Formation of lipid-bound oligosaccharides containing mannose. Their role in glycoprotein synthesis.

Incubation of GDP-[(14)C]mannose with liver microsomes and magnesium ions led to the formation of dolichol monophosphate mannose and of other acidlabile compounds that contain oligosaccharides. Formation of these compounds was enhanced by addition of an acceptor lipid in the same fractions of DEAE-cellulose chromatography where bound dolichol is found. Alkaline treatment of the oligosaccharides, obtained by acid methanolysis, followed by paper electrophoresis, gave rise to the formation of two positively charged substances believed to be formed by deacetylation of hexosamine residues. Incubation of the oligosaccharide-containing compounds with liver microsomes and manganese ions resulted in a transfer to endogenous protein. The role of dolichol derivatives in glycoprotein synthesis is discussed.