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Molecular basis of beta-galactosidase alpha-complementation.

In previous studies, a cyanogen bromide peptide derived from amino-acid residues 3-92 of beta-galactosidase (EC 3.2.1.23; beta-D-galactoside galactohydrolase) was shown to have alpha-donor activity in intracistronic alpha-complementation. We have now isolated the defective beta-galactosidase alpha-acceptor protein from the deletion mutant strain M15 of Escherichia coli and find that it lacks residues 11-41 of betal-galactosidase. This is demonstrated by the isolation and sequence determination of a cyanogen bromide peptide from the M15 protein, which is identical to the corresponding peptide from beta-galactosidase except for the missing amino acids. We conclude that the alpha-donor peptide restores the region missing in the M15 protein.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Conversion of beta-galactosidase to a membrane-bound state by gene fusion.

We have isolated a series of strains in which the lacZ gene has been fused to one of the maltose operons, such that the synthesis of beta-galactosidase (beta-D-galactoside galactohydrolase; EC 3.2.1.23) is inducible by maltose. The most frequent event that generates such fusions results in strains in which an intact lacZ gene has become a part of the malE,F operon. By using a special selection procedure, we have detected much rarer fusion events resulting in an altered beta-galactosidase molecule. In these strains, we presume that there is a hybrid protein molecule produced, comprised of an NH2-terminal amino acid sequence from a maltose transport protein (malF) and a COOH-terminal amino acid sequence from beta-galactosidase. The hybrid protein, which still retains some beta-galactosidase activity, is found in the cytoplasmic membrane. These results provide information on the component of the malF gene essential for incorporation of its product into the membrane.

Biological Transport↗

Beta-galactosidase enzymatic activity as a molecular probe to detect specific antibodies.

The main antigenic region of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype C1, also called site A, has been inserted in zones of the beta-galactosidase important for the stabilization of the active site, causing important changes in the Km and the specific activity of the resulting enzymes. The peptide is displayed at the surface of the recombinant proteins and, in all the cases, presents a good antigenicity. Among the recombinant proteins constructed, in proteins M278VP1 and M275SVP1 the peptide is inserted in a large loop of the beta-galactosidase (amino acids 272-288) involved in the formation of the activating interface. In these constructs, the binding of the specific antibodies directed to the foreign peptide causes an increase of the beta-galactosidase activity up to about 200%. This phenomenon has been proved using monoclonal antibodies and also using polyclonal sera generated against the peptide. Different hypothesis of the mechanism of modulation upon antibody binding are discussed. This insertion site seems to be sensitive enough to enzymatic modulation mediated by antibody binding. We propose further exploring this insertion site as a tool for a rapid detection of specific antibodies in a quick and simple homogeneous assay based on the colorimetric determination of beta-galactosidase activity.

Antibodies↗

Association of N-acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase with the multienzyme lysosomal complex of beta-galactosidase, cathepsin A, and neuraminidase. Possible implication for intralysosomal catabolism of keratan sulfate.

N-Acetylgalactosamine-6-sulfate sulfatase (GALNS) catalyzes the first step of intralysosomal keratan sulfate (KS) catabolism. In Morquio type A syndrome GALNS deficiency causes the accumulation of KS in tissues and results in generalized skeletal dysplasia in affected patients. We show that in normal cells GALNS is in a 1.27-MDa complex with three other lysosomal hydrolases: beta-galactosidase, alpha-neuraminidase, and cathepsin A (protective protein). GALNS copurifies with the complex by different chromatography techniques: affinity chromatography on both cathepsin A-binding and beta-galactosidase-binding columns, gel filtration, and chromatofocusing. Anti-human cathepsin A rabbit antiserum coprecipitates GALNS together with cathepsin A, beta-galactosidase, and alpha-neuraminidase in both a purified preparation of the 1. 27-MDa complex and crude glycoprotein fraction from human placenta extract. Gel filtration analysis of fibroblast extracts of patients deficient in either beta-galactosidase (beta-galactosidosis) or cathepsin A (galactosialidosis), which accumulate KS, demonstrates that the 1.27-MDa complex is disrupted and that GALNS is present only in free homodimeric form. The GALNS activity and cross-reacting material are reduced in the fibroblasts of patients affected with galactosialidosis, indicating that the complex with cathepsin A may protect GALNS in the lysosome. We suggest that the 1.27-MDa complex of lysosomal hydrolases is essential for KS catabolism and that the disruption of this complex may be responsible for the KS accumulation in beta-galactosidosis and galactosialidosis patients.

