Glycosaminoglycans of cultured human fetal uveal melanocytes and comparison with those produced by cultured human melanoma cells.

Abstract

The glycosaminoglycans produced by human fetal uveal melanocytes and by human melanoma cells were examined. The cells were grown in the presence of [3H]glucosamine and [35S]sulfate, and the labeled glycosaminoglycans were isolated from the cells, spend medium, and intracellular material. The distribution of the glycosaminoglycans was similar in both cells and spent media, which together accounted for 95% of the total. Of the total 3H]labeled glycosaminoglycans produced by the melanocyte culture, 42% was in chondroitin 4-sulfate, 25% in heparan sulfate, 16% in chondroitin 6-sulfate, and 17% in hyaluronic acid. In contrast, HM7 human melanoma cultures produced no chondroitin 6-sulfate, increased quantities of heparan sulfate, and less hyaluronic acid. A heparan sulfate fraction obtained from melanocytes required both heparitinase and heparinase for complete degradation, indicating the presence of heparin-like molecules in this fraction. The corresponding fraction from melanoma cells was totally degraded by heparitinase alone.

• Authors: V P Bhavanandan
• Journal: Biochemistry (Biochemistry) Vol. 20 Issue 19 Pg. 5595-602 (Sep 15 1981) ISSN: 0006-2960 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7295696 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Glycosaminoglycans
• Sulfates
• Sulfur Radioisotopes
• Tritium
• Glucosamine

Topics

• Cell Line
• Female
• Fetus
• Glucosamine (metabolism)
• Glycosaminoglycans (biosynthesis, isolation & purification)
• Humans
• Melanocytes (metabolism)
• Melanoma (metabolism)
• Pregnancy
• Sulfates (metabolism)
• Sulfur Radioisotopes
• Tritium
• Uvea