| 1. |
- Andréasson, Kristofer, et al.
(författare)
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Limited impact of fibromodulin deficiency on the development of experimental skin fibrosis
- 2016
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Ingår i: Experimental Dermatology. - : Wiley. - 0906-6705.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Excessive production of collagen is the hallmark of fatal diseases of fibrosis such as systemic sclerosis. Overexpression of the proteoglycan fibromodulin (FMOD) has been associated with improved wound healing and scarless repair. In this study we have investigated the consequences of FMOD deficiency on the development of experimental skin fibrosis. Using immunohistochemistry, we identified FMOD in both human and murine fibrotic skin. In the bleomycin model of skin fibrosis, FMOD(-/-) mice developed skin fibrosis to a similar degree compared to FMOD(+/+) mice. Analysis of skin ultrastructure using transmission electron microscopy revealed a significant reduction in collagen fibril diameter in FMOD(-/-) but not FMOD(+/+) mice following fibrosis. We conclude that impact of FMOD deficiency on the development of experimental skin fibrosis is limited. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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| 2. |
- Friman, Tomas, et al.
(författare)
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Increased Fibrosis and Interstitial Fluid Pressure in Two Different Types of Syngeneic Murine Carcinoma Grown in Integrin β3-Subunit Deficient Mice
- 2012
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 7:3, s. e34082-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Stroma properties affect carcinoma physiology and direct malignant cell development. Here we present data showing that alpha(V)beta(3) expressed by stromal cells is involved in the control of interstitial fluid pressure (IFP), extracellular volume (ECV) and collagen scaffold architecture in experimental murine carcinoma. IFP was elevated and ECV lowered in syngeneic CT26 colon and LM3 mammary carcinomas grown in integrin beta(3)-deficient compared to wild-type BALB/ c mice. Integrin beta(3)-deficiency had no effect on carcinoma growth rate or on vascular morphology and function. Analyses by electron microscopy of carcinomas from integrin beta(3)-deficient mice revealed a coarser and denser collagen network compared to carcinomas in wild-type littermates. Collagen fibers were built from heterogeneous and thicker collagen fibrils in carcinomas from integrin beta(3)-deficient mice. The fibrotic extracellular matrix (ECM) did not correlate with increased macrophage infiltration in integrin beta(3)-deficient mice bearing CT26 tumors, indicating that the fibrotic phenotype was not mediated by increased inflammation. In conclusion, we report that integrin beta(3)-deficiency in tumor stroma led to an elevated IFP and lowered ECV that correlated with a more fibrotic ECM, underlining the role of the collagen network for carcinoma physiology.
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| 3. |
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| 4. |
- Gustafsson, Renata, et al.
(författare)
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Dermatan sulfate epimerase 1 deficient mice as a model for human abdominal wall defects.
- 2014
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Ingår i: Birth Defects Research. Part A: Clinical and Molecular Teratology. - : Wiley. - 1542-0760 .- 1542-0752. ; 100:9, s. 712-720
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Dermatan sulfate (DS) is a highly sulfated polysaccharide with a variety of biological functions in extracellular matrix organization and processes such as tumorigenesis and wound healing. A distinct feature of DS is the presence of iduronic acid, produced by the two enzymes, DS-epimerase 1 and 2, which are encoded by Dse and Dsel, respectively.
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| 5. |
- Gustafsson, Renata, et al.
(författare)
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Expression of the novel gene Ened during mouse and Xenopus embryonic development.
- 2008
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Ingår i: International Journal of Developmental Biology. - : UPV/EHU Press. - 1696-3547 .- 0214-6282. ; 52:8, s. 1119-1122
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- We have recently identified 1110032E23Rik as a down-regulated target gene in Fgf receptor-signalling-deficient mouse embryoid bodies. Here, we present the expression pattern of this novel gene, designated Ened (Expressed in Nerve and Epithelium during Development), in mouse and Xenopus laevis embryos. Murine Ened transcripts were first seen at E9.5 in the heart and the gastrointestinal tract. At later stages of gestation, expression could be found in the floor plate, peripheral nervous system, lens epithelium, skin, midline dorsal aorta, lung, kidney and testis. In Xenopus, the expression of the Ened orthologue displayed common RNA distribution in several ectodermal and mesodermal tissues, but also distinct expression in locations including the brain, notochord and blood islands. We suggest that Ened might be a novel target gene of the Fgfr signalling pathway during embryonic development, and that its expression could be modulated by the basement membrane component laminin-111.
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| 6. |
- Gustafsson, Renata
(författare)
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Gene Expression in mESC Deficient in FGFR Signalling and the Identification of the Novel Gene Ened
- 2008
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) are derived from the inner cell mass (ICM) of blastocyst stage embryos, and upon differentiation into embryoid bodies (EBs) they recapitulate the genetic, cellular and morphological events occurring in early embryogenesis. Among several signalling pathways and inductive factors, the fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) and their receptors (FGFRs) have been shown to be important during early embryogenesis. Previously it has been shown that ESCs expressing a mutant form of FGFR failed to form the two characteristic cell layers of EBs: the endoderm and the ectoderm. In addition, due to the impaired FGF/FGFR signalling, the mutant EBs failed to synthesize laminin-111 and collagen type IV, the main building blocks of the basement membrane (BM) protein network. The aim of this thesis was to elucidate the molecular and biological changes occurring due to impaired FGF/FGFR signalling in differentiating EBs. A large scale microarray study was performed that provided insights into the global gene expression changes occurring in both wild-type (normal) and FGF/FGFR signalling deficient EBs, which resulted in an extensive catalogues of significantly expressed genes in both cell lines. Results showed that during wild-type EB differentiation a rapid down-regulation of pluripotency related genes and up-regulation of genes related to morphogenesis and development occurred. Analysis of FGF/FGFR deficient EBs showed a significant decrease of genes encoding endodermal and BM related proteins. In addition, an increase of mesodermal and pluripotency related gene transcripts was observed. Such transcripts are normally activated later during EB development. The assumption was that the most significantly decreased genes could be involved in FGF/FGFR signalling. To further test this theory, we chose to elucidate the expression pattern of the hitherto uncharacterized gene 1110032E23Rik whose expression was significantly decreased in FGF/FGFR mutant EBs. By in situ hybridization analysis, the expression of 1110032E23Rik was examined in both mouse and Xenopus laevis (frog) embryonic development. Results showed that the expression of 1110032E23Rik in mouse embryos was restricted to epithelia such as the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, urogenital tract, heart, skin and lens, and in addition to the peripheral nervous tissues. Expression analysis of the mouse 1110032E23Rik orthologue in frog embryos showed that mice and frogs share several expression domains such as the eye, heart, kidney and epidermis. The expression was observed at locations where active FGF/FGFR signalling takes place and BMs are present. Based on the expression pattern observed in mice, we named this uncharacterized gene Ened (Expressed in Nerve and Epithelium during Development).
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| 7. |
- Gustafsson, Renata, et al.
(författare)
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Gene expression profiling of differentiating embryonic stem cells expressing dominant negative fibroblast growth factor receptor 2.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Matrix Biology. - : Elsevier BV. - 1569-1802 .- 0945-053X. ; 26, s. 197-205
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Embryonic stein (ES) cells are derived from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst and can be cultured as three-dimensional embryoid bodies (EBs) in which embryonic pregastrulation stages are faithfully mimicked. Fibroblast growth factor receptors (mainly FGFR2) are involved in the first differentiation events during early mammalian embryogenesis. It has been demonstrated that the presence of FGFR2 is a prerequisite for laminin-111 and collagen type IV synthesis and subsequently basement membrane formation in EBs. To identify genes that are influenced by FGFR signalling, we performed global gene expression profiling of differentiating EBs expressing dominant negative FGFR2 (dnFGFR2), acquiring an extensive catalogue of down- and up-regulated genes. We show a strong down-regulation of endodermal and basement membrane related genes, which strengthen the view that the FGFR signalling pathway is a main stimulator of basement membrane synthesis in EBs. We further present down-regulation of genes previously not linked to FGFR signalling, and in addition an active transcription of some mesodermal related genes in differentiating dnFGFR2 EBs.