Animals↗

Proteasome inhibitors reduce luciferase and beta-galactosidase activity in tissue culture cells.

Reporter enzymes are commonly used in cell biology to study transcriptional activity of genes. Recently, reporter enzymes in combination with compounds that inhibit proteasome function have been used to study the effect of blocking transcription factor degradation on gene activation. While investigating the effect of proteasome inhibition on steroid receptor activation of the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) promoter, we found that treatment with proteasome inhibitors enhanced glucocorticoid activation of the promoter attached to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter, but inhibited activation of MMTV attached to a firefly luciferase or beta-galactosidase reporter. MMTV RNA levels under these conditions correlated with the promoter activity observed using the CAT reporter, suggesting that proteasome inhibitor treatment interfered with luciferase or beta-galactosidase reporter assays. Washout experiments demonstrated that the majority of luciferase activity was lost if the proteasome inhibitor was added at the same time luciferase was produced, not once the functional protein was made, suggesting that proteasome inhibition interferes with production of luciferase protein. Indeed, we found that proteasome inhibitor treatment dramatically reduced the levels of luciferase and beta-galactosidase protein produced, as determined by Western blot. Thus, treatment with proteasome inhibitors interferes with luciferase and beta-galactosidase reporter assays, possibly by inhibiting production of a functional reporter protein.

Cysteine Endopeptidases↗

Purification and characterization of a thermostable beta-galactosidase from kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cv. PDR14.

Using five different steps, beta-Galactosidase has been purified from kidney beans to apparent electrophoretic homogeneity with approximately 90-fold purification with a specific activity of 281 units mg-1 protein. A single band was observed in native PAGE. Activity staining of the native gel with 5-bromo 4-chloro 3-indoxyl beta-D-galactopyranoside (X-Gal) at pH 4.0 also produced a single band. Analytical gel filtration in Superdex G-75 revealed the molecular mass of the native protein to be approximately 75 kD. 10% SDS-PAGE under reducing conditions showed two subunits of molecular masses, 45 and 30 kD, respectively. Hence, beta-galactosidase from kidney beans is a heterodimer. A typical protein profile with lambda max at 280 nm was observed and A280/A260 ratio was 1.52. The N-terminal sequence of the 45 kD band showed 86% sequence homology with an Arabidopsis thaliana and 85% with Lycopersicon esculentum putative beta-galactosidase sequences. The Electrospray Mass Spectrometric analysis of this band also revealed a peptide fragment that had 90% sequence homology with an Arabidopsis thaliana putative beta-galactosidase sequence. The N-terminal sequencing of the 30 kD band as well as mass spectrometric analysis both by MALDI-TOF and ES MS revealed certain sequences that matched with phytohemagglutinin of kidney beans. The optimum pH of the enzyme was 4.0 and it hydrolysed o- and p-nitrophenyl beta-D galactopyranoside with a Km value of 0.63 mmol/L and 0.74 mmol/L, respectively. The energy of activation calculated from the Arrhenius equation was 14.8 kcal/mol enzyme site. The enzyme was found to be comparatively thermostable showing maximum activity at 67 degrees C. Thermal denaturation of the enzyme at 65 degrees C obeys single exponential decay with first order-rate constant 0.105 min-1. Galactose, a hydrolytic product of this enzyme was a competitive inhibitor with a Ki of 2.7 mmol/L.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Binding kinetics of monoclonal antibody using antigen-beta-galactosidase hybrid protein: application to measurement of peptide antigenicity.

A simple method for determination of binding kinetics of a solid-phase antibody using antigen-beta-galactosidase hybrid protein was evaluated. To minimize conformational change of the antigen binding site of the antibody when directly binding to a microtiter plate, the microtiter plate was precoated with protein A. The binding and free antigen concentrations were directly obtained from the beta-galactosidase activity. This method can be used for analyses of the equilibrium dissociation constant (KD), and the association (Kass) and dissociation (Kdiss) rate constants. Peptide antigenicity was also analyzed by competitive ELISA using this method. Since both antigen-beta-galactosidase and the peptide used are localized in the fluid-phase, the proper affinity constant (KA) of the peptide can be estimated from the KD value of the antigen-beta-galactosidase-antibody interaction, and from the IC50 value of the peptide.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Preparation and properties of alpha-galactosidase chemically attached to activated chitin.

alpha-Galactosidase (alpha-D-galactoside galactohydrolase, EC 3.2.1.22) from watermelon was covalently immobilized on chitin. The immobilized alpha-galactosidase exhibited an activity of 0.61 U per g of carrier and an activity yield of 67%. The properties of free and immobilized alpha-galactosidase were also searched and compared. The results showed that, optimum conditions for activity were not affected by immobilization. The optimum pH and temperature for free and immobilized enzyme found as pH 6.0 and 65 degress C, respectively. Compared with the free enzyme, the temperature and pH stabilities of the immobilized enzyme were similar. Both the enzymes were stable between pH 2-10 and below 50 degrees C. The Km values for free and immobilized enzyme were determined using p-nitrophenyl-alpha-D-galactopyranoside (PNPG) and raffinose as substrates. Operational stability of the immobilized enzyme was investigated by using both substrates. The operational half-life (t 1/2) was calculated as 34 h for PNPG and 28 h for raffinose. The immobilized alpha-galactosidase was also utilized in the hydrolysis of raffinose. The immobilization procedure on chitin was cheap and also easy to carry out, and the immobilized enzyme had good properties that the potential for practical application is considerable.

Chitin↗

Beta-galactosidase gene transfer to human malignant glioma in vivo using replication-deficient retroviruses and adenoviruses.

Both retro- and adenovirus-mediated gene therapy have been suggested as a novel approach to the treatment of malignant brain tumors. However, little information is available about the gene transfer efficiency in human malignant glioma in vivo. We compared the feasibility and safety of retrovirus- and adenovirus-mediated beta-galactosidase gene transfer in human malignant glioma. Beta-galactosidase gene was transferred to 10 patients with malignant glioma via a catheter inserted into the tumor. The catheter was left in place until the tumor resection. To maximize gene transfer efficiency, gene transfer vectors (BAG retroviruses, titer, 6 x 10(5) CFU; and adenoviruses, titer from 3 x 10(8) to 3 x 10(10) PFU) were injected into the tumor via the catheter once a day for three consecutive days, followed by tumor resection 1-2 days later. Tumor was resected in such a way that the catheter was still in place inside the tumor, which permitted accurate histological analysis of the transduced tumors. X-Gal staining for beta-galactosidase activity was used to study gene transfer efficiency and distribution of the marker gene. Beta-galactosidase gene transfer was well tolerated with both vectors. Except for two patients with clear increases in serum adenovirus antibody titers, no adverse tissue responses or systemic complications were noticed in any of the patients. Gene transfer was successful in all patients. Gene transfer efficiency varied between <0.01 and 4% with retroviruses and between <0.01 and 11% with adenoviruses. However, the transgene activity was not evenly distributed in the tumors. Both glioma cells and endothelium in the tumor blood vessels were transduced with retro- and adenovirus vectors. In conclusion, the safety and feasibility of in vivo gene transfer to human malignant glioma was established with retro- and adenovirus vectors. Adenoviruses were more efficient than retroviruses in achieving in vivo gene transfer. Transduction of endothelial cells may have important consequences for the proposed treatment strategies and selection of treatment genes. The results justify clinical gene therapy trials for malignant glioma.

Adenoviridae↗

Heart-specific targeting of beta-galactosidase by the ventricle-specific cardiac myosin light chain 2 promoter using adenovirus vectors.

Adenoviruses are attractive vectors for gene transfer into cardiac muscle. However, their promiscuous tissue tropism, which leads to an ectopic expression of the transgene, is a considerable limitation. To restrict expression to cardiomyocytes, we have constructed two recombinant adenoviruses (Ad-MLC2-250betagal and Ad-MLC2-2100betagal) containing the beta-galactosidase reporter gene under the control of the 250- or 2100-bp rat ventricle-specific cardiac myosin light chain-2v promoter (MLC-2v). Our in vitro and in vivo data have evidenced that the 2100-bp promoter allows stronger beta-galactosidase activity than the 250-bp promoter and that the deleted promoter allows a weak beta-galactosidase expression in skeletal muscle-derived cells in vitro. In contrast to the in vitro results, the highly deleted MLC-2v promoter of 250 pb conserved its heart specificity in in ovo and in vivo when introduced into the adenovirus genome, indicating that the specificity of this promoter is neither altered by the inverted terminal repeat nor by the enhancer of the Ela promoter, both of which located in the 5' flanking region of the promoter. Systemic injections of both recombinant adenoviruses into chicken embryos showed beta-galactosidase expression mainly in the right ventricle of the heart. We have confirmed the cardiac specificity of both promoters in mammalian species after injection of both recombinant adenoviruses into the heart of adult rats in vivo. The comparison of both promoters in vitro and in vivo has shown that the 250-bp MLC-2v promoter is 80% less active than the 2100-bp MLC-2v promoter and has enabled us to conclude that the MLC-2v promoter of 2100 bp is the most appropriate for efficient expression of a reporter gene or a therapeutic cardiac gene (e.g., SERCA2a or minidystrophin gene).

Adenoviridae↗

Reduction of alpha-Gal expression by relocalizing alpha-galactosidase to the trans-Golgi network and cell surface.

Historically, the most effective means of modifying cell surface carbohydrates has required the intracellular overexpression of glycosyltransferases or glycosidases and is dependent on the enzymes occupying a cellular localization close to the carbohydrate structures they modify. We report on relocalizing the lysosomal resident glycosidase human alpha-galactosidase to other regions of the cell, Golgi and cell surface, where it is in closer proximity for cleaving the carbohydrate structure Galalpha(1,3)Gal. Relocalization of alpha-galactosidase was achieved by using the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains from the human protein furin, which is known to localize in the trans-Golgi network (TGN) and cell surface. Two chimeric forms of alpha-galactosidase were generated, one directing it to the TGN of the cell and the other to the cell surface, as shown by confocal microscopy. The relocalized enzymes have the ability to cleave terminal alpha-galactose as detected by expression on the cell surface. Furthermore, when expressed as a transgene in mice, the TGN form of alpha-galactosidase was more effective at decreasing cell surface terminal alpha-galactose than was the native lysosomal form. When expressed in conjunction with the alpha1,2fucosyltransferase that also decreases Galalpha(1,3)Gal, the reduction was additive. The ability to relocalize enzymes that modify cell surface carbohydrate structures has far-reaching implications in biology and may be useful in such fields as xenotransplantation and treatment of glycosidase disorders.

Animals↗

6-Phospho-beta-galactosidases of gram-positive and 6-phospho-beta-glucosidase B of gram-negative bacteria: comparison of structure and function by kinetic and immunological methods and mutagenesis of the lacG gene of Staphylococcus aureus.

The 6-phospho-beta-galactosidase of Staphylococcus aureus, Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus casei and 6-phospho-beta-glucosidase B of Escherichia coli build a subfamily inside a greater enzyme family, named the glycosal hydrolase family 1, which, in addition, contains nine beta-glycosidases of different origins. Kinetic and immunological evidence is provided in this report which strengthens the relationship of the four 6-phospho-beta-glycosidases. It is shown that the 6-phospho-beta-galactosidases and 6-phospho-beta-glucosidase B are able to split aromatic beta-galactoside phosphates and beta-glucoside phosphates. The turnover numbers of hydrolysis of substrates with different epimerization at C-4 of the glycon vary up to 15-fold only. Two polyclonal antisera, one derived against the native 6-phospho-beta-galactosidase from S. aureus and the other derived against the 6-phospho-beta-glucosidase B, cross-reacted with both enzymes. Peptides of the proteins were separated by reverse phase HPLC. The cross-reacting peptides were sequenced and shown to be localized at almost the same position in the aligned primary structures of both enzymes. An insertion of nine amino acids near these antigenic domains is unique for the 6-phospho-beta-glycosidases and missing within the sequences of the beta-glycoside-specific members of the family. The lacG gene of a 6-phospho-beta-galactosidase negative S. aureus mutant was cloned into E. coli and sequenced. In the totally inactive mutant protein only the glycine at position 332 was changed to an arginine. This amino acid is part of the sequence insertion near the antigenic domain reacting with both antisera.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Characterization of rabbit testis beta-galactosidase and arylsulfatase A: purification and localization in spermatozoa during the acrosome reaction.

