Skin and hair follicle integrity is crucially dependent on beta 1 integrin expression on keratinocytes

Type XVII collagen coordinates proliferation in the interfollicular epidermis

Type XVII collagen (COL17) is a transmembrane protein located at the epidermal basement membrane zone. COL17 deficiency results in premature hair aging phenotypes and in junctional epidermolysis bullosa. Here, we show that COL17 plays a central role in regulating interfollicular epidermis (IFE) proliferation. Loss of COL17 leads to transient IFE hypertrophy in neonatal mice owing to aberrant Wnt signaling. The replenishment of COL17 in the neonatal epidermis of COL17-null mice reverses the proliferative IFE phenotype and the altered Wnt signaling. Physical aging abolishes membranous COL17 in IFE basal cells because of inactive atypical protein kinase C signaling and also induces epidermal hyperproliferation. The overexpression of human COL17 in aged mouse epidermis suppresses IFE hypertrophy. These findings demonstrate that COL17 governs IFE proliferation of neonatal and aged skin in distinct ways. Our study indicates that COL17 could be an important target of anti-aging strategies in the skin.

T-plastin is essential for basement membrane assembly and epidermal morphogenesis

The establishment of epithelial architecture is a complex process involving cross-talk between cells and the basement membrane. Basement membrane assembly requires integrin activity but the role of the associated actomyosin cytoskeleton is poorly understood. Here, we identify the actin-bundling protein T-plastin (Pls3) as a regulator of basement membrane assembly and epidermal morphogenesis. In utero depletion of Pls3 transcripts in mouse embryos caused basement membrane and polarity defects in the epidermis but had little effect on cell adhesion and differentiation. Loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that the apicobasal polarity defects were secondary to the disruption of the basement membrane. However, the basement membrane itself was profoundly sensitive to subtle perturbations in the actin cytoskeleton. We further show that Pls3 localized to the cell cortex, where it was essential for the localization and activation of myosin II. Inhibition of myosin II motor activity disrupted basement membrane organization. Our results provide insights into the regulation of cortical actomyosin and its importance for basement membrane assembly and skin morphogenesis.

Genetically modified laboratory mice with sebaceous glands abnormalities

Sebaceous glands (SG) are exocrine glands that release their product by holocrine secretion, meaning that the whole cell becomes a secretion following disruption of the membrane. SG may be found in association with a hair follicle, forming the pilosebaceous unit, or as modified SG at different body sites such as the eyelids (Meibomian glands) or the preputial glands. Depending on their location, SG fulfill a number of functions, including protection of the skin and fur, thermoregulation, formation of the tear lipid film, and pheromone-based communication. Accordingly, SG abnormalities are associated with several diseases such as acne, cicatricial alopecia, and dry eye disease. An increasing number of genetically modified laboratory mouse lines develop SG abnormalities, and their study may provide important clues regarding the molecular pathways regulating SG development, physiology, and pathology. Here, we summarize in tabulated form the available mouse lines with SG abnormalities and, focusing on selected examples, discuss the insights they provide into SG biology and pathology. We hope this survey will become a helpful information source for researchers with a primary interest in SG but also as for researchers from unrelated fields that are unexpectedly confronted with a SG phenotype in newly generated mouse lines.

The kindlin family: functions, signaling properties and implications for human disease

The kindlin (or fermitin) family of proteins comprises three members (kindlin-1,-2 and -3) of evolutionarily conserved focal adhesion (FA) proteins, whose best-known task is to increase integrin affinity for a ligand (also referred as integrin activation) through binding of β-integrin tails. The consequence of kindlin-mediated integrin activation and integrin-ligand binding is cell adhesion, spreading and migration, assembly of the extracellular matrix (ECM), cell survival, proliferation and differentiation. Another hallmark of kindlins is their involvement in disease. Mutations in the KINDLIN-1 (also known as FERMT1) gene cause Kindler syndrome (KS)--in which mainly skin and intestine are affected, whereas mutations in the KINDLIN-3 (also known as FERMT3) gene cause leukocyte adhesion deficiency type III (LAD III), which is characterized by impaired extravasation of blood effector cells and severe, spontaneous bleedings. Also, aberrant expression of kindlins in various forms of cancer and in tissue fibrosis has been reported. Although the malfunctioning of integrins represent a major cause leading to kindlin-associated diseases, increasing evidence also point to integrin-independent functions of kindlins that play an important role in the pathogenesis of certain disease aspects. Furthermore, isoform-specific kindlin functions have been discovered, explaining, for example, why loss of kindlins differentially affects tissue stem cell homeostasis or tumor development. This Commentary focuses on new and isoform-specific kindlin functions in different tissues and discusses their potential role in disease development and progression.

