Histo-blood group p: biosynthesis of globoseries glycolipids in EBV-transformed B cell lines

The genetic and biosynthetic basis of the histo-blood group P-system is not fully understood. Individuals with the rare p phenotype do not express the three glycolipid antigens (P^k, P and P₁) of this system, probably because of deficiencies in glycosyltransferases involved in their biosynthesis. Iiukaet al. Iiuka S, Chen SH, Yoshida A (1986)Biochem Biophys Res Commun 137: 1187–95], however, previously reported that detergent extracts from an EBV-transformed B cell line derived from a p individual did express the glycosyltransferase activity (P^k transferase) assumed to be missing in this blood group status. Here, we have reinvestigated the antigen expression and glycosyltransferase activities in two p individuals by analysing EBV-transformed cell lines as well as erythrocytes to confirm the blood group P status. The thin layer chromatography glycolipid profile of extracts from erythrocytes and EBV-transformed B cell lines showed characteristic accumulation of lactosylceramide and absence of P^k and P antigens. Glycosyltransferase activities of the B cell lines were analysed using glycolipid substrates and both extracts were found to contain lactosylceramide synthetase and P transferase activities but to be completely devoid of P^k transferase activity. The presented data indicate that p individuals, in contrast to previous reports, do not express a functional P^k glycosyltransferase.Dedicated to Professor S. Hakomori in the occasion of his 65th birthday from two of his past posdoc's.