Journal of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (Medical Sciences) 2008;28(2):121-124

doi:10.1007/s11596-008-0201-y

beta-catenin/Tcf signaling in squamous differentiation of porcine airway epithelial cells.

Wenshu CHEN 1 ; Renliang WU ; Xi WANG

Affiliations

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Country

China

Language

English

MeSH

Abstract

For a preliminary study of the role of beta-catenin/Tcf signaling in squamous differentiation of airway (tracheobronchial) epithelial cells, a stable mutant of beta-catenin was transfected into primarily cultured porcine airway epithelial cells. Western blotting revealed that exogenous protein was observed in large quantity in cytoplasm and nucleus. When co-transfected with Tcf luciferase reporter plasmids, beta-catenin mutant increased the reporter's transcriptional activities. However, mRNA expression of a squamous differentiation marker, small proline-rich protein (SPRP), was not elevated, as shown by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. These findings suggest that beta-catenin/Tcf signaling may not be directly involved in the squamous differentiation of porcine airway epithelial cells.