Molecular species analysis of glycosphingolipids from small intestine of Japanese quail,Coturnix coturnix Japonica by HPLC/FAB/MS

Neutral glycosphingolipids were isolated from quail small intestine and their structures were analysed. They contained: Gal1-4GlcCer(LacCer), Gal1-4GalCer(Ga₂Cer), Gal1-4Gal1-4GlcCer(Gb₃Cer), GlcNAc1-3Gal1-4GlcCer(Le₃Cer), GalNAc1-4Gal1-4GlcCer(Gg₃Cer), GalNAc1-4[GalNAc1-3]Gal1-4GlcCer(LcGg₄Cer), and GalNAc1-3GalNAc1-3Gal1-4Gal1-4GlcCer (Forssman glycolipid) as well as glucosylceramide, galactosylceramide (Nishimura Ket al. 1984)Biochim Biophys Acta 796:269–76) and the Le^x glycolipid, III³ Fuc-nLc₄Cer (Nishimura Ket al. (1989)J. Biochem (Tokyo) 101:1315–18). The molecular species compositions of these glycosphingolipids were examined using fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry linked with reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. By such analysis, we could classify the quail glycosphingolipids into at least three classes: glycolipids rich in species having four hydroxyl groups in the ceramides (GalCer, Gg₃Cer, LcGg₄Cer and Le^x), those rich in the ceramides ofN-acyl trihydroxysphinganine with normal fatty acids (Lc₃Cer), and glycolipids rich in the ceramides ofN-acyl sphingenine with normal fatty acids (LacCer, Gb₃Cer and Forssman glycolipid). Immunohistochemical observation implies that the differences in the hydrophobic moieties specified the localization of glycosphingolipids in the tissue.     

A quantitative method for separating reaction components of CMP-sialic acid: Lactosylceramide sialyltransferase using Sep Pak C18 cartridges

A rapid procedure is described for the separation of CMP-sialic acid:lactosylceramide sialyltransferase reaction components using Sep Pak C₁₈ cartridges. The quantitative separation of the more polar nucleotide sugar, CMP-sialic acid, and its free acid from the less polar G_M3-ganglioside is simple and rapid relative to previously described methods. Recovery of G_M3 is optimized by the addition of phosphatidylcholine to the reaction mixture prior to the chromatographic step. Using rat liver Golgi membranes as a source of CMP-sialic acid: lactosylceramide sialyltransferase activity (G_M3 synthase; ST-1), the transfer of [¹⁴C] sialic acid from CMP-[¹⁴C] sialic acid to lactosylceramide can be quantified by this assay. The procedure is reliable and may be applicable to the isolation of ganglioside products in otherin vitro glycosyltransferase assays.Abbreviations G_M3 G_M3-ganglioside - II³NeuAc-LacCer NeuAc2-3Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer - G_D1a G_D1a-ganglioside, IV³NeuAc, II³NeuAc-GgOse₄Cer, NeuAc2-3Gal1-3GalNac1-4(NeuAc2-3)Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer - G_D3 G_D3-ganglioside, II³(NeuAc)₂LacCer, NeuAc2-8NeuAc2-3Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer - GgOse₄Cer asialo-G_M1 Gal1-3GalNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer - FucG_MI fucosyl-G_MI-ganglioside, Fuc1-2Gal1-3GalNAc1-4Gal1-4 Glc1-1Cer - ST-1 G_M3 synthase, CMP-sialic acid:lactosylceramide sialyltransferase - LacCer lactosylceramide, Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer - CMP-NeuAc cytidine 5-monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid - PC phosphatidylcholine - PMSF phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride     

N-andO-alkylation of glycoconjugates and polysaccharides by solid base in dimethyl sulphoxide/alkyl lodide

O-Methylation of simple neutral oligosaccharides is readily accomplished in dimethyl sulphoxide containing solid sodium hydroxide and methyl iodide [Cincanu I, Kerek F (1984) Carbohydr Res 131209-17]. This procedure has been extended to 2-acetamido-2-deoxy sugars and sialic acid-containing oligosaccharides. CompleteO-andN-methylation was in most cases achieved in 15 min. Esterification of carboxylic groups in uronic acids was fast and resulted in concomitant -elimination. The method is also suitable for methylation of glycoproteins and glycosphingolipids. Polysaccharides can also be methylated by this technique. Analysis of the products by gas-liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry showed no degradation products.Abbreviations lacto-N-tetraose LcOse₄, Gal3GlcNAc3Gal4Glc - lacto-N-fucopentaose III III³Fuc-nLcOse₄, Gal4[Fuc3]GlcNAc3Gal4Glc - trihexosylceramide GbOse₃Cer, Gal4Gal4Glc1-1Cer - globoside GbOse₄Cer, GalNAc3Gal4Glc1-1Cer - FAB-MS fas atom bombardment mass spectrometry     

The glycolipid specificity ofErythrina cristagalli agglutinin

The interaction of¹²⁵I-labeledErythrina cristagalli agglutinin (ECA) with neutral glycosphingolipids on thin layer chromatograms was examined by the overlay technique followed by radioautography. The lectin bound topara-globoside with a sensitivity about 10 times higher than to lactosylceramide or globoside, in agreement with the specificity of the lectin forN-acetyllactosamine. The lower limit of detection ofpara-globoside was about 0.66 nmol. The specific binding of ECA to this glycolipid was confirmed by a highly sensitive enzyme-linked lectin assay (ELLA), utilizing the horseradish peroxidase-avidin-biotin system for detection of bound lectin. Overlays of neutral glycosphingolipid extracts from human erythrocyte membranes and from human granulocytes with ECA demonstrated that the lectin can be employed for the detection of small amounts ofpara-globoside in biological materials also in the presence of excess globoside. No staining was obtained when thin layer chromatograms of neutral glycosphingolipid extracts from rabbit erythrocyte membranes were overlayed with¹²⁵I-ECA. Afterin situ treatment of the chromatograms with -galactosidase, the lectin bound to several components, one of which had a mobility corresponding to that of the pentahexosylceramide Gal3Gal4GlcNAc3Gal4Glc1Cer, the major neutral glycosphingolipid of rabbit erythrocytes, thus providing further evidence for the specificity of ECA forpara-globoside.Abbreviations GSL glycosphingolipid(s) - CDH lactosylceramide, Gal4Glc1Cer - CTH trihexosylceramide, Gal4Gal4Glc1Cer - GLOB globoside, GalNac3Gal4Gal4Glc1Cer - PG para-globoside, Gal4GlcNAc3Gal4Glc1Cer - AsG_M1 asialo-G_M1, Gal3GalNAc4Gal4Glc1Cer - FORS Forsmann antigen, GalNAc3GalNAc3Gal4Gal4Glc1Cer - CPH pentahexosylceramide, Gal3Gal4GlcNAc3Gal4Glc1Cer - ECA Erythrina cristagalli agglutinin - SBA soybean agglutinin - PBS phosphate-buffered saline - PVP-40 polyvinylpyrrolidone M.W. 40000 - BSA bovine serum albumin - HRP-avidin horseradish peroxidase conjugated to avidin - ELLA enzyme-linked lectin assay - ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay - PMNL polymorphonuclear leukocytes - HPTLC high performance thin layer chromatography     

UDP-galactose:lactosylceramide α-galactosyltransferase activity in human placenta

The activity of UDP-Gal: LacCer galactosyltransferase in human placenta was studied by using crude homogenate and Triton CF-54 extract as the source of enzyme. Transfer of galactose to lactosylceramide was optimal in the presence of 0.1% Triton CF-54 and Mn²⁺ at pH 6.3, and the reaction product was susceptible to -galactosidase.Abbreviations LacCer lactosylceramide (Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer) - Gb₃ globotriaosylceramide (Gal1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer) - Gb₄ globoside (GalNAc1-3Gal1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer) - TLC thin-layer chromatography - GC/MS gas chromatography/mass spectrometry - NMR nuclear magnetic resonance - EDTA ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid - CHAPS 3-[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]-1-propanesulfonate     

Binding of the galactose-specificPseudomonas aeruginosa lectin,PA-I,to glycosphingolipids and other glycoconjugates

The carbohydrate-binding specificity ofPseudomonas aeruginosa lectin I (PA-I) in iodinated or biotinylated form was studied. A large number of glycosphingolipids, as well as some glycoproteins and neoglycoproteins were used as ligands. Also, inhibition by free saccharides of PA-I binding to glycosphingolipids was tested. It was found that the lectin binds most strongly to terminal and nonsubstituted Gal3Gal- or Gal4Gal-structures.Abbreviations PA-I Pseudomonas aeruginosa lectin I - Cer ceramide - lactosylceramide Gal4GlcCer - iso globotriaosylcerami Gal3Gal4GlcCer - globotriaosylceramide Gal4Gal4GlcCer - globoside or globotetraosylceramide GalNAc3Gal4Gal4GlcCer - Forssman glycolipid GalNAc3GalNAc3Gal4Gal4GlcCer - P1 glycolipid Gal4Gal4GlcNAc3Gal4GlcCer - lactoneotetraosylceramide Gal4GlcNAc3Gal4GlcCer - B5 glycolipid Gal3Gal4GlcNAc3Gal4GlcCer - gangliotetraosylceramide Gal3GalNAc4Gal4GlcCer - GM1 Gal3GalNAc4(NeuAc3)Gal4GlcCer - RBC red blood cells - BSA bovine serum albumin - PBS phosphate-buffered saline - SDS sodium dodecyl sulfate - TLC thin-layer chromatography - HPLC high pressure liquid chromatography - MS mass spectrometry - FAB fast-atom bombardment - EI electron impact     

Isolation and characterization of a Forssman antigen-binding lectin from velvet bean (Mucuna derringiana) seeds

A Forssman antigen (GalNAc1-3GalNAc1-3Gal1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer)-binding lectin has been purified from velvet bean (Mucuna derringiana) seeds by a combination of affinity chromatography and reversed phase HPLC. This lectin agglutinates both native and trypsin-treated sheep erythrocytes as well as trypsinized rabbit erythrocytes, but neither native rabbit nor human erythrocytes, irrespective of blood group type. SDS-PAGE and gel filtration chromatography reveal the lectin to be a homodimer consisting of two 54 kDa subunits linked by non-covalent bonds. The results obtained by quantitative precipitation, haemagglutination inhibition and TLC overlay assays indicate that theMucuna lectin specifically recognizes Forssman antigen and Forssman disaccharide (GalNAc1-3GalNAc)-related structures. Abbreviations: The abbreviations and the trivial names used are: AH, 6-aminohexyl; BSA, bovine serum albumin; Cer, ceramide; HPLC, high performance liquid chromatography; PAGE, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis; PBS, 10mm phosphate-buffered saline, pH 7,2, containing 0.15m NaCl; PMSF, phenyl methyl sulfonyl fluoride; SDS, sodium dodecyl sulphate; TFA, trifluoroacetic acid; TBS, 20mm tris-buffered saline, pH 7.2; TLC, thin-layer chromatography; A disaccharide, GalNAc1-3Gal; A trisaccharide, GalNAc1-3[Fuc1-2]Gal; Forssman disaccharide, GalNAc1-3GalNAc; CDH (ceramide dihexoside or lactosyl ceramide) Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer (LacCer); CTH (ceramide trihexoside or globotriosyl ceramide), Gal1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer (GbOse₃Cer or Gb₃); globoside (globotetraosyl ceramide), GalNAc1-3Gal1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer (GbOse₄Cer or Gb₄); Forssman antigen (globopentaosyl ceramide), GalNAc1-3GalNAc1-3Gal1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer (GbOse₅Cer).     

