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Expression pattern of REIC/Dkk-3 in mouse squamous epithelia
1Department of Cell Biology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan. kenk@md.okayama-u.ac.jp
Abstract:
The REIC/Dkk (reduced expression in immortalized cells/Dickkopf-3) gene was originally identified as a tumour-suppressor gene with reduced expression in immortalized cells, cancer-cell lines and tumour tissues. Of the four members of the Dkk family, the REIC/Dkk-3 protein is unique in terms of DNA sequence, expression profiles and biological functions. In this study, we investigated and compared the expression patterns of the REIC/Dkk-3 protein in mouse squamous epithelia. Expression of REIC/Dkk-3 in the back skin was localized to the upper layer of the interfollicular epidermis, and the inner root sheath of hair follicles. Expression of REIC/Dkk-3 was detected in the ear skin, oral mucosa, tongue, oesophagus, uterine cervix, footpad and tail skin, but not in the cornea. Interestingly, expression was localized to the upper layers of these epithelial tissues. The physiological function of REIC/Dkk-3 is still unclear, but our detailed observation highlight its unique expression pattern in squamous epithelia.
Insights
The REIC/Dkk-3 protein, a tumor suppressor, shows unique expression patterns in mouse squamous epithelia, primarily in upper epithelial layers. Its precise physiological function remains under investigation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Dermatology
Background:
- The REIC/Dkk-3 gene was identified as a tumor suppressor with reduced expression in cancerous cells.
- REIC/Dkk-3 is a unique member of the Dickkopf family, differing in sequence, expression, and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and compare the expression patterns of the REIC/Dkk-3 protein in various mouse squamous epithelia.
- To highlight the unique expression characteristics of REIC/Dkk-3 in epithelial tissues.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of REIC/Dkk-3 protein expression in different mouse skin and mucosal tissues.
- Localization studies within the epidermis and hair follicles.
Main Results:
- REIC/Dkk-3 expression was observed in the upper layers of interfollicular epidermis and hair follicle inner root sheath.
- Detected in ear skin, oral mucosa, tongue, esophagus, uterine cervix, footpad, and tail skin.
- Notably absent in the cornea, with consistent localization to upper epithelial layers across tissues.
Conclusions:
- REIC/Dkk-3 exhibits a distinct and specific expression pattern within mouse squamous epithelia.
- The physiological role of REIC/Dkk-3 in these tissues requires further elucidation.
