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Molecular evidence for human alpha 2-HS glycoprotein (AHSG) polymorphism.

Alpha 2-HS glycoprotein (AHSG) is a human plasma glycoprotein that exhibits genetic polymorphism on isoelectric focusing (IEF). To identify the origin of two common alleles, AHSG*1 and *2, we examined nucleotide exchanges in the gene. AHSG cDNA was obtained by RT-PCR from poly(A) RNA of seven liver tissue samples and subcloned into a plasmid vector. After sequencing, we found six single nucleotide differences in comparison with the originally reported sequence. In particular, the nucleotide substitutions of C to T at amino acid position 230 and C to G at position 238 were common among the samples exhibiting phenotype 2-1 or 2. Since these substitutions might give rise to a NlaIII site and a SacI site, respectively, for the potential AHSG*2, we analyzed these substitutions by PCR-RFLP using genomic DNA of 68 individuals. The result was consistent with the IEF analysis of the corresponding serum, indicating that AHSG*1 was characterized by ACG (Thr) at position 230 in exon 6 and ACC (Thr) at position 238 in exon 7, and that AHSG*2 was characterized by ATG (Met) at position 230 and AGC (Ser) at position 238.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The synthesis of human alpha-2-HS glycoprotein is down-regulated by cytokines in hepatoma HepG2 cells.

The regulation of the synthesis of alpha-2-HS glycoprotein (AHSG) by inflammatory mediators from activated monocytes was studied on the human hepatoma cell line HepG2 and compared to that of albumin. Monocyte-conditioned medium, recombinant human interleukin-6 (rhIL6) and interleukin-1 beta (rhIL1 beta) all down-regulated the synthesis of AHSG. This decrease was found both at the protein and the mRNA level. The most efficient mediator was the monocyte-conditioned medium, when rhIL1 beta was found to be less efficient than rhIL6. The combination of rhIL6 and rhIL1 beta resulted in an additive down-regulation of the AHSG mRNA levels. Similar results were obtained with albumin. These data indicate that AHSG is a negative acute-phase protein whose synthesis is regulated by cytokines in a manner similar to that of albumin.

Blood Proteins↗

Identification and quantitation of alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein in the mineralized matrix of calcified plaques of atherosclerotic human aorta.

alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein (HSGP) is a minor constituent of plasma with negative acute-phase reactant properties. HSGP has been shown previously to accumulate in the mineralized matrix of bone and dentin to concentrations substantially higher than those present in plasma. In addition, HSGP has also been found in experimentally induced dermal calcifications in animals. Here we show that HSGP is occluded in the organic matrix of pathological calcifications of atherosclerotic human aortic tissue in a concentration approximately 7-fold greater than that found in plasma.

Aorta↗

Human alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein/bovine fetuin homologue in mice: identification and developmental regulation of the gene.

Human alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein (AHSG) is a plasma protein synthesized in liver and selectively concentrated in bone matrix. It has been reported to be involved in bone formation and resorption as well as immune responses. Recently, AHSG was found to be the species equivalent protein of fetuin, the major fetal serum protein in cattle and sheep. The function and regulation of AHSG/fetuin in different species are not understood. We have isolated a liver cDNA clone that encodes the human AHSG/bovine fetuin homologue in the mouse. The AHSG/fetuin gene may have a role in differentiation since it is expressed in mouse limb buds and brain only at certain stages during development. Mouse liver AHSG/fetuin mRNA was present at low level at 12 days gestation but its level increased during the late part of gestation and peaked between 1 to 3 months after birth. The regulation of mouse AHSG/fetuin synthesis during development was found to be significantly different from that of sheep and bovine fetuin. Compared to fetuin, which is reduced in adult to 1 to 2% of the fetal level, mouse AHSG synthesis subsides only 50% 4 months after birth.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Identification and characterization of human serum alpha2-HS glycoprotein as a jacalin-bound protein.