Developmental changes in neutral glycosphingolipids of mouse placenta

The mammalian placenta is a unique organ for the study of developmental changes. Placentas of laboratory animals such as the mouse allow for the determination of the exact stage of pregnancy, which cannot be achieved with human placenta. In this study, neutral glycosphingolipids were isolated from mouse (inbred strain C57BL/6) placentas, from day 10 to day 18 of gestation, and were separated by high performance thin layer chromatography. Densitometric measurements after orcinol staining showed, at day 10 of gestation, the presence of mono-, tetra-, tri- and dihexosylceramide in decreasing quantities, as well as four unidentified spots. On day 12, the glycosphingolipid composition changed with the disappearance of the unidentified spots and the appearance of an orcinol positive spot migrating similarly to the Forssman antigen; no further changes occurred between days 12 and 18 of gestation. The identity of the Forssman-like glycosphingolipid with the Forssman antigen was established by binding of¹²⁵I labelledHelix pomatia agglutinin (-GalNAc specific) to glycosphingolipids separated on high performance thin layer chromatography plates, and by the reaction of the isolated glycosphingolipid with a monoclonal anti-Forssman antibody. The appearance of the Forssman antigen at day 12 of gestation coincided with the day of final maturation of the mouse placenta and subsequent cessation of growth, suggesting a possible role of the glycosphingolipid during embryonic development.Abbreviations asialo-GM₁ Gal 3GalNAc4Gal4Glc1Cer - BCIP 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolylphosphate - DHC lactosylceramide, Gal4Glc1Cer - Forssman antigen GalNAc3GalNAc3Gal4Gal4Glc1Cer - globoside GalNAc3Gal4Gal4Glc1Cer - GSL glycosphingolipids - HPA Helix pomatia agglutinin - HPTLC high performance thin layer chromatography - MHC galactosylceramide, Gal1Cer - MHC glucosylceramide, Glc1Cer - PBS phosphate-buffered saline - PNA peanut agglutinin - PVP poly(vinylpyrrolidone), mol. wt 40 000 - SBA soybean agglutinin - THC trihexosylceramide, Gal4Gal4Glc1Cer. To whom correspondence should be addressed.     

Glycosphingolipid expression in human skeletal and heart muscle assessed by immunostaining thin-layer chromatography

In this study the comparative TLC immunostaining investigation of neutral GSLs and gangliosides from human skeletal and heart muscle is described. A panel of specific polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies as well as the GM1-specific choleragenoid were used for the overlay assays, combined with preceding neuraminidase treatment of gangliosides on TLC plates. This approach proved homologies but also quantitative and qualitative differences in the expression of ganglio-, globo- and neolacto-series neutral GSLs and gangliosides in these two types of striated muscle tissue within the same species. The main neutral GSL in skeletal muscle was LacCer, followed by GbOse3Cer, GbOse4Cer, nLcOse4Cer and monohexosylceramide, whereas in heart muscle GbOse3Cer and GbOse4Cer were the predominant neutral GSLs beside small quantities of LacCer, nLcOse4Cer and monohexosylceramide. No ganglio-series neutral GSLs and no Forssman GSL were found in either muscle tissue. GM3(Neu5Ac) was the major ganglioside, comprising almost 70% in skeletal and about 50% in cardiac muscle total gangliosides. GM2 was found in skeletal muscle only, while GD3 and GM1b-type gangliosides (GM1b and GD1) were undetectable in both tissues. GM1a-core gangliosides (GM1, GD1a, GD1b and GT1b) showed somewhat quantitative differences in each muscle; lactosamine-containing IV3Neu5Ac-nLcOse4Cer was detected in both specimens. Neutral GSLs were identified in TLC runs corresponding to e.g. 0.1 g muscle wet weight (GbOse3Cer, GbOse4Cer), and gangliosides GM3 and GM2 were elucidated in runs which corresponded to 0.2 g muscle tissue. Only 0.02 g and 0.004 g wet weight aliquots were necessary for unequivocal identification of neolacto-type and GM1-core gangliosides, respectively. Muscle is known for the lowest GSL concentration from all vertebrate tissues studied so far. Using the overlay technique, reliable GSL composition could be revealed, even from small muscle probes on a sub-orcinol and sub-resorcinol detection level. Abbreviations: ATCC, American Type Culture Collection; GSL(s), glycosphingolipid(s); HPLC, high performance liquid chromatography; HPTLC, high performance thin layer chromatography; Neu5Ac, N-acetylneuraminic acid; Neu5Gc, N-glycolylneuraminic acid [78]; PBS, phosphate buffered saline. The designation of the following glycosphingolipids follows the IUPAC-IUB recommendations [79] and the ganglioside nomenclature system of Svennerholm [80]. Lactosylceramide or LacCer, Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; gangliotriaosylceramide or GgOse3Cer, GalNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; gangliotetraosylceramide or GgOse4Cer, Gal1-3GalNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; globotriaosylceramide or GbOse3Cer, Gal1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; globoside or globotetraosylceramide or GbOse4Cer, GalNAc1-3Gal1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; Fo or Forssman GSL, GalNAc1-3GalNAc1-3Gal1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; paragloboside or lacto-N-neotetraosylceramide or nLcOse4Cer, Gal1-4GlcNAc1-3Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; lacto-N-norhexaosylceramide or nLcOse6Cer, Gal1-4GlcNAc1-3Gal1-4GlcNAc1-3Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; GM3, II3Neu5Ac-LacCer; GM2, II3Neu5Ac-GgOse3Cer; GM1 or GM1a, II3Neu5Ac-GgOse4Cer; GM1b, IV3Neu5Ac-GgOse4Cer; GD3, II3(Neu5Ac)2-LacCer; GD1a, IV3Neu5Ac,II3Neu5Ac-GgOse4Cer; GD1b, (II3Neu5Ac)2-GgOse4Cer; GD1, IV3Neu5Ac,III6Neu5Ac-GgOse4Cer; GT1b, IV3Neu5Ac,II3(Neu5Ac)2-GgOse4Cer; GQ1b, IV3(Neu5Ac)2, II3(Neu5Ac)2-GgOse4Cer.     

