Characterization of postnatal expression of rat MFG‐E8 gene in intestines, liver and lungs

Abstract

MFG‐E8 (milk fat globule‐EGF factor 8) plays an important role in tissue remodeling, clearance of apoptotic cells, and intestinal epithelial wound healing. Here, we examined the expression of MFG‐E8 mRNA in the small intestine, liver and lungs during postnatal development. Briefly, Sprague‐Dawley rats were sacrificed at different ages (E20, P0, P5, P10 and P21). Total RNA was extracted from various tissues including the small intestine, liver and lungs. The MFG‐E8 gene expression was quantified by real‐time PCR. We found that the MFG‐E8 gene was expressed at a low level on E20 in the liver. Within 24 h after birth, its expression was increased 2.57 fold (P<0.01). It was then stably expressed at high level during the postnatal period. In contrast, in the small intestine, MFG‐E8 gene significantly decreased 2.88 fold (P<0.01) within 24 h after birth compared to E20, then it gradually regained E20 values on P10. The gene was persistently expressed until P21. In the lungs, MFG‐E8 is constitutively expressed prenatally at E20. Its expression did not change during the postnatal period. In conclusions, our study indicated that MFG‐E8 is extensively expressed in the small intestine, liver, and lungs. As opposed to other organs, the expression of intestinal MFG‐E8 is decreased during the first week of life. However, the physiological meaning of MFG‐E8 gene expression pattern in postnatal stage remains to be determined.