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A role for sulfated polysaccharide recognition in sponge cell aggregation.

Molecules binding sulfated polysaccharides were detected as lectins in cholate lysates of cells from twelve sponge species. Each species exhibited a unique binding profile. The pattern of binding indicated that the specificity was most probably determined by the orientation of the sulfate groups on the polysaccharide chains. Cells from each of the three species examined in more detail were found to express sulfated polysaccharide-binding molecules at their surface and at least one of the polysaccharides recognized was found to inhibit the reaggregation of cells from each species. Moreover, in all but one instance, lectins for the inhibitory polysaccharide were both detected in cell lysates and shown to be expressed at the cell surface. Sulfated polysaccharides, therefore, appeared to be involved in cell interaction events in the Porifera. This conclusion was confirmed by the isolation via ion exchange chromatography of an endogenous polysaccharide from an O. tenuis cell extract. This molecule contained uronic acid and hexose units in a ratio of 2:1, 11.9% sulfur and less than 0.5% protein. It inhibited the aggregation of O. tenuis cells and the agglutination of dextran-sulfate- and polyvinyl-sulfate-coupled erythrocytes by O. tenuis cell lysates. O. tenuis cell aggregation was also inhibited by polyvinyl sulfate and dextran sulfate and molecules binding these compounds were expressed on the surface of O. tenuis cells. Thus, is was probable that the cell surface receptor for polyvinyl sulfate and dextran sulfate and isolated sponge sulfated polysaccharide are one and the same. Finally, using a dextran sulfate affinity procedure, a 35 kD dextran-sulfate-binding protein was isolated from the surface of O. tenuis cells. The possibility that the polysaccharide isolated from O. tenuis cell extracts in the absence of calcium is the monomeric form of a cell aggregation-enhancing factor is discussed.

Animals↗

Identification of polysaccharides from pericarp tissues of litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) fruit in relation to their antioxidant activities.

A large number of polysaccharides are present in the pericarp tissues of harvested litchi fruits. A DEAE Sepharose fast-flow anion-exchange column and a Sephadex G-50 gel-permeation column were used to isolate and purify the major polysaccharides from litchi fruit pericarp tissues. Antioxidant activities of these major polysaccharide components were also evaluated. An aqueous extract of the polysaccharides from litchi fruit pericarp tissues was chromatographed on a DEAE anion-exchange column to yield two fractions. The largest amount of the polysaccharide fraction was subjected to further purification by gel filtration on Sephadex G-50. The purified product was a neutral polysaccharide, with a molecular weight of 14 kDa, comprised mainly of 65.6% mannose, 33.0% galactose and 1.4% arabinose. Analysis by Smith degradation indicated that there were 8.7% of (1-->2)-glycosidic linkages, 83.3% of (1-->3)-glycosidic linkages and 8.0% of (1-->6)-glycosidic linkages in the polysaccharide. Furthermore, different polysaccharide fractions extracted and purified from litchi fruit pericarp tissues exhibited strong antioxidant activities. Among these fractions, the purified polysaccharide had the highest antioxidant activity and should be explored as a novel potential antioxidant.

Antioxidants↗

The quantitative immunochemical determination of pneumococcal and meningococcal capsular polysaccharides by light scattering rate nephelometry.

A quantitative nephelometric method was used for the measurement of the individual pneumococcal, as well as meningococcal, polysaccharides in the polyvalent vaccine final containers. This method is simple, rapid, inexpensive, and provides both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the polyvalent polysaccharide vaccines. By this method the individual pneumococcal types, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6A, 7F, 8, 9N, 12F, 14, 18C, 19F, 23F and 25 polysaccharides, were found to be present at 90-114% of the manufacturer's indicated concentrations; meningococcal group A, C, Y and W135 polysaccharides were at 90-108% of the manufacturer's listed concentrations. This nephelometric method coupled with gel filtration can also be used for measurement of the molecular sizes or stability of individual polysaccharides in the final container. Pneumococcal polysaccharide types 3, 6A, 9N and 19F, used as representative types, were treated with 0.5 N hydrochloric acid. The molecular sizes for types 3 and 9 N polysaccharides were stable to acid treatment. In contrast, types 6A and 19F polysaccharides were degraded. Heating meningococcal groups A, C, Y and W135 polysaccharides at 37 degrees C for 48 h did not affect their molecular size in the polyvalent vaccine.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

Properties of polysaccharides grafted on nanoparticles investigated by EPR.