Immunohistological analyses of neutral glycosphingolipids and gangliosides in normal mouse skeletal muscle and in mice with neuromuscular diseases

The expression of neutral glycosphingolipids (GSLs) and gangliosides was investigated in cryosections of normal mouse skeletal muscle and in muscle of mice with neuromuscular diseases using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Transversal and longitudinal sections were immunostained with specific polyclonal antibodies against lactosylceramide, lacto-N-neotetraosylceramide, globoside, G_M3(Neu5Ac), G_M3(Neu5Gc) and G_M1(Neu5Ac) as well as monoclonal anti-Forssman GSL antibody. In normal CBA/J mouse muscle (control) the main immunohistochemically detected ganglioside was G_M3(Neu5Ac) followed by moderately expressed G_M3(Neu5Gc) and G_M1. The neutral GSLs lactosylceramide and globoside were stained with almost identical, high fluorescence intensity. Low amounts of lacto-N-neotetraosylceramide and trace quantities of Forssman GSL were immunostained. All GSLs were detected in the sarcolemma, but also in considerable amounts at the intracellular level. Mice with neuromuscular diseases were the A2G-adr mouse mutant (a model for human recessive myotonia of Becker type), the BL6-wr mutant (a model for motor neuron disease) and the BL10-mdx mouse mutant (a model for human Duchenne muscular dystrophy). No changes in GSL expression were found in the A2G-adr mouse, while muscle of the BL6-wr mouse showed increased intensity of immunofluorescence in stainings with anti-lactosylceramide and anti-G_M3(Neu5Ac) antibodies. Muscle of BL10-mdx mice showed the most prominent changes in GSL expression with reduced fluorescence intensity for all antibodies. Major differences were not observed in the intensities of GSLs, but there were significant differences in the patterns of distribution on plasma membrane and at the subcellular level. The exact nature and pathogenesis of these changes should be elucidated since such investigations could furnish advances in understanding the functional role of neutral GSLs and gangliosides in normal as well as in diseased muscle. Abbreviations: BSA, bovine serum albumin; DAPI, 4, 6-diamidine-2-phenylindole-dihydrochloride; DTAF, dichlorotriazinylamino-fluorescein; GSL(s), glycosphingolipid(s); Neu5Ac,N-acetylneuraminic acid; Neu5Gc,N-glycolylneuraminic acid [53]; PBS, phosphate buffered saline. The designation of the following glycosphingolipids follows the IUPAC-IUB recommendations [54] and the nomenclature of Svennerholm [55]. Lactosylceramide or LacCer, Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; gangliotriaosylceramide or GgOse₃Cer, GalNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; globotriaosylceramide or GbOse₃Cer, Gal1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; gangliotetraosylceramide or GgOse₃Cer, Gal1-3GalNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; globotetraosylceramide or GbOse₄Cer, GalNAc1-3Gal1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; lacto-N-neotetraosylceramide or nLcOse₄Cer, Gal1-4GlcNAc1-3Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; Forssman GSL or GbOse₅Cer, GalNAc1-3GalNAc1-3GAl1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; G_M3, II³Neu5Ac-LacCer; G_M1, II³Neu5Ac-GgOse₄Cer.     

Biosynthesisin vitro of neolactotetraosylceramide by a galactosyltransferase from mouse T-lymphoma: purification and kinetic studies; synthesis of neolacto and polylactosamine core

