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Cellular expression of Noc2, a Rab effector protein, in endocrine and exocrine tissues in the mouse

Hiroki Teramae1, Wakako Fujimoto, Susumu Seino

  • 1Laboratory of Histology and Cytology, Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Kita-15 Nishi-7, Sapporo 060-8638, Japan.

Histochemistry and Cell Biology
|July 13, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Noc2 protein is found in various endocrine cells and salivary gland ducts, crucial for secretory granule regulation. Its localization helps explain why Noc2-deficient mice accumulate granules in exocrine tissues.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Endocrinology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Noc2 is a Rab effector involved in regulated exocytosis.
  • It is abundant in endocrine cells but scarce in exocrine tissues.
  • Noc2 deficiency causes secretory granule accumulation in exocrine cells.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the cellular and subcellular localization of Noc2 in various mouse tissues.
  • To understand Noc2's role in both endocrine and exocrine secretion.
  • To correlate Noc2 localization with the phenotype observed in Noc2-deficient mice.

Main Methods:

  • Immunohistochemistry on various endocrine and exocrine tissues.
  • Western blotting to detect Noc2 protein.
  • Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for mRNA expression.
  • Ultrastructural analysis of Noc2 localization.

Main Results:

  • Noc2 protein was detected in pancreatic islets, adrenal medulla, pituitary, thyroid, and gut endocrine cells.
  • Noc2 was also found in granular ducts of salivary glands.
  • While not detected by immunostaining in exocrine acinar cells, Noc2 mRNA was present in the exocrine pancreas.
  • Ultrastructural analysis showed Noc2 associated with granule membranes in both endocrine and exocrine cells.

Conclusions:

  • Noc2 is a Rab effector protein found in amine/peptide-secreting endocrine cells and salivary gland ducts.
  • Its localization on granule membranes suggests a role in secretory granule trafficking and exocytosis.
  • Understanding Noc2's distribution provides insights into its function and the pathogenesis of Noc2 deficiency.

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