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World J Gastroenterol. Apr 28, 2006; 12(16): 2615-2619
Published online Apr 28, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i16.2615
Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is active in pancreatic development of rat embryo
Qi-Ming Wang, Ye Zhang, Kai-Ming Yang, Hong-Ying Zhou, Hui-Jun Yang
Qi-Ming Wang, Kai-Ming Yang, Hong-Ying Zhou, Hui-Jun Yang, Department of Anatomy, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
Ye Zhang, Beida Weixin Biology and Science Company, Beijing 100081, China
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to the work.
Correspondence to: Qi-Ming Wang, MD, Department of Anatomy, School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China. wangqiming-6@163.com
Telephone: +86-28-66886157 Fax: +86-28-85501670
Received: November 29, 2005
Revised: January 2, 2006
Accepted: January 9, 2006
Published online: April 28, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To elucidate the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in pancreatic development of rat embryo.

METHODS: The mRNAs of β-catenin, APC, cyclin D1 genes were amplified by means of semiquantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) from embryonic pancreas in different periods and normal pancreas of rat, respectively. Protein expression of these genes in embryonic pancreas of E14.5-E18.5 was examined by immunohistochemical method.

RESULTS: In embryonic pancreas of E14.5, the transcript amplification of β-catenin and cyclinD1 genes was detected. In embryonic pancreas of E18.5, the transcription levels of β-catenin and cyclinD1 genes became much higher than in other periods. But in adult rat pancreas the transcription of cyclinD1 gene could not be observed. Only until E18.5, the transcript amplification of mRNA of APC gene could be detected. Surprisingly, the transcription level of APC gene became much higher in adult rat pancreas than in embryonic pancreas. By means of immunohistochemical staining, identical results were obtained to the above by RP-PCR, except for β-catenin protein in adult rat pancreas.

CONCLUSION: Active Wnt/β-catenin signaling occurs in rat embryonic pancreas and is probably important for pancreatic development and organ formation.

Keywords: Wnt/β-catenin signaling; Pancreas; Development; Embryo