The galactosyltransferase, GalT-4, which catalyses the biosynthesisin vitro of neolactotetraosylceramide, nLcOse4Cer (Gal1-4GleNAc1-3Gal1-4Glc-Cer) from lactotriaosylceramide, LcOse3Cer (GlcNAc1-3Gal1-4Glc-Cer), and UDP-galactose has been purified 107 500-fold from a mineral oil induced mouse T-lyphoma P-1798, using affinity columns. The purified enzyme is partially stabilized in the presence of phospholipid liposomes. Two closely migrating protein bands of apparent molecular weights 56 kDa and 63 kDa were observed after sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of highly purified mouse GalT-4. These two protein bands, when subjected to limited proteolysis, resulted in three peptides with identical mobilities indicating amino acid sequence identity between the proteins. Both protein bands from P-1798 gave a positive immunostain when tested with polyclonal antibody against bovine lactose synthetase (UDP-Gal:Glc 4-galactosyltransferase) following Western blot analysis on nitrocellulose paper. The enzyme has a pH optimum between 6.5 and 7.0 and like all other galactosyltransferases, GalT-4 has absolute requirements for divalent cation (Mn²⁺). TheK _m values for the substrate LcOse3Cer and donor UDP-galactose are 110 and 250 µm, respectively. Substrate competition studies with LcOse3Cer and either asialo-agalacto-1-acid glycoprotein orN-acetylglucosamine revealed that these reactions might be catalysed by the same protein. The only other glycolipid which showed acceptor activity toward the purified GalT-4 was iLcOse5Cer (GlcNAc1-1-3Gal1-4Lc3), the precursor for polylactosamine antigens. However, competition studies with these two active substrates using the most purified enzyme fraction, revealed that these two reactions might be catalysed by two different proteins since the experimental values were closer to the theoretical values calculated for two enzymes. Interestingly however, it seems that the GalT-4 from P-1798 has an absolute requirement for anN-acetylglucosamine residue in the substrate since the lyso-derivative (GlcNH₂1-3Gal1-4Glc-sphingosine) of the acceptor glycolipid LcOse3Cer is completely inactive as substrate while theK _m andV _max of the reacetylated substrate (GlcNac1-3Gal1-4Glc-acetylsphingosine) was comparable with LcOse3Cer. Autoradiography of the radioactive product formed by purified P-1798 GalT-4 confirmed the presence of nLcOse4Cer, as the product cochromatographed with authentic glycolipid. The monoclonal antibody IB-2, specific for nLcOse4Cer, also produced a positive immunostained band on TLC as well as giving a positive ELISA when tested with radioactive product obtained using a highly purified enzyme from mouse P-1798 T-lymphoma.Abbreviations EDTA ethylenediamine tetraacetate - ME -mercaptoethanol - PEG polyethylene glycol - PBS phosphate buffered saline - Suc sucrose - Mn²⁺ manganese - Gal galactose - GlcNAc N-acetylglucosamine - UDP-Gal Uridine diphosphate galactose - Ab antibody - SDS sodium dodecyl sulphate - PAGE polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis - ECB embryonic chicken brain - Cer ceramide - nLc4 or NlcOse4Cer Gal1-4GleNac1-3Gal1-4Glc-Cer, neoLactotetraosylceramide - Lc3 or LcOse3Cer GlcNac1-3Gal1-4Glc-Cer, lactotriaosylceramide - iLc5 iLcOse5Cer, GlcNAc1-3nLcOse4Cer - nLc6 nLcOse6Cer, Gal1-4iLcOse5Cer - SA^–Gal^–₁AGP asialo-agalacto1-acid glycoprotein - TLC thin layer chromatography     

Ganglioside alterations in YAC-1 cells cultivated in serum-supplemented and serum-free growth medium

Gangliosides of the G_M1b-pathway (G_M1b and GalNAc-G_M1b) have been found to be highly expressed by the mouse T lymphoma YAC-1 grown in serum-supplemented medium, whereas G_M2 and G_M1 (G_M1a-pathway) occurred only in low amounts [Müthing, J., Peter-Katalini, J., Hanisch, F.-G., Neumann, U. (1991)Glycoconjugate J 8:414–23]. Considerable differences in the ganglioside composition of YAC-1 cells grown in serum-supplemented and in well defined serum-free medium were observed. After transfer of the cells from serum-supplemented medium (RPMI 1640 with 10% fetal calf serum) to serum-free medium (RPMI 1640 with well defined supplements), G_M1b and GalNAc-G_M1b decreased and only low amounts of these gangliosides could be detected in serum-free growing cells. The expression of G_M1a was also diminished but not as strongly as that of G_M1b and GalNAc-G_M1b. These growth medium mediated ganglioside alterations were reversible, and the original ganglioside expression was achieved by readaptation of serum-free growing cells to the initial serum-supplemented medium. On the other hand, a new ganglioside, supposed to represent GalNAc-G_D1a and not expressed by serum-supplemented growing cells, was induced during serum-free cultivation, and increased strongly after readaptation. These observations reveal that the ganglioside composition ofin vitro cultivated cells can be modified by the extracellular environment due to different supplementation of the basal growth medium. Abbreviations: BSA, bovine serum albumin GSL(s), glycosphingolipid(s); HPTLC, high-performance thin-layer chromatography; LDL, low density lipoprotein; NeuAc,N-acetylneuraminic acid; NeuGc,N-glycoloylneuraminic acid. The designation of the following glycosphingolipids follows IUPAC-IUB recommendations. GgOse₃Cer or gangliotriaosylceramide, GalNAc1-4Gal1-4GlcCer; GgOse₄Cer or gangliotetraosylceramide, Gal1-3GalNAc1-4Gla1-4GlcCer; GgOse₅Cer or gangliopentaosylceramide, GalNAc1-4Gal1-3GalNAc1-4Gal1-4GlcCer; GgOse₆Cer or gangliohexaosylceramide, Gal1-3GalNAc1-4Gal1-3GalNAc1-4Gal1-4GlcCer or GgOse₆Cer; II³NeuAc-GgOse₃Cer or G_M2; II³NeuAc-GgOse₄Cer or G_M1 or G_M1a; IV³NeuAc-GgOse₄Cer or G_M1b; IV³NeuAc-GgOse₅Cer or GalNAc-G_M1b; IV³NeuAc-GgOse₆Cer or Gal-GalNAc-G_M1b; IV³NeuAc, II³NeuAc-GgOse₄Cer or G_D1a; II³(NeuAc)₂-GgOse₄Cer or G_D1b; IV³NeuAc, III⁶NeuAc-GgOse₄Cer or G_D1a; IV³NeuAc, II³NeuAc-GgOse₅Cer or GalNAc-G_D1a. Enzymes: Vibrio cholerae andArthrobacter ureafaciens neuraminidase (EC 3.2.1.18).     

