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Biomedical subjects

Koichi Honke

Publications and source records attributed to Koichi Honke.

53 records · Page 3Linked to original sources

Involvement of oligosaccharide changes in alpha5beta1 integrin in a cisplatin-resistant human squamous cell carcinoma cell line.

Multiple mechanisms are involved in the resistance of cancer cells to cisplatin, including the expression of multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP) and enhanced DNA repair. Here, we report findings to show that oligosaccharide changes in alpha5beta1 integrin are associated with cisplatin resistance in a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell line, HSC-2. Cisplatin-resistant HSC-2 (HSC-2/CR) cells were established by stepwise treatment with various concentrations of cisplatin. The oligosaccharides containing beta1, 6-N-acetylglucosamine (beta1-6GlcNAc) branching, detected by leukoagglutinating phytohemagglutinin (L(4)-PHA) lectin blot, were found to be dramatically decreased in alpha5beta1 integrin immunoprecipitated from HSC-2/CR cells. To better understand the mechanisms underlying cisplatin resistance and oligosaccharide alteration, we analyzed the downstream signaling of alpha5beta1 integrin, one of the target glycoproteins of beta1-6GlcNAc transferase [UDP-GlcNAc:alpha-D-mannoside beta1, 6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GnT-V)]. Cell adhesion to fibronectin and phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), which are associated with alpha5beta1 integrin and involved in a cell survival signaling, were found to be increased in the cisplatin-resistant cells. Enhancement of the inhibition of cell adhesion and FAK phosphorylation also support the above data in GnT-V transfectants of HSC-2 cells. Interestingly, the differences in sensitivity to cisplatin and FAK phosphorylation between cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant cells were completely abolished by treatment with a neutral antibody of alpha5beta1 integrin. These results suggest that modification of oligosaccharides of alpha5beta1 integrin represents one of the possible mechanisms of drug resistance in head and neck cancer cells.

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell↗

Down-regulation of hydrogen peroxide-induced PKC delta activation in N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III-transfected HeLaS3 cells.

N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnT-III) is a key enzyme that inhibits the extension of N-glycans by introducing a bisecting N-acetylglucosamine residue. Our previous studies have shown that modification of N-glycans by GnT-III affects a number of intracellular signaling pathways. In this study, the effects of GnT-III on the cellular response to reactive oxygen species (ROS) were examined. We found that an overexpression of GnT-III suppresses H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis in HeLaS3 cells. In the case of GnT-III transfectants, activation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) following H(2)O(2) treatment was markedly reduced compared with control cells. Either the depletion of protein kinase C (PKC) by prolonged treatment with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate or the inhibition of PKC by the specific inhibitor H7 attenuated the H(2)O(2)-induced activation of JNK1 and apoptosis in control cells but not in the GnT-III transfectants. Furthermore, we found that H(2)O(2)-induced phosphorylation of PKC delta was markedly suppressed in GnT-III transfectants. Rottlerin, a specific inhibitor of PKC delta, significantly inhibited H(2)O(2)-induced activation of JNK1 in control cells, indicating that PKC delta is involved in the pathway. These findings suggest that the overexpression of GnT-III suppresses H(2)O(2)-induced activation of PKC delta-JNK1 pathway, resulting in inhibition of apoptosis.

Enzyme Activation↗

An enzymatic method of analysis for GDP-L-fucose in biological samples, involving high-performance liquid chromatography.

To investigate the biological significance of GDP-L-fucose, we established a unique method for the determination of GDP-L-fucose levels in microsomal fractions, using an HPLC assay of alpha 1-6-fucosyltransferase (alpha1-6-FucT), an enzyme that catalyzes the synthesis of core fucosylation in N-glycans. A microsomal protein and a large excess of fluorescence-labeled synthetic oligosaccharide (a substrate) were incubated with a large excess of alpha1-6-FucT. The fluorescent intensity of the fucosylated reaction product, which was analyzed by isocratic reverse phase HPLC, was proportional to the level of GDP-L-fucose in the microsomal fractions over the range 0.20-10 pmol. This assay is applicable to the determination of the GDP-L-fucose content in various cancer cell lines as well as rat liver and would be useful in developing a better understanding of the fucosylation potential of such cells and tissues.

