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Published on: March 16, 2017
Phosducin regulates secretory activity in TT line of thyroid parafollicular C cells
U Piotrowska1, G Adler1, I Kozicki2
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical Center of Postgraduate Education, Warsaw, Poland.
Abstract:
The endocrine activity of the thyroid gland is accomplished by its follicular and parafollicular cells. In these cells, numerous G proteins-dependent pathways are active and potentially could be regulated by a 33-kDa cytoplasmic protein phosducin, which interacts with the Gβ subunit and may compete with Gα or Gβγ dimer effectors. Significant expression of phosducin has been shown in the retina, pineal gland, and some neurons. Here, we studied postoperative thyroid tissue samples collected from patients with nodular goiter and 2 thyroid-derived cell lines for the presence of phosducin. Using reverse transcription PCR with product sequencing and highly sensitive immunodetection we identified phosducin mRNA and protein in the thyroid gland and parafollicular C TT cells, but not in the follicular Nthy-ori 3-1 cell line. We also observed that siRNA-mediated silencing of phosducin gene expression decreased Ca(2+)-stimulated secretion of calcitonin and serotonin by TT cells.
Insights
Phosducin, a protein regulating G protein pathways, is present in thyroid parafollicular cells. Its silencing reduced calcitonin and serotonin secretion, suggesting a role in thyroid hormone regulation.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Thyroid gland endocrine activity relies on follicular and parafollicular cells.
- G protein-dependent pathways are crucial in these cells.
- Phosducin, a cytoplasmic protein, interacts with G protein subunits and may modulate these pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and function of phosducin in thyroid tissue.
- To determine if phosducin is expressed in specific thyroid cell types.
Main Methods:
- Studied postoperative thyroid tissue and cell lines (TT, Nthy-ori 3-1).
- Utilized reverse transcription PCR with sequencing and immunodetection to identify phosducin.
- Employed siRNA-mediated gene silencing to assess phosducin's functional impact.
Main Results:
- Phosducin mRNA and protein were detected in thyroid gland and parafollicular TT cells.
- Phosducin was absent in follicular Nthy-ori 3-1 cells.
- Silencing phosducin reduced calcium-stimulated calcitonin and serotonin secretion from TT cells.
Conclusions:
- Phosducin is expressed in thyroid parafollicular cells.
- Phosducin plays a role in regulating calcitonin and serotonin secretion in these cells.
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