Functional Elements in Molecular Chaperone α-Crystallin: Identification of Binding Sites in αB-Crystallin

α-Crystallin, the predominant eye lens protein with sequence homology to small heat shock proteins, acts like a molecular chaperone by suppressing the aggregation of damaged crystallins and proteins. To gain an insight into the amino acid sequences in α-crystallin involved in chaperone-like function, we used a cleavable, fluorescent, photoactive, crosslinking agent, sulfosuccinimidyl-2(7-azido-4-methylcoumarin-3-acetamido)-ethyl-1,3′ dithiopropionate (SAED), to derivatize yeast alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and allowed it to complex with bovine α-crystallin at 48°C. The complex was photolyzed and reduced with DTT and the subunits of α-crystallin, αA- and αB-, were separated. Fluorescence analysis showed that both αA- and αB-crystallins interacted with ADH during chaperone-like function. Tryptic digestion, amino acid sequencing, and mass spectral analysis of αB-crystallin revealed that APSWIDTGLSEMR (57-69) and VLGDVIEVHGKHEER (93-107) sequences were involved in binding with ADH.     

Identification of Synaptosomal Proteins Binding to Monomeric and Oligomeric α-Synuclein

Monomeric α-synuclein (αSN) species are abundant in nerve terminals where they are hypothesized to play a physiological role related to synaptic vesicle turn-over. In Parkinson’s disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy body (DLB), αSN accumulates as aggregated soluble oligomers in terminals, axons and the somatodendritic compartment and insoluble filaments in Lewy inclusions and Lewy neurites. The autosomal dominant heritability associated to mutations in the αSN gene suggest a gain of function associated to aggregated αSN. We have conducted a proteomic screen to identify the αSN interactome in brain synaptosomes. Porcine brain synaptosomes were fractionated, solubilized in non-denaturing detergent and subjected to co-immunoprecipitation using purified recombinant human αSN monomers or oligomers as bait. The isolated αSN binding proteins were identified with LC-LTQ-orbitrap tandem mass spectrometry and quantified by peak area using Windows client application, Skyline Targeted Proteomic Environment. Data are available via ProteomeXchange with identifier PXD001462. To quantify the preferential binding an average fold increase was calculated by comparing binding to monomer and oligomer. We identified 10 proteins preferentially binding monomer, and 76 binding preferentially to oligomer and a group of 92 proteins not displaying any preferred conformation of αSN. The proteomic data were validated by immunoprecipitation in both human and porcine brain extracts using antibodies against monomer αSN interactors: Abl interactor 1, and myelin proteolipid protein, and oligomer interactors: glutamate decarboxylase 2, synapsin 1, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and VAMP-2. We demonstrate the existence of αSN conformation selective ligands and present lists of proteins, whose identity and functions will be useful for modeling normal and pathological αSN dependent processes.     

Preferential and Specific Binding of Human αB-Crystallin to a Cataract-Related Variant of γS-Crystallin

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Zn2+ Mediates High Affinity Binding of Heparin to the αC Domain of Fibrinogen

The nonspecific binding of heparin to plasma proteins compromises its anticoagulant activity by reducing the amount of heparin available to bind antithrombin. In addition, interaction of heparin with fibrin promotes formation of a ternary heparin-thrombin-fibrin complex that protects fibrin-bound thrombin from inhibition by the heparin-antithrombin complex. Previous studies have shown that heparin binds the E domain of fibrinogen. The current investigation examines the role of Zn²⁺ in this interaction because Zn²⁺ is released locally by platelets and both heparin and fibrinogen bind the cation, resulting in greater protection from inhibition by antithrombin. Zn²⁺ promotes heparin binding to fibrinogen, as determined by chromatography, fluorescence, and surface plasmon resonance. Compared with intact fibrinogen, there is reduced heparin binding to fragment X, a clottable plasmin degradation product of fibrinogen. A monoclonal antibody directed against a portion of the fibrinogen αC domain removed by plasmin attenuates binding of heparin to fibrinogen and a peptide analog of this region binds heparin in a Zn²⁺-dependent fashion. These results indicate that the αC domain of fibrinogen harbors a Zn²⁺-dependent heparin binding site. As a consequence, heparin-catalyzed inhibition of factor Xa by antithrombin is compromised by fibrinogen to a greater extent when Zn²⁺ is present. These results reveal the mechanism by which Zn²⁺ augments the capacity of fibrinogen to impair the anticoagulant activity of heparin.     