Aminopyridines↗

A myelin galactolipid, sulfatide, is essential for maintenance of ion channels on myelinated axon but not essential for initial cluster formation.

Myelinated axons are divided into four distinct regions: the node of Ranvier, paranode, juxtaparanode, and internode, each of which is characterized by a specific set of axonal proteins. Voltage-gated Na+ channels are clustered at high densities at the nodes, whereas shaker-type K+ channels are concentrated at juxtaparanodal regions. These channels are separated by the paranodal regions, where septate-like junctions are formed between the axon and the myelinating glial cells. Although oligodendrocytes and myelin sheaths are believed to play an instructive role in the local differentiation of the axon to distinct domains, the molecular mechanisms involved are poorly understood. In the present study, we have examined the distribution of axonal components in mice incapable of synthesizing sulfatide by disruption of the galactosylceramide sulfotransferase gene. These mice displayed abnormal paranodal junctions in the CNS and PNS, whereas their compact myelin was preserved. Immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated a decrease in Na+ and K+ channel clusters, altered nodal length, abnormal localization of K+ channel clusters appearing primarily in the presumptive paranodal regions, and diffuse distribution of contactin-associated protein along the internode. Similar abnormalities have been reported previously in mice lacking both galactocerebroside and sulfatide. Interestingly, although no demyelination was observed, these channel clusters decreased markedly with age. The initial timing and the number of Na+ channel clusters formed were normal during development. These results indicate a critical role for sulfatide in proper localization and maintenance of ion channels clusters, whereas they do not appear to be essential for initial cluster formation of Na+ channels.

Aging↗

The action of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase-V is prevented by the bisecting GlcNAc residue at the catalytic step.

Using a purified protein and bisected acceptor oligosaccharides, we demonstrate that N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GnT)-V transfers a N-acetylglucosamine residue via a beta1,6-linkage to the bisected oligosaccharides. We also kinetically characterized the substrate specificity of GnT-V with respect to the bisected oligosaccharide. Although the K(m) values for the bisected acceptors were comparable to that for a non-bisected acceptor, the V(max) values for the bisected acceptors were much lower than that for the non-bisected acceptor. These findings suggest that the acceptor specificity of GnT-V is determined by the catalytic process rather than by its binding to the substrate. It was also found that the presence of the 2-N-acetyl group in the bisecting monosaccharide moiety plays a critical role in determining the catalytic efficiency of the enzyme.

Acetylglucosamine↗

Paranodal junction formation and spermatogenesis require sulfoglycolipids.

Mammalian sulfoglycolipids comprise two major members, sulfatide (HSO3-3-galactosylceramide) and seminolipid (HSO3-3-monogalactosylalkylacylglycerol). Sulfatide is a major lipid component of the myelin sheath and serves as the epitope for the well known oligodendrocyte-marker antibody O4. Seminolipid is synthesized in spermatocytes and maintained in the subsequent germ cell stages. Both sulfoglycolipids can be synthesized in vitro by using the isolated cerebroside sulfotransferase. To investigate the physiological role of sulfoglycolipids and to determine whether sulfatide and seminolipid are biosynthesized in vivo by a single sulfotransferase, Cst-null mice were generated by gene targeting. Cst(-/-) mice lacked sulfatide in brain and seminolipid in testis, proving that a single gene copy is responsible for their biosynthesis. Cst(-/-) mice were born healthy, but began to display hindlimb weakness by 6 weeks of age and subsequently showed a pronounced tremor and progressive ataxia. Although compact myelin was preserved, Cst(-/-) mice displayed abnormalities in paranodal junctions. On the other hand, Cst(-/-) males were sterile because of a block in spermatogenesis before the first meiotic division, whereas females were able to breed. These data show a critical role for sulfoglycolipids in myelin function and spermatogenesis.

Animals↗

Apolipoprotein E activates Akt pathway in neuro-2a in an isoform-specific manner.

Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is a ligand for members of the low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor family, receptors highly expressed in neurons. A study of one of the mechanisms by which apoE might affect neuronal cell metabolism is reported herein. ApoE can induce Akt/protein kinase B phosphorylation in Neuro-2a via two different pathways. Both pathways are mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and cAMP-dependent protein kinase. The first pathway is stimulated by apoE3 and E4, but not by E2, after a 1-h incubation. The process requires the binding of apoE to the heparan sulfate proteoglycan/LDL receptor-related protein complex. The second pathway is activated after a 2-h incubation of the cells, in another isoform-dependent manner (E2 = E3 dbl greater-than sign E4) and is mediated by calcium. Our results suggest that apoE might affect cell metabolism and survival in neurons in an isoform-specific manner by inducing novel signaling pathways.

