Purification to homogeneity and enzymatic characterization of an alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminide alpha 2 leads to 6 sialyltransferase from porcine submaxillary glands.

By means of affinity chromatography on CDP-hexanolamine-agarose, a CMP-N-acetylneuraminate: alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminide alpha 2 leads to 6 sialyltransferase (EC 2.4.99.1) has been purified 117,000-fold to homogeneity from Triton X-100 extracts of porcine submaxillary glands. The enzyme consists of several electrophoretic forms that can be partially resolved by chromatography on Sephadex G-200, the largest of which has a molecular weight of approximately 160,000 as estimated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis. Periodate oxidation studies show that the linkage formed by this enzyme with ovine submaxillary asialo-mucin as the acceptor substrate is NeuAc alpha 2 leads to 6GalNAc alpha 1 leads to O-Thr/Ser. On the basis of initial rate studies and the patterns of inhibition observed with alternate acceptor substrates, the transferase is proposed to have either a random equilibrium kinetic mechanism or an ordered steady state mechanism with the acceptor substrate binding first. Among a wide variety of oligosaccharides, glycoproteins, and simple glycosides (including p-nitrophenyl-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminide), the only acceptor substrates for this enzyme are those glycoproteins containing the structure, R leads to 3GalNAc alpha 1 leads to O-Thr/Ser, where R may be H or a beta-galactoside.     

Reconstitution of a porcine submaxillary gland beta-D-galactoside alpha 2----3 sialyltransferase into liposomes

Form A of the beta-D-galactoside alpha 2----3 sialyltransferase from porcine submaxillary glands was incorporated into liposomes. Incorporation was achieved by gel filtration of the enzyme in the presence of octylglucoside-phospholipid micelles. As detergent was removed during gel filtration, liposomes (average diameter, 370 A) with bound enzyme were formed and emerged unretarded from the column. The recovery of enzyme activity in the liposomes was about 40% of the initial activity starting with as little as 9 micrograms of transferase. Chromatography on Sepharose CL6B and sucrose density gradient centrifugation confirmed the association of enzyme with liposomes. In contrast to Form A, Form B of the sialyltransferase, which lacks the proposed lipid-binding domain of Form A, cannot be incorporated into liposomes. Form A of the transferase was also incorporated into liposomes composed of phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol, and a mixture of phospholipids from the membranes of the Golgi apparatus from porcine submaxillary glands. Although the transferase was distributed about equally on the internal and external surface of the phosphatidylcholine liposomes, most of the transferase was on the external surface in liposomes containing cholesterol (72%) or in liposomes containing Golgi apparatus phospholipids (88%). The enzyme bound to phosphatidylcholine liposomes was shown by kinetic analysis to have the same activity as that found in the presence of activity-stimulating detergents such as Triton X-100. Enzyme incorporated into cholesterol-containing liposomes had the same activity. In contrast, enzyme bound to liposomes formed from the Golgi apparatus mixed phospholipids had a lower activity, but one similar to that of the transferase in Golgi apparatus membranes. These studies suggest that the composition of a biological membrane may well influence the orientation of the transferase in the membrane as well as modulate its enzymic activity.     

Purification and characterization of beta-galactoside (alpha 2 leads to 6)sialyltransferase from rat liver and hepatomas

Asialofetuin sialyltransferase from Triton X-100 extracts of rat liver was resolved by phosphocellulose chromatography into two fractions, designated I and II in order of elution. When previously treated with Arthrobacter ureafaciens neuraminidase, fraction I eluted at about the same position as II while no alteration occurred in II. Primary rat hepatomas contained only a single asialofetuin sialyltransferase, identical to fraction I in chromatographic behavior. Transferases I and II were purified to near homogeneity. Transferase II, as well as neuraminidase-treated I, could be sialylated auto-catalytically, indicating that the lack of sialic acid in II is not due to the lack of a sialic-acid-accepting site. Both enzymes formed an (alpha 2 leads to 6)sialylgalactoside linkage with asialo-glycoproteins of the glycosylamine-type and with lactose, and were indistinguishable immunologically. Nevertheless, the transferases exhibited different molecular weights of 37000 (I) and 43000 (II). When heated at 50 degrees C, transferase I lost half its original activity within 20 min while II was scarcely inactivated. Kinetically, transferase I showed three-times higher affinity than II for CMP-N-acetylneuraminic acid and for desialylated plasma membrane. Asialofetuin sialyltransferase was also purified from primary rat hepatoma. The purified enzyme was identical to transferase I in every respect examined. We conclude that hepatomas contain transferase I but lack transferase II.     