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| 8. |
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| 9. |
- Häger, Mattias, et al.
(författare)
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Cib2 binds integrin a7Bb1D and is reduced in laminin a2 chain deficient muscular dystrophy
- 2008
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Ingår i: Journal of Biological Chemistry. - 1083-351X. ; 283:36, s. 24760-24769
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Mutations in the gene encoding laminin alpha 2 chain cause congenital muscular dystrophy type 1A. In skeletal muscle, laminin alpha 2 chain binds at least two receptor complexes: the dystrophin-glycoprotein complex and integrin alpha 7 beta 1. To gain insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying this disorder, we performed gene expression profiling of laminin alpha 2 chain-deficient mouse limb muscle. One of the down-regulated genes encodes a protein called Cib2 (calcium-and integrin-binding protein 2) whose expression and function is unknown. However, the closely related Cib1 has been reported to bind integrin alpha IIb and may be involved in outside-in-signaling in platelets. Since Cib2 might be a novel integrin alpha 7 beta 1-binding protein in muscle, we have studied Cib2 expression in the developing and adult mouse. Cib2 mRNA is mainly expressed in the developing central nervous system and in developing and adult skeletal muscle. In skeletal muscle, Cib2 colocalizes with the integrin alpha 7B subunit at the sarcolemma and at the neuromuscular and myotendinous junctions. Finally, we demonstrate that Cib2 is a calcium-binding protein that interacts with integrin alpha 7B beta 1D. Thus, our data suggest a role for Cib2 as a cytoplasmic effector of integrin alpha 7B beta 1D signaling in skeletal muscle.
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| 10. |
- Kelkka, Tiina, et al.
(författare)
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Mice Lacking NCF1 Exhibit Reduced Growth of Implanted Melanoma and Carcinoma Tumors
- 2013
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 8:12, s. e84148-
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) complex is a professional producer of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and is mainly expressed in phagocytes. While the activity of the NOX2 complex is essential for immunity against pathogens and protection against autoimmunity, its role in the development of malignant tumors remains unclear. We compared wild type and Ncf1(m1J) mutated mice, which lack functional NOX2 complex, in four different tumor models. Ncf1(m1J) mutated mice developed significantly smaller tumors in two melanoma models in which B16 melanoma cells expressing a hematopoietic growth factor FLT3L or luciferase reporter were used. Ncf1(m1J) mutated mice developed significantly fewer Lewis Lung Carcinoma (LLC) tumors, but the tumors that did develop, grew at a pace that was similar to the wild type mice. In the spontaneously arising prostate carcinoma model (TRAMP), tumor growth was not affected. The lack of ROS-mediated protection against tumor growth was associated with increased production of immunity-associated cytokines. A significant increase in Th2 associated cytokines was observed in the LLC model. Our present data show that ROS regulate rejection of the antigenic B16-luc and LLC tumors, whereas the data do not support a role for ROS in growth of intrinsically generated tumors.
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| 11. |
- Olof Olsson, P., et al.