Identification of Subunit-Subunit Interaction Sites in αA-WT Crystallin and Mutant αA-G98R Crystallin Using Isotope-Labeled Cross-Linker and Mass Spectrometry

Cataract is characterized by progressive protein aggregation and loss of vision. α-Crystallins are the major proteins in the lens responsible for maintaining transparency. They exist in the lens as highly polydisperse oligomers with variable numbers of subunits, and mutations in α-crystallin are associated with some forms of cataract in humans. Because the stability of proteins is dependent on optimal subunit interactions, the structural transformations and aggregation of mutant proteins that underlie cataract formation can be understood best by identifying the residue-specific inter- and intra-subunit interactions. Chemical crosslinking combined with mass spectrometry is increasingly used to provide structural insights into intra- and inter-protein interactions. We used isotope-labeled cross-linker in combination with LC-MS/MS to determine the subunit–subunit interaction sites in cataract-causing mutant αA-G98R crystallin. Peptides cross-linked by isotope-labeled (heavy and light forms) cross-linkers appear as doublets in mass spectra, thus facilitating the identification of cross-linker–containing peptides. In this study, we cross-linked wild-type (αA-WT) and mutant (αA-G98R) crystallins using the homobifunctional amine-reactive, isotope-labeled (d₀ and d₄) cross-linker–BS²G (bis[sulfosuccinimidyl]glutarate). Tryptic in-solution digest of cross-linked complexes generates a wide array of peptide mixtures. Cross-linked peptides were enriched using strong cation exchange (SCX) chromatography followed by both MS and MS/MS to identify the cross-linked sites. We identified a distinct intermolecular interaction site between K88 — K99 in the β5 strand of the mutant αA-G98R crystallin that is not found in wild-type αA-crystallin. This interaction could explain the conformational instability and aggregation nature of the mutant protein that results from incorrect folding and assembly.     

Identification of the modifying sites of mono-PEGylated salmon calcitonins by capillary electrophoresis and MALDI–TOF mass spectrometry

A capillary electrophoretic method (CE) was developed for the determination of the PEG-modification sites of three positional isomers of mono-PEG modified salmon calcitonins (mono-PEG-sCTs). Resistance to proteolytic degradation on the PEG modification sites resulted in different patterns of CE electropherograms for the tryptic digested mono-PEG-sCTs isomers, and the PEG modification sites were assigned accordingly. The PEG-modification sites were also confirmed directly by determining the molecular masses of the tryptic digested PEG-modified fragments of respective mono-PEG-sCT by the matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI–TOF) mass spectrometry.     

Increased Expression of Simple Ganglioside Species GM2 and GM3 Detected by MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry in a Combined Rat Model of Aβ Toxicity and Stroke

The aging brain is often characterized by the presence of multiple comorbidities resulting in synergistic damaging effects in the brain as demonstrated through the interaction of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and stroke. Gangliosides, a family of membrane lipids enriched in the central nervous system, may have a mechanistic role in mediating the brain’s response to injury as their expression is altered in a number of disease and injury states. Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization (MALDI) Imaging Mass Spectrometry (IMS) was used to study the expression of A-series ganglioside species GD1a, GM1, GM2, and GM3 to determine alteration of their expression profiles in the presence of beta-amyloid (Aβ) toxicity in addition to ischemic injury. To model a stroke, rats received a unilateral striatal injection of endothelin-1 (ET-1) (stroke alone group). To model Aβ toxicity, rats received intracerebralventricular (icv) injections of the toxic 25-35 fragment of the Aβ peptide (Aβ alone group). To model the combination of Aβ toxicity with stroke, rats received both the unilateral ET-1 injection and the bilateral icv injections of Aβ₂₅₋₃₅ (combined Aβ/ET-1 group). By 3 d, a significant increase in the simple ganglioside species GM2 was observed in the ischemic brain region of rats who received a stroke (ET-1), with or without Aβ. By 21 d, GM2 levels only remained elevated in the combined Aβ/ET-1 group. GM3 levels however demonstrated a different pattern of expression. By 3 d GM3 was elevated in the ischemic brain region only in the combined Aβ/ET-1 group. By 21 d, GM3 was elevated in the ischemic brain region in both stroke alone and Aβ/ET-1 groups. Overall, results indicate that the accumulation of simple ganglioside species GM2 and GM3 may be indicative of a mechanism of interaction between AD and stroke.     

