Expression of a human Gb3/CD77 synthase in insect and human cells: comparison of activity and glycosylation

Glycosylation of proteins can impact their folding, stability, trafficking and enzymatic activity. Human Gb3/CD77 synthase (α1,4-galactosyltransferase, A4galt) has two occupied N-glycosylation sites. Previously, we demonstrated that the activity of recombinant enzyme relies on its N-glycosylation. In this study, we produced soluble recombinant catalytic domain of human Gb3/CD77 synthase in two expression hosts known for different glycosylation patterns: Trichoplusia ni insect cells (High Five) and human embryonic kidney cells (Expi293F™). The High Five cells generate short oligomannose structures, while the Expi293F™ cells synthesize complex type glycans. We evaluated the activity of High Five-derived and Expi293F™-derived enzymes, characterized the structures of their N-glycans and showed that High Five cells provide a higher amount and activity of the enzyme. Moreover, we used the Expi293F™ cells to evaluate the N- and C-terminal location of the 6xHis-tag and found that only the N-terminally tagged Expi293F™-derived enzyme demonstrated activity. In contrast, the enzyme produced in High Five cells was active despite carrying a C-terminal tag. These findings highlight the role of glycosylation pattern and tag position in the activity of human recombinant glycosyltransferase produced in different hosts.