Regulation of beta-D-galactoside alpha 2----3 sialyltransferase activity. The effects of detergents and lysophosphatidates

Peptide maps of Form A and Form B of porcine submaxillary gland beta Gal alpha 2----3 sialyltransferase were essentially identical, consistent with the view that the two forms are not different enzyme species but that one, the B form (Mr = 44,000) is derived from the A form (Mr = 49,000). Analysis of the sialyltransferase activity in subcellular fractions from homogenates of porcine submaxillary glands reveals that 85% of the total activity of the transferase is bound to membranes, mostly in the Golgi apparatus, and that the remainder is soluble. The relative amounts of the membrane-bound and soluble forms as well as their response to detergents suggests that they are the cellular counterparts to the A and B forms of the transferase. The activity of Form A and the membrane-bound enzyme is stimulated to similar extents by various detergents. Triton-type detergents are more effective than Brij-type. Lysophosphatidylcholine is a potent stimulator of the activity of Form A but lysophosphatidylethanolamine is without effect and lysophosphatidylserine and lysophosphatidylglycerol are inhibitory. C16-18 acyl derivatives of lysophosphatidylcholine stimulate the activity more extensively than the C14 acyl derivative, and the C12 acyl derivative is without effect. In contrast, Form B is fully active in the absence of all detergents tested although it is inactivated just as Form A by lysophosphatidylglycerol and octylglucoside. Kinetic analysis of Forms A and B reveal that detergents stimulate the activity of Form A by lowering the KD and KM of CMP-NeuAc and increasing the Vmax of the reaction. Form B in contrast, which is fully active in the absence of detergents, has kinetic parameters like those of Form A in the presence of detergent. Taken together, these results suggest that Form A of the sialyltransferase, but not Form B, contains a lipid-binding domain, and that binding of detergents or lipids to the domain modulates the activity of the enzyme.     

Kinetic parameters of a beta-D-galactoside alpha 2 leads to 6 sialyltransferase from embryonic chicken liver

A beta-D-galactoside alpha 2 leads to 6 sialyltransferase was purified 500-fold in 14% yield from 14-day embryonic chicken liver. Characterization of the product of the sialyltransferase catalysis was accomplished by separation and permethylation of double-labelled ([14C]NeuAc, [3H]Gal) oligosaccharides following their release from the glycoprotein fetuin by hydrazinolysis. The enzyme transfers NeuAc to Gal(beta 1 leads to 4)GlcNAc(beta 1 leads to)R-terminated oligosaccharides; no activity was found towards Gal(beta 1 leads to 3)GalNAc(alpha 1 leads to)R structures. The trisaccharide. NeuAc(alpha 2 leads to 6)Gal(beta 1 leads to 4)Glc, was shown to be a good inhibitor of the sialyltransferase. Kinetic investigations of the enzyme indicate it to have a sequential, random bi-bi mechanism.     

Solubilization and stabilization of human liver glycoprotein sialyltransferase.

Triton X-100 is increasingly effective in solubilizing human liver glycoprotein (asialofetuin) sialytransferase (CMP-N-acetylneuraminate:D-galactosyl-glycoprotien N-acetylneuraminyltransferase, EC 2.4.99.1) activity as its concentration is increased in the homogenizing buffer. At the optimal concentration of 1.5% (v/v), essentially all of the homogenate sialyltransferase activity was solubilized into the supernatant fluid. Higher concentrations of Triton X-100 inhibited sialyltransferase activity. Several kinetic properties of the solubilized asialofetuin-sialyltransferase activity were compared to those of the membrane-bound enzyme(s) (in homogenates made without Triton X-100 or in resuspended pellets). No major difference was apparent, suggesting that solubilization has not significantly altered the properties of sialyltransferase. The solubilized sialyltransferase activity is quite unstable, losing approximately 50% of its activity after one week of storage at 4 degrees C. Various detergents (Zwittergent, sodium taurocholate and sodium deoxycholate) are differentially effective in stabilizing the solubilized activity. Sodium taurocholate (1.5%, w/v) was most effective with no loss in activity after 40 days and minimal loss (14%) after 60 days storage at 4 degrees C. The solubilized sialyltransferase preparation retains full activity after storage in the frozen state (-20 degrees C) for at least 159 days.     

