ISSN:
1615-6102
Keywords:
Cilia
;
Dynein
;
Epithelium
;
Trachea
;
Differentiation
;
Cloning
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
Notes:
Summary Ciliated cells play an integral role in the defense mechanisms of the respiratory system. By the coordinated beating of their cilia they provide the force necessary to clear potentially harmful material from the airways. We have been investigating the regulation of ciliated-cell differentiation and gene expression. Using a culture system that allows us to positively or negatively regulate the development of the ciliated-cell phenotype, we have previously reported that the expression of axonemal dynein heavy chain mRNAs are regulated in parallel with the development of ciliated cells. To identify other genes important to the development or function of ciliated cells, differential display was used to compare mRNA isolated from cultures of ciliated or nonciliated rat tracheal epithelial cells. Two novel genes, KPL1 and KPL2, have been identified whose expression is increased in parallel with ciliated-cell differentiation. Two transcripts of KPL1 are expressed in a tissue-specific pattern; KPL1 is particularly highly expressed in brain. The sequence of KPL1 predicts a 188 or 223 amino acid protein which contains a pleckstrin homology domain. Pleckstrin homology domains have been shown to bind inositolphosphates and G-proteins and function as signal-dependent membrane adapters. KPL1 therefore may function in a signal transduction pathway important to the development or maintenance of the ciliated-cell phenotype. KPL2 shows more limited distribution and is predominantly expressed in tissues which contain axonemes. KPL2 is predicted to encode a 1744 amino acid protein which contains many functional motifs, including nuclear localization signals, an ATP-binding domain, a proline-rich region, and a calponin homology domain. KPL2 may thus be involved in transmitting signals to the nucleus during ciliated-cell differentiation.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01288212
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