Exploring the glycosylation of mucins by use of O-glycodomain reporters recombinantly expressed in glycoengineered HEK293 cells.

Mucins and glycoproteins with mucin-like regions contain densely O-glycosylated domains often found in tandem repeat (TR) sequences. These O-glycodomains have traditionally been difficult to characterize because of their resistance to proteolytic digestion, and knowledge of the precise positions of O-glycans is particularly limited for these regions. Here, we took advantage of a recently developed glycoengineered cell-based platform for the display and production of mucin TR reporters with custom-designed O-glycosylation to characterize O-glycodomains derived from mucins and mucin-like glycoproteins. We combined intact mass and bottom-up site-specific analysis for mapping O-glycosites in the mucins, MUC2, MUC20, MUC21, protein P-selectin-glycoprotein ligand 1, and proteoglycan syndecan-3. We found that all the potential Ser/Thr positions in these O-glycodomains were O-glycosylated when expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 SimpleCells (Tn-glycoform). Interestingly, we found that all potential Ser/Thr O-glycosites in TRs derived from secreted mucins and most glycosites from transmembrane mucins were almost fully occupied, whereas TRs from a subset of transmembrane mucins were less efficiently processed. We further used the mucin TR reporters to characterize cleavage sites of glycoproteases StcE (secreted protease of C1 esterase inhibitor from EHEC) and BT4244, revealing more restricted substrate specificities than previously reported. Finally, we conducted a bottom-up analysis of isolated ovine submaxillary mucin, which supported our findings that mucin TRs in general are efficiently O-glycosylated at all potential glycosites. This study provides insight into O-glycosylation of mucins and mucin-like domains, and the strategies developed open the field for wider analysis of native mucins.

Display of the human mucinome with defined O-glycans by gene engineered cells.

Mucins are a large family of heavily O-glycosylated proteins that cover all mucosal surfaces and constitute the major macromolecules in most body fluids. Mucins are primarily defined by their variable tandem repeat (TR) domains that are densely decorated with different O-glycan structures in distinct patterns, and these arguably convey much of the informational content of mucins. Here, we develop a cell-based platform for the display and production of human TR O-glycodomains (~200 amino acids) with tunable structures and patterns of O-glycans using membrane-bound and secreted reporters expressed in glycoengineered HEK293 cells. Availability of defined mucin TR O-glycodomains advances experimental studies into the versatile role of mucins at the interface with pathogenic microorganisms and the microbiome, and sparks new strategies for molecular dissection of specific roles of adhesins, glycoside hydrolases, glycopeptidases, viruses and other interactions with mucin TRs as highlighted by examples.

Probing the binding specificities of human Siglecs by cell-based glycan arrays.

Siglecs are a family of sialic acid-binding receptors expressed by cells of the immune system and a few other cell types capable of modulating immune cell functions upon recognition of sialoglycan ligands. While human Siglecs primarily bind to sialic acid residues on diverse types of glycoproteins and glycolipids that constitute the sialome, their fine binding specificities for elaborated complex glycan structures and the contribution of the glycoconjugate and protein context for recognition of sialoglycans at the cell surface are not fully elucidated. Here, we generated a library of isogenic human HEK293 cells with combinatorial loss/gain of individual sialyltransferase genes and the introduction of sulfotransferases for display of the human sialome and to dissect Siglec interactions in the natural context of glycoconjugates at the cell surface. We found that Siglec-4/7/15 all have distinct binding preferences for sialylated GalNAc-type O-glycans but exhibit selectivity for patterns of O-glycans as presented on distinct protein sequences. We discovered that the sulfotransferase CHST1 drives sialoglycan binding of Siglec-3/8/7/15 and that sulfation can impact the preferences for binding to O-glycan patterns. In particular, the branched Neu5Acα2-3(6-O-sulfo)Galß1-4GlcNAc (6'-Su-SLacNAc) epitope was discovered as the binding epitope for Siglec-3 (CD33) implicated in late-onset Alzheimer's disease. The cell-based display of the human sialome provides a versatile discovery platform that enables dissection of the genetic and biosynthetic basis for the Siglec glycan interactome and other sialic acid-binding proteins.

An Atlas of Human Glycosylation Pathways Enables Display of the Human Glycome by Gene Engineered Cells.

The structural diversity of glycans on cells-the glycome-is vast and complex to decipher. Glycan arrays display oligosaccharides and are used to report glycan hapten binding epitopes. Glycan arrays are limited resources and present saccharides without the context of other glycans and glycoconjugates. We used maps of glycosylation pathways to generate a library of isogenic HEK293 cells with combinatorially engineered glycosylation capacities designed to display and dissect the genetic, biosynthetic, and structural basis for glycan binding in a natural context. The cell-based glycan array is self-renewable and reports glycosyltransferase genes required (or blocking) for interactions through logical sequential biosynthetic steps, which is predictive of structural glycan features involved and provides instructions for synthesis, recombinant production, and genetic dissection strategies. Broad utility of the cell-based glycan array is demonstrated, and we uncover higher order binding of microbial adhesins to clustered patches of O-glycans organized by their presentation on proteins.

