The CD47 glycoprotein was isolated from human erythrocytes by immunoprecipitation using monoclonal antibody (mAb) BRIC-125. Enzymic deglycosylation of the protein showed it contained N-linked oligosaccharides, and trypsin proteolysis of the protein in situ in the erythrocyte membrane cleaved it into two portions, one of which was glycosylated. Both the intact protein and the glycosylated fragment had blocked N-termini. Amino acid sequence was obtained from several proteolytic fragments of CD47. Comparison with the sequence database showed the protein to be very similar to or identical with OA3, a multispanning membrane protein. The protein also appears to be the same as the integrin-associated protein, which has a role in cell adhesion in non-erythroid cells. CD47 has six potential N-glycosylation sites, five of which are in an Ig superfamily domain. We show that three of these sites carry N-glycans in erythrocytes. Immunocytochemical staining of human tissues showed that CD47 was broadly distributed on mesenchyme and epithelia at multiple sites. Reactivity was particularly prominent in surface and ductular epithelia, and in the brain. The possible roles of the CD47 glycoprotein are discussed.

The flexibility of the human erythrocyte membrane is mediated by an underlying network of skeletal proteins which interact with the membrane through ankyrin and protein 4.1. The nature of the membrane attachment site(s) for protein 4.1 has yet to be fully elucidated. In this paper we show that purified protein 4.1 binds much less strongly to alkali-stripped membranes from erythrocytes of individuals with total glycophorin C and D deficiency (Leach phenotype) than to alkali-stripped normal membranes. We further show that a synthetic peptide corresponding to amino acid residues 82-98 of the cytoplasmic domain of glycophorin C specifically binds to purified protein 4.1 and inhibits protein 4.1 binding to alkali-stripped normal membranes. The same synthetic peptide binds directly to membranes from individuals with glycophorin C and D deficiency but not to normal membranes. These results indicate that glycophorins C and D provide major membrane attachment sites for protein 4.1 in normal erythrocytes and that this interaction is mediated by protein 4.1 binding to amino acid residues 82-98 of glycophorin C and 61-77 of glycophorin D.

1. We have shown that the Dia antigen of the Diego blood group system is associated with the presence of red cell band 3 Memphis, but not all band 3 Memphis samples carry the Dia antigen. 2. The band 3 Memphis associated with the Dia antigen was covalently labelled by 4,4′-di-isothiocyanato-1,2-diphenylethane-2,2′-disulphonic acid (H2DIDS) more readily than was normal band 3 or band 3 Memphis not associated with the Dia antigen. This altered reactivity with H2DIDS has previously been noted for a band 3 Memphis sub-type designated variant 2. 3. This is the first example of a band 3 polymorphism associated with an antigenic change in the extracellular region of the band 3 polypeptide and with altered H2DIDS binding.

The Rh-blood-group antigens (often described as Rhesus antigens) are associated with erythrocyte membrane proteins of approx. 30 kDa. We have determined the N-terminal 54 amino acid residues of the 30 kDa Rh D polypeptide (D30 polypeptide). We used primers based on these sequence data and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on human reticulocyte cDNA and genomic DNA to clone two types of PCR product of identical size. The two PCR products had related translated amino acid sequences between the 3′ ends of the primers, one of which was identical with that found for the D30 polypeptide. We designate the two related mRNA species which gave rise to the PCR products as Rh30A and Rh30B, the latter corresponding to the D30 polypeptide. We have isolated cDNA clones for the Rh30A protein which encode a hydrophobic membrane protein of 417 amino acids. The Rh30A protein has the same N-terminal 41 amino acids as the D30 polypeptide, but beyond this point the sequence differs, but is clearly related. The Rh30A protein probably corresponds to the R6A32 polypeptide, another member of the Rh 30 kDa family of proteins, which may carry the C/c and/or E/e antigens. Hydropathy analysis suggests that the Rh30A protein has up to 12 transmembrane domains. Three of these domains are bordered by a novel cysteine-containing motif, which might signal substitutions at these cysteine residues. Information which supplements this paper (amino-acid-sequence-analysis histograms) is reported in Supplementary Publication SUP 50160 (4 pages), which has been deposited at the British Library Document Supply Centre, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem. J. (1990) 265, 5.

1. Genomic DNA derived from individuals who lack glycophorin A (GPA), glycophorin B (GPB) or both of these proteins was subjected to Southern-blot analysis using GPA and GPB cDNA probes. 2. Bands on the Southern blots were assigned to the GPA gene, GPB gene or to a putative pseudogene. 3. Genomic DNA derived from an individual of the Mk phenotype was shown to have deletions in the GPA and GPB genes. The simplest model for the results obtained is that a single deletion spans the GPA and GPB genes in the individual studied.

We have cloned portions of the glycophorin C (sialoglycoprotein beta) gene from individuals with red cells of normal, Gerbich and Yus phenotypes. The clones contain up to three exons of the glycophorin C gene (designated exons 2, 3 and 4). Analysis by restriction mapping and DNA sequencing confirmed that the deletions causing the Gerbich and Yus phenotypes are located entirely within the glycophorin C gene. Sequencing of the normal gene showed that not only do exon 2 and exon 3 have related DNA sequences, but also that both the 5′ and 3′ flanking intronic DNA sequences are almost identical. The two variant genes each lack a different exon: the Yus type gene lacks exon 2, whereas the Gerbich-type gene lacks exon 3. We suggest that the observed deletions are due to recombination between the regions of homologous intronic repeats. We also provide evidence that an unequal cross-over mechanism may be responsible for a number of observed glycophorin C gene rearrangements, including an insertion mutation in Lewis II (Lsa)-type red cells that has not previously been reported.

1. We have studied the peripheral blood cells of an individual with the Inab phenotype who is deficient in decay accelerating factor (DAF). 2. In contrast with the situation in paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, membranes from peripheral blood cells of the Inab phenotype individual lack DAF, but retain the other glycosylphosphatidylinositol-linked proteins acetylcholinesterase and LFA-3. 3. Unlike normal Epstein-Barr-virus-transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (EBV-LCL), DAF was not expressed on EBV-LCL derived from peripheral blood lymphocytes of the Inab individual. 4. No differences in the DAF gene of normal and Inab phenotype individuals could be detected by Southern blotting studies. 5. EBV-LCL derived from the Inab individual had a gross reduction in the level of DAF mRNA compared with normal EBV-LCL. 6. Our results suggest that the DAF gene in the Inab phenotype contains a mutation which affects the transcription or processing of DAF mRNA.

The Rh D blood-group antigen forms part of a complex, involving several other polypeptides, that is deficient in the red cells of individuals who lack all the antigens of the Rh blood-group system (Rhnull red cells). These include components recognized by anti-(Rh D) antibodies and the murine monoclonal antibodies R6A and BRIC 125. We have carried out protein-sequence studies on the components immunoprecipitated by these antibodies. Anti-(Rh D) antibodies immunoprecipitate an Mr-30,000-32,000 polypeptide (the D30 polypeptide) and an Mr-45,000-100,000 glycoprotein (D50 polypeptide). Antibody R6A immunoprecipitates two glycoproteins of Mr 31,000-34,000 (R6A32 polypeptide) and Mr 35,000-52,000 (R6A45 polypeptide). The D30 and R6A32 polypeptides were found to have the same N-terminal amino acid sequences, showing that they are closely related proteins. The D50 polypeptide and the R6A45 polypeptide also had indistinguishable N-terminal amino acid sequences that differed from that of the D30 and R6A32 polypeptides. The putative N-terminal membrane-spanning segments of the two groups of proteins showed homology in their amino acid sequence, which may account for the association of each of the pairs of proteins during co-precipitation by the antibodies. Supplementary data related to the protein sequence have been deposited as Supplementary Publication SUP 50417 (6 pages) at the British Library Document Supply Centre, Boston Spa, Wetherby, West Yorkshire LS23 7BQ, U.K., from whom copies can be obtained on the terms indicated in Biochem. J. (1988) 249, 5.

