Gal beta 1-->4GlcNAc beta 1-->6Gal alpha-R, that incorporate structural motifs from the native L-selection ligands into an unnatural C-glycosyl hydrocarbon scaffold. The sulfotransferase incorporated greater than tenfold more sulfate into the disaccharide than the trisaccharide, indicating a requirement for a terminal GlcNAc. Activity across tissues was highly restricted to the HEVs within peripheral lymph node.

CONCLUSIONS

The restricted expression of the GlcNAc-6-0-sulfotransferase activity to lymph node HEVs strongly suggestions a role in the biosynthesis of L-selection ligands. In addition, similar sulfated epitopes are known to be expressed on HEV-like vessels of chronically inflamed tissues; indicating that this sulfotransferase may also contribute to inflammatory lymphocyte recruitment. We identified a concise disaccharide motif, GlcNAc beta 1-->6Gal alpha-R, that preserved both recognition and specificity determinants for the GlcNAc-6-0-sulfotransferase. The absence of activity on the trisaccharide Gal beta 1-->6Gal alpha-R indicates a requirement for a substrate with a terminal GlcNAc residue, suggesting that sulfation precedes further biosynthetic assembly of L-selection ligands.

Identification of a major carbohydrate capping group of the L-selectin ligand on high endothelial venules in human lymph nodes as 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X

We investigated the molecular species of sulfated sialyl Lewis X determinants, the putative L-selectin ligand, expressed on high endothelial venules (HEV) in human lymph nodes. Comparison of the reactivity pattern of HEV with the reactivity of the pure 6-sulfo, 6'-sulfo, or 6,6'-bissulfo sialyl Lewis X determinant with hitherto known anti-sialyl Lewis X antibodies strongly suggested 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X to be the best candidate for the major sulfated sialyl Lewis X determinant on HEV, followed by 6,6'-bissulfo sialyl Lewis X, whereas 6'-sulfo sialyl Lewis X was unlikely. We newly generated monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) G152 and G72 directed against 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X, which intensely labeled HEV in immunohistochemical examination and inhibited binding of recombinant L-selectin-IgG to HEV, suggesting that the determinant serves as a ligand for L-selectin. To test the concomitant expression of 6, 6'-bissulfo sialyl Lewis X, specific mAbs (G2706, G27011, G27037, and G27039) were generated, but all antibodies failed to react to HEV. Next, we established mAbs (AG97 and AG273) directed against 6-sulfo Lewis X, the asialo form of 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X. The antibodies were not reactive to untreated HEV, but strongly reacted to sialidase-treated HEV. This indicated the predominance of the sialylated form of 6-sulfo sialyl Lewis X and minimal expression of its asialo form, corroborating that it was synthesized by fucosyltransferase VII, the isoenzyme that preferentially produces the sialylated form of the determinant.

Characterization of a spleen sulphotransferase responsible for the 6-O-sulphation of the galactose residue in sialyl-N-acetyl-lactosamine sequences

An enzyme which catalyses the transfer of sulphate from 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulphate (PAPS) to C-6 of galactose in the NeuAcalpha2-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc (3'SLN) sequence has been found in rat spleen microsomes and its specificity indicates that it is well suited to participate in the assembly of 3'-sialyl-6'-sulpho-LacNAc [NeuAcalpha2-3Gal(6-SO4)beta1-4GlcNAc] and 3'-sialyl-6'-sulpho-LewisX [NeuAcalpha2-3Gal(6-SO4)beta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)GlcNAc] saccharide groups which have been implicated as selectin ligands. This sulphotransferase has a strict requirement for oligosaccharide acceptors which are capped by an alpha2-3-linked sialic acid residue, although GlcNAc in 3'SLN can be substituted by Glc, and Galbeta1-4GlcNAc can be replaced by Galbeta1-3GlcNAc without loss of activity. The finding that 3'-sialyl LewisX was inert as an acceptor suggested that fucosylation, in contrast with sialylation, follows the addition of the sulphate group. Since fetuin glycopeptides containing the NeuAcalpha2-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc sequence had a similar affinity for the enzyme as the unattached 3'SLN, it would appear that the acceptor determinants reside primarily in the peripheral trisaccharide constellation. The position of the sulphate on C-6 of galactose was elucidated by Smith periodate oxidation, hydrazine/nitrous acid/NaBH4 treatment and elder (Sambucus nigra) bark lectin chromatography of the desialylated [35S]sulphate-labelled products of the enzyme. Assays carried out with 3'SLN as acceptor indicated that the sulphotransferase had a pH optimum between 6.5 and 7.0 and a dependence on a bivalent cation best met by Mn2+ (12-25 mM); Triton X-100 (0.02 to 0.35%) brought about maximal stimulation. Tentative Km values determined for this enzyme were 4.7 microM for PAPS, and 0.72 mM and 1.16 mM for 3'SLN and fetuin glycopeptides respectively. A survey of several rat organs indicated that the PAPS:3'SLN-6-O-sulphotransferase is selectively distributed with maximal activity occurring in spleen which was substantially greater than thymus or lymph nodes. In contrast, other enzymes (i.e. PAPS:Gal-3-O-and GlcNAc-6-O-sulphotransferases) involved in the sulphation of sialyl-lactosamine and lactosamine sequences, which in the sulphated form are believed to also be selectin ligands, were more evenly distributed in lymphoid tissues. Relatively high activities for all three enzymes were found in brain.

