Expression of ATP1AL1, a non-gastric proton pump, in human colorectum

Abstract

The expression of mRNAs encoding a human nongastric proton pump (ATP1AL1) in the colorectum was investigated. The real-time PCR gave significant levels of signals not only in the distal part of human colon and rectum, but also in the proximal part of the colon. ATP1AL1 mRNA was overexpressed in 12 out of 20 human colorectal adenocarcinomas compared with the level in the accompanying normal mucosa. It is noted that astonishing levels of the mRNA overexpression were found in 4 carcinomas, which were detected even by Northern blot. The very high levels of ATP1AL1 mRNA expression in some cancer tissues may be connected to an unknown specific pathophysiological condition.