Key Residues in the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor β2 Subunit Contribute to α-Conotoxin LvIA Binding

α-Conotoxin LvIA (α-CTx LvIA) is a small peptide from the venom of the carnivorous marine gastropod Conus lividus and is the most selective inhibitor of α3β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) known to date. It can distinguish the α3β2 nAChR subtype from the α6β2* (* indicates the other subunit) and α3β4 nAChR subtypes. In this study, we performed mutational studies to assess the influence of residues of the β2 subunit versus those of the β4 subunit on the binding of α-CTx LvIA. Although two β2 mutations, α3β2[F119Q] and α3β2[T59K], strongly enhanced the affinity of LvIA, the β2 mutation α3β2[V111I] substantially reduced the binding of LvIA. Increased activity of LvIA was also observed when the β2-T59L mutant was combined with the α3 subunit. There were no significant difference in inhibition of α3β2[T59I], α3β2[Q34A], and α3β2[K79A] nAChRs when compared with wild-type α3β2 nAChR. α-CTx LvIA displayed slower off-rate kinetics at α3β2[F119Q] and α3β2[T59K] than at the wild-type receptor, with the latter mutant having the most pronounced effect. Taken together, these data provide evidence that the β2 subunit contributes to α-CTx LvIA binding and selectivity. The results demonstrate that Val¹¹¹ is critical and facilitates LvIA binding; this position has not previously been identified as important to binding of other 4/7 framework α-conotoxins. Thr⁵⁹ and Phe¹¹⁹ of the β2 subunit appear to interfere with LvIA binding, and their replacement by the corresponding residues of the β4 subunit leads to increased affinity.     

Identification of Critical Residues for the Tight Binding of Both Correct and Incorrect Nucleotides to Human DNA Polymerase λ

DNA polymerase λ (Pol λ) is a novel X-family DNA polymerase that shares 34% sequence identity with DNA polymerase β. Pre-steady-state kinetic studies have shown that the Pol λ-DNA complex binds both correct and incorrect nucleotides 130-fold tighter, on average, than the DNA polymerase β-DNA complex, although the base substitution fidelity of both polymerases is 10^− 4 to 10^− 5. To better understand Pol λ's tight nucleotide binding affinity, we created single-substitution and double-substitution mutants of Pol λ to disrupt the interactions between active-site residues and an incoming nucleotide or a template base. Single-turnover kinetic assays showed that Pol λ binds to an incoming nucleotide via cooperative interactions with active-site residues (R386, R420, K422, Y505, F506, A510, and R514). Disrupting protein interactions with an incoming correct or incorrect nucleotide impacted binding to each of the common structural moieties in the following order: triphosphate ? base > ribose. In addition, the loss of Watson-Crick hydrogen bonding between the nucleotide and the template base led to a moderate increase in K_d. The fidelity of Pol λ was maintained predominantly by a single residue, R517, which has minor groove interactions with the DNA template.     

Simultaneous Identification and Quantification of 20 β-Receptor Agonists in Feed Using Gas Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

“Lean meat powder” is a class of toxic chemicals that have structures similar to that of β-adrenergic receptor agonists. At least 16 chemicals from this class have been specifically banned by the 176^th bulletin of the Chinese Department of Agriculture on breeding animals, and methods for monitoring the illicit use of β-agonists in animal feed are required. Herein, a method to quantify 20 β-agonists in feed, via analyte derivatization followed by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, has been developed. The optimized method has a good linear correlation (calibration coefficient > 0.99) between the quantitative ion peak area and the concentration of β-agonists over a large working range (0.05–1 mg/kg). The limit of detection (LOD) was 0.01 mg/kg, the recoveries for three β-agonists spikes (0.05, 0.1, and 1 µg/g) in feed ranged from 75.6 to 102.4%, repeatability ranged from 1.2 to 9.4% for all of the compounds, and intermediate precisions were lower than 13.8%. This precise, accurate method was applied to quantify 20 β-agonists in actual feed samples and represents an excellent complement to existing quantification methods.     

