Runx3 expression in gastrointestinal tract epithelium: resolving the controversy

We reported earlier that RUNX3 is expressed in human and mouse gastrointestinal tract (GIT) epithelium and that it functions as a tumor suppressor in gastric and colorectal tissues. However, there have been conflicting reports describing the absence of Runx3 in GIT epithelial cells. A part of the controversy may be derived from the use of a specific antibody by other groups (referred to as G-poly). Here, we show further evidence to support our earlier observations and provide a possible explanation for this apparent controversy. We generated multiple anti-RUNX3 monoclonal antibodies and found that RUNX3 antibodies recognizing the RUNX3 N-terminal region (residues 1-234) react with RUNX3 in gastric epithelial cells, whereas those recognizing the C-terminal region (beyond residue 234) did not. G-poly primarily recognizes the region beyond 234 and hence, is unable to detect Runx3 in this tissue.