Structural basis of UDP-galactose binding by alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase (alpha3GT): role of negative charge on aspartic acid 316 in structure and activity

alpha-1,3-Galactosyltransferase (alpha3GT) catalyzes the transfer of galactose from UDP-galactose to form an alpha 1-3 link with beta-linked galactosides; it is part of a family of homologous retaining glycosyltransferases that includes the histo-blood group A and B glycosyltransferases, Forssman glycolipid synthase, iGb3 synthase, and some uncharacterized prokaryotic glycosyltransferases. In mammals, the presence or absence of active forms of these enzymes results in antigenic differences between individuals and species that modulate the interplay between the immune system and pathogens. The catalytic mechanism of alpha3GT is controversial, but the structure of an enzyme complex with the donor substrate could illuminate both this and the basis of donor substrate specificity. We report here the structure of the complex of a low-activity mutant alpha3GT with UDP-galactose (UDP-gal) exhibiting a bent configuration stabilized by interactions of the galactose with multiple residues in the enzyme including those in a highly conserved region (His315 to Ser318). Analysis of the properties of mutants containing substitutions for these residues shows that catalytic activity is strongly affected by His315 and Asp316. The negative charge of Asp316 is crucial for catalytic activity, and structural studies of two mutants show that its interaction with Arg202 is needed for an active site structure that facilitates the binding of UDP-gal in a catalytically competent conformation.     

Roles of individual enzyme-substrate interactions by alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase in catalysis and specificity

The retaining glycosyltransferase, alpha-1,3-galactosyltransferase (alpha3GT), is mutationally inactivated in humans, leading to the presence of circulating antibodies against its product, the alpha-Gal epitope. alpha3GT catalyzes galactose transfer from UDP-Gal to beta-linked galactosides, such as lactose, and in the absence of an acceptor substrate, to water at a lower rate. We have used site-directed mutagenesis to investigate the roles in catalysis and specificity of residues in alpha3GT that form H-bonds as well as other interactions with substrates. Mutation of the conserved Glu(317) to Gln weakens lactose binding and reduces the k(cat) for galactosyltransfer to lactose and water by 2400 and 120, respectively. The structure is not perturbed by this substitution, but the orientation of the bound lactose molecule is changed. The magnitude of these changes does not support a previous proposal that Glu(317) is the catalytic nucleophile in a double displacement mechanism and suggests it acts in acceptor substrate binding and in stabilizing a cationic transition state for cleavage of the bond between UDP and C1 of the galactose. Cleavage of this bond also linked to a conformational change in the C-terminal region of alpha3GT that is coupled with UDP binding. Mutagenesis indicates that His(280), which is projected to interact with the 2-OH of the galactose moiety of UDP-Gal, is a key residue in the stringent donor substrate specificity through its role in stabilizing the bound UDP-Gal in a suitable conformation for catalysis. Mutation of Gln(247), which forms multiple interactions with acceptor substrates, to Glu reduces the catalytic rate of galactose transfer to lactose but not to water. This mutation is predicted to perturb the orientation or environment of the bound acceptor substrate. The results highlight the importance of H-bonds between enzyme and substrates in this glycosyltransferase, in arranging substrates in appropriate conformations and orientation for efficient catalysis. These factors are manifested in increases in catalytic rate rather than substrate affinity.     

Conformational changes induced by binding UDP-2F-galactose to alpha-1,3 galactosyltransferase- implications for catalysis

Alpha-1,3 galactosyltransferase (alpha3GT) catalyzes the transfer of galactose from UDP-galactose to beta-linked galactosides with retention of its alpha configuration. Although several complexes of alpha3GT with inhibitors and substrates have been reported, no structure has been determined of a complex containing intact UDP-galactose. We describe the structure of a complex containing an inhibitory analogue of UDP-galactose, UDP-2F-galactose, in a complex with the Arg365Lys mutant of alpha3GT. The inhibitor is bound in a distorted, bent configuration and comparison with the structure of the apo form of this mutant shows that the interaction induces structural changes in the enzyme, implying a role for ground state destabilization in catalysis. In addition to a general reduction in flexibility in the enzyme indicated by a large reduction in crystallographic B-factors, two loops, one centred around Trp195 and one encompassing the C-terminal 11 residues undergo large structural changes in complexes with UDP and UDP derivatives. The distorted configuration of the bound UDP-2F-galactose in its complex is stabilized, in part, by interactions with residues that are part of or near the flexible loops. Mutagenesis and truncation studies indicate that two highly conserved basic amino acid residues in the C-terminal region, Lys359 and Arg365 are important for catalysis, probably reflecting their roles in these ligand-mediated conformational changes. A second Mn(2+) cofactor has been identified in the catalytic site of a complex of the Arg365Lys with UDP, in a location that suggests it could play a role in facilitating UDP release, consistent with kinetic studies that show alpha3GT activity depends on the binding of two manganese ions. Conformational changes in the C-terminal 11 residues require an initial reorganization of the Trp195 loop and are linked to enzyme progress through the catalytic cycle, including donor substrate distortion, cleavage of the UDP-galactose bond, galactose transfer, and UDP release.     

