Structural properties of the human MN blood group antigen receptor sites.

It is shown that the MN blood group antigen determinant of the major human erythrocyte membrane (MN) sialoglycoprotein is located on its N-terminal octaglycopeptide. The only analytically detectable difference between peptides from MM and NN cells are Ser/Leu and Gly/Glu polymorphisms at the first and fifth positions, respectively. Destruction of the antigens by removal of the N-terminal residues suggests that these amino acids represent a part of the receptor areas for various anti-M or -N reagents. Evidence is presented that the N-terminal structure of the Ss glycoprotein is identical with that of MN glycoprotein from NN red cells up to the fifth residue. This provides an explanation for the 'N' antigen on this molecule and direct support for the earlier proposal that the MNSs locus is represented by homologous genes.     

The modulation of apoptosis by cyclic AMP involves Akt and epidermal growth factor receptor

Adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and transforming growth factor-beta are important regulators of many biological processes. In this study we investigated the effect and its potential mechanism of cAMP on transforming growth factor-beta1- and serum deprivation-induced apoptosis in Mv1Lu cells. Transforming growth factor-beta1 treatment or serum deprivation induces apoptotic response in Mv1Lu cells. Forskolin, a cAMP-elevating agent, or 8-Bromo-cAMP (8-B-cAMP), a cell permeable cAMP analogue, inhibited the cell proliferation and markedly enhanced apoptosis induced by transforming growth factor-beta1, but completely suppressed serum deprivation-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, forskolin decreased the Akt phosphorylation, and the inhibition of phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase by LY294002 sensitized Mv1Lu cells to transforming growth factor-beta1-induced apoptosis. In addition, forskolin treatment induced tyrosine phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor. Inhibition of epidermal growth factor receptor by specific inhibitor PD153035 blocked the cAMP-mediated suppression of serum deprivation-induced apoptosis. The results indicate that cAMP exerts its opposite effects in transforming growth factor-beta1- and serum deprivation-induced apoptosis via a mechanism involving the modulation of signaling components of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt and epidermal growth factor receptor in Mv1Lu cells.     

Abnormal minor human erythrocyte membrane sialoglycoprotein (beta) in association with the rare blood-group antigen Webb (Wb).

Individuals whose erythrocytes are positive for the rare blood-group antigen Webb (Wb) have an altered form of the minor sialoglycoprotein beta (synonyms glycophorin C and glycoconnectin). This altered sialoglycoprotein beta (beta Wb) has an Mr about 2700 lower than that of normal sialoglycoprotein beta. Treatment of normal sialoglycoprotein beta with endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase F decreased its Mr by about 3600, but similar treatment of sialoglycoprotein beta Wb had no effect. These results suggest the possibility that sialoglycoprotein beta Wb lacks the N-glycosidically linked oligosaccharide found on normal sialoglycoprotein beta.     

Cryptodeterminant of a sperm maturation antigen on the mouse flagellar surface.

The determinant of a mouse sperm maturation antigen was examined morphologically and biochemically with monoclonal antibody T21 as a probe. The plasma membrane components of cauda epididymal spermatozoa were extracted with nonionic detergent Nonidet P-40 and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions and by immunoblotting. Wheat germ agglutinin-lectin staining and immunoblotting indicated that the antigen recognized by T21 is a sialoglycoprotein of about 54,000 daltons (54 kDa). The antigenic determinant was more distinctly exposed after treatment with neuraminidase, as evaluated by immunohistochemistry, immunocytochemistry, and immunoblotting. The cryptic nature of the determinant was further confirmed by immunostaining nitrocellulose strips, subsequently digesting the strips with neuraminidase, and then reimmunostaining them. Results obtained by periodate oxidation treatment suggested that the epitope is a carbohydrate. Immunoperoxidase electron microscopy confirmed that the antigen is distributed on the flagellar plasma membrane of the sperm. This was demonstrated clearly when sperm were desialylated with neuraminidase. These results indicate that the 54 kDa sialoglycoprotein sperm maturation antigen has a cryptodeterminant which can be masked by a sialic acid residue, that is recognized by monoclonal antibody T21.     

Genetic variants involving the major membrane sialoglycoprotein of human erythrocytes. Studies on erythrocytes of type Mk, Miltenberger class V and Mg.

