Assignment of the1H- and13C-NMR spectra of eight oligosaccharides of the lacto-N-tetraose and neotetraose series

The assignment of the 13C- and 1H-NMR spectra of eight oligosaccharides of the lacto-N-tetraose and neotetraose series was obtained from homonuclear and heteronuclear correlation spectroscopy. These analyses were performed on the following compounds: 1. Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc; 2. NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc; 3. Gal beta 1-3[NeuAc alpha 2-6]GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc; 4. NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-3[NeuAc alpha 2-6]GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc; 5. NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-3[Fuc alpha 1-4]GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc; 6. Fuc alpha 1-2Gal beta 1-3[NeuAc alpha 2-6]GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc; 7. Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc; 8. NeuAc alpha 2-6Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc.     

A new ganglioside of the lactotetraose series, GalNAc-3'-isoLM1, detected in human meconium

A monoclonal antibody produced by immunization with cells of the human glioma cell line D-54 MG reacted with ganglioside GM2. The binding epitope of the antibody was found to be GalNAc beta 1-4(NeuAc alpha 2-3)Gal. Immunological detection of glycolipid antigens on thin-layer plates with this monoclonal antibody, DMAb-1, revealed the presence of a new ganglioside. This ganglioside, co-migrating with NeuAc alpha 2-6Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-1Cer(6'-LM1) and GalNAc beta 1-4(NeuAc alpha 2-3)Gal beta 1-3GalNAc beta 1-4Gla beta 1-4Glc beta 1-1Cer (GalNAc-isoGM1) at chromatographic separation was isolated from human meconium. Its structure was determined by permethylation and fast atom bombardment-mass spectometry analyses. The new ganglioside was found to be a combination of the lacto and ganglio series gangliosides, and the structure found to be GalNAc beta 1-4(NeuAc alpha 2-3)Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc alpha 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-1Cer(GalNAc-3'-isoLM1).     

Rabbit antibodies against the human milk sialyloligosaccharide alditol of LS-tetrasaccharide a (NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4GlcOH)

The sialyloligosaccharide, NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc (LS-tetrasaccharide a), a minor component of human milk, is obtained in relatively large quantities from autohydrolysates of the major milk disialyloligosaccharide, NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-3[NeuAc alpha 2-6]GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc (disialyllacto-N-tetraose). Rabbits immunized with an oligosaccharide-protein conjugate prepared from keyhole limpet hemocyanin and LS-tetrasaccharide a produce antibodies directed against the corresponding oligosaccharide alditol. The anti-LS-tetrasaccharide a sera bind 3H-labeled LS-tetrasaccharide a in a direct-binding radioimmunoassay on nitrocellulose filters. The specificities of these antibodies are determined by comparing inhibitory activities of structurally related oligosaccharides. Strong hapten-antibody binding (Ka greater than 10(6) M-1) requires sialic acid linked alpha 2-3 to the nonreducing terminal galactose residue of reduced lacto-N-tetraose (Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4GlcOH). Specificities of antibodies prepared against keyhole limpet hemocyanin conjugates of LS-tetrasaccharide b (Gal beta 1-3[NeuAc alpha 2-6]GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc) and LS-tetrasaccharide c (NeuAc alpha 2-6Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc) differ only slightly from rabbit antibodies prepared against the corresponding bovine serum albumin conjugates described previously [D. F. Smith and V. Ginsburg (1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255, 55-59].     

Isolation and characterization of novel phosphate-containing sialyloligosaccharides from normal human urine

Three phosphate-containing sialyloligosaccharides were isolated from normal human urine using charcoal adsorption, gel-filtration chromatography, ion-exchange chromatography and paper chromatography. Studies including gas-liquid chromatography of monosaccharide and disaccharide derivatives, methylation analysis, phosphate determination, ion-exchange chromatography and glycosidase and phosphatase treatments indicated the following three structures for the compounds isolated: NeuAc(alpha 2-6)Gal(beta 1-4)GlcNAc(alpha)-P; NeuAc(alpha 2-3)Gal(beta 1-4)GlcNAc(alpha)-P; NeuAc(alpha 2-3)Gal(beta 1-3)GalNAc(alpha)-P. These sialyloligosaccharide 1-phosphates represent a novel class of oligosaccharides. Their oligosaccharide chains are identical with the common sialyloligosaccharide end groups of glycoproteins and glycolipids. The excretion of these compounds in normal human urine may indicate the existence of a novel, as yet unrevealed pathway in the metabolism of complex carbohydrates.     

