Comparative analysis of ABCG2-expressing and label-retaining cells in mouse submandibular gland.
The submandibular gland (SMG) is a tissue that can be regenerated in a tissue injury model and that has adult stem cells capable of self-renewal and differentiation into functional cells. We have analyzed the localization of label-retaining cells (LRCs), which are putative progenitor cells, by using the BrdU-labeling method. 5-Bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) injection followed by a long chasing period permitted the identification of LRCs based on the slow-cycling characteristic. In order to confirm the accurate localization of LRCs, BrdU and SMG-specific markers, including aquaporin5, cytokeratin, and smooth muscle actin, were examined by double-immunofluorescence staining. We found that LRCs were distributed in the acinus, duct, myoepithelium, and connective tissue. Moreover, ABCG2 (a known stem cell marker) was used for the characterization of LRCs and the localization of cells as putative stem/progenitor cells. ABCG2-expressing cells were distributed in various regions of the SMG but did not co-localize with LRCs. We suggest that putative progenitor cells exist in various regions of the SMG and have diverse capacities to differentiate into specific cells.
Kim
Yeun-Jung
YJ
Department of Oral Biology, Research Center for Orofacial Hard Tissue Regeneration, College of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seodaemoon-Gu, Seoul, 120-752, Korea.
Kwon
Hyuk-Jae
HJ
Shinozaki
Naoshi
N
Hashimoto
Sadamitsu
S
Shimono
Masaki
M
Cho
Sung-Won
SW
Jung
Han-Sung
HS
D000070997:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D000199:Actins / Q000378:metabolism; D000818:Animals; D051402:Aquaporin 5 / Q000378:metabolism; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine / Q000737:chemistry; D007633:Keratins / Q000378:metabolism; D051379:Mice; D008813:Mice, Inbred ICR; D013234:Stem Cells / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000166:cytology* / Q000378:metabolism
D000070997:ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2; D018528:ATP-Binding Cassette Transporters; C501412:Abcg2 protein, mouse; D000199:Actins; D051402:Aquaporin 5; D007633:Keratins; D001973:Bromodeoxyuridine