Animals↗

Prometastatic effect of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase V is due to modification and stabilization of active matriptase by adding beta 1-6 GlcNAc branching.

Oligosaccharide moieties of glycoproteins are structurally altered during development, carcinogenesis, and malignant transformations. It is well known that beta1-6 GlcNAc branching, a product of UDP-GlcNAc alpha-mannoside beta1-6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (GnT-V), is associated with malignant transformation as the results of such alterations. However, the mechanism by which beta1-6 GlcNAc branching is linked to metastasis remains unclear, because the identification of specific glycoprotein(s) that are glycosylated by GnT-V and its biological function have not been examined. We herein report that matriptase, which activates both urokinase-type plasminogen activator and hepatocyte growth factor, is a target protein for GnT-V. The overexpression of GnT-V in gastric cancer cells leads to severe peritoneal dissemination in athymic mice, which can be attributed to the increased expression of matriptase. This increase was due to the acquired resistance of matriptase to degradation, since it is glycosylated by GnT-V and a corresponding increase in the active form. These results indicate that this process is a key element in malignant transformation, as the direct result of oligosaccharide modification.

Acetylglucosamine↗

Sulfotransferases and sulfated oligosaccharides.

Structural diversity of the sugar chains attached to proteins and lipids that arises from the variety of combinations of different monosaccharides, different types of linkages, branch formation and secondary modifications, such as sulfation, possesses a large amount of biological information. A number of proteoglycans, glycoproteins, and glycolipids contain sulfated carbohydrates. Their sulfate groups provide a negative charge and play a role in a specific molecular recognition process. The sulfation of oligosaccharides is catalyzed by the Golgi-associated sulfotransferases. Recent success in molecular cloning of these sulfotransferases has brought a breakthrough in the understanding of biological function of sulfated oligosaccharides in a variety of contexts. Investigations on the relationship of sulfated oligosaccharides to human diseases including hereditary deficiency, cancer, inflammation, and infection may provide hints for curing disastrous diseases.

Animals↗

A catalytically inactive beta 1,4-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnT-III) behaves as a dominant negative GnT-III inhibitor.

beta 1,4-N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnT-III) plays a regulatory role in the biosynthesis of N-glycans, and it has been suggested that its product, a bisecting GlcNAc, is involved in a variety of biological events as well as in regulating the biosynthesis of the oligosaccharides. In this study, it was found, on the basis of sequence homology, that GnT-III contains a small region that is significantly homologous to both snail beta 1,4GlcNAc transferase and beta1,4Gal transferase-1. Subsequent mutational analysis demonstrated an absolute requirement for two conserved Asp residues (Asp321 and Asp323), which are located in the most homologous region of rat GnT-III, for enzymatic activity. The overexpression of Asp323-substituted, catalytically inactive GnT-III in Huh6 cells led to the suppression of the activity of endogenous GnT-III, but no significant decrease in its expression, and led to a specific inhibition of the formation of bisected sugar chains, as shown by structural analysis of the total N-glycans from the cells. These findings indicate that the mutant serves a dominant negative effect on a specific step in N-glycan biosynthesis. This type of 'dominant negative glycosyltransferase', identified has potential value as a powerful tool for defining the precise biological roles of the bisecting GlcNAc structure.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A glycomic approach to hepatic tumors in N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnT-III) transgenic mice induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN): identification of haptoglobin as a target molecule of GnT-III.

