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C C Sweeley

Publications and source records attributed to C C Sweeley.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

[Secretary sialidase activity and GM3 ganglioside].

The sialidase activities with GM3 ganglioside and sialyllactitol were demonstrated in the conditioned medium of human fibroblasts. pH versus activity profiles of conditioned medium with GM3 as substrate suggested the presence of two sialidases with optimal activities at pH 4.5 and pH 6.5. The GM3 sialidase activity at pH 6.5 was suppressed in the medium of contact-inhibited cells. This sialidase may function in the metabolism of cell surface GM3 since there was a selective loss of labeled sialic acid from GM3 at different times of incubation after pulse-labeling with a radioactive sialic acid precursor ([3H]N-acetyl-mannosamine) and a radioactive ceramide precursor ([14C]serine). In addition, a sialidase inhibitor, 2-deoxy-2, 3-dehydro-N-acetyl-neuraminic acid (NeuAc-2-en) resulted in a reversible growth inhibitory effect and the suppression of the sialidase activity in the medium. We have speculated that GM3 hydrolysis on the cell surface by the sialidase may be coordinated with the cell cycle and may be at its maximum during early in the G1 phase.

Cell Cycle↗

Growth control of human foreskin fibroblasts and inhibition of extracellular sialidase activity by 2-deoxy-2,3-dehydro-N-acetylneuraminic acid.

Normal human fibroblasts have two extreme modes of existence in culture, quiescent and proliferative. The growth and division of these cells are usually well regulated by the action of various endogenously generated stimulators and inhibitors. We have speculated that an extracellular sialidase may be involved in the regulation of growth and that inhibition of this activity might decrease or abolish cell growth. To test this hypothesis, we have incubated preconfluent cultures of fibroblasts in the presence and absence of a potent sialidase inhibitor, 2-deoxy-2,3-dehydro-N-acetylneuraminic acid. Treatment of cells with this inhibitor resulted in the inhibition of an extracellular sialidase activity for up to 24 h and had a marked growth inhibitory effect in a concentration-dependent manner. The effect of the inhibitor on cell proliferation was specific and reversible. During a chase period of 48 h after pulse labeling cells with [3H]N-acetylmannosamine and [14C]serine, there was a 15% decrease of [3H]sialic acid in the membrane-bound GM3 with 80 microM inhibitor in the medium, as compared with a 32% decrease in the controls. Our results suggest that an extracellular sialidase may participate in cell-surface modifications that accompany (or control) the changes observed when cells traverse the cell cycle, from the quiescent to the proliferative phase.

Cell Division↗

Sialidase activities of cultured human fibroblasts and the metabolism of GM3 ganglioside.

Free sialic acid has been found in the cell-conditioned medium of human foreskin fibroblasts. It is proposed that the accumulation of extracellular sialic acid may result from the hydrolysis of GM3 ganglioside on the cell surface of these fibroblasts. Sialidase activities with GM3 ganglioside and sialyllactitol as substrates were demonstrated in cell-conditioned medium, and the levels of their activities correlated positively with cell density. The GM3 sialidase activity at pH 4.5 was 4.1 and 38 pmol/h/ml of medium at sparse and confluent densities, respectively; the corresponding activities with sialyllactitol as the substrate were 12 and 75 pmol/h/ml of medium (pH 4.5). The pH versus activity profiles with GM3 as the substrate suggested the presence of a second sialidase with an optimal activity at pH 6.5 in the conditioned medium of preconfluent cells. This activity was virtually absent in the medium of contact-inhibited cells and could not be assayed with sialyllactitol as the substrate. The turnover of cell surface GM3 was assessed by pulse labeling human foreskin fibroblasts with a radioactive precursor of sialic acid ([1-14C]N-acetylmannosamine) and a radioactive precursor of ceramide ([3,3-3H2]serine). During a chase period of 24 h turnover of the doubly labeled cellular GM3 was observed; there was a loss of about 35% of the 14C-labeled sialic acid without any measureable loss of 3H-labeled ceramide from GM3. We have speculated that the enzyme-catalyzed removal of sialic acid from the GM3 ganglioside on the extracellular aspect of the plasma membrane may be a necessary event involved in the modulation of cell growth.

