Identification of the plasticity-relevant fucose-alpha(1-2)-galactose proteome from the mouse olfactory bulb

Biochemistry. 2009 Aug 4;48(30):7261-70. doi: 10.1021/bi900640x.

Abstract

Fucose-alpha(1-2)-galactose [Fucalpha(1-2)Gal] sugars have been implicated in the molecular mechanisms that underlie neuronal development, learning, and memory. However, an understanding of their precise roles has been hampered by a lack of information regarding Fucalpha(1-2)Gal glycoproteins. Here, we report the first proteomic studies of this plasticity-relevant epitope. We identify five classes of putative Fucalpha(1-2)Gal glycoproteins: cell adhesion molecules, ion channels and solute carriers/transporters, ATP-binding proteins, synaptic vesicle-associated proteins, and mitochondrial proteins. In addition, we show that Fucalpha(1-2)Gal glycoproteins are enriched in the developing mouse olfactory bulb (OB) and exhibit a distinct spatiotemporal expression that is consistent with the presence of a "glycocode" to help direct olfactory sensory neuron (OSN) axonal pathfinding. We find that expression of Fucalpha(1-2)Gal sugars in the OB is regulated by the alpha(1-2)fucosyltransferase FUT1. FUT1-deficient mice exhibit developmental defects, including fewer and smaller glomeruli and a thinner olfactory nerve layer, suggesting that fucosylation contributes to OB development. Our findings significantly expand the number of Fucalpha(1-2)Gal glycoproteins and provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms by which fucosyl sugars contribute to neuronal processes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Brain / anatomy & histology
  • Brain / metabolism
  • Chromatography, Affinity
  • Disaccharides / analysis*
  • Epitopes*
  • Fucosyltransferases / genetics
  • Fucosyltransferases / metabolism
  • Galactoside 2-alpha-L-fucosyltransferase
  • Isoenzymes / genetics
  • Isoenzymes / metabolism
  • Lectins / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mass Spectrometry
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Neuronal Plasticity / physiology*
  • Olfactory Bulb* / chemistry
  • Olfactory Bulb* / cytology
  • Olfactory Bulb* / physiology
  • Proteome*
  • Rats
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Disaccharides
  • Epitopes
  • Isoenzymes
  • Lectins
  • Proteome
  • fucosyl-1-2-galactose
  • Fucosyltransferases