Glycoproteomic and Phenotypic Elucidation of B4GALNT2 Expression Variants in the SID Histo-Blood Group System.

Stenfelt L, Nilsson J, Hellberg Å, Liew YW, Morrison J, Larson G, Olsson ML

Int J Mol Sci 23 (7) - [2022-04-01; online 2022-04-01]

The Sda histo-blood group antigen (GalNAcβ1-4(NeuAcα2-3)Galβ-R) is implicated in various infections and constitutes a potential biomarker for colon cancer. Sd(a-) individuals (2-4% of Europeans) may produce anti-Sda, which can lead to incompatible blood transfusions, especially if donors with the high-expressing Sd(a++)/Cad phenotype are involved. We previously reported the association of B4GALNT2 mutations with Sd(a-), which established the SID blood-group system. The present study provides causal proof underpinning this correlation. Sd(a-) HEK293 cells were transfected with different B4GALNT2 constructs and evaluated by immunostaining and glycoproteomics. The predominant SID candidate allele with rs7224888:T>C (p.Cys406Arg) abolished Sdnulla synthesis, while this antigen was detectable as N- or O-glycans on glycoproteins following transfection of wildtype B4GALNT2. Surprisingly, two rare missense variants, rs148441237:A>G and rs61743617:C>T, found in a Sd(a-) compound heterozygote, gave results similar to wildtype. To elucidate on whether Sd(a++)/Cad also depends on B4GALNT2 alterations, this gene was sequenced in five individuals. No Cad-specific changes were identified, but a detailed erythroid Cad glycoprotein profile was obtained, especially for glycophorin-A (GLPA) O-glycosylation, equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (S29A1) O-glycosylation, and band 3 anion transport protein (B3AT) N-glycosylation. In conclusion, the p.Cys406Arg β4GalNAc-T2 variant causes Sda-deficiency in humans, while the enigmatic Cad phenotype remains unresolved, albeit further characterized.

Glycoproteomics and MS Proteomics [Collaborative]

PubMed 35409292

DOI 10.3390/ijms23073936

Crossref 10.3390/ijms23073936

pmc: PMC8999409
pii: ijms23073936