Differential regulation of centrin genes during ciliogenesis in human tracheal epithelial cells.
Centrins are small calcium-binding proteins found in a variety of cell types, often in association with microtubule-organizing centers. Here we present results regarding the expression of centrins during the in vitro differentiation of human tracheal epithelial cells. When grown at an air-liquid interface, these cells differentiate into mucus-secreting cells or undergo ciliogenesis. In immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy experiments, an anti-centrin antibody stained exclusively the basal bodies of the ciliated cells. There was no staining over the axonemes or the striated rootlets. Northern blots and RT-PCR analysis of the three known human centrin genes showed that these genes have distinct patterns of expression during the growth and differentiation of human tracheal epithelial cells. Centrin-1 is never transcribed. Centrin-2 mRNA is present at all times, and its concentration increases when ciliogenesis occurs. Centrin-3 mRNA is found at a constant level throughout the entire process. This differential regulation suggests that centrins are not interchangeable but instead have unique functions.
LeDizet
M
M
Cardiovascular Research Institute and Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143-0566, USA.
Beck
J C
JC
Finkbeiner
W E
WE
D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins / Q000235:genetics* / Q000378:metabolism; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; D002923:Cilia / Q000502:physiology; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D007101:Immersion; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007438:Introns / Q000235:genetics; D007536:Isomerism; D008297:Male; D013737:Testis / Q000502:physiology; D014132:Trachea / Q000166:cytology / Q000254:growth & development* / Q000502:physiology; D014158:Transcription, Genetic / Q000502:physiology
D002135:Calcium-Binding Proteins; D002868:Chromosomal Proteins, Non-Histone; C056608:caltractin