::: Ultimate Glucosamine :::

Two clones of a mutant mouse 3t3 fibroblast showed a decrease in adhesion to the substratum and were missing at least 2 surface polypeptides with molecular weights ranging form 92 to 140 kilo Daltons. Unlike transformed cells these mutant cells continued to display density dependent inhibition of growth, would not grow in suspension and were unable to produce tumours when injected into mice. It was found that these cells lacked glycoproteins on their cell surface. A series of experiments were conducted to determine why the cells surface glycoproteins were reduced¹.

Mutant cells and normal controls growing in cell culture were incubated with [¹⁴C]glucosamine. In the mutant cells very little [¹⁴C]glucosamine ended up in the cell surface glycoproteins. However the rate of [¹⁴C]glucosamine uptake was 3 to 4 times greater in the mutant cells than in the wild type control cells. The mutant cells showed an accumulation of [¹⁴C]glucosamine but few of the other hexosamines. There was a 58% decrease in N-acetyl-D-glucosamine and a 59% decrease in N-acetylgalactosamine. When the mutant cells were grown in the presence of N-acetyl-D-glucosamine the morphology, substratum adhesion and cell surface glycoproteins were restored to normal.

The investigators concluded the acetylation of glucosamine to N-acetyl-D-glucosamine was the defect that lead to the altered characteristics of the mutant cells. The mutation was thought to be a malfunction or absence of the enzyme glucosamine 6-phosphate acetyltransferase.

1 Pouyssegur, J. Pastan, I. (1977) "Mutants of Mouse fibroblasts altered in the Synthesis of Cell Surface Glycoproteins" The Journal of Biological Chemistry 252:1639 - 1646.

Notice: The information is intended to provide the reader with a comprehensive understanding of the science underlying the role of glucosamine and N-acetylglucosamine in the mammalian body. The scientific information on this site has been compiled from many different scientific sources. No specific therapeutic claims are made for any product. The information provided on this site is for general information purposes only and is not intended to qualify, supplement or replace that of your medical professional. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Your healthcare giver should undertake diagnosing and treating your medical condition.

Š 2003 PurePharm Inc. All rights reserved Copyright and Legal Disclaimer.