Related Experiment Videos
APC expression in normal human tissues
C A Midgley1, S White, R Howitt
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Dundee, U.K.
The Journal of Pathology
|April 1, 1997
Summary
The tumor suppressor Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) protein is found in many normal tissues, not just the colon. Its distribution suggests roles in cell adhesion and differentiation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) gene encodes a large protein with incompletely understood functions.
- APC is a known tumor suppressor gene, particularly implicated in colorectal cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel antibodies for APC protein localization.
- To investigate the expression and distribution of APC protein in various normal epithelial tissues.
Main Methods:
- Development of two new antisera targeting amino- and carboxy-terminal epitopes of APC.
- Immunohistochemical analysis of APC protein in archival paraffin-embedded tissue sections.
Main Results:
- The APC protein is expressed in a diverse range of normal epithelial tissues.
- APC protein distribution often correlates with post-replicative cells.
- Localization patterns include diffuse cytoplasmic staining, apical accumulation, and lateral membrane localization.
Conclusions:
- APC protein has significant roles in multiple tissues beyond the colorectal epithelium.
- APC localization is consistent with involvement in adherens junction signaling.
- APC may play complex roles in terminally differentiating cells.