Surface plasmon resonance for real-time study of lectin-carbohydrate interactions for the differentiation and identification of glycoproteins

A study of specific interactions between lectins and glycoproteins has been carried out using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) in a flow-injection mode. Lectins were covalently immobilised on the surfaces of the microfluidic sensor chip via amine coupling and serum glycoproteins were injected into the flow channels. Specific lectin-glycoprotein interactions caused the shift of refractive index proportional to the mass concentration accumulated on the channel surface. Lectins showed different affinity to the tested glycoproteins and each glycoprotein displayed its own lectin-binding pattern. It is possible to distinguish and identify even glycoproteins with similar sugar structures by simple and quick screening. The working conditions of the assay were optimised. The lectin-based SPR made it possible to carry out the label-free detection of glycoproteins within a broad concentration range with a good linearity. Regeneration conditions for the surface of the sensor chip were found and optimised. Combination of 10 mM HCl and 10 mM glycine-HCl (pH 2.5) removes the bound glycoproteins from the lectin surface without damaging it. The kinetic and affinity parameters of lectin-glycoprotein binding were evaluated. The proposed method was tested on human glycosylated serum. Combination of the lectin panel with SPR is suitable both for specific screening and for sensitive assay of serum glycoproteins.     

A simple kinetic model of antigen-antibody reactions in particle-enhanced light scattering immunoassays

Polymer colloids coated by antibodies are used in diagnostic tests for the detection of antigens in biological fluids. We present in this paper a simple kinetic model for the optical monitoring of the formation of specific complexes between antigen and antibody with amplification by latex beads. The antibodies are physical or chemically adsorbed onto sulphonate polystyrene or chloromethylstyrene particles respectively. This is a very simple model combining the La Mer idea of optimum surface coverage with Langmuir adsorption of antigen molecules. The kinetic model explains reasonably well the optical response of immunolatex prepared by both methods of immobilization of antibodies on polymer carriers. According to the results obtained with this model the percentage of active IgG on latex particles is extremely low, with a maximum of a 5%.     

An Aminated GDP-Fucose Analog Useful in the Fucosyltransferase Catalyzed Addition of Biological Probes onto Oligosaccharide Chains1

Abstract

An analog (1) of GDP-fucose, where C-6 is derivatized with an eight-atom spacer terminating in a primary amino group, was chemically synthesized. This amino group in sugar nucleotide 1 can be acylated using an N-hydroxysuccinimide ester of biotin and it can be coupled to another molecule that also contains an amino group using squaric acid diethyl ester as the coupling reagent. In this way, biotin and a blood group A-active trisaccharide were linked to C-6 of fucose in GDP-fucose. Both complex sugar nucleotides thus prepared were active as donors for a human milk fucosyltransferase, which transferred the derivatized α-linked fucose residue to a glycoside of N-acetyllactosamine, thus labeling this sequence with either biotin or the blood-group A trisaccharide. Compound 1 is proposed as a general and versatile reagent which should permit the addition of biological probes to the sugar chains of cell surface glycoproteins or glycolipids.     

Cell antigens recognized by rabbit antibodies specific for oligomannosyl determinants.

Rabbit antibodies to cell wall mannans of various microbial strains and their mutants were found to be cross-reactive to cell carbohydrates of mammalian sperm and 4-6-days-old blastocysts. Immunochemical studies indicate that oligomers of alpha1 yields to 2, alpha1 yields to 3, alpha1 yields to 6, and probably also alpha yields to 4 linked mannose residues of sperm carbohydrates are available for antibody binding. At least 80 percent of binding activity of a yeast mannan antibody to sperm can be effectively inhibited by specific haptens or digestion with exo-alpha-D-mannosidase, an enzyme activity highest in testicular tissue. In order to determine the role of this enzyme in the metabolism of the cross-reactive mannan antigens of sperm, the relative amount of a specific alpha-linked oligomannosyl determinant of bovine sperm from homozygous normals was compared to that of hetero-zygous carriers of alpha-mannosidase deficiency. Extensive cross-reactivity between the microbial and mammalian oligomannosyl determinants suggest that these are conserved structures in cell carbohydrates, although the organization of these units in the microbial cell wall lipopolysaccharide has very little similarity to the carbohydrate moieties of mammalian glycoproteins.     

Human placental cell surface antigens:expression by cultured cells of diverse phenotypic origin

The present work examined the expression of cell surface glycoprotein antigens in cultured human cell lines. The set of glycoproteins studied was defined by their immunoreactivity with antiserum developed to Triton-solubilized extracts of placental brush border membranes. Studies were performed using cell lines of trophoblastic (BeWo, JEG-3) and nontrophoblastic (Chang liver cells) origin, as well as diploid fibroblast cell lines (WI-38, GM-38). Antiplacental brush border antiserum reacts with at least 19 distinct antigens present in placental membrane preparations, each of which can be resolved and identified in two-dimensional electrophoresis. The subunit molecular weight and isoelectric point for all components were defined by their positions in the two-dimensional matrix. Thirteen of these could be detected among the five cell lines examined by lactoperoxidase-catalyzed cell surface iodination. One of these 13 antigens has been identified as the placental isoenzyme of alkaline phosphatase (PAP). The expression of this component is limited to choriocarcinoma cells and Chang liver cells and it is not present in diploid fibroblasts. Under normal circumstances expression of PAP is unique to the differentiated placenta but has been frequently demonstrated in both trophoblastic and nontrophoblastic neoplasms. Two other antigens are variably expressed among the different cell types examined in the present study and their presence or absence was independent of the trophoblastic, epithelial nontrophoblastic, or fibroblastic origin of the cells. Ten surface antigens were expressed in all five cell lines. Six of these had previously been found common to membranes from three adult differentiated tissues, including liver and kidney, as well as placenta (Wada et al, J Supramol Struc 10(3): 287-305, 1979). The presence of this set of antigens in cultured cells as well extends the possibility that these are ubiquitously expressed on human cell surfaces. Two other antigens observed in all cultured cells had been found in both placental and either kidney or liver membranes and may represent common functions shared by many tissues which are also necessary for growth in vitro. The two remaining placental antigens seen in all cultured cells have previously been shown to be absent in adult tissues. Their presence in cultured cells but not in the membranes of resting differentiated tissues may signify the expression of glycoproteins characteristic of trophoblasts in all cells adapted to growth in culture.     

Mycotoxins from Mold Fungi — Weapons of Uninivited Fellow-Boarders of Man and Animal: Structures,Biological Activity,Biosynthesis, and Precautions

In addition to the antibiotics, mycotoxins represent a second large group of biologically active substances of microbial origin. Over 300 mycotoxins are so far known and can be subdivided into 25 structural types. They are formed by approximately 350 molds of which there are 10 000 different strains. As mycotoxin-producing molds tend to spread aggressively on foodstuffs, they can cause epidemic mycotoxicoses.—The mycotoxins have been isolated, their structures determined, and their biological activities investigated; their biosynthesis has now also largely been elucidated. Accordingly, mycotoxins are derived from only three groups of key biogenetic building blocks: polyketides, isopentenyl pyrophosphate, and amino acids. Mycotoxins are mainly non-polar, chemically stable, are formed in high concentrations, and do not contain—unlike antibiotics—any sugars. Mycotoxins display an enormous variety of toxic-pharmacological activities, e.g. liver degradation, hemorrhages, carcinomas. The identification of mycotoxicoses is impeded by their long incubation periods and the fact that the mycotoxins tend to accumulate in the mammalian organism, which means that even very low concentrations in food are a potential danger. The particularly dangerous aflatoxin B₁ 1 may not exceed a limit in food of 5 ppb (5 μg/kg), which is difficult to control.     

Irritant and Defense Substances of Higher Plants—A Chemical Herbarium

All living organisms respond to stimulation, reacting more or less sensitively and more or less typically to a wide variety of energy forms such as light, heat, gravity, pressure (sound), electricity—and chemicals. A living organism responds to an irritation by releasing irritants which—as potential defense substances—are directed against the attacker or assist the organism endogenously in an intrinsic defense reaction. Often very small energy changes perceived by the plant are enough to induce a series of physiological processes ultimately manifested as a glandular reaction or even movement. The irritants involved in these processes act on membranes as defense substances in the presence of an attacker, or as endogenous factors in their own cellular environment. These chemically very diverse low-molecular active principles have been found in many parts of plants and in many plant families. For this reason alone we could speak of a chemical herbarium, but the case is even stronger because, in this botanical documentation, not only the individual chemicals are considered in context but also whole sets of interacting substances, since it is only in these sets that optimal activity is found (just as one considers not only the parts of a plant but also the whole plant in botany).     

Surface plasmon resonance biosensors for detection of pathogenic microorganisms: strategies to secure food and environmental safety

This review describes the exploitation of exclusively optical surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensors for the direct and indirect detection of pathogenic microorganisms in food chains and the environment. Direct detection is, in most cases, facilitated by the use of defined monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies raised against (a part of) the target pathogenic microorganisms. The antibodies were immobilized to a solid phase of the sensor to capture the microbe from the sample. Alternatively, antibodies were used in an inhibition-like assay involving incubation with the target organism prior to analysis of nonbound antibodies. The free immunoglobins were screened on a sensor surface coated with either purified antigens or with Fc or Fab binding antibodies. Discussed examples of these approaches are the determination of Escherichia coli O1 57:H7, Salmonella spp., and Listeria monocytogenes. Another direct detection strategy involved SPR analysis of polymerase chain reaction products of Shiga toxin-2 genes reporting the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in human stool. Metabolic products have been exploited as biomarkers for the presence of a microbial agent, such as enterotoxin B and a virulence factor for the occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus suis, respectively. Indirect detection, on the other hand, is performed by analysis of a humoral immune response of the infected animal or human. By immobilization of specific antigenic structures, infections with Herpes simplex and human immunodeficiency viruses, Salmonella and Treponema pallidum bacteria, and Schistosoma spp. parasites were revealed using human, avian, and porcine sera and avian eggs. Bound antibodies were easily isotyped using an SPR biosensor to reveal the infection history of the individual. Discussed studies show the recent recognition of the suitability of this type of instrument for (rapid) detection of health-threatening microbes to food and environmental microbial safety.     

Approach to the comprehensive analysis of glycoproteins isolated from human serum using a multi-lectin affinity column

Glycosylation is one the most common post-translational modifications (PTM) and glycoproteins play fundamental roles in a diversity of biological processes. The development of an analytical approach to the study of variation of glycosylation patterns in serum samples has been hindered by the structural heterogeneity of this post-translational modification and the complexity of serum proteome. We have used the ability of different lectins to recognize specific glycosylation motifs to develop a specific affinity system that can achieve a comprehensive capture of serum glycoproteins. In a preliminary investigation, we evaluated the ability of five commonly used immobilized lectins to capture glycoproteins from human serum. SDS-PAGE analysis showed each lectin was able to enrich a subset of the serum glycoproteome and overlaps in lectin specificity were indeed observed. Based on these results and with the goal of studying the extent of the human serum glycoproteome, we then developed a multi-lectin affinity column containing Concanavalin A (Con A), Wheat germ and Jacalin lectin. The selection of lectins was also based on the known N-linked and O-linked glycan structures that are considered representative of the serum proteome. We then demonstrated that the capture of glycoproteins was specific, efficient and reproducible with this multi-lectin column. The results obtained with this affinity step indicated that about 10% of human serum proteins are glycosylated (weight/weight) and, after removal of six high abundance proteins, including albumin, at least 50% of the remaining proteins were glycosylated. We then evaluated the use of this affinity column to monitor changes in the pattern of glycosylation in serum samples by a controlled, stepwise release of the captured proteins from the multi-lectin affinity column with specific displacers.     

Synthesis of AgcoreAushell bimetallic nanoparticles for immunoassay based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy

Layered core-shell bimetallic silver-gold nanoparticles were prepared by coating Au layers over Ag seeds by a seed-growth method. The composition of Ag100-xAux particles can vary from x=0 to 30. TEM and SEM images clearly show that the bimetallic nanoparticles are of core-shell structure with some pinholes on the surface. Strong surface-enhanced Raman (SER) signals of thiophenol and p-aminothiophenol have been obtained with these colloids. It was found that the SERS activity of aggregated colloids critically depends on the molar ratio of Ag to Au. With the increase of the Au molar fraction, the SERS activity enhances first and then weakens, with the maximal intensity being 10 times stronger than that of Ag colloids. The AgcoreAushell nanoparticles were then labeled with monoclonal antibodies and SERS probes and used for immunoassay analysis. In the proposed system, antibodies immobilized on a solid substrate can interact with the corresponding antigens to form a composite substrate, which can capture reporter-labeled AgcoreAushell nanoparticles modified with the same antibodies. The immunoreaction between the antibodies and antigens was demonstrated by the detection of characteristic Raman bands of the probe molecules. AgcoreAushell bimetallic nanoparticles, as a new SERS active and biocompatible substrate, will be expected to improve the detection sensitivity of immunoassay.     

On the Specificity of Anti-Sulfoglucuronosyl Glycolipid Antibodies 1

Abstract

The mouse monoclonal anti-human HNK-1 antibody (also variously known as L2, Leu-7, CD57, VC1.1), monoclonal anti-sulfoglucuronosyl glycosphingolipids (SGGLs) antibody (mAb NGR50), and human sera from patients with demyelinating neuropathy and IgM paraproteinemia, are known to react with not only SGGLs, including sulfoglucuronosyl paragloboside (SGPG) and sulfoglucuronosyl lactosaminyl paragloboside (SGLPG), but also glycoproteins, such as myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), PO, PMP22, and certain adhesion molecules. These antigens are known to possess the so-called HNK-1 epitope (3-sulfoglucuronic acid, SGA) moiety. To further define the precise structural requirement of this carbohydrate epitope, we chemically synthesized 14 SGGLs, and their nonsulfated derivatives with defined carbohydrate chain lengths and aglycone structures. The various aglycones include ceramide, 2-(tetradecyl)hexadecyl (B30), and 2-(trimethylsilyl)ethyl (SE). These synthetic SGGLs were tested for their immunoreactivity with the above antibodies by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC)-immunoblotting and ELISA. The anti-HNK-1 antibody (VC1.1) reacted with SGGL analogues containing a minimum of two sugars (SGA-Gal-Cer), but not with non-sulfated derivatives of SGGLs nor with SGGLs having a modified ceramide structure. mAb NGR50, on the other hand, reacted with only SGPG and SGLPG. A human patient serum (LT) reacted with all synthetic SGGLs except those with an SE aglycone structure. On the other hand, another human patient serum (YT). like the anti-HNK-1 antibody, VC1.1, reacted with SGPG, SGLPG, and SGGL analogues containing a minimum of two sugars (SGA-Gal-Cer). All antibodies reacted more strongly with synthetic SGGLs with longer carbohydrate chains. These results indicate that anti-SGGL antibodies recognize a minimum of two sugars bearing the following structure (3-sulfoglucuronosyl β 1-3 galactosyl, SGA-Gal-) and that the aglycone (“ceramide”) structure appears to play an important role for antibody-antigen interaction.

     

New Enzyme Immunoassay with Visual Detection Based on Membrane Photoimmobilized Antibodies

Abstract

New method for visual enzyme immunoassay of some model antigens in solution by using covalently photoimmobilized antibodies has been developed. This approach is based on the quantitative photoimmobilization of antibodies on the surface of porous matrixes. It is easy to control the dimensions and shape of the activated zones and the quantity of the active groups on it by this technique. A strip of the membrane impregnated with p-azidobenzaldehyde was illuminated by the light. A s a result, .the quantity of aldehyde groups developed on the surface of membrane is proportional to the time of illumination. After the covalent immobilization of antibodies, the membrane has separate zones with an exact surface concentration of antibodies. The antigens of different types were assayed: human IgG, human chorionic gonadotropin, Shigella Sonnei. The lowest detection limit was 1 μg/ml, 20 U/L 1×10₄ cells/ml. The method allows measure of thyroxire concentrations in the range 50 to 200 nM, the precision of replicate measurements has the coefficient of variation 7%. The reasons for the background signal appearance were accurately analyzed. The choice of support was substantiated, the optimal conditions of it.s pretreatment being defined. This method makes possible the visualization of the results based on comparison the color intensity of zones with the control.     

