Localization of the urea transporter UT-B protein in human and rat erythrocytes and tissues

Am J Physiol Cell Physiol. 2001 Oct;281(4):C1318-25. doi: 10.1152/ajpcell.2001.281.4.C1318.

Abstract

A new polyclonal antibody to the human erythrocyte urea transporter UT-B detects a broad band between 45 and 65 kDa in human erythrocytes and between 37 and 51 kDa in rat erythrocytes. In human erythrocytes, the UT-B protein is the Kidd (Jk) antigen, and Jk(a+b+) erythrocytes express the 45- to 65-kDa band. However, in Jk null erythrocytes [Jk(a-b-)], only a faint band at 55 kDa is detected. In kidney medulla, a broad band between 41 and 54 kDa, as well as a larger band at 98 kDa, is detected. Human and rat kidney show UT-B staining in nonfenestrated endothelial cells in descending vasa recta. UT-B protein and mRNA are detected in rat brain, colon, heart, liver, lung, and testis. When kidney medulla or liver proteins are analyzed with the use of a native gel, only a single protein band is detected. UT-B protein is detected in cultured bovine endothelial cells. We conclude that UT-B protein is expressed in more rat tissues than previously reported, as well as in erythrocytes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Antibodies
  • Aorta / chemistry
  • Brain Chemistry
  • Carrier Proteins / analysis*
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / immunology*
  • Colon / chemistry
  • Electrophoresis, Polyacrylamide Gel
  • Endothelium, Vascular / chemistry
  • Erythrocytes / chemistry*
  • Gene Expression / physiology
  • Humans
  • Kidney / chemistry*
  • Lung / chemistry
  • Male
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / analysis*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / immunology*
  • Membrane Transport Proteins*
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Myocardium / chemistry
  • RNA, Messenger / analysis
  • Rats
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Specific Pathogen-Free Organisms
  • Testis / chemistry
  • Urea Transporters

Substances

  • Antibodies
  • Carrier Proteins
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • Membrane Transport Proteins
  • RNA, Messenger