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Localization of urokinase-type plasminogen activator messenger RNA in the normal mouse by in situ hybridization
P Kristensen1, J Eriksen, K Danø
1Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Abstract:
The histological distribution of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) mRNA was analyzed in normal mouse tissue by in situ hybridization with anti-sense RNA transcribed from three different subclones of a mouse u-PA cDNA. Hybridization signal was found over a distinct fibroblast-like cell in the lamina propria of the gastrointestinal tract, over proximal, distal, and collecting tubules of the kidney, and over the epithelium of the bladder, ductus deferens, and epididymis. No hybridization signal was found over cells of the lung, pancreas, liver, adrenal, pituitary, cerebrum, hypothalamus, cerebellum, sciatic nerve, and striated muscle, nor over endothelial cells in any tissue investigated. The lack of u-PA mRNA in lung tissue was confirmed by Northern analysis and is in contrast to the high amounts of u-PA protein found in this tissue.
Insights
This study mapped urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) mRNA in mouse tissues. U-PA mRNA was detected in the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, bladder, and reproductive organs, but notably absent in lung tissue.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Histology
- Genomics
Background:
- Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) is a key enzyme in the extracellular matrix.
- Its distribution and regulation are crucial for various physiological and pathological processes.
- Understanding u-PA mRNA localization provides insights into its cellular functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the precise histological distribution of urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) mRNA in normal mouse tissues.
- To identify specific cell types and organs expressing u-PA mRNA.
- To investigate discrepancies between u-PA mRNA and protein expression in certain tissues.
Main Methods:
- In situ hybridization using anti-sense RNA probes derived from mouse u-PA cDNA subclones.
- Analysis of hybridization signals across various normal mouse tissues.
- Northern blot analysis to confirm mRNA expression in lung tissue.
Main Results:
- U-PA mRNA hybridization signals were observed in fibroblast-like cells of the gastrointestinal tract lamina propria.
- Signals were detected in proximal, distal, and collecting tubules of the kidney.
- Epithelial cells of the bladder, ductus deferens, and epididymis also showed hybridization signals.
Conclusions:
- Urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) mRNA exhibits a specific tissue distribution pattern in mice.
- The mRNA is localized in the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, and male reproductive organs.
- The absence of u-PA mRNA in lung tissue, despite high protein levels, suggests post-transcriptional regulation.