1. Rhnull human erythrocytes lack all of the antigens of the Rh and LW blood group systems and have abnormal shape and an increased osmotic fragility. In this paper two murine monoclonal antibodies raised against intact human erythrocytes were used to investigate further the abnormalities in these cells. BRIC 125 reacts weakly with Rhnull erythrocytes and BRIC 69 does not react at all. The results showed that BRIC 125 reacts with a component of Mr 47,000-52,000 which has a substantial content of N-glycans. In contrast, BRIC 69 reacted with a band of Mr 31,000 together with a very diffuse band of Mr 35,000-52,000. Treatment of BRIC 69 immunoprecipitates with endoglycosidase F/peptidyl-N-glycosidase F resulted in the loss of both BRIC 69 reactive components and the appearance of a new band of Mr similar to that of the Rh(D) polypeptide. 2. BRIC 125 had a broad reactivity with cells in peripheral blood, whereas the reactivity of BRIC 69 was confined to erythrocytes. BRIC 125, but not BRIC 69, reacted with human kidney tissue and bound to endothelium in peritubular capillaries, arteries and veins as well as the epithelial tissue of distal tubules. BRIC 125 stained haemopoietic cells, foetal hepatocytes and megakaryocytes in foetal liver and sinusoidal cells, hepatocytes and portal tracts in adult liver. In contrast, BRIC 69 reactivity was confined to haemopoietic cells in foetal liver. The BRIC 125 epitope has a wide tissue distribution, suggesting the occurrence of a related group of polypeptides which have a general functional role on cell surfaces. 3. Rhnull erythrocytes are deficient in at least four different membrane polypeptides.

We have studied the DNA of individuals who express an altered sialoglycoprotein beta on their red cells by using Southern blotting with sialoglycoprotein-beta cDNA probes. Individuals of the Leach phenotype do not express any beta (sialoglycoprotein beta) or gamma (sialoglycoprotein gamma) on their red cells, and we show that about 7 kb of DNA, including the 3′ end of the beta gene, is deleted in this DNA. Any protein product of this gene is likely to lack the membrane-associating domain of beta. We have also examined the DNA of two types of other individuals (Yus-type and Gerbich-type) who have red cells that lack beta and gamma, but contain abnormal sialoglycoproteins related to beta. These two types of DNA contain different internal deletions of about 6 kb in the beta gene. We suggest that these deletions result from the presence of two different sets of internal homology in the beta gene, and on this basis we propose structures for the abnormal Yus-type and Gerbich-type sialoglycoproteins which are consistent with the other evidence that is available. We provide evidence that beta and gamma are products of the same gene and suggest a possible mechanism for the origin of gamma based on leaky initiation of translation of beta mRNA.

The human erythrocyte membrane sialoglycoproteins beta and gamma are important for the maintenance of the discoid shape of the normal erythrocyte. In this paper we show that the human erythrocyte sialoglycoproteins beta and gamma (hereafter called beta and gamma) are structurally related. Rabbit antisera produced against purified beta and beta 1 and rendered specific to the cytoplasmic portion of these proteins also react with the cytoplasmic portion of gamma. Some human anti-Gerbich (Ge) sera react with the extracellular portion of both beta and gamma. This reactivity is shown to be directed towards a common epitope on beta and gamma. However, most anti-Ge sera do not react with beta, but react with an extracellular epitope only present on gamma. All individuals who lack the Ge antigens lack beta and gamma. In some cases abnormal sialoglycoproteins are present in the erythrocytes, and these are shown to be structurally related to beta and gamma. Rabbit antisera raised against the purified abnormal sialoglycoprotein from a Ge-negative erythrocyte type reacted with the cytoplasmic portion of both beta and gamma. Unlike normal beta and gamma, the abnormal sialoglycoproteins found in Ge-negative erythrocytes migrate as a diffuse band on SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Studies using endoglycosidases suggest that the diffuse nature of these bands results from carbohydrate heterogeneity and that the abnormal sialoglycoproteins contain N-glycosidically linked oligosaccharides with repeating lactosamine units. Such polylactosamine chains are not present on normal beta or gamma.

Rhnull human erythrocytes lack the antigens of the Rhesus blood-group system, have an abnormal shape, have an increased osmotic fragility, and are associated with mild chronic haemolytic anaemia. Rhnull erythrocytes also lack all antigens of the LW blood-group system, but the functional significance of this deficiency is unknown. We have identified, by immunoblotting with two mouse monoclonal antibodies (BS46 and BS56), the LW-active component(s) in normal human erythrocytes as a broad band of Mr 37 000-47 000 on SDS/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis. Treatment of intact human erythrocytes with endoglycosidase F preparation destroyed the epitopes recognized by antibodies BS46 and BS56, suggesting that one or more N-glycosidically linked oligosaccharides are required for the formation of the LW antigens. Estimation of the number of LW antigen sites per erythrocyte by using radioiodinated purified antibody BS46 gave average values of 4400 molecules/cell for Rh(D)-positive adult erythrocytes and 2835 molecules/cell for Rh(D)-negative adult erythrocytes. Like the Rh(D) polypeptide, the LW polypeptide(s) is (are) associated with the cytoskeleton of normal erythrocytes. These results suggest the possibility that the absence of the LW polypeptide may also contribute to the functional and/or morphological abnormalities of Rhnull erythrocytes.

