Faculty Research 1980 - 1989

Stage-specific embryonic antigens (SSEA-3 and -4) are epitopes of a unique globo-series ganglioside isolated from human teratocarcinoma cells.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1983

Keywords

Antibodies-Monoclonal, Antigen-Antibody-Complex, Antigens-Neoplasm, Antigens-Surface, Blastocyst: im, Carbohydrate-Conformation, Carbohydrate-Sequence, Erythrocytes: im, Female, Glycolipids, Granulocytes: im, Human, Lymphocytes: im, Mice, Neoplasms: im, Oocytes: im, Species-Specificity, SUPPORT-U-S-GOVT-NON-P-H-S, SUPPORT-U-S-GOVT-P-H-S, Teratoma: im

First Page

2355

Last Page

2361

JAX Source

EMBO J 1983;2(12):2355-61

Grant

CA20026, GM23100, CA29894

Abstract

Two monoclonal antibodies (MC631 and MC813-70) raised against 4- to 8-cell stage mouse embryos and a human teratocarcinoma cell line, respectively, detect the stage-specific embryonic antigens, the previously defined SSEA-3 and SSEA-4, described herein. These antibodies were both reactive with a unique globo-series ganglioside with the structure shown below: (formula; see text) The antibodies were found to recognize sequential regions of this ganglioside, i.e., MC813-70 recognizes the terminal 'a' structure whereas antibody MC631 recognizes the internal 'b' structure. Thus, a set of two antibodies defines this unique embryonic antigen. During differentiation of human teratocarcinoma 2102Ep cells, the globo-series glycolipids defined by these antibodies decrease and the lacto-series glycolipids, reacting with the SSEA-1 antibody appear. This antigenic conversion suggests that a shift of glycolipid synthesis from globo-series to lacto-series glycolipids occurs during differentiation of human teratocarcinoma and perhaps of pre-implantation mouse embryos.

Please contact the Joan Staats Library for information regarding this document.

Share

COinS