A novel sialylfucopentaose in human milk. Presence of this oligosaccharide is not dependent on expression of the secretor or Lewis fucosyltransferases

We have identified a novel oligosaccharide in human milk that is a fucosyl derivative of sialyltetrasaccharide c (NeuAc alpha 2-6Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc). This oligosaccharide was purified by affinity chromatography on a column of immobilized Ricinus communis I lectin. Structural analyses of radiolabeled oligosaccharides by exoglycosidase digestions, binding by specific anti-carbohydrate antibodies, and analysis of the 3H-labeled glucitol derivative obtained after permethylation and hydrolysis are consistent with the following proposed structure. (formula; see text) The analyses of human milk sialylpentasaccharides from donors typed as Le(a-,b+), Le(a+,b-), and Le(a-,b-) secretor confirmed the secretor gene-dependent expression of the sialylated lacto-N-fucopentaose I (Fuc alpha 1-2Gal beta 1-3[NeuAc alpha 2-6]GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc) and the Lewis gene-dependent expression of the sialylated lacto-N-fucopentaose II (NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-3[Fuc alpha 1-4]GlcNAc beta 1-4Glc). However, the presence of this novel oligosaccharide in human milk is not dependent on the expression of either the secretor gene or the Lewis gene-specified fucosyltransferases.     

The c-series gangliosides GT3, GT2 and GP1c are formed in rat liver Golgi by the same set of glycosyltransferases that catalyse the biosynthesis of asialo-, a- and b-series gangliosides.

Biosynthesis of the c-series gangliosides GT3, GT2 and GP1c was studied in Golgi derived from rat liver. Competition experiments show that the synthesis of ganglioside GT2 (GalNAc beta 1----4-(NeuAc alpha 2----8NeuAc alpha 2----8NeuAc alpha 2----3)Gal- beta 1----4Glc beta 1----1Cer) from GT3 (NeuAc alpha 2----8NeuAc alpha 2----8-NeuAc alpha 2----3Gal beta 1----4Glc beta 1----1Cer) seems to be catalysed by the same N-acetylgalactosaminyl-transferase (GalNAc-T), which converts GM3 (NeuAc alpha 2----3Gal beta 1----4Glc beta 1----1Cer) to GM2 (GalNAc beta 1----4(NeuAc alpha 2----3)Gal beta 1----4Glc beta 1----1Cer). Similar competition experiments suggest moreover that the sialytransferase V (SAT V), which catalyses the synthesis of GT1a (NeuAc alpha 2----8NeuAc alpha 2----3Gal beta 1----3GalNAc beta 1----4- (NeuAc alpha 2----3)-Gal beta 1----4Glc beta 1----1Cer) from GD1a (NeuAc alpha-2----3Gal beta 1----3GalNAc beta 1----4(NeuAc alpha 2----3)Gal beta 1----4Glc beta 1----1-Cer) appears to be identical to the enzyme that catalyses the synthesis of GP1c (NeuAc alpha 2----8NeuAc alpha 2----3Gal beta 1----3-GalNAc beta 1----4(NeuAc alpha 2----8-NeuAc alpha 2----8NeuAc alpha 2----3)Gal beta-1----4Glc beta 1----4Glc beta 1----1Cer) from GQ1c (NeuAc alpha 2----3Gal beta 1----3Gal-NAc beta 1----4 (NeuAc alpha 2----8NeuAc alpha 2----8NeuAc alpha 2----3)Gal beta 1----4-Glc beta 1----1Cer).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Primary structure of human milk nona- and decasaccharides determined by a combination of fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and1H-/13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Evidence for a new core structure,iso-lacto-N-octaose