1. Membranes from erythrocytes heterozygous for the Mk and Miltenberger Class V (Mi.V) condition and membranes from erythrocytes homozygous for the Mg condition were studied by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis by using the periodate/Schiff stain binding of radioiodinated lectins and labelling with lactoperoxidase. 2. Both the Mk and Mi.V conditions are associated with a decreased content of the major blood-group-MN-active sialoglycoprotein. 3. An unusual blood-group-M-active membrane component was found in Mi.V cells of appropriate genotype. No comparably component was found in Mk erythrocytes. 4. The Mg antigen appears to result from a modification of the MN-active sialoglycoprotein found in normal cells. Our results suggest that the Mg sialoglycoprotein contains fewer sialotetrasaccharides than does the normal sialglycoprotein. This may result from changes in the amino acid sequence of the protein. 5. The results are discussed in relation to differences in the antigenic properties of Mk, Mi.V and Mg cells and their possible influence on the structure of the surface of each of these cells.     

Cryptic I antigen activity andMycoplasma pneumoniae-receptor activity associated with sialoglycoprotein GP-2 of bovine erythrocyte membranes

The 250-kDa sialoglycoprotein of bovine erythrocyte membranes, GP-2, has been found to be an exception-ally rich source of branched sialo-oligosaccharides of poly-N-acetyllactosamine (I antigen) type with receptor activity for the human pathogenMycoplasma pneumoniae.Desialylated GP-2 is the most potent I-active substance thus far tested. Since this gtyco-protein is hydrophobic and can be readily re-incorporated into cell membranes, it should be useful in future studies of the mechanism of production of auto-antibodies to the I antigen which commonly arise following human infection withM. pneumoniae.     

Production and meiotic pairing behaviour of new hybrids of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum) x winter barley (Hordeum vulgare).

New winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) x winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) hybrids produced using cultivated varieties (wheat 'Martonvásári 9 krl'(Mv9 krl) x barley 'Igri', Mv9 krl x 'Osnova', 'Asakazekomugi' x 'Manas') were multiplied in tissue culture because of the high degree of sterility and then pollinated with wheat to obtain backcross progenies. Meiotic analysis of the hybrids Mv9 krl x 'Igri' and 'Asakazekomugi' x 'Manas' and their in vitro regenerated progenies with the Feulgen method revealed 1.59 chromosome arm associations per cell in both initial hybrids. The number of chromosome arm associations increased after in vitro culture to 4.72 and 2.67, respectively, in the two combinations. According to the genomic in situ hybridization (GISH) analysis, wheat-barley chromosome arm associations made up 3.6% of the total in the initial Mv9 krl x 'Igri' hybrid and 6.6% and 16.5% of the total in in vitro regenerated progenies of the 'Asakazekomugi' x 'Manas' and Mv9 krl x 'Igri' hybrids, respectively. The demonstration by GISH of wheat-barley chromosome pairing in the hybrids and especially in their in vitro regenerated progenies proves the possibility of producing recombinants between these two genera, and thus of transferring useful characters from barley into wheat. In vitro conditions caused an increase in chromosome arm association frequency in both combinations and in fertility in some regenerants.     

High-frequency antigens of human erythrocyte membrane sialoglycoproteins, IV. Molecular properties of the U antigen

The nature of the common erythrocyte antigen U, that is absent from S-s-U-cells, which lack glycophorin B (Ss sialoglycoprotein), was investigated using six different antisera. The molecular features of a U-like antigen (Duclos), detected by a hitherto unique serum, were also studied. The U and Duclos antigens are complex in that they exhibit relationships with the MNSs and Rh blood group systems. Various fractionation, cleavage, or modification products of normal erythrocyte membranes were used in hemagglutination inhibition assays. Both, the U and Duclos antigens were found to represent labile structures that require lipids, at least for optimum expression of antigen activity. The antigens could be solubilized using conditions of Triton X-100 extraction that release glycophorin B, but solubilize the Rh antigens only to a small extent. Anti-U and anti-Duclos were also inhibited, albeit weakly, by glycophorin B-containing fractions obtained by chromatographic separation of Triton X-100 extracts. The residues approx. 33-39 of glycophorin B represent essential parts of the U antigen, as judged from proteolytic digestion and chemical modification. Conversely, the expression of Duclos activity seems to require a region of glycophorin B (C-terminal of the positions approx. 34-36) that could not be cleaved by various proteinases. Data obtained with anti-Duclos have to be interpreted with caution, since there is evidence that this serum might contain a mixture of antibodies.     