Expression of neutral glycosphingolipids and gangliosides in human skeletal and heart muscle determined by indirect immunofluorescence staining

The expression of neutral glycosphingolipids and gangliosides has been studied in human skeletal and heart muscle using indirect immunofluorescence microscopy. Transversal and longitudinal cryosections were immunostained with specific monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against the neutral glycosphingolipids lactosylceramide, globoside, Forssman glycosphingolipid, gangliotetraosylceramide, lacto-N-neotetraosylceramide and against the gangliosides G_M3(Neu5Ac) and G_M1(Neu5Ac). To confirm the lipid nature of positive staining, control sections were treated with methanol and chloroform:methanol (1:1) before immunostaining. These controls were found to be either negative or strongly reduced in fluorescence intensity, suggesting that lipid bound oligosaccharides were detected. In human skeletal muscle, lactosylceramide was found to be the main neutral glycosphinogolipid. Globoside was moderately expressed, lacto-N-neotetraosylceramide and gangliotetraosylceramide were minimally expressed and Forssman glycosphingolipid was not detected in human skeletal muscle. The intensities of the immunohistological stains of G_M3 and G_M1 correlated to the fact that G_M3 is the major ganglioside in skeletal muscle whereas G_M1 is expressed only weakly. In human heart muscle globoside was the major neutral glycosphingolipid. Lactosylceramide and lacto-N-neotetraosylceramide were moderately expressed, gangliotetraosylceramide was weakly expressed and the Forssman glycosphingolipid was not expressed at all in cardiac muscle. G_M3 and G_M1 were detected with almost identical intensity. All glycosphingolipids were present in plasma membranes as well as at the intracellular level. Abbreviations used: BSA, bovine serum albumin; DAPI, 4,6-diamidine-2-phenylindole-dihydrochloride; DTAF, fluorescein isothiocyanate derivative; GSL(s), glycosphingolipid(s); Neu5Ac,N-acetylneuraminic acid [50]; PBS, phosphate buffered saline. The designation of the following glycosphingolipids follows the IUPAC-IUB recommendations [51] and the nomenclature of Svennerholm [52]. Lactosylceramide or LacCer, Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; gangliotriaosylceramide or GgOse₃Cer, GalNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; globotriaosylceramide or GbOse₃Cer, Gall-4Gall-4Glcl-1Cer; gangliotetraosylceramide or GgOse₄Cer, Gal1-3GalNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; globotetraosylceramide or GbOse₄Cer, GalNAc1-3Gal1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; lacto-N-neotetraosylceramide or nLcOse₄Cer, Gal1-4GlcNAc1-3Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; Forssman GSL or GbOse₃Cer, GalNAc1-3GalNAc1-3Gal1-4Gal1-4Gle1-1Cer; G_M3, II³Neu5Ac-LacCer; G_M2, II³Neu5Ac-GgOse₃Cer; G_M1, II³Neu5Ac-GgOse₄Cer; G_D3 II³(Neu5Ac)₂-LacCer; G_D2, II³(Neu5Ac)₂-GgOse₃Cer; G_D1a, IV³Neu5Ac, II³Neu5Ac-GgOse₄Cer; G_D1b, II³(Neu5Ac)₂-GgOse₄Cer.     

Ganglioside lactones:1H-NMR determination of the inner ester position of GD1b-ganglioside lactone naturally occurring in human brain or produced by chemical synthesis

The complete definition of the chemical structure of G_D1b-ganglioside (G_D1b) lactone isolated from human brain has been given by means of spectrometric and spectroscopic analyses. G_D1h lactone contains a single ester linkage involving the external sialic acid carboxyl group and the C-9 hydroxyl group of the internal sialic acid unit. A synthetic lactone of G_D1b prepared treating G_D1b with glacial acetic acid characterized in the same way showed an identical chemical structure.Abbreviations: Ganglioside nomenclature is according to Svennerholm [16] and the IUPAC-IUB Recommendations [17] G_M1 G_M1-ganglioside, II³NeuAc-GgOse₄Cer, Gal1-3GalNac1-4[NeuAc2-3]Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer - G_D1b G_D1b-ganglioside, II³(NeuAc)₂GgOse₄Cer, Gal1-3GalNAc1-4[NeuAc2-8NeuAc2-3]Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer - G_D1b lactone G_D1b-L, Gal1-3GalNAc1-4[NeuAc(1-9)2-8NeuAc2-3]Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer - Cer ceramide - FAB-MS fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry - ¹H-NMR proteon nuclear magnetic resonance - 1D-NMR one dimensional NMR - 2D-COSY two dimensional correlated spectroscopy - DMSO-d₆ deuterated dimethylsulfoxide     

The ganglioside GD1α, IV3Neu5Ac,III6Neu5Ac-GgOse4Cer,is a major disialoganglioside in the highly metastatic murine lymphoreticular tumour cell line MDAY-D2