The structure of a nonasaccharide and of two decasaccharides isolated from human milk has been investigated by using methylation, fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and 1H-/13C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The structures of these oligosaccharides were: trifucosyllacto-N-hexaose; Fuc alpha 1-2Gal beta 1-3(Fuc alpha 1-4)GlcNAc beta 1-3[Gal beta 1-4(Fuc alpha 1-3)GlcNAc beta 1-6]Gal beta 1-4Glc, difucosyllacto-N-octaoses; Gal beta 1-3(Fuc alpha 1-4)GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4(Fuc alpha 1-3)GlcNAc beta 1-6[Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc beta 1-3]Gal beta 1-4Glc and Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4(Fuc alpha 1-3)GlcNAc beta 1-6[Fuc alpha 1-3 Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc beta 1-3]Gal beta 1-4Glc. The two decasaccharides possess a new type of core structure proposed to be named iso-lacto-N-octaose.     

Primary structure determination of five sialylated oligosaccharides derived from bronchial mucus glycoproteins of patients suffering from cystic fibrosis. The occurrence of the NeuAc alpha(2----3)Gal beta(1----4)[Fuc alpha(1----3)] GlcNAc beta(1----.) structural element revealed by 500-MHz 1H NMR spectroscopy

The structure of sialylated carbohydrate units of bronchial mucins obtained from cystic fibrosis patients was investigated by 500-MHz 1H NMR spectroscopy in conjunction with sugar analysis. After subjecting the mucins to alkaline borohydride degradation, sialylated oligosaccharide-alditols were isolated by anion-exchange chromatography and fractionated by high performance liquid chromatography. Five compounds could be obtained in a rather pure state; their structures were established as the following: A-1, NeuAc alpha(2----3)Gal beta(1----4) [Fuc alpha(1----3)]GlcNAc beta(1----3)Gal-NAc-ol; A-2, NeuAc alpha(2----3)Gal beta(1----4)GlcNAc beta(1----6)-[GlcNAc beta (1----3)]GalNAc-o1; A-3, NeuAc alpha(2----3)Gal beta-(1----4)[Fuc alpha(1----3)]GlcNAc beta(1----3)Gal beta(1----3) GalNAc-o1; A-4, NeuAc alpha(2----3)Gal beta(1----4)[Fuc alpha(1----3)]Glc-NAc NAc beta(1----6)[GlcNAc beta(1----3)]GalNAc-o1; A-6,NeuAc alpha-(2----3) Gal beta(1----4)[Fuc alpha(1----3)]GlcNAc beta(1----6)[Gal beta-(1----4) GlcNAc beta(1----3)]GalNAc-o1. The simultaneous presence of sialic acid in alpha(2----3)-linkage to Gal and fucose in alpha(1----3)-linkage to GlcNAc of the same N-acetyllactosamine unit could be adequately proved by high resolution 1H NMR spectroscopy. This sequence constitutes a novel structural element for mucins.     

Biosynthesis of a disialylated sequence in N-linked oligosaccharides: identification of an N-acetylglucosaminide (alpha 2----6)-sialyltransferase in Golgi apparatus from rat liver

Rat liver Golgi apparatus are shown to have a CMP-N-acetylneuraminate: N-acetylglucosaminide (alpha 2----6)-sialyltransferase which catalyzes the conversion of the human milk oligosaccharide LS-tetrasaccharide-a (NeuAc alpha 2----3Gal beta 1---- 3GlcNAc beta 1----3Gal beta 1----4Glc) to disialyllacto -N- tetraose containing the terminal sequence: (formula: see text) found in N-linked oligosaccharides of glycoproteins. The N-acetylglucosaminide (alpha 2----6)-sialyltransferase has a marked preference for the sequence NeuAc alpha 2----3-Gal beta 1---- 3GlcNAc as an acceptor substrate. Thus, the order of addition of the two sialic acids in the disialylated structure shown above is proposed to be first the terminal sialic acid in the NeuAc alpha 2----3Gal linkage followed by the internal sialic acid in the NeuAc alpha 2---- 6GlcNAc linkage. Sialylation in vitro of the type 1 branches (Gal beta 1---- 3GlcNAc -) of the N-linked oligosaccharides of asialo prothrombin to produce the same disialylated sequence is also demonstrated.     