Responsiveness to transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) restored by genetic complementation between cells defective in TGF-beta receptors I and II.

Selection of mutant Mv1Lu mink lung epithelial cells resistant to growth inhibition by transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has led to the isolation of cell clones with distinct alterations in type I and II TGF-beta receptors. Certain mutant clones present a decreased number or complete loss of detectable type I receptor. Other clones show a loss and/or altered electrophoretic mobility of the type II receptor, with concomitant loss of the type I receptor. Using somatic cell hybridization analysis we demonstrate the recessive nature of these mutants with respect to the wild-type phenotype and define various mutant complementation groups. Among these, hybrids between cells that express only type II receptor (R mutants) and cells that express neither receptor type (DRa mutants) rescue wild-type expression of type I receptors. Moreover, these hybrids regain full responsiveness to TGF-beta 1, as measured by inhibition of DNA synthesis as well as stimulation of fibronectin and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 production. These results provide evidence for an interaction between TGF-beta receptor components I and II and show that, in Mv1Lu cells, expression of both receptor types is required for mediation of biological responses to TGF-beta 1.     

High frequency antigens of human erythrocyte membrane sialoglycoproteins. I. Ena receptors in the glycosylated domain of the MN sialoglycoprotein

The specificity of various allo- and autoantibodies, which agglutinate normal erythrocytes, but do not react with En(a-) red cells and normal erythrocytes, treated with trypsin (anti-EnaTS) or ficin (anti-EnaFS), was investigated. Various fragments and modification products of the major (MN) red cell membranes sialoglycoprotein were used in hemagglutination inhibition assays. Six anti-EnaFS sera were found to be directed against the residues approx. 46-56 of the molecule. Five of these require the carbohydrate unit, attached to Thr50, for binding. One anti-EnaTS serum was found to be directed against the residues approx. 36-42. Another antibody with anti-EnaTS specificity was shown to react with the residues 31-39 in some of the MN sialoglycoprotein molecules, namely those not glycosylated at a certain position (probably Thr33). A third anti-EnaTS serum, directed against the sequence domain around Lys30, was also found to react only with a fraction of the molecules, apparently due to the variable attachment of oligosaccharides in that region. The heterogeneity of glycosylation, detected by these two sera, appears to account for the partial tryptic and chymotryptic cleavage in this domain of the MN sialoglycoprotein, which has been described previously. Heterogeneity of the glycosylation at various positions of the molecule could be established by the isolation and analysis of peptides.     

High frequency antigens of human erythrocyte membrane sialoglycoproteins, III. Studies on the EnaFR, Wrb and Wra antigens

The nature of the common erythrocyte antigens EnaFR and Wrb, that are both absent from En(a-) cells, and the rare Wra receptor, apparently encoded by an allele of Wrb, was investigated. Various modification, fractionation or cleavage products of erythrocyte membranes were used in hemagglutination inhibition assays. The EnaFR and Wrb antigens were shown to represent labile structures within the residues approx. 62-72 of the major (MN) sialoglycoprotein that require lipids, at least for complete expression of antigenic activity. During the course of these experiments, the arrangement of the MN glycoprotein's peptide chain with respect to the lipid bi-layer was also studied, using various proteinases. Furthermore, the MN glycoprotein was found to aggregate with the major membrane protein (band 3) in the presence of Triton X-100. The Wra antigen was shown to exhibit properties that differ considerably from those of the Wrb receptor. Analyses on the MN glycoprotein, isolated from the red cells of the only known Wra homozygote and two WraWrb individuals, did not reveal any amino-acid exchange within the residues 40-96 of the molecule. Therefore, the Wr locus that determines the presence or absence of the Wrb antigen on the MN glycoprotein might influence the post-translational modification of amino-acid residues, the structure of tightly bound lipids or the aggregation of the MN glycoprotein with a different protein such as band 3.     

Purification and partial characterization of a nonprimate growth hormone receptor.