A glycomic approach to the identification of target molecules in glycosyltransferase gene targeting mice is a promising strategy to understand the biological significance of glycosyltransferase genes in vivo. In order to understand the biological effects of N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase III (GnT-III) on tumor formation in the liver, diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced tumor formation in the GnT-III transgenic mice was examined. Our findings show that the incidence of hepatic tumor could be dramatically suppressed. A glycomic approach using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by lectin blot analysis and sequence analysis revealed that haptoglobin, a radical scavenger molecule in serum was heavily glycosylated in hepatic tumor-bearing GnT-III transgenic mice that had been treated with DEN. Immunoprecipitation followed by E4-PHA lectin blot analysis also confirmed that the bisecting GlcNAc, a product of GnT-III was added to haptoglobin molecules. Since the use of DEN is known to lead to the production of lipid peroxidation products which facilitate this reaction and haptoglobin is an acute phase reactant, acting as a radical scavenger against hemoglobin or iron stimulated lipid peroxidation, a relationship between the glycosylation of haptoglobin and the suppression of hepatoma development can not be ruled out. This paper is the first report that shows a relationship between the sugar chains of glycoproteins with radical scavenger activity and hepatocarcinogenesis.

Animals↗

Oxidative damage due to copper ion and hydrogen peroxide induces GlcNAc-specific cleavage of an Asn-linked oligosaccharide.

Cleavage of an asparagine-linked sugar chain by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and a copper salt was investigated. Incubation of a 2-aminopyridine (PA)-labeled biantennary sugar chain, GlcNAcbeta1-2Manalpha1-6(GlcNAcbeta1-2Manalpha1-3)Manbeta1-4GlcNAcbeta1-4GlcNAc-PA, with H2O2 and Cu2+ led to formation of four major degradation products. Reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic analysis coupled with glycosidase digestion indicated that the sugar chain is not randomly degraded but specifically degraded at a GlcNAc residue. Treatment with either of H2O2 or copper alone did not cleave nor degrade the sugar chain to any extent. Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra obtained using a spin trap reagent were consistent with the generation of OH* or an OH*-like radical by the H2O2/copper salt mixture. The addition of ascorbic acid enhanced this radical generation as well as the degradation of the sugar chain. It was also found that H2O2/Cu2+ destroys the N-acetyl group of the monosaccharide GlcNAc, as judged by a decrease in the ultraviolet absorption spectrum of this group. On the other hand, replacement of copper by Fe2+ caused no cleavage of the sugar chain, although comparable levels of the same radical species were generated. Furthermore, spectrophotometric analysis showed that a GlcNAc-containing sugar chain coordinates to copper but not to iron, and, thus, the coordination appears to play an essential role in the degradation of the sugar chain. These findings suggest that coordination of copper ions to GlcNAc residues localizes the generation of a radical, which cleaves the glycosidic linkage, possibly involving alteration of the N-acetyl group, thereby allowing the GlcNAc-specific cleavage.

Aminopyridines↗

The possibility of reducing xenoantigen levels with a novel gal 3'-sulfotransferase (GP3ST).

Glycoprotein-3-sulfotransferase (GP3ST) is a key enzyme in downregulating the expression of Galalpha1,3Galbeta1,4GlcNAc-R (the alpha-Gal epitope), via enzymatic competition with an alpha1,3 galactosyltransferase (alpha1,3GT), such as alpha2,6 sialyltransferase (alpha2,6ST). In this study, we report the dominance of GP3ST over alpha1,3GT using transfected pig endothelial cell (PEC) lines. The introduction of the GP3ST gene into PEC suppresses its antigenicity with respect to normal human pooled serum (NHS), including the alpha-Gal epitope and the Hanganutziu-Deicher (H-D) antigen, and, in addition, reduces the susceptibility to NHS in complement-mediated cell lysis. Western and lectin blot analyses of the products of parental PEC and its transfectants indicated that proteins smaller than 66 kDa have a diminished reactivity with NHS and the IB4 lectin. The levels of the alpha-Gal epitope in neutral glycosphingolipids were also decreased in the GP3ST transfectants as detected in thin layer chromatography by immunostaining. These data indicate that GP3ST is very effective in reducing xenoepitope levels.

Animals↗

Clostridium botulinum type A haemagglutinin-positive progenitor toxin (HA(+)-PTX) binds to oligosaccharides containing Gal beta1-4GlcNAc through one subcomponent of haemagglutinin (HA1).

Haemagglutinin (HA) activity of Clostridium botulinum type A 19S and 16S toxins (HA-positive progenitor toxin; HA(+)-PTX) was characterized. HA titres against human erythrocytes of HA(+)-PTX were inhibited by the addition of lactose, D-galactose, N-acetyl-D-galactosamine and D-fucose to the reaction mixtures. A direct glycolipid binding test demonstrated that type A HA(+)-PTX strongly bound to paragloboside and some neutral glycolipids, but did not bind to gangliosides. Type A HA(+)-PTX also bound to asialoglycoproteins (asialofetuin, neuraminidase-treated transferrin), but not to sialoglycoproteins (fetuin, transferrin). Although glycopeptidase F treatment of asialofetuin abolished the binding of HA(+)-PTX, endo-alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase treatment did not. Thus these results can be interpreted as indicating that type A HA(+)-PTX detects and binds to Gal beta 1-4GlcNAc in paragloboside and the N-linked oligosaccharides of glycoproteins. Regardless of neuraminidase treatment, type A HA(+)-PTX bound to glycophorin A which is a major sialoglycoprotein on the surface of erythrocytes. Both native glycophorin A and neuraminidase-treated glycophorin A inhibited the binding of erythrocytes to type A HA(+)-PTX. Since the N:-linked oligosaccharide of glycophorin A is di-branched and more than 50% of this sugar chain is monosialylated, type A HA(+)-PTX probably bound to the unsialylated branch of the N-linked oligosaccharide of glycophorin A and agglutinated erythrocytes. One subcomponent of HA, designated HA1, did not agglutinate native erythrocytes, although it did bind to erythrocytes, paragloboside and asialoglycoproteins in a manner quite similar to that of HA(+)-PTX. These results indicate that type A HA(+)-PTX binds to oligosaccharides through HA1.

Acetylgalactosamine↗

Characterization of haemagglutinin activity of Clostridium botulinum type C and D 16S toxins, and one subcomponent of haemagglutinin (HA1).

The 16S toxin and one subcomponent of haemagglutinin (HA), designated HA1, were purified from a type D culture of Clostridium botulinum by a newly established procedure, and their HA activities as well as that of purified type C 16S toxin were characterized. SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that the free HA1 forms a polymer with a molecular mass of approximately 200 kDa. Type C and D 16S toxins agglutinated human erythrocytes in the same manner. Their HA titres were dramatically reduced by employing erythrocytes that had been previously treated with neuraminidase, papain or proteinase K, and were inhibited by the addition of N-acetylneuraminic acid to the reaction mixtures. In a direct-binding test to glycolipids such as SPG (NeuAc alpha2-3Gal beta1-4GlcNAc beta1-3Gal beta1-4Glc beta1-Cer) and GM3 (NeuAc alpha2-3Gal beta1-4Glc beta1-Cer), and glycoproteins such as glycophorin A and/or B prepared from the erythrocytes, both toxins bound to sialylglycolipids and sialoglycoproteins, but bound to neither neutral glycolipids nor asialoglycoproteins. On the basis of these results, it was concluded that type C and D 165 toxins bind to erythrocytes through N-acetylneuraminic acid. HA1 showed no haemagglutination activity, although it did bind to sialylglycolipids. We therefore speculate that binding to glycoproteins rather than to glycolipids may be important in causing haemagglutination by type C and D 16S toxins.

Bacterial Toxins↗

Induction of thioredoxin reductase gene expression by peroxynitrite in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.

Thioredoxin reductase (TR), a flavoprotein, catalyzes the reduction of oxidized thioredoxin in a NADPH-dependent manner, and contains a selenocysteine residue near the C-terminus. TR plays an important role in protecting against oxidative stress and in regulating cell growth and cell death. Constitutive TR expression has been observed in several cell types of the mammalian body, including endothelial cells. The latter are continually exposed to both exogenous and endogenous sources of nitric oxide (NO) and NO-derived species. Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) are associated with pathological events, contributing to the cell and tissue damage accompanying inflammation, atherogenesis and autoimmune diseases. In this study, we report on the effect of peroxynitrite on TR in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Exposure to the peroxynitrite donor SIN-1 for 1 h resulted in a decrease in TR activity. Interestingly, the activity was completely restored within 24 h. To further examine this mechanism, the expression of TR at the mRNA and protein level was examined. TR mRNA levels were markedly increased by treatment of SIN-1 within 6 h, and TR protein level was also increased after the treatment in HUVECs. These results suggest that the inactivation of TR by peroxynitrite might be involved in the upregulation of the TR gene in HUVECs. Therefore, HUVECs have a unique protective mechanism that allows the maintenance of balance in intracellular redox status via TR induction as an adaptive response to nitrooxidative stress.

Animals↗