Surface grafted antibodies: controlled architecture permits enhanced antigen detection

The attachment of antibodies to substrate surfaces is useful for achieving specific detection of antigens and toxins associated with clinical and field diagnostics. Here, acrylated whole antibodies were produced through conjugation chemistry, with the goal of covalently photografting these proteins from surfaces in a controlled fashion, to facilitate rapid and sensitive antigenic detection. A living radical photopolymerization chemistry was used to graft the acrylated whole antibodies on polymer surfaces at controlled densities and spatial locations by controlling the exposure time and area, respectively. Copolymer grafts containing these antibodies were synthesized to demonstrate two principles. First, PEG functionalities were introduced to prevent nonspecific protein interactions and improve the reaction kinetics by increasing solvation and mobility of the antibody-containing chains. Both of these properties lead to sensitive (pM) and rapid (<20 min) detection of antigens with this surface modification technique. Second, graft composition was tailored to include multiple antibodies on the same grafted chains, establishing a means for simultaneously detecting multiple antigens on one grafted surface area. Finally, the addition of PEG spacers between the acrylate functionality and the pendant detection antibodies was tuned to enhance the detection of a short-half-life molecule, glucagon, in a complex biological environment, plasma.     

A preliminary approach to the separation of Leishmania cell-surface antigens

The purpose of the current study was to characterize Leishmania cell-surface antigens by two different methods established for the purification of glycoproteins and proteins, and to point out a useful approach to define their size and mass heterogeneity. L. tropica parasites were initially isolated from patients with active cutaneous leishmaniasis and were then cultured in vitro. The parasite-cell layer was solubilised with 6 M guanidinium chloride (GuHCl) and subsequently prepared for the purification procedure. The methods used in this work were gel filtration chromatography and isopycnic density-gradient centrifugation. Because of the presence of a substantial amount of non-specific proteins in the culture medium, these methods were not effective alone in distinguishing these antigens. However, a good idea of their N-glycosylated structures could be obtained by using Periodic acid-Schiffs (PAS) and Con A lectin, and also size and mass heterogeneity. A combination of these methods effected a clear separation of the antigens. Amino acid analysis of the purified antigens was performed to positively identify them as well-known Leishmania cell-surface antigen gene products. The results confirmed the presence of more than one cell-surface antigen on the Leishmania parasite and the combination of gel chromatography and density-gradient centrifugation could be useful for their isolation.     

Microbial carbohydrate specific antibodies distinguish between different stages of differentiating mouse cerebellum

High titered anticarbohydrate antibodies were used to identify cell surface carbohydrates during different stages in histogenesis of mouse cerebellum in a micro tissue-culture system which mimics selected features of in vivo cerebellum development. Blockage of fiber formation within the first few days in vitro and inhibition of cell migrations by carbohydrate-specific antibodies served as an assay system for possible contributions of surface carbohydrates to the behavior of developing cerebellar cells. Microbial strains were selected on the basis of carbohydrate structures of their cell wall antigens, and anticarbohydrate antibodies were raised against treated whole bacteria and yeast in rabbits. We found that antibodies to mannan were active at all stages of development tested (embryonic day 13, E13; the day of birth, PO; and postnatal day 7, P7). Antibodies to sialic acids prepared against strains B and C of Neisseria meningitidis distinguish different subterminal structures: anti-B reacted with E13 and PO cerebellar cells, and anti-C mostly with cells older than P7. Antifetuin antibody recognized E13 and PO but not P7 cell populations. Pneumococcus C strain R36A-specific antibodies were effective only after coating cells to C type carbohydrate before application of the antibody. The results demonstrate that antimicrobiol carbohydrate antibodies cross-react with mammalian cell surface carbohydrate structures and therefore can be used as a powerful tool in tissue culture to analyse those structures which might control cell behaviors pertinent to cerebellar development.     

