Foxa1 gene and protein in developing rat eccrine sweat glands
Haihong Li1,2, Liyun Chen3, Mingjun Zhang3
1Burn and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, North Dongxia Road, Shantou, 515041, Guangdong Province, China. lihaihong1051@126.com.
Journal of Molecular Histology
|October 28, 2016
Summary
Foxa1 gene and protein expression correlate with eccrine sweat gland development in rat footpads. Foxa1 serves as a key marker for secretory coils and is crucial for their development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Dermatology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Eccrine sweat glands are vital for thermoregulation.
- Understanding their development is crucial for regenerative medicine and treating skin conditions.
- The role of specific genes, like Foxa1, in this process requires detailed investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the developmental timeline of eccrine sweat glands in rat footpads.
- To analyze the expression patterns of the Foxa1 gene and protein during sweat gland development.
- To determine if Foxa1 can serve as a reliable marker for eccrine sweat glands and their components.
Main Methods:
- Immunofluorescence staining for FoxA1, K14, α-SMA, and K7 on rat footpad tissue sections from embryonic day E15.5 to postnatal day P56.
- Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) for Foxa1 gene expression analysis.
- Double immunofluorescence staining to co-localize FoxA1 with specific cell markers.
Main Results:
- Eccrine sweat gland germs emerged at E19.5, forming ducts by E21.5, with secretory segments developing by P1.
- Foxa1 gene expression was first detected at P2, sharply up-regulated by P5, and sustained at high levels into adulthood.
- FoxA1 protein appeared at P6, localized to K7-positive secretory cells (95%) and α-SMA-positive myoepithelial cells (5%) within secretory coils.
Conclusions:
- Foxa1 is a reliable marker for identifying eccrine sweat glands and their secretory coils in skin.
- Foxa1 expression is closely linked to the development and maturation of eccrine sweat gland secretory coils.
- This study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying eccrine sweat gland formation.
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