Identification of Amino Acid Residues in the α, β, and γ Subunits of the Epithelial Sodium Channel (ENaC) Involved in Amiloride Block and Ion Permeation

The amiloride-sensitive epithelial Nachannel (ENaC) is a heteromultimeric channel made of three αβγ subunits. The structures involved in the ion permeation pathway have only been partially identified, and the respective contributions of each subunit in the formation of the conduction pore has not yet been established. Using a site-directed mutagenesis approach, we have identified in a short segment preceding the second membrane-spanning domain (the pre-M2 segment) amino acid residues involved in ion permeation and critical for channel block by amiloride. Cys substitutions of Gly residues in β and γ subunits at position βG525 and γG537 increased the apparent inhibitory constant (K _i) for amiloride by >1,000-fold and decreased channel unitary current without affecting ion selectivity. The corresponding mutation S583 to C in the α subunit increased amiloride K _i by 20-fold, without changing channel conducting properties. Coexpression of these mutated αβγ subunits resulted in a nonconducting channel expressed at the cell surface. Finally, these Cys substitutions increased channel affinity for block by externalZn²⁺ ions, in particular the αS583C mutant showing a K _i for Zn²⁺of 29 μM. Mutations of residues αW582L or βG522D also increased amiloride K _i, the later mutation generating a Ca²⁺blocking site located 15% within the membrane electric field. These experiments provide strong evidence that αβγ ENaCs are pore-forming subunits involved in ion permeation through the channel. The pre-M2 segment of αβγ subunits may form a pore loop structure at the extracellular face of the channel, where amiloride binds within the channel lumen. We propose that amiloride interacts with Na⁺ions at an external Na⁺binding site preventing ion permeation through the channel pore.     

The Identification of 5′-Deoxy-5′-Methylthioguanosine in Human Urine by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

5′-Deoxy-5′-methylthioguanosine (MTG) has been identified in human urine by combined gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Preliminary identification of MTG in the urine of a lung cancer patient was based upon mass spectral comparisons of the trimethylsilylated (TMS) urinary component to both MTA-(TMS)₃ and guanosine-(TMS)₅. Structural confirmation was obtained by comparing the mass spectral and chromatographic characteristics of authentic MTG to those of the urinary component.     

Chemical Modification of Sulfhydryl Groups in Porcine Pancreatic α-Amylase,and Purification and Properties of the Modified Amylase

The behavior of SH groups of porcine pancreatic α-amylase, called PPA II, was studied by chemical modification with 5,5′-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB). Only two SH groups in PPA II reacted, in a pseudo-first-order reaction, and the modification was accompanied with the inactivation of the amylase. The reactivity of SH groups with DTNB was influenced by the ionic strength of the medium. The SH groups were protected against modification by the addition of some substrate analogs; maltopentaitol, maltotetraitol, maltotriitol and cyclomaltohexaose were effective analogs, whereas maltitol, d-glucitol and methyl α-d-glucoside did not protect these groups. The modified enzymes (M₁ and M₂), in which one and two SH groups reacted with DTNB, respectively, were purified in an electrophoretically homogeneous state by chromatography on Bio-Gel P-2 and TSK-Gel DEAE-Toyopearl 650S. The optimum pH of the modified enzyme (M₂) was 6.9~7.0, which was the same as that of the native PPA II. The isoelectric points of M₁ and M₂ were estimated to be 5.8 and 5.2, respectively, by the method of Catsimpoolas. The CD spectrum of PPA II was altered partially by the modification of SH groups with DTNB. Moreover, a precipitin line with a spur was observed in a double immunodiffusion test of PPA II and M₂ to rabbit antiserum of PPA II. It is concluded that the free SH group(s) in PPA II, located near the substrate binding site, don’t participate directly in its catalytic activity, but that the SH group(s) are involved in the antigenicity of PPA II.     

Identification of Bacteria in Blood Culture Broths Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization Sepsityper? and Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is a novel method for the direct identification of bacteria from blood culture broths. We evaluate for the first time, the performance of the MALDI Sepsityper™ Kit and MS for the identification of bacteria compared to standard phenotypic methods using the manufacturer''s specified bacterial identification criteria (spectral scores ≥1.700–1.999 and ≥2.000 indicated identification to genus and species level, respectively). Five hundred and seven positive blood culture broths were prospectively examined, of which 379 (74.8%; 358 monomicrobial, 21 polymicrobial) were identified by MALDI-TOF MS; 195 (100%) and 132 (67.7%) of 195 gram-positive; and 163 (100%) and 149 (91.4%) of 163 gram-negative organisms from monomicrobial blood cultures were correctly identified to genus and species level, respectively. Spectral scores <1.700 (no identification) were obtained in 128/507 (25.2%) positive blood culture broths, including 31.6% and 32.3% of gram-positive and polymicrobial blood cultures, respectively. Significantly more gram-negative organisms were identified compared to gram-positive organisms at species level (p<0.0001). Five blood cultures were misidentified, but at species level only; including four monomicrobial blood cultures with Streptococcus oralis/mitis that were misidentified as Streptococcus pneumoniae. Positive predictive values for the direct identification of both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria from monomicrobial blood culture broths to genus level were 100%. A diagnostic algorithm for positive blood culture broths that incorporates gram staining and MALDI-TOF MS should identify the majority of pathogens, particularly to genus level.     

