Regulation of IL-1beta-Mediated MUC2 Gene and Mucin in Human Airway Epithelial Cells / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mucin secretion is regulated by the mucin genes (MUC) in the respiratory, gastrointestinal and reproductive system. Inflammation induces mucin hypersecretion in the human body. This study demonstrates the effects of IL-1beta on the regulation of mucin protein expression as well as the MUC2 gene in cultured airway epithelial cells. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Analysis of MUC2 gene was done by RT-PCR and the protein analysis was done by a flow cytometric analysis and an immunoassay method using cultured human airway epithelial cells, and NCI-H292 cells. RESULTS: The expression of MUC2 mRNA and protein induced by IL-1beta increased in a dose-and time-dependent manner. The maximum mRNA level of the MUC2 gene was approximately 3-fold, compared to that of the control cell. The IL-1beta-mediated MUC2 protein started at 6 hours of exposure to IL-1beta (20 ng/ml) and the maximum level was 12 hours. The MUC2 protein data of flow cytometric analysis corresponded to that of immunoassay analysis. The expression of MUC2 gene was suppressed by actinomycin D, but not attenuated by cycloheximide. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the IL-1beta-mediated MUC2 gene and protein expression were increased in a dose- and time-dependent pattern and regulated by transcriptional step.