Microbial glycosyltransferases for carbohydrate synthesis: alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase from Neisseria gonorrheae

J Am Chem Soc. 2001 Nov 7;123(44):10909-18. doi: 10.1021/ja011382r.

Abstract

The alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase from Neisseria gonorrheae was overproduced in E. coli for exploitation of its substrate specificity and synthetic utility. Several potential acceptor substrates were synthesized in this study, including mono- and oligosaccharides, glycolipids, and glycopeptides and their sulfate derivatives. Some CMP-sialic acid derivatives with modification at the C-5 position were also prepared for evaluation as donor substrates. It was found that the enzyme exhibits a broader acceptor substrate specificity when compared to other sialyltransferases, though the donor specificity is quite limited. Application of the enzyme to the preparative synthesis of representative sialyl glycoconjugates has been demonstrated. On the basis of this work and the work of others, this enzyme is the most versatile and synthetically useful among all sialyltransferases known to date, especially for the synthesis of sulfate-containing glycoconjugates.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Carbohydrates / biosynthesis
  • Carbohydrates / chemical synthesis*
  • Cytidine Monophosphate N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / analogs & derivatives
  • Cytidine Monophosphate N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / metabolism
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid / metabolism
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / enzymology*
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / genetics
  • Neisseria gonorrhoeae / metabolism
  • Sialyltransferases / biosynthesis
  • Sialyltransferases / genetics
  • Sialyltransferases / metabolism*
  • beta-Galactoside alpha-2,3-Sialyltransferase

Substances

  • Carbohydrates
  • Cytidine Monophosphate N-Acetylneuraminic Acid
  • Sialyltransferases
  • N-Acetylneuraminic Acid
  • beta-Galactoside alpha-2,3-Sialyltransferase