A tumor-associated glycosylation change in the glucose transporter GLUT1 controlled by tumor suppressor function in human cell hybrids

Characterization of HOL-30: a novel tandem-repeat galectin from the marine sponge Halichondria okadai

We here report the novel primary structure of a new member in the galectin family, the β-galactoside-binding lectin HOL-30, from the marine sponge Halichondria okadai, whose full-length sequence was determined thanks to the combination between Edman degradation and transcriptome analysis. The HOL-30 polypeptide is a tandem-repeat dimeric galectin, consisting of 281 amino acids, which includes two carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs). Unlike most other galectins described in Porifera, HOL-30 did not have a signal peptide sequence for secretion. In solution, HOL-30 exhibited a molecular weight of 60 kDa, indicating a dimeric organization consisting of two 30 kDa tandem-repeat subunits stabilized by non-covalent interactions. Although the two CRDs had a similar predicted 3D structure, they displayed low pairwise sequence identity, approximately 20 %. HOL-30 exhibited glycan-binding affinities for type-1 (Galβ1-3GlcNAc) and type-2 (Galβ1-4GlcNAc) LacNAc. Furthermore, it also recognized blood type B-oligosaccharides on type-1 and type-2 LacNAc (Galα1-3Gal[Fucα1-2]β1-3/4GlcNAc), and blood type H-oligosaccharide on type-3 (Gal[Fucα1-2]β1-3GalNAcα). The glycan-binding properties of HOL-30 were compared with those of the hRTL galectin, previously identified in Chondrilla australiensis, consisting of tetrameric 15 kDa prototype subunits. The two sponge galectins displayed similar, but not identical, carbohydrate-binding properties, as evidenced by the fact that despite effectively binding to vertebrate cultured cells, HOL-30 had minimal impact on cell growth. Antiserum analysis revealed a mosaic distribution of HOL-30 in the parenchymal cells of sponge tissues within dense cell clusters surrounding the spicules.

An efficient AAV vector system of Rec2 serotype for intravenous injection to study metabolism in brown adipocytes in vivo

OBJECTIVE

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are powerful tools for the sustained expression of proteins in vivo and have been successfully used for mechanistic studies in mice. A major challenge associated with this method is to obtain tissue specificity and high expression levels without need of local virus administration.

METHODS

To achieve this goal for brown adipose tissue (BAT), we developed a rAAV vector for intravenous bolus injection, which includes an expression cassette comprising an uncoupling protein-1 enhancer-promoter for transcription in brown adipocytes and miR122 target sequences for suppression of expression in the liver, combined with packaging in serotype Rec2 capsid protein. To test tissue specificity, we used a version of this vector expressing Cre recombinase to transduce mice with floxed alleles to knock out MLXIPL (ChREBP) or tdTomato-Cre reporter mice.

RESULTS

We demonstrated efficient Cre-dependent recombination in interscapular BAT and variable effects in minor BAT depots, but little or no efficacy in white adipose tissues, liver and other organs. Direct overexpression of glucose transporter SLC2A1 (GLUT1) using the rAAV vector in wild type mice resulted in increased glucose uptake and glucose-dependent gene expression in BAT, indicating usefulness of this vector to increase the function even of abundant proteins.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, we describe a novel brown adipocyte-specific rAAV method to express proteins for loss-of-function and gain-of-function metabolic studies. The approach will enable researchers to access brown fat swiftly, reduce animal breeding time and costs, as well as enable the creation of new transgenic mouse models combining multiple transgenes.

Dual inhibitory potential of ganoderic acid A on GLUT1/3: computational and in vitro insights into targeting glucose metabolism in human lung cancer

Human glucose transporters (GLUTs) facilitate the uptake of hexoses into cells. In cancer, the increased proliferation necessitates higher expression of GLUTs, with particular emphasis on GLUT1 and GLUT3. Thus, inhibiting GLUTs holds promise as an anticancer therapy by starving these cells of fuel. Ganoderic acid A (GAA), a triterpene found in Ganoderma lucidum, has anticancer and antidiabetic properties. Recent studies show that GAA reduces glucose uptake in cancer cells, which indicates that GAA may affect GLUT1/GLUT3 by inhibiting glucose uptake. Therefore, this study aimed to inspect whether GAA could target GLUT1/GLUT3 and play an inhibitory role in changing their endofacial and exofacial conformations. To this end, AlphaFold2 was employed to model the endofacial and exofacial conformations of GLUT3 and GLUT1, respectively. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, cell viability, cellular thermal shift assays (CETSA), glucose uptake, qPCR, and western blotting were harnessed. In comparison to the endofacial (cytochalasin B) and exofacial (phloretin) GLUT1/3 inhibitors, the computational findings unveiled GAA's capacity to bind and stabilize GLUT1/3 in their two conformational states, with a preference for binding the endofacial conformation. A low, non-cytotoxic dose of GAA thermally stabilized both transporters and inhibited glucose uptake in human lung cancer cells, similar to cytochalasin B and phloretin. In conclusion, this study has unearthed novel functionalities of GAA, suggesting its potential utility in cancer therapy by targeting glucose metabolism.

Metabolism-driven glycosylation represents therapeutic opportunities in interstitial lung diseases

Metabolic changes are coupled with alteration in protein glycosylation. In this review, we will focus on macrophages that are pivotal in the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis and sarcoidosis and thanks to their adaptable metabolism are an attractive therapeutic target. Examples presented in this review demonstrate that protein glycosylation regulates metabolism-driven immune responses in macrophages, with implications for fibrotic processes and granuloma formation. Targeting proteins that regulate glycosylation, such as fucosyltransferases, neuraminidase 1 and chitinase 1 could effectively block immunometabolic changes driving inflammation and fibrosis, providing novel avenues for therapeutic interventions.

GLUT3 upregulation promotes metabolic reprogramming associated with antiangiogenic therapy resistance

Clinical trials revealed limited response duration of glioblastomas to VEGF-neutralizing antibody bevacizumab. Thriving in the devascularized microenvironment occurring after antiangiogenic therapy requires tumor cell adaptation to decreased glucose, with 50% less glucose identified in bevacizumab-treated xenografts. Compared with bevacizumab-responsive xenograft cells, resistant cells exhibited increased glucose uptake, glycolysis, ¹³C NMR pyruvate to lactate conversion, and survival in low glucose. Glucose transporter 3 (GLUT3) was upregulated in bevacizumab-resistant versus sensitive xenografts and patient specimens in a HIF-1α-dependent manner. Resistant versus sensitive cell mitochondria in oxidative phosphorylation-selective conditions produced less ATP. Despite unchanged mitochondrial numbers, normoxic resistant cells had lower mitochondrial membrane potential than sensitive cells, confirming poorer mitochondrial health, but avoided the mitochondrial dysfunction of hypoxic sensitive cells. Thin-layer chromatography revealed increased triglycerides in bevacizumab-resistant versus sensitive xenografts, a change driven by mitochondrial stress. A glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitor suppressing GLUT3 transcription caused greater cell death in bevacizumab-resistant than -responsive cells. Overexpressing GLUT3 in tumor cells recapitulated bevacizumab-resistant cell features: survival and proliferation in low glucose, increased glycolysis, impaired oxidative phosphorylation, and rapid in vivo proliferation only slowed by bevacizumab to that of untreated bevacizumab-responsive tumors. Targeting GLUT3 or the increased glycolysis reliance in resistant tumors could unlock the potential of antiangiogenic treatments.

The galectin lattice at a glance

Galectins are a family of widely expressed β-galactoside-binding lectins in metazoans. The 15 mammalian galectins have either one or two conserved carbohydrate recognition domains (CRDs), with galectin-3 being able to pentamerize; they form complexes that crosslink glycosylated ligands to form a dynamic lattice. The galectin lattice regulates the diffusion, compartmentalization and endocytosis of plasma membrane glycoproteins and glycolipids. The galectin lattice also regulates the selection, activation and arrest of T cells, receptor kinase signaling and the functionality of membrane receptors, including the glucagon receptor, glucose and amino acid transporters, cadherins and integrins. The affinity of transmembrane glycoproteins to the galectin lattice is proportional to the number and branching of their N-glycans; with branching being mediated by Golgi N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-branching enzymes and the supply of UDP-GlcNAc through metabolite flux through the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway. The relative affinities of glycoproteins for the galectin lattice depend on the activities of the Golgi enzymes that generate the epitopes of their ligands and, thus, provide a means to analyze biological function of lectins and of the 'glycome' more broadly.

N-linked glycosylation of human SLC1A5 (ASCT2) transporter is critical for trafficking to membrane

The human amino acid transporter SLC1A5 (ASCT2) contains two N-glycosylation sites (N163 and N212) located in the large extracellular loop. In the homology structural model of ASCT2 these Asn residues are extracellularly exposed. Mutants of the two Asn exhibited altered electrophoretic mobility. N163Q and N212Q displayed multiple bands with apparent molecular masses from 80kDa to 50kDa. N163/212Q displayed a single band of 50kDa corresponding to the unglycosylated protein. The presence in membrane of WT and mutants was evaluated by protein biotinylation assay followed by immunoblotting. The double mutation significantly impaired the presence of the protein in membrane, without impairment in protein synthesis. [(3)H]glutamine transport was measured in cells transiently transfected with the WT or mutants. N163/212Q exhibited a strongly reduced transport activity correlating with reduced surface expression. The same proteins extracted from cells and reconstituted in liposomes showed comparable transport activities demonstrating that the intrinsic transport function of the mutants was not affected. The rate of endocytosis of ASCT2 was assayed by a reversible biotinylation strategy. N212Q and N163/212Q showed strongly increased rates of endocytosis respect to WT. ASCT2 stability was determined using cycloheximide. N163Q or N163/212Q showed a slightly or significantly lower stability with respect to WT. To assess trafficking to the membrane, a brefeldin-based assay, which caused retention of proteins in ER, was performed. One hour after brefeldin removal WT protein was localized to the plasma membrane while the double mutant was localized in the cytosol. The results demonstrate that N-glycosylation is critical for trafficking.

Golgi N-glycan branching N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases I, V and VI promote nutrient uptake and metabolism

Nutrient transporters are critical gate-keepers of extracellular metabolite entry into the cell. As integral membrane proteins, most transporters are N-glycosylated, and the N-glycans are remodeled in the Golgi apparatus. The Golgi branching enzymes N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases I, II, IV, V and avian VI (encoded by Mgat1, Mgat2, Mgat4a/b/c Mgat5 and Mgat6), each catalyze the addition of N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) in N-glycans. Here, we asked whether N-glycan branching promotes nutrient transport and metabolism in immortal human HeLa carcinoma and non-malignant HEK293 embryonic kidney cells. Mgat6 is absent in mammals, but ectopic expression can be expected to add an additional β1,4-linked branch to N-glycans, and may provide evidence for functional redundancy of the N-glycan branches. Tetracycline (tet)-induced overexpression of Mgat1, Mgat5 and Mgat6 resulted in increased enzyme activity and increased N-glycan branching concordant with the known specificities of these enzymes. Tet-induced Mgat1, Mgat5 and Mgat6 combined with stimulation of hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) to UDP-GlcNAc, increased cellular metabolite levels, lactate and oxidative metabolism in an additive manner. We then tested the hypothesis that N-glycan branching alone might promote nutrient uptake when glucose (Glc) and glutamine are limiting. In low glutamine and Glc medium, tet-induced Mgat5 alone increased amino acids uptake, intracellular levels of glycolytic and TCA intermediates, as well as HEK293 cell growth. More specifically, tet-induced Mgat5 and HBP elevated the import rate of glutamine, although transport of other metabolites may be regulated in parallel. Our results suggest that N-glycan branching cooperates with HBP to regulate metabolite import in a cell autonomous manner, and can enhance cell growth in low-nutrient environments.

N-glycan remodeling on glucagon receptor is an effector of nutrient sensing by the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway

Glucose homeostasis in mammals is dependent on the opposing actions of insulin and glucagon. The Golgi N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases encoded by Mgat1, Mgat2, Mgat4a/b/c, and Mgat5 modify the N-glycans on receptors and solute transporter, possibly adapting activities in response to the metabolic environment. Herein we report that Mgat5(-/-) mice display diminished glycemic response to exogenous glucagon, together with increased insulin sensitivity. Glucagon receptor signaling and gluconeogenesis in Mgat5(-/-) cultured hepatocytes was impaired. In HEK293 cells, signaling by ectopically expressed glucagon receptor was increased by Mgat5 expression and GlcNAc supplementation to UDP-GlcNAc, the donor substrate shared by Mgat branching enzymes. The mobility of glucagon receptor in primary hepatocytes was reduced by galectin-9 binding, and the strength of the interaction was dependent on Mgat5 and UDP-GlcNAc levels. Finally, oral GlcNAc supplementation rescued the glucagon response in Mgat5(-/-) hepatocytes and mice, as well as glycolytic metabolites and UDP-GlcNAc levels in liver. Our results reveal that the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway and GlcNAc salvage contribute to glucose homeostasis through N-glycan branching on glucagon receptor.