By using radioiodinated monoclonal antibodies we have estimated that there are about 600 000 copies of sialoglycoprotein alpha (synonym glycophorin A) and 80 000 copies of sialoglycoprotein delta (synonym glycophorin B) per normal human erythrocyte. Erythrocytes expressing the product of only one alpha gene contain about 300 000 copies of alpha/cell. Two erythrocyte types containing alpha-delta hybrid molecules were studied. Those with heterozygous expression of the (alpha-delta)Mi.V gene contain about 100 000 alpha-delta copies per cell, whereas those with heterozygous expression of the En(UK) gene contain about 80 000 alpha-delta copies/cell. Erythrocyte types containing delta-alpha hybrid molecules were also studied. About 200 000 copies of (delta-alpha)Dantu were measured in cells with heterozygous expression of the (delta-alpha)Dantu gene (donor M.P.), whereas about 315 000 copies of the putative (delta-alpha)Dantu hybrid were found on the erythrocytes of donor J.O. [which also have heterozygous expression of the putative (delta-alpha)Dantu gene]. The erythrocytes of donor M.P. have normal levels of alpha, whereas those of donor J.O. have only about half-normal levels. It is proposed that the hybrid sialoglycoprotein of donor J.O. is of alpha-delta-alpha composition [(alpha-delta-alpha)Dantu] rather than delta-alpha and results from a double cross-over analogous to that which gives rise to haemoglobin Parchman.

Individuals whose erythrocytes are positive for the rare blood-group antigen Webb (Wb) have an altered form of the minor sialoglycoprotein beta (synonyms glycophorin C and glycoconnectin). This altered sialoglycoprotein beta (beta Wb) has an Mr about 2700 lower than that of normal sialoglycoprotein beta. Treatment of normal sialoglycoprotein beta with endo-beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase F decreased its Mr by about 3600, but similar treatment of sialoglycoprotein beta Wb had no effect. These results suggest the possibility that sialoglycoprotein beta Wb lacks the N-glycosidically linked oligosaccharide found on normal sialoglycoprotein beta.

Rhnull human erythrocytes lack the antigens of the Rhesus blood group system, have an abnormal shape and an increased osmotic fragility, and are associated with mild chronic haemolytic anaemia. Studies with phospholipase A2 and sphingomyelinase C show that the asymmetric distribution of phosphatidylethanolamine (PtdEtn) in the membrane of these cells differs from that found in control cells. The amount of PtdEtn which can be hydrolysed by phospholipase A2 in the presence of sphingomyelinase C in intact Rhnull cells is twice as high as that in normal erythrocytes. In intact Rhnull cells all of the phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho) present in the membrane can be readily exchanged with a PtdCho-specific exchange protein, whereas in control cells 75% is readily exchanged and 25% at a much lower rate. This indicates that PtdCho experiences a relatively fast transbilayer movement in the Rhnull cells. The observation that the loss of two membrane polypeptides in the Rhnull cells leads to abnormal shape, increased osmotic fragility, abnormal PtdEtn distribution and enhanced transbilayer mobility of PtdCho strongly suggests that one or both polypeptides are essential for the maintenance of a proper membrane-membrane skeleton interaction.

