Seasonal expression of extracellular signal regulated kinases in the colon of wild ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus)

Background The purpose of the experiment was to explore the localization and seasonal expression of extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) in the colonic tissue of wild ground squirrels (Spermophilus dauricus). Methods and results Hematoxylin-eosin staining, immunohistochemistry, real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting were used in this experiment. The histological results showed that the diameter of the colon lumen enlarged and the number of glandular cells increased in the non-breeding season. It was found in the immunochemical results that both ERK1/2 and pERK1/2 were expressed in the cytoplasm of goblet cells and intestinal epithelial cells, while pERK1/2 was also expressed in the nucleus of them. The immune localization of both was more obvious in the non-breeding season, especially in intestinal epithelial cells. Real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting showed that ERK1/2 and pERK1/2 were seasonally highly expressed in the non-breeding season. Conclusions The expression of ERK1/2 and pERK1/2 was seasonal changes and had significant increases in the non-breeding season. This study revealed that ERK1/2 had potential roles in the colon to the adaptation of seasonal changes in wild ground squirrels.

Automated summary

This study explored the localization and seasonal expression of ERK in the colonic tissue of wild ground squirrels. The results showed that the diameter of the colon lumen enlarged and the number of glandular cells increased in the non-breeding season. Immunohistochemistry results revealed that ERK was expressed in goblet cells and intestinal epithelial cells, with higher expression in the non-breeding season. The study suggested the potential roles of ERK in the adaptation of seasonal changes in the colon of wild ground squirrels.