Expression profile of MTA1 in adult mouse tissues

MTA1, as a constituent of the nucleosome-remodeling and -deacetylation complex (NuRD), is thought to modulate transcription by influencing the status of chromatin remodeling. Despite its strong correlation with the metastatic potential of several cancer cell lines and tissues, MTA1 can also regulate divergent cellular pathways by modifying the acetylation status of crucial target genes. However, its fundamental physiological functions have not been characterized. To further address the possible physiological role of this protein in mammals, the authors examined the expression pattern of mouse MTA1 in a variety of adult mouse tissues by a combination of techniques, including semi-quantitative RT-PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Positive signals were observed on variety of tissues/cells in multiple systems including nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, immune, endocrine, urinary, reproductive and sensory organ systems. MTA1 was localized in both the cytoplasm and the nuclei, and was accumulated in the nuclei. In mature mice, MTA1 expression was seen in cell types that constantly undergo proliferation or self-renewal, such as testis and cell types not constantly engaged in proliferation or self-renewal, such as brain, liver and kidney. This differential expression suggests that this protein serves distinct functions in murine organs.