We recently adopted immobilized jacalin as an affinity adsorbent to purify human serum IgA for laboratory study. In the course of our investigation, we detected a serum protein that co-eluted with IgA from jacalin-agarose affinity column. It constituted in significant quantity (24.0 +/- 0.9%, n = 30) of total jacalin-bound protein (JBP) and the yield was equivalent to 0.4 +/- 0.1 mg per ml serum. The molecular mass of this protein was 55 kDa with electromobility in the alpha 2 region as demonstrated by SDS-PAGE and immunoelectrophoresis. N-terminal microsequencing of this 55 kDa protein revealed that it is human alpha 2-HS glycoprotein (alpha 2HSG). The molecular interaction of alpha 2HSG with jacalin was characterized by competitive ELISA: human serum IgA, human colostrum secretory IgA (sIgA), and monosaccharides including D-galactose and melibiose exhibited strong inhibitory effect on its binding to jacalin. Accordingly, we propose that human alpha 2HSG binds in a similar manner as that of the bovine fetuin to jacalin. In addition, alpha 2HSG displays similar binding property to jacalin from different geographic area (India and Malaysia) and from different laboratory preparations (Sigma, Pierce and 'homemade' jacalin).

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The phenotypic frequencies of group specific component and alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein in three ethnic groups. The use of these proteins as racial markers in forensic biology.

The phenotypic frequencies of group-specific component (Gc) and alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein (A2HS) were determined in White European, Asian and Afro-Caribbean populations. Typical allele frequencies were observed for Gc, with Gc 1S being the major allele for the first two groups and Gc 1F being the major allele for Afro-Caribbeans. For all groups the dominant A2HS allele was A2HS 1, although Asians had a significantly higher proportion of this allele than the White Europeans. Gc and A2HS either singly or in combination with other blood grouping systems provide good discriminating potential. The A2HS 10 allele was detected with a very low frequency in the White European group (A2HS 10 = 0.0013) and was not detected in the Asian group, while the Afro-Caribbean group had a relatively high frequency of this allele (A2HS 10 = 0.0966). The different distribution of the Gc 1F and A2HS 10 alleles in White Europeans and Asians compared with Afro-Caribbeans, can be used to determine the likelihood of blood coming from an Afro-Caribbean.

Africa, Western↗

Association of increased serum heat shock protein 70 and C-reactive protein concentrations and decreased serum alpha(2)-HS glycoprotein concentration with the syndrome of hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count.

The primary aim of this study was to determine serum Hsp70 concentrations in HELLP syndrome. We measured also the serum concentrations of three acute phase proteins: C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha(2)-macroglobulin (AMG) and alpha(2)-HS glycoprotein (AHSG). Ten severe preeclamptic patients with HELLP syndrome, 20 severe preeclamptic patients without HELLP syndrome and 20 normotensive, healthy pregnant women were included in this case-control study. Serum concentrations of Hsp70, CRP, AMG and AHSG were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Hsp70), particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay (CRP) and radial immunodiffusion (AMG, AHSG). The serum Hsp70 and CRP concentrations were significantly higher, whereas the serum AHSG concentration was significantly lower in the HELLP group (H) than the severe preeclamptic (P) and control (C) groups (median (25-75 percentile); Hsp70: 2.02 ng/ml (0.76-2.23) (H) versus 0.54 ng/ml (0.47-0.79) (P), p<0.01, and 0.30 ng/ml (0.27-0.33) (C), p<0.001; CRP: 43.9 mg/l (27.1-84.5) (H) versus 6.5 mg/l (2.7-10.7) (P), p<0.001, and 2.5 mg/l (1.1-6.7) (C), p<0.001; AHSG: 588 microg/ml (492-660) (H) versus 654 microg/ml (576-768) (P), p<0.05, and 738 microg/ml (666-804) (C), p<0.01, respectively). The serum AMG concentration did not differ between the study groups. In the HELLP group, there was a statistically significant negative correlation between serum Hsp70 concentration and platelet count (Spearman R=-0.69, p=0.026). In conclusion, serum Hsp70 and CRP concentrations are increased, whereas serum AHSG concentration is decreased, in HELLP syndrome. The maternal systemic inflammation seems to be more pronounced in HELLP syndrome than preeclampsia without HELLP syndrome, as suggested by the alterations in serum CRP and AHSG levels. However, it requires further investigation to determine whether these changes are causes or consequences of the disease.

Adult↗

Plasma alpha2-HS glycoprotein concentrations in patients with acute myocardial infarction quantified by a modified ELISA.

