Expression of brush border calmodulin-binding proteins during human small and large bowel differentiation

The expression and immunocytochemical localization of three brush border cytoskeletal calmodulin-binding proteins, caldesmon, fodrin, and the 110 kDa subunit of the 110 kDa calmodulin complex, have been studied in human intestinal epithelial cells as a function of their ontogenic differentiation. At immature stages (fetal week 8), caldesmon and fodrin were present in undifferentiated intestinal epithelial cells. However, no 110 kDa protein was detectable except a 135 kDa immunoreactive species. The 110 kDa form appeared at week 12, when microvilli differentiate, and became prominent at week 14 simultaneously with the disappearance of the 135 kDa species. Finally at week 14, the calmodulin-binding protein pattern was identical to that found in adults. Immunocytochemical experiments revealed that at week 8, antibodies to caldesmon and fodrin gave a fluorescence lining at the periphery of the cells, whereas the 110 kDa immunoreactive species was hardly detectable. Then, as early as week 12 of gestation, with the three antisera, a bright fluorescence lined the apex of the cells, as in adults. In the colon, the events were delayed. This study demonstrates that the developmental pattern of the three calmodulin-binding proteins investigated, caldesmon, fodrin and the 110 kDa subunit, parallels the temporal differentiation of human intestinal brush borders and the proximo-distal morphological intestinal maturation.