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Cyclic-AMP deficient MDCK cells form tubules
1Department of Cellular and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio 78284, USA.
Journal of Cellular Biochemistry
|December 1, 1995
Summary
Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells form either domes or tubules. Protein Kinase C (PKC) pathway activation promotes tubule formation, while Protein Kinase A (PKA) pathway activation promotes dome formation.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells are widely used in cell biology research.
- MDCK cells are known to form dome-like structures.
- Two distinct morphotypes of MDCK cells exist: dome-forming and tubule-forming.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanisms regulating dome and tubule formation in MDCK cells.
- To identify signaling pathways involved in MDCK cell morphogenesis.
- To characterize tubule-forming MDCK clones for future research.
Main Methods:
- Culturing and morphological examination of numerous MDCK clones.
- Assessing the effects of agents affecting Protein Kinase A (PKA) and Protein Kinase C (PKC) activity.
- Measuring cyclic-AMP (cAMP) levels and adenylate cyclase activity in response to forskolin.
Main Results:
- Identified two stable morphotypes: dome-forming and tubule-forming clones (0.7% frequency).
- PKA-activating agents increased dome formation and abolished tubule formation.
- PKC-activating agents (phorbol esters, staurosporine) decreased dome formation and increased tubule morphogenesis.
- Tubule-forming clones showed lower resting cAMP levels and reduced response to forskolin.
Conclusions:
- MDCK cell tubule morphogenesis is regulated by the Protein Kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway.
- MDCK cell dome formation is regulated by the Protein Kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway.
- Tubule-forming MDCK clones are valuable tools for studying tubule development.