A Guide to Harmonisation and Standardisation of Measurands Determined by Liquid Chromatography – Tandem Mass Spectrometry in Routine Clinical Biochemistry

Globally, harmonisation in laboratory medicine is a significant project. The relatively new implementation of liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MSMS) techniques as routine assays in diagnostic laboratories provides the unique opportunity to harmonise, and in many cases standardise, methods from an early stage. This guide aims to provide a practical overview of the steps required to achieve agreement between LC-MSMS analytical procedures for routine clinical biochemistry diagnostic assays, with particular focus on the harmonisation and standardisation of methods currently implemented.To achieve harmonisation, and where practical standardisation, the approach is more efficient if divided into sequential stages. The suggested division entails: (i) planning and preliminary work; (ii) initial assessment of performance; (iii) standardisation and harmonisation initiative; (iv) establishing common reference intervals and critical limits; (v) developing best practice guidelines; and (vi) performing an ongoing review.The profession has a unique and significant opportunity to bring clinical mass spectrometry-based assays into agreement. Harmonisation of assays should ultimately provide the same result and interpretation for a given patient’s sample, irrespective of the laboratory that produced the result. To achieve this goal, we need to agree on the best practice LC-MSMS methods for use in routine clinical measurement.     

Analysis of Human Plasma Proteome by 2DE‐ and 2D nanoLC‐Based Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

We compared the 2DE coupled to MALDI‐TOF‐MS and ESI‐MS/MS analysis (2DE‐MS) and the on‐line 2D nanoLC, followed by nanoESI‐MS/MS analysis (2DLC‐MS), for the separation and identification of proteins in high abundance protein‐depleted human plasma. Identification of proteins in the plasma by the two methods demonstrated that the majority of the identified protein set was unique to each method. Therefore, if a comprehensive coverage of the proteome identification is desired, it is ideal to apply both methods. The 2DE‐MS method is amenable to protein spot‐based quantitation, whereas the 2DLC‐MS method may provide an advantage of the high throughput application.     

Improvement in the Detection of Low Concentration Protein Digests on a MALDI TOF/TOF Workstation by Reducing α-Cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic Acid Adduct Ions

Alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (α-CHCA) as a matrix facilitates the ionization of proteins and peptides in a matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer. The matrix itself also ionizes and so do its sodium and potassium adducts. Matrix clusters and metal ion adducts interfere with peptide ionization and peptide mass spectrum interpretation. These matrix adducts are significantly reduced with addition of ammonium monobasic phosphate or ammonium dibasic citrate to the matrix and sample deposited onto the MALDI target. The reduction of matrix adducts results in the increase of peptide intensity and signal-to-noise ratio as well as in improvement of peptide ionization for samples deposited onto the target at levels of 10 fmol or below. These improvements were particularly significant in the detection of peptides at amol levels when reduced amounts of matrix were also used.     

Mutation of Tyrosine167Histidine at Remote Substrate Binding Subsite −6 in α-Cyclodextrin Glycosyltransferase Enhancing α-Cyclodextrin Specificity by Directed Evolution

α-Cyclodextrin glycosyltransferase (α-CGTase) can convert starch into α-cyclodextrin with various proportions of β-cyclodextrin and/or γ-cyclodextrin in the products. To improve the α-cyclodextrin-forming specificity, directed evolution on the wild-type α-CGTase was performed by constructing mutant library with error-prone PCR method. The positive mutant strains were selected in combination of starch plate screening with HPLC detection of the products. An α-CGTase from the mutant strain (assigned No. 95) was found to be able to increase the α:β ratio in product mixture from 3.4 to 7.8 in comparison with the wild-type α-CGTase. Sequence alignment indicated that two mutations occurred in the No. 95 mutant α-CGTase, which were Y167H and A536V. Reverse mutation revealed that Y167H was responsible for this change. A series of 167 site-substituted mutants could improve the α:β ratio to different extents as indicated by saturated mutagenesis, with Y167H as the best substitution. In conclusion, Y167 was confirmed to be one of the main subsites in the ?6 domain of α-CGTase that is responsible for the α:β ratio in the product mixture. Y167H is most preferable among all types of mutant enzymes tested at this site. The reconstructed Y167H (i.e., No. 95) α-CGTase showed better potential for α-cyclodextrin production on industrial scale.     