Specificity and mechanism of metal ion activation in UDP-galactose:beta -galactoside-alpha -1,3-galactosyltransferase

UDP-galactose:beta-galactosyl-alpha1,3-galactosyltransferase (alpha3GT) catalyzes the synthesis of galactosyl-alpha-1,3-beta-galactosyl structures in mammalian glycoconjugates. In humans the gene for alpha3GT is inactivated, and its product, the alpha-Gal epitope, is the target of a large fraction of natural antibodies. alpha3GT is a member of a family of metal-dependent-retaining glycosyltransferases that includes the histo blood group A and B enzymes. Mn(2+) activates the catalytic domain of alpha3GT (alpha3GTcd), but the affinity reported for this ion is very low relative to physiological levels. Enzyme activity over a wide range of metal ion concentrations indicates a dependence on Mn(2+) binding to two sites. At physiological metal ion concentrations, Zn(2+) gives higher levels of activity and may be the natural cofactor. To determine the role of the cation, metal activation was perturbed by substituting Co(2+) and Zn(2+) for Mn(2+) and by mutagenesis of a conserved D(149)VD(151) sequence motif that is considered to act in cation binding in many glycosyltransferases. The aspartates of this motif were found to be essential for activity, and the kinetic properties of a Val(150) to Ala mutant with reduced activity were determined. The results indicate that the cofactor is involved in binding UDP-galactose and has a crucial influence on catalytic efficiency for galactose transfer and for the low endogenous UDP-galactose hydrolase activity. It may therefore interact with one or more phosphates of UDP-galactose in the Michaelis complex and in the transition state for cleavage of the UDP to galactose bond. The DXD motif conserved in many glycosyltransferases appears to have a key role in metal-mediated donor substrate binding and phosphate-sugar bond cleavage.     

Histidine 271 has a functional role in pig alpha-1,3galactosyltransferase enzyme activity

Alpha(1,3)Galactosyltransferase (GT) is a Golgi-localized enzyme that catalyzes the transfer of a terminal galactose to N-acetyllactosamine to create Galalpha(1,3)Gal. This glycosyltransferase has been studied extensively because the Galalpha(1,3)Gal epitope is involved in hyperacute rejection of pig-to-human xenotransplants. The original crystal structure of bovine GT defines the amino acids forming the catalytic pocket; however, those directly involved in the interaction with the donor nucleotide sugars were not characterized. Comparison of amino acid sequences of GT from several species with the human A and B transferases suggest that His271 of pig GT may be critical for recognition of the donor substrate, UDP-Gal. Using pig GT as the representative member of the GT family, we show that replacement of His271 with Ala, Leu, or Gly caused complete loss of function, in contrast to replacement with Arg, another basic charged residue, which did not alter the ability of GT to produce Galalpha(1,3)Gal. Molecular modeling showed that His271 may interact directly with the Gal moiety of UDP-Gal, an interaction possibly retained by replacing His with Arg. However, replacing His271 with amino acids found in alpha(1,3)GalNAc transferases did not change the donor nucleotide specificity. Thus His271 is critical for enzymatic function of pig GT.     

