The bHLH transcription factor Tcf12 (ME1) mRNA is abundantly expressed in Paneth cells of mouse intestine.
Using a large-scale in situ hybridization screening system, we found that mRNA coding for ME1, a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, was abundantly expressed in Paneth cells of adult small intestinal crypts. Other functionally related E-protein mRNAs, ME2, and E2A, however, could not be detected in the cells. ME1 mRNA was first detected in the jejunum and ileum two weeks after birth when the number of Paneth cells starts to increase. ME1 is the first identified bHLH transcription factor expressed in the Paneth cells and may be used as a molecular marker and a key molecule for analyzing transcriptional regulation in the Paneth cell.
Tanigawa
Yoko
Y
Department of Biological Function, Graduate School of Science, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi, Osaka, Japan.
Yakura
Rieko
R
Komiya
Tohru
T
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D003001:Cloning, Molecular; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007413:Intestinal Mucosa / Q000502:physiology*; D007583:Jejunum / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology; D051379:Mice / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology; D019879:Paneth Cells / Q000502:physiology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000235:genetics*
D051792:Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Proteins; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C489532:Tcf12 protein, mouse