The sugar chains of cold-insoluble globulin. A protein related to fibronectin.

Cold-insoluble globulin isolated from bovine plasma contains six asparagine-linked sugar chains in 1 molecule (a dimeric form). These sugar chains were released from the polypeptide backbone by hydrazinolysis and labeled by reduction with NaB[3H]4. Most of these sugar chains contain N-acetylneuraminic acid and can be separated by paper electrophoresis. By combination of sequential exoglycosidase digestion and methylation study, their structures were elucidated as Gal beta 1 leads to 4GlcNAc beta 1 leads to 2Man alpha 1 leads to 6(NeuAc alpha 2 leads to 6Gal beta 1 leads to 4GlcNAc beta 1 leads to 2Man alpha 1 leads to 3)Man beta 1 leads to 4GlcNAc beta 1 leads to 4GlcNAc, NeuAc alpha 2 leads to 6 or 4Gal beta 1 leads to 4GlcNAc beta 1 leads to 2Man alpha 1 leads to 6(NeuAc alpha 2 leads to 4 or 6Gal beta 1 leads to 4GlcNAc beta 1 leads to 2Man alpha 1 leads to 3)Man beta 1 leads to 4GlcNAc beta 1 leads to 4GlcNAc, NeuAc alpha 2 leads to 6Gal beta 1 leads to 4GlcNAc beta 1 leads to 2Man alpha 1 leads to 6[NeuAc alpha 2 4Gal beta 1 leads to 3(NeuAc alpha 2 leads to 6)GlcNAc beta 1 leads to 2Man alpha 1 leads to 3]-Man beta 1 leads to 4GlcNAc beta 1 leads to 4GlcNAc and NeuAc alpha 2 leads to 4Gal beta 1 leads to 3(NeuAc alpha 2 leads to 6)GlcNAc beta 1 leads to 2Man alpha 1 leads to 6[NeuAc alpha 2 leads to 4Gal beta 1 leads to 3(NeuAc alpha 2 leads to 6)GlcNAc beta 1 leads to 2Man alpha 1 leads to 3]man beta 1 leads to 4GlcNAc beta 1 leads to 4GlcNAc.     

A new ganglioside in human meconium detected by antiserum against the human milk sialyloligosaccharide, LS-tetrasaccharide b

Antibodies directed against human milk sialyloligosaccharides [D. F. Smith and V. Ginsburg (1980) J. Biol. Chem. 255, 55-59] are used to identify human meconium gangliosides by radioimmuneoverlay-thin-layer chromatography or by direct binding on nitrocellulose filters of sialyl[3H]oligosaccharide alditols obtained from gangliosides after ozonolysis and alkali-fragmentation. Thin-layer chromatograms of meconium monosialylgangliosides immunostained with rabbit antisera specific for LS-tetrasaccharide c (NeuAc alpha 2-6Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc) or LS-tetrasaccharide b (Gal beta 1-3[NeuAc alpha 2-6]GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc) reveal their corresponding gangliosides, 6'-LM1 and a previously undescribed ceramide derivative of LS-tetrasaccharide b, respectively. The sialyl[3H]oligosaccharides derived from the monosialylganglioside fraction of meconium are separated by paper chromatography and assayed for binding to specific anti-sialyloligosaccharide sera. Antisera specific for LS-tetrasaccharide c and 3'-sialyllactose (NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4Glc) identify their corresponding 3H-labeled haptens released from the major meconium gangliosides 6'-LM1 and GM3, respectively. Binding of a ganglioside-derived sialyl[3H]oligosaccharide by anti-LS-tetrasaccharide b serum is consistent with the presence in meconium of a monosialylganglioside with the following proposed structure: (formula; see text)     