Identification of a novel UDP-Gal:GalNAc beta 1-4GlcNAc-R beta 1-3-galactosyltransferase in the connective tissue of the snail Lymnaea stagnalis

Connective tissue of the freshwater pulmonate Lymnaea stagnalis was shown to contain galactosyltransferase activity capable of transferring Gal from UDP-Gal in beta 1-3 linkage to terminal GalNAc of GalNAc beta 1-4GlcNAc-R [R = beta 1-2Man alpha 1-O(CH2)8COOMe, beta 1-OMe, or alpha,beta 1-OH]. Using GalNAc beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-2Man alpha-1-O(CH2)8COOMe as substrate, the enzyme showed an absolute requirement for Mn2+ with an optimum Mn2+ concentration between 12.5 mM and 25 mM. The divalent cations Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+ and Cd2+ at 12.5 mM could not substitute for Mn2+. The galactosyltransferase activity was independent of the concentration of Triton X-100, and no activation effect was found. The enzyme was active with GalNAc beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-2Man alpha 1-O(CH2)8COOMe (Vmax 140 nmol.h-1.mg protein-1; Km 1.02 mM), GalNAc beta 1-4GlcNAc (Vmax 105 nmol.h-1.mg protein-1; Km 0.99 mM), and GalNAc beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-OMe (Vmax 108 nmol.h-1.mg protein-1; Km 1.33 mM). The products formed from GalNAc beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-2Man alpha 1-O(CH2)8COOMe and GalNAc beta 1-4GlcNAc beta 1-OMe were purified by high performance liquid chromatography, and identified by 500-MHz 1H-NMR spectroscopy to be Gal beta 1-3GalNAc beta 1-4GlcNAc 1-OMe, respectively. The enzyme was inactive towards GlcNAc, GalNac beta 1-3 GalNAc alpha 1-OC6H5, GalNAc alpha 1--ovine-submaxillary-mucin, lactose and N-acetyllactosamine. This novel UDP-Gal:GalNAc beta 1-4GlcNAc-R beta 1-3-galactosyltransferase is believed to be involved in the biosynthesis of the hemocyanin glycans of L. stagnalis.     

Mediators of galactose sensitivity in UDP-galactose 4'-epimerase-impaired mammalian cells

UDP-galactose 4'-epimerase (GALE) catalyzes the final step in the Leloir pathway of galactose metabolism, interconverting UDP-galactose and UDP-glucose. Unlike its Escherichia coli counterpart, mammalian GALE also interconverts UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine. Considering the key roles played by all four of these UDP-sugars in glycosylation, human GALE therefore not only contributes to the Leloir pathway, but also functions as a gatekeeper overseeing the ratios of important substrate pools required for the synthesis of glycosylated macromolecules. Defects in human GALE result in the disorder epimerase-deficiency galactosemia. To explore the relationship among GALE activity, substrate specificity, metabolic balance, and galactose sensitivity in mammalian cells, we employed a previously described GALE-null line of Chinese hamster ovary cells, ldlD. Using a transfection protocol, we generated ldlD derivative cell lines that expressed different levels of wild-type human GALE or E. coli GALE and compared the phenotypes and metabolic profiles of these lines cultured in the presence versus absence of galactose. We found that GALE-null cells accumulated abnormally high levels of Gal-1-P and UDP-Gal and abnormally low levels of UDP-Glc and UDP-GlcNAc in the presence of galactose and that human GALE expression corrected each of these defects. Comparing the human GALE- and E. coli GALE-expressing cells, we found that although GALE activity toward both substrates was required to restore metabolic balance, UDP-GalNAc activity was not required for cell proliferation in the presence of otherwise cytostatic concentrations of galactose. Finally, we found that uridine supplementation, which essentially corrected UDP-Glc and, to a lesser extent UDP-GlcNAc depletion, enabled ldlD cells to proliferate in the presence of galactose despite the continued accumulation of Gal-1-P and UDP-Gal. These data offer important insights into the mechanism of galactose sensitivity in epimerase-impaired cells and suggest a potential novel therapy for patients with epimerase-deficiency galactosemia.     

Biochemical characterization of UDP-GlcNAc/Glc 4-epimerase from Escherichia coli O86:B7