Studies on the effect of inflammation on rat liver and serum sialyltransferase. Evidence that inflammation causes release of Gal beta 1 leads to 4GlcNAc alpha 2 leads to 6 sialyltransferase from liver

Turpentine induced inflammation has been shown to elevate liver sialyl- and galactosyltransferase activities (Turchen, B., Jamieson, J.C., Huebner, E., and van Caeseele, L. (1977) Can. J. Zool. 55, 1567-1571; Lombart, C., Sturgess, J., and Schachter, H. (1980) Biochem. Biophys. Acta 629, 1-12). We now report that serum sialyl-, but not galactosyltransferase activities are significantly elevated in turpentine inflammation. A liver slice system is used to demonstrate that liver releases large amounts of sialyltransferase activity into medium after inflammation, whereas only a low level of galactosyltransferase activity is released. Studies with rat and human asialo-alpha 1-acid glycoprotein as acceptors, coupled with the use of lactose to confirm the nature of the linkages formed, showed that Gal beta 1 leads to 4GlcNAc alpha 2 leads to 6 sialyltransferase is released from liver in turpentine inflammation and is mainly responsible for the elevated sialyltransferase activity found in serum. The alpha 2 leads to 6 sialyltransferase is exhibiting the properties of a typical acute phase reactant.     

Glycosyltransferases of the human cervical epithelium. II. Characterization of a CMP-N-acetylneuraminate: galactosyl-glycoprotein sialyltransferase

GMP-N-Acetylneuraminate: galactosyl-glycoprotein sialytransferase (CMP-N-acetylneuraminate: D-galactosyl-glycoprotein N-acetylneuraminyltransferase, EC 2.4.99.1) activity was identified in the human cervical epithelium. The enzyme has a pH optimum of 6.0, a temperature optimum of 28 degrees C, and demonstrates a partial requirement for Triton X-100. Michaelis constants for asialofetuin and CMP-N-acetyl[14C]neuraminic acid are 0.64 . 10(-5) M (expressed as the concentration of terminal galactose residues) and 2.05 . 10(-5) M, respectively. Sialytransferase demonstrated minimal affinity for the low molecular weight acceptors tested, and may have a requirement for a glycoprotein acceptor having a terminal N-acetyllactosamine (Gal beta (1 leads to 4)GlcNAc) type structure. Cytidine nucleotides are potent inhibitors of the sialyltransferase reaction; CMP acts as a competitive inhibitor.     

Glycosylation of kappa-casein. I. Localization and characterization of sialyltransferase in bovine mammary gland.

A sialyltransferase (CMP-N-acetylneuraminate:D-galactosyl-glycoprotein N-acetylneuraminyltransferase, EC 2.4.99.1) which attaches N-acetylneuraminic acid to the terminal end of the carbohydrate chain of kappa-casein was found to be concentrated in Golgi apparatus-enriched fractions of bovine mammary gland. Maximum sialyltransferase activity was obtained at pH 5.5 and 37 degrees C in the presence of 1 mM dithiothreitol and Triton X-100. A Km of 0.19 mg asialo-kappa-casein/ml (0.01 mM) was obtained for the sialyltransferase. Native kappa-casein also served as acceptor for N-acetylneuraminic acid transferase of Golgi apparatus-enriched fractions although at a slower rate than did asialo-kappa-casein. The sialyltransferase has a divalent cation requirement for maximum activity which was best satisfied by the presence of 10 mM Mn2+.     

