Background: We have identified a 55 kDa membrane protein of rat type II pneumocytes that is involved in SP-A mediated surfactant uptake and recycling.
Aim: Our aim is to study if these receptor-mediated processes involve the GTP-binding proteins rab4, 5, 7 and ARF6.
Subjects: Type II pneumocytes from male Wistar rats.
Interventions: By PCR amplification of cDNA from type II pneumocytes, the genes for rab4, rab5, rab7 and ARF6 analogs were cloned and sequenced. Anti sense DNA oligonucleotides, able to block synthesis of the proteins, were used to modulate receptor mediated SP-A uptake in vitro.
Results: We isolated the complete sequences coding for rab4, rab5, rab7 and ARF6 analogs from type II pneumocyte cDNA, including a rab7 isotype. Anti sense inhibition of the rab5 mRNA resulted in a perturbed SP-A uptake.
Conclusions: Type II pneumocytes contain the mRNAs for the GTP binding proteins rab4, 5, 7 and ARF6. Rab5 is involved in the receptor mediated uptake of SP-A.
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Looman, A., Hofsommer, S., Eigen, M. et al. GTP Binding Proteins are Involved in Receptor Mediated SP-A Transport in Rat Type II Pneumocytes 151. Pediatr Res 40, 540 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199609000-00174
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199609000-00174
