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Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein expression in mouse intestine
Larry L Swift1, Aneta Jovanovska, Bharati Kakkad
1Department of Pathology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1161 21st Avenue South, Nashville, Tennessee, TN 37232-2561, USA. larry.swift@vanderbilt.edu
Abstract:
Immunohistochemical and biochemical approaches were utilized to compare the expression of microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) and cellular retinol binding protein II (CRBPII) with the expression of apolipoprotein (apo)B and apoA-I along the entire length of the small intestine in mice. MTP is expressed in villus-associated enterocytes along the length of the small intestine. Maximal expression occurs within the first 20% of the intestine and decreases to less than 3% of maximum in the distal third of the intestine. The expression of CRBPII is nearly identical with that of MTP. Peak expression of apoB and apoA-I occurs in the first 25% of the intestine; however, expression in the most distal segments of the intestine is 10%-15% of maximum expression. In mice fed a Western diet for 3 weeks the expression of MTP and CRBPII was elevated in the distal regions of the intestine, whereas the expression patterns for apoB and apoA-I were similar to those found in mice on control diets. We conclude that the patterns of expression, as well as the regulation of MTP and CRBPII, are similar. However, the expression and regulation of these two proteins differ from those of apoB and apoA-I. In particular, the expression of MTP is not coordinated with the expression of apoB, even though the two proteins are essential for the assembly and secretion of chylomicrons.
Insights
Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) and cellular retinol binding protein II (CRBPII) share similar expression patterns in the mouse small intestine, but differ from apolipoprotein B (apoB) and apoA-I. Diet influences MTP and CRBPII but not apoB/apoA-I expression.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Molecular Biology
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Microsomal triglyceride transfer protein (MTP) and cellular retinol binding protein II (CRBPII) are crucial for lipid absorption and transport.
- Apolipoprotein B (apoB) and apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) are key structural proteins involved in lipoprotein assembly and metabolism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the expression patterns and regulation of MTP and CRBPII with apoB and apoA-I throughout the mouse small intestine.
- To investigate the impact of a Western diet on the expression of these proteins in different intestinal segments.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemical and biochemical analyses were employed to quantify protein expression.
- Expression levels were assessed along the entire length of the small intestine in mice under control and Western diet conditions.
Main Results:
- MTP and CRBPII exhibited similar expression patterns, with peak levels in the proximal intestine and a significant decrease distally.
- ApoB and apoA-I also showed peak expression in the proximal intestine, with higher residual expression in distal segments compared to MTP/CRBPII.
- A Western diet increased distal MTP and CRBPII expression, while apoB and apoA-I expression remained unaffected.
Conclusions:
- The expression and regulation of MTP and CRBPII are similar to each other but distinct from apoB and apoA-I.
- MTP expression is not directly coordinated with apoB expression, despite their shared role in chylomicron formation.
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