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Translationally controlled tumor protein: a protein identified in several nontumoral cells including erythrocytes
J C Sanchez1, D Schaller, F Ravier
1Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland. sanchez@dim.hcuge.ch
Abstract:
The translationally controlled tumor protein (TCTP) is a growth-related protein which is regulated at the translational level. It is present in mammals, higher plants and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This study was undertaken to localize and further characterize the TCTP in human cell lysates using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis, monoclonal antibodies, and 45Ca-gel overlay. TCTP was found in several healthy and tumoral cells including erythrocytes, hepatocytes, macrophages, platelets, keratinocytes, erythroleukemia cells, gliomas, melanomas, hepatoblastomas, and lymphomas. It could not be detected in kidney and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). A monoclonal antibody raised against TCTP detected three isoforms likely due to post-translational modifications. A calcium binding property was found as well as heat stability and cytoplasmic localization. The high degree of homology from plants to man and its expression in many tissues suggests that TCTP most likely has a cell housekeeping function.
Insights
Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP) is a growth-related protein found across species. This study identified TCTP in various human cells, suggesting a vital housekeeping function.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Translationally Controlled Tumor Protein (TCTP) is a conserved, growth-related protein.
- TCTP is regulated at the translational level and found in diverse organisms, including mammals, plants, and yeast.
Purpose of the Study:
- To localize and characterize TCTP in human cell lysates.
- To investigate the presence and properties of TCTP in healthy and cancerous human cells.
Main Methods:
- Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis
- Monoclonal antibody analysis
- 45Ca-gel overlay assay
Main Results:
- TCTP was detected in erythrocytes, hepatocytes, macrophages, platelets, keratinocytes, erythroleukemia cells, gliomas, melanomas, hepatoblastomas, and lymphomas.
- TCTP was notably absent in kidney and renal cell carcinoma (RCC).
- Analysis revealed three TCTP isoforms, heat stability, cytoplasmic localization, and calcium-binding properties.
Conclusions:
- TCTP exhibits significant homology across species, from plants to humans.
- Its widespread expression in various tissues suggests a fundamental cellular housekeeping role.
- The differential expression in RCC warrants further investigation into TCTP's role in specific cancers.