Overexpression of galectin-7 in mouse epidermis leads to loss of cell junctions and defective skin repair.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The proteins of the galectin family are implicated in many cellular processes, including cell interactions, polarity, intracellular trafficking, and signal transduction. In human and mouse, galectin-7 is almost exclusively expressed in stratified epithelia, notably in the epidermis. Galectin-7 expression is also altered in several human tumors of epithelial origin. This study aimed at dissecting the consequences of galectin-7 overexpression on epidermis structure and functions in vivo.

Methods

We established transgenic mice specifically overexpressing galectin-7 in the basal epidermal keratinocytes and analyzed the consequences on untreated skin and after UVB irradiation or mechanical injury.

Results

The intercellular cohesion of the epidermis is impaired i

SUBMITTER: Gendronneau G 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4351092 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature