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C Lingwood

Publications and source records attributed to C Lingwood.

34 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Studies on the spermatogenic sulfogalactolipid binding protein SLIP 1.

We have purified the testicular sulfogalactolipid binding protein SLIP 1 and shown by photoaffinity labeling that it contains an ATP binding site. Purified SLIP 1 was fluorescently labeled and shown to retain specific sulfogalactolipid binding function. This probe was used to investigate the topology of SLIP 1 binding sites on testicular germ cells. The binding pattern precisely coincided with the previously demonstrated asymmetric surface domains of sulfogalactoglycerolipid (SGG). Occasionally these SGG-containing, SLIP 1-binding cell surface domains exactly coincided with structural features on the cell surface as detected by differential interference contrast microscopy. These results demonstrate that SLIP 1/SGG interactions could provide an effective intercellular communication network between testicular germ cells within the seminiferous tubule.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Synthesis and structural characterization of a cardioactive biotinylated digoxin analogue.

We have biotinylated the terminal glycose of digoxin by reaction of the periodate-oxidized steroid with biotin hydrazide. A biotinylated product (BD-1) was formed which retained significant digoxin receptor (Na+/K+ ATPase) binding activity. Sustained reaction resulted in a second biotinylated product (BD-2) which showed reduced receptor binding activity. The products were characterized by FAB mass spectroscopy and shown to be the mono- and di-biotinylated digoxin conjugates of the oxidized glycose moiety. These analogues may prove useful in determining the subcellular site of digoxin binding.

Biotin↗

Characterization of Shiga-like toxin I B subunit purified from overproducing clones of the SLT-I B cistron.

The cistron encoding the B subunit of Escherichia coli Shiga-like toxin I (SLT-I) was cloned under control of the tac promoter in the expression vector pKK223-3 and the SLT-I B subunit was expressed constitutively in a wild-type background and inducibly in a lacIq background. The B subunit was located in the periplasmic space, and less than 10% was found in the culture medium after 24 h incubation. Polymyxin B extracts contained as much as 160 micrograms of B subunit/ml of culture. B subunit was purified to homogeneity by ion-exchange chromatography followed by chromatofocusing. Cross-linking analysis of purified native B subunit showed that it exists as a pentamer. In gels containing 0.1% SDS the native protein dissociated into monomers. B subunit was found to have the same glycolipid-receptor-specificity as SLT-I holotoxin. Competitive binding studies showed that B subunit and holotoxin had the same affinity for the globotriosylceramide receptor. We conclude that this recombinant plasmid is a convenient source of large amounts of purified SLT-I B subunit, which could be used for biophysical and structural studies or as a natural toxoid.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

Male germ cell specific sulfogalactoglycerolipid is recognized and degraded by mycoplasmas associated with male infertility.

Sulfogalactosylglycerolipid (SGG) is the major mammalian male germ cell glycolipid and has been implicated in sperm/egg binding. Mycoplasma pulmonis, a species of Mollicutes, is associated with male infertility in rodents. Purified SGG incubated in the presence of M. pulmonis was enzymatically degraded by both desulfation and deacylation. Desulfation occurred primarily at alkaline pH, and deacylation also increased with increased pH, indicating that these represent novel enzymatic activities. Digestion was facilitated, but not dependent on, the presence of detergent. Rat spermatozoa exposed to M. pulmonis showed a reduction in SGG content which was particularly marked for cauda (mature) spermatozoa. With the aid of tlc overlay binding procedure, intact M. pulmonis were found to bind specifically to sulfated glycolipids and thus SGG may provide the cell membrane receptor for this organism. The topology of mycoplasma binding to rat sperm was consistent with the known topology of sperm SGG. The reduced binding (and subsequent digestion) of caput spermatozoan SGG correlates with the membrane colocalization of SGG and its endogenous binding protein at this stage. Separation of SGG and its binding protein during epididymal sperm maturation appears to facilitate M. pulmonis binding to and digestion of cauda sperm SGG. The binding and degradation of the sperm SGG by M. pulmonis may play a role in the induction of infertility which follows infection with these organisms by interfering in sperm/egg receptor recognition.

Animals↗

Modification of the glycolipid-binding specificity of vero cytotoxin by polymyxin B and other cyclic amphipathic peptides.

