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Isolation and localization of type IIb Na/Pi cotransporter in the developing rat lung
M Hashimoto1, D Y Wang, T Kamo
1First Department of Pathology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan.
The American Journal of Pathology
|July 6, 2000
Summary
Researchers identified a novel gene, rat sodium-dependent phosphate transporter type IIb (rNaPi IIb), in developing rat lungs. This gene is expressed in type II alveolar cells, suggesting a role in surfactant synthesis.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary biology
- Molecular genetics
- Developmental biology
Background:
- The lung's development involves complex gene expression changes.
- Identifying specific markers for lung cell types is crucial for understanding pulmonary function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify novel genes expressed during rat lung development.
- To characterize the function and localization of a newly identified gene, rNaPi IIb.
Main Methods:
- Differential display analysis of rat lung cDNA.
- Construction and screening of a newborn rat lung cDNA library.
- In situ hybridization to determine gene expression patterns.
Main Results:
- A gene fragment, HG80, was identified, appearing from embryonic day 16.5.
- The full-length cDNA, rNaPi IIb, was identified as the rat homolog of sodium-dependent phosphate transporter type IIb.
- rNaPi IIb expression was localized to type II alveolar cells.
Conclusions:
- rNaPi IIb is expressed in type II alveolar cells during rat lung development.
- The gene likely plays a role in surfactant synthesis.
- rNaPi IIb may serve as a specific marker for type II pneumocytes.