First Author | Braun JR | Year | 1996 |
Journal | J Biol Chem | Volume | 271 |
Issue | 35 | Pages | 21160-6 |
PubMed ID | 8702886 | Mgi Jnum | J:35142 |
Mgi Id | MGI:82593 | Doi | 10.1074/jbc.271.35.21160 |
Citation | Braun JR, et al. (1996) The major subunit of the asialoglycoprotein receptor is expressed on the hepatocellular surface in mice lacking the minor receptor subunit. J Biol Chem 271(35):21160-6 |
abstractText | The mammalian asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) is located on the sinusoidal membrane of hepatocytes where it binds and endocytoses galactose-terminated glycoproteins (asialoglycoproteins). ASGPR is composed of two highly homologous subunits, termed hepatic lectin 1 and 2. Despite numerous studies the contribution of both subunits to biosynthesis and functional activity of ASGPR in vivo has remained controversial. Mice lacking the murine hepatic lectin (MHL)-2 subunit are viable and fertile without obvious phenotypic abnormalities. In the absence of MHL-2, knockout mice express MHL-1 protein at reduced levels. Here, we examine the intracellular fate and function of this remaining subunit. The results show that MHL-1 reaches the hepatocellular surface in knockout mice but is unable to effectively remove any one of three different radiolabeled ligands within 30 min. A small but detectable residual ligand clearance in knockout mice at 4 h is apparently not mediated by remaining MHL-1. Serum concentrations of galactose-terminating glycoproteins are not elevated in these ASGPR-deficient mice. However, competitive in vitro degradation experiments suggest that other endogenous ASGPR ligands, the nature of which remain to be determined, accumulate in serum of knockout animals. |