Determination of Concentration of Methotrexate Enantiomers in Intracellular and Extracellular Fluids of HepG2 Cells by Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry

A rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry assay (LC–MS/MS) with electrospray ionization was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of the concentration of methotrexate (MTX) enantiomers in intracellular and extracellular fluids of HepG₂ cells. The analytes were extracted from homogenates using organic solvent to precipitate proteins. The extracted samples were analyzed by LC–MS/MS, operating in multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode. The condition of HPLC included the following: Gemini column (3 μm, 3.0 × 75 mm) with chromatographic column was used, and the mobile phase consisting of gradient elution utilized 0.1 % formic acid as solvent A and acetonitrile as solvent B at a flow rate of 0.4 mL min^?1. The gradient was as follows: 0–7.0 min 10–90 % B, 7.0–10 min 90 % B followed by 3 min. The column temperature was maintained at 40 °C. The condition of MS included using electrospray ionization source; MRM mode with the transitions of m/z 455.2 → m/z 308.1 was used to quantify MTX enantiomers. The linear calibration curve was obtained in the concentration range of 10.0 to 10,000 ng mL^?1 for MTX enantiomers in intracellular and extracellular fluids. The inter- and intraday precision was less than 15 %. The mean recovery of (+)-MTX and (?)-MTX in the extracellular fluid of HepG₂ cells were 95.30 and 96.53 %, respectively, and the mean recovery of (+)-MTX and (?)-MTX in the intracellular fluid of HepG2 cells were 93.53 and 94.12 %, respectively. This method was successfully used to detect the concentration of MTX enantiomers in the intracellular and extracellular fluids of HepG₂ cells and that the concentration of (+)-MTX in intracellular fluid was twice higher than the concentration of (?)-MTX in intracellular fluid. The inhibitory effect of (+)-MTX and (?)-MTX was (+)-MTX > (?)-MTX. It is a simple, precise method that can effectively explain the difference in pharamocological effect of MTX enantiomers in vitro.     

Identification of Novel α1,3-Galactosyltransferase and Elimination of α-Galactose-containing Glycans by Disruption of Multiple α-Galactosyltransferase Genes in Schizosaccharomyces pombe

The oligosaccharides from fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe contain large amounts of d-galactose (Gal) in addition to d-mannose (Man), in contrast to the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Detailed structural analysis has revealed that the Gal residues are attached to the N- and O-linked oligosaccharides via α1,2- or α1,3-linkages. Previously we constructed and characterized a septuple α-galactosyltransferase disruptant (7GalTΔ) anticipating a complete lack of α-Gal residues. However, the 7GalTΔ strain still contained oligosaccharides consisting of α1,3-linked Gal residues, indicating the presence of at least one more additional unidentified α1,3-galactosyltransferase. In this study we searched for unidentified putative glycosyltransferases in the S. pombe genome sequence and identified three novel genes, named otg1⁺–otg3⁺ (α one, three-galactosyltransferase), that belong to glycosyltransferase gene family 8 in the Carbohydrate Active EnZymes (CAZY) database. Gal-recognizing lectin blotting and HPLC analyses of pyridylaminated oligosaccharides after deletion of these three additional genes from 7GalTΔ strain demonstrated that the resultant disruptant missing 10 α-galactosyltransferase genes, 10GalTΔ, exhibited a complete loss of galactosylation. In an in vitro galactosylation assay, the otg2⁺ gene product had Gal transfer activity toward a pyridylaminated Man₉GlcNAc₂ oligosaccharide and pyridylaminated Manα1,2-Manα1,2-Man oligosaccharide. In addition, the otg3⁺ gene product exhibited Gal transfer activity toward the pyridylaminated Man₉GlcNAc₂ oligosaccharide. Generation of an α1,3-linkage was confirmed by HPLC analysis, α-galactosidase digestion analysis, ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and LC-MS/MS analysis. These results indicate that Otg2p and Otg3p are involved in α1,3-galactosylation of S. pombe oligosaccharides.