(författare)
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Inhibition of integrin αvβ6 changes fibril thickness of stromal collagen in experimental carcinomas
- 2018
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Ingår i: Cell Communication and Signaling. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1478-811X. ; 16:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Chemotherapeutic efficacy can be improved by targeting the structure and function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the carcinomal stroma. This can be accomplished by e.g. inhibiting TGF-β1 and -β3 or treating with Imatinib, which results in scarcer collagen fibril structure in xenografted human KAT-4/HT29 (KAT-4) colon adenocarcinoma. Methods: The potential role of αVβ6 integrin-mediated activation of latent TGF-β was studied in cultured KAT-4 and Capan-2 human ductal pancreatic carcinoma cells as well as in xenograft carcinoma generated by these cells. The monoclonal αVβ6 integrin-specific monoclonal antibody 3G9 was used to inhibit the αVβ6 integrin activity. Results: Both KAT-4 and Capan-2 cells expressed the αVβ6 integrin but only KAT-4 cells could utilize this integrin to activate latent TGF-β in vitro. Only when Capan-2 cells were co-cultured with human F99 fibroblasts was the integrin activation mechanism triggered, suggesting a more complex, fibroblast-dependent, activation pathway. In nude mice, a 10-day treatment with 3G9 reduced collagen fibril thickness and interstitial fluid pressure in KAT-4 but not in the more desmoplastic Capan-2 tumors that, to achieve a similar effect, required a prolonged 3G9 treatment. In contrast, a 10-day direct inhibition of TGF-β1 and -β3 reduced collagen fibril thickness in both tumor models. Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that the αVβ6-directed activation of latent TGF-β plays a pivotal role in modulating the stromal collagen network in carcinoma, but that the sensitivity to αVβ6 inhibition depends on the simultaneous presence of alternative paths for latent TGF-β activation and the extent of desmoplasia.
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| 12. |
- Olsson, Olof, et al.
(författare)
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The Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Imatinib Augments Extracellular Fluid Exchange and Reduces Average Collagen Fibril Diameter in Experimental Carcinoma
- 2016
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Ingår i: Molecular Cancer Therapeutics. - 1535-7163 .- 1538-8514. ; 15:10, s. 2455-2464
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A typical obstacle to cancer therapy is the limited distribution of low molecular weight anticancer drugs within the carcinoma tissue. In experimental carcinoma, imatinib (STI571) increases efficacy of synchronized chemotherapy, reduces tumor interstitial fluid pressure, and increases interstitial fluid volume. STI571 also increases the water-perfusable fraction in metastases from human colorectal adenocarcinomas. Because the mechanism(s) behind these effects have not been fully elucidated, we investigated the hypothesis that STI571 alters specific properties of the stromal extracellular matrix. We analyzed STI571-treated human colorectal KAT-4/HT-29 experimental carcinomas, known to have a well-developed stromal compartment, for solute exchange and glycosaminoglycan content, as well as collagen content, structure, and synthesis. MRI of STI571-treated KAT-4/HT-29 experimental carcinomas showed a significantly increased efficacy in dynamic exchanges of solutes between tumor interstitium and blood. This effect was paralleled by a distinct change of the stromal collagen network architecture, manifested by a decreased average collagen fibril diameter, and increased collagen turnover. The glycosaminoglycan content was unchanged. Furthermore, the apparent effects on the stromal cellular composition were limited to a reduction in an NG2-positive stromal cell population. The current data support the hypothesis that the collagen network architecture influences the dynamic exchanges of solutes between blood and carcinoma tissue. It is conceivable that STI571 reprograms distinct nonvascular stromal cells to produce a looser extracellular matrix, ultimately improving transport characteristics for traditional chemotherapeutic agents.
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| 13. |
- Olsson, P. Olof, et al.