Probing the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway in human tumor cells by multitargeted tandem mass spectrometry

Cancer progression is accompanied by increases in glucose and glutamine metabolism, providing the carbon and nitrogen required in downstream anabolic pathways. Fructose-6P, glutamine, and acetyl-CoA are central metabolites and substrates of the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway (HBP) to UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc), an essential high-energy donor for protein glycosylation. Golgi and cytosolic glycosylation pathways are sensitive to UDP-GlcNAc levels, which in turn regulates metabolic homeostasis in a poorly understood manner. To study the hexosamine biosynthesis pathway in cancer cells, we developed a targeted approach for cellular metabolomics profiling by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Human cervical (HeLa) and prostate cancer (PC-3) cell lines were cultured in medium with increasing concentrations of glucose, glutamine, or GlcNAc to perturb the metabolic network. Principal component analysis indicated trends that were further analyzed as individual metabolites and pathways. HeLa cell metabolism was predominantly glycolytic, while PC-3 cells showed a greater dependency on extracellular glutamine. In both cell lines, UDP-GlcNAc levels declined with glucose but not glutamine starvation, whereas glutamine abundance increased UDP-GlcNAc levels 2-3-fold. GlcNAc supplementation increased UDP-GlcNAc 4-8-fold in both HeLa and PC-3 cells. GlcNAc supplementation in HeLa cells induced nonmonotonic changes in NADH/NAD+, NADPH/NADP+, reactive oxygen species, and reduced/oxidized glutathione. In PC-3 cells, GlcNAc supplementation also increased glucose and glutamine uptake and catabolism. Our results suggest that stimulation of the HBP in cancer cells regulates metabolism and redox potential, which might be exploited to target cancer cells.

Bisected, complex N-glycans and galectins in mouse mammary tumor progression and human breast cancer

Bisected, complex N-glycans on glycoproteins are generated by the glycosyltransferase MGAT3 and cause reduced cell surface binding of galectins. Previously, we showed that MGAT3 reduces growth factor signaling and retards mammary tumor progression driven by the Polyoma middle T antigen (PyMT) expressed in mammary epithelium under the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter. However, the penetrance of the tumor phenotype became variable in mixed FVB/N and C57BL/6 female mice and we therefore investigated a congenic C57BL/6 Mgat3(-/-)/MMTV-PyMT model. In the absence of MGAT3, C57BL/6 Mgat3(-/-)/MMTV-PyMT females exhibited accelerated tumor appearance and increased tumor burden, glucose uptake in tumors and lung metastasis. Nevertheless, activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 or protein kinase B (AKT) was reduced in ∼20-week C57BL/6 MMTV-PyMT tumors lacking MGAT3. Activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), protein tyrosine kinase Src, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase were similar to that of controls. All the eight mouse galectin genes were expressed in mammary tumors and tumor epithelial cells (TECs), but galectin-2 and -12 were not detected by western analysis in tumors, and galectin-7 was not detected in 60% of the TEC lines. From microarray data reported for human breast cancers, at least 10 galectin and 7 N-glycan N-acetylglucosaminyl (GlcNAc)-transferase (MGAT) genes are expressed in tumor tissue, and expression often varies significantly between different breast cancer subtypes. Thus, in summary, while MGAT3 and bisected complex N-glycans retard mouse mammary tumor progression, genetic background may modify this effect; identification of key galectins that promote mammary tumor progression in mice is not straightforward because all the eight galectin genes are expressed; and high levels of MGAT3, galectin-4, -8, -10, -13 and -14 transcripts correlate with better relapse-free survival in human breast cancer.

Akt inhibition promotes hexokinase 2 redistribution and glucose uptake in cancer cells

Hexokinase II (HK2), the enzyme that catalyzes the first committed step of glycolysis, is overexpressed in many cancers, as is the central signaling kinase Akt. Akt activity promotes HK2 association with the mitochondria, as well as glucose uptake by cancer cells. In HeLa cervical cancer cells, Akt inhibitor IV (Ai4) increased nuclear HK2 localization, while in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, Ai4 merely induced cytoplasmic redistribution without increased nuclear accumulation. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) directed against Akt confirmed the effect in HeLa cells. Next, we treated the cells with clotrimazole (CTZ), which detaches HK2 from the mitochondria, or leptomycin B (LMB), which promotes HK2 nuclear accumulation, and determined the effect on HK2 subcellular distribution. In both cell lines, CTZ detached HK2 from the mitochondria, without substantially increasing nuclear HK2, while LMB increased nuclear HK2, without redistributing cytoplasmic HK2. Contrary to expectations, Akt inhibition promoted glucose uptake in both cell lines, suggesting that Akt inhibition may increase glucose uptake by detaching HK2 from the mitochondria. In both cell lines, CTZ and LMB increased glucose uptake. However, the results in the HeLa cells showed greater effects: CTZ increased glucose uptake to a similar degree to Ai4, while LMB was far more effective than either. These data suggest that both detachment of HK2 from the mitochondria and increased nuclear HK2 are important for Ai4-induced increased glucose uptake.

Selective growth inhibition by glycogen synthase kinase-3 inhibitors in tumorigenic HeLa hybrid cells is mediated through NF-κB-dependent GLUT3 expression

Carcinogenesis and cancer progression, driven by mutations in oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes, result in biological differences between normal and cancer cells in various cellular processes. Specific genes and signaling molecules involved in such cellular processes may be potential therapeutic targets of agents that specifically interact with the key factors in cancer cells. Increased glucose uptake is fundamental to many solid tumors and well associated with increases in glycolysis and the overexpression of glucose transporters (GLUTs) such as GLUT1 and GLUT3 at the plasma membrane. Here, we used cell-based screening to identify glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) inhibitors that selectively target GLUT3-expressing tumorigenic HeLa cell hybrids as compared with non-tumorigenic hybrids that express GLUT1 alone. The GSK-3 inhibitors as well as GSK-3β RNAi suppressed GLUT3 expression at the level of transcription, leading to apoptosis. This suppression was associated with NF-κB in a p53-independent manner. Furthermore, GSK-3 inhibitors exhibited a synergistic effect with anticancer agents such as adriamycin and camptothecin in GULT3-overexpressing colon cancer cells, but little effect in non-producing A431 cells. These results suggest a potential use of GSK-3 inhibitors to selectively kill cancer cells that overexpress GLUT3.

Deciphering the role of GLUT4 N-glycosylation in adipocyte and muscle cell models

GLUT4 (glucose transporter 4) is responsible for the insulin-induced uptake of glucose by muscle and fat cells. In non-stimulated (basal) cells, GLUT4 is retained intracellularly, whereas insulin stimulation leads to its translocation from storage compartments towards the cell surface. How GLUT4 is retained intracellularly is largely unknown. Previously, aberrant GLUT4 N-glycosylation has been linked to increased basal cell-surface levels, while N-glycosylation-deficient GLUT4 was found to be quickly degraded. As recycling and degradation of GLUT4 are positively correlated, we hypothesized that incorrect N-glycosylation of GLUT4 might reduce its intracellular retention, resulting in an increased cell-surface recycling, in increased basal cell-surface levels, and in enhanced GLUT4 degradation. In the present study, we have investigated N-glycosylation-deficient GLUT4 in detail in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes, 3T3-L1 adipocytes and L6 myoblasts. We have found no alterations in retention, insulin response, internalization or glucose transport activity. Degradation of the mutant molecule was increased, although once present at the cell surface, its degradation was identical with that of wild-type GLUT4. Our findings indicate that N-glycosylation is important for efficient trafficking of GLUT4 to its proper compartments, but once the transporter has arrived there, N-glycosylation plays no further major role in its intracellular trafficking, nor in its functional activity.