Pregnant rabbit liver membranes have been shown to possess two types of receptors by displacement analysis, a growth hormone (GH) receptor which binds bovine growth hormone with an affinity constant (KA) of 3 x 10(9) M-1 and ovine prolactin with a KA of 3 x 10(8) M-1, and a prolactin (Prl)-specific receptor which binds ovine prolactin with a KA of 5 x 10(9) M-1. The prolactin-specific receptor when solubilized with Triton exhibits a 4-fold increase in the its KA while the KA of the growth hormone receptor decreases slightly to 2 x 10(9) M-1 after solubilization. The 10-fold difference in affinity which results has been exploited to facilitate the separation of these two receptors by differential affinity chromatography on human growth hormone (hGH) affinity gels. The growth hormone receptor is eluted from the gel with 4 M urea while 5 M MgCl2 is required to elute the prolactin receptor. Conditions of affinity chromatography have been optimized, and further purification of the GH receptor by preparative isoelectric focusing and Sepharose 6B gel filtration resulted in a more than 8000-fold purification of the receptor. This material had a Stokes radius of 62 A, consistent with a molecular weight of 300,000 and gave one main band (75,000 to 80,000) and two minor bands on sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) polyacrylamide gels, which could be interpreted as indicating a tetrameric receptor. The GH receptor was shown to be a sialoglycoprotein (or closely associated with sialoglycoprotein) by analytical isoelectric focusing with an isoelectric point of 4.6. Specificity studies with the highly purified receptor confirmed the initial hypothesis that this receptor is capable of binding bovine growth hormone (bGH) with high affinity and ovine prolactin (oPrl) with low affinity, in contrast to the prolactin-specific receptor.     

Distinct transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) receptor subsets as determinants of cellular responsiveness to three TGF-beta isoforms.

Characterization of the three mammalian transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) isoforms, TGF-beta 1, -beta 2, and -beta 3, indicates that TGF-beta 3 is somewhat more potent (ED50 = 0.5 pM versus 2 pM) than TGF-beta 1 and TGF-beta 2 as a growth inhibitor of the Mv1Lu mink lung epithelial cell line. In the fetal bovine heart endothelial (FBHE) cell line, however, TGF-beta 1 and -beta 3 are at least 50-fold more potent than TGF-beta 2 which is a very weak growth inhibitor (ED50 greater than or equal to 0.5 nM). Thus, as growth inhibitors, TGF-beta 1 and -beta 3 resemble each other more than TGF-beta 2. The presence of serum alpha 2-macroglobulin in the FBHE cell assays decreases the biological potency of TGF-beta s, in particular TGF-beta 2. This effect of alpha 2-macroglobulin, however, is not sufficient to explain the low responsiveness of FBHE cells to TGF-beta 2. Evaluation of the role of TGF-beta receptors as determinants of cell-specific responsiveness to TGF-beta isoforms indicates that TGF-beta 1, -beta 2, and -beta 3 have similar affinity for the membrane proteoglycan, betaglycan. They differ, however, in their ability to bind to receptor types I and II which are implicated in TGF-beta signal transduction. TGF-beta 1 is similar, albeit not identical, to TGF-beta 3 and much more potent than TGF-beta 2 as a competitor for binding to the overall population of receptors I and II in all cell lines tested. A subset of receptors I and II has been identified in Mv1Lu cells which has high affinity for TGF-beta 2 (KD approximately 10 pM) and binds this factor at concentrations that are biologically active in Mv1Lu cells. This receptor subset could not be detected in FBHE cells, suggesting that cell-specific differences in the level of high affinity of TGF-beta 2 receptors may lead to cell-specific differences in responsiveness to this isoform. Thus, despite their structural and biological similarities, TGF-beta 1, -beta 2, and -beta 3 diverge in their ability to bind to receptors in a manner that correlates with their potency as growth inhibitors.     

Abnormal blood-group-Ss-active sialoglycoproteins in the membrane of Miltenberger class III, IV and V human erythrocytes.

