Mannosidase 2, alpha 1 Deficiency and Ricin Resistance in Stem Cells
Author Information
Author(s): Wang Wei, Hale Christine, Goulding Dave, Haslam Stuart M., Tissot Bérangère, Lindsay Christopher, Michell Stephen, Titball Rick, Yu Jun, Toribio Ana Luisa, Rossi Raffaella, Dell Anne, Bradley Allan, Dougan Gordon
Primary Institution: The Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute
Hypothesis
Is mannosidase 2, alpha 1 deficiency associated with ricin resistance in embryonic stem cells?
Conclusion
Mannosidase 2, alpha 1 deficiency is linked to increased resistance to ricin in embryonic stem cells.
Supporting Evidence
- The study identified a homozygous mutation in the mannosidase 2, alpha 1 gene in ricin-resistant clones.
- Inhibitors of the N-linked glycosylation pathway conferred ricin resistance to naïve embryonic stem cells.
- Flow cytometric analysis showed altered lectin binding patterns in mannosidase 2, alpha 1-deficient cells.
Takeaway
Some cells can resist a poison called ricin because they lack a specific enzyme. This study found that when this enzyme is missing, the cells can survive better.
Methodology
The study used a genetic screen in Blm-deficient embryonic stem cells to identify mutations that confer resistance to ricin.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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