N-glycosylation is critical for the stability and intracellular trafficking of glucose transporter GLUT4

The facilitative glucose transporter GLUT4 plays a key role in regulating whole body glucose homeostasis. GLUT4 dramatically changes its distribution upon insulin stimulation, and insulin-resistant diabetes is often linked with compromised translocation of GLUT4 under insulin stimulation. To elucidate the functional significance of the sole N-glycan chain on GLUT4, wild-type GLUT4 and a GLUT4 glycosylation mutant conjugated with enhanced GFP were stably expressed in HeLa cells. The N-glycan contributed to the overall stability of newly synthesized GLUT4. Moreover, cell surface expression of wild-type GLUT4 in HeLa cells was elevated upon insulin treatment, whereas the glycosylation mutant lost the ability to respond to insulin. Subcellular distribution of the mutant was distinct from that of wild-type GLUT4, implying that the subcellular localization required for insulin-mediated translocation was impaired in the mutant protein. Interestingly, kifunensine-treated cells also lost sensitivity to insulin, suggesting the functional importance of the N-glycan structure for GLUT4 trafficking. The K(m) or turnover rates of wild-type and mutant GLUT4, however, were similar, suggesting that the N-glycan had little effect on transporter activity. These findings underscore the critical roles of the N-glycan chain in quality control as well as intracellular trafficking of GLUT4.

DNA damage-induced modulation of GLUT3 expression is mediated through p53-independent extracellular signal-regulated kinase signaling in HeLa cells

Many cancer cells exhibit increased rates of uptake and metabolism of glucose compared with normal cells. Glucose uptake in mammalian cells is mediated by the glucose transporter (GLUT) family. Here, we report that DNA-damaging anticancer agents such as Adriamycin and etoposide suppressed the expression of GLUT3, but not GLUT1, in HeLa cells and a tumorigenic HeLa cell hybrid. Suppression of GLUT3 expression determined by the real-time PCR was also evident with another DNA-damaging agent, camptothecin, which reduced the promoter's activity as determined with a luciferase-linked assay. The suppression by these agents seemed to be induced independently of p53, and it was evident when wild-type p53 was overproduced in these cells. In contrast, the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) kinase (MEK) inhibitor U0126 (but not the phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002) prevented the drug-induced suppression as determined by reverse transcription-PCR and promoter assays. Furthermore, overexpression of GLUT3 in HeLa cell hybrids increased resistance to these drugs, whereas depletion of the gene by small interfering RNA rendered the cells more sensitive to the drugs, decreasing glucose consumption. The results suggest that DNA-damaging agents reduce GLUT3 expression in cancer cells through activation of the MEK-ERK pathway independently of p53, leading to cell death or apoptosis. The findings may contribute to the development of new chemotherapeutic drugs based on the GLUT3-dependent metabolism of glucose.

The intrinsic structure of glucose transporter isoforms Glut1 and Glut3 regulates their differential distribution to detergent-resistant membrane domains in nonpolarized mammalian cells

The hexose transporter family, which mediates facilitated uptake in mammalian cells, consists of more than 10 members containing 12 membrane-spanning segments with a single N-glycosylation site. We previously demonstrated that glucose transporter 1 is organized into a raft-like detergent-resistant membrane domain but that glucose transporter 3 distributes to fluid membrane domains in nonpolarized mammalian cells. In this study, we further examined the structural basis responsible for the distribution by using a series of chimeric constructs. Glucose transporter 1 and glucose transporter 3 with a FLAG-tagged N-terminus were expressed in detergent-resistant membranes and non-detergent-resistant membranes of CHO-K1 cells, respectively. Replacement of either the C-terminal or N-terminal cytosolic portion of FLAG-tagged glucose transporter 1 and glucose transporter 3 did not affect the membrane distribution. However, a critical sorting signal may exist within the N-terminal half of the isoforms without affecting transport activity and its inhibition by cytochalasin B. Further shortening of these regions altered the critical distribution, suggesting that a large proportion or several parts of the intrinsic structure, including the N-terminus of each isoform, are involved in the regulation.

Down-regulation of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-V induces ER stress by changing glycosylation and function of GLUT1

N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase-V (GnT-V) is a key enzyme in the processing of N-glycans during synthesis of glycoproteins. We have reported that down-regulating GnT-V could induce endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) in 7721 cells, a human hepatocarcinoma cell line. In a search for mechanisms of ER stress, we found that there was a prominent decline of glucose uptake in antisense GnT-V transfectant, furthermore, a decrease of tri- or tetra-antannary sugar chain of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1). However, distribution of GLUT1 in antisense GnT-V transfectant was not affected. Glucose deprivation has been known to activate ER stress in tumor cells. Therefore, the data presented in this study indicate that the glycosylation change and decrease of transport activity of GLUT1 may be one possible mechanism of ER stress induced by down-regulating GnT-V, and GnT-V may contribute to the regulation of glucose uptake by modifying glycosylation of GLUT1 in some tumor cells.

Determining and understanding the control of glycolysis in fast-growth tumor cells. Flux control by an over-expressed but strongly product-inhibited hexokinase

Control analysis of the glycolytic flux was carried out in two fast-growth tumor cell types of human and rodent origin (HeLa and AS-30D, respectively). Determination of the maximal velocity (V(max)) of the 10 glycolytic enzymes from hexokinase to lactate dehydrogenase revealed that hexokinase (153-306 times) and phosphofructokinase-1 (PFK-1) (22-56 times) had higher over-expression in rat AS-30D hepatoma cells than in normal freshly isolated rat hepatocytes. Moreover, the steady-state concentrations of the glycolytic metabolites, particularly those of the products of hexokinase and PFK-1, were increased compared with hepatocytes. In HeLa cells, V(max) values and metabolite concentrations for the 10 glycolytic enzyme were also significantly increased, but to a much lesser extent (6-9 times for both hexokinase and PFK-1). Elasticity-based analysis of the glycolytic flux in AS-30D cells showed that the block of enzymes producing Fru(1,6)P2 (i.e. glucose transporter, hexokinase, hexosephosphate isomerase, PFK-1, and the Glc6P branches) exerted most of the flux control (70-75%), whereas the consuming block (from aldolase to lactate dehydrogenase) exhibited the remaining control. The Glc6P-producing block (glucose transporter and hexokinase) also showed high flux control (70%), which indicated low flux control by PFK-1. Kinetic analysis of PFK-1 showed low sensitivity towards its allosteric inhibitors citrate and ATP, at physiological concentrations of the activator Fru(2,6)P2. On the other hand, hexokinase activity was strongly inhibited by high, but physiological, concentrations of Glc6P. Therefore, the enhanced glycolytic flux in fast-growth tumor cells was still controlled by an over-produced, but Glc6P-inhibited hexokinase.