1. We have studied the inherited changes occurring in the sialoglycoproteins of membranes from erythrocytes of type Miltenberger Class III (Mi.III), Miltenberger Class IV (Mi.IV) and Miltenberger Class V (Mi.V) by using sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and lactoperoxidase radioiodination. 2. Mi.III erythrocytes lack the normal blood-group-Ss-active sialoglycoprotein but contain an unusual s-active sialoglycoprotein of higher apparent molecular weight. A similar abnormal S-active sialoglycoprotein appears to occur in Mi.IV erythrocytes. 3. The Mi.V condition is associated with the hemizygous absence of both the normal blood-group-MN-active sialoglycoprotein and the normal Ss-active sialoglycorprotein. However, a new sialoglycoprotein component is present in these cells that has properties characteristic of both the MN-active and Ss-active sialoglycoproteins. 4. Our results suggest that the new sialoglycorportein present in Mi.V erythrocytes is a hybrid of the normal MN sialoglycoprotein and an s-active sialoglycoprotein that has properties similar to the s-active sialoglycoprotein found in Mi.III erythrocytes. We suggest that the unusual Mi.V sialoglycoprotein is derived from chromosomal misalignment with unequal crossing-over between the genes for the MN- and Ss-active sialoglycoproteins in a manner similar to that which gives rise to haemoglobin Lepore. 5. Further studies of S-s-erythrocytes confirm that these cells lack normal Ss-active sialoglycoprotein, but contain an unusual component that shows some of the properties of the normal Ss-active sialoglycoprotein. 6. Analysis of erythrocytes of type Mk/Mi.III confirms that, in addition to the known hemizygous lack of the MN-active sialoglycoprotein, the Mk condition is also associated with a loss of the Ss-active sialoglycoprotein. 7. In order to facilitate discussion of the complex changes that occur in these variant erythrocytes, a new unified nomenclature is used for the erythrocyte sialoglycoproteins.     

Characterization of the Ss sialoglycoprotein and its antigens in Rhnull erythrocytes

The Ss sialoglycoprotein (glycophorin B) and its antigens in Rhnull erythrocytes, which lack the Rhesus blood group antigens, due to apparently silent (amorphic type) or independent suppressor (regulator type) genes, were investigated. The quantity of the molecule in amorphic and in regulator type red cell membranes was found to be decreased by about 60%-70%, as judged from sodium-dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The Ss glycoprotein content in the erythrocytes from heterozygotes (regulator type) was diminished to an extent of about 30%. Confirming and extending previous studies, the S, s, Ux, Uz and 'N' antigens were slightly weakened in Rhnull erythrocytes. The U and Duclos receptors were only slightly or not depressed in amorphic Rhnull cells, but almost absent from or not detectable in those of the regulator type. This demonstrates that an additional alteration, apart from the decreased Ss glycoprotein content of the membranes, accounts for the weakness of these receptors in regulator type cells. We propose the hypothesis that (a) protein(s) encoded by the Rhesus locus form(s) a complex with the Ss glycoprotein. Thus, it (they) might facilitate the incorporation of the Ss glycoprotein into the membrane and also contribute to the complete expression of the U and Duclos antigens in normal cells.     

The mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor-II receptor is a substrate of type V transforming growth factor-beta receptor.

The type V transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) receptor (TbetaR-V) is a ligand-stimulated acidotropic Ser-specific protein kinase that recognizes a motif of SXE/S(P)/D. This motif is present in the cytoplasmic domain of the mannose 6-phosphate/insulin-like growth factor-II (Man-6-P/IGF-II) receptor. We have explored the possibility that the Man-6-P/IGF-II receptor is a substrate of TbetaR-V. Purified bovine Man-6-P/IGF-II receptor was phosphorylated by purified bovine TbetaR-V in the presence of [gamma-32P]ATP and MnCl2 with an apparent Km of 130 nM. TGF-beta stimulated the phosphorylation of the Man-6-P/IGF-II receptor at 0 degrees C in mouse L cells overexpressing the Man-6-P/IGF-II receptor and in wild-type mink lung epithelial (Mv1Lu cells) metabolically labeled with [32P]orthophosphate. The in vitro and in vivo phosphorylation of the Man-6-P/IGF-II receptor occurred at the putative phosphorylation sites as revealed by phosphopeptide mapping and amino acid sequence analysis. TGF-beta stimulated Man-6-P/IGF-II receptor-mediated uptake (approximately 2-fold after 12 h treatment) of exogenous beta-glucuronidase in Mv1Lu cells and type II TGF-beta receptor (TbetaR-II)-defective mutant cells (DR26 cells) but not in type I TGF-beta receptor (TbetaR-I)-defective mutant cells (R-1B cells) and human colorectal carcinoma cells (RII-37 cells) expressing TbetaR-I and TbetaR-II but lacking TbetaR-V. These results suggest the Man-6-P/IGF-II receptor serves as an in vitro and in vivo substrate of TbetaR-V and that both TbetaR-V and TbetaR-I may play a role in mediating the TGF-beta-stimulated uptake of exogenous beta-glucuronidase.     

