Differential expression and localisation of gasdermin-like (GSDML), a novel member of the cancer-associated GSDMDC protein family, in neoplastic and non-neoplastic gastric, hepatic, and colon tissues.
OBJECTIVE
Gasdermin-like (GSDML) is a novel member of the cancer associated gasdermin-domain containing (GSDMDC) protein family. The GSDMDC family has been linked to cancer development and progression, and this is the first study analysing the expression and intracellular localisation of GSDML.


METHODS
GSDML gene transcription was analysed using quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Anti-peptide antibodies against GSDML were developed in rabbits, and an in vitro transcription-translation reaction was used to verify specificity. The Protein-G affinity purified antibodies were used in immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting on hepatocellular, gastric, and colorectal carcinomas and non-lesional tissues.


RESULTS
The GSDML gene was transcribed in human gastric, liver and colon cell lines, carcinomas and non-lesional tissues. The GSDML protein was localised to the cytoplasm of cells in both tumour and non-lesional tissues. The GSDML protein splicing variants range in molecular weight from 35 to 50 kDa, and the expression profile varies between tumour and non-tumour. A distinctive vesicular staining pattern was exhibited by GSDML in the apical region of gastric chief cells and colonic surface mucous cells, and the basal region of neuroendocrine cells.


CONCLUSIONS
GSDML may be a secretory or metabolic product involved in a secretory pathway, and changes in the regulation of GSDML splicing variant transcription and translation may be seen in the development and/or progression of gastrointestinal and hepatic cancers.
Department of Pathology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany. stacy.carl-mcgrath@charite.de
Stacy
S
Carl-McGrath
Regine
R
Schneider-Stock
Matthias
M
Ebert
Christoph
C
Röcken
D000595:Amino Acid Sequence; D001483:Base Sequence; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D003106:Colon / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D003110:Colonic Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008113:Liver Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008969:Molecular Sequence Data; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000378:metabolism; D013270:Stomach / Q000473:pathology; D013274:Stomach Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D000094524:Gasdermins
D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger; C527978:GSDMB protein, human; D000094524:Gasdermins