Hexose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3 are colocalized with hexokinase I in caveolae microdomains of rat spermatogenic cells

Postmeiotic spermatogenic cells, but not meiotic spermatogenic cells respond differentially with glucose-induced changes in [Ca2+]i indicating a differential transport of glucose via facilitative hexose transporters (GLUTs) specifically distributed in the plasma membrane. Several studies have indicated that plasma membrane in mammalian cells is not homogeneously organized, but contains specific microdomains known as detergent-resistant membrane domains (DRMDs), lipid rafts or caveolae. The association of these domains and GLUTs isoforms has not been characterized in spermatogenic cells. We analyzed the expression and function of GLUT1 and GLUT3 in isolated spermatocytes and spermatids. The results showed that spermatogenic cells express both glucose transporters, with spermatids exhibiting a higher affinity glucose transport system. In addition, spermatogenic cells express caveolin-1, and glucose transporters colocalize with caveolin-1 in caveolin-enriched membrane fractions. Experiments in which the integrity of caveolae was disrupted by pretreatment with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, indicated that the involvement of cholesterol-enriched plasma membrane microdomains were involved in the localization of GLUTs and uptake of 2-deoxyglucose. We also observed cofractionation of GLUT3 and caveolin-1 in low-buoyant density membranes together with their shift to higher densities after methyl-beta-cyclodextrin treatment. GLUT1 was found in all fractions isolated. Immunofluorescent studies indicated that caveolin-1, GLUT1, and hexokinase I colocalize in spermatocytes while caveolin-1, GLUT3, and hexokinase I colocalize in spermatids. These findings suggest the presence of hexose transporters in DRMDs, and further support a role for intact caveolae or cholesterol-enriched membrane microdomains in relation to glucose uptake and glucose phosphorylation. The results would also explain the different glucose-induced changes in [Ca2+]i in both cells.

Hemopoietic cell transformation is associated with failure to downregulate glucose uptake during the G2/M phase of the cell cycle

Growth factors and cytokines initiate multiple signal transduction pathways that lead to cell survival, cell cycle progression or differentiation. A common feature of these pathways is increased cellular metabolism and glucose uptake. Furthermore, the energy requirements of many cancers and transformed cell lines are met by constitutive upregulation of glucose uptake. Relationships among transforming events, glucose uptake and cell cycle progression are not well understood. Here we investigated the regulation of glucose transport during the cell cycle of growth factor-dependent 32D cells, primary T-cells, src-transformed 32D cells and Jurkat cells. Cells were enriched in the G1, S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle, and glucose transporter expression and 2-deoxyglucose uptake were measured. Glucose transporter expression increased with cell volume as cells progressed through the cell cycle. Growth factor-dependent 32D cells and T-lymphocytes were characterised by increased 2-deoxyglucose uptake from G1 to S and reduced uptake at G2/M, with the highest specific activity of transporters in the S phase. In contrast, src-transformed 32D cells and Jurkat cells showed increased 2-deoxyglucose uptake from S to G2/M, with the highest glucose transporter specific activity in G2/M. Our results show that glucose transport is regulated in a cell cycle-dependent manner and suggest that this regulation may be altered in transformed cells.

The impact of N- and O-glycosylation on the functions of Glut-1 transporter in human thyroid anaplastic cells

It has been previously shown that glucose transporter Glut-1 expression was detectable by immunostaining in tissue sections from anaplastic carcinoma, but not in normal thyroid tissue. Using human thyroid anaplastic carcinoma cells, we studied the mechanism by which Glut-1 molecules are translocated from the endoplasmic reticulum to the cell surface. The contribution of N- and O-linked glycans for the translocation and activity of Glut-1 transporter is emphasized. The inhibition of N-glycosylation with tunicamycin (TM) led to a 50% decrease in glucose transport while glycosylated and unglycosylated forms of Glut-1 were found at the cell surface. However, the inhibition of N-linked oligosaccharide processing with deoxymannojirimycin (dMJ) and swainsonine (SW) influenced neither the intracellular trafficking nor the activity of the transporter. On the other hand, Glut-1 bound to the O-linked glycan-specific lectin jacalin and the O-glycosylation inhibitor benzyl-N-acetylgalactosamine dramatically inhibited glucose transport. These results show that O- and N-linked oligosaccharides arbored by Glut-1 are essential for glucose transport in anaplastic carcinoma cells. The quantitative and qualitative alterations of Glut-1 glycosylation and the increase in glucose transport are associated with the anaplastic phenotype of human thyroid cells.

Differential localization of glucose transporter isoforms in non-polarized mammalian cells: distribution of GLUT1 but not GLUT3 to detergent-resistant membrane domains

The hexose transporter family, which mediates a facilitated uptake in mammalian cells, consists of more than 10 members containing 12 membrane-spanning segments with a single N-glycosylation site. However, it remains unknown how these isoforms are functionally organized in the membrane domains. In this report, we describe a differential distribution of the glucose transporter isoforms GLUT1 and GLUT3 to detergent-resistant membrane domains (DRMs) in non-polarized mammalian cells. Whereas more than 80% of cellular proteins containing GLUT3 in HeLa cell lines was solubilized by a non-ionic detergent (either Triton X-100 or Lubrol WX) at 4 degrees C, GLUT1 remained insoluble together with the DRM-associated proteins, such as caveolin-1 and intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP). These DRM-associated proteins and the ganglioside GM1 were shown to float to the upper fractions when Triton X-100-solubilized cell extracts were centrifuged on a density gradient. In contrast, GLUT3 as well as most soluble proteins remained in the lower layers. Furthermore, perturbations of DRMs due to depletion of cholesterol by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (m beta CD) rendered GLUT1 soluble in Triton X-100. Immunostaining patterns for these isoforms detected by confocal laser scanning microscopy in a living cell were also distinctive. These results suggest that in non-polarized mammalian cells, GLUT1 can be organized into a raft-like DRM domain but GLUT3 may distribute to fluid membrane domains. This differential distribution may occur irrespective of the N-glycosylation state or cell type.

mRna expression and transport characterization of conditionally immortalized rat brain capillary endothelial cell lines; a new in vitro BBB model for drug targeting

Brain capillary endothelial cell lines (TR-BBB) were established from a recently developed transgenic rat harboring temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 (ts SV 40) large T-antigen gene (Tg rat) and used to characterize the endothelial marker, transport activity, and mRNA expression of transporters and tight-junction strand proteins at the blood-brain barrier (BBB). These cell lines expressed active large T-antigen and grew well at 33 degrees C with a doubling-time of about 22-31 hr, but did not grow at 39 degrees C. TR-BBBs expressed the typical endothelial marker, von Willebrand factor, and exhibited acetylated low-density lipoprotein uptake activity. Although the gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity in TR-BBBs was approximately 13% of that of the brain capillary fraction of a normal rat, it was localized in the apical side, suggesting that it reflects the functional polarity of the in vivo BBB. The mRNA of tight-junction strand proteins such as claudine-5, occludin, and junctional adhesion molecule are expressed in TR-BBB13. Drug efflux transporter, P-glycoprotein, with a molecular weight of 170 kDa was expressed in all TR-BBBs and mdr 1a, mdr 1b, and mdr 2 mRNA were detected in TR-BBBs using RT-PCR. Moreover, mrp1 mRNA was expressed in all TR-BBBs. Influx transporter, GLUT-1, expressed at 55 kDa was revealed by Western blot analysis. It had 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (3-OMG) uptake activity which was concentration-dependent with a Michaelis-Menten constant of 9.86 +/- 1.20 mM. The mRNA of large neutral amino acid transporter, which consists of LAT-1 and 4F2hc was expressed in TR-BBBs. In conclusion, the conditionally immortalized rat brain capillary endothelial cell lines (TR-BBB) had endothelial makers, expressed mRNA for tight-junction strand proteins and the influx and efflux transporters and produced GLUT-1, which is capable of 3-OMG transport activity.

