Expression profiling of the differentiation related protein N-myc downstream regulated gene 2 in normal human tissues

Abstract

Background and aim: N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) is a member of human NDRG super family which is known to be related to cell differentiation. NDRG2 might be associated with cell growth, but its exact function is still unknown. We investigate expression of NDRG2 at the protein level in human normal tissues. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining for NDRG2 protein was performed in normal human paraffin tissues, using LSAB methods. Results: We observed NDRG2 protein expression in a comprehensive human tissue panel that included the cryptic epithelium of the small intestine, colon, pancreas, salivary ducts and glands, testis, prostate, ovary, uterus, breast, kidney, pulmonary bronchioles, heart and skeletal muscle. NDRG2 was strongly expressed in the adrenal cortical cells. NDRG2 was also expressed in differentiated dendritic cells, including interdigitating cells of the lymph nodes, dendritic cells in the spleen, epidermal Langerhan's cells and dermic dendritic cells in the skin and brain astrocytes. Conclusions: Multiple localizations of NDRG2 protein suggest pleiotropic functions through interaction with other proteins.