Characterization of blood group active glycopeptides derived from porcine kidneys

Sialoglycopeptide fractions were prepared from the pronase digest of porcine kidneys by DEAE-Sephadex A-25 column chromatography and gel-filtration through Sephadex G-100. Their chemical compositions and large molecular size suggested that these glycopeptides were derived from mucin-type glycoprotein(s). The results of the beta-elimination reaction indicated that they have the O-glycosidic linkages between N-acetylgalactosamine and serine/threonine. The glycopeptides exhibited blood group A and H activities. The present study revealed that the porcine kidney contains the blood group antigens of glycoprotein nature.