Sdmg1 is a conserved eukaryotic transmembrane protein that is mainly expressed in the gonads where it may have a role in mediating signaling between somatic cells and germ cells. In this study we demonstrate that secretory exocrine cells in the pancreas, salivary gland, and mammary gland also express Sdmg1. Furthermore, we show that Sdmg1 expression is up-regulated during pancreas development when regulated secretory granules start to appear, and that Sdmg1 colocalizes with secretory granule markers in adult pancreatic acinar cells. In addition, we show that Sdmg1 co-purifies with secretory granules during subcellular fractionation of the pancreas and that Sdmg1 and the secretory granule marker Vamp2 are localized to distinct subdomains in the secretory granule membrane. These data suggest that Sdmg1 is a component of regulated secretory granules in exocrine secretory cells and that the developmental regulation of Sdmg1 expression is related to a role for Sdmg1 in post-Golgi membrane trafficking.
Copyright (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.