Dengue virus infectivity depends on envelope protein binding to target cell heparan sulfate.

Dengue virus is a human pathogen that has reemerged as an increasingly important public health threat. We found that the cellular receptor utilized by dengue envelope protein to bind to target cells is a highly sulfated type of heparan sulfate. Heparin, highly sulfated heparan sulfate, and the polysulfonate pharmaceutical Suramin effectively prevented dengue virus infection of target cells, indicating that the envelope protein-target cell receptor interaction is a critical determinant of infectivity. The dengue envelope protein sequence includes two putative glycosaminoglycan-binding motifs at the carboxy terminus; the first could be structurally modeled and formed an unusual extended binding surface of basic amino acids. Similar motifs were also identified in the envelope proteins of other flaviviridae. Developing pharmaceuticals that inhibit target cell binding may be an effective strategy for treating flavivirus infections.

Heparin structure and interactions with basic fibroblast growth factor.

Crystal structures of heparin-derived tetra- and hexasaccharides complexed with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) were determined at resolutions of 1.9 and 2.2 angstroms, respectively. The heparin structure may be approximated as a helical polymer with a disaccharide rotation of 174 degrees and a translation of 8.6 angstroms along the helix axis. Both molecules bound similarly to a region of the bFGF surface containing residues asparagine-28, arginine-121, lysine-126, and glutamine-135, the hexasaccharide also interacted with an additional binding site formed by lysine-27, asparagine-102, and lysine-136. No significant conformational change in bFGF occurred upon heparin oligosaccharide binding, which suggests that heparin primarily serves to juxtapose components of the FGF signal transduction pathway.

The in vivo digestive fate of the Cry3Bb1 protein in laying hens fed diets containing MON 863 corn.

Two trials were conducted to assess the fate of the Cry3Bb1 protein from YieldGard rootworm corn (MON 863) when fed to laying hens. In the first trial, 2 diets, 1 formulated with MON 863 and 1 with conventional corn, were fed to laying hens (12 replicate cages with 4 hens/cage per treatment) for 8 wk. Daily feed intake (FI), egg production (EP), and BW were measured. Prestudy fecal samples, wk 4 and 8 egg and fecal samples, and hepatic and pectoralis tissue samples were collected from 12 killed hens and were tested for the Cry3Bb1 protein. Corn source had no significant effects on FI, EP, or BW. Feces from hens fed diets containing MON 863 were positive for the Cry3Bb1 protein or proteolytic fragments (1.5 to 4.0 ppm fecal dry matter). The Cry3Bb1 protein could not be determined in eggs due to the presence of an interfering substance in all test and control eggs. No Cry3Bb1 protein was detected in hepatic and pectoralis tissue. In the second trial, the same test and control diets were fed to 12 hens each. Six hens/treatment were sampled after 7 and 28 d. Samples included blood, feces, and digesta (crop, small and large intestine, and ceca). The Cry3Bb1 protein could not be determined in blood due to the presence of an interfering substance in all test and control blood samples. The Cry3Bb1 protein or partially digested fragments, or both, were found in the digesta sampled from all sections of the digestive tract. About 98 to >99% of the dietary Cry3Bb1 protein was digested. Overall, MON 863, when fed to laying hens, had no significant effects on FI, EP, or BW. The Cry3Bb1 protein was extensively digested, similar to that of other dietary proteins, and was not detected in hepatic or muscle tissue.

Polysulfated carbohydrates analyzed as ion-paired complexes with basic peptides and proteins using electrospray negative ionization mass spectrometry.

Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was used in the negative ion mode to analyze complexes of sucrose octasulfate, sucrose heptasulfate and sulfated alpha-, beta- and gamma-cyclodextrins with synthetically prepared basic peptides, the basic protein ubiquitin and polyamines. The spectra presented demonstrate that complexes with these basic molecules facilitate the analysis of these polysulfated oligosaccharides. Stable (1:1) complexes result from the ion pairing between the protonated basic arginine and lysine residues of the peptide and the anionic sulfate groups of the polysulfated oligosaccharides. Fragmentation of the polysulfated oligosaccharides resulting in the loss of SO3 could be suppressed by controlling the experimental conditions, such as the nozzle-skimmer voltage, used to obtain the spectra. In the absence of fragmentation, it was possible to obtain data on the purity of sucrose octasulfate and sucrose heptasulfate as well as the distribution of the sulfated cyclodextrins. The confounding presence of sodium counter-ions is also eliminated using this method. Complete chemical sulfation of oligosaccharides is difficult to achieve. Thus, data on sample purity are essential for the characterization of sulfated oligosaccharides used as pharmaceutical agents.