The O-antigen of lipopolysaccharide in Gram-negative bacteria plays an important role in bacterium-host interactions. Escherichia coli O86:B7 O-unit contains five sugar residues: one fucose (Fuc) and two each of N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) and galactose (Gal). The entire O-antigen gene cluster was previously sequenced: orf1 was assigned the gne gene for the biosynthesis of UDP-GalNAc. To confirm this annotation, overexpression, purification, and biochemical characterization of Gne were performed. By using capillary electrophoresis, we showed that Gne can catalyze the interconversion of both UDP-GlcNAc/GalNAc and UDP-Glc/Gal almost equally well. The Km values of Gne for UDP-Glc, UDP-Gal, UDP-GlcNAc, and UDP-GalNAc are 370, 295, 323, and 373 microM, respectively. The comparison of kinetic parameters of Gne from Escherichia coli O86:B7 to those of other characterized UDP-GlcNAc/Glc 4-epimerases indicated that it has relaxed specificity toward the four substrates, the first characterized enzyme to have this activity in the O-antigen biosynthesis. Moreover, the calculated kcat/Km values for UDP-GalNAc and UDP-Gal are approximately 2-4 times higher than those for UDP-GlcNAc and UDP-Glc, suggesting that Gne is slightly more efficient for the epimerization of UDP-GalNAc and UDP-Gal. One mutation (S306Y) resulted in a loss of epimerase activity for non-acetylated substrates by about 5-fold but totally abolished the activity for N-acetylated substrates, indicating that residue S306 plays an important role in the determination of substrate specificity.     

O-glycosylation potential of lepidopteran insect cell lines

The enzyme activities involved in O-glycosylation have been studied in three insect cell lines, Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf-9), Mamestra brassicae (Mb) and Trichoplusia ni (Tn) cultured in two different serum-free media. The structural features of O-glycoproteins in these insect cells were investigated using a panel of lectins and the glycosyltransferase activities involved in O-glycan biosynthesis of insect cells were measured (i.e., UDP-GalNAc:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase, UDP-Gal:core-1 beta1, 3-galactosyltransferase, CMP-NeuAc:Galbeta1-3GalNAc alpha2, 3-sialyltransferase, and UDP-Gal:Galbeta1-3GalNAc alpha1, 4-galactosyltransferase activities). First, we show that O-glycosylation potential depends on cell type. All three lepidopteran cell lines express GalNAcalpha-O-Ser/Thr antigen, which is recognized by soy bean agglutinin and reflects high UDP-GalNAc:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase activity. Capillary electrophoresis and mass spectrometry studies revealed the presence of at least two different UDP-GalNAc:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases in these insect cells. Only some O-linked GalNAc residues are further processed by the addition of beta1,3-linked Gal residues to form T-antigen, as shown by the binding of peanut agglutinin. This reflects relative low levels of UDP-Gal:core-1 beta1,3-galactosyltransferase in insect cells, as compared to those observed in mammalian control cells. In addition, we detected strong binding of Bandeiraea simplicifolia lectin-I isolectin B4 to Mamestra brassicae endogenous glycoproteins, which suggests a high activity of a UDP-Gal:Galbeta1-3GalNAc alpha1, 4-galactosyltransferase. This explains the absence of PNA binding to Mamestra brassicae glycoproteins. Furthermore, our results substantiated that there is no sialyltransferase activity and, therefore, no terminal sialic acid production by these cell lines. Finally, we found that the culture medium influences the O-glycosylation potential of each cell line.     

Structure of the N- and O-glycans of the A-chain of human plasma alpha 2HS-glycoprotein as deduced from the chemical compositions of the derivatives prepared by stepwise degradation with exoglycosidases.

The structure of the glycans of the A-chain of human plasma alpha 2HS-glycoprotein was established from the chemical compositions of its derivatives prepared by sequential enzymatic degradation of the carbohydrate moiety, from the determination of the kind and amount of the monosaccharides liberated after each step of the enzymatic digestion, and from the distinct specificity of the highly purified exoglycosidases. The exoglycosidases were three sialidases (Vibrio cholerae, fowl plague virus, and Arthrobacter ureafaciens), two beta-galactosidases (Streptococcus pneumoniae and bovine testis), one alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase, one beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase, and one alpha-mannosidase. Utilizing sialidases with different cleavage specificities, the number of alpha 2-3- and alpha 2-6-linked sialic acid residues could be separately determined. As to the beta-galactosidases, the enzyme isolated from S. pneumoniae cleaves only beta 1-4-linked galactose residues, whereas the bovine testes enzyme acts on both the beta 1-4- and beta 1-3-linked galactose residues. Jack bean beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase cleaves beta 1-2, beta 1-4, and beta 1-6 GlcNAc with higher activity for the beta 1-2. Jack bean alpha-mannosidase cleaves alpha 1-2, alpha 1-6, and alpha 1-3 Man with greater activity for alpha 1-2 and alpha 1-6. Bovine liver alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase cleaves O-linked GalNAc. On the basis of these results, the A-chain of alpha 2 HS-glycoprotein was found to possess two biantennary N-glycans and two O-linked trisaccharides.     