Sulphation of N-linked oligosaccharides of vesicular stomatitis and influenza virus envelope glycoproteins: host cell specificity, subcellular localization and identification of substituted saccharides

The presence of sulphate groups on various saccharide residues of N-linked carbohydrate units has now been observed in a number of glycoproteins. To explore the cell specificity of this post-translational modification, we evaluated sulphate incorporation into virus envelope glycoproteins by a variety of cells, since it is believed that assembly of their N-linked oligosaccharides is to a large extent dependent on the enzymic machinery of the host. Employing the vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) envelope glycoprotein (G protein) as a model, we noted that the addition of [35S]sulphate substituents into its complex carbohydrate units occurred in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK), Madin-Darby bovine kidney, LLC-PK1 and BHK-21 cell lines but was not detectable in BRL 3A, BW5147.3, Chinese hamster ovary, HepG2, NRK-49F, IEC-18, PtK1 or 3T3 cells. The sulphate groups were exclusively located on C-3 of galactose [Gal(3-SO4)] and/or C-6 of N-acetylglucosamine [GlcNAc(6-SO4)] residues in the N-acetyllactosamine sequence of the branch chains. Moreover, we observed that the pronounced host-cell-dependence of the terminal galactose sulphation was reflected by the 3'-phosphoadenosine 5'-phosphosulphate:Gal-3-O-sulphotransferase activity assayed in vitro. Comparative studies carried out on the haemagglutinin of the influenza virus envelope formed by MDCK and LLC-PK1 cells indicated that sulphate in this glycoprotein was confined to its complex N-linked oligosaccharides where it occurred as Gal(3-SO4) and GlcNAc(6-SO4) on peripheral chains as well as on the mannose-substituted N-acetylglucosamine of the core. Since sulphation in both internal and peripheral locations of the virus glycoproteins was found to be arrested by the alpha1-->2 mannosidase inhibitor, kifunensine, as well as by the intracellular migration block imposed by brefeldin A, it was concluded that this modification is a late biosynthetic event which most likely takes place in the trans-Golgi network.

Characterization of an N-acetylglucosamine-6-O-sulfotransferase from human respiratory mucosa active on mucin carbohydrate chains

A microsomal GlcNAc-6-O-sulfotransferase activity from human bronchial mucosa, able to transfer a sulfate group from adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate onto methyl-N-acetylglucosaminides or terminal N-acetylglucosamine residues of carbohydrate chains from human respiratory mucins, has been characterized. The reaction products containing a terminal HO3S-6GlcNAc were identified by high performance anion-exchange chromatography. Using methyl-beta-N-acetylglucosaminide as a substrate, the optimal activity was obtained with 0.1% Triton X-100, 30 mM NaF, 20 mM Mn2+, 5 mM AMP in a 30 mM MOPS (3-(N-morpholino) propanesulfonic acid) buffer at pH 6.7. The apparent Km values for adenosine 3'-phosphate 5'-phosphosulfate and methyl-beta-N-acetylglucosaminide were observed at 9.1 x 10(-6) M and 0.54 x 10(-3) M, respectively. The enzyme had more affinity for carbohydrate chains with a terminal GlcNAc residue than for methyl-beta-N-acetylglucosaminide; it was unable to catalyze the transfer of sulfate to position 6 of the GlcNAc residue contained in a terminal Galbeta1-4GlcNAc sequence. However, oligosaccharides with a nonreducing terminal HO3S-6GlcNAc were substrates for a beta1-4 galactosyltransferase from human bronchial mucosa. These data point out that GlcNAc-6-O-sulfotransferase must act before beta1-4 galactosylation in mucin-type oligosaccharide biosynthesis.