Characterization of a glucuronyltransferase: neolactotetraosylceramide glucuronyltransferase from rat brain

Chika Kawashima, Koji Terayama, Masayuki, Shogo Oka, Toshisuke Kawasaki

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The properties of a rat brain glucuronyltransferase, which is presumed to be associated with the biosynthesis of the HNK-1 epitope on sulfoglucuronyl glycolipids, are described. The enzyme required divalent cations for reaction, with maximal activity at 10 mm Mn2+, and exhibited a dual optimum at pH 4-5 and pH 6 depending upon the buffer used, with the highest activity at pH 4.5 in MES buffer. This enzyme strictly recognized the Galβ1-4GlcNAc terminal structure, and was highly specific for neolacto (type 2) glycolipids as acceptor. The enzyme was localized specifically in the brain, and was barely detected in other issues, including the thymus, spleen, liver, kidney, lung, and sciatic nerve fibres. Phosphatidylinositol and phosphatidylserine increased the enzymatic reaction 4.4- and 2.3-fold, respectively, whereas phosphatidylcholine slightly decreased the rate.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)307-314
Number of pages8
JournalGlycoconjugate Journal
Volume9
Issue number6
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 12-1992
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

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