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Mucin Agarose Gel Electrophoresis: Western Blotting for High-molecular-weight Glycoproteins
Published on: June 14, 2016
Pro-inflammatory cytokines up-regulate MUC1 gene expression in oral epithelial cells
1Department of Periodontology and Oral Biology, Boston University Medical Center, MA 02118, USA.
Journal of Dental Research
|October 28, 2003
Summary
This study shows that the mucin MUC1 is present in oral epithelial cells and its production increases in response to inflammatory signals and infection by oral pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Oral Biology
Background:
- Mucin 1 (MUC1) is a membrane-bound glycoprotein found on epithelial surfaces.
- MUC1 is believed to protect against bacterial and chemical damage.
- Its role in the oral cavity and response to infection requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate MUC1 expression in cultured oral epithelial cells (KB cells).
- To determine if pro-inflammatory mediators modulate MUC1 expression.
- To assess MUC1 response to infection by the oral pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis.
Main Methods:
- Northern and Western blotting to detect MUC1 mRNA and protein.
- Real-time PCR to quantify MUC1 mRNA levels.
- Treatment of KB cells with interleukins (IL-1beta, IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma), and Porphyromonas gingivalis.
Main Results:
- KB cells express MUC1 mRNA and protein.
- Pro-inflammatory cytokines increased MUC1 mRNA (1.4- to 3.2-fold) and protein levels.
- Porphyromonas gingivalis infection increased MUC1 transcript levels (2.85-fold), while LPS alone had no effect.
Conclusions:
- MUC1 is expressed in oral epithelial cells.
- Pro-inflammatory mediators and oral pathogen infection stimulate MUC1 synthesis.
- Increased MUC1 production is a potential host defense mechanism against oral pathogens.
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