Comparison of the tissue-specific expression and developmental regulation of two closely linked rodent genes encoding cytosolic retinol-binding proteins.

摘要: Abstract Cellular retinol-binding protein (CRBP) and cellular II (CRBP II) are two highly homologous cytoplasmic proteins that bind all-trans-retinol. We have recently demonstrated the mouse genes encoding CRBP closely linked on chromosome 9 both human located 3 (Demmer, L.A., Birkenmeier, E.H., Sweetser, D.A., Levin, M.S., Zollman, S., Sparkes, R.S., Mohandas, T., Lusis, A.J., Gordon, J.I. (1987) J. Biol. Chem. 262, 2458-2467). now used RNA blot hybridization analysis to assess degree which these coordinately expressed in fetal, suckling, weaning, adult rat tissues. Both exhibit different developmental patterns of expression liver, intestine, lung, kidney, testes, placenta. In mRNA was detected during 16th day gestation--prior development a well-differentiated absorptive epithelium--and remained essentially unchanged throughout peri- postpartum periods. By contrast, pattern intestinal accumulation parallels times first appearance, subsequent proliferation, columnar epithelium, supporting hypothesis is involved uptake or intracellular trafficking this hydrophobic vitamin. fetal were by gestational 16. Whereas concentration hepatic increased markedly suckling early weaning periods, levels fell abruptly immediately after birth. These peripartum changes not paralleled remarkable alterations steady state retinol. Marked liver intestine also documented pregnant lactating female rats. differences CRBP/CRBP gene strongly suggest their serve physiological functions. The may provide useful model for dissecting relative roles played retinoid metabolism as well factors modulate activation repression genes.