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Identifier

000376387

Title

Ο ρόλος της Frem3 στη βασική μεμβράνη στην ανάπτυξη και εξέλιξη φλεγμονής στα Frem3 +/- ποντίκια

Alternative Title

The role of Frem3 in the basement membrane in the development and progression of inflammation in Frem3 +/- mice.

Author

Κατσούγκρη, Δέσποινα Εμμ.

Thesis advisor

Χαλεπάκης, Γεώργιος

Reviewer

Αθανασάκη, Ειρήνη
Σπηλιανάκης, Χαράλαμπος

Abstract

Frem3 (Fras1-related extracellular matrix 3) protein is detected in the area of sublamina desna of the basement membrane of embryonic epithelia, where the other members of the Fras1/Frem protein family are also detected (Fras1, Frem1, Frem2). Frem3 is additionally detected in other structures in embryos and adult mice. The basement membrane functions as a selectively permeable barrier for the passage of molecules and cells. It also contributes to the departmentalization and spatial distribution of soluble factors for the maintenance of tissue integrity. At the current study, we observed that the reduced expression levels of Frem3, have as a consequence, the attenuation of basement membrane’s barrier and the emergence of disorders related to inflammation, and even autoimmunity. These disorders include dermatitis, alopecia and infertility in Frem3^+/- mice. We performed histological and immunohistochemical analysis of tissues of the genital tract of male and female Frem3+/- mice to investigate structural defects and to approach the molecular mechanism, by which the inflammation develops. The fact that most of the histologically examined mice exhibited excessive infiltration of immune cells and immunoglobulins in tissues of their genital organs, in comparison with wild type animals, is indicative of inflammatory responses. Moreover, we observed symptoms in tissues of the genital tract that are characteristic of fibrosis. Our findings provide evidence for a novel role of Frem3 protein in the establishment and maintenance of a structural and functional barrier within the basement membrane. Disruption of the basement membrane’s barrier in mutant mice results in the development of inflammation and tissue remodeling, which lead to morphological defects and impaired function of the corresponding organs. Furthermore, we noticed that Frem3 is detected in immune cells with granular morphology. However, in future the cellular populations that express Frem3 have to be identified and the role of Frem3 in those cells has to be investigated. Finally, we propose a model, in which Frem3 participates in the mechanisms that determine membrane’s permeability, chemotaxis of migratory immune cells and the regulation of immune responses.

Language

Greek

Subject

Fras1/Frem

Histology

Immunohistochemistry

Ανοσοϊστοχημεία

Ιστολόγια

Issue date

2012-11-16

Collection

School/Department--School of Sciences and Engineering--Department of Biology--Post-graduate theses