Alteration of mannose transport in fibroblasts from type I carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome patients

The aim of the present study was to explore how mannose enters fibroblasts derived from a panel of children suffering from different subtypes of type I carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome: seven carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome subtype Ia (phosphomannomutase deficiency), two carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome subtype Ib (phosphomannose isomerase deficiency) and two carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome subtype Ix (not identified deficiency). We showed that a specific mannose transport system exists in all the cells tested but has different characteristics with respect to carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome subtypes. Subtype Ia fibroblasts presented a mannose uptake equivalent or higher (maximum 1.6-fold) than control cells with a D-[2-3H]-mannose incorporation in nascent N-glycoproteins decreased up to 7-fold. Compared to control cells, the mannose uptake was greatly stimulated in subtype Ib (4.0-fold), due to lower Kuptake and higher Vmax values. Subtype Ib cells showed an increased incorporation of D-[2-3H]-mannose into nascent N-glycoproteins. Subtype Ix fibroblasts presented an intermediary status with mannose uptake equivalent to the control but with an increased incorporation of D-[2-3H]-mannose in nascent N-glycoproteins. All together, our results demonstrate quantitative and/or qualitative modifications in mannose transport of all carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome fibroblasts in comparison to control cells, with a relative homogeneity within a considered subtype of carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome. These results are consistent with the possible use of mannose as a therapeutic agent in carbohydrate deficient glycoprotein syndrome Ib and Ix.     

Sialyl Lewis(a): a tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen involved in adhesion and metastatic potential of cancer cells

Neoplastic transformation is often associated with characteristic changes in the expression of the sialyl Lewis(a) and sialyl Lewis(x) antigens, representing typical tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens. High amounts of sialyl Lewis(a) are present in human adenocarcinomas of the colon, pancreas and stomach. A growing amount of data suggests that this carbohydrate structure is the ligand for E-selectin. Sialylated Lewis structures present on the surface of tumor cells are carried by the carbohydrate chains of glycoproteins and glycolipids. There are several lines of evidence showing that sialyl Lewis(a) is responsible for the adhesion of human cancer cells to endothelium. E-selectin present on endothelial cells mediates these interactions. Selectins and their carbohydrate ligands can thus play an important role in the selective homing of tumor cells during metastasis. However, the presence of sialyl Lewis(a) antigen on the surface of tumor cells and their adhesion to E-selectin-expressing cells in in vitro adhesion assay by itself can not be directly related to metastatic properties of all cancer cells.     

Immunological characterization of peptide mimetics of carbohydrate antigens in vaccine design strategies.

Targeting antigens which cannot be readily addressed by genetic vectors is a major challenge in vaccine design. The inter-conversion of carbohydrate antigens into peptide mimetic forms provides a means to broaden the immune response to carbohydrate antigens. Peptides that mimic carbohydrate antigens offer new possibilities to augment immune responses to such antigens that include inducing carbohydrate reactive T-cell responses. Peptide mimeotopes can be formulated in a variety of ways that include multiple antigen peptides (MAP) and as DNA vaccines that prime for different antibody isotypes. On the immunological side we observe that: (i) depending on the immunogen formulation peptide mimetics can be processed by either CD5+ or CD5-B cells; (ii) peptide mimeotope immunization can induce cross-reactive responses to multiple carbohydrate forms; (iii) priming with peptide mimeotopes can enhance carbohydrate immune responses upon boosting and (iv) immunization with peptide mimeotopes can induce carbohydrate reactive T cells.     

Structural effects of carbohydrate-containing polycations on gene delivery. 1. Carbohydrate size and its distance from charge centers

Cationic polymers have the ability to bind plasmid DNA (pDNA) through electrostatic interactions and condense it into particles that can be readily endocytosed by cultured cells. The effects that polycation structure has on toxicity and gene delivery efficiency are investigated here by synthesizing a series of amidine-based polycations that contain the carbohydrates d-trehalose and beta-cyclodextrin (CD) within the polycation backbone. The carbohydrate size (trehalose vs CD) and its distance from the charge centers affect the gene delivery behavior in BHK-21 cells. It is found that as the charge center is further removed from the carbohydrate unit, the toxicity is increased. Also, as the size of the carbohydrate moiety is enlarged from trehalose to beta-cyclodextrin, the toxicity is reduced. The absence of a carbohydrate in the polycation produces high toxicity. All carbohydrate polycations transfect BHK-21 cells to approximately the same level of gene expression.     