An unusual subcellular localization of GLUT1 and link with metabolism in oocytes and preimplantation mouse embryos

Although mouse oocytes and cleavage-stage embryos prefer pyruvate and lactate for metabolic fuels, they do take up and metabolize glucose. Indeed, presentation of glucose during the cleavage stages is required for subsequent blastocyst formation, which normally relies on uptake and metabolism of large amounts of glucose. Expression of the facilitative glucose transporter GLUT1 was examined using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting, and in polyspermic oocytes, metabolism of glucose was measured and compared with that of pyruvate and glutamine. GLUT1 was observed in all oocytes and embryos, and membrane and vesicular staining was present. Additionally, however, in polyspermic oocytes, the most intense staining was in the pronuclei, and this nuclear staining persisted in cleaving normal embryos. Furthermore, GLUT1 expression appeared to be up-regulated both in nuclei and plasma membranes following culture of oocytes in the absence of glucose. In polyspermic oocytes, the metabolism of glucose, but not of pyruvate or glutamine, was directly proportional to the number of pronuclei formed. After compaction, nuclear staining diminished, and GLUT1 localized to basolateral membranes of the outer cells and trophectoderm. In blastocysts, a weak but uniform staining of inner-cell-mass plasma membranes was apparent. The results are discussed in terms of potential roles for GLUT1 in pronuclei of oocytes and zygotes, nuclei of cleavage-stage embryos, and a transepithelial transport function for GLUT1, probably coupled with GLUT3, in compacted embryos and blastocysts.

Conditionally immortalized retinal capillary endothelial cell lines (TR-iBRB) expressing differentiated endothelial cell functions derived from a transgenic rat

The objective of this study was to establish and characterize a retinal capillary endothelial cell line (TR-iBRB) from a newly developed transgenic rat harboring the temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 (SV 40) large T-antigen gene (Tg rat). Retinal capillary endothelial cells were isolated from a Tg rat and cultured in collagen-coated dishes at 37 degrees C for a period of 48 hr. Cells were subsequently cultured at 33 degrees C to activate the large T-antigen. At the third passage, cells were cloned by colony formation and isolated from other cells. Nine immortalized cell lines of retinal capillary endothelial cells (TR-iBRB1 approximately 9) were obtained from a Tg rat. These cell lines had a spindle-fiber shape morphology, expressed the typical endothelial marker, von Willebrand factor, and internalized acetylated-low density lipoprotein. Moreover, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor-2 was expressed in TR-iBRBs. TR-iBRBs expressed a large T-antigen and grew well at 33 degrees C with a doubling time of 19-21 hr. In contrast, cells did not grow at 37 and 39 degrees C due to the reduced expression of large T-antigen, supporting temperature-dependent cell growth. TR-iBRBs expressed GLUT1 and exhibited 3- O -methyl- D -glucose (3-OMG) uptake activity. This 3-OMG uptake was saturable with a Michaelis-Menten constant of 5.56 +/- 0.51 m M and a maximum uptake rate of 45.3 +/- 2.6 nmol min(-1) mg protein(-1). P-Glycoprotein, with a molecular weight of approximately 180 KDa, was expressed in TR-iBRBs. In addition, mdr 1a, mdr 1b and mdr 2 were detected in TR-iBRB2 using RT-PCR. In conclusion, conditionally immortalized retinal capillary endothelial cell lines were established from a transgenic rat harboring the temperature-sensitive SV 40 large T-antigen gene and these lines were shown to exhibit the properties of retinal capillary endothelial cells.

Glut-1 translocation in FRTL-5 thyroid cells: role of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and N-glycosylation

It was previously demonstrated that insulin or TSH treatment of FRTL-5 cells resulted in an elevation of glucose transport and in an increase of cell surface expression of the glucose transporter Glut-1. However, the signaling mechanisms leading to the insulin or TSH-induced increase in the cell surface expression of Glut-1 were not investigated. In the present study, we demonstrated that wortmannin and LY294002, two specific inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-kinase), interfere both in the signaling pathways of insulin and TSH leading to glucose consumption enhancement and Glut-1 translocation. Two hours after insulin treatment, TSH or cAMP analog (Bu)2cAMP stimulation, glucose transport was increased and most of the intracellular Glut-1 pool was translocated to plasma membranes. Wortmannin or LY294002 blocked the insulin, (Bu)2cAMP, and the TSH-induced translocation of Glut-1. Wortmannin or LY294002 alone did not alter the basal ratio between intracellular and cell surface Glut-1 molecules. These results suggest that in FRTL-5 cells wortmannin and LY294002 inhibited the insulin, (Bu)2cAMP and TSH events leading to Glut-1 translocation from an intracellular compartment to the plasma membrane. Likewise, (Bu)2cAMP effects on glucose transport and Glut-1 translocation to plasma membrane were repressed by PI3-kinase inhibitors but not by the protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89. We suggest that (Bu)2cAMP stimulates Glut-1 translocation to plasma membrane through PI3-kinase-dependent and PKA-independent signaling pathways. To further elucidate mechanisms that regulate the translocation of Glut-1 to cell membrane, we extended this study to the role played by the N-glycosylation in the translocation and in the biological activity of Glut-1 in FRTL-5 cells. For this purpose we used tunicamycin, an inhibitor of the N-glycosylation. Our experiments with tunicamycin clearly showed that both the glycosylated and unglycosylated forms of the transporter reached the cell surface. Likewise, a decrease in glucose consumption (-50%) after treatment of cells with tunicamycin was accompanied by a decrease (-70% vs. control) in the membrane expression of a 50-kDa form of Glut-1 and an increase in its unglycosylated 41-kDa form. These results suggest that carbohydrate moiety is essential for the biological activity of glucose transport but is not required for the translocation of Glut-1 from the intracellular membrane pool to the plasma membrane.