The aim of the present study was to investigate the ganglioside expression of the highly metastatic murine lymphoreticular tumour cell line MDAY-D2. Cells were propagated under controlled pH conditions and oxygen supply in bioreactors of 1 and 7.5l volumes by repeated batch fermentation. Gangliosides were isolated from 2.7×10¹¹ cells, purified by silica gel chromatography and separated into mono- and disialoganglioside fractions by preparative DEAE anion exchange high performance liquid chromatography. Individual gangliosides were obtained by preparative thin layer chromatography. Their structural features were established by immunostaining, fast atom bombardment and gas chromatography mass spectrometry. In addition to gangliosides of the G_M1a-pathway (G_M2, G_M1a and G_D1a) and G_M1b (IV³Neu5Ac-GgOse₄Cer) and GalNAc-G_M1b of the G_M1b-pathway, the dis8aloganglioside G_D1 (IV³Neu5Ac, III⁶Neu5Ac-GgOse₄Cer) was found in equal amounts compared to G_D1a (IV³Neu5Ac, II³Neu5Ac-GgOse₄Cer). All gangliosides were substituted with C_24:0,24:1 and C_16:0 fatty acids, sphingosine andN-acetylneuraminic acid as the sole sialic acid. Abbreviations: FAB-MS, fast atom bombardment-mass spectrometry; GC-MS, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; GSL(s), glycosphingolipid(s); HPLC, high performance liquid chromatography; HPTLC, high performance thin layer chromatography; Neu5Ac,N-acetylneuraminic acid; Neu5Gc,N-glycoloylneuraminic acid [57]. The designation of the following glycosphingolipids follows the IUPAC-IUB recommendations [58] and the nomenclature of Svennerholm [59]. Gangliotriaosylceramide or GgOse₃Cer, GalNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; gangliotetraosylceramide or GgOse₄Cer, Gal1-3GalNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer gangliopentaosylceramide or GgOse₅Cer, GalNAc1-4Gal1-3GalNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; G_M2, II³Neu5Ac-GgOse₃Cer; G_M1a, II³Neu5Ac-GgOse₄Cer; G_M1b, IV³Neu5Ac-GgOse₄Cer; GalNAc-G_M1b, IV³Neu5Ac-GgOse₅Cer; G_D1a, IV³Neu5Ac, II³Neu5Ac-GgOse₄Cer; G_D1b, II³(Neu5Ac)₂-GgOse₄Cer; G_D1 or G_D1e, IV³Neu5Ac, III⁶Neu5AcGgOse₄Cer; G_D1e, IV³(Neu5Ac)₂-GgOse₄Cer; G_T1b, IV³Neu5Ac, II³(Neu5Ac)₂-GgOse₄Cer.     

Different binding capacities of influenza A and Sendai viruses to gangliosides from human granulocytes

The structures of gangliosides from human granulocytes were elucidated by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry as their partially methylated alditol acetates. In human granulocytes besides G_M3 (II³Neu5Ac-LacCer), neolacto-series gangliosides (IV³Neu5Ac-nLcOse₄Cer, IV⁶Neu5Ac-nLcOse₄Cer and VI³Neu5Ac-nLcOse₆Cer) containing C_24:1, and to some extent C_22:0; and C_16:0 fatty acid in their respective ceramide portions, were identified as major components. In this study we demonstrate that gangliosides from human granulocytes, the second most abundant cells in peripheral blood, can serve as receptors for influenza viruses A/PR/8/34 (H1N1), A/X-31 (H3N2), and a parainfluenza virus Sendai virus (HNF1, Z-strain). Viruses were found to exhibit specific adhesion to terminal Neu5Ac2-3Gal and/or Neu5Ac2-6Gal sequences as well as depending on the chain length of ganglioside carbohydrate backbones from human granulocytes, these important effector cells which represent the first line of defence in immunologically mediated reactions. Abbreviations: FAB-MS, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry; GC/EIMS, gas chromatography/electron impact mass spectrometry; GSL(s) glycosphingolipids; HPTLC, high performance thin-layer chromatography; Neu5Ac,N-acetylneuraminic acid [26], PFU, plaque forming unit. The designation of the following glycosphingolipids follows the IUPAC-IUB recommendations, and the ganglioside nomenclature system of Svennerholm was used. LacCer or lactosylceramide, Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer gangliotetraosylceramide or GgOse₄Cer, Gal1-3GalNAc1-4Gal1-4Glc1-1Cer; lacto-N-tetraosylceramide or nLcOse₄Cer, Gal1-4GlcNAc1-3Gal1-4-Glc1-1Cer; lacto-N-norhexaosylceramide or nLcOse₆Cer, Gal1-4GlcNAc1-3Gal1-4GlcNAc1-3Gal 1-4-Glc1-1Cer; G_M3, II³Neu5Ac-LacCer; G_M1, II³Neu5Ac-GgOse₄Cer; G_D1a, IV³Neu5Ac, II³Neu5Ac-GgOse₄Cer; G_D1b, II³(Neu5Ac)₂-GgOse₄Cer; G_T1b, IV³Neu5Ac, II³(Neu5Ac)₂-GgOse₄Cer; G_Q1b, IV³(Neu5Ac)₂, II³(Neu5Ac)₂-GgOse₄Cer; sialyllacto-N-tetraosylceramide, IV³Neu5Ac/IV⁶Neu5Ac-nLcOse₄Cer; sialyllacto-N-norhexaosylceramide or i-active ganglioside, VI³Neu5Ac-nLcOse₆Cer.     

Glycosphingolipids of leukocytes are unbranched at the galactopyranosyl residue and contain fucosylα-1-3-N-acetylglucosamine structures