Reversible defects in O-linked glycosylation and LDL receptor expression in a UDP-Gal/UDP-GalNAc 4-epimerase deficient mutant

We previously isolated an unusual hamster cell mutant (ldlD) that does not express LDL receptor activity unless it is cocultivated with other cells or grown in high concentrations of serum. We now show that ldlD cells are deficient in the enzyme UDP-galactose and UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) 4-epimerase. When ldlD cells are grown in glucose-based media, they cannot synthesize enough UDP-galactose and UDP-GalNAc to allow normal synthesis of glycolipids and glycoproteins. The 4-epimerase deficiency accounts for all glycosylation defects previously observed in ldlD cells, including production of abnormal LDL receptors. All abnormal phenotypes of ldlD cells can be fully corrected by exogenous galactose and GalNAc. The separate effects of these sugars on LDL receptor activity suggest that O-linked carbohydrate chains are crucial for receptor stability. ldlD cells may be useful for structural and functional studies of many proteins, proteoglycans, and glycolipids containing galactose or GalNAc.     

Purification and properties of UDP-glucose (UDP-galactose) pyrophosphorylase from Bifidobacterium bifidum.

An enzyme having both UDP-glucose (UDP-Glc) and UDP-galactose (UDP-Gal) pyrophosphorylase activities was purified to homogeneity from Bifidobacterium bifidum. The molecular weight of the enzyme was about 200,000 and it appeared to be composed of four identical subunits. The purified enzyme showed almost the same reactivity towards UDP-Glc and UDP-Gal, and showed about 10% of this activity towards UDP-xylose at 8 mM. The enzyme required magnesium ions for maximum activity. The apparent equilibrium constants were about 2.5 for UDP-Glc pyrophosphorolysis and 1.1 for UDP-Gal pyrophosphorolysis. The enzyme activities were inhibited by various nucleotides (product or substrate analogs). Some sugar phosphates, such as fructose 6-P, erythrose 4-P, and 3-phosphoglycerate, stimulated the activities. These properties are discussed in relation to the significance of the enzyme in galactose metabolism of B. bifidum.     

Purification and properties of rat liver globotriaosylceramide synthase, UDP-galactose:lactosylceramide alpha 1-4-galactosyltransferase

The enzyme which catalyzes the transfer of galactose from UDP-galactose to lactosylceramide (LacCer) was obtained in a 32,000-fold purified and apparently homogeneous form from rat liver by a procedure involving affinity chromatography on UDP-hexanolamine-Sepharose and LacCer-Sepharose. The enzyme is composed of two nonidentical subunits whose apparent molecular weights are 65,000 and 22,000. Methylation and hydrolysis of the product formed by incubation of the enzyme with UDP-galactose and [3H]LacCer yielded 2,3,6-tri-O-methyl-[3H]galactose, indicating that a galactose residue was introduced to position C-4 of the terminal galactose of the LacCer. The product also specifically reacted with monoclonal antibody directed to globotriaosylceramide (Gal alpha 1-4Gal beta 1-4Glc beta 1-1Cer). This indicates that the purified enzyme is exclusively alpha 1-4-galactosyltransferase. Studies on substrate specificity indicate that the purified enzyme is highly specific for the synthesis of GbOse3Cer and is clearly distinct from the enzymes responsible for the formation of iGbOse3Cer (Gal alpha 1-3Gal beta 1-4Glc-Cer) and blood group-B substance, which possess alpha 1-3 galactosidic linkages at the nonreducing termini. The enzyme is also distinct from the alpha 1-4-galactosyltransferase which catalyzes the formation of galabiaosylceramide (Gal alpha 1-4Gal beta 1-1Cer) and IV4Gal-nLacOse4 (P1 antigen). These studies represent the first report of the properties of a highly purified alpha-galactosyltransferase catalyzing the transfer of sugar residues to glycolipids.     

