YINDONGTAN (충남대학교)

안현주 (충남대학교)

YINDONGTAN (충남대학교)

안현주 (충남대학교)

오명진 (충남대학교)

 Glycolipids play a critical role in cell recognition and immune responses, which are crucial in xenotransplantation where organ rejection is a significant challenge. With the high demand and low supply of transplantable organs, xenotransplantation using genetically modified pigs has become a vital alternative. Understanding pig organ glycolipid profiles is essential for strategies to minimize immune reactions in xenotransplants. We used LC-MS for a comprehensive analysis of glycolipids in the kidney, heart, and pancreas. Using a C18 LC-MS/MS platform, we developed a novel database to identify organ-specific glycolipids. In the kidney, GD3 and GM3 were predominant in the aqueous layer, while HexCer dominated the organic layer. In the heart, Gb4, Gb3, GM1, and GD3-NeuGc dominated the aqueous layer, with LacCer in the organic layer. In the pancreas, GD3, GM3-Neu5Gc, and GD3-Neu5GcNeu5Ac were in the aqueous layer, with LacCer in the organic layer. Ceramides (40:1, 38:1) were major in aqueous layers, while (34:1, 42:1) were predominant in organic layers across all organs. Additionally, we quantified Neu5Gc and Neu5Ac levels using LC-MS/MS MRM. Interestingly, the pancreas has Neu5Gc levels over three times higher than Neu5Ac, unlike other organs. This comprehensive analysis underscores the importance of both glycan and ceramide moieties in xenotransplantation. Further investigations are ongoing to understand these molecular constituents' functions more deeply.