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Neonatal murine epidermal cells express a functional multidrug-resistant pump
M A Sleeman1, J D Watson, J G Murison
1Genesis Research and Development Corporation Limited, Auckland, New Zealand. m.sleeman@genesis.co.nz
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|July 8, 2000
Summary
Basal keratinocytes express functional phospho-glycoproteins, which are multidrug-resistant pumps. These proteins may regulate environmental toxins and differentiation factors in the skin.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
Background:
- Phospho-glycoproteins are ABC transporters involved in multidrug resistance.
- They are highly expressed in tumor cells and found in various organs like the brain and testis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate phospho-glycoprotein expression and function in skin keratinocytes.
- To determine if keratinocytes exhibit a multidrug-resistant phenotype.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescent staining of skin sections.
- Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of keratinocyte cDNA.
- Flow cytometry and rhodamine 123 efflux assays on enriched basal cells.
Main Results:
- Phospho-glycoproteins were preferentially expressed on basal keratinocytes and outer root sheath cells.
- PCR identified the specific gene as mdr1b.
- Enriched basal cells demonstrated functional phospho-glycoprotein activity via rhodamine 123 efflux.
Conclusions:
- Basal layer keratinocytes express functional phospho-glycoproteins (mdr1b).
- These pumps may play a role in managing environmental toxins and differentiation factors in the skin's progenitor cells.