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Rat Mesentery Exteriorization: A Model for Investigating the Cellular Dynamics Involved in Angiogenesis
Published on: May 20, 2012
Expression and localization of mesothelin in developing rat pancreas
Liang-Qin Hou1, Yin-He Wang, Li-Jie Liu
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Nanjing Medical University, Hanzhong Road 140, 210029, Nanjing, China.
Development, Growth & Differentiation
|May 29, 2008
Summary
Mesothelin expression is dynamic during rat pancreas development, peaking in late gestation and early postnatal stages. This suggests mesothelin plays a role in islet architecture formation and maturation.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Genetics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Understanding the genetic network regulating pancreas development is crucial for regenerative medicine and disease treatment.
- Pancreatic islet architecture and function formation are complex processes involving dynamic gene expression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the genetic network regulating rat pancreas development.
- To investigate the expression and localization of mesothelin during pancreatic development.
Main Methods:
- High-density microarray analysis of rat pancreas at five developmental stages (E12.5, E15.5, E18.5, P0, adult).
- Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot analysis for mesothelin mRNA and protein.
- Immunolocalization studies to determine mesothelin's cellular and tissue distribution.
Main Results:
- Transcriptional profiles revealed significant gene expression changes during pancreas development, particularly in later gestation.
- Mesothelin mRNA and protein levels were high from late gestation to 2-3 weeks post-birth, with lower levels in adults.
- Mesothelin localized to islet beta-cells and pancreatic mesenchyme, with transient expression correlating with islet development and maturation.
Conclusions:
- Mesothelin exhibits dynamic expression patterns during rat pancreas development.
- Mesothelin's transient expression suggests a potential role in pancreatic islet architecture formation, remodeling, and maturation.