The in vivo fate of nanoparticles developed as drug delivery systems is influenced by the surface characteristics of the colloidal particles. In the present work, surface characteristics of a series of poly(isobutylcyanoacrylate) nanoparticles prepared by redox radical emulsion polymerization with polysaccharides of different molecular weight and nature were characterized by EPR. To this aim, a spin label was grafted on the polysaccharide chains after synthesis of the nanoparticles. The percentage of label showing fast movements was evaluated from EPR spectra which were analyzed according to the Kivelson theory. The results showed that mobility depended on temperature, type, and molecular weight of the polysaccharides. Differences between nanoparticles appeared with low-molecular-weight polysaccharides, while over a defined molecular weight which depended on the nature of the polysaccharide, the spin label behaved almost the same way in the different types of nanoparticles. Paradoxically, the percentage of fast moving label was the highest when linked to the shortest chitosan, which was the most rigid polysaccharide tested in this study. Thus, it was concluded that the apparent mobility of the polysaccharide evaluated by the EPR method depended on the capacity of the polysaccharide chains to fold making possible hydrophobic interactions between the label and the nanoparticle core. The transition between the unfolded-folded regiment depended on the molecular weight and on the nature of the polysaccharide. Results of this study may be useful to improve the understanding of the nanoparticle interactions with blood proteins and complement which in turn influence the in vivo fate of nanoparticles used as drug delivery systems.

Cyanoacrylates↗

Novel polysaccharide-decorated poly(isobutyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles.

PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to synthesize new surface-modified nanoparticles using a radical emulsion polymerization of an alkyl cyanoacrylate. METHODS: Isobutyl cyanoacrylate was polymerized in nitric acid 0.2 M containing a polysaccharide (0.1375 g) and cerium (8 x 10(-2) M). After 1 h, the pH was adjusted to 7.0, and the nanoparticles were purified by dialysis. Nanoparticle characterization included scanning electron microscopy, quasi-elastic light scattering, zeta potential determination, measurements of the complement activation induced by different polysaccharide-coated nanoparticles and of the antithrombic activity of heparin. RESULTS: Dispersions of spherical particles were obtained using various polysaccharides. The particle diameter varied from 90 nm to several micrometers, and the zeta potential depended on the molecular weight and the nature and charge of the polysaccharide. Surface analysis performed by ESCA confirmed the presence of polysaccharides at the nanoparticle surface. The nanoparticles were very stable, and the biologic activity of the polysaccharide was preserved. Complement activation was influenced by the polysaccharide characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: A new method based on radical emulsion polymerization of isobutyl cyanoacrylate initiated by polysaccharides and cerium was developed to prepare nanoparticles. It leads, in a single step, to nanoparticles with surface properties defined by the polysaccharide. This method is a new concept for the development of biomimetic drug carriers with multiple functions.

Cyanoacrylates↗

Extracellular polysaccharides do not inhibit the reaction between Streptococcus mutans and its specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) or penetration of the IgG through S. mutans biofilm.

The present study investigated whether extracellular polysaccharides inhibit reaction between Streptococcus mutans and its specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) and penetration of the IgG through S. mutans biofilm. The planktonic organisms with or without extracellular polysaccharides were prepared, incubated with rabbit IgG against whole cell of S. mutans and fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated goat affinity purified antibody to rabbit IgG. Biofilms with or without extracellular polysaccharides were formed on cover glasses and incubated with rabbit IgG against S. mutans and FITC-conjugated goat antibody to rabbit IgG. Then, biofilms were stained with propidium iodide. The amount of specific IgG binding on S. mutans was determined by FITC intensity with a fluorescence microplate reader. The penetration of IgG through biofilms was determined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. The results showed that the fluorescence intensity of FITC in planktonic organisms with extracellular polysaccharides was similar to that in planktonic organisms without extracellular polysaccharides, indicating that extracellular polysaccharides did not inhibit the reaction between S. mutans and its specific IgG. Although biofilms of S. mutans with extracellular polysaccharides were much thicker and denser than those without extracellular polysaccharides, the speed with which IgG penetrated through both of the biofilms did not differ significantly, suggesting that penetration of IgG through S. mutans biofilm was not affected by extracellular polysaccharides.

Animals↗

Studies of the polysaccharide fraction from the lipopolysaccharide of Pseudomonas alcaligenes.

