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Sex difference in immunostaining of RET in the adult mouse kidney
1Department of Paediatrics, the University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong.
Abstract:
The c-ret proto-oncogene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase which is important for the development of the kidney and the enteric nervous system. During nephrogenesis, c-ret is expressed in the ureteric bud epithelium and later in its derivative, the collecting duct. This takes place during 11-17.5 days post-coitum (d.p.c.) in the mouse and our immunohistochemical study showed that the RET protein co-localized with the transcript. At 18.5 d.p.c. the kidney is fully differentiated. At 18.5 d.p.c., 1 week and 10 weeks old, RET was found in the proximal convoluted tubules, which is formed from the condensed mesenchyme. This suggests that c-ret may also play a role in kidney function. For the 10 weeks old kidney, RET immunostaining in male was concentrated on the basolateral side while female had a stronger staining in the whole cell. Furthermore, cytoplasmic staining was observed in male whereas both cytoplasmic and nuclear staining was found in female. c-ret transcript was detected by RT-PCR, and in situ hybridization showed its expression throughout the kidney. The reason for the sex-specific staining and the role of RET in kidney function remain to be determined.
Insights
The RET receptor tyrosine kinase is crucial for kidney development and function. This study reveals its expression in developing and adult kidneys, with sex-specific differences in protein localization.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Nephrology
Background:
- The c-ret proto-oncogene encodes a receptor tyrosine kinase (RET) vital for kidney and enteric nervous system development.
- During mouse nephrogenesis (11-17.5 days post-coitum), c-ret is expressed in the ureteric bud epithelium and collecting duct.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the expression pattern and localization of RET during kidney development and in the adult kidney.
- To explore potential sex-specific roles of RET in kidney function.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to visualize RET protein localization in mouse kidneys at various developmental stages (18.5 d.p.c.) and ages (1 week, 10 weeks).
- RT-PCR and in situ hybridization confirmed c-ret transcript expression throughout the kidney.
Main Results:
- RET protein co-localized with its transcript during nephrogenesis.
- In adult kidneys (10 weeks), RET was detected in proximal convoluted tubules, suggesting a role in kidney function.
- Significant sex-specific differences in RET immunostaining were observed in adult males and females.
Conclusions:
- c-ret is expressed in the developing and adult kidney, with localization suggesting roles beyond development.
- Sex-specific RET expression patterns indicate a potential differential role in male and female kidney function.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the precise function of RET in kidney physiology and the basis for observed sex-specific differences.