Polymyxin B, an amphipathic cyclic decapeptide produced by Bacillus polymyxa, is routinely used in the extraction of the components from the periplasmic space of gram-negative bacteria. Vero cytotoxin 1 (VT1) is an Escherichia coli-elaborated subunit toxin which binds to the glycolipid globotriosylceramide (Gal-alpha 1-4-Gal beta 1-4-Glc-ceramide [Gb3]) and has been strongly implicated in the etiology of the hemolytic uremic syndrome and hemorrhagic colitis. We now show by in vitro glycolipid-binding assays that in the presence of low concentrations of polymyxin B, globotetraosylceramide (GalNAc beta 1-3Gal alpha 1-4Gal beta 1-4Glc-ceramide [Gb4]) is also recognized by both the VT1 B (binding) subunit and holotoxin. Melittin, a 26-amino-acid cyclic peptide of similar amphipathic nature, produced the same effect, whereas a hydrophobic blocking agent did not. Triton X-100 did not increase binding of VT1 to Gb4 but prevented glycolipid binding in toto at concentrations above 0.5%. Caution is therefore advised in the analysis of VT1 glycolipid binding in the presence of amphipathic peptides.

Bacterial Toxins↗

Neutralization receptor-based immunoassay for detection of neutralizing antibodies to Escherichia coli verocytotoxin 1.

The NeutRELISA, a modification of the receptor enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay developed for the detection of verocytotoxin 1 (VT1) which permits the rapid detection of neutralizing antibodies (NAb) against this toxin, has been performed. A standard concentration of VT1 was preincubated with VT-immune or nonimmune rabbit serum. The serum-toxin mixtures were then added to microtiter plates coated with deacylated globotriosyl ceramide (lyso-Gb3). The reduction of VT1 binding to lyso-Gb3 in the immune serum-toxin mixtures compared with the VT1-Gb3 binding in the nonimmune serum-toxin mixtures was detected by using mouse monoclonal antibody to VT1. After standardization of the NeutRELISA with rabbit sera, 57 human control serum samples were tested to establish a cutoff value below which NeutRELISA results would be considered positive. Thirty-three single serum samples known to demonstrate NAb to VT1 by biological assay reproducibly demonstrated VT1 NAb when tested by the NeutRELISA. There was a close correlation between the biological VT1 neutralization assay and the NeutRELISA. This assay offers a practical, rapid, and reliable approach for the detection of NAb to VT1 and other verocytotoxins.

Antibodies, Bacterial↗

Sensitive receptor-specified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for Escherichia coli verocytotoxin.

The specific identification of verocytotoxin (VT)-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) requires the detection of VTs in bacterial culture filtrates or the detection of genes encoding these toxins in bacterial cells by specific DNA probes. The standard method for detecting these toxins involves a time-consuming, labor-intensive, and expensive cytotoxicity assay. We have developed a specific, highly sensitive receptor-specified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (RELISA) to detect VT1, one of at least two VTs implicated in human disease. The assay is based on the affinity of VT1 for the glycolipid globotriosyl ceramide (Gb3). Gb3 was de-N-acylated to yield lyso-Gb3, which is more polar but retains VT1 binding. Lyso-Gb3 was used to sensitize microdilution plates to bind VT1 for subsequent immunodetection. This RELISA was used to detect VT1 in the culture supernatant of a variety of bacteria of known VT status. The assay was compared with the highly sensitive cell cytotoxicity assay for their abilities to detect VT. The RELISA was as sensitive as the cytotoxicity assay and, in a blind study, 100% specific. This assay will provide a quick, specific, efficient adjunct to the diagnosis and epidemiological study of VTEC infections and their relationship to human disease.

Bacterial Toxins↗

Verotoxin receptor glycolipid in human renal tissue.

Infection with verotoxin producing Escherichia coli has been strongly implicated in the etiology of the hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). We have previously shown that this toxin specifically binds to a glycolipid receptor-globotriosyl ceramide (Gb3). We have therefore quantitated the level of this glycolipid by HPLC in human renal cortex and medulla as a function of age. We have also measured the binding of verotoxin to Gb3 isolated from each renal tissue sample. Gb3 was a major component of the glycolipid fraction of all renal samples analyzed. The levels were found to be higher in the cortex than medulla, correlating with the clinical incidence of renal lesions in HUS, but reduced in the kidneys of infants as compared to adults. Verotoxin binding was directly proportional to the renal Gb3 content. Thus, human renal tissue is a rich source of the verotoxin receptor glycolipid. However, changes in receptor concentration cannot explain the age-related incidence of HUS.

Aging↗

Globotriosyl ceramide is specifically recognized by the Escherichia coli verocytotoxin 2.