Carbohydrate-mediated cell adhesion involved in hematogenous metastasis of cancer

The carbohydrate determinants, sialyl Lewis A and sialyl Lewis X, which are frequently expressed on human cancer cells, serve as ligands for a cell adhesion molecule of the selectin family, E-selectin, which is expressed on vascular endothelial cells. These carbohydrate determinants are involved in the adhesion of cancer cells to vascular endothelium and thus contribute to hematogenous metastasis of cancer. The initial adhesion mediated by these molecules triggers activation of integrin molecules through the action of several cytokines and leads to the extravasation of cancer cells. Cancer cells also produce humoral factors that facilitate E-selectin expression on endothelial cells. The degree of expression of the carbohydrate ligands at the surface of cancer cells is well correlated with the frequency of hematogenous metastasis and prognostic outcome of patients with cancers. The alteration of glycosyltransferase activities that leads to the enhanced expression of these carbohydrate ligands on cancer cell surface are currently being investigated. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Two-step glycosylation of the contact site A protein of Dictyostelium discoideum and transport of an incompletely glycosylated form to the cell surface

Two different types of oligosaccharides, designated type 1 and 2 carbohydrate residues, are present on the contact site A molecule, an 80-kDa glycoprotein involved in the formation of EDTA-stable cell adhesion during cell aggregation in Dictyostelium discoideum. The first precursor detected by pulse-chase labeling with [35S]methionine was a 68-kDa glycoprotein carrying type 1 carbohydrate. Conversion of the precursor into the 80-kDa form occurred simultaneously with the addition of type 2 carbohydrate. Tunicamycin inhibited type 1 glycosylation more efficiently than type 2 glycosylation. The first precursor detected in tunicamycin-treated cells by pulse-chase labeling was a 53-kDa protein lacking both carbohydrates, which was converted through addition of type 2 carbohydrate into a 66-kDa final product. Labeling of intact cells indicated that this 66-kDa glycoprotein is transported to the cell surface. Prolonged treatment with tunicamycin resulted in the accumulation within the cells of the 53-kDa precursor with no detectable exposure of this protein on the cell surface. It is concluded that type 1 carbohydrate, which is cotranslationally added in N-glycosidic linkages, is neither required for transport of the protein to the Golgi apparatus nor for type 2 glycosylation or protection of the protein against proteolytic degradation. Incapability of tunicamycin-treated cells of forming EDTA-stable cell contacts suggests a role for type 1 carbohydrate in cell adhesion. Type 2 carbohydrate is added posttranslationally. It is required in the absence of type 1 glycosylation for transport of the protein to the cell surface.     

CELL PROLIFERATION IN COMPLEX TISSUES: THE CONTROL OF THE MITOTIC CYCLE OF CELL POPULATIONS IN THE CULTURED ROOT MERISTEM OF SUNFLOWER (HELIANTHUS)

Experiments were performed with cultured primary root tips of sunflower (Helianthus annuus var. Russian Mammoth) to determine: (1) if progression in the mitotic cycle of meristematic cells was nutritionally controllable by carbohydrate starvation and replenishment; (2) where in the mitotic cycle control was effected; and (3) whether nutritional deprivation could be used to detect phenotypically different subpopulations in a complex tissue. Meristematic cells were rendered stationary by carbohydrate starvation, as indicated by the absence of cell division; this condition was reversed by carbohydrate provision. After 72 or 96 hr of starvation most cells stopped in G1 (80–90%) and G2 (10–20%), and a very few (“leaky” cells) continued to enter S. “Leaky” cells represent a small population with an S period of approximately 4.1 hr that either lack a principal control point in G1 or have an unusual metabolism whereby the control point requirements are met and have a carbohydrate dependence for mitosis. Though phenotypically different, no specific functions can be attributed to “leaky” cells at this time.     

Role of carbohydrate modification in the production and secretion of human granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor in genetically engineered and normal mesenchymal cells.

Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) are a group of acidic glycoproteins which stimulate the proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic progenitor cells in vitro and stimulate hemopoiesis in vivo. Human GM-CSF contains two N-linked carbohydrate side chains of the complex acidic type and several sites of O-linked carbohydrate clustered on serine and threonine residues near the N-terminus of the molecule. Previous studies have failed to detect a significant functional role for the carbohydrate modification characteristic of human GM-CSF. Using permanent cell lines and transient expression systems which produce moderate to high levels of native or carbohydrate-deficient forms of the growth factor, the role of carbohydrate modification in the biosynthesis and secretion of GM-CSF was studied. Unlike a number of other secreted glycoproteins, the transient time and secretory efficiency of several carbohydrate-deficient mutants of GM-CSF are indistinguishable from those of the native growth factor in BHK, 293, COS, and ldlD cells. Furthermore, normal human endothelial cells and fibroblasts, which normally produce the growth factor, can synthesize and secrete GM-CSF that lacks all forms of carbohydrate modification. These studies help to point out the range of roles played by carbohydrate modification in the biosynthesis, assembly, and secretion of glycoprotein hormones.     

Electrochemiluminescent biosensing of carbohydrate-functionalized CdS nanocomposites for in situ label-free analysis of cell surface carbohydrate

A facile electrochemiluminescent (ECL) strategy for in situ label-free monitoring of carbohydrate expression on living cells was designed by integrating the specific recognition of lectin to carbohydrate with a carbohydrate-functionalized CdS nanocomposite. The mercaptopropionic acid-capped CdS quantum dots were firstly immobilized on carbon nanotubes modified electrode and then functionalized with carbohydrate using mannan as a model on the surface. The carbohydrate-functionalized CdS nanocomposite showed high ECL sensitivity and good stability, and could be used for competitive recognition to concanavalin A with the target cells in solution, which led to a change of ECL intensity due to the resistance of concanavalin A. The change depended on both the cell number and the expression level of cell surface carbohydrate. A wide linear response to cells ranging from 2×10(3) to 1×10(7) cells mL(-1) with a detection limit of 1.2×10(3) cells mL(-1) was obtained. The proposed biosensor could be used to in situ evaluate cell surface glycan, and the average number of mannose moieties on single living BGC cell was detected to be 8.7×10(7). This sensitive strategy was further used for facile monitoring of dynamic carbohydrate expression on living cells in response to drugs. The proposed method could be further expanded to high-throughput detection with the addition of more specific glycan-lectin pairs to the repertoire.     

Immunohistochemical Detection of Sialyl LeX Antigen on Mucosal Langerhans Cells of Human Oral Mucosa following Neuraminidase Pretreatment

Histochemical assessment of selected carbohydrate sequences on Langerhans cells of human oral mucosa was made by combined use of enzyme digestion and immunostain-ing with monoclonal antibodies against specific carbohydrate structures. In both frozen sections and epithelial sheets without the enzyme pretreatment, mucosal Langerhans cells, identified by positive staining with anti-CD1a and HLA-DR antibodies, did not express any carbohydrate antigens on their surface. In contrast, following neuraminidase pretreatment of both types of material, the fucosylated type 2 chain (Le^X) became detectable on Langerhans cells, indicating that sialic acid is the terminal residue of this sequence. Other enzymes were ineffective in this apparent unmasking, and the staining patterns of the other related carbohydrate sequences (Le^y. Le^a, Le^b) remained unaffected by pretreatment with any of the enzymes used. These findings suggest that the mucosal Langerhans cells possess a unique carbohydrate chain, the sialyl fucosylated type 2 sequence (sialyl Le^X antigen).     

The inverse correlation between growth rate and cell carbohydrate content of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Microcystis aeruginosa</Emphasis>

The cell carbohydrate content of cyanobacteria can alter buoyancy, and the ability to regulate the buoyancy is one of the most important mechanisms of cyanobacterial blooms. The net accumulation of carbohydrate in cell is affected by photosynthesis, respiration, synthesis of proteins, and other metabolisms, which are connected to the growth. The aim of this work is to seek the relationship between growth rate and intracellular carbohydrate content. The cell carbohydrate content in Microcystis aeruginosa cultures with different growth characteristics was investigated, and the relationship between growth rate and accumulated carbohydrate in cyanobacterial cells was analyzed. The result showed that the specific growth rate was inversely proportional to cell carbohydrate content. The growth rate was relatively high when the cell carbohydrate content was low. It can be indicated that high growth occurs when cells are buoyant, which favors blooms.     

Histochemical changes of carbohydrate and protein contents in the digestive gland cells of the land snail Monacha cartusiana following starvation

The present study was designed to investigate histochemically the detection of carbohydrate and protein in the normally feeding snails and after 15 and 30 days of starvation. Generally, abundant carbohydrate and protein materials were detected in the component cells of the digestive gland of normally feeding snails. The results of this investigation revealed a pronounced decline of carbohydrates in the digestive gland cells of Monacha cartusiana snails after starvation. Severe decline in carbohydrate content was observed especially after 30 days of starvation. Moreover, protein inclusions have exhibited a week stainability in the digestive gland cells of these snails as a consequence of starvation.     

