Cellular Expression, Trafficking, and Function of Two Isoforms of Human ULBP5/RAET1G
2009

Study of ULBP5 Isoforms in Cancer and Immune Response

Sample size: 344 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Eagle Robert A., Flack Gillian, Warford Anthony, Martínez-Borra Jesús, Jafferji Insiya, Traherne James A., Ohashi Maki, Boyle Louise H., Barrow Alexander D., Caillat-Zucman Sophie, Young Neil T., Trowsdale John

Primary Institution: Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom

Hypothesis

What are the expression patterns and functions of the two isoforms of ULBP5/RAET1G in cancer and immune responses?

Conclusion

The two isoforms of ULBP5/RAET1G exhibit distinct expression patterns and cellular localizations, with implications for immune evasion in tumors.

Supporting Evidence

  • Both isoforms of ULBP5/RAET1G are frequently expressed in epithelial cancer cell lines.
  • RAET1G1 shows restricted expression in normal tissues but is widely expressed in various tumors.
  • RAET1G2 can be secreted and downregulates NKG2D expression on NK cells.

Takeaway

This study looks at two proteins that help our immune system fight cancer. One is found mostly inside cells, while the other can be secreted and might help tumors hide from our immune system.

Methodology

The study used RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry to analyze the expression and function of ULBP5 isoforms in various cancer cell lines and tissues.

Limitations

The study primarily focuses on expression patterns and does not fully explore the functional implications of ULBP5 isoforms in all cancer types.

Participant Demographics

The study included samples from 172 donors representing various normal tissues and 20 different tumor types.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0004503

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication