HOMEPRODUCTSCOMPANYCONTACTFAQResearchDictionaryPharmaSign Up FREE or Login

Galectin-3 binds lactosaminylated lipooligosaccharides from Neisseria gonorrhoeae and is selectively expressed by mucosal epithelial cells that are infected.

Abstract
Galectins are a family of beta-galactoside binding proteins that have been proposed as host receptors for bacteria because beta-galactoside carbohydrates are common in bacterial membrane glycolipid lipooligosaccharides (LOS) and lipopolysaccharides. We investigated the interaction of galectin-3 with gonococcal LOS that make lactosyl (Lc2 or Lac), paraglobosyl (nLc4; LNnT; lacto-N-neotetraose), gangliosyl (IV3GalNAcnLc4), and neolactohexaosyl (nLc6, lactonorhexaosyl) oligosaccharides. All but gangliosyl LOS terminate in beta-galactoside. Galectin-3 had the highest affinity for the nLc6 LOS, which is made by a strain that is highly infectious for the male urethra, but also bound nLc4 LOS and to a Lac LOS. The lacto-N-neotetraose tetrasaccharide was a more potent inhibitor of galectin-3 binding to LOS than either lactose or N-acetyllactosamine. The relative affinity of galectin-3 for gonococci mirrored its affinity for purified LOS. Western blot analysis revealed expression of galectin-3 by human endometrial adenocarcinoma and prostatic epithelial cells that can be invaded by gonococci. Immunohistochemistry of human fallopian tube epithelium showed localized expression of galectin-3 by non-ciliated cells, the specific cell gonococci invade in this tissue. We conclude that because of its location and affinity for gonococcal LOS galectin-3 could play a role in gonococcal infection.
AuthorsConstance M John, Gary A Jarvis, Karen V Swanson, Hakon Leffler, Morris D Cooper, Margaret E Huflejt, J McLeod Griffiss
JournalCellular microbiology (Cell Microbiol) Vol. 4 Issue 10 Pg. 649-62 (Oct 2002) ISSN: 1462-5814 [Print] India
PMID12366402 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S., Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)
Chemical References
  • Galectin 3
  • Laminin
  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • lipid-linked oligosaccharides
Topics
  • Carbohydrate Sequence
  • Epithelial Cells (cytology, metabolism)
  • Fallopian Tubes (cytology, metabolism)
  • Female
  • Galectin 3 (chemistry, metabolism)
  • Humans
  • Laminin (metabolism)
  • Lipopolysaccharides (chemistry, metabolism)
  • Male
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Mucous Membrane (cytology, metabolism)
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae (genetics, metabolism)
  • Organ Culture Techniques
  • Protein Binding
  • Regression Analysis
  • Tumor Cells, Cultured

Join CureHunter, for free Research Interface BASIC access!

Take advantage of free CureHunter research engine access to explore the best drug and treatment options for any disease. Find out why thousands of doctors, pharma researchers and patient activists around the world use CureHunter every day.
Realize the full power of the drug-disease research graph!


Choose Username:
Email:
Password:
Verify Password:
Enter Code Shown: