Exogenous ephrin-A3 reverses loss of vaginal epithelial barrier protection in progestin-treated mice.

ABSTRACT: Desmosomes are junctional complexes that confer mechanical strength and enhance barrier protection at mucosal epithelial surfaces by anchoring intermediate filaments to plasma membrane. These roles are best defined in cutaneous epithelium, but we previously identified lower levels of the desmosomal cadherins desmoglein-1 (DSG1) and desmocollin-1 (DSC1) and loss of barrier function in vaginal epithelium of mice treated systemically with the progestin depot medroxyprogesterone acetate (DMPA). We also showed these changes were avoided in mice treated with both DMPA and a conjugated equine estrogen vaginal cream. We extend these earlier results in the current investigation, identifying ephrin-A3 (EFNA3) as an important regulator of desmosomal cadherin gene expression in murine vaginal epitheli

SUBMITTER: Liu M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12599537 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature