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Apical membrane marker is expressed early in colonic epithelial cells
1Laboratoire de Différenciation Cellulaire, Faculté des Sciences, Marseille, France.
Biology of the Cell
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Researchers identified a novel membrane glycoprotein in human colon cells. This integral glycoprotein, found in adult colon and distal ileum, differs in molecular weight during embryonic development, marking its potential as a polarity marker.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Epithelial cell polarity is crucial for intestinal function.
- Identifying specific markers for epithelial differentiation is essential for understanding development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize a novel membrane glycoprotein in human colon epithelial cells.
- To investigate the expression pattern and molecular properties of this antigen during development.
Main Methods:
- Monoclonal antibody technique
- Immunocytochemical and biochemical analyses
- Triton X-114 extraction and hydrolase treatment
Main Results:
- A novel integral membrane glycoprotein was identified at the apical plasma membrane of adult human colon epithelial cells.
- The antigen was expressed in differentiated colon cells and distal ileum crypt cells, but not in the proximal intestine.
- Distinct apparent molecular weights were observed in adult ileum (200 kDa), adult colon (200 and 301 kDa), and embryonic intestine (170 kDa).
Conclusions:
- This newly identified glycoprotein serves as a potential marker for studying epithelial cell polarity acquisition during embryogenesis.
- Its differential expression and molecular weight variations highlight its role in intestinal development and differentiation.