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ABCG5 and ABCG8 are expressed in gallbladder epithelial cells
1Division of Gastroenterology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Box 356424, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|July 25, 2003
Summary
Gallbladder epithelial cells express ABCG5 and ABCG8 transporters. These proteins may facilitate cholesterol efflux from the apical surface of gallbladder cells.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Gallbladder epithelial cells (GBEC) face high apical cholesterol concentrations.
- Mechanisms of cholesterol transport in GBEC are largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and function of ABCG5 and ABCG8 in GBEC.
- To determine if these transporters mediate apical cholesterol efflux.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of human, murine, and canine GBEC for ABCG5 and ABCG8 mRNA and protein expression.
- Treatment of cultured cells with cholesterol-rich model bile and LXRalpha/RXR ligands.
- Assessment of subcellular localization of ABCG5 and ABCG8.
Main Results:
- ABCG5 and ABCG8 were expressed in human, murine, and canine GBEC.
- Expression levels of ABCG5/ABCG8 did not change with cholesterol or ligand treatment.
- Subcellular localization shifted from intracellular to apical upon treatment.
Conclusions:
- GBEC express ABCG5 and ABCG8 sterol transporters.
- These transporters may play a role in apical cholesterol efflux in the gallbladder epithelium.