Studies of the lipopolysaccharide of Pseudomonas alcaligenes strain BR 1/2 were extended to the polysaccharide moiety. The crude polysaccharide, obtained by mild acid hydrolysis of the lipopolysaccharide, was fractionated by gel filtration. The major fraction was the phosphorylated polysaccharide, for which the approximate proportions of residues were; glucose (2), rhamnose (0.7), heptose (2-3), galactosamine (1), alanine (1), 3-deoxy-2-octulonic acid (1), phosphorus (5-6). The heptose was l-glycero-d-manno-heptose. The minor fractions from gel filtration contained free 3-deoxy-2-octulonic acid, P(i) and PP(i). The purified polysaccharide was studied by periodate oxidation, methylation analysis, partial hydrolysis, and dephosphorylation. All the rhamnose and part of the glucose and heptose occur as non-reducing terminal residues. Other glucose residues are 3-substituted, and most heptose residues are esterified with condensed phosphate residues, possibly in the C-4 position. Free heptose and a heptosylglucose were isolated from a partial hydrolysate of the polysaccharide. The location of galactosamine in the polysaccharide was not established, but either the C-3 or C-4 position appears to be substituted and a linkage to alanine was indicated. In its composition, the polysaccharide from Ps. alcaligenes resembles core polysaccharides from other pseudomonads: no possible side-chain polysaccharide was detected.

Alanine↗

Antithrombotic activity of a fucosylated chondroitin sulphate from echinoderm: sulphated fucose branches on the polysaccharide account for its antithrombotic action.

The antithrombotic activity of a fucosylated, chondroitin-sulphate-like polysaccharide extracted from the body wall of sea cucumber, and of chemically modified derivatives of the same polysaccharide, have been assessed using a stasis thrombosis model in rabbits. Intravenous administration of the native polysaccharide reduced thrombosis in a dose-dependent manner and, at a dose of 1.5 mg/kg (60 IU/kg) body weight, completely prevented thrombosis after 10 min stasis. Removal of the sulphated fucose branches of the polysaccharide abolished antithrombotic effectiveness. After intravenous injection of an antithrombotic dose of radioactively labelled polysaccharide, a correlation was observed between removal of radioactivity from the plasma and decrease in ex vivo APTT values, demonstrating that antithrombotic effectiveness depends on the level of circulating polysaccharide rather than on an indirect effect of the polysaccharide on the vascular endothelium. Reduction of the glucuronic acid carboxyl groups in the polysaccharide did not affect its in vitro and in vivo activities. Both partial defucosylation and desulphation of the polysaccharide abolished all its anticoagulant or antithrombotic action.

Animals↗

Characterization of mitogenic pectic polysaccharides from kampo (Japanese herbal) medicine "juzen-taiho-to".

The acidic polysaccharide fraction (F-5-2) from "Juzen-Taiho-To" (TJ-48), a Kampo (Japanese herbal) medicine prepared by decocting a prescription of 10 kinds of herbs, has potent mitogenic activity. In order to clarify the mitogenic activity, F-5-2 was fractionated by amon-exchange chromatography, and 14 acidic polysaccharide fractions were obtained. Mitogenic activities of these polysaccharides were increasing with their molecular masses and affinities to the anion-exchange column. Methylation analysis and endo-alpha-(1----4)-polygalacturonase digestion showed these polysaccharide fractions to be pectic polysaccharides, many of which consisted mainly of polygalacturonan regions in addition to small amounts of "ramified" regions. Gel filtration showed that the molecular masses of the "ramified" regions of the polysaccharides were similar. High molecular mass polygalacturonic acid showed a weak mitogenic activity. The mitogenic (M-1 and M-2) and non-mitogenic (M-3) polysaccharides from the most active polysaccharide fraction (F-5-2IIh) were further purified by gel filtration. M-2 and M-3 were also shown to be pectic polysaccharides, and the neutral glycosidic linkages in M-2 and M-3 were different from each other. Endopolygalacturonase digestion markedly decreased the mitogenic activity of M-2, however, the "ramified" region of M-2 still showed a weak activity.

Animals↗

Ozonolysis for selectively depolymerizing polysaccharides containing beta-D-aldosidic linkages.