Structural characterization of oligosaccharides in the milk of an African elephant (Loxodonta africana africana)

The oligosaccharides present in the milk of an African elephant (Loxodonta africana africana), collected 4 days post partum, were separated by size exclusion-, anion exchange- and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) before characterisation by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Neutral and acidic oligosaccharides were identified. Neutral oligosaccharides characterised were isoglobotriose, Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc, Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc, Gal(alpha1-3)Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc and a novel oligosaccharide that has not been reported in the milk or colostrum of any other mammal: Gal(alpha1-3)Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc. Acidic oligosaccharides that are also found in the milk of Asian elephant were Neu5Ac(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc, Neu5Ac(alpha2-6)Gal(beta1-4)Glc, Neu5Ac(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]Glc, Neu5Ac(alpha2-6)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc, Neu5Ac(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc, Neu5Ac(alpha2-6)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc and Neu5Ac(alpha2-6)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3){Gal(alpha1-3)Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-6)}Gal(beta1-4)Glc, while Neu5Gc(alpha2-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc, Neu5Ac(alpha2-6)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]Glc, Neu5Ac(alpha2-6)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)[Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-6)]Gal(beta1-4)Glc and Neu5Ac(alpha2-6)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3){Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-6)}Gal(beta1-4)Glc have not been found in Asian elephant milk. The oligosaccharides characterised contained both alpha(2-3)- and alpha(2-6)-linked Neu5Ac residues. They also contain only the type II chain, as found in most non-human, eutherian mammals.     

Gangliosides as paramyxovirus receptor. Structural requirement of sialo-oligosaccharides in receptors for hemagglutinating virus of Japan (Sendai virus) and Newcastle disease virus

A sensitive assay system for receptor activity of gangliosides to paramyxovirus was developed. This system involves incorporation of gangliosides into neuraminidase-treated chicken erythrocytes (asialoerythrocytes) followed by estimation of virus-mediated agglutination and hemolysis. The asialoerythrocytes coated with I-active ganglioside (Sia alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3(Gal alpha 1-3Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-6)Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-Cer) were effectively agglutinated by hemagglutinating virus of Japan (HVJ, Sendai virus). The hemolysis of the asialoerythrocytes mediated by HVJ was restored to the highest level by labeling the cells with gangliosides possessing lacto-series oligosaccharide chains, i.e., I-active ganglioside, N-acetylneuraminosylparagloboside (SiaPG(NeuAc)), and i-active ganglioside (Sia alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-Cer). The specific receptor activity of ganglioside GD1a possessing a gangliotetraose chain was lower than those of the gangliosides described above. Gangliosides GM3, GD3, GM1a, GD1b, SiaPG(NeuGc) showed little effect on the restoration of HVJ-mediated hemolysis. On infection with Newcastle disease virus (NDV), the highest specific restoration of lysis was found in chicken asialoerythrocytes coated with SiaPG(NeuAc or NeuGc) and GM3(NeuAc or NeuGc), whereas those coated with I-active ganglioside, GD3, GM1a, and GD1b showed very low NDV-mediated hemolysis. The above results indicate that the determinants of receptor for HVJ contain sialylated branched and/or linear lacto-series oligosaccharides carried by I,i-active gangliosides and SiaPG(NeuAc) and sialosylgangliotetraose chain carried by GD1a. The determinants for NDV are carried by SiaPG(NeuAc or NeuGc) containing linear lacto-series oligosaccharide and GM3(NeuAc or NeuGc). The absence of detectable binding of free oligosaccharides obtained from I-active ganglioside and sialoglycoprotein GP-2 isolated from bovine erythrocyte membranes as HVJ receptor (Suzuki, Y., et al. J. Biochem. (1983) 93, 1621-1633; (1984) 95, 1193-1200) indicates that HVJ recognizes the sialooligosaccharides oriented out of the lipid bilayer in the cell membranes where the hydrophobic ceramide or peptide backbone of the receptor is integrated.     