The Tn antigen-structural simplicity and biological complexity

Glycoproteins in animal cells contain a variety of glycan structures that are added co‐ and/or posttranslationally to proteins. Of over 20 different types of sugar–amino acid linkages known, the two major types are N‐glycans (Asn‐linked) and O‐glycans (Ser/Thr‐linked). An abnormal mucin‐type O‐glycan whose expression is associated with cancer and several human disorders is the Tn antigen. It has a relatively simple structure composed of N‐acetyl‐D ‐galactosamine with a glycosidic α linkage to serine/threonine residues in glycoproteins (GalNAcα1‐O‐Ser/Thr), and was one of the first glycoconjugates to be chemically synthesized. The Tn antigen is normally modified by a specific galactosyltransferase (T‐synthase) in the Golgi apparatus of cells. Expression of active T‐synthase is uniquely dependent on the molecular chaperone Cosmc, which is encoded by a gene on the X chromosome. Expression of the Tn antigen can arise as a consequence of mutations in the genes for T‐synthase or Cosmc, or genes affecting other steps of O‐glycosylation pathways. Because of the association of the Tn antigen with disease, there is much interest in the development of Tn‐based vaccines and other therapeutic approaches based on Tn expression.     

Application of magnetic solid phase extraction in separation and enrichment of glycoproteins and glycopeptides

The analysis of endogenous glycoproteins and glycopeptides in human body fluids is of great importance for screening and discovering disease biomarkers with clinical significance. However, the presence of interfering substances makes the direct quantitative detection of low-abundance glycoproteins and glycopeptides in human body fluids one of the great challenges in analytical chemistry. Magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) has the advantages of easy preparation, low cost and good magnetic responsiveness. Magnetic adsorbents are the core of MSPE technology, and magnetic adsorbents based on different functional materials are widely used in the quantitative analysis of glycoproteins and glycopeptides in human body fluids, making it possible to analyze glycoproteins and glycopeptides with low abundance as well as multiple types, which provides a technical platform for screening and evaluating glycoproteins and glycopeptides in body fluids as disease biomarkers. In this paper, we focus on the recent advances in the application of MSPE technology and magnetic adsorbents for the separation and enrichment of glycoproteins and glycopeptides in human body fluids, and the future trends and application prospects in this field are also presented.     

富含本征缺陷的新型锐钛矿TiO2纳米管的制备

为阻止纳米管钛酸在转变为新型锐钛矿TiO₂时管状结构的破坏,先在纳米管钛酸的内、外表面化学吸附一层物质,用以保护纳米管钛酸在脱水转变为新型锐钛矿TiO₂的过程中,管状结构不断裂、不塌陷,然后再除去表面的吸附物质,即可制得纯净的新型TiO₂纳米管。新型TiO₂纳米管有望应用于可见光"全"分解水制H₂、药物缓释剂以及纳米反应器等研究。     

A novel linker methodology for the synthesis of tailored conjugate vaccines composed of complex carbohydrate antigens and specific TH-cell peptide epitopes

Pathogenic organisms or oncogenically transformed cells often express complex carbohydrate structures at their cell surface, which are viable targets for active immunotherapy. We describe here a novel, immunologically neutral, linker methodology for the efficient preparation of highly defined vaccine conjugates that combine complex saccharide antigens with specific TH-cell peptide epitopes. This novel heterobifunctional approach was employed for the conjugation of a (1-->2)-beta-mannan trisaccharide from the pathogenic fungus Candida albicans as well as the carbohydrate portion of tumor-associated ganglioside GM2 to a TH-cell peptide epitope derived from the murine 60 kDa self heat-shock protein (hsp60). Moreover, the linkage chemistry has proven well suited for the synthesis of more complex target structures such as a biotinylated glycopeptide, a three component vaccine containing an immunostimulatory peptide epitope from interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), and for the conjugation of complex carbohydrates to carrier proteins such as bovine serum albumin.     

Fourier Transform Surface Plasmon Resonance (FTSPR) with Gyromagnetic Plasmonic Nanorods

An unprecedented active and dynamic sensing platform based on a LSPR configuration that is modulated by using an external magnetic field is reported. Electrochemically synthesized Au/Fe/Au nanorods exhibited plasmonically active behavior through plasmonic coupling, and the middle ferromagnetic Fe block responded to a magnetic impetus, allowing the nanorods to be modulated. The shear force variation induced by the specific binding events between antigens and antibodies on the nanorod surface is used to enhance the sensitivity of detection of antigens in the plasmonics‐based sensor application. As a proof‐of‐concept, influenza A virus (HA1) was used as a target protein. The limit of detection was enhanced by two orders of magnitude compared to that of traditional LSPR sensing.