(författare)
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Inhibition of integrin alpha(V)beta(6) changes fibril thickness of stromal collagen in experimental carcinomas
- 2018
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Ingår i: Cell Communication and Signaling. - : BMC. - 1478-811X. ; 16
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Chemotherapeutic efficacy can be improved by targeting the structure and function of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in the carcinomal stroma. This can be accomplished by e.g. inhibiting TGF beta 1 and -beta 3 or treating with Imatinib, which results in scarcer collagen fibril structure in xenografted human KAT-4/HT29 (KAT-4) colon adenocarcinoma.Methods: The potential role of a(v)beta(6) integrin-mediated activation of latent TGF-beta was studied in cultured KAT-4 and Capan-2 human ductal pancreatic carcinoma cells as well as in xenograft carcinoma generated by these cells. The monoclonal a(v)beta(6) integrin-speafic monoclonal antibody 3G9 was used to inhibit the a(v)beta(6) integrin activity.Results: Both KAT-4 and Capan-2 cells expressed the a(v)beta(6) integrin but only KAT-4 cells could utilize this integrin to activate latent TGF-beta in vitro. Only when Capan-2 cells were co-cultured with human F99 fibroblasts was the integrin activation mechanism triggered, suggesting a more complex, fibroblast-dependent, activation pathway. In nude mice, a 10-day treatment with 3G9 reduced collagen fibril thickness and interstitial fluid pressure in KAT-4 but not in the more desmoplastic Capan-2 tumors that, to achieve a similar effect, required a prolonged 3G9 treatment. In contrast, a 10-day direct inhibition of TGF-beta 1 and -beta 3 reduced collagen fibril thickness in both tumor models.Conclusion: Our data demonstrate that the a(v)beta(6)-directed activation of latent TGF-beta plays a pivotal role in modulating the stromal collagen network in carcinoma, but that the sensitivity to a(v)beta(6) inhibition depends on the simultaneous presence of alternative paths for latent TGF-beta activation and the extent of desmoplasia.
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| 14. |
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| 15. |
- Reyhani, Vahid, et al.
(författare)
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Fibrin binds to collagen and provides a bridge for alpha V beta 3 integrin-dependent contraction of collagen gels
- 2014
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Ingår i: Biochemical Journal. - 0264-6021 .- 1470-8728. ; 462, s. 113-123
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The functional significance of fibrin deposits typically seen in inflammatory lesions, carcinomas and in healing wounds is not fully understood. In the present study, we demonstrate that fibrinogen/fibrin specifically bound to native Col I (collagen type I) and used the Col I fibre network as a base to provide a functional interface matrix that connects cells to the Col I fibres through alpha V beta 3 integrins. This allowed murine myoblast C2C12 cells to contract the collagenous composite gel via alpha V beta 3 integrin. We show that fibrinogen specifically bound to immobilized native Col I at the site known to bind matrix metalloproteinase-1, discoidin domain receptor-2 and fibronectin, and that binding had no effect on Col I fibrillation. A specific competitive inhibitor blocking the Col-I-binding site for fibrinogen abolished the organization of fibrin into discernable fibrils, as well as the C2C12-mediated contraction of Col I gels. Our data show that fibrin can function as a linkage protein between Col I fibres and cells, and suggest that fibrin at inflammatory sites indirectly connects alpha V beta 3 integrins to Col I fibres and thereby promotes cell-mediated contraction of collagenous tissue structures.
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| 16. |
- Rodriguez, Alejandro, et al.
(författare)
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Phenotypical differences in connective tissue cells emerging from microvascular pericytes in response to over-expression of PDGF-B and TGF-beta in normal skin in vivo
- 2013
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Ingår i: American Journal of Pathology. - : Elsevier BV. - 0002-9440 .- 1525-2191. ; 182:6, s. 2132-2146
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Fibrosis is a deleterious consequence of chronic inflammation in a number of human pathological states ultimately leading to, if not perturbed to organ dysfunction and failure. Two key processes in fibrosis are activation of blood vessels and connective tissue cells leading to excess deposition of ECM components; collagen type I being the most abundant. In the present study the effects of two growth factors known to be important in the fibrotic process, namely PDGF-B and TGF-β1, were studied. Adenoviral vectors engineered to express PDGF-B or TGF-β1 were introduced into mouse skin thereby inducing a transient over-expression of either growth factor. After 3, 7 and 14 days post injection, tissues were harvested and morphology and protein expression were examined on plastic embedded 1 µm thick sections and by immunohistochemistry on frozen sections, respectively. Over-expression of both TGF-β1 and PDGF-B lead to a fibrotic response consisting of a marked macrophage influx as well as an expansion of the connective tissue cell population. In both conditions the latter originated from microvascular pericytes. The resulting phenotype of the emerging connective tissue cell population differed between PDGF-B and TGF-β1 treated skin. In tissues over expressing PDGF-B but not TGF-β1 the fibrotic process was partially reversible. Both growth factors were able to initiate, but neither were able to sustain the process of angiogenesis, which lead to vascular regression. PDGF-B but not TGF-β1 was able to stimulate but not maintain a distinct form of angiogenesis i.e. glomeruloid body formation. In conclusion, over-expression of PDGF-B and TGF-β1 in normal skin resulted in the emergence of connective tissue cells differing in their phenotype, originating in both cases from a common cell namely the microvascular pericyte. Therefore the vasculature and the fibrotic process are linked in a previously unrecognized way.