Comparative study of carbohydrate chains released from the oviducal mucins of the two very closely related amphibian species Bombina bombina and Bombina variegata

The eggs of amphibians are surrounded by an extracellular matrix, termed jelly coat, which is mainly composed of hydrated mucin-type glycoproteins. These highly glycosylated molecules are synthesized by the oviduct and play an important role in the fertilization process. From a structural and chemical point of view, these oviducal mucins are very different from one species to another and they could be involved in the species-specificity of gamete interactions or could influence the parasite tropism. Bombina bombina and Bombina variegata are the two most closely related species within the genus, which hybridize readily in nature. Divergence occurred during geographic isolation estimated at 2-7 million years ago. The oviducal mucins of these species have been studied at the carbohydrate level, and the primary structures of 28 compounds have been established by NMR spectroscopy. The carbohydrate chains released from the oviducal mucins of the two species were similar and characterized by the common sequences GlcNAc(beta 1-3)[Fuc(alpha 1-4)]GlcNAc(beta 1-6) and GlcNAc(alpha 1-4)Gal(beta 1-4)Gal(beta 1-3) attached to GalNAc-ol (core 2). Nevertheless, some differences confirmed the strict species-specificity of amphibian oviducal carbohydrate chains observed previously. On the one hand, the presence of beta Gal 1,4-linked to beta GlcNAc in B. bombina, but not in B. variegata, can indicate that beta 4GalT: beta GlcNAc and beta 4GalT: beta Gal are two distinct glycosyltransferases. On the other hand, deaminoneuraminic acid (Kdn) is present in B. bombina, and N -glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc) in B. variegata. Although the enzymes involved in the biosynthesis of Kdn are not as well characterized, it can be suggested that at least one step of the biosynthetic pathway of NeuAc has been disrupted, leading the B. bombina oviducal NeuAc-9-synthase to use Man-6-P as a substrate, instead of ManNAc-6-P.     

Primary structure of the glycan chains of normal C 1 esterase inhibitor (C 1-INH) after NMR analysis at 400 MHz

The primary structural analysis of O- and N-linked carbohydrate chains of the C-1-esterase inhibitor purified from normal serum was carried out by 400-MHz 1H-NMR spectroscopy. C-1-esterase inhibitor protein of a molecular weight of 116,000 daltons contains 24 O-glycans: NeuAc (alpha 2-3) Gal (beta 1-3) GalNAc, 4 N-glycans: NeuAc (alpha 2-6) Gal (beta 1-4) (GlcNAc (beta 1-2) Man (alpha 1-3) [NeuAc (alpha 2-6) Gal (beta 1-4) GlcNAc (beta 1-2) Man (alpha 1-6)] Man (beta 1-4) GlcNAc (beta 1-4) GlcNAc and 2 N-glycans: NeuAc (alpha 2-3) Gal (beta 1-4) GlcNAc (beta 1-2) Man (alpha 1-3) [NeuAc (alpha 2-3) Gal (beta 1-4) GlcNAc (beta 1-2) Man (alpha 1-6)] Man (beta 1-4) GlcNAc (beta 1-4) GlcNAc. 30% of the N-glycans are fucosylated.     

