Differential regulation of D-type cyclins in the mouse intestine

The intestinal epithelium undergoes continuous rapid renewal throughout adult life. To examine contributions of D-type cyclins to proliferation in the intestine, we examined D-type cyclin expression in the mouse proximal and distal small intestine and colon. Cyclin D1 was expressed throughout the small and large intestine. In contrast, cyclin D2 and D3 protein levels were not readily detectable in the duodenum. Levels of RNAs encoding all three D-type cyclins were higher in the ileum and colon than in the duodenum. Immunohistochemistry revealed that cyclin D1 and D2 are expressed in colonic epithelial cells, with cyclin D2 being more restricted to the proliferative zone. Expression of cyclinD1 and D2 was detected in conditionally immortalized young adult mouse colon (YAMC) cells and in a colon epithelial cell line derived from the Apc(Min/+) mouse (IMCE cells), with higher basal levels of both cyclins in the IMCE cells. In an experimental model of colitis, levels of cyclin D1 mRNA increased significantly, and cyclin D1 protein was localized to both epithelial cells and inflammatory cells in the colon. The individual D-type cyclins may make different contributions to proliferation, disease and development of cancer in the intestine.