Activation of the Ca²+-sensing receptor induces deposition of tight junction components to the epithelial cell plasma membrane.

ABSTRACT: The Ca(2+)-sensing receptor (CaSR) belongs to the G-protein-coupled receptor superfamily and plays essential roles in divalent ion homeostasis and cell differentiation. Because extracellular Ca(2+) is essential for the development of stable epithelial tight junctions (TJs), we hypothesized that the CaSR participates in regulating TJ assembly. We first assessed the expression of the CaSR in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells at steady state and following manipulations that modulate TJ assembly. Next, we examined the effects of CaSR agonists and antagonists on TJ assembly. Immunofluorescence studies indicate that endogenous CaSR is located at the basolateral pole of MDCK cells. Stable transfection of human CaSR in MDCK cells further reveals that this protein co-distributes with β-catenin

SUBMITTER: Jouret F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3828589 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature