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Chicken and Xenopus mannose 6-phosphate receptors fail to bind insulin-like growth factor II

K B Clairmont1, M P Czech

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester 01655.

Insights

The mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P) receptor binds insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II) in mammals, but not in Xenopus or chickens. This suggests IGF-II binding evolved later in mammals, with other receptors mediating its actions in non-mammalian vertebrates.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • A single mammalian receptor protein exhibits high-affinity binding for both mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P) and insulin-like growth factor II (IGF-II).
  • This dual binding suggests a multifunctional physiological role for the Man-6-P receptor, potentially involving signal transduction.
  • Understanding the evolutionary origins of this dual function is crucial for elucidating receptor roles across species.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the properties of Man-6-P receptors in non-mammalian species.
  • To determine if the Man-6-P receptor in non-mammalian vertebrates also binds IGF-II.
  • To understand the evolutionary timeline of IGF-II binding to the Man-6-P receptor.

Main Methods:

  • Affinity purification of Man-6-P receptors from Xenopus and chicken liver, and rat placenta membranes using pentamannosyl 6-phosphate-Sepharose.
  • Analysis of purified receptors using SDS-PAGE and silver staining.
  • Cross-linking studies with 125I-IGF-II and polyethylene glycol precipitation assays to evaluate IGF-II binding.

Main Results:

  • Man-6-P receptors were successfully purified from all three species and specifically eluted by Man-6-P.
  • Only rat Man-6-P receptors showed affinity labeling when cross-linked to 125I-IGF-II.
  • Detectable binding of 125I-IGF-II was observed exclusively with the purified rat Man-6-P receptor.

Conclusions:

  • The high-affinity binding site for IGF-II on the Man-6-P receptor emerged in evolution after the divergence of mammals from other vertebrates.
  • In non-mammalian vertebrates like chickens and frogs, the biological actions of IGF-II are likely mediated by the type I IGF receptor.
  • This study highlights the evolutionary acquisition of dual ligand binding specificity in the Man-6-P receptor.

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