Purification and enzymatic characterization of CMP-sialic acid: beta-galactosyl1----3-N-acetylgalactosaminide alpha 2----3-sialyltransferase from human placenta

A CMP-NeuAc:Gal beta 1----3GalNAc-R alpha 2----3-sialyltransferase has been purified over 20,000-fold from a Triton X-100 extract of human placenta by affinity chromatography on concanavalin A-Sepharose and CDP-hexanolamine-Sepharose in a yield of 10%. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-gel electrophoresis under reducing conditions revealed that the enzyme consists of a major polypeptide species with a molecular weight of 41,000 and some minor forms with molecular weights of 40,000, 43,000, and 65,000, respectively, which can be resolved partially by gel filtration on Sephadex G-100. Isoelectric focusing revealed that the enzyme occurs in a major and a minor charged form with pI values of 5.0-5.5 and 6.0, respectively. Acceptor specificity studies indicated that the enzyme catalyzes the incorporation of sialic acid from CMP-NeuAc into glycoproteins, glycolipids, and oligosaccharides which possess a terminal Gal beta----3GalNAc unit. Analysis of the structure of the product chain by high-pressure liquid chromatography and thin layer chromatography as well as methylation analysis revealed that a NeuAc alpha 2----3Gal beta 1----3GalNAc sequence is elaborated. The best glycoprotein acceptors are antifreeze glycoprotein and porcine submaxillary asialo/afucomucin. The disaccharide Gal beta 1----3GalNAc-Thr shows values for Km and V which are close to those of the latter glycoprotein. Lactose as well as oligosaccharides in which galactose is linked beta 1----3 or beta 1----4 to N-acetylglucosamine are less efficient acceptors. Of the glycolipids tested only gangliosides GM1 and GD1b served as an acceptor. The enzyme does not show an absolute aglycon specificity, and attaches sialic acid regardless the anomeric configuration of the N-acetylgalactosaminyl residue in the accepting Gal beta 1----3GalNAc unit. By use of specific acceptor substrates it could be demonstrated that the purified enzyme is free from other known sialyltransferase activities. Studies with rabbit antibodies raised against a partially purified sialyltransferase preparation indicated that the enzyme is immunologically unrelated to a Gal beta 1----4GlcNAc-R alpha 2----3-sialyltransferase, which previously had been identified in human placenta (Van den Eijnden, D.H., and Schiphorst, W. E. C. M. (1981) J. Biol. Chem. 256, 3159-3162). Initial-rate kinetic studies suggest that the sialyltransferase operates through a mechanism involving a ternary complex of enzyme, sugar donor, and acceptor. This is the first report on the extensive purification and characterization of a sialyltransferase from a human tissue.     

Activity and secretion of sialyltransferase in primary monolayer cultures of rat hepatocytes cultured with and without dexamethasone

Monolayers of hepatocytes attached on collagen-coated dishes were cultured for 20-24 h and were found suitable to study the activity and secretion of CMP-N-acetylneuraminate:asialo-alpha 1-acid glycoprotein sialyltransferase. A progressive increase of sialyltransferase activity in the culture medium was observed during incubation of the hepatocytes. After 24 h 34-48% of the total sialyltransferase activity of the hepatocyte incubation system was present in the medium. The enzyme activity present in the medium was soluble in nature and could not be stimulated by Triton X-100. The secretion of the enzyme was stimulated about twofold by dexamethasone. The activity of sialyltransferase in the hepatocytes was also increased by dexamethasone. The Km of either hepatocyte or medium sialyltransferase for CMP-sialic acid was only slightly changed by dexamethasone, whereas the Vmax was increased about twofold. The secretion of sialyltransferase could be inhibited partially by the anti-microtubular agent colchicine. The dexamethasone-induced increase of the sialyltransferase activity in cells and media could be eliminated by inclusion of alpha-amanitin in the culture media at 0 h. The inhibiting effect of alpha-amanitin was only partially expressed when the drug was added 4 h after the addition of dexamethasone to the media. The results suggest that isolated rat hepatocytes actively secrete sialyltransferase and that the increase in the sialyltransferase activity in cells and media owing to the synthetic glucocorticosteroid dexamethasone results from increased synthesis of the enzyme molecule. It is supposed that in the intact rat the increased levels of the enzyme activity in serum observed in inflammation may originate from an induction of the synthesis of sialyltransferase in the hepatocytes of rat liver by the increased levels of circulating corticosteroids.     