Carbon Radioisotopes↗

Interactive and multi-sensory analysis of complex mixtures by an automated gas chromatography system.

Methods are presented for increased human-computer interactions in the analysis of metabolic profiles of urinary organic acids. Complex mixtures of trimethylsilylated derivatives are separated by capillary gas-liquid chromatography on a 25-m bonded-phase, fused-silica column. Retention times and areas, determined by a printing integrator, are transferred to a personal computer along with the digitized output of the flame-ionization detector. Post-run computer analysis gives enhanced visual graphic displays with software-driven zooming, scrolling, peak identification and quantitation. In addition, auditory (musical) forms can be produced that increase the scope of human interaction. This novel approach catalyzes simultaneous use of computer calculations and human intuition, optimizing their combined cognitive powers for accurate qualitative and quantitative analyses of these complex mixtures.

Acids↗

Effect of retinoic acid and phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate on glycosyltransferase activities in normal and transformed cells.

Retinoic acid was found to increase the activity of cytidine monophosphosialic acid:lactosylceramide sialyltransferase activity in a nontransformed clonal hamster cell line, NIL 8, and a virally transformed clone, NIL 8-HSV. The potent tumor promoter phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) had no significant effect on sialyltransferase activity in NIL 8 cells but stimulated this activity almost 6-fold when added to NIL 8-HSV cells. There was a synergistically additive effect on sialyltransferase activity when PMA was added to NIL 8 cells in concert with retinoic acid. On the other hand neither PMA nor retinoic acid had an appreciable effect on two other glycosyltransferases measured, uridine diphospho-N-acetylgalactosamine:globotriaosylceramide N-acetylgalactosaminyl-transferase and uridine diphosphogalactose:asialoagalactofetuin galactosyltransferase. Examination of sialyltransferase activity in a human epidermoid carcinoma cell line showed a large increase in enzyme activity in response to retinoic acid administration. Two nontransformed hamster cell lines had less basal sialyltransferase activity but also showed marked elevations after retinoic acid treatment. It is proposed that one of the molecular mechanisms underlying the biological effects of retinoic acid and PMA may be an increase in sialyltransferase activity. Possible regulatory mechanisms are discussed.

Animals↗

Glycosphingolipid glycosyltransferase assay using sephadex G-50 chromatography in aqueous phase.

An assay method for glycosphingolipid glycosyltransferase activity using simple Sephadex G-50 gel permeation chromatography in an aqueous solvent has been developed. An acceptor glycosphingolipid and a donor radioactive nucleotide sugar were incubated with an enzyme source. The reaction mixture was loaded onto a Sephadex G-50 column previously equilibrated with 0.3% (w/v) Triton X-100, 0.1 M sodium chloride, and 0.02% (w/v) sodium azide. The radiolabeled reaction product was eluted by the same solvent in the excluded volume and was collected directly into a liquid scintillation vial, separated from other radioactive compounds. This assay method was utilized to determine the activity of cytidine 5'-monophosphate-N-acetylneuraminic acid:GM3 ganglioside sialyltransferase, which catalyzes the synthesis of GD3 ganglioside, and proved to be as reliable and sensitive as previously published assay procedures. In addition, this assay can be carried out in less time and is simpler than previously reported procedures.

Animals↗

Metabolic profiles of urinary organic acids recovered from absorbent filter paper.

We evaluated for reliability and reproducibility a semiquantitative gas-chromatographic assay of organic acids in samples of normal urine recovered from absorbent filter paper. We also evaluated this method for use in diagnosis of some of the more common organic acidurias. Transfer of urine from diapers to absorbent filter paper eases the usual trauma of specimen collection from young children; it also simplifies sample storage and shipment.

Carboxylic Acids↗

Advanced instrumentation and strategies for metabolic profiling.

This review summarizes the instrumental techniques applicable for metabolic profiling analysis. Since its origin with the work of Roger Williams, use has been made of planar chromatography, column liquid chromatography, electrophoresis, gas-liquid chromatography, and mass spectrometry to obtain analyte patterns. Strategies for the analysis of various metabolites including organic acids, steroids, drugs, bile acids, carbohydrates, and proteins are discussed.

