ErbB2 and its ligand Muc4 (sialomucin complex) in rat lacrimal gland.
The lacrimal gland is an important source of components for the ocular tear fluid. Though mucins are not generally considered a product of the lacrimal gland, our results clearly show Muc4/SMC is produced by the gland in soluble and membrane forms. The secreted, soluble form is likely produced for the soluble phase of the ocular tear film. Analyses of ErbB2 and the Muc4/SMC-ErbB2 complex in the lacrimal gland suggest a second function for Muc4/SMC, a role in cell regulation through ErbB signaling. The nature of those signals and the cell functions they regulate will be subjects for future investigations.
Carraway
Kermit L
KL
Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA.
Carvajal
Maria E
ME
Li
Peter
P
Carraway
Coralie A C
CA
D000818:Animals; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000378:metabolism*; D055264:Mucin-4; D009077:Mucins / Q000378:metabolism*; D051381:Rats / Q000378:metabolism*; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases / Q000378:metabolism*; D014018:Tissue Distribution
D055264:Mucin-4; D009077:Mucins; D018719:Erb-b2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinases; C524660:Muc4 protein, rat