Polarized epithelial cells are characterized by displaying compartmentalized functions associated with differential distribution of transporters, structural proteins, and signaling molecules on their apical and basolateral surfaces. Their apical surfaces frequently elaborate microvilli, which vary in structure according to the specific type and function of each epithelium. The molecular basis of this heterogeneity is poorly understood. However, differences in function will undoubtedly be reflected in the specific molecular composition of the apical surface in each epithelial subtype. We have exploited a method for isolating microvilli from the mouse eye using wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-agarose beads to begin to understand the specific molecular composition of apical microvilli of the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and expand our knowledge of the potential function of this interface. Initially, apical RPE plasma membranes bound to WGA beads were processed for morphological analysis using known apical and basolateral surface markers. The protein composition of the apical microvilli was then established using proteomic analysis. Over 200 proteins were identified, including a number of proteins previously known to be localized to RPE microvilli, as well as others not known to be present at this surface. Localization of novel proteins identified with proteomics was confirmed by immunohistochemistry in both mouse and rat eye tissue. The data generated provides new information on the protein composition of the RPE apical microvilli. The isolation technique used should be amenable for isolating microvilli in other epithelia as well, allowing new insights into additional functions of this important epithelial compartment.
Molecular & Cellular Proteomics 3:1119 -1127, 2004.Epithelial cells are characterized by the asymmetric distribution of proteins and lipids in their plasma membrane: a basic feature referred to as polarity. The functional polarity of epithelial cells is dependent on the asymmetric distribution of specific enzymes, signaling molecules, and transport proteins between their apical and basolateral surface membranes (1). The apical surface of cuboidal and columnar epithelial cells commonly faces a luminal cavity and is characterized by the presence of numerous surface membrane elaborations referred to as microvilli. Microvilli greatly increase the apical surface area and, consequently, the number of transport and signaling proteins it contains, thereby enhancing the epithelial functional capacity. Absorptive epithelia such as kidney and intestine have their apical surface decorated with highly organized apical microvilli of uniform length and width. More dynamic and less organized structures are present in the epithelial cells of the placenta and the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), 1 which perform endocytosis and phagocytosis, respectively. The basis of this morphological heterogeneity is poorly understood and is likely to be related to the specialized function and specific molecular composition of the ...