Biochemical characterization and molecular cloning of a novel endothelial-specific sialomucin

We have generated rat monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) against cell surface an tigens of the mouse endothelioma cell line bEND.3. Three antibodies (V.1A7, V.5C7, and V.7C7) were selected, all of which recognize a 75-kD antigen on bEND.3 cells and bind selectively to endothelial cells in cryostat section s of mouse tissues. A cDNA for the antigen was isolated from a bEND.3 pCDM8 expression library by using transient expression in COS-7 cells and immuno selection with the three MoAbs. This cDNA coded for a novel, type I membran e protein of 248 amino acids with an extracellular domain rich in threonine and serine residues (35%). The protein is sensitive to O-sialoglycoprotein endopeptidase, indicating that it belongs to the class of sialomucin-like proteins. Therefore, we suggest the name endomucin. Treatment of isolated e ndomucin by sialidase and O-glycosidase reduced the apparent molecular weig ht to 45 kD and abolished binding of all three antibodies, indicating that carbohydrates are directly or indirectly involved in the formation of the a ntibody epitopes. Immunohistological analysis of all examined mouse tissues showed that endomucin is an endothelial antigen found in venous endotheliu m as well as in capillaries, but not on arterial endothelium. Interestingly , high endothelial venules of peripheral and mesenteric lymph nodes as well as of Peyers's patches were negative for staining with the three MoAbs. (C ) 1999 by The American Society of Hematology.