Novel UDP-GalNAc Derivative Structures Provide Insight into the Donor Specificity of Human Blood Group Glycosyltransferase

Two closely related glycosyltransferases are responsible for the final step of the biosynthesis of ABO(H) human blood group A and B antigens. The two enzymes differ by only four amino acid residues, which determine whether the enzymes transfer GalNAc from UDP-GalNAc or Gal from UDP-Gal to the H-antigen acceptor. The enzymes belong to the class of GT-A folded enzymes, grouped as GT6 in the CAZy database, and are characterized by a single domain with a metal dependent retaining reaction mechanism. However, the exact role of the four amino acid residues in the specificity of the enzymes is still unresolved. In this study, we report the first structural information of a dual specificity cis-AB blood group glycosyltransferase in complex with a synthetic UDP-GalNAc derivative. Interestingly, the GalNAc moiety adopts an unusual yet catalytically productive conformation in the binding pocket, which is different from the “tucked under” conformation previously observed for the UDP-Gal donor. In addition, we show that this UDP-GalNAc derivative in complex with the H-antigen acceptor provokes the same unusual binding pocket closure as seen for the corresponding UDP-Gal derivative. Despite this, the two derivatives show vastly different kinetic properties. Our results provide a important structural insight into the donor substrate specificity and utilization in blood group biosynthesis, which can very likely be exploited for the development of new glycosyltransferase inhibitors and probes.     

Control of mucin synthesis: the peptide portion of synthetic O-glycopeptide substrates influences the activity of O-glycan core 1 UDPgalactose:N-acetyl-alpha-galactosaminyl-R beta 3-galactosyltransferase

Synthetic O-glycopeptides containing one or two GalNAc residues attached to Ser or Thr were used as substrates to investigate the effect of peptide structure on the activity of crude preparations of UDP-Gal:GalNAc alpha-R beta 3-Gal-transferase from pig stomach and pig and rat colonic mucosa and of a partially purified enzyme preparation from rat liver. High-performance liquid chromatography used to separate enzyme products revealed that uncharged glycopeptides with an acetyl group at the amino-terminal end and a tertiary butyl or an amide group at the carboxy-terminal end were resistant to proteolysis in crude preparations. The activity of beta 3-Gal-transferase varied with the sequence and length of the peptide portion of the substrate, the presence of protecting groups, the attachment site of GalNAc, and the number of GalNAc residues in the substrate. The presence and position of Pro had little effect on enzyme activity; ionizing groups near the GalNAc unit interfered with enzyme activity. Since the GalNAc-Thr moieties in many of these O-glycopeptides have been shown to assume similar rigid conformations, the variation in enzyme activity indicates that the beta 3-Gal-transferase recognizes both the peptide and carbohydrate moieties of the substrate. Rat and pig colonic mucosal homogenates contain beta 3- and beta 6-GlcNAc-transferases that synthesize respectively O-glycan core 3 (GlcNAc beta 3GalNAc alpha-R) and core 4 [GlcNAc beta 6(GlcNAc beta 3)GalNAc alpha-R]. These enzymes also showed variations in activity with different peptide structures; these effects did not parallel those observed with beta 3-Gal-transferase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Molecular evolution and functional divergence of UDP-hexose 4-epimerases

UDP-glucose 4-epimerase (GalE) catalyzes the interconversion of UDP-glucose (UDP-Glc) and UDP-galactose (UDP-Gal) and/or the interconversion of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine (UDP-GlcNAc) and UDP-N-acetylgalactosamine (UDP-GalNAc) in sugar metabolism. GalEs belong to the short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase superfamily, use a conserved ‘transient keto intermediate’ mechanism and have variable substrate specificity. GalEs have been classified into three groups based on substrate specificity: group 1 prefers UDP-Glc/Gal, group 3 prefers UDP-GlcNAc/GalNAc, and group 2 has comparable activities for both types of the substrates. The phylogenetic relationship and structural basis for the specificities of GalEs revealed possible molecular evolution of UDP-hexose 4-epimerases in various organisms. Based on the recent advances in studies on GalEs and related enzymes, an updated view of their evolutional diversification is presented.     

