BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Proteolytic enzymes contribute to the progression of various cancers. We previously reported increased expression of the proline specific peptidases dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) and its closest paralogue fibroblast activation protein (FAP) in human glioblastomas. Here we analyze the molecular heterogeneity of DPP-IV and FAP in glioblastomas. METHODS: ELISA, isoelectric focusing, 1D and 2D electrophoresis followed by WB or enzyme overlay assay were utilized to analyze DPP-IV and FAP isoforms. Cell fractionation using a Percoll gradient and deglycosylation with PNGase F were performed to analyze the possible basis of DPP-IV and FAP microheterogeneity. RESULTS: Molecular forms of DPP-IV with an estimated molecular weight of 140-160 kDa and a pI predominantly 5.8 were detected in human glioblastoma; in some tumors additional isoforms with a more acidic (3.5-5.5) as well as alkaline (8.1) pI were revealed. Using 2D electrophoresis, two to three molecular forms of FAP with an alkaline (7.0-8.5) pI and an estimated MW of 120-140 kDa were identified in glioblastoma tissues. In glioma cell lines in vitro, several isoforms of both enzymes were expressed, however the alkalic forms present in glioblastoma tissues were not detected. Removal of N-linked oligosaccharides decreased the estimated molecular weight of both enzymes; the overall pattern of molecular forms nevertheless remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Several isoforms of DPP-IV and FAP are present in glioblastoma tissue. The absence of alkaline isoforms of both enzymes in glioma cell lines however suggests that isoforms from other, most likely stromal, cell types contribute to the overall pattern seen in glioblastoma tissues.

Institute of Biochemistry and Experimental Oncology 1st Faculty of Medicine Charles University Prague Prague Czech Republic

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