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HNF-1 alpha and HNF-1 beta expression in mouse intestinal crypts
1Department of Genetics, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago 60612.
The American Journal of Physiology
|September 1, 1993
Summary
Hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNF-1 alpha and HNF-1 beta) are crucial for gene expression in the liver and intestine. Their varying ratios along the intestine may regulate alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) expression in specific cell types.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Hepatocyte nuclear factors (HNF-1 alpha and HNF-1 beta) are homologous transcription factors regulating liver-expressed genes.
- These genes, including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), are also found in the intestinal epithelium, specifically in enteroendocrine cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distribution of HNF-1 alpha and HNF-1 beta mRNA in the mouse intestine.
- To determine if HNF-1 factor expression colocalizes with AFP expression.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of HNF-1 alpha and HNF-1 beta mRNA distribution in the mouse small and large intestine.
- Quantification of the relative mRNA ratios of HNF-1 alpha to HNF-1 beta.
Main Results:
- Both HNF-1 alpha and HNF-1 beta transcripts are highly expressed in intestinal crypts.
- The ratio of HNF-1 alpha to HNF-1 beta mRNA is lower in the colon, where AFP is not expressed.
- HNF-1 is essential for AFP gene transcription, but other factors dictate its cell-specific intestinal expression.
Conclusions:
- The differential expression ratio of HNF-1 alpha and HNF-1 beta along the intestine may influence HNF-1 dimer formation.
- This variation in dimer formation could impact the expression of HNF-1 target genes, including AFP.
- Cell-type-specific AFP expression in the intestine involves regulatory factors beyond HNF-1.