Head and neck cancer N-glycome traits are cell line and HPV status–dependent

• DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04376-x
• Publication Date: 2022-10-27T00:02:36Z
• Authors: Mohammad Rasheduz...; Abarna V. M. Murugan; Xi Zhang; Tiago Oliveira; Riccardo Dolcetti; Liz Kenny; Newell W. Johnson; Daniel Kolarich; Chamindie Punyadeera
• Keywords: Glycome; Fucosylation

Glycosylation is the most common post-translational modification of proteins, and glycosylation changes at cell surfaces are frequently associated with malignant epithelia including head neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC). In HNSCC, 5-year survival remains poor, averaging around 50% globally: this partly related to late diagnosis. Specific protein signatures on keratinocytes have promise as diagnostic prognostic biomarkers therapeutic targets. Nevertheless, HNSCC-specific glycome date largely unknown. Herein, we tested six established HNSCC lines capture qualitative semi-quantitative N-glycome using porous graphitized carbon liquid chromatography coupled electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry. Oligomannose-type N-glycans were predominant features in all analysed (57.5-70%). The levels sialylated showed considerable line-dependent differences ranging from 24 35%. Importantly, α2-6 linked dominant across except SCC-9 cells where similar α2-3 observed. Furthermore, found that HPV-positive contained higher phosphorylated oligomannose N-glycans, which hint towards an upregulation lysosomal pathways. Almost fucose-type carried core-fucose residues just minor (< 4%) Lewis-type fucosylation identified. We also observed paucimannose-type (2-5.5%), though low levels. Finally, identified carrying confirmed their structure by This first systematic mapping revealed diverse specific paving way for further studies aimed assessing possible relevance.