The depolymerization of polysaccharides, particularly those containing acid-sensitive components, into intact constituent repeating units can be very difficult. We describe a method using ozonolysis for depolymerizing polysaccharides containing beta-D-aldosidic linkages into short-chain polysaccharides and oligosaccharides. This method is carried out on polysaccharides that have been fully acetylated whereby beta-D-aldosidic linkages are selectively oxidized by ozone to form esters, from which the polysaccharides are subsequently cleaved with a nucleophile. Ozone oxidation of aldosidic linkages proceeds under strong stereoelectronic control, and reaction rates depend on the conformations of glycosidic linkages. Thus, beta-D-aldosidic linkages with different conformations can have very different reaction rates even in the absence of substantial chemical differences. These rate differences allowed for very high selectivity in cleaving beta-D-linkages of polysaccharides. Several polysaccharides from group B Streptococcus and other bacterial species were selectively depolymerized with this method. The repeating units of the group B Streptococcus polysaccharides all contain an acid-sensitive sialic acid residue in a terminal position on a side chain and several beta-D-residues including galactose, glucose, and N-acetylglucosamine; however, with each polysaccharide, one type of linkage was more reactive than others. Selective cleavage of the most sensitive linkage occurs randomly throughout the polymer chain, yielding fragments of controllable and narrowly distributed sizes and the same repeating-unit structure. The average size of the molecules decreases exponentially, and desired sizes can be obtained by stopping the reaction at appropriate time points. With this method the labile sialic acid residue was not affected.

Carbohydrate Sequence↗

Functional analysis in type Ia group B Streptococcus of a cluster of genes involved in extracellular polysaccharide production by diverse species of streptococci.

Several species of streptococci produce extracellular polysaccharides in the form of secreted exopolysaccharides or cell-associated capsules. Although the biological properties and repeating unit structures of these polysaccharides are diverse, sequence analysis of the genes required for their production has revealed a surprising degree of conservation among five genes found in the capsule gene cluster of each of several polysaccharide-producing streptococci. To determine the function of these conserved genes, we characterized a series of isogenic mutants derived from a wild-type strain of type Ia group B Streptococcus by selectively inactivating each gene. Inactivation of cpsIaE resulted in an acapsular phenotype, consistent with previous work that identified the cpsIaE product as the glycosyltransferase that initiates synthesis of the polysaccharide repeating unit. Mutants in cpsIaA, cpsIaB, cpsIaC, or cpsIaD produced type Ia capsular polysaccharide, but in reduced amounts compared with the wild type. Analysis of the mutant polysaccharides and of capsule gene transcription in the mutant strains provided evidence that cpsIaA encodes a transcriptional activator that regulates expression of the capsule gene operon. Mutants in cpsIaC or cpsIaD produced polysaccharide of reduced molecular size but with an identical repeating unit structure as the wild-type strain. We conclude that CpsA to -D are not required for polysaccharide repeating unit biosynthesis but rather that they direct the coordinated polymerization and export of high molecular weight polysaccharide.

Bacterial Capsules↗

Structure of a hydroxyproline (Hyp)-arabinogalactan polysaccharide from repetitive Ala-Hyp expressed in transgenic Nicotiana tabacum.

A synthetic gene encoding the fusion protein (Ala-Hyp)(51)-enhanced green fluorescent protein expressed in Nicotiana tabacum cells produced a fusion glycoprotein with all proline residues hydroxylated and substituted with an arabinogalactan polysaccharide. Alkaline hydrolysis of the fusion glycoprotein yielded a population of hydroxyproline (Hyp)-arabinogalactan polysaccharides ranging in size from 13 to 26 saccharide residues/Hyp, with a median size of 15-17 residues. We isolated a 15-residue Hyp-arabinogalactan for structure determination by sugar analyses and one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance techniques that provided the assignment of proton and carbon signals of a small polysaccharide O-linked to the hydroxyl group of Hyp. The polysaccharide consisted of a 1,3-linked beta-D-Galp backbone with a single 1,6-linked beta-D-Galp "kink." The backbone had two side chains of Galp substituted at position 3 with an arabinose di- or trisaccharide and at position 6 with glucuronic acid or rhamnosyl glucuronic acid. Energy-minimized space-filling molecular models showed hydrogen bonding within polysaccharides attached to repetitive Ala-Hyp and also between polysaccharides and the peptide backbone. Polysaccharides distorted the peptide Ramachandran angles consistent with the circular dichroic spectra of isolated (Ala-Hyp)(51) and its reversion to a polyproline II-like helix after deglycosylation. This first complete structure of a Hyp-arabinogalactan polysaccharide shows that computer-based molecular modeling of Hyp-rich glycoproteins is now feasible and supports the suggestion that small repetitive subunits comprise larger arabinogalactan polysaccharides.