Comparative study of inhibition of mannose-resistant haemagglutination caused by CFA/I, CFA/II, K88 and K99-positive Escherichia coli strains

Abstract We have studied the inhibition of mannose-resistant haemagglutination (MRHA) caused by Escherichia coli strains with CFA/I, CFA/II, K88, K99 and by other faecal E. coli lacking these colonisation antigens, by means of 30 sugar compounds and by enzymatic treatment of erythrocytes with neuraminidase, α-mannosidase, β-galactosidase, trypsin and pronase, and with formaldehyde. Inhibition of MRHA by sugars was effective only in K88-positive strains with d (+)glucosamine, mucic acid and bovine submaxillary mucin. Enzymatic treatment and the formolisation of erythrocytes gave different results on MRHA activity in strains possessing each colonisation antigen type. Results suggest that the erythrocyte receptor for CFA/I and CFA/II may possibly be sialoglycoprotein in which N -acetylneuraminic acid (NANA) plays an important role, because MRHA activity in these strains was inhibited by treatment of erythrocytes with neuraminidase and pronase. On the other hand, erythrocyte receptors for K88 and K99, like receptors for haemagglutinins of faecal E. coli lacking these colonization antigens, may have other glycoconjugate structures in which proteins and NANA are not essential. Our observations also suggest that the nature (or structure) of the receptor for a specific colonisation antigen on diverse erythrocyte types may be different.     

Developmentally regulated expression of a 78 kDa erythroblast membrane glycoprotein immunologically related to the platelet thrombospondin receptor.

We have previously described a monoclonal antibody (FA6-152), obtained by immunizing mice with fetal human erythrocytes [Edelman, Vinci, Villeval, Vainchenker, Henri, Miglierina, Rouger, Reviron, Breton-Gorius, Sureau & Edelman (1986) Blood 67, 56-63]. The antibody labelled fetal, but not adult, erythrocytes and bound to both fetal and adult platelets and monocytes. In the present study we have characterized the antigen recognized by FA6-152 on human platelets and on cells of the erythroid lineage at different stages of maturation. FA6-152 precipitated a chymotrypsin-resistant 88 kDa sialoglycoprotein from both iodinated and periodate/NaB3H4-surface-labelled platelets which corresponds to glycoprotein IV, the platelet thrombospondin (TSP) receptor. After neuraminidase treatment, a shift of the apparent molecular mass from 88 kDa to 85 kDa was observed. Scatchard analysis revealed that 125I-FA6-152 bound saturably with high affinity to a single class of platelet binding sites (Kd 6.4 +/- 0.6 nM). The number of FA6-152 IgG molecules bound per platelet was 25,400 +/- 8,800 (n = 4) and did not change upon thrombin activation of platelets. At low doses of alpha-thrombin (0.025 unit), FA6-152 inhibited platelet aggregation as well as endogenous TSP binding to the platelet surface. Immunofluorescence labelling of bone-marrow cells and of cultures in vitro of burst-forming units-erythroid (BFU-E) and colony-forming units-erythroid (CFU-E) revealed that that FA6-152 antigen is a very early marker of erythroid differentiation and that its expression declines during maturation. Immunochemical identification of the FA6-152 antigen on fetal erythroblasts and fetal mature erythrocytes revealed a 78 kDa glycoprotein migrating just in front of the glycophorin A dimer. The antigen, which was absent from adult mature erythrocytes, was also detected in human erythroleukaemic (HEL) cells where FA6-152 precipitated two bands of molecular mass 85 and 88 kDa. Our data establish the existence of a previously unidentified 78 kDa erythroblast cell-surface glycoprotein whose expression is developmentally regulated during erythroid differentiation and which is immunologically related to the 88 kDa platelet TSP receptor.