Conclusions
These data demonstrate that the putative zinc receptor GPR39 is spatially expressed at different regions of the mouse prostate with various intensities, suggesting that GPR39 might play an important role in mediating zinc function for normal prostate health in a region-specific manner. GPR39 expression in human prostate under normal and pathologic conditions is an interesting issue that warrants further investigation.
Methods
We used a mouse strain harboring a LacZ reporter at 1 allele of gpr39 (gpr39(+/LacZ)). LacZ staining of adult prostate was performed by whole-mount staining followed by tissue section. The expression
Results
Whole-mount LacZ staining and tissue sections clearly revealed that GPR39 mRNA is intensely expressed at the epithelial cells of dorsal and anterior prostates, with lower intensity at the lateral prostate and very low or no expression in the ventral prostate. Immunohistochemistry staining results were consistent with those for LacZ staining. Conclusions: These data demonstrate that the putative zinc receptor GPR39 is spatially expressed at different regions of the mouse prostate with various intensities, suggesting that GPR39 might play an important role in mediating zinc function for normal prostate health in a region-specific manner. GPR39 expression in human prostate under normal and pathologic conditions is an interesting issue that warrants further investigation.