Some biochemical properties of human breast tumor sialyltransferase

Sialyltransferase activity in normal human breast tissue and tumors was investigated with lactose, desialylated fetuin, and bovine submaxillary mucin as the acceptors. While microsomal preparations from the normal tissue showed little or no sialyltransferase activity toward these acceptors, tumors showed elevated enzymic activities. Tween-20 at 0.5% concentrations stimulated sialic acid transfer to all three acceptors. Another nonionic detergent, Triton X-100, stimulated asialo fetuin sialyltransferase activity while inhibiting activity toward asialo BSM and lactose. Interestingly, lysolecithin, a normal cellular constituent which possesses detergent properties also had an effect similar to that of Triton X-100. Thermal denaturation curves of enzymic activity toward asialo BSM, however, resembled those seen with asialo fetuin as the acceptor. Kinetic studies showed that at acceptor concentrations of 500 micrograms each, sialyl transfers to asialo fetuin, asialo BSM, and lactose showed apparent Km values of 50, 60, and 300 microM, respectively. At CMP-sialic acid concentrations of 300 microM, the Km values for the above acceptors were 25, 15, and 5000 microM.     

Molecular weight of detergent-solubilized prostaglandin-F2 alpha receptor from bovine corpora lutea

A prostaglandin F2 alpha receptor localized in plasma membranes of bovine corpus luteum cells was solubilized by treatment with Triton X-100. Sepharose chromatographies of ([3H]prostaglandin F2 alpha)-receptor complex gave a Stokes' radius of 630 nm. In the absence of detergent, aggregated forms of the receptor appeared. Sedimentation experiments of solubilized receptor in sucrose/H2O and sucrose/2H2O density gradients gave the following values: sedimentation coefficient (S20, w) 4.6 S; partial specific volume (VB) 0.78 cm3/g and frictional ratio (f/fo) 1.6. Based on the sedimentation coefficient and the Stokes' radius and assuming that the receptor is a non-glycosylated protein the molar mass of the receptor-(Triton X-100) complex was 144000 g/mol. The VB value indicated that ca. 26% of the weight represented bound detergent and that the molecular weight of the prostaglandin F2 alpha receptor is approximately 107000.     

The serum sialyltransferase activity in alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.

alpha 1-Antitrypsin phenotypes Pi M and Z, purified by the thiol-disulfide exchange procedure, were desialylated by treatment with neuraminidase covalently coupled to Sepharose and used as acceptors of sialic acid in an assay system for serum sialic acid transferase (CMP-N-acetylneuraminate:D-galactosyl-glycoprotein N-acetylneuraminyltransferase, EC 2.4.99.1) activity. Both asialoantitrypsins were equally effective as acceptors in contrast to native Pi Z antitrypsin which did not accept any sialic acid. Serum sialyltransferase activity was determined in 38 adult alpha 1-antitrypsin deficient individuals (Pi Z, MZ, FZ, SZ) with normal liver function and was found to be of the same magnitude as the activity in normal individuals (Pi M). Equal activities were also found in 5 Pi Z patients with cirrhosis of the liver. The results strongly argue against the concept that sialyltransferase deficiency provides the molecular basis for alpha 1-antitrypsin deficiency.     

Enzymatic characterization of beta D-galactoside alpha2 leads to 3 sialyltransferase from porcine submaxillary gland.

The substrate requirements, linkage specificity, and kinetic mechanism of a pure sialyltransferase from porcine submaxillary glands have been examined. The enzyme transfers sialic acid from the donor nucleotide, CMP-NeuAc, into the sequence NeuAcalpha2 leads to 3Galbeta1 leads to 3GalNAc, which is found in both glycoproteins and gangliosides. It forms only the alpha2 leads to 3 linkage with the disaccharide Gal/beta1 leads to 3GalNAc or antifreeze glycoprotein, which, along with asialoglycoproteins containing the sequence Gal/beta1 leads to 3GalNAcalpha1 leads to O-Thr/Ser, are the best acceptor substrates. Low molecular weight galactosides linked beta1 leads to 3 to glycose residues other than N-acetylgalactosamine are poor acceptors with relatively high Km values, while those in beta1 leads to 4 or beta1 leads to 6 linkages have both high Km and low Vmax. With glycoprotein and ganglioside acceptors this substrate specificity appears to be even more strict, with the sequence Gal/beta1 leads to 3GalNAc serving as the exclusive acceptor. Thus the present enzyme is not responsible either for the sequence, NeuAcalpha2 leads to 3Galbeta1 leads to 4GlcNAc, found in the asparagine-linked chains of certain glycoproteins, or for the synthesis of hematoside, NeuAcalpha2 leads to 3Galbeta1 leads to 4Glcbeta1 leads to 1Cer. Initial rate kinetic studies, with and without inhibitors, suggest that the transferase has an equilibrium random order mechanism.     

Cytidine-5'-monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid galactosyl-N-acetylgalactosaminyl-(N-acetylneuraminyl)-galactosyl-glucosylceramide sialyltransferase in the neurohypophysis of the rabbit.

1. Cytidine-5'-monophospho-N-acetylneuraminic acid: (galactosyl-N-acetyl-galactosaminyl-(N-acetylneuraminyl)-galactosyl-glucosylceramide sialyltransferase (CMP-NAcNeu: monosialoganglioside (GM1) sialyltransferase) activity was demonstrated in the neurohypophysis of the rabbit. 2. Optimum activity occurred at pH 6.5 and required the presence of exogenous galactosyl-N-acetylgalactosaminyl-(N-acetylneuraminyl)-galactosyl-glucosylceramide (GM1 ganglioside), detergent (Triton X-100), and divalent cation (Mn2+, Mg2+ or Ca2+). 3. The product of the reaction was characterized as N-acetylneuraminyl-galactosyl-N-acetylgalactosaminyl-(N-acetylneuraminyl)-galactosyl-glucosylceramide (GD1a) by ascending thin-layer chromatography. 4. Physiological stimulation of vasopressin secretion, by the substitution of 2.2% NaCl for drinking water for 14 days, had no effect on the enzyme activiity or the ganglioside content of the tissue.     

The role of a cathepsin D-like activity in the release of Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc alpha 2-6-sialyltransferase from rat liver Golgi membranes during the acute-phase response.

Golgi-membrane-bound Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc alpha 2-6-sialyltransferase (CMP-N-acetylneuraminate:beta-galactoside alpha 2-6-sialyltransferase, EC 2.4.99.1) behaves as an acute-phase reactant increasing about 5-fold in serum in rats suffering from inflammation. The mechanism of release from the Golgi membrane is not understood. In the present study it was found that sialyltransferase could be released from the membrane by treatment with ultrasonic vibration (sonication) followed by incubation at reduced pH. Maximum release occurred at pH 5.6, and membranes from inflamed rats released more enzyme than did membranes from controls. Galactosyltransferase (UDP-galactose:N-acetylglucosamine galactosyltransferase; EC 2.4.1.38), another Golgi-located enzyme, which does not behave as an acute-phase reactant, remained bound to the membranes under the same conditions. Release of the alpha 2-6-sialyltransferase from Golgi membranes was substantially inhibited by pepstatin A, a potent inhibitor of cathepsin D-like proteinases. Inhibition of release of the sialyltransferase also occurred after preincubation of sonicated Golgi membranes with antiserum raised against rat liver lysosomal cathepsin D. Addition of bovine spleen cathepsin D to incubation mixtures of sonicated Golgi membranes caused enhanced release of the sialyltransferase. Intact Golgi membranes were incubated at lowered pH in presence of pepstatin A to inhibit any proteinase activity at the cytosolic face; subsequent sonication showed that the sialyltransferase had been released, suggesting that the proteinase was active at the luminal face of the Golgi. Golgi membranes contained a low level of cathepsin D activity (EC 3.4.23.5); the enzyme was mainly membrane-bound, since it could only be released by extraction with Triton X-100 or incubation of sonicated Golgi membranes with 5 mM-mannose 6-phosphate. Immunoblot analysis showed that the transferase released from sonicated Golgi membranes at lowered pH had an apparent Mr of about 42,000 compared with one of about 49,000 for the membrane-bound enzyme. Values of Km for the bound and released enzyme activities were comparable and were similar to values reported previously for liver and serum enzymes. The work suggests that a major portion of sialyltransferase containing the catalytic site is released from a membrane anchor by a cathepsin D-like proteinase located at the luminal face of the Golgi and that this explains the acute-phase behaviour of this enzyme.     

Sphingomyelinases in human tissues. IV. Purification of sphingomyelinase from human placenta and effect of Triton X-100.