Membranes from erythrocytes with a new Gerbich (Ge)-negative phenotype (Leach phenotype), as well as those from two other Ge-negative phenotypes, were examined. Whereas cells of the Leach phenotype apparently lack three minor sialoglycoproteins (beta, beta 1 and gamma), the membranes of Ge- Yus- and Ge- Yus+ erythrocytes apparently lack beta- and gamma-sialoglycoproteins but contain additional diffusely migrating components of apparent Mr 30 500-34 500 and 32 500-36 500 respectively. Immunoprecipitation experiments showed that the abnormal components of both Ge- Yus- and Ge- Yus+ erythrocytes reacted with two monoclonal antibodies, BRIC 4 and BRIC 10. These antibodies have been shown to react with sialoglycoproteins beta and beta 1 in normal erythrocytes. Cytoskeletal preparations from Ge- Yus- and Ge- Yus+ erythrocyte membranes contained the abnormal components. In contrast with cells of the Leach phenotype, which are elliptocytic, Ge- Yus- and Ge- Yus+ were of normal shape, despite their apparent lack of beta- and gamma-sialoglycoproteins. It seems likely that the abnormal components in these cells contribute to their normal shape. Ovalocytic erythrocytes were shown to incorporate more radioactivity in the sialoglycoprotein-beta 1 region than normal erythrocytes after labelling by the periodate/NaB3H4 technique. It is suggested that abnormal components in Ge- Yus- and Ge- Yus+ erythrocytes result from chromosomal misalignment with unequal crossing-over at meiosis between the genes giving rise to beta-, beta 1- and gamma-sialoglycoproteins.

We have studied the erythrocytes of two individuals (P. L. and K. W.) who lack the Gerbich (Ge) blood-group antigen. The erythrocytes of P. L. and K. W. were not reactive with two monoclonal antibodies (NBTS/BRIC 4 and NBTS/BRIC 10) which reacted with normal erythrocytes. The membranes of P. L. and K. W. erythrocytes appeared to lack three minor sialoglycoproteins (beta, beta 1 and gamma). These three minor sialoglycoproteins were found to be associated with the cytoskeletons of normal erythrocytes. Approx. 10% of the erythrocytes of P. L. and K. W. were frankly elliptocytic. We suggest that one or more of the minor sialoglycoproteins may play a part in maintaining the discoid shape of the human erythrocyte.

A panel of lectins was used to analyse glycoproteins of normal granulocytes and leukaemic myeloid cells. The glycoproteins of detergent-solubilized whole cells were separated by sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and their lectin-binding properties determined by incubation of the fixed gels with radioiodinated lectins. Normal granulocytes and leukaemic myeloid cells in different stages of maturation possess a cell-surface sialic acid-rich glycoprotein of apparent mol.wt. 115 000 (GP115), that can be labelled by both the lactoperoxidase and periodate/NaB3H4 cell-surface labelling techniques. The sialoglycoprotein of leukaemic myeloblasts has a slightly lower apparent mol.wt., 112000 (GP112). After neuraminidase treatment before cell solubilization, both GP115 and GP112 bind the lectins from Arachis hypogaea (peanut) and Helix pomatia (snail) and have an increased apparent molecular weight of 125000. Two concanavalin A-binding glycoproteins of apparent mol.wts. 98000 and 90000 are present in leukaemic myeloblasts. Concanavalin A binding to these glycoproteins is decreased in more mature leukaemic cells and absent in granulocytes. As concanavalin A binding decreases in the maturer forms, there is a concomitant increase in the binding of Ricinus communis (castor bean) and Maclura aurantiaca (osage orange) lectins to these glycoproteins. Whole granulocytes, but not leukaemic myeloblasts, contain a major cell-surface concanavalin A binding glycoprotein of apparent mol.wt. 130000, which is labelled by the periodate/NaB3H4 technique. Concanavalin A binding to this glycoprotein increases as the morphology of leukaemic cells approaches that of mature granulocytes.

Rhnull human erythrocytes lack all the antigens of the Rhesus blood-group system and are associated with mild chronic haemolytic anaemia. These erythrocytes have an abnormal shape and increased osmotic fragility. Labelling studies with the impermeant maleimide N-maleoylmethionine [35S]sulphone show that Rhnull erythrocytes lack two extracellular thiol-group-containing membrane components of apparent mol.wts. 32 000 and 34 000. Immunoprecipitation with mouse monoclonal antibody R6A (which reacts with all normal erythrocytes, but fails to react with Rhnull erythrocytes) specifically precipitates the 34 000-mol.wt. component from normal erythrocytes. Similar studies with human anti-Rh(D) serum shows that this antibody reacts with the 32 000-mol.wt. component. The results suggest that the R6A-binding polypeptide and the Rh(D) polypeptide may be involved in the maintenance of the shape and viability of the human erythrocyte.

1. Immunoprecipitation of periodate/NaB3H4-labelled human erythrocytes using anti-Wrightb (Wrb) monoclonal antibodies showed that these antibodies specifically react with the major erythrocyte sialoglycoprotein alpha (glycophorin A). 2. Similar experiments on erythrocytes from the only known individual lacking the Wrb antigen but with otherwise normal sialoglycoproteins did not result in the immunoprecipitation of any sialoglycoprotein. 3. We suggest that the Wrb antigen is located on an alpha-helical region between residues 55 and 70 of sialoglycoprotein alpha.