Biosynthesis of the cancer-associated sialyl-Lea antigen

A cancer-associated glycolipid antigen defined by monoclonal antibody 19-9 has the structure NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-Cer. We have (formula; see text) studied its biosynthesis by testing the capacity of a crude microsomal fraction of SW 1116 cells to catalyze the addition of fucosyl or sialyl residues from GDP-fucose or CMP-sialic acid to glycolipid or oligosaccharide precursors. When the tetrasaccharide NeuAc alpha 2-3Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc (LSTa) is incubated with GDP-[14C]fucose and SW 1116 microsomes, a 14C-labeled oligosaccharide is formed that can be separated from the incubation mixture on an affinity column containing antibody 19-9 bound to protein A-Sepharose. The product migrates slower than LSTa when analyzed by paper or thin-layer chromatography. After treatment with neuraminidase, it co-migrates with the pentasaccharide Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc (formula; see text) (LNF II) in both chromatographic systems. Similar experiments demonstrate that SW 1116 microsomes catalyze the addition of a sialyl residue to the tetrasaccharide Gal beta 1-3GlcNAc beta 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc to form LSTa. However, when LNF II is incubated with CMP-[14C]sialic acid and SW 1116 microsomes, no 19-9-active product is detected by affinity chromatography or by paper or thin-layer chromatography. Results using glycolipid precursors are consistent with these findings and also demonstrate the presence of the Lewis fucosyltransferase in SW 1116 cells. Thus, the biosynthesis of the sialyl-Lea antigen proceeds by addition of sialic acid to a type 1 precursor chain by a sialyltransferase, followed by addition of fucose by the Lewis fucosyltransferase.     

Chemical characterization of milk oligosaccharides of the polar bear, Ursus maritimus

Two trisaccharides, three tetrasaccharides, two pentasaccharides, one hexasaccharide, one heptasaccharide, one octasaccharide and one decasaccharide were isolated from polar bear milk samples by chloroform/methanol extraction, gel filtration, ion exchange chromatography and preparative thin-layer chromatography. The oligosaccharides were characterized by 1H-NMR as follows: the saccharides from one animal: Gal(alpha1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc (alpha3'-galactosyllactose), Fuc(alpha1-2)Gal(beta1-4)Glc (2'-fucosyllactose), Gal(alpha1-3)[Fuc(alpha1-2)]Gal(beta1-4)Glc (B-tetrasaccharide), GalNAc(alpha1-3)[Fuc(alpha1-2)]Gal(beta1-4)Glc (A-tetrasaccharide), Gal(alpha1-3)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc, Gal(alpha1-3)[Fuc(alpha1-2)]Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Gl c, Gal(alpha1-3)Gal(beta1-4)GlcNAc(beta1-3)[Gal(alpha1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Glc NAc(beta1-6)]Gal(beta1-4)Glc; the saccharides from another animal: alpha3'-galactosyllactose, Gal(alpha1-3)Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]Glc, A-tetrasaccharide, GalNAc(alpha1-3)[Fuc(alpha1-2)]Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]Glc (A-pentasaccharide), Gal(alpha1-3)Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)Gl c, Gal(alpha1-3)Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-3)Gal(beta1-4)[F uc(alpha1-3)]Glc (difucosylheptasaccharide) and Gal(alpha1-3)Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-3)?Gal(alpha1-3) Gal(beta1-4)[Fuc(alpha1-3)]GlcNAc(beta1-6)?Gal(beta1-4)Glc (difucosyldecasaccharide). Lactose was present only in small amounts. Some of the milk oligosaccharides of the polar bear had alpha-Gal epitopes similar to some oligosaccharides in milk from the Ezo brown bear and the Japanese black bear. Some milk oligosaccharides had human blood group A antigens as well as B antigens; these were different from the oligosaccharides in Ezo brown and Japanese black bears.     

Chemical characterization of milk oligosaccharides of the Japanese black bear, Ursus thibetanus japonicus

