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Pepsinogen C: a type 2 cell-specific protease.
Cherie Foster1, Amana Aktar, Denel Kopf
1Abramson Research Center 416G, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3516 Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, PA 19104-4318, USA.
Summary
Pepsinogen C, a protein found in the stomach, is also present in developing human lungs. This study identifies it as a specific marker for type 2 lung cells during development.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Biology
- Cellular Differentiation
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Pepsinogen C (also known as progastricsin or pepsinogen II) is an aspartic protease primarily found in gastric chief cells.
- Previous studies suggested pepsinogen C RNA induction during in vitro type 2 cell differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression and specificity of pepsinogen C in human lung development.
- To determine if pepsinogen C serves as a marker for type 2 pneumocytes.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of human fetal and adult lung tissues (>22 wk gestation).
- In vitro differentiation and dedifferentiation model of type 2 cells.
- Immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization.
- Assessment of surfactant protein-B processing.
Main Results:
- Pepsinogen C RNA and protein were detected in neonatal (>22 wk gestation) and adult human lung tissue.
- Expression was exclusively localized to type 2 pneumocytes.
- Pepsinogen C expression was rapidly induced during type 2 cell differentiation and quenched upon dedifferentiation.
- Pepsinogen C expression correlated with surfactant protein-B maturation.
Conclusions:
- Pepsinogen C is a type 2 cell-specific marker in the human lung.
- Its expression is tightly regulated during lung development, both in vivo and in vitro.
- Pepsinogen C may play a role in lung maturation and surfactant production.