Animals↗

Urinary metabolites of L-threonine in type 1 diabetes determined by combined gas chromatography/chemical ionization mass spectrometry.

Metabolic profiling of urinary organic acids from patients with juvenile-onset (Type 1) diabetes mellitus have revealed significantly elevated levels of 2-hydroxybutyric and 4-deoxythreonic acids. To test the hypothesis that these metabolites, as well as 4-deoxyerythronic acid, are derived from L-threonine, stable isotope-labeled threonine was infused into an insulin-deficient dog and the incorporation of 13C into these metabolites was monitored by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Electron ionization was relatively insensitive, but positive chemical ionization with ammonia as the reactant gas gave both protonated molecules and [M + NH4]+ ions, which could be analysed by selected ion monitoring. The isotope-labeled species of 2-hydroxybutyric, 4-deoxyerythronic and 4-deoxythreonic acids were observed, but 13C was not incorporated into other organic acids. Thus, it is proposed that L-threonine is a precursor of these metabolites.

Animals↗

Regulation of membrane-bound enzymes of glycosphingolipid biosynthesis.

The descriptive phase of glycosphingolipid biochemistry has blossomed over the past decade with the application of exquisitely sensitive analytical methods of mass spectrometry, NMR, and monoclonal antibody technology. Consequently, appreciation of the interrelation among the complex carbohydrate structures that are expressed on the cell surface has focused attention on the regulation of the glycosyltransferases responsible for such diversity. This review explores some aspects of several potential molecular mechanisms of regulation--compartmentation of glycosyltransferases and effect of the immediate lipid environment; modulation of enzyme activity by acceptor substrate, divalent cations, and availability of sugar nucleotides; modifications of the enzyme operon elicited by viral transformation integration sites, or to the enzyme by phosphorylation-dephosphorylation--which are presently at the cutting edge of glycosphingolipid science.

Animals↗

Characterization of a CMP-sialic acid:lactosylceramide sialyltransferase activity in cultured hamster cells.

Previous studies have shown a strong correlation between reduced levels of GM3 ganglioside and an increase in the oncogenic transformation of cultured cells. CMP-sialic acid:lactosylceramide sialyltransferase, which catalyzes GM3 synthesis, was characterized in cultured hamster fibroblasts (NIL-8) with respect to substrate binding, pH optimum, detergent requirements, metal ion requirements, activity during cell cycle phases and activity during cell growth phases. The apparent Km values for CMP-sialic acid and lactosylceramide were 0.16 and 0.11 mM, respectively. The enzyme required Mn2+ (15 mM) for maximal, but Mg2+ and Ca2+ were able to substitute to a lesser extent. Triton CF-54 (0.3%, w/v) compared to other nonionic detergents gave the greatest enzyme activation, while ionic detergents inhibited the enzyme. A broad pH optimum (4.5-8.0) was obtained, with maximum activity at pH 6.5 in cacodylate-HCl buffer. No buffer effects on enzyme activity were seen. Sialyltransferase activity was found to be highest in the M and G1 phases of the cell cycle and in the contact-inhibited phase of cell growth.

Animals↗

D,L-alpha-Fluoropalmitic acid inhibits sphingosine base formation and accumulates in membrane lipids of cultured mammalian cells.