Treatment of intact human platelets with chymotrypsin released a glycopolypeptide that was shown to be derived from the major membrane glycoprotein, GPIb. The glycopolypeptide contained 59% carbohydrate on a molar basis and was rich in serine, threonine and proline. Almost all the carbohydrate could be released from the glycopolypeptide by treatment with alkali in the presence of NaBH4. The major component (comprising 80% of the released sugar) was purified and shown to be a hexasaccharide containing sialic acid, galactose, N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylgalactosaminitol in the molar ratios 2:2:1:1. Two possible structures for this hexasaccharide are proposed on the basis of the known biosynthetic pathways of mucus-type glycoproteins. Our data is consistent with the occurrence of an O-glycosidically linked oligosaccharide on one amino acid in four of the glycopolypeptide. These results suggest that glycoprotein Ib can best be described as a membrane-bound mucus-type glycoproteins. Our data are consistent with the occurrence of an O- in the process by which platelets adhere to the exposed subendothelium of damaged blood-vessel walls. The possible role of the glycopolypeptide portion of GPIb in this process was investigated. Neither the major oligosaccharide nor the glycopolypeptide itself inhibited ristocetin-induced platelet agglutination at the concentrations tested. It is suggested that the carbohydrate moieties of GPIb molecules at the cell surface interact to form a barrier to macromolecules. Such a barrier could play a major role in modulating platelet function.

1. We have studied the inherited changes occurring in the sialoglycoproteins of membranes from erythrocytes of type Miltenberger Class III (Mi.III), Miltenberger Class IV (Mi.IV) and Miltenberger Class V (Mi.V) by using sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and lactoperoxidase radioiodination. 2. Mi.III erythrocytes lack the normal blood-group-Ss-active sialoglycoprotein but contain an unusual s-active sialoglycoprotein of higher apparent molecular weight. A similar abnormal S-active sialoglycoprotein appears to occur in Mi.IV erythrocytes. 3. The Mi.V condition is associated with the hemizygous absence of both the normal blood-group-MN-active sialoglycoprotein and the normal Ss-active sialoglycorprotein. However, a new sialoglycoprotein component is present in these cells that has properties characteristic of both the MN-active and Ss-active sialoglycoproteins. 4. Our results suggest that the new sialoglycorportein present in Mi.V erythrocytes is a hybrid of the normal MN sialoglycoprotein and an s-active sialoglycoprotein that has properties similar to the s-active sialoglycoprotein found in Mi.III erythrocytes. We suggest that the unusual Mi.V sialoglycoprotein is derived from chromosomal misalignment with unequal crossing-over between the genes for the MN- and Ss-active sialoglycoproteins in a manner similar to that which gives rise to haemoglobin Lepore. 5. Further studies of S-s-erythrocytes confirm that these cells lack normal Ss-active sialoglycoprotein, but contain an unusual component that shows some of the properties of the normal Ss-active sialoglycoprotein. 6. Analysis of erythrocytes of type Mk/Mi.III confirms that, in addition to the known hemizygous lack of the MN-active sialoglycoprotein, the Mk condition is also associated with a loss of the Ss-active sialoglycoprotein. 7. In order to facilitate discussion of the complex changes that occur in these variant erythrocytes, a new unified nomenclature is used for the erythrocyte sialoglycoproteins.

1. Membranes from erythrocytes heterozygous for the Mk and Miltenberger Class V (Mi.V) condition and membranes from erythrocytes homozygous for the Mg condition were studied by polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis by using the periodate/Schiff stain binding of radioiodinated lectins and labelling with lactoperoxidase. 2. Both the Mk and Mi.V conditions are associated with a decreased content of the major blood-group-MN-active sialoglycoprotein. 3. An unusual blood-group-M-active membrane component was found in Mi.V cells of appropriate genotype. No comparably component was found in Mk erythrocytes. 4. The Mg antigen appears to result from a modification of the MN-active sialoglycoprotein found in normal cells. Our results suggest that the Mg sialoglycoprotein contains fewer sialotetrasaccharides than does the normal sialglycoprotein. This may result from changes in the amino acid sequence of the protein. 5. The results are discussed in relation to differences in the antigenic properties of Mk, Mi.V and Mg cells and their possible influence on the structure of the surface of each of these cells.

