Expression of Fhit protein during mouse development

Fhit protein has a putative tumor suppressor function in several types of h uman and experimental cancers. To assess whether Fhit is involved in fetal development we have examined the distribution of Fhit protein in the 12- th rough 16-day postcoitum mouse fetus and in postnatal day 0 mouse pups by im munocytochemistry. High levels of Fhit protein were observed in the endoder mal derivatives, namely, bronchi, trachea, esophagus, stomach, and intestin e, in the 12- to 16-day postcoitum mouse fetus and in the postnatal day 0 p up. Other tissues showed a more restricted pattern of Fhit protein expressi on. These results suggest that Fhit may play a role in the development of s pecific tissues during mouse development. Anat Rec 260: 209-211, 2000. (C) 2000 Wiley-Liss, Inc.