A validated gRNA library for CRISPR/Cas9 targeting of the human glycosyltransferase genome.

Over 200 glycosyltransferases are involved in the orchestration of the biosynthesis of the human glycome, which is comprised of all glycan structures found on different glycoconjugates in cells. The glycome is vast, and despite advancements in analytic strategies it continues to be difficult to decipher biological roles of glycans with respect to specific glycan structures, type of glycoconjugate, particular glycoproteins, and distinct glycosites on proteins. In contrast to this, the number of glycosyltransferase genes involved in the biosynthesis of the human glycome is manageable, and the biosynthetic roles of most of these enzymes are defined or can be predicted with reasonable confidence. Thus, with the availability of the facile CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing tool it now seems easier to approach investigation of the functions of the glycome through genetic dissection of biosynthetic pathways, rather than by direct glycan analysis. However, obstacles still remain with design and validation of efficient gene targeting constructs, as well as with the interpretation of results from gene targeting and the translation of gene function to glycan structures. This is especially true for glycosylation steps covered by isoenzyme gene families. Here, we present a library of validated high-efficiency gRNA designs suitable for individual and combinatorial targeting of the human glycosyltransferase genome together with a global view of the predicted functions of human glycosyltransferases to facilitate and guide gene targeting strategies in studies of the human glycome.

Structural basis for the recognition of Lewis antigens by genogroup I norovirus.

Noroviruses (NoVs) bind to histo-blood group antigens, namely, ABH antigens and Lewis antigens. We previously showed the NoVs GI/2, GI/3, GI/4, and GI/8 were able to strongly bind to Lewis a (Le(a)) antigen, which is expressed by individuals who are nonsecretors. In this study, to investigate how Lewis antigens interact with GI NoV virion protein 1 (VP1), we determined the crystal structures of the P domain of the VP1 protein from the Funabashi 258 (FUV258) strain (GI/2) in complexes with Le(a), Le(b), H type 1, or A type 1 antigens. The structures were compared with those of the NV/68 strain (GI/1), which does not bind to the Le(a) antigen. The four loop structures, loop P, loop S, loop A, and loop B, continuously deviated by more than 2 Å in length between the Cα atoms of the corresponding residues of the FUV258 and NV/68 P domains. The most pronounced differences between the two VP1 proteins were observed in the structures of loop P. In the FUV258 P domain, loop P protruded toward the next protomer, forming a Le(a) antigen-binding site. The Gln389 residue make a significant contribution to the binding of the Le(a) antigen through the stabilization of loop P as well as through direct interactions with the α4-fucosyl residue (α4Fuc) of the Le(a) antigen. Mutation of the Gln389 residue dramatically affected the degree of binding of the Lewis antigens. Collectively, these results suggest that loop P and the amino acid residue at position 389 affect Lewis antigen binding.

Co-translational function of Cosmc, core 1 synthase specific molecular chaperone, revealed by a cell-free translation system.

The core 1 structure of the mucin type O-glycan is synthesized by core 1 ß1,3-galactosyltransferase (C1GalT). Core 1 synthase specific molecular chaperone (Cosmc), a molecular chaperone specific for C1GalT, is essential for the expression of functional C1GalT in mammalian cells. In this study, we have established a procedure for detecting the chaperone activity of Cosmc by using a wheat germ cell-free translation system. Active C1GalT was expressed following simultaneous translation with Cosmc or translation in the presence of recombinant Cosmc protein. Moreover, we show that recombinant Cosmc must be present during the translation of C1GalT, as it is ineffective when added after translation. These results indicate that Cosmc mediates the co-translational activation of C1GalT and that it may prevent the unfavorable aggregation of C1GalT.

Effect of glycosylation on cis/trans isomerization of prolines in IgA1-hinge peptide.

The hinge region of human immunoglobulin A1 (IgA1), connecting the Fab and Fc regions, is mostly composed of Ser, Thr, and Pro (VPSTPPTPSPSTPPTPSPS); hinge peptide (HP). O-Glycans are naturally attached on only particular five Ser/Thr residues in this region. NMR was employed for analysis of the structural changes in HP upon the glycosylation, especially focusing on the cis/trans isomerization of Pro residues. A series of HP containing (13)C,(15)N-labeled Pro residues were chemically synthesized and enzymatically glycosylated. The signals from cis and trans forms of the labeled Pro were identified by two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. Cis/trans ratios of the Pro residues at the C-terminal side of the glycosylated Ser/Thr were reduced from 9-10% to 2-3% by the glycosylation. Thermodynamic analyses indicated that the decrease in the cis/trans ratio was enthalpy-driven. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange experiments and NOE-based structure determination revealed that the intraresidue hydrogen bonds between the amide group of GalNAc and carbonyl oxygen of the peptide backbone of GalNAc-Thr are formed in the major trans conformers, which is consistent with the thermodynamic parameters. These hydrogen bonds largely restrict the psi angle of the peptide backbone and, thereby, should make the trans conformation of the C-terminal Pro residue more stable than the cis conformation. Namely, it is predicted that the restricted psi angle causes interresidue steric hindrance for the cis conformation. The appropriate glycosylation of HP probably contributes to the decrease in the unfavorable variety of relative orientations between Fab and Fc in IgA1, through stabilizing the conformation of HP.

Structural basis of carbohydrate transfer activity by human UDP-GalNAc: polypeptide alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase (pp-GalNAc-T10).

Mucin-type O-glycans are important carbohydrate chains involved in differentiation and malignant transformation. Biosynthesis of the O-glycan is initiated by the transfer of N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) which is catalyzed by UDP-GalNAc:polypeptide alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferases (pp-GalNAc-Ts). Here we present crystal structures of the pp-GalNAc-T10 isozyme, which has specificity for glycosylated peptides, in complex with the hydrolyzed donor substrate UDP-GalNAc and in complex with GalNAc-serine. A structural comparison with uncomplexed pp-GalNAc-T1 suggests that substantial conformational changes occur in two loops near the catalytic center upon donor substrate binding, and that a distinct interdomain arrangement between the catalytic and lectin domains forms a narrow cleft for acceptor substrates. The distance between the catalytic center and the carbohydrate-binding site on the lectin beta sub-domain influences the position of GalNAc glycosylation on GalNAc-glycosylated peptide substrates. A chimeric enzyme in which the two domains of pp-GalNAc-T10 are connected by a linker from pp-GalNAc-T1 acquires activity toward non-glycosylated acceptors, identifying a potential mechanism for generating the various acceptor specificities in different isozymes to produce a wide range of O-glycans.

Organic-inorganic hybrid-nanocarrier of siRNA constructing through the self-assembly of calcium phosphate and PEG-based block aniomer.

The development of siRNA delivery systems is a major key for practical RNA therapy that holds promise for the treatment of life-threatening human diseases, yet there still exists significant difficulties in their construction because of the various requirements including high transfection efficacy, tolerability in the biological medium, and low toxicity. Here we report the novel preparation route of organic-inorganic hybrid-nanocarriers entrapping siRNA based on the self-assembly of the block aniomer, poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(methacrylic acid), with calcium phosphate crystals. The nanocarriers have diameters in the range of several hundreds of nanometers and revealed excellent colloidal stability due to the steric stabilization effect of the PEG palisade. The biological activity of siRNA loaded in nanocarriers was assessed using 293 cells stably expressing luciferase gene, showing the remarkably high gene silencing-efficacy without the use of any adjuvant molecules such as chroloquin. Further advantage of the system is the serum tolerability, which is of a critical issue in in vivo application.

Block copolymer-coated calcium phosphate nanoparticles sensing intracellular environment for oligodeoxynucleotide and siRNA delivery.

The organic-inorganic hybrid nanoparticles entrapping oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) or siRNA were prepared through the self-associating phenomenon of the block copolymer, poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(aspartic acid) (PEG-PAA), with calcium phosphate. The nanoparticles have diameters in the range of several hundreds of nanometers depending on the PEG-PAA concentration and revealed excellent colloidal stability due to the steric repulsion effect of the PEG layer surrounding the calcium phosphate core. The loading capacities of ODN and siRNA were fairly high, reaching almost 100% under optimal conditions. The flowcytometric analysis and confocal microscopy observation indicated that the hybrid nanoparticles loaded with ODN were taken up by the cells through the endocytosis mechanism. Furthermore, the calcium phosphate core dissociates in the intracellular environment with appreciably lowered calcium ion concentration compared to the exterior, allowing the release of the incorporated ODN and siRNA in a controlled manner. Eventually, effective intracellular delivery and nuclear localization of these nucleic acid-based drugs were evidenced through the observation of laser confocal microscopy using FITC-labeled ODN. This smart ion-sensitive characteristic of hybrid nanoparticles was further demonstrated by the appreciable silencing of reporter gene expression by siRNA incorporated in the nanoparticles.

Production of an allelopathic polyacetylene in hairy root cultures of goldenrod (Solidago altissima L.).

Hairy roots of goldenrod (Solidago altissima L.) were induced by infecting axenic plants with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain A4. Growth and allelopathic polyacetylene (cis-dehydromatricaria ester, cis-DME) production of two independent hairy root clones were examined in several culture media and light regimes. cis-DME contents in hairy roots were at the same level as those in normal roots. cis-DME production in root cultures was several-fold lower than that of native plants and greatly repressed by light.