A new cationic liposome for efficient gene delivery with serum into cultured human cells: a quantitative analysis using two independent fluorescent probes

Cationic liposomes are useful to transfer genes into eukaryotic cells in vitro and in vivo. However, liposomes with good transfection efficiency are often cytotoxic, and also require serum-free conditions for optimal activity. In this report, we describe a new formulation of cationic liposome containing DC-6-14, O,O'-ditetradecanoyl-N-(alpha-trimethylammonioacetyl)diethan olamine chloride, dioleoylphosphatidylethanolamine and cholesterol for gene delivery into cultured human cells. This liposome, dispersed in 5% serum-containing growth medium, efficiently delivered a plasmid DNA for GFP (green fluorescent protein) into more than 80% of the cultured human cell hybrids derived from HeLa cells and normal fibroblasts. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the efficiency of the GFP gene expression was 40-50% in a tumor-suppressed cell hybrid, while it was greatly reduced in the tumorigenic counterpart. The enhanced GFP expression in tumor-suppressed cell hybrids was quantitatively well correlated with a prolonged presence of the plasmid DNA, which had been labeled with another fluorescent probe, ethidium monoazide, within the cells. These results suggest that a newly developed cationic liposome is useful for gene delivery in serum-containing medium into human cells and the stability of the plasmid DNA inside the cell is a crucial step in this liposome-mediated gene expression. The mechanisms by which cationic liposome mediates gene transfer into eukaryotic cells are also discussed.

Conditionally immortalized brain capillary endothelial cell lines established from a transgenic mouse harboring temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large T-antigen gene

Five immortalized brain capillary endothelial cell lines (TM-BBB1-5) were established from 3 transgenic mice harboring temperature-sensitive simian virus 40 large T-antigen gene (Tg mouse). These cell lines expressed active large T-antigen and grew well at 33 degrees C with a doubling time of about 20 to 30 hours. TM-BBBs also grew at 37 degrees C but not at 39 degrees C. However, growth was restored when the temperature of the culture was lowered to 33 degrees C. Although significant amounts of large T-antigen were shown to be present in the cell culture at 33 degrees C, there was less of this complex at 37 degrees C and 39 degrees C. TM-BBBs expressed the typical endothelial marker, von Willebrand factor, and exhibited acetylated low-density lipoprotein uptake activity. The alkaline phosphatase and gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase activity in TM-BBBs were -10% and 50% to 80% of brain capillary fraction of normal mice, respectively. D-mannitol transport in the both apical-to-basal and basal-to-apical directions across the TM-BBB was 2-fold greater than for inulin. TM-BBBs were found to express GLUT-1 but not GLUT-3, and exhibited concentration-dependent 3-O-methyl-D-glucose (3-OMG) uptake activity with a Michaelis-Menten constant of 6.59 +/- 1.16 mmol/l. Moreover, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) with a molecular weight of -170 kDa was expressed in all TM-BBBs. Both mdr1a and mdr1b mRNA were detected in TM-BBB4 using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis. [3H]-Cyclosporin A uptake by TM-BBB was significantly increased in the presence of 100 micromol/l verapamil and vincristine, suggesting that TM-BBB exhibits efflux transport activity via P-gp. In conclusion, conditional brain capillary endothelial cell lines were established from Tg mice. This cell line expresses endothelial markers and transporters at the BBB and is able to regulate cell growth, due to the amount of active large T-antigen in the cell, by changing the culture temperature.

Enhanced expression of glucose transporter GLUT3 in tumorigenic HeLa cell hybrids associated with tumor suppressor dysfunction

Previous studies on human cell hybrids between HeLa and normal human fibroblasts have indicated that the tumorigenicy may be controlled by a putative tumor suppressor gene on chromosome 11. We previously demonstrated a twofold increase in glucose uptake with a reduced Km by tumorigenic HeLa cell hybrids which expressed a highly glycosylated GLUT1. In this study, we reported that a tumorigenic cell hybrid, CGL4, also expressed a glucose transporter isoform, GLUT3, that was undetectable in nontumorigenic CGL1 cells. The expression of GLUT3 together with GLUT1 of 70 kDa was also evident in three gamma-ray-induced tumorigenic clones isolated from CGL1 cells, while control nontumorigenic irradiated cells expressed 50 kDa GLUT1 alone. In accordance with this, GLUT3 mRNA was specifically expressed in tumorigenic cell hybrids. To examine the role of GLUT3, clones which stably overexpress GLUT3 were developed from both CGL1 and CGL4 cells. In these transfectants, the affinity for 2-deoxyglucose markedly increased, in parallel with the amount of expressed GLUT3 irrespective of its N-glycosylation state. These results suggest that the enhanced GLUT3 expression in HeLa cell hybrids associated with the tumorigenic phenotypes may account for the increased affinity for 2-deoxyglucose. Possible roles of the putative tumor suppressor in control of gene expression and glucose uptake is discussed.

N-glycosylation of glucose transporter-1 (Glut-1) is associated with increased transporter affinity for glucose in human leukemic cells

To elucidate the role of N-glycosylation in the functional activity of the universal glucose transporter, Glut-1, we investigated effects of the N-glycosylation inhibitor, tunicamycin, on glucose transport by human leukemic cell lines K562, U937 and HL60. Treatment with tunicamycin produced a 40-50% inhibition of 2-deoxyglucose uptake and this was associated with a 2-2.5-fold decrease in transporter affinity for glucose (Km) without a change in Vmax. Leukemic K562, U937 and HL60 cells expressed Glut-1 transporter protein. With K562 cells Glut-1 appeared as a broad band of 50-60 kDa, whereas with U937 and HL60 cells a diffuse band was observed at approximately 55 kDa. Treatment of K562 cells with tunicamycin for 18 h, resulted in extensive loss of the 50-60 kDa glycoprotein, appearance of a 30-40 kDa band and increased staining of a 45 kDa band. With U937 cells, tunicamycin treatment resulted in the appearance of a 30-40 kDa band and increased staining of a 45 kDa band. With HL60 cells loss of the 55 kDa Glut-1 band was observed and a band of 45 kDa appeared. Tunicamycin-treatment resulted in 75-90% inhibition in [3H]mannose incorporation but only 20-25% inhibition in [3H]thymidine and [3H]leucine incorporation. In contrast, tunicamycin had little effect on the viability and MTT responses of the cells used. These results suggest that in leukemic cells N-glycosylation of Glut-1 plays an important role in maintaining its structure and functional integration.

