Role of TMEM106A in HuH7 cells

Objective To investigate the function of TMEM106A in Huh7 cells. Methods The expression of TMEM106A inHuH7 cells transfected with pcDB or pcDB-TMEM106A for 24 h were detected by Western blot, and the changes of cell morphology were observed under light microscopy. The vacuoles were labled with Neutral Red. The effects of TMEM106A on the activity of p38 MAPK were measured by Western blot. Results Overexpression of TMEM106A in Huh7 cells induced large vacuoles in cytoplasm, and the vacuoles could be dyed red by Neutral Red Staining. These vacuoles were originated from the perinuclear region. Western blot showed that the overexpression of TMEM106A had no effect on the activity of p38 MAPK. Conclusion Overexpression of TMEM106A in HuH7 cells induces large vacuoles. These vacuoles are acidic and they may come from endosome or lysosome.