Date of Award
2008
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Biology
Supervisor
Dr. Christopher Pin
Second Advisor
Dr. Greg Kelly
Abstract
The proper regulation of cytosolic Ca is critically important to the function of pancreatic acinar cells, as they require Ca oscillations to initiate the exocytosis of their digestiveenzymes. PersistentlyhighlevelsofcytosolicCa2+leadstotheimproper
activation of these digestive enzymes and subsequently could lead to the development of pancreatic diseases, such as pancreatitis. A series of channels and pumps exist to maintain appropriate levels of cytosolic Ca2+, such as the sarcoendoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ ATPases (SERCAs), plasma membrane Ca2+ ATPases (PMCAs) and the secretory
pathway Ca2+ ATPases (SPCAs). Using Northern blot and real time RT-PCR analysis, I have confirmed the presence of a novel isoform of SPCA2, termed SPCA2-1.2.
Therefore, it is important to characterize and understand the contribution of this novel isoform to the regulation of Ca2+ within pancreatic acinar cells to further understand the
mechanisms that underlie the initiation of pancreatic disease. The goal of this study was to determine the expression pattern of SPCA2, which has not been studied extensively to
date. Based on sequence analysis, SPCA2-1.2 includes the cationic C-terminal domain thathasthecapabilitytobindCa2+andMn2+ions. Co-immunofluorescencewithan
SPCA2 antibody revealed that SPCA2-1.2 is highly expressed in pancreatic acinar cells and is not specifically Golgi-localized. Spca2-1.2 exhibits a restricted tissue expression
pattern, similar to MIST, a serous exocrine-specific transcription factor. In support of a model in which MIST1 regulates Spca2-1.2 expression, the absence of MISTI (Mistl")
correlates with significantly decreased Spca2-1.2 RNA and protein expression in pancreatic acinar cells.
Recommended Citation
Garside, Victoria Catherine, "IDENTIFICATION OF A NOVEL ISOFORM OF SECRETORY PATHWAY CALCIUM ATPASE 2 (SPCA2)" (2008). Digitized Theses. 4848.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/4848