Carbon↗

The effects of soluble-fiber polysaccharides on the adsorption of a hydrophobic carcinogen to an insoluble dietary fiber.

Dietary fiber is believed to decrease the incidence of colorectal cancer, but not all types of fiber are equally protective. Dietary fibers may be divided broadly into insoluble and soluble fibers, and there is evidence from animal experiments that the latter not only fails to protect against colorectal cancer but may enhance its development. Adsorption of carcinogens to insoluble dietary fiber in the intestinal tract is one of the mechanisms by which dietary fiber is believed to protect against colorectal cancer. In previous in vitro experiments, we showed that the hydrophobic carcinogen 1,8-dinitropyrene (DNP) adsorbs to insoluble plant cell wall components (insoluble dietary fibers). Soluble polysaccharides (pectic polysaccharides) extracted from the walls of parenchyma cells of dicotyledonous plants were found to maintain DNP in aqueous solutions and decrease its adsorption to insoluble wall components. In the present study, we examined a commercial preparation of pectin and seven other soluble-fiber polysaccharides with diverse structures for their effects on the distribution of DNP. Many of these are used as emulsifiers and stabilizers in the food industry. They all maintained DNP in aqueous solution and decreased its adsorption to alpha-cellulose, which we used as an example of an insoluble dietary fiber. Gum arabic was the most effective and kappa-carrageenan the least. The capacity of the polysaccharides to act as emulsifiers and stabilizers may explain their effects on DNP distribution. The monosaccharide glucose and the disaccharide cellobiose had no effect on the distribution of DNP. These results indicate three possible mechanisms by which soluble-fiber polysaccharides may enhance the development of colorectal cancer. First, because they reduce the ability of insoluble dietary fibers to adsorb hydrophobic carcinogens, more carcinogens may enter the colon maintained in solution than adsorbed onto insoluble fibers. Second, if soluble-fiber polysaccharides are maintaining hydrophobic carcinogens in solution and these polysaccharides are degraded by bacterial enzymes in the colon, then the carcinogens may come out of solution and be deposited onto the mucosal surface of the colon. Third, soluble-fiber polysaccharides may cross the intestinal epithelium and carry with them carcinogens maintained in solution. These studies have important consequences for nutrition, because soluble-fiber polysaccharides represent a common component of foods.

Adsorption↗

Sedimentation and viscosity studies on the capsular and somatic polysaccharides of pneumococcus Type III.

Sedimentation constants at infinite dilution have been found to be 1.89 and 4.06 for the somatic and capsular polysaccharides, respectively, from pneumococcus Type III. Intrinsic viscosities have been determined for the somatic and capsular polysaccharides of pneumococcus Type III using the Ostwald viscometer. Molecular weights and dimensions have been calculated for the somatic and capsular polysaccharides of pneumococcus Type III assuming the molecules to be prolate ellipsoids of revolution. Values for the somatic polysaccharide are: molecular weight, 26,400; diameter, 0.97 mmicro; and length, 36.18 mmicro. Values for the capsular polysaccharide are: molecular weight, 171,800; diameter, 1.04 mmicro; and length, 177.87 mmicro. The molecular weights were calculated for the somatic and capsular polysaccharides of pneumococcus Type III assuming the molecules to be flexible chains. The value of the molecular weight of the somatic polysaccharide is 31,500 and the value for the molecular weight of the capsular polysaccharide is 267,500. The molecules of both the somatic and capsular polysaccharides exhibit high degrees of asymmetry.

Polysaccharides↗

Chemical and biological characterization of a polysaccharide biological response modifier from Aloe vera L. var. chinensis (Haw.) Berg.