Glycolipids of peripheral leukocytes which had been used for the production of interferon were separated into oligoglycosylceramides, polyglycosylceramides and polyglycosylpeptides (erythroglycan). Neutral oligoglycosylceramides comprised glucosylceramide, galactosylceramide, lactosylceramide, lactotriaosylceramide, globotriaosylceramide andneolactotetraosylceramide. Globotetraosylceramide was not detected. Glycolipids which were more complex thanneolactotetraosylceramide belonged exclusively to theneolacto series of compounds and were essentially unbranched at galactopyranosyl residues. The polyglycosylceramide fraction contained a glycolipid with a probable structure Gal1-4(Fuc1-3) GlcNAc1-3Gal1-4GlcNAc1-3 Gal1-4GlcNAc1-3Gal1-4Glc1-1ceramide. Polyglycosylpeptides were found only in trace amounts and were also unbranched at galactopyranosyl residues. All glycoconjugates studies did not contain significant amounts of carbohydrate structures derived from ABH immunodominant groups.Nomenclature Gal1-4Gal1-4GlcCer Lactotrioasylcermide (LcOse₃Cer) - Gal1-4Gal1-4GlcCer globotriaosylceramide, (GbOse₄Cer) - GalNAc1-3Gal1-4 Gal1-4GlcCer globoside (globotetraosylceramide, GbOse₄Cer) - Gal1-4GlcNAc1-3Gal1-4GlcCer paragloboside (lacto-N-neo tetraosylceramide,nLcOse₄Cer)     

The Structural Basis for the Susceptibility of Gangliosides to Enzymatic Degradation

The conformational properties of GM2, GalNac-4(Neu5Ac-3) Gal-4Glc-1Cer have been compared to those of 6-GM2, in which the linkage between the GalNAc and Gal was altered from GalNac-4Gal- to GalNac-6Gal-, and to those of GD1a, Neu5Ac-3Gal-3GalNAc-4(Neu5Ac-3)Gal-4Glc-1Cer, and GalNAc-GD1a.Our results revealed that unlike the compact and rigid oligosaccharide head group found in GM2, where the Neu5Ac and the GalNAc residues interact, the sugar chain of 6-GM2 is in an open spatial arrangement, with the Neu5Ac no longer interacting with GalNAc, freely accessible to external interactions.The structure of GD1a can be regarded as that of GM2 with an extension of the terminal Neu5Ac-3Gal-disaccharide. The inner portion of GD1a is that of GM2 comprising the very rigid GalNAc-[Neu5Ac-]Gal trisaccharide. The terminal Neu5Ac-Gal linkage is flexible and fluctuates between two limiting conformations. In GalNAc-GD1a the outer sialic acid gains conformational rigidity due to the presence of the outer GalNAc in position 4 of galactose. This ganglioside has two core GalNAc-[Neu5Ac-]Gal trisaccharide linked in tandem.     

New ganglioside analogs that inhibit influenze virus sialidase

Synthetic thioglycoside-analogs of gangliosides such as Neu5Ac)2-S-6)Glc-(1-1)Ceramide (1) and the GM3 analog Neu5Ac(2-S-6)Gal-(1–4)Glc(1-1)Ceramide (2), competitively inhibited GM3 hydrolysis by the sialidase of different subtypes of human and animal influenza viruses with an apparent K_i value of 2.8×10^–6 and 1.5×10^–5 M, respectively. The inhibitory activity of the ganglioside GM4 analog [Neu5Ac-(2-S-6)Gal-(1-1)Ceramide (3)], in which the glucose of 1 was substituted by galactose, was lower than that of 1 (K_i =1.0×10^–4 M). The thioglycoside-analogs (1, 2, 3) of the gangliosides were nonhydrolyzable substrates for influenza virus sialidase. The inhibitory activity of 1 to bacterial sialidases fromClostridium perfringens andArthrobacter ureafaciens was considerably lower than that to influenza virus sialidase, indicating that the structure of the active site in bacterial and influenza virus sialidase may be different and the analogs may be useful to determine the orientation of the substrate to the active site of sialidases, especially of influenza viruses.Abbreviations Cer ceramide - GM3 Neu5Ac(2–3)Gal(1–4)Glc(1-1)Cer - GM4 Neu5Ac(2–3)Gal(1-1)Cer Gangliosides were abbreviated according to Svennerholm [1] and the recommendation of the IUPAC-IUB Commission on Biochemical Nomenclature [2].     

Stage-specific expression of fuco-neolacto- (Lewis X) and ganglio-series neutral glycosphingolipids during brain development: characterization of Lewis X and related glycosphingolipids in bovine,human and rat brain

We have purified and characterized a bovine brain pentaglycosylceramide as Lewis X and identified it in human and rat brain using anti-Lewis X (anti-SSEA 1) monoclonal antibody. Neutral glycosphingolipid expression in developing rat brain has been examined by digoxigenin immunostaining and TLC-immunostaining using anti-SSEA 1 and anti-GgOse₄Cer (GA1) monoclonal antibodies. Five transient Lewis X-series bands were identified in brain at embryonic day 15 that disappear by postnatal day 5 (one disappears at embryonic day 18). Gangliotetraosylceramide (GA1) first appears at embryonic day 21 and increases in concentration with age until postnatal day 21. In addition, we have purified another minor brain neutral glycosphingolipid and tentatively identified it as a Lewis X-series glycolipid by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis followed by TLC-immunostaining with anti-SSEA 1 antibody.Abbreviations Cer Ceramide, GlcCer, Glc1-1Cer - LacCer Gal1-4GlcCer - CTH Gal1-4LacCer - nLcOse₄Cer Gal1-4GlcNAc1-3LacCer - nLcOse₅Cer Gal1-3nLcOse₄Cer - GgOse₄Cer Gal1-3GalNAc1-4LacCer - DPA diphenylamine-aniline-phosphoric acid - SSEA stage-specific embryonic antigen - NGSL neutral glycosphingolipid - TLC thin-layer tomography - HPTLC high performance thin-layer chromatography - GA1 gangliotetraosyleramide - SAT-2 sialytransferase-2 - GalNAcT-1 galactosaminyltransferase-1 - DIG-IS digoxigenin-immunostaining - PMAAS partially methylated alditol acetates - DCE dichloroethane - TLC-IS TLC-immunostaining - (Le^x) Lewis X - NK murine natural killer