ClC-5 does not affect megalin expression and function in the thyroid

Thyroid. 2006 Aug;16(8):725-30. doi: 10.1089/thy.2006.16.725.

Abstract

Megalin is an endocytic receptor responsible for thyroglobulin (Tg) transcytosis, a process that favors hormone release. Accordingly, megalin KO mice have primary hypothyroidism. In the kidney, megalin expression is reduced when the gene encoding the chloride transporter ClC-5 is mutated. We investigated whether megalin expression and function in the thyroid are affected by ClC-5 using a ClC-5 KO mouse model. By Western blotting, ClC-5 was found in thyroid tissue extracts of WT, but not of ClC-5 KO mice. In addition, ClC-5 was found to be expressed by cultured thyroid cells (FRTL-5). The thyroid size, weight, and histology were similar in ClC- 5 KO and WT mice, as were the amounts of megalin in thyroid extracts. Accordingly, serum Tg, a measure of megalin-mediated transcytosis, was similar in WT and ClC-5 KO mice, suggesting that megalin function was unaffected. Thus, unlike in megalin KO mice, in ClC-5 KO mice thyroid function was unchanged, as indicated by the normal serum FT4 and TSH. We concluded that in the thyroid, unlike in the kidney, ClC-5 does not affect megalin expression and function, suggesting that megalin is differentially regulated in these two organs.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Chloride Channels / biosynthesis*
  • Chloride Channels / genetics*
  • Endocytosis
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Heterozygote
  • Kidney / metabolism
  • Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-2 / biosynthesis*
  • Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-2 / genetics*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Phenotype
  • Thyroid Gland / metabolism*
  • Thyroid Gland / pathology

Substances

  • CLC-5 chloride channel
  • Chloride Channels
  • Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-Related Protein-2
  • Lrp2 protein, mouse