The carbohydrate structures of β-galactosidase from human liver

Acid β-galactosidase (EC3.2.1.23) was obtained from human liver in a pure monomeric state (Mr63 000). The carbohydrate content of the enzyme was established to be, 9% by weight; mannose,N-acetylglucosamine, galactose andN-acetylneuraminic acid were found to be the constituent monosaccharides. The carbohydrate structures of the enzyme were studied at the glycopeptide level by employing 500 MHz1H-NMR spectroscopy, carbohydrate composition analysis and methylation analysis involving GLCMS. Based upon the intensities of relevant signals in the1H-NMR spectrum, approximately 60% of the chains were found to be of theN-acetyllactosamine type, having the structure