Examination of the role of carbohydrates in specific recognition between spermatozoa and zona pellucida has focussed on understanding the interaction of sperm hydrolases or lectin-like molecules with zona pellucida ligands. To elucidate the role of specific spermatozoan hydrolases in gamete interaction, rabbit testis beta-galactosidase and arylsulfatase A were purified, characterized, and localized in spermatozoa. beta-Galactosidase and arylsulfatase A co-purified after affinity, size, or reverse-phase chromatography. N-Terminal amino acid analysis and enzymatic characterization suggested that neither enzyme is a testis-specific isozyme. Size chromatography indicated that both enzymes aggregated into macromolecular complexes at pH 4.0, while both dissociated at pH 8.0. beta-Galactosidase and arylsulfatase A co-localized on the sperm surface and in the acrosome and postacrosomal regions of spermatozoa. Throughout the zona-induced acrosome reaction, both enzymes remained associated with the detached acrosomal cap and postacrosomal region of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa. Because the acrosome is an acidic subcellular compartment, internal beta-galactosidase and arylsulfatase A are probably aggregated in acrosome-intact spermatozoa and dissociate as they are exposed to pH increases during the acrosome reaction.

Acrosome↗

Porcine cartilage transplants in the cynomolgus monkey. III. Transplantation of alpha-galactosidase-treated porcine cartilage.

BACKGROUND: Studies on transplantation of porcine meniscus and articular cartilage into monkeys are important for evaluating the possible use of such tissues in humans. In addition, such studies shed light on the chronic xenograft rejection process in primates. Transplantation of porcine cartilage into cynomolgus monkeys for 2 months results in a many-fold increase in anti-Gal activity and in a strong cellular inflammatory response of T lymphocytes and macrophages within the implants. The objective of this study was to determine whether elimination of Galalpha1-3Galbeta1-4GlcNAc-R (alpha-gal epitopes) from the xenograft may alter the immune response and the inflammatory reaction. METHODS: Porcine meniscus and articular cartilage specimens were treated with recombinant alpha-galactosidase (100 U/ml), and the absence of alpha-gal epitopes was assessed by the binding of the monoclonal anti-Gal antibody M86. The treated cartilage specimens were transplanted into the suprapatellar pouch of cynomolgus monkeys. The immune response to cartilage was monitored in the serum and the inflammatory reaction was assessed in the xenografts, which were explanted after 2 months. RESULTS: Incubation with alpha-galactosidase resulted in complete removal of alpha-gal epitopes from the cartilage. The increase in anti-Gal activity in the transplanted monkeys was marginal. However, most monkeys produced antibodies to antigens specific to porcine cartilage. The inflammatory response within the alpha-galactosidase-treated xenografts was much lower than in nontreated cartilage and the proportion of T lymphocytes within the cellular infiltrates was greatly reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of cartilage xenografts with alpha-galactosidase successfully removes alpha-gal epitopes from porcine cartilage. Transplantation of the treated cartilage results in the production of only anti-porcine cartilage-specific antibodies and a reduced inflammatory response consisting primarily of macrophages infiltrating into the cartilage.

Animals↗

Molecular cloning of a {beta}-galactosidase from radish that specifically hydrolyzes {beta}-(1->3)- and {beta}-(1->6)-galactosyl residues of Arabinogalactan protein.

A basic beta-galactosidase with high specificity toward beta-(1-->3)- and beta-(1-->6)-galactosyl residues was cloned from radish (Raphanus sativus) plants by reverse transcription-PCR. The gene, designated RsBGAL1, contained an open reading frame consisting of 2,532 bp (851 amino acids). It is expressed in hypocotyls and young leaves. RsBGAL1 was highly similar to beta-galactosidases having exo-beta-(1-->4)-galactanase activity found in higher plants and belongs to family 35 of the glycosyl hydrolases. Recombinant RsBGAL1 was expressed in Pichia pastoris and purified to homogeneity. The recombinant enzyme specifically hydrolyzed beta-(1-->3)- and beta-(1-->6)-galactooligosaccharides, the same substrates as the native enzyme isolated from radish seeds (Sekimata et al., 1989). It split off about 90% of the carbohydrate moieties of an arabinogalactan protein extracted from radish roots in concerted action with microbial alpha-l-arabinofuranosidase and beta-glucuronidase. These results suggest that RsBGAL1 is a new kind of beta-galactosidase with different substrate specificity than other beta-galactosidases that exhibit exo-beta-(1-->4)-galactanase activity. The C-terminal region (9.6 kD) of RsBGAL1 is significantly similar to the Gal lectin-like domain, but this region is not retained in the native enzyme. Assuming posttranslational processing of RsBGAL1 with elimination of the Gal lectin-like domain results in a protein consisting of two subunits with molecular masses of 46 and 34 kD (calculated from the RsBGAL1 gene sequence). This is in good agreement with the SDS-PAGE and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of flight mass spectrometry measurements for subunits of the native enzyme (45 and 34 kD) and may thus partially explain the formation process of the native enzyme.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

A family of at least seven beta-galactosidase genes is expressed during tomato fruit development.

During our search for a cDNA encoding beta-galactosidase II, a beta-galactosidase/exogalactanase (EC 3.2.1.23) present during tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) fruit ripening, a family of seven tomato beta-galactosidase (TBG) cDNAs was identified. The shared amino acid sequence identity among the seven TBG clones ranged from 33% to 79%. All contained the putative active site-containing consensus sequence pattern G-G-P-[LIVM]-x-Q-x-E-N-E-[FY] belonging to glycosyl hydrolase family 35. Six of the seven single-copy genes were mapped using restriction fragment length polymorphisms of recombinant inbred lines. RNA gel-blot analysis was used to evaluate TBG mRNA levels throughout fruit development, in different fruit tissues, and in various plant tissues. RNA gel-blot analysis was also used to reveal TBG mRNA levels in fruit of the rin, nor, and Nr tomato mutants. The TBG4-encoded protein, known to correspond to beta-galactosidase II, was expressed in yeast and exo-galactanase activity was confirmed via a quantified release of galactosyl residues from cell wall fractions containing beta(1-->4)-D-galactan purified from tomato fruit.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

CD44 substituted with heparan sulfate and endo-beta-galactosidase-sensitive oligosaccharides: a major proteoglycan in adult human epidermis.

CD44 is a group of cell surface glycoproteins that is generated from a single gene by mRNA splice variation. Its functions in matrix adhesion and tumor invasion are strongly influenced by glycosylation. We studied the glycosylated tissue forms of CD44 from extracts of normal adult human epidermis by using western blotting and immunoprecipitation from short-term skin organ cultures. An antibody for CD44 (Hermes 3) precipitated 7-17% of all 35SO4-labeled proteoglycans (PGs) synthesized in epidermis. Immunoprecipitates digested with heparitinase lost 40-68% of incorporated 35SO4 and 24-40% of [3H]glucosamine, indicating that heparan sulfate was the predominant glycosaminoglycan in epidermal CD44. Chondroitinase ABC released 10-25% and 6-12% of 35SO4 and [3H]glucosamine, respectively. Less than 5% of both isotopes were susceptible to keratanase. Five to 33% of 35SO4 and 26-37% of [3H]glucosamine, however, was released by endo-beta-galactosidase, implying marked substitution by oligosaccharides with N-acetyllactosamine repeats. Heparitinase pretreatment retarded, whereas endo-beta-galactosidase enhanced the mobility of the > or = 180-kDa polydisperse CD44 on agarose gel electrophoresis. On SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, however, western blotting and fluorographs of 35SO4-labeled immunoprecipitates showed the main CD44 isoform at > or = 250 kDa and a shift to 180-200 kDa after heparitinase treatment. Keratanase, keratanase II, and chondroitinase ABC had minor effects. A less abundant form of CD44, with a core of 100 kDa, partly substituted with chondroitinase ABC- and endo-beta-galactosidase-sensitive chains, was also present. Therefore, the large heparan sulfate-substituted CD44 forms a significant part of all proteoglycans in normal human epidermis. Both the large and the 100-kDa variant of epidermal CD44 contain endo-beta-galactosidase-sensitive oligosaccharides not previously noted in other cells or tissues.

Adult↗

Sequence analysis of flanking regions of the pfoA gene of Clostridium perfringens: beta-galactosidase gene (pbg) is located in the 3'-flanking region.

The 3'-flanking region of the perfringolysin O (theta-toxin) gene (pfoA) of Clostridium perfringens was analyzed by chromosome walking. A total of 5,363 bp of the downstream region of the pfoA gene was sequenced and four open reading frames were found. ORF54 and ORF80 were found to be homologous to genes coding for membrane-bound transporter proteins of other bacteria and the beta-galactosidase gene (bgaB) of Bacillus stearothermophilus, respectively. ORF80 was named the pbg gene. Clones which showed beta-galactosidase activities were selected from a lambda FIXII genomic library of C. perfringens by blue plaque screening using X-Gal as a substrate. Four clones whose plaques showed blue appearances were obtained. Two of the four clones hybridized with the pbg probe but the others did not, indicating that there are two distinct beta-galactosidase genes in C. perfringens. The pbg gene was subcloned into pBR322 and was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli, suggesting that the pbg gene codes for a beta-galactosidase of C. perfringens.

Amino Acid Sequence↗