BACKGROUND: Human alpha2-HS glycoprotein (alpha2-HSG) is synthesized and secreted by the liver into circulation. Plasma concentrations of alpha2-HSG decrease significantly following infection, inflammation and malignancy. Since increased plasma concentrations of C-reactive protein are observed in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), we hypothesized that plasma concentrations of alpha2-HSG would decrease during the initial phase of AMI and begin to increase in the recovery phase. METHODS: Twenty patients diagnosed with AMI were recruited for the study. A sensitive and specific ELISA was developed to assay alpha2-HSG concentrations in plasma. RESULTS: In AMI patients, plasma alpha2-HSG concentrations were decreased (281.3+/-25.8 mg/l, ranging from 132 to 489 mg/l on admission) compared to healthy individuals (312.3+/-9.9 mg/l, ranging from 210 to 450 mg/l) (P= 0.142). Interestingly, 40% of AMI patients demonstrated alpha2-HSG concentrations below 200 mg/l compared to none in the healthy control group. During the recovery period, alpha2-HSG concentrations begin to increase, with a mean+/-SEM of 290.1+/-22.1 mg/l. Regression analysis comparing plasma alpha2-HSG concentrations on admission to concentrations on discharge showed a significant positive correlation in matched-pair patient samples (P<0.01, r=0.45). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, in contrast to C-reactive protein, alpha2-HSG functions as a negative acute phase protein in AMI patients. Plasma alpha2-HSG concentrations start to decrease within a few hours after the onset of AMI and return to near normal concentrations during the recovery period (5-7 days after AMI).

Adult↗

Phenotyping of alpha-2-HS glycoprotein in bloodstains by isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting.

A sensitive immunoblotting procedure has been applied to the detection of alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein (A2HS) phenotypes from control and casework bloodstains. A2HS phenotypes were separated by thin layer polyacrylamide gel isoelectric focusing (PAGIEF) in gels containing Pharmalyte pH 4.2-4.9. After transfer to nitrocellulose by a rapid capillary blot, the A2HS phenotypes were developed using a double antibody enzyme-immunoassay. The evaluation of A2HS phenotyping of casework material was undertaken in parallel with phosphoglucomutase (PGM) phenotyping by PAGIEF. A total of 598 water extracts from casework bloodstains have been tested. Positive results were obtained in 84% and 75% of samples for PGM and A2HS respectively. The A2HS gene frequencies A2HS*1 = 0.6420, A2HS*2 = 0.3530, and A2HS*3 = 0.0050 were determined from a survey of 1000 people in Brisbane.

Alleles↗

Structural and functional analysis of the 5'-transcription control region for the human alpha2-HS glycoprotein gene.

The human alpha2-HS glycoprotein (A2HS) and rat phosphoprotein of Mr 63000 (pp63) are homologous plasma proteins and members of the fetuin superfamily. A2HS is involved in important functions such as inhibition of the tyrosine kinase activity of the insulin receptor, regulation of calcium metabolism and osteogenesis as well as protease inhibitory activity. We report an analysis of the 5' transcription control region (4 kb) of the A2HS gene. Its most proximal 300 nt display a very potent transcriptional activity. The latter is likely accounted for by C/EBP and NF1 binding sites that are conserved from the human A2HS gene to the rat pp63 gene. In contrast, these human and rat genes appear to largely diverge beyond their proximal promoter.

Base Sequence↗

Structure of the gene encoding human alpha 2-HS glycoprotein (AHSG).

Alpha 2-HS glycoprotein (AHSG) is a human plasma glycoprotein and fetuin is the homologue in the calf. In this report, we present the structure and organization of the AHSG gene. Introns and the 5' and 3'-flanking regions were obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and the inverted PCR, respectively, from genomic DNA using AHSG cDNA-specific oligonucleotide primers. The sequence of the PCR products shows that the coding region spans approximately 8.2 kb and is composed of seven exons interrupted by six introns. The exon-intron splice junctions agree with the consensus sequence, and the positions interrupted by introns are precisely identical to those of the rat insulin receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (fetuin) gene. The 5'-promoter region contains several characteristic sequences such as an A + T-rich sequence of TAAATAA, C/EBP-binding site, and hepatocyte nuclear factor-5 (HNF-5) and serum response factor (SRF) sites.

Animals↗

Recombinant human alpha 2-HS glycoprotein inhibits insulin-stimulated mitogenic pathway without affecting metabolic signalling in Chinese hamster ovary cells overexpressing the human insulin receptor.

Insulin acts on its target tissues by specific interaction with the cell surface insulin receptor (IR). The IR possesses an intrinsic tyrosine kinase (TK) activity which is stimulated by insulin binding. This TK activity is required for many aspects of insulin signalling. We had earlier reported that human plasma alpha 2-HS glycoprotein (alpha 2-HSG) inhibits insulin-stimulated mitogenesis at the level of IR-TK (Mol Endo 7: 1445-1455, 1993). In the present study, using recombinant alpha 2-HSG, which possesses 50-100 times the specific activity of plasma alpha 2-HSG, we have further investigated the molecular basis of this effect. We examined the insulin-stimulated Ras signalling pathway in Chinese Hamster Ovary cells overexpressing the human IR. alpha 2-HSG inhibits insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS-1 and the subsequent association of GRB2, as well as Sos, with IRS-1. This inhibition results in reduced guanine nucleotide exchange in p21ras. alpha 2-HSG also inhibits the stimulation of Raf phosphorylation, in response to insulin, leading to inhibition of MEK activity. In a parallel pathway, alpha 2-HSG also inhibits insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Shc. However, alpha 2-HSG does not affect any of the metabolic actions of insulin rested in these cells. These results suggest that, while insulin's mitogenic effects can be abolished by inhibition of insulin-induced IR-TK, propagation of signals for metabolic activities might utilize alternate of rescue mechanisms.

Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing↗

Positive and negative elements modulate the promoter of the human liver-specific alpha2-HS-glycoprotein gene.

The human alpha2-HS-glycoprotein (AHSG) and the 63-kDa rat phosphoprotein (pp63) are homologous plasma proteins that belong to the fetuin family. AHSG and pp63 are involved in important functions such as inhibition of insulin receptor tyrosine kinase activity, inhibition of protease activities, and regulation of calcium metabolism and osteogenesis. Studies of the AHSG proximal promoter performed in vitro in rat and human cells indicate that several NF-1 and C/EBP binding sites exert a positive effect on its transcriptional activity. However, until now, no distal elements have been examined in this gene, in either species. We report that the human AHSG gene promoter acts in a liver-specific manner and is further controlled by three distal, 5'-flanking elements. The negative elements III and I are, respectively, located 5' and 3' of the positive element II. All three elements require the natural context of the human AHSG gene to fully exert their negative or positive effect. Element I harbours a single binding site for NF-1. This nuclear factor thus appears to be able to up- or downregulate the AHSG gene depending on the site it binds to. Elements I, II and possibly III are absent in the rodent Ahsg gene encoding pp63.

Animals↗

Haplotype analysis of the human alpha2-HS glycoprotein (fetuin) gene.

Alpha2-HS glycoprotein (AHSG), which is equivalent to fetuin in other species, is a protein found in human plasma. AHSG is polymorphic with two common alleles and many variants. To examine the intragenic haplotypes and their diversity at this locus, a contiguous genomic DNA sequence (10.3 kb) was analyzed in 20 samples (40 chromosomes), and haplotypes were determined for 309 subjects. Judging from the aligned nucleotide sequences and the conserved amino acid residues comparing human and chimpanzee AHSG, it was concluded that the type 1 allele is probably older and has evolved into four major suballeles. The type 2 allele was generated from one branch of the type 1 allele. AHSG*3 and *5 variants were each found to have a single nucleotide change in exon 7, resulting in the change of an amino acid residue from Arg299 to Cys and from Asp258 to Asn, respectively. It was noted that the AHSG*3 mutation gives rise to an additional cysteine residue, which possibly affects the conformation of the protein. The AHSG gene was found to have a low mutation rate and no apparent recombination events. Furthermore, the detected substitutions were nonhomogeneously distributed at this locus. In particular, four nonsynonymous substitutions were concentrated in the carboxyl-terminal domain.

Alleles↗

Human recombinant alpha 2-HS glycoprotein is produced in insect cells as a full length inhibitor of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase.

Human Alpha 2-HS glycoprotein (AHSG), a glycoprotein synthesized by hepatocytes, was expressed in insect cells using the recombinant baculovirus system. The protein was purified from the cell supernatant, and appeared as a single band at about 52 kDa. Western blot using a specific antibody to the B-chain of AHSG indicated that the connecting peptide was present in the protein. When incubated with solubilized insulin receptors, recombinant AHSG inhibited the tyrosine kinase activity of the receptors in a dose-dependent fashion at concentrations in the range of those of the circulating protein. AHSG did not interfere with the binding of insulin to its receptor. These results indicate that human AHSG represents a natural inhibitor of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase, is active as a single-chain protein and possesses a biological role similar to that of its homologue in rats, pp63, described by Auberger et al. (1).