Distinct regulation of glucose transport by interleukin-3 and oncogenes in a murine bone marrow-derived cell line

Growth factors and oncogenes promote glucose uptake, but the extent to which increased uptake is regulated at the level of glucose transporter function has not been clearly established. In this paper, we show that interleukin-3 (IL-3), a cytokine growth factor, and the transforming oncogenes ras and abl alter the activation state of glucose transporters by distinct mechanisms. Using bone marrow-derived IL-3-dependent 32Dc13 (32D clone 3) cells and 32D cells transformed with ras and abl oncogenes, we demonstrated that IL-3 enhanced [3H]-2-deoxyglucose (2-DOG) uptake in parental 32Dc13 cells by 40-50% at 0.2 mM 2-DOG, and this was associated with a 2.5-fold increase in transporter affinity for glucose (reduced Km). In comparison, ras and abl oncogenes enhanced 2-DOG uptake by 72-112%, associated with a 2-fold greater transporter affinity for glucose. The tyrosine kinase inhibitor genistein reversed the effects of both IL-3 and oncogenes on glucose uptake and reduced transporter affinity for glucose. Likewise, with exponentially growing 32D cells in the presence of IL-3, a protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporine, and a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI-3) kinase inhibitor, wortmannin, inhibited 2-DOG uptake and decreased transporter affinity for glucose. In contrast, in oncogene-transformed cells, staurosporine inhibited 2-DOG uptake but failed to decrease transporter affinity for glucose, whereas wortmannin did not affect 2-DOG uptake. Inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatases with vanadate enhanced 2-DOG uptake and transporter affinity for glucose in parental cells and in ras-transformed cells but had little effect on abl-transformed cells. Consistently, the serine/threonine phosphatase type 2A inhibitor okadaic acid enhanced 2-DOG uptake and transporter affinity for glucose in parental cells but had little effect on ras- or abl-transformed cells. These results demonstrate differences in the regulation of glucose transport in parental and oncogene-transformed 32D cells. Thus, IL-3 responses are dependent upon tyrosine, serine/threonine, and PI-3 kinases, whereas ras and abl effects on glucose transport depend upon tyrosine phosphorylation but are compromised in their dependence upon serine/threonine and PI-3 kinases.

Transforming oncogenes regulate glucose transport by increasing transporter affinity for glucose: contrasting effects of oncogenes and heat stress in a murine marrow-derived cell line

Transforming oncogenes often overcome the growth factor requirements of cells by activating growth factor signal transduction pathways. Increased energy utilization by transformed cells is a well known phenomenon, but whether glucose uptake is regulated at the level of the glucose transporter has not been clearly established. To determine whether cell transformation by specific oncogenes like, v-H-ras and v-abl affects the activation state of glucose transporters, bone marrow-derived IL-3-dependent 32D (clone3) cells transfected with temperature-sensitive ras and abl oncogenes were used to compare proliferative responses and glucose transporting ability of these cells with the parental cell line at permissive (32 degrees C) and non-permissive (40 degrees C) temperatures. Transformed cells showed elevated incorporation of [3H]thymidine and enhanced tyrosine kinase activity, both of which were abrogated in temperature-sensitive mutants maintained at the non-permissive temperature. Compared with control cells, 2-deoxy-D-[1-(3)H]glucose (2-DOG) uptake was not significantly different in transformed cells at the permissive temperature. However, transformation was associated with a 2-2.5-fold greater affinity of glucose transporters for glucose (Km) and this was reversed following treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitor, genistein. Maximum velocity of glucose transport (Vmax) and membrane expression of transporters were reduced in oncogene-transformed cells. At the non-permissive temperature, glucose uptake was elevated in both control and oncogene-transformed cells. This increase in glucose transport was not associated with a change in transporter affinity for glucose, but increased Glut-1 expression was observed indicating a 'heat stress' effect that overrode the effects attributable to oncogene loss. The 'heat stress' effect was inhibited by protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. These results provide evidence for intrinsic activation of glucose transporters by the transforming oncogenes ras and abl, and indicate that oncogenes and 'heat stress' regulate glucose transport by different mechanisms.

Sustained hyperglycemia in vitro down-regulates the GLUT1 glucose transport system of cultured human term placental trophoblast: a mechanism to protect fetal development?

The trophoblast of human placenta is directly exposed to the maternal circulation. It forms the main barrier to maternal-fetal glucose transport. The present study investigated the effect of sustained hyperglycemia in vitro on the glucose transport system of these cells. Trophoblasts isolated from term placentas and immunopurified were cultured for 24, 48, and 96 h in DMEM containing either 5.5 (normoglycemia) or 25 mmol/l D-glucose (hyperglycemia), respectively. Initial uptake of glucose was measured using 3-O-[14C]methyl-D-glucose. Kinetic parameters were calculated as K(M) = 73 mmol/l and Vmax = 29 fmol s(-1) per trophoblast cell. Uptake rates of cells cultured under hyperglycemic conditions did not differ at exogenous D-glucose concentrations in the physiological range (1, 5.5, 10, and 15 mmol/l), but were significantly decreased by 25% (P<0.05) at diabetes-like concentrations (20 and 25 mmol/l) as compared to normoglycemic conditions. This effect was due to a decrease in Vmax (-50%), whereas K(M) remained virtually unaffected. GLUT1 mRNA levels were lower by 50% (P<0.05; Northern blotting) and GLUT1 protein was reduced by 16% (P<0.05; Western blotting) in trophoblast cells cultured under hyperglycemic vs. normoglycemic conditions. We conclude that prolonged hyperglycemia in vitro reduces trophoblast glucose uptake at substrate concentrations corresponding to blood levels of poorly controlled diabetic gravidas. This effect is due to diminished GLUT1 mRNA and protein expression in the trophoblast.

Altered N-glycosylation of glucose transporter-1 associated with radiation-induced tumorigenesis of human cell hybrids

Studies on human cell hybrids between a cervical carcinoma cell line, HeLa, and normal fibroblasts have indicated that their tumorigenicity is under the control of a putative tumor suppressor on chromosome 11. We have previously demonstrated that a tumorigenic cell hybrid CGL4 expresses a larger glucose transporter, GLUT1, due to altered glycosylation when compared to the nontumorigenic counterpart CGL1. In this study, we demonstrated this glycosylation change in GLUT1 in gamma-ray-induced tumorigenic mutants (GIMs) isolated from CGL1 cells as expressing a tumor-associated surface antigen, intestinal alkaline phosphatase. In contrast, GLUT1 in the gamma-irradiated nontumorigenic control cells (CONs) did not show this alteration. In accordance with this glycosylation change, affinity to 2-deoxyglucose in these GIM clones was increased by about twofold when compared to the nontumorigenic CONs. These results suggest a close correlation between the glycosylation change in GLUT1 with increased affinity to D-glucose and tumorigenicity of these human cell hybrids.

Increased glucose transport in ras-transformed fibroblasts: a possible role for N-glycosylation of GLUT1

2-Deoxyglucose uptake was enhanced in ts371 KiMuSV-NRK cells when growing at the permissive temperature to allow the expression of a transforming p21 ras protein. This change is due to a decrease in the K(m) by approximately 2.5-fold without affecting the V(max) of the transporter. The amount of the GLUT1 glucose transporter dit not increase as deduced from immunoblot experiments on total membranes. Nevertheless, ras-transformed GLUT1 displays a higher molecular mass due to an increased N-glycosylation of the protein. Experiments made in tunicamycin-treated cells indicates that a higher glycosylation is responsible for the increase in 2-deoxyglucose uptake in ras-transformed cells.