Glycosyltransferase GLT8D2 positively regulates ApoB100 protein expression in hepatocytes

Int J Mol Sci. 2013 Oct 29;14(11):21435-46. doi: 10.3390/ijms141121435.

Abstract

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by triglyceride (TG) accumulation in hepatocytes. Very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) is a major secretory product of the liver that transports endogenously synthesized TG. Disrupted VLDL secretion may contribute to the accumulation of TG in hepatocytes. ApoB100 (apolipoprotein B100) is a glycoprotein and an essential protein component of VLDL. Its glycosylation may affect VLDL assembly and secretion. However, which glycosyltransferase catalyzes apoB100 glycosylation is unknown. In this study, we cloned the GLT8D2 (glycosyltransferase 8 domain containing 2) gene from HepG2 cells and generated a series of plasmids for in vitro studies of its molecular functions. We discovered that GLT8D2 was localized in the ER, interacted with apoB100, and positively regulated the levels of apoB100 protein in HepG2 cells. Based on these results, we propose that GLT8D2 is a glycosyltransferase of apoB100 that regulates apoB100 levels in hepatocytes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Apolipoprotein B-100 / biosynthesis*
  • Cloning, Molecular
  • Fatty Liver / enzymology
  • Fatty Liver / genetics*
  • Fatty Liver / pathology
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
  • Glycosyltransferases / genetics*
  • Glycosyltransferases / metabolism
  • Hep G2 Cells
  • Hepatocytes / enzymology*
  • Hepatocytes / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lipoproteins, VLDL / metabolism
  • Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
  • Triglycerides / metabolism

Substances

  • Apolipoprotein B-100
  • Lipoproteins, VLDL
  • Triglycerides
  • Glycosyltransferases