Coexpression of alpha1,2 galactosyltransferase and UDP-galactose transporter efficiently galactosylates N- and O-glycans in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

We have studied in vivo neo-galactosylation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and analyzed the critical factors involved in this system. Two heterologous genes, gma12(+) encoding alpha1, 2-galactosyltransferase (alpha1,2 GalT) from Schizosaccharomyces pombe and UGT2 encoding UDP- galactose (UDP-Gal) transporter from human, were functionally expressed to examine the intracellular conditions required for galactosylation. Detection by fluorescence labeled alpha-galactose specific lectin revealed that 50% of the cells incorporated galactose to cell surface mannoproteins only when the gma12(+) and hUGT2 genes were coexpressed in galactose media. Integration of both genes in the Delta mnn1 background cells increased galactosylation to 80% of the cells. Correlation between cell surface galactosylation and UDP-galactose transport activity indicated that an exogenous supply of UDP-Gal transporter rather than alpha1,2 GalT played a key role for efficient galactosylation in S.cerevisiae. In addition, this heterologous system enabled us to study the in vivo function of S. pombe alpha1,2 GalT to prove that it transfers galactose to both N - and O -linked oligosaccharides. Structural analysis indicated that this enzyme transfers galactose to O -mannosyl residue attached to polypeptides and produces Galalpha1,2-Man1-O-Ser/Thr structure. Thus, we have successfully generated a system for efficient galactose incorporation which is originally absent in S. cerevisiae, suggesting further possibilities for in vivo glycan remodeling toward therapeutically useful galactose containing heterologous proteins in S. cerevisiae.      

Further characterization of the mouse sperm surface zona-binding site with galactosyltransferase activity

One of the mouse sperm surface binding sites for zona pellucida ligands exhibits galactosyltransferase (GT) enzyme activity. The present study was undertaken to ascertain whether the GT site behaves as a noncatalytic binding site in its physiological capacity, with no glycosylation of zona ligands, or whether glycosylation of zona ligands is an integral part of sperm-zona binding. The effects of Mn2+, the obligatory cation for GT catalysis, on enzyme activity and sperm-zona binding were examined. With uridine-5'-diphosphogalactose (UDPgal) as galactose donor, and N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) as galactose acceptor, increasing concentrations of Mn2+ in the range of 0.1-10 mM increased GT enzyme activity, with half-maximal activation at 0.65 mM Mn2+ (Vmax = 20 pmol/hr/10(6) cells). In the presence of 0-2 mM Mn2+, sperm-zona binding was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner; 50% inhibition occurred at 1.25 mM Mn2+. At this concentration, GT enzyme activity was at 65% Vmax. To determine the specificity of the GT site for glycoprotein terminal carbohydrate residues, spermatozoa were incubated with, asialo-ovine submaxillary mucin (N-acetylgalactosamine residues), asialo-, -alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (beta 1-4 galactose residues) ovalbumin (Ov; GlcNAc residues), and asialo-agalacto-/alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (AsAgAGP; GlcN-Ac residues). Only Ov and AsAgAGP acted as acceptors for galactose in the enzyme assay and inhibitors in the sperm-zona binding assay. The kinetics of the interaction of AsAgAGP with the GT site were determined: the Km was 3.6 mg/ml, with Vmax of 33 pmol/hr/10(6) cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

A single point mutation reverses the donor specificity of human blood group B-synthesizing galactosyltransferase

Blood group A and B antigens are carbohydrate structures that are synthesized by glycosyltransferase enzymes. The final step in B antigen synthesis is carried out by an alpha1-3 galactosyltransferase (GTB) that transfers galactose from UDP-Gal to type 1 or type 2, alphaFuc1-->2betaGal-R (H)-terminating acceptors. Similarly the A antigen is produced by an alpha1-3 N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase that transfers N-acetylgalactosamine from UDP-GalNAc to H-acceptors. Human alpha1-3 N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase and GTB are highly homologous enzymes differing in only four of 354 amino acids (R176G, G235S, L266M, and G268A). Single crystal x-ray diffraction studies have shown that the latter two of these amino acids are responsible for the difference in donor specificity, while the other residues have roles in acceptor binding and turnover. Recently a novel cis-AB allele was discovered that produced A and B cell surface structures. It had codons corresponding to GTB with a single point mutation that replaced the conserved amino acid proline 234 with serine. Active enzyme expressed from a synthetic gene corresponding to GTB with a P234S mutation shows a dramatic and complete reversal of donor specificity. Although this enzyme contains all four "critical" amino acids associated with the production of blood group B antigen, it preferentially utilizes the blood group A donor UDP-GalNAc and shows only marginal transfer of UDP-Gal. The crystal structure of the mutant reveals the basis for the shift in donor specificity.