Two Escherichia coli cytotoxins (verotoxins 1 and 2) have been previously implicated in the cytopathology of the Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. We have examined the glycolipid binding specificity of verotoxin (VT)2. This toxin specifically binds to globotriosyl ceramide (galactose alpha 1-4 galactose beta 1-4 glucosyl ceramide). Removal, or substitution of the terminal a galactose residue with N-acetyl galactosamine in beta 1-3 linkage, deletes binding activity. The toxin does not recognize similar terminal a galactose residues on a glycoglycerolipid. Thus the binding specificity of VT2 is the same as previously reported for VT1. Liposomes containing globotriosyl ceramide are able to specifically remove VT1 and VT2 cytotoxicity and cell lines selected in vitro for resistance to VT1 are cross resistant to VT2.

Bacterial Toxins↗

Modulation of testicular galactolipid sulfotransferase activity in vitro by ATP.

Testicular galactolipid sulfotransferase activity is an early marker of differentiation during mammalian spermatogenesis. The enzyme will catalyze the sulfation of galactosylglycerol in the 3' position of the galactose moiety at 37 degrees C in vitro. However, sulfotransferase activity was found to be completely lost on preincubation of the solubilized enzyme preparation at 37 degrees C. This loss of activity was completely prevented by inclusion of ATP and Triton in the preincubation step. This protective effect was synergistic, pH dependent and correlated with an inhibition of endogenous phosphatase activity. These results are interpreted to suggest that the galactolipid sulfotransferase may be regulated by a phosphorylation mechanism.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Synthesis and use of galactolipid sulfotransferase substrate-analogue affinity probes: possible localization of the testicular enzyme.

Galactosyl ceramide (GC) is a substrate in vitro for galactolipid sulfotransferase preparations from brain, kidney, and testis. Biotinylated and light-sensitive azido derivatives of lysogalactosyl ceramide have been synthesized. These derivatives remain effective substrates for the testicular enzyme. Biotinylated GC has been used to localize specific GC-binding sites in frozen sections of rat testis. The binding pattern is consistent with the expected location of the testicular galactolipid sulfotransferase.

Affinity Labels↗

Deficiency in the regulation of testicular galactolipid sulphotransferase in rats carrying the growth-and-reproduction-complex (grc) gene.

The regulation of the activity of testicular germ-cell galactolipid sulphotransferase was investigated in rats homozygous for the grc (growth and reproductive complex) gene. In the adult grc homozygotes, the activity was elevated relative to that in the wild-type animals, and a concomitant deficiency of a developmentally regulated sulphotransferase inhibitor was found. Spermatogenesis in the grc homozygotes is blocked at a stage that correlates temporally with the earliest detection of this inhibitor in the wild-type animal. In addition, there was a similar increase in the specific activity of the kidney galactolipid sulphotransferase in the grc homozygotes. This biochemical abnormality is the first to be associated with a genetically regulated, developmental defect linked to the major histocompatibility complex, and it is related to the pathogenesis of one of the major lesions controlled by the grc.

Animals↗

Are immunoassays for digoxin reliable?

The specificity of radioimmunoassay and fluorescence polarization immunoassay procedures for the measurement of digoxin has been assessed. Many steroids and lipids have been found to interfere and give false positive results for digoxin under the conditions of the study. Caution is recommended in the interpretation of digoxin measurements made by immunoassay procedures.

Cross Reactions↗

Localization of sulfatoxygalactosylacylalkylglycerol at the surface of rat testicular germinal cells by immunocytochemical techniques: pH dependence of a nonimmunological reaction between immunoglobulin and germinal cells.

The synthesis of sulfatoxygalactosylacylalkylglycerol (SGG) is a marker of germinal cell differentiation during spermatogenesis. Antibodies raised against this lipid have been used to visualize SGG on the surfaces of rat spermatocytes and spermatids. An ionic interaction between SGG and immunoglobulin was shown to occur at physiological pH, resulting in high fluorescence backgrounds for control cells treated with nonimmune sera. Immunofluorescence was therefore performed at alkaline pH such that this interaction was much reduced or eliminated. A method was also developed to detect surface-bound complement fixed in the presence of anti-SGG. SGG was found to be mobile within the plane of the membrane, undergoing ligand-induced "patching" and occasional "capping." However, this phenomenon was independent of temperature.

Animals↗

Tissue distribution of sulfolipids in the rat. Restricted location of sulfatoxygalactosylacylalkylglycerol.

Eleven rat tissues (excluding brain) have been assayed for their ability to synthesize sulfatoxygalactosylacylalkylglycerol (SGG) from Na235SO4 in vivo. These tissues were also assayed for the presence of SGG by an indirect immunofluorescence procedure using rabbit anti-SGG and frozen tissue sections. By both procedures SGG was found to be restricted to the testis; several novel sulfolipids were detected during this study.

Animals↗