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Bipolar functional expression of transcobalamin II receptor in human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells

S Bose1, S Seetharam, N M Dahms

  • 1Department of Biochemistry, Medical College of Wisconsin and Veterans Administration Medical Center, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53226, USA.

Insights

Transcobalamin II (TC II)-cobalamin (Cbl) is transported differently across intestinal cells. Apical uptake allows TC II-Cbl transcytosis, while basolateral uptake degrades TC II, releasing Cbl.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Nutritional Science

Background:

  • The Transcobalamin II (TC II) receptor is present in human intestinal membranes.
  • Caco-2 cells exhibit a higher concentration of TC II receptors on basolateral membranes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the distinct processing and transport pathways of TC II-cobalamin (Cbl) at the apical and basolateral surfaces of intestinal epithelial cells.
  • To elucidate the role of lysosomal and non-lysosomal pathways in TC II-Cbl intestinal absorption.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized human intestinal epithelial Caco-2 cells grown on culture inserts.
  • Quantified binding and internalization of TC II-[57Co]cobalamin (Cbl) and 125I-TC II at apical and basolateral surfaces.
  • Assessed the effects of chloroquine and leupeptin on TC II-Cbl processing and transcytosis.
  • Administered 125I-TC II-Cbl orally to rats and detected labeled TC II in portal blood.

Main Results:

  • Apical uptake of TC II-Cbl led to internalization and subsequent transcytosis of the intact complex.
  • Basolateral uptake resulted in internalization, TC II degradation, and Cbl transfer to other cellular proteins.
  • Lysosomal inhibitors (chloroquine, leupeptin) blocked TC II degradation after basolateral internalization, promoting TC II-Cbl secretion.
  • Intact TC II was detected in rat portal blood after oral administration, suggesting luminal to systemic transport.

Conclusions:

  • TC II-Cbl utilizes a non-lysosomal pathway for apical/luminal transcytosis, transporting both TC II and Cbl intact.
  • Basolateral processing involves lysosomal degradation of TC II, with subsequent utilization of released Cbl.
  • These distinct pathways highlight differential handling of vitamin B12 uptake in the intestine.

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