Nuclear localization of the protein encoded by the Wilms’ tumor gene WT1 in embryonic and adult tissues

ABSTRACT The human Wilms’ tumor gene WT1 encodes a putative transcription factor implicated in tumorigenesis and in specifying normal urogenital development. We have studied the distribution of WT1 protein and mRNA using immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Monoclonal antibodies were raised against a peptide specific to the first alternative splice site of WT1. Two antibodies specifically reacted on Western blot to this WT1 isoform. Immunofluorescence localized WT1 protein to podocytes during mesonephric and metanephric development. In situ hybridization revealed a similar pattern of expression except that WT1 mRNA was also present in metanephric blastema and renal vesicles. Mess…