Figure 6. The proline-rich domain of p53 is crucial in regulating mucous differentiation.

RNA from the right cranial lung lobes of p53^WT, p53^AXXA and p53^ΔP mice were analyzed by qRT-PCR for Muc5b (A) and Muc5ac (B). (C) Mucous cells per mm basal lamina were quantified in the axial airways of p53^WT, p53^AXXA, p53^ΔP, and p53^TTAA mice on 129J and C57Bl/6 backgrounds. Bars = group means ± standard error from the mean (n = 6 mice/group). * denotes statistically significant difference. (D) Representative micrographs of airway tissue sections from p53^WT, p53^AXXA, p53^ΔP, and p53^TTAA mice on 129J immunostained for Muc5ac (red) and counterstained with DAPI (blue) for nuclear staining. Scale - 10 µm. (E) p53^WT and p53^AXXA mice were instilled with LPS and changes in Bcl-2- and Muc5ac-positive cells was quantified after 12d of instillation. Representative micrographs from p53^WT and p53^AXXA mice airway sections at 12 d post LPS instillation showing the Bcl-2 (green) and Muc5ac (red) immunostained cells and with DAPI (blue) nuclear counterstaining. Scale - 5 µm. (F) Total airway epithelial cell numbers per millimeter basal lamina at 0 d (baseline) and at 12 d post LPS instillation. Bars = group means ± standard error from the mean (n = > 3 mice/group); * P<0.05.