Baculoviridae↗

Human alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein: the A and B chains with a connecting sequence are encoded by a single mRNA transcript.

The alpha 2-HS-glycoprotein (AHSG) is a plasma protein reported to play roles in bone mineralization and in the immune response. It is composed of two subunits, the A and B chains. Recombinant plasmids containing human cDNA AHSG have been isolated by screening an adult human liver library with a mixed oligonucleotide probe. The cDNA clones containing AHSG inserts span approximately 1.5 kilobase pairs and include the entire AHSG coding sequence, demonstrating that the A and B chains are encoded by a single mRNA transcript. The cDNA sequence predicts an 18-amino-acid signal peptide, followed by the A-chain sequence of AHSG. A heretofore unseen connecting sequence of 40 amino acids was deduced between the A- and B-chain sequences. The connecting sequence demonstrates the unique amino acid doublets and collagen triplets found in the A and B chains; it is not homologous with other reported amino acid sequences. The connecting sequence may be cleaved in a posttranslational step by limited proteolysis before mature AHSG is released into the circulation or may vary in its presence because of alternative processing. The AHSG cDNA was utilized for mapping the AHSG gene to the 3q21----qter region of human chromosome 3. The availability of the AHSG cDNA clone will facilitate the analysis of its genetic control and gene expression during development and bone formation.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

The serum protein alpha2-HS glycoprotein/fetuin inhibits apatite formation in vitro and in mineralizing calvaria cells. A possible role in mineralization and calcium homeostasis.

We present data suggesting a function of alpha2-HS glycoproteins/fetuins in serum and in mineralization, namely interference with calcium salt precipitation. Fetuins occur in high serum concentration during fetal life. They accumulate in bones and teeth as a major fraction of noncollagenous bone proteins. The expression pattern in fetal mice confirms that fetuin is predominantly made in the liver and is accumulated in the mineralized matrix of bones. We arrived at a hypothesis on the molecular basis of fetuin function in bones using primary rat calvaria osteoblast cultures and salt precipitation assays. Our results indicate that fetuins inhibit apatite formation both in cell culture and in the test tube. This inhibitory effect is mediated by acidic amino acids clustering in cystatin-like domain D1. Fetuins account for roughly half of the capacity of serum to inhibit salt precipitation. We propose that fetuins inhibit phase separation in serum and modulate apatite formation during mineralization.

Animals↗

alpha 2-HS glycoprotein/fetuin, a transforming growth factor-beta/bone morphogenetic protein antagonist, regulates postnatal bone growth and remodeling.

Soluble transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)/bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-binding proteins are widely distributed in mammalian tissues and control cytokine access to membrane signaling receptors. The serum and bone-resident glycoprotein alpha2-HS-glycoprotein/fetuin (ASHG) binds to TGF-beta/BMP cytokines and blocks TGF-beta1 binding to cell surface receptors. Therefore, we examined bone growth and remodeling phenotypes in ASHG-deficient mice. The skeletal structure of Ahsg(-/-) mice appeared normal at birth, but abnormalities were observed in adult Ahsg(-/-) mice. Maturation of growth plate chondrocytes was impaired, and femurs lengthened more slowly between 3 and 18 months of age in Ahsg(-/-) mice. However, bone formation was increased in Ahsg(-/-) mice as indicated by greater cortical thickness, accelerated trabecular bone remodeling, and increased osteoblast numbers on bone surfaces. The normal age-related increase in cortical thickness and bone mineral density was accelerated in Ahsg(-/-) mice and was associated with increased energy required to fracture. Bone formation in response to implanted BMP cytokine extended further from the implant in Ahsg(-/-) compared with Ahsg(+/+) mice, confirming the interaction between ASHG and TGF-beta/BMP cytokines in vivo. Our results demonstrate that ASHG blocks TGF-beta-dependent signaling in osteoblastic cells, and mice lacking ASHG display growth plate defects, increased bone formation with age, and enhanced cytokine-dependent osteogenesis.

Adipocytes↗