Podocalyxin-like protein is an E-/L-selectin ligand on colon carcinoma cells: comparative biochemical properties of selectin ligands in host and tumor cells

Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2009 Mar;296(3):C505-13. doi: 10.1152/ajpcell.00472.2008. Epub 2008 Dec 31.

Abstract

Selectins facilitate metastasis and tumor cell arrest in the microvasculature by mediating binding of selectin-expressing host cells to ligands on tumor cells. We recently identified CD44 variant isoforms as functional P-, but not E-/L-, selectin ligands on colon carcinoma cells. Furthermore, a approximately 180-kDa sialofucosylated glycoprotein(s) mediated selectin binding in CD44-knockdown cells. Using immunoaffinity chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry, we identify podocalyxin-like protein (PCLP) as an alternative selectin ligand. Blot rolling and cell-free flow-based adhesion assays disclose that PCLP on LS174T colon carcinoma cells possesses E-/L-, but not P-, selectin binding activity. The selectin-binding determinants on LS174T PCLP are non-MECA-79-reactive sialofucosylated structures displayed on O-linked glycans, distinct from the MECA-79-reactive O-glycans on PCLP expressed by high endothelial venules, which is an L-selectin ligand. PCLP on CD44-knockdown LS174T cells exhibits higher HECA-452 immunoreactivity than PCLP on wild-type cells, suggesting that PCLP functions as an alternative acceptor for selectin-binding glycans. The enhanced expression of HECA-452 reactivity on PCLP from CD44-knockdown cells correlates with the increased avidity of PCLP for E- but not L-selectin. The novel finding that PCLP is an E-/L-selectin ligand on carcinoma cells offers a unifying perspective on the apparent enhanced metastatic potential associated with tumor cell PCLP overexpression and the role of selectins in metastasis.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Carcinoma / metabolism*
  • Carcinoma / pathology
  • Cell Adhesion*
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Chromatography, Affinity
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / metabolism*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Cricetinae
  • Cricetulus
  • E-Selectin / genetics
  • E-Selectin / metabolism*
  • Glycosylation
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / metabolism
  • L-Selectin / genetics
  • L-Selectin / metabolism*
  • Ligands
  • Neoplasm Metastasis
  • P-Selectin / metabolism
  • Peptide Mapping
  • Protein Binding
  • Sialoglycoproteins / metabolism*
  • Tandem Mass Spectrometry
  • Transfection
  • Up-Regulation

Substances

  • CD44 protein, human
  • E-Selectin
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • Ligands
  • P-Selectin
  • Sialoglycoproteins
  • podocalyxin
  • L-Selectin