Immunohistochemical Detection of Sialyl LeX Antigen on Mucosal Langerhans Cells of Human Oral Mucosa following Neuraminidase Pretreatment

Histochemical assessment of selected carbohydrate sequences on Langerhans cells of human oral mucosa was made by combined use of enzyme digestion and immunostain-ing with monoclonal antibodies against specific carbohydrate structures. In both frozen sections and epithelial sheets without the enzyme pretreatment, mucosal Langerhans cells, identified by positive staining with anti-CD1a and HLA-DR antibodies, did not express any carbohydrate antigens on their surface. In contrast, following neuraminidase pretreatment of both types of material, the fucosylated type 2 chain (Le^X) became detectable on Langerhans cells, indicating that sialic acid is the terminal residue of this sequence. Other enzymes were ineffective in this apparent unmasking, and the staining patterns of the other related carbohydrate sequences (Le^y. Le^a, Le^b) remained unaffected by pretreatment with any of the enzymes used. These findings suggest that the mucosal Langerhans cells possess a unique carbohydrate chain, the sialyl fucosylated type 2 sequence (sialyl Le^X antigen).     

Changes in dry weight, protein, deoxyribonucleic acid, ribonucleic acid and reserve and structural carbohydrate during aerobic growth cycle of yeast

1. Changes in dry weight, DNA, RNA, protein and reserve and structural carbohydrate were measured during the aerobic growth of yeast on 0.9% glucose in an aerobic synthetic medium. 2. After glucose had been consumed and during the growth of yeast on ethanol and acetate, the rate of formation of DNA remained about the same but the rate of increase of dry weight was greatly diminished. 3. During the second stage of growth the ratios dry weight/DNA, protein/DNA, RNA/DNA and carbohydrate/DNA decreased to about 30% of the corresponding values during the first stage of growth. 4. A higher fraction of the dry weight of the yeast cells could be accounted for by the reserve carbohydrate content of the cells during the second stage of growth. 5. By the end of the first stage of growth an increase in the reserve carbohydrate content of the cells was observed. Part of this reserve carbohydrate was consumed by the cells in the beginning of the second stage of growth. The possibility of adaptation of cells at the expense of their reserves is discussed.     

The influence of lectins on the aggregation of neutrophils and erythrocytes in healthy humans

A study was made of the influence of some plant lectins on the aggregation of neutrophils and erythrocytes in healthy humans, and the state of carbohydrate determinants of glycoprotein receptors of these cells was characterized. These carbohydrate determinants, containing D-mannose, N-acetyl-D-glucosamin, and bD-galactose, provide neutrophils aggregation in healthy persons. The surface receptors of erythrocytes have remains of bD-galactose, several N-acetyl-D-glucosamin, N-acetyl-neyranimic acid, N-acetyl-D-galactosamin, L-fucose. Thus, in neutrophils and erythrocytes of healthy persons there is a definite composition of carbohydrate determinants of glycoproteins. Changes in these carbohydrate determinants are able to increase cells aggregation and, consequently, to disturb reological property of the blood, and to impair processes of microcirculation and thrombose stimulation.     

Immunization of Rhesus monkeys with a SialylTn–mAb17-1A conjugate vaccine co-formulated with QS-21 induces a temporary systemic cytokine release and NK cytotoxicity against tumor cells

Tumor-associated antigens resulting from aberrant glycosylation, such as the SialylTn carbohydrate antigen, are frequently over-expressed on cancer cells and provide potential targets for cancer vaccination. Immunization of Rhesus monkeys with SialylTn coupled to a highly immunogenic carrier molecule and formulated on aluminum hydroxide induced a strong immune response against the carrier protein but only a moderate IgM immune response against the SialylTn carbohydrate antigen. Co-formulation with QS-21 adjuvant dramatically enhanced the anti-SialylTn immune response and resulted in a SialylTn-specific IgG switch. The kinetics of the carbohydrate-specific IgG response correlated with a temporary release of cytokines such as IFNγ, IL-2, IL-1β, TNFα and GM-CSF which was measurable in the immune serum by xMAP Multiplex technology. Furthermore, tumor cell killing by activated natural killer cells was induced. These data demonstrate that immunization with a tumor-associated carbohydrate antigen in a highly immunogenic formulation results in a temporary release of type 1 cytokines which may be required for the induction of a specific IgG immune response against the carbohydrate antigen as well as for activation of effector cells against tumor cells.     

Microheterogeneity among carbohydrate structures at the cell surface may be important in recognition phenomena

Independently derived mutants of Chinese hamster ovary cells have been isolated and shown to exhibit a subtle glycosylation defect resulting in the premature termination of certain asparagine-linked carbohydrate moieties. This carbohydrate alteration is akin to the types of structural variation termed microheterogeneity and is thought not to affect the biological activities of glycoproteins that manifest the phenomenon. However, the carbohydrate change expressed by the mutants is stable and heritable, and ¹²⁵1-lectin-binding studies suggest that it profoundly alters their surface recognition properties. The mutation appears to affect a specific subpopulation of galactose residues in asparagine-linked carbohydrate of the type found associated with the G glycoprotein of vesicular stomatitis virus. The mutant cells also exhibit morphological changes in substratum culture.     

Oligosaccharide processing in the expression of human plasminogen cDNA by lepidopteran insect (Spodoptera frugiperda) cells

A comparison has been made between the Asn289-linked oligosaccharide structures of human plasma plasminogen and a recombinant human plasminogen, expressed in lepidopteran insect (Spodoptera frugiperda) cells, after infection of these cells with a recombinant baculovirus containing the entire human plasminogen cDNA. Using anion-exchange liquid chromatography mapping of the oligosaccharide units cleaved from the proteins by glycopeptidase F, compared with elution positions of standard oligosaccharide structures, coupled with monosaccharide compositional analysis, we find that the human plasma protein contained only bisialo-biantennary complex-type carbohydrate and asialo-biantennary complex carbohydrate, confirming earlier work published by this laboratory. The glycosylation pattern of the insect cell expressed recombinant human plasminogen showed considerable microheterogeneity, with identifiable high-mannose carbohydrate (Man9GlcNAc2) and truncated high-mannose oligosaccharide (Man5GlcNAc2, Man4GlcNAc2, and Man3GlcNAc2). Of major importance, approximately 40% of the oligosaccharide population consisted of complex carbohydrate (bisialo-biantennary), identical in structure with that of the human plasma protein. This is the first direct identification of complex carbohydrate in proteins produced in insect cells and demonstrates that trimming and processing of high-mannose carbohydrate into complex-type oligosaccharide can occur. Our data indicate that both normal and alternate pathways exist in these cells for incorporation and trimming of high-mannose oligosaccharides and that mannosidases, as well as galactosyl-, hexosaminidasyl-, and sialyltransferases are present, and/or can be induced, in these cells. From these observations, we conclude that amino acid sequences and/or protein conformational properties can control oligosaccharide processing events.     

Post-translational regulation of N-glycosylated proteins expression in human intestinal cells in culture]

HT-29 cells derived from a human colonic adenocarcinoma, can express a typical intestinal differentiation. Undifferentiated HT-29 cells accumulate N-linked glycoproteins substituted with unprocessed carbohydrate chains before to degrade them. Conversely, carbohydrate chains of N-linked glycoproteins are classically processed in differentiated HT-29 cells. The instability of N-linked glycoproteins in undifferentiated HT-29 cells is due to their rapid delivery from the endoplasmic reticulum to a compartment with lysosomal characteristics. This catabolitic pathway involves a bypass of the Golgi apparatus.     

The effect of nitrogen refeeding on the carbohydrate content into nitrogen-starved cells of Platymonas striata Butcher

Studies on the mean cellular carbohydrate contents of Platymonas striata Butcher under conditions of nitrogen-starvation, and after refeeding these starved cultures with either nitrate or ammonium ions (growing under continuous illumination or with an alternating light/dark regime) have shown that nitrogen-starved cells accumulated abnormal amounts of cellular carbohydrate and that nitrogen refeeding produced a marked drop in the cellular carbohydrate. Cells grown in a light/dark regime accumulated less carbohydrates than those grown in continuous light. The mean cellular carbohydrate levels 16 h after nitrogen refeeding were still much in excess of those of cells grown with normal nutrition. It was therefore suggested that the differences in nitrogen uptakes in this period — when comparing either the uptake of cells grown in continuous light with that of cells grown in a light/dark regime; or when comparing the uptakes of cells presented with either nitrate or ammonium ions and grown in a light/dark regime —cannot be directly due to shortages of carbohydrate for the provision of carbon skeletons for nitrogen assimilation.