The expression of Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc alpha 2,6 sialyltransferase and alpha 2,6-linked sialoglycoconjugates in human brain tumors.
CMP-NeuAc: Gal beta 1,4GlcNAc alpha 2,6 sialyltransferase (alpha 2,6-ST) [EC 2.4.99.1] is developmentally regulated, shows a high degree of tissue specificity, and appears to play a role in oncogenic transformation and metastasis. In the present study, we have performed the first detailed analysis of the expression of alpha 2,6-ST and alpha 2,6-linked sialoglycoconjugates in human brain tumors. We used a polyclonal, monospecific anti-rat alpha 2,6-ST antibody and the alpha 2,6-linked sialic acid-specific lectin, Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA) for histochemical studies, and a human alpha 2,6-ST-specific cDNA probe for Northern analysis. Meningiomas, chordomas and craniopharyngiomas frequently expressed alpha 2,6-ST and alpha 2,6-linked sialoglycoconjugates. Among the different meningioma subtypes, meningothelial meningiomas stained more strongly with both anti-alpha 2,6-ST antibody and SNA than the fibroblastic and anaplastic meningiomas. On the other hand, all tumors of glial origin and medulloblastomas were virtually devoid of either alpha 2,6-ST or alpha 2,6-linked sialoglycoconjugate expression. Moreover, very weak to negligible expression of both alpha 2,6-ST and alpha 2,6-linked sialoglycoconjugates was observed in brain metastases. In conclusion, alpha 2,6-ST and alpha 2,6-linked sialoglycoconjugate expression is associated with non-neuroectodermal epithelial-like tumors.
Kaneko
Y
Y
Chicago Institute for Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch, IL 60614, USA.
Yamamoto
H
H
Kersey
D S
DS
Colley
K J
KJ
Leestma
J E
JE
Moskal
J R
JR
D001932:Brain Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000473:pathology*; D002817:Chordoma / Q000201:enzymology; D016545:Choroid Plexus Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology; D003390:Cranial Nerve Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology; D003397:Craniopharyngioma / Q000201:enzymology; D004806:Ependymoma / Q000201:enzymology; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000201:enzymology; D008527:Medulloblastoma / Q000201:enzymology; D008579:Meningioma / Q000201:enzymology; D009442:Neurilemmoma / Q000201:enzymology; D009837:Oligodendroglioma / Q000201:enzymology; D010911:Pituitary Neoplasms / Q000201:enzymology; D012799:Sialyltransferases / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000094802:beta-D-Galactoside alpha 2-6-Sialyltransferase
D012799:Sialyltransferases; D000094802:beta-D-Galactoside alpha 2-6-Sialyltransferase