Anthrax toxin receptor 2 functions in ECM homeostasis of the murine reproductive tract and promotes MMP activity.

ABSTRACT: Anthrax Toxin Receptor proteins function as receptors for anthrax toxin, however physiological activity remains unclear. To evaluate the biological role of Antxr2, we generated Antxr2-/- mice. Antxr2-/- mice were viable, however Antxr2 is required for parturition in young females and for preserving fertility in older female mice. Histological analysis of the uterus and cervix revealed aberrant deposition of extracellular matrix proteins such as type I collagen, type VI collagen and fibronectin. A marked disruption of both the circular and longitudinal myometrial cell layers was evident in Antxr2-/- mice. These changes progressed as the mice aged, resulting in a thickened, collagen dense, acellular stroma and the disappearance of normal uterine architecture. To investigate the molecular mec

SUBMITTER: Reeves CV 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3328497 | biostudies-literature | 2012

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature