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Clonal Analysis of Embryonic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Precursors Using Single Cell Index Sorting Combined with Endothelial Cell Niche Co-culture
Published on: May 8, 2018
Cloning and functional characterization of chicken stem cell antigen 2
Weifeng Mao1, Henry D Hunt, Hans H Cheng
1United States Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, Avian Disease and Oncology Laboratory, 3606 E. Mount Hope Rd., East Lansing, MI 48823, USA.
Developmental and Comparative Immunology
|December 1, 2009
Summary
Chicken stem cell antigen 2 (SCA2) is a cell surface protein found in the thymus and bursa. SCA2 expression on bursal cells down-regulates key genes in B cell receptor signaling, suggesting a role in regulating B lymphocytes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Veterinary Science
Background:
- Stem cell antigen 2 (SCA2), a Ly6 family member, has largely unknown biological functions.
- Characterizing chicken SCA2 is crucial for understanding avian immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the biological properties and tissue distribution of chicken SCA2.
- To investigate the role of SCA2 in avian immune cell signaling.
Main Methods:
- Chicken SCA2 was expressed in E. coli and purified.
- A polyclonal antibody against chicken SCA2 was developed and utilized.
- Immunohistochemistry, immunoprecipitation, and western blots were used to determine tissue distribution and protein characteristics.
- Gene expression profiles of bursal cells were analyzed after contact with SCA2-expressing cells.
Main Results:
- Chicken SCA2 is a 13 kDa cell surface protein anchored by a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI) moiety.
- SCA2 is expressed in the connective tissues of the thymus and bursa, specifically on bursal follicle cortical-medullary epithelial cells (CMEC).
- Contact with SCA2-expressing cells led to the down-regulation of genes involved in B cell receptor (BCR) and immune response signaling pathways, including CD79B, BLNK, SYK, and PLCG2.
Conclusions:
- Chicken SCA2 is a GPI-anchored cell surface protein with specific expression patterns in the bursa.
- SCA2 appears to play a regulatory role in B lymphocytes by modulating BCR and immune signaling pathways.