Isolation and characterization of heparan sulfate from crude porcine intestinal mucosal peptidoglycan heparin.

A method for the preparation of heparan sulfate from peptidoglycan heparin is described. The objective of this research was to provide a basis for the development and validation of an industrial process to support the preclinical development of heparan sulfate and/or heparan sulfate derivatives. In the preparation of heparan sulfate, heparin was recovered by alcohol fractionation and dermatan sulfate was isolated by selective precipitation. The remaining crude heparan sulfate was fractionated by anion-exchange chromatography into five subfractions. The biological activities of these subfractions were examined by anticoagulant and amidolytic assays. Molecular weight and molecular size were determined using capillary viscometry and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Charge density and degree of sulfation were determined by cellulose acetate electrophoresis and elemental analysis. Oligosaccharide and disaccharide analysis relied on enzymatic depolymerization using heparin lyases followed by polyacrylamide gel and capillary electrophoresis. 1H NMR analysis provided detailed structural information on each subfraction. Crude heparin sulfate and its subfractions showed significant differences in physical, structural and biological properties.

Mechanism of action of an eukaryotic initiation factor-2 (eIF-2) associated 67 kDa glycoprotein (p67) and an eIF-2 kinase (dsI).

Mechanism of regulation of eIF-2 alpha-subunit phosphorylation by dsI and p67 was studied. The results are as follows: (1) At low dsI concentration, p67 protected equimolar concentration of eIF-2. (2) At high dsI concentration, dsI efficiently phosphorylated eIF-2 alpha-subunit even when equimolar concentrations of both p67 and eIF-2 were present. Significantly increased p67 concentration was necessary to protect eIF-2 alpha-subunit at high dsI concentration. (3) dsI was also phosphorylated as it phosphorylated eIF-2 alpha-subunit. p67 inhibited both eIF-2 alpha-subunit and dsI phosphorylation similarly. (4) Although the [32P]-labelled dsI formed during the reaction could be effectively chased upon subsequent addition of excess unlabelled eIF-2 and ATP, the [32P] labelled eIF-2 formed under identical conditions, retained most of the radioactivity. (5) dsI coimmunoprecipitated with three subunit eIF-2 and p67 inhibited this coimmunoprecipitation reaction. It has been proposed: Three subunit eIF-2 and free p67 are in equilibrium with eIF-2 bound to p67 and, eIF-2.p67 complex is resistant to dsI phosphorylation. Activated dsI is already phosphorylated. At high concentration, dsI(P) can bind to free three subunit eIF-2 and form eIF-2.dsI(P) complex. dsI(P) in this complex then transfers its phosphoryl residue to eIF-2 and forms eIF-2 alpha(P) in an irreversible reaction. In a subsequent reaction, unphosphorylated dsI is autophosphorylated using [gamma 32P]-ATP and the cycle continues. Inhibition of eIF-2 alpha-subunit phosphorylation by p67 blocks this phosphorylation cycle and consequent dsI phosphorylation.

Dermatan sulfate as a potential therapeutic agent.

1. Dermatan sulfate is a linear, sulfated polysaccharide and is a glycosaminoglycan component of several important proteoglycans. This minireview discusses the biosynthesis, structure and biological function of dermatan sulfate proteoglycans. 2. Dermatan sulfate and its derivatives are being investigated as a new class of anticoagulant and antithrombotic agents. 3. The preparation, chemistry and structure-activity relationship of dermatan sulfate is described. 4. Dermatan sulfate, low molecular weight dermatan sulfate and glycosaminoglycan mixtures containing dermatan sulfate have been used clinically. 5. The future prospects of these agents and other new, potentially useful dermatan sulfate based therapeutics are discussed.

Thermodynamic analysis of the heparin interaction with a basic cyclic peptide using isothermal titration calorimetry.

Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) was examined as part of a continuing study of the interaction of proteins and peptides with the glycosaminoglycan heparin. BNP was tentatively identified as a heparin-binding protein on the basis of its cyclic structure and the high frequency of the basic amino acid residues, lysine and arginine. Thermodynamic analysis using isothermal titration calorimetry confirmed heparin binding to BNP with a micromolar Kd. Surprisingly, despite the high frequency (22%) of basic residues in BNP, only a small portion of the free energy of this interaction resulted from ionic contributions under physiologic conditions. The contribution of polar amino acids, representing 28% of BNP, was next examined in a variety of different buffers. These experiments demonstrated the transfer of five protons from buffer to BNP on heparin binding, suggesting that hydrogen bonding between the polar residues of BNP and heparin is a major factor contributing to the free energy of BNP binding to heparin. Hydrophobic forces apparently play only a small role in binding. Heparin contains few nonpolar functional groups, and a positive change in heat capacity (DeltaCp = 1 kcal/mol) demonstrates the loss of polar residues on BNP-heparin binding.

Natural mRNA is required for directing Met-tRNA(f) binding to 40S ribosomal subunits in animal cells: involvement of Co-eIF-2A in natural mRNA-directed initiation complex formation.

Two protein factors, eIF-2 as well as a high molecular weight protein complex from reticulocyte ribosomal high-salt wash which we term Co-eIF-2, promote Met-tRNA(f) binding to 40S ribosomes. This binding is dependent on the presence of an AUG codon or natural mRNAs [Roy et al. (1984) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 122, 1418-1425]. Co-eIF-2 contains two component activities, Co-eIF-2A and Co-eIF-2C. Previously, we have purified an 80-kDa polypeptide containing Co-eIF-2A activity and showed that this polypeptide is a component of Co-eIF-2 and is responsible for Co-eIF-2A activity in Co-eIF-2 [Chakravarty et al. (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 6945-6949]. We now report purification of a protein complex (subunits of Mr 180K, 110K, 65K, 63K, 53K, 50K, 43K, and 40K) containing Co-eIF-2C activity and devoid of Co-eIF-2A activity. In SDS-PAGE, the purified Co-eIF-2C preparation and an eIF-3 preparation (purified in Dr. A. Wahba's laboratory) separated into seven similar major polypeptides (Mr 110K, 65K, 63K, 53K, 50K, 43K, and 40K). The 50-kDa polypeptide in Co-eIF-2C was immunoreactive with a monoclonal antibody against eIF-4A (50 kDa). We have studied the roles of purified Co-eIF-2A and Co-eIF-2C activities in ternary and Met-tRNA(f).40S ribosome complex formation. The results are as follows: (1) At low and presumably physiological factor concentration (30 nM), eIF-2 did not form detectable levels of ternary complex. Moreover, such complex formation was totally dependent on the presence of Co-eIF-2A and/or Co-eIF-2C.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Preparation and structure of heparin lyase-derived heparan sulfate oligosaccharides.

Porcine intestinal mucosal heparan sulfate was exhaustively depolymerized on a large scale using heparin lyase II (heparinase II) or heparin lyase III (heparitinase, EC 4.2.2.8). The oligosaccharide mixtures formed with each enzyme were fractionated by low pressure gel permeation chromatography. Size-uniform mixtures of disaccharides, tetrasaccharides, and hexasaccharides were obtained. Each size-fractionated mixture was then purified on the basis of charge by repetitive semipreparative strong-anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography. This approach has led to the isolation of 13 homogenous oligosaccharides. The purity of each oligosaccharide was demonstrated by the presence of a single peak on analytical strong-anion-exchange high-performance liquid chromatography and reversed polarity capillary electrophoresis. The structures of these oligosaccharides were established using 500 MHz one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Three of the thirteen structures that were solved were novel while the remaining 10 have been previously described. All of the structures obtained using heparin lyase III contained a delta UAp residue (where delta UAp is 4-deoxy-alpha-L-threo-hex-4-eno-pyranosyluronic acid) at their nonreducing termini. Structures obtained using heparin lyase II contained both delta UAp and delta UAp2S (where S is sulfate) at their nonreducing termini. These results are consistent with the reported specificity of both enzymes.

Enzymatic preparation of heparin oligosaccharides containing antithrombin III binding sites.

Two new oligosaccharides were prepared from heparin by its partial depolymerization using heparin lyase I (EC 4.2.2.7) in an attempt to prepare oligosaccharides having intact antithrombin III binding sites. The oligosaccharides were purified by chromatography on the basis of both size and charge and demonstrated a high level of purity by capillary electrophoresis. One- and two-dimensional 1H NMR spectroscopy at 500 MHz revealed the structure of each oligosaccharide. The octasaccharide and decasaccharide are DeltaUAp2S(1-->4)-alpha-DGlcNpS6S(1-->4)-alpha-L-IdoAp (1-->4)-alpha-D -GlcNpAc6S(1-->4)-betaD-GlcAp(1-->4)-alpha-D-GlcNpS 3S6S(1-->4)-alpha- L-IdoAp2S(1-->4)alpha-D-GlcNpS6S (where DeltaUAp is 4-deoxy-alpha-L-threo-hex-enopyranosyluronic acid, GlcNp is 2-amino-2-deoxy-glucopyranose, GlcAp is glucopyranosyluronic acid, S is sulfate and Ac is acetate) and DeltaUAp2S(1-->4)-alpha-D-GlcNpS6S(1-->4)-alpha-L-IdoAp++ +(1-->4)-alpha- D-GlcNpAc6S (1-->4)-beta-D-GlcAp(1-->4)-alpha-D-GlcNpS3S6S(1-->4)-alpha- L-IdoAp2S (1-->4)-alpha-D-GlcNpS6S(1-->4)-alpha-L-IdoAp2S(1-->4)-alpha -D-GlcNpS 6S, respectively. A hexasaccharide containing a similar structural motif to that found in the antithrombin III binding site and having greatly reduced anticoagulant activity was also isolated. The structure of the hexasaccharide is DeltaUAp2S(1-->4)-alpha-D-GlcNpAc6S(1-->4)-beta-D-GlcAp++ +(1-->4)-alpha- D-GlcNpS3S6S(1-->4)-alpha-L-IdoAp(1-->4)-alpha-D-GlcNpS6S . The octasaccharide and decasaccharide correspond to the predominant structural motif found in porcine intestinal mucosal heparin. Sufficient quantities of the decasaccharide were obtained to examine its interaction with antithrombin III using microtitration calorimetry. This decasaccharide bound to antithrombin III with similar avidity as heparin and showed comparable anticoagulant activity, as determined using an antithrombin III dependent anti-factor Xa assay. Interestingly, while both decasaccharide and heparin bound to antithrombin with nanomolar affinity, very little heat of binding was observed.

Glycosaminoglycan-protein interactions: definition of consensus sites in glycosaminoglycan binding proteins.

Although interactions of proteins with glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as heparin and heparan sulphate, are of great biological importance, structural requirements for protein-GAG binding have not been well-characterised. Ionic interactions are important in promoting protein-GAG binding. Polyelectrolyte theory suggests that much of the free energy of binding comes from entropically favourable release of cations from GAG chains. Despite their identical charges, arginine residues bind more tightly to GAGs than lysine residues. The spacing of these residues may determine protein-GAG affinity and specificity. Consensus sequences such as XBBBXXBX, XBBXBX and a critical 20 A spacing of basic residues are found in some protein sites that bind GAG. A new consensus sequence TXXBXXTBXXXTBB is described, where turns bring basic interacting amino acid residues into proximity. Clearly, protein-GAG interactions play a prominent role in cell-cell interaction and cell growth. Pathogens including virus particles might target GAG-binding sites in envelope proteins leading to infection.

Isolation and characterization of beta-cyclodextrin sulfates by preparative gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, capillary electrophoresis and electrospray ionization - mass spectrometry.

A beta-cyclodextrin sulfate mixture has been fractionated using discontinuous gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Semidry electrotransfer of the sample onto a positively charged nylon membrane and visualization of a portion of this membrane with Alcian blue stain showed multiple bands. The bands were cut from the remaining portion of the membrane and after washing with 8 M urea, the beta-cyclodextrin sulfate fractions were eluted with 2 M sodium chloride and dialyzed. Analysis of each fraction using high resolution analytical gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis as well as capillary electrophoresis, using indirect detection, showed some of the fractions to be pure while others were mixtures. Each beta-cyclodextrin sulfate fraction was complexed with a basic synthetic peptide and analyzed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to define the mass of the components in each mixture and thereby to determine the purity of each sample.

Interaction of fibroblast growth factor-1 and related peptides with heparan sulfate and its oligosaccharides.

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are a family of angiogenic and mitogenic proteins that promote cell division. The binding of FGFs to the heparan sulfate of cell-surface-bound proteoglycans appears to be critical for their activity. The interaction of fibroblast growth factor-1 (FGF-1 or aFGF) using heparin lyase-derived oligosaccharides from heparan sulfate was investigated. FGF-1 was also shown to protect sequences in heparan sulfate from heparin lyase digestion and protected oligosaccharide products of octasaccharide and decasaccharide size were recovered by FGF-1 affinity chromatography, suggesting that the high-affinity binding of heparan sulfate to FGF-1 resides within an octasaccharide sequence. The FGF-1 binding affinity of heparan sulfate is reduced compared to heparin presumably due to the absence of 6-sulfate groups in heparan sulfate. Inspection of the FGF-1 heparan sulfate binding domain shows that the majority of interacting amino acids are contained within a 20-amino-acid sequence that folds back upon itself (because of three turns) forming a triangular shaped cup of positive charge. The importance of FGF-1 binding site topology was investigated using three synthetic peptide mimics of the FGF-1 glycosaminoglycan (GAG) binding site. Heparan sulfate affinity chromatography and isothermal titration calorimetry, used to measure binding thermodynamics, demonstrated that a synthetic peptide analogous to the GAG binding site in FGF-1 bound tightly to heparan sulfate. A peptide containing a D-proline in place of L-proline bound with considerably reduced affinity, presumably due to the altered structure of the second turn in the binding site. A cyclic peptide, expected to be topologically most similar to the triangular GAG binding site in FGF-1, bound with the highest affinity to heparan sulfate. These data suggest the triangular topology of the GAG binding site in FGF is critical for its interaction with heparan sulfate. Analysis of known GAG binding sites in 25 proteins using the Chou-Fasman algorithm show that these sites commonly contain turns.

Synthesis and characterization of conjugates formed between periodate-oxidized ribonucleotides and amine-containing fluorophores.

The synthesis and purification of new fluorescently labeled derivatives of GDP and ATP are described. The fluorescent groups are coupled initially through amine-containing linker arms to periodate-oxidized nucleotides. Reduction of the initial product yields primarily a six-membered morpholine-like ring. Fluorescein-labeled GDP, rhodamine-labeled GDP, and fluorescein-labeled ATP were characterized by absorbance spectroscopy and TLC. NMR and FAB-MS studies were carried out on a single nucleotide derivative formed by reacting periodate-oxidized guanosine and benzylamine with subsequent reduction to establish the modification to the ribose moiety. The synthesis of the guanosine-benzylamine conjugate led to a mixture of products that were separated. The predominant product (70%) resulted in conversion of the ribose moiety to a six-membered morpholine-like ring having no hydroxyl group, and the minor product (30%) resulted in an open ring structure having one hydroxyl. When NaCNBH3 was used as the sole reductant, only the product with the morpholine-like ring was formed. These probes were prepared for use in solution studies of the interactions of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 with other components of mammalian protein synthesis initiation.

Thermodynamic characterization of the cooperativity of 40S complex formation during the initiation of eukaryotic protein synthesis.

The first step in mammalian protein synthesis is the formation of the 40S initiation complex, composed of the 40S ribosomal subunit (R), mRNA (M, here, a 10-mer oligoribonucleotide analogue containing the initiation codon), and the quaternary complex (Q, composed of eIF-2, GTP, Met-tRNA(fMet), and the ancillary protein factor Co-eIF-2C). The interdependence of the binding of R, M, and Q in forming the 40S complex is currently unclear. We have determined the thermodynamic parameters that characterize these interactions. The binary constants for R+M and Q+M were determined spectroscopically, measuring changes in the anisotropy of the fluorescence emission of 3'-fluorescein labeled M. The other binary constant, for Q+R, and the ternary constant were determined from Millipore filtration assays using radiolabeled Met-tRNA(fMet). The association constants for the binary reactions were as follows: Ka(Q,M) < or = 0.14 x 10(6) M-1, Ka(R,M) = 1.78 x 10(6) M-1, and Ka(Q,R) = 0.94 x 10(6) M-1. The binding of Q to R.M was markedly greater than that of Q to R [Ka(Q,R.M)/Ka(Q,R) > 62]. High cooperativity for this interaction occurs in either a single-site model or in lattice models for the binding of M to R. Data obtained using five other RNA 10-mers, each with the sequence altered at the AUG codon, suggest that this cooperativity is AUG dependent. The data are consistent with a scheme in which mRNA and Q bind independently to the 40S ribosome, but when the AUG codon is properly aligned with Q, a conformational change results in a 2.4 kcal/mol stabilization of the complex.

Affinity capillary electrophoresis employing immobilized glycosaminoglycan to resolve heparin-binding peptides.

A new capillary electrophoresis technique has been developed for the affinity resolution of synthetic heparin-binding peptides using an immobilized glycosaminoglycan. Heparin and heparan sulfate were immobilized onto fused silica capillaries using biotin-neutravidin conjugation. These capillaries exhibited markedly reduced electroosmotic flow and were able to distinguish peptides based on the heparin binding domain of acidic fibroblast growth factor (residues 125-144, GLKKNGSCKRGPRTHYGQKA) that differed only in the stereochemistry of the proline amino acid residue. The peptide based on the native sequence was retarded compared to the peptide having unnatural stereochemistry, consistent with its stronger interaction for immobilized glycosaminoglycan. Improved resolution is also obtained for additional arginine and lysine containing heparin-binding peptides.

Glycosaminoglycans can influence fibroblast growth factor-2 mitogenicity without significant growth factor binding.

Fibroblast growth factors are important heparin binding, mitogenic proteins. The binding site in heparin and heparan sulfate for fibroblast growth factor-2 (basic fibroblast growth factor) has been described as rich in glucosamine-2-sulfate 1-->4 linked to iduronic acid-2-sulfate. The glucosamine residue in the heparin binding site is also 6-sulfated. A new glycosaminoglycan, acharan sulfate, has been chemically modified to prepare a polysaccharide, N-sulfoacharan sulfate, consisting of glucosamine-2-sulfate 1-->4 linked to iduronic acid-2-sulfate. Acharan sulfate binds very weakly to fibroblast growth factor-2 while N-sulfoacharan sulfate binds with nearly the same affinity as heparin. Mitogenicity studies were performed using heparan sulfate-free cells stably transfected with fibroblast growth factor receptor-1. Acharan sulfate inhibits heparin's enhancement of fibroblast growth factor-2 mitogenic activity, without affecting cell viability, while N-sulfoacharan sulfate shows heparin-like activity but at a greatly reduced level. These results suggest additional mechanisms not requiring high affinity glycosaminoglycan binding to fibroblast growth factor-2 may be important in its mitogenic activity.

Pattern and spacing of basic amino acids in heparin binding sites.

Glycosaminoglycan (GAG)-protein interactions regulate a myriad of physiologic and pathologic processes, yet an understanding of how these molecules interact is lacking. The role of the pattern and spacing of basic amino acids (arginine (R) and lysine (K)) in heparin binding sites was investigated using peptide analogs as well as by examining known heparin binding sites. Peptides having the general structure R(n)W (n = 3-9, where tyrosine (W) was added for peptide detection) were synthesized and their interaction with heparin was determined by isothermal titration calorimetry. Binding affinity increased with increasing number of R residues. A 9-mer of R (R9W) bound as tightly to heparin as acidic fibroblast growth factor under physiologic conditions. Despite their high affinity for heparin, long stretches of basic amino acids are uncommon in heparin binding proteins. Known heparin binding sites most commonly contain single isolated basic amino acids separated by one nonbasic amino acid. Peptides having the structure, H3CCONH-GRRG(m)RRG(5-m)-CONH2 (denoted as the RRG(m)RR peptide series) and H3CCONH-GRRRG(m)RG(5-m)-CONH2 (denoted as the RRRG(m)R peptide series), where m = 0-5, were synthesized to test the hypothesis that the spacing of basic amino acids in heparin binding sites is optimally arranged to interact with different GAGs. The peptides, in both the -RRG(m)RR- and -RRRG(m)R- peptide series, when m = 0, bound most tightly with heparin, as measured by affinity chromatography. In contrast, the -RRG(m)RR-peptide series interacted most tightly with heparan sulfate when m = 0 or 1, whereas the -RRRG(m)R- peptide series bound tightest when m = 3. These results are consistent with our understanding of heparin and heparan sulfate structure. A highly sulfated GAG, such as heparin, interacts most tightly with peptides (or peptide sequences within proteins) containing a complementary binding site of high positive charge density. Heparan sulfate, having fewer and more highly spaced negatively charged groups, interacts most tightly with a complementary site on a peptide (or peptide sequences with proteins) that has more widely spaced cationic residues.