Two trisaccharides, two tetrasaccharides, one penta-, one hexa-, two hepta-, one deca- and two undeca-saccharides were isolated from several Japanese black bear milk samples by chloroform/methanol extraction, gel filtration and preparative thin-layer chromatography. The oligosaccharides were characterized by 1H-NMR as follows: Gal(alpha 1-3)Gal(beta 1-4)Glc (alpha 3'-galactosyllactose), Fuc(alpha 1-2)Gal(beta 1-4)Glc (2'-fucosyllactose), Gal(alpha 1-3)(Fuc(alpha 1-2))Gal(beta 1-4)Glc (B-tetrasaccharide), Gal(alpha 1-3)Gal(beta 1-4)(Fuc(alpha 1-3))Glc, Gal(alpha 1-3)[Fuc(alpha 1-2)]Gal(beta 1-4)[Fuc(alpha 1-3)]Glc (B-pentasaccharide), Gal(alpha 1-3)Gal(beta 1-4)[Fuc(alpha 1-3)]GlcNAc(beta 1-3)Gal(beta 1-4)Glc (monofucosylhexasaccharide), Gal(alpha 1-3)[Fuc(alpha 1-2)]Gal(beta 1-4)[Fuc(alpha 1-3)]GlcNAc(beta 1-3)Gal(beta 1-4)Glc (difucosylheptasaccharide), Gal(alpha 1-3)Gal(beta 1-4)[Fuc(alpha 1-3)]GlcNAc(beta 1-3)Gal(beta 1-4)[Fuc(alpha 1-3)]Glc (difucosylheptasaccharide), Gal(alpha 1-3)Gal(beta 1-4)[Fuc(alpha 1-3)]GlcNAc(beta 1-3)[Gal(alpha 1-3)Gal(beta 1-4)[Fuc(alpha 1-3)]GlcNAc(beta 1-6)]Gal(beta 1-4)Glc (difucosyldecasaccharide), Gal(alpha 1-3)[Fuc(alpha 1-2)]Gal(beta 1-4)[Fuc(alpha 1-3)]GlcNAc(beta 1-3)[Gal(alpha 1-3) Gal(beta 1-4)[Fuc(alpha 1-3)]GlcNAc(beta 1-6)]Gal(beta 1-4)Glc (trifucosylundecasaccharide), Gal(alpha 1-3)Gal(beta 1-4)[Fuc(alpha 1-3)]GlcNAc(beta 1-3)[Gal(alpha 1-3)[Fuc(alpha 1-2)]Gal(beta 1-4)[Fuc(alpha 1-3)]GlcNAc(beta 1-6)]Gal(beta 1-4)Glc (trifucosylundecasaccharide). Lactose was present only in trace amounts. B-pentasaccharide was a dominant saccharide in early lactation milk, while alpha 3'-galactosyllactose was dominant in milk, later. The milk oligosaccharides of the Japanese black bear were compared with those of the Ezo brown bear.     

A small region of the natural killer cell receptor, Siglec-7, is responsible for its preferred binding to alpha 2,8-disialyl and branched alpha 2,6-sialyl residues. A comparison with Siglec-9.

Siglec-7 is a sialic acid-binding lectin recently identified as an inhibitory receptor on natural killer cells. Here we characterize the sugar-binding specificity of Siglec-7 expressed on Chinese hamster ovary cells using polyvalent streptavidin-based glyco-probes. Glyco-probes carrying unique oligosaccharide structures such as GD3 (NeuAc alpha 2,8NeuAc alpha 2,3Gal beta 1,4Glc) and LSTb (Gal beta 1,3[NeuAc alpha 2,6]GlcNAc beta 1,3Gal beta 1,4Glc) oligosaccharides bound to Siglec-7 better than those carrying LSTc (NeuAc alpha 2,6Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc beta 1,3Gal beta 1,4Glc) or GD1a (NeuAc alpha 2,3Gal beta 1,3GalNAc beta 1,4[NeuAc alpha 2,3]Gal beta 1,4Glc) oligosaccharides. In contrast, Siglec-9, which is 84% identical to Siglec-7, did not bind to the GD3 and LSTb probes but did bind to the LSTc and GD1a probes. To identify a region(s) responsible for their difference in binding specificity, we prepared a series of V-set domain chimeras between Siglecs-7 and -9. Substitution of a small region, Asn(70)-Lys(75), of Siglec-7 with the equivalent region of Siglec-9 resulted in loss of Siglec-7-like binding specificity and acquisition of Siglec-9-like binding properties. In comparison, a Siglec-9-based chimera, which contains Asn(70)-Lys(75) with additional amino acids derived from Siglec-7, exhibited Siglec-7-like specificity. These results, combined with molecular modeling, suggest that the C-C' loop in the sugar-binding domain plays a major role in determining the binding specificities of Siglecs-7 and -9.