Chemo-enzymatic synthesis of poly-N-acetyllactosamine (poly-LacNAc) structures and their characterization for CGL2-galectin-mediated binding of ECM glycoproteins to biomaterial surfaces

Glycoconj J. 2009 Feb;26(2):141-59. doi: 10.1007/s10719-008-9172-2. Epub 2008 Aug 29.

Abstract

Poly-N-acetyllactosamine (poly-LacNAc) structures have been identified as important ligands for galectin-mediated cell adhesion to extra-cellular matrix (ECM) proteins. We here present the biofunctionalization of surfaces with poly-LacNAc structures and subsequent binding of ECM glycoproteins. First, we synthesized beta-GlcNAc glycosides carrying a linker for controlled coupling onto chemically functionalized surfaces. Then we produced poly-LacNAc structures with defined lengths using human beta1,4-galactosyltransferase-1 and beta1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase from Helicobacter pylori. These compounds were also used for kinetic characterization of glycosyltransferases and lectin binding assays. A mixture of poly-LacNAc-structures covalently coupled to functionalized microtiter plates were identified for best binding to our model galectin His(6)CGL2. We further demonstrate for the first time that these poly-LacNAc surfaces are suitable for further galectin-mediated binding of the ECM glycoproteins laminin and fibronectin. This new technology should facilitate cell adhesion to biofunctionalized surfaces by imitating the natural ECM microenvironment.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acetylglucosamine / chemistry
  • Biocompatible Materials / metabolism
  • Extracellular Matrix / metabolism*
  • Fungal Proteins / metabolism*
  • Galactosyltransferases / metabolism
  • Galectin 2 / metabolism*
  • Galectins / metabolism*
  • Glycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Glycosides / biosynthesis
  • Glycosides / chemical synthesis
  • Glycosides / chemistry*
  • Humans
  • N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases / metabolism
  • Polysaccharides / chemistry*

Substances

  • Biocompatible Materials
  • CGL2 protein, Coprinus cinereus
  • Fungal Proteins
  • Galectin 2
  • Galectins
  • Glycoproteins
  • Glycosides
  • Polysaccharides
  • poly-N-acetyllactosamine
  • Galactosyltransferases
  • N-Acetylglucosaminyltransferases
  • beta1,4-galactosyltransferase, human
  • Acetylglucosamine