Three purified polysaccharide fractions designated as PAC-I, PAC-II, and PAC-III were prepared from Aloe vera L. var. chinensis (Haw.) Berg. by membrane fractionation and gel filtration HPLC. The polysaccharide fractions had molecular weights of 10,000 kDa, 1300 kDa, and 470 kDa, respectively. The major sugar residue in the polysaccharide fractions is mannose, which was found to be 91.5% in PAC-I, 87.9% in PAC-II, and 53.7% in PAC-III. The protein contents in the polysaccharide fractions was undetectable. NMR study of PAC-I and PAC-II demonstrated the polysaccharides shared the same structure. The main skeletons of PAC-I and PAC-II are beta-(1-->4)-D linked mannose with acetylation at C-6 of manopyranosyl. The polysaccharide fractions stimulated peritoneal macrophages, splenic T and B cell proliferation, and activated these cells to secrete TNF-alpha, IL-1 beta, INF-gamma, IL-2, and IL-6. The polysaccharides were nontoxic and exhibited potent indirect antitumor response in murine model. PAC-I, which had the highest mannose content and molecular weight, was found to be the most potent biological response modifier of the three fractions. Our results suggested that the potency of aloe polysaccharide fraction increases as mannose content and molecular weight of the polysaccharide fraction increase.

Aloe↗

A novel type of endotoxin structure present in Bordetella pertussis. Isolation of two different polysaccharides bound to lipid A.

The endotoxin of Bordetella pertussis was cleaved by mild acidic hydrolysis to yield a polysaccharide (polysaccharide I, 15%), a glycolipid (63%) and lipid X (2%). Further treatment of the glycolipid with stronger acid released a second polysaccharide (polysaccharide II, 9%) and material similar to lipid A present in enterobacterial endotoxins. Both polysaccharides possess a single molecule of 3-deoxy-2-octulosonic acid as the reducing, terminal sugar. In polysaccharide II the octulosonic acid is phosphorylated in position 5 and presumably substituted in position 4; in polysaccharide I the octulosonic acid is not phosphorylated, but is substituted in position 5. Following treatment of the endotoxin with strong base, a fragment was isolated that contained bound, non-phosphorylated 3-deoxy-2-octulosonic acid, glucosamine phosphate and fatty acids. This indicated that polysaccharide I, like polysaccharide II, was bound to the lipid region of the endotoxin. The endotoxin structure thus defined is different from that proposed for the lipopolysaccharides of enterobacteria.

Bordetella pertussis↗

Structural studies on the neutral polysaccharide of Bacillus subtilis AHU 1219 cell walls.

A neutral and an acidic polysaccharide with molecular masses of about 22 kDa and 45 kDa, respectively, were isolated from the N-acetylated cell walls of Bacillus subtilis AHU 1219 by heating at pH 2.5, followed by separation of the water-soluble product by ion-exchange chromatography and gel chromatography. The neutral polysaccharide, accounting for 40% of the mass of the cell walls, contained glucose, N-acetylglucosamine, N-acetylgalactosamine and N-acetylmannosamine in a molar ratio of 1:2:1:1. The minor, acidic polysaccharide contained glucuronic acid, glucose, galactose, L-serine and L-threonine in an approximate molar ratio of 1:1:1:0.5:0.5. Lysozyme digestion of the N-acetylated cell walls gave a polymer containing the neutral polysaccharide and glycopeptide components and another polymer which contained the acidic polysaccharide components together with small proportions of the neutral polysaccharide and glycopeptide components. Thus, the neutral and acidic polysaccharide chains seem to be attached to peptidoglycan through acid-labile linkages in the cell walls of this strain. Structural analysis of the neutral-polysaccharide preparation, involving 1H-NMR and 13C-NMR measurement, methylation and Smith degradation, led to the most likely structure, ----6)[Glc(beta 1----3)]GalNAc(alpha 1----4)-[GlcNAc(beta 1----3)]ManNAc(beta 1----4)GlcNAc(beta 1----, for the repeating units of this polysaccharide.

Amino Acids↗

Molecular origin of two polysaccharides of Campylobacter jejuni 81116.

The nature of the polysaccharide molecules of the human enteric pathogen Campylobacter jejuni has been the subject of debate. Previously, C. jejuni 81116 was shown to contain two different polysaccharides, one acidic (polysaccharide A) and the other neutral (polysaccharide B), occurring in a 3 : 1 ratio, respectively. The aim of this study was to determine the molecular origin of these polysaccharides. Using a combination of centrifugation, gel permeation chromatography, chemical assays, and (1)H-NMR analysis, polysaccharide B was shown to be derived from lipopolysaccharide and polysaccharide A from capsular polysaccharide. Thus, C. jejuni 81116 produces both lipopolysaccharide-like molecules and capsular polysaccharide.

Bacterial Capsules↗