Sphingomyelinase was purified about 1700-fold from human placenta. The major steps in the procedure included chromatography on Concanavalin A-Sepharose, Sepharose 6B, and carboxymethyl-Sepharose (CM-Sepharose). The final preparation was stable for at least 3 months when stored at 4 degrees C. The enzyme was found to be heterogeneous on CM-Sepharose and isoelectric focusing. Triton X-100 which was present in most buffers used during the purification appears to be partially responsible for the heterogeneity. When Triton X-100 is removed by treatment with Bio Beads, heterogeneity was reduced. However, removal of the detergent also leads to loss of enzyme activity which could not be restored by readdition of Triton X-100. The data suggest that sphingomyelinase has a high hydrophobic character and that both its stability and electrofocusing behaviour are influenced by interaction with the nonionic detergent.     

Detergents affect insulin binding, tyrosine kinase activity and oligomeric structure of partially purified insulin receptors.

Insulin receptor activities, i.e., insulin binding and tyrosine kinase activation depend on the lipid environment of the receptor. As detergent may disrupt or interfere with this environment, we investigated the effect of various common detergents on insulin receptor properties. Experiments were carried out (i) on solubilized and partially purified insulin receptor and (ii) on the receptor reconstituted into phosphatidylcholine vesicles. The detergents tested, Triton X-100, octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside, octyl-beta-D-thioglucopyranoside, 3[(3-cholamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]propanesulfonic acid (Chaps), and Na deoxycholate affected the insulin receptor properties differently when compared with the control receptor in the absence of detergent. On the partially purified insulin receptor, Na deoxycholate inhibited both insulin receptor activities; octyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside and octyl-beta-D-thioglucopyranoside decreased insulin binding and kinase activation as their concentration increased, particularly above their respective critical micellar concentration (CMC). Triton X-100 was the only detergent which allowed an increase of insulin binding and kinase activation throughout the whole range of concentrations assayed. Reconstitution of the receptor into phosphatidylcholine vesicles protected the receptor from the direct effects of the detergents, for both the stimulation observed with Triton X-100 and the inhibition produced by the other detergents. In order to determine the effect of detergents on the oligomeric forms of the soluble insulin receptor, we investigated a new rapid sucrose gradient centrifugation technique. Insulin receptors were detected on the gradient by 125I insulin binding. For low concentrations of detergent, i.e., near the CMC, octylglucoside, Chaps, and Triton X-100 favored the (alpha 2 beta 2)2 oligomeric form of the receptor. Higher concentrations of Triton X-100 did not modify the polymeric state of the receptor. In contrast, octylglucoside and Chaps induced an increase in the sedimentation coefficient of the receptor which appeared as (alpha 2 beta 2)3 and (alpha 2 beta 2)4 forms. These alterations in the oligomerization status of the insulin receptor may explain the deleterious effects observed with both Chaps and octylglucoside at higher concentrations.     

Impact of Triton X-100 on alpha 2-antiplasmin (SERPINF2) activity in solvent/detergent-treated plasma

Large-pool solvent/detergent (SD) plasma for transfusion exhibits reduced alpha 2-antiplasmin (alpha2-AP; SERPINF2) functional activity. The reason for the loss of alpha2-AP has not been described and could be due to the SD incubation itself and/or to the processing steps implemented to remove the solvent and the detergent. We have studied alpha2-AP activity during six down-scale preparations of plasma virally-inactivated by 1% (v/v) TnBP combined with two different non-ionic detergents, either 1% Triton X-100 or 1% Triton X-45, at 31 degrees C for 4h. The SD-treated plasmas were then extracted with 7.5% (v/v) soybean oil, centrifuged at 3800 x g for 30 min, and subjected to hydrophobic interaction chromatography (HIC) to remove the SD agents. Control runs without TnBP and Triton were performed to evidence possible impacts of each process step on alpha2-AP activity. TnBP, Triton X-100, and Triton X-45 were measured at all stages of the processes to evaluate potential interferences with the alpha2-AP assay. Alpha 2-AP activity was about 10% that of starting plasma after 1% TnBP-1% Triton X-100 incubation and about 50% after oil extractions, centrifugation, and HIC. By contrast about 73% of the antiplasmin activity was found after the incubation with 1% TnBP and 1% Triton X-45, 88% after removal of the SD agents by oil extractions, 90% after centrifugation and 92% after HIC. The control runs performed without SD agents showed that the process steps did not affect the alpha2-AP activity. In conclusion, the agent altering alpha2-AP activity in SD-plasma is Triton X-100. The choice of detergents for the SD viral inactivation of therapeutic plasma fractions used in patients at risk of fibrinolysis should consider the impact on alpha2-AP activity.