Caveolin-1 immuno-expression in human fetal tissues during mid and late gestation.
Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is the main protein in caveolae, and serves as a scaffolding protein onto which many classes of signalling molecules are assembled. Through interaction with proto-oncogene products, Cav-1 may suppress cell proliferation; or when phosphorylated, may also stimulate cell growth. The aim of this study was to determine Cav-1 expression in human fetal tissues, tissues composed of cells undergoing growth and differentiation processes which require a nurturing environment provided by transmembrane vesicular transport. By using immunohistochemistry, Cav-1 was detected in several fetal tissues during mid- and late gestation (from 14 to 39 weeks). The protein was present in adipocytes, endothelial cells, smooth muscle fibers and in a number of sites with a pattern of distribution similar to that of the adult. Intriguingly, a positive immunoreaction for Cav-1 was also noticed in tissues, such as the urothelium, which normally do not express this protein in adulthood. This unexpected pattern of Cav-1 in human fetus may predict novel roles for Cav-1 during fetal development.
Barresi
Valeria
V
Dipartimento di Patologia Umana, Policlinico Universitario, Messina, Italy. valeriabarresi@hotmail.com
Grosso
M
M
Bulfamante
G
G
Vitarelli
E
E
Ghioni
M C
MC
Barresi
G
G
D000328:Adult; D051242:Caveolin 1 / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D005260:Female; D005333:Fetus / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000378:metabolism*; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D000090063:Proto-Oncogene Mas; D014018:Tissue Distribution
C495540:CAV1 protein, human; D051242:Caveolin 1; C000715470:MAS1 protein, human; D000090063:Proto-Oncogene Mas