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| 17. |
- Shami, Annelie, et al.
(författare)
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Fibromodulin Deficiency Reduces Low-Density Lipoprotein Accumulation in Atherosclerotic Plaques in Apolipoprotein E-Null Mice.
- 2012
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Ingår i: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. - 1524-4636.
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze how an altered collagen structure affects development of atherosclerotic plaques. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fibromodulin-null mice develop an abnormal collagen fibril structure. In apolipoprotein E (ApoE)-null and ApoE/fibromodulin-null mice, a shear stress-modifying carotid artery cast induced formation of atherosclerotic plaques of different phenotypes; inflammatory in low-shear stress regions and fibrous in oscillatory shear stress regions. Electron microscopy showed that collagen fibrils were thicker and more heterogeneous in oscillatory shear stress lesions from ApoE/fibromodulin-null mice. Low-shear stress lesions were smaller in ApoE/fibromodulin-null mice and contained less lipids. Total plaque burden in aortas stained en face with Oil Red O, as well as lipid accumulation in aortic root lesions, was also decreased in ApoE/fibromodulin-null mice. In addition, lipid accumulation in RAW264.7 macrophages cultured on fibromodulin-deficient extracellular matrix was decreased, whereas levels of interleukin-6 and -10 were increased. Our results show that an abnormal plaque collagen fibril structure can influence atherosclerotic plaque development. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest a more complex role for collagen in plaque stability than previously anticipated, in that it may promote lipid-accumulation and inflammation at the same time as it provides mechanical stability.
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| 18. |
- Thelin, Martin, et al.
(författare)
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Biological Functions of Iduronic Acid in Chondroitin/Dermatan Sulfate.
- 2013
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Ingår i: The FEBS Journal. - : Wiley. - 1742-464X .- 1742-4658. ; 280:10, s. 2431-2446
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- The presence of iduronic acid in chondroitin/dermatan sulfate changes the properties of the polysaccharides, as it generates a more flexible chain with increased binding potentials. Iduronic acid in chondroitin/dermatan sulfate influences multiple cellular properties such as migration, proliferation, differentiation, angiogenesis and regulation of cytokine/growth factor activities. During pathological conditions such as wound healing, inflammation and cancer iduronic acid has diverse regulatory functions. Iduronic acid is formed by the two epimerases DS-epimerase 1 and DS-epimerase 2 which have different tissue distribution and properties. The role of IdoA in chondroitin/dermatan sulfate is underlined by the vast changes of connective tissue features in patients with a new type of Ehler-Danlos syndrome, adducted thumb-clubfoot syndrome. Future direction of research is to understand the roles of the two epimerases and their interplay with sulfotransferases involved in CS/DS biosynthesis. Further, a better definition of chondroitin/dermatan sulfate functions using different knock-out models is needed. In this review, we focus on the two enzymes responsible for iduronic acid formation and the role of iduronic acid in health and disease. © 2013 The Authors Journal compilation © 2013 FEBS.
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