1. We investigated the membranes of human erythrocytes which completely lack the blood-group antigens S and s (denoted as S-s-) as part of a study of the structure and function of the surface glycoproteins of the human erythrocyte. 2. The S-s-erythrocyte-membrane glycoprotein PAS-3 band was much less intensely stained in comparison with that of the glycoprotein from normal erythrocyte membranes. The S-s-membrane glycoprotein PAS-4 band also showed decreased staining. 3. Examination with the lectins from Maclura aurantiaca (Osage orange) and Arachis hypogaea (groundnut) showed that the PAS-3 glycoprotein of S-s-erythrocyte membranes lacked the receptors for these lectins that are present on glycoprotein PAS-3 from normal erythrocytes. 4. Radioiodination with lactoperoxidase showed the presence of the polypeptide of glycoprotein PAS-3 in S-s-cells, although it was more weakly labelled than the protein in the normal erythrocyte. 5. Our results show that the PAS-3 glycoprotein of S-s-erythrocytes is deficient in some of the carbohydrates present in the protein from normal erythrocytes. Glycoprotein PAS-4 of normal erythrocytes is shown to be a complex containing both glycoproteins PAS-1 and PAS-3.

The major penetrating membrane glycoprotein (band 3) was isolated from En(a-) and normal human erythrocytes. The two proteins differed only in carbohydrate composition. Band 3 from En(a-) erythrocytes contained greater amounts of galactose and N-acetyl-glucosamine. The loss of the sialoglycoprotein sialotetrasaccharides in the En(a-) cell is not compensated by the appearance of these units in band 3 of En(a-) erythrocytes.

We investigated the membrane of En(a-) human erythrocytes as part of a study of the structure and biochemical function of the surface glycoproteins of the mammalian cell. 2. En(a-) erythrocytes were selected because they have more extensive changes at the cell surface than any other known erythrocyte variant. 3. Our results show that in En(a-) erythrocytes: (a) the major membrane sialoglycoprotein is lacking; (b) the other major membrane-penetrating glycoprotein (band 3) has an altered electrophoretic mobility. 4. The apparent clinical normality of En(a-) cells suggests that the change in band 3 may compensate for the loss of the membrane sialoglycoproteins. It is clear that a viable erythrocyte can exist despite the absence of one of its major surface components.

1. A method which allows the characterization of lectin-binding components is described. This method should be useful in defining the nature and heterogeneity of these components in cell membranes. 2. The method, which we have used on erythrocyte “ghosts”, involves the fixation of “ghost” components after sodium dodecyl sulphate/polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and incubation with purified 125I-labelled lectins. 3. Each of the four lectins used shows an individual pattern of reactivity towards “ghosts” components. Band 3, the major membrane-penetrating glycoprotein, is bound by the lectins from Ricinus communis and Phaseolus vulgaris (phytohaemagglutinin) and by concanavalin A. The major erythrocyte sialoglycoprotein is bound by the lectins from R. communis, P. vulgaris and Maclura aurantiaca. 4. Three of the lectins displays binding for other membrane components, some of which are not demonstratable by conventional protein- and carbohydrate-staining techniques.

The distribution of protein and blood-group-antigen activity obtained after butanol extraction of erythrocyte `ghosts' under various conditions is described. Butanol extraction under low-ionic strength conditions results in the recovery of membrane protein in high yield in the aqueous phase. Blood-group-A activity is found in both the aqueous and butanol phases, whereas blood-group-P activity is confined to the butanol phase and blood-group-I and blood-group-MN activity are restricted to the aqueous phase. Much lower yields of protein are obtained in the aqueous phase when high-ionic-strength conditions are used. An appreciable amount of material is precipitated at the interface. Under these conditions blood-group-P activity is found only in the butanol phase, blood group-A activity in the butanol phase and interface material and only blood-group-MN activity in the aqueous phase. In contrast with previous reports no correlation could be demonstrated between the secretor status of the donors and the presence of blood-group-A activity in the aqueous phase after butanol extraction under any of the extraction conditions used. By using butanol extraction under high-ionic-strength conditions it is possible to isolate the blood-group-MN-active sialoglycoprotein in high yield from erythrocyte `ghosts' by a simple procedure.