D,L-alpha-Fluoropalmitic acid was synthesized by tosylation of methyl-D,L-alpha-hydroxypalmitate, and displacement of the tosylated function by tetrabutylammonium fluoride in acetonitrile. Uptake and utilization of the compound by cultured Balb/c 3T3 cells were studied after presentation of the fluoro fatty acid analogue complexed with bovine serum albumin. A concentration of 0.28 mM had very little effect on cell growth over several days of incubation, and cell morphology was unchanged. Chromatographic and mass spectrometric analyses at 6 and 12 h of incubation showed that D,L-alpha-fluoropalmitic acid was taken up by the cells and incorporated without modification as a fatty acyl moiety into select lipids. Significant levels of the compound were found at 12 h in phosphatidylcholine (1.6%) and sphingomyelin (0.6%) fatty acids, but not in those of other phospholipids or neutral lipids. D,L-alpha-Fluoropalmitic acid represented a significant percentage of the fatty acids of neutral glycosphingolipids (1.4%) and ceramides (0.8%) by 12 h. The fluoro fatty acid was not incorporated into long-chain sphingolipid bases, and mass spectrometry failed to reveal additional carbon-2 fluorine-substituted compounds in cellular lipids. Cellular levels of triacylglycerols and phosphatidylcholine remained essentially unchanged, or were slightly increased, while amounts of ceramide and gangliosides were decreased. Comparison of labeled palmitate incorporation into sphingolipid bases and fatty acids of sphingomyelin suggested inhibition of sphingosine synthesis by the fluoro fatty sphingomyelin suggested inhibition of sphingosine synthesis by the fluoro fatty acid. D,L-alpha-Fluoropalmitic acid inhibited the formation of palmitoyl-CoA by Balb/c 3T3 long-chain acyl-CoA synthetase in vitro. The results support involvement of CoA thiol ester-independent steps in modification of membrane lipids.

Animals↗

Structural characterization of oligosaccharides by high-performance liquid chromatography, fast-atom bombardment-mass spectrometry, and exoglycosidase digestion.

A method for structural characterization of oligosaccharides after preparing uv-absorbing derivatives is described. The derivatives can be rapidly analyzed and purified by high-performance liquid chromatography, with separation of various structures determined primarily by size and sugar composition. Derivatization requires as little as 0.5-1.0 nmol of oligosaccharide, and detection of down to 50 pmol of oligosaccharide is possible by monitoring absorbance at 229 nm. In addition, the carbohydrate portion of the derivative was found to retain its sensitivity to exoglycosidases, allowing sequential enzymatic digestions for determination of sugar sequence and anomerity to be performed. The derivatives also possessed a site of potential positive charge, making them amenable to analysis by fast-atom bombardment-mass spectrometry. Permethylation of the derivatives permitted their separation by capillary gas chromatography, thus allowing investigation of their structures by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The combination of these techniques will allow almost the complete structure of small amounts of oligosaccharides to be determined.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Chromatography of permethylated oligosaccharide alditols.

A new chromatographic method which enables the separation of permethylated oligosaccharide alditols has been developed. The method entails chromatography on precoated silica gel plates using benzene-methanol (16:1, v/v or 10:1 v/v) as developing solvent. Separations of disaccharides were obtained on the basis of glycosidic linkage and anomeric configuration; the method can accomodate oligosaccharides containing up to 15 glycose units. The combined use of thin-layer chromatography and gas-liquid chromatography provides a powerful approach for the characterization of oligosaccharides. Retention indices are given of permethylated oligosaccharide alditols on a fused-silica capillary column bonded with DB-1.

Chemical Phenomena↗

Biosynthesis of alpha-galactosidase A in cultured Chang liver cells.

An investigation of the structure and biosynthesis of alpha-galactosidase A (alpha-D-galactoside glycohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.22) and its N-linked oligosaccharide chains was undertaken by metabolic labeling of Chang liver cells with [2-3H]mannose, immunoprecipitation of the activity, and examination of the resulting immunoprecipitates. From cells pulse labeled for 3 h, two radioactive bands with Mr = 58,000 and 49,000 were detected by SDS-gel electrophoresis; following a 20-h chase, only the Mr = 49,000 band was observed. Examination of the oligosaccharide fraction derived from pulse-labeled enzyme revealed that 18% of the asparagine-linked oligosaccharides were complex and 82% were high-mannose type. After a 20-h chase, 48% of the oligosaccharides were complex and 52% were high mannose. The high-mannose oligosaccharides of alpha-galactosidase A immunoprecipitated from both pulsed and pulse-chased cells had the same mobilities as Man8-9GlcNAc on thin-layer chromatography and Bio-Gel P-4. Two fractions of complex glycopeptides derived from the alpha-galactosidase A of pulsed and pulse-chased cells had the same migration on Bio-Gel P-4 as glucose oligomers containing 14 and 19-39 glucose units. Based on their apparent size and their behavior on concanavalin A-Sepharose, the complex oligosaccharides are believed to be composed of tri- and/or tetraantennary structures.

Animals↗