β1-integrin controls cell fate specification in early lens development

Integrins are heterodimeric cell surface molecules that mediate cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion, ECM assembly, and regulation of both ECM and growth factor induced signaling. However, the developmental context of these diverse functions is not clear. Loss of β1-integrin from the lens vesicle (mouse E10.5) results in abnormal exit of anterior lens epithelial cells (LECs) from the cell cycle and their aberrant elongation toward the presumptive cornea by E12.5. These cells lose expression of LEC markers and initiate expression of the Maf (also known as c-Maf) and Prox1 transcription factors as well as other lens fiber cell markers. β1-integrin null LECs also upregulate the ERK, AKT and Smad1/5/8 phosphorylation indicative of BMP and FGF signaling. By E14.5, β1-integrin null lenses have undergone a complete conversion of all lens epithelial cells into fiber cells. These data suggest that shortly after lens vesicle closure, β1-integrin blocks inappropriate differentiation of the lens epithelium into fibers, potentially by inhibiting BMP and/or FGF receptor activation. Thus, β1-integrin has an important role in fine-tuning the response of the early lens to the gradient of growth factors that regulate lens fiber cell differentiation.

Identification of genes and proteins associated with anagen wool growth

Identifying genes of major effect for wool growth would offer strategies for improving the quality and increasing the yield of fine wool. In this study, we employed the Agilent Sheep Gene Expression Microarray and proteomic technology to investigate the gene expression patterns of body side skin (more wool growing) in Aohan fine wool sheep (a Chinese indigenous breed) in comparison with groin skin (no wool growing) at the anagen stage of the wool follicle. A microarray study revealed that 4772 probes were differentially expressed, including 2071 upregulated and 2701 downregulated probes, in the comparisons of body side skin vs. groin skin (S/G). The microarray results were verified by means of quantitative PCR. A total of 1099 probes were assigned to unique genes/transcripts. The number of distinct genes/transcripts (annotated) was 926, of which 352 were upregulated and 574 were downregulated. In S/G, 13 genes were upregulated by more than 10 fold, whereas 60 genes were downregulated by more than 10 fold. Further analysis revealed that the majority of the genes possibly related to the wool growth could be assigned to categories including regulation of cell division, intermediate filament, cytoskeletal part and growth factor activity. Several potential gene families may participate in hair growth regulation, including fibroblast growth factors, transforming growth factor-β, WNTs, insulin-like growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factors and so on. Proteomic analysis also revealed 196 differentially expressed protein points, of which 121 were identified as single protein points.

Integrin-mediated regulation of epidermal wound functions

During cutaneous wound healing, keratinocyte proliferation and migration are critical for re-epithelialization. In addition the epidermis secretes growth factors, cytokines, proteases, and matricellular proteins into the wound microenvironment that modify the extracellular matrix and stimulate other wound cells that control the inflammatory response, promote angiogenesis and facilitate tissue contraction and remodeling. Wound keratinocytes express at least seven different integrins-the major cell adhesion receptors for the extracellular matrix-that collectively control essential cell-autonomous functions to ensure proper re-epithelialization, including migration, proliferation, survival and basement membrane assembly. Moreover, it has become evident in recent years that some integrins can regulate paracrine signals from wound epidermis that stimulate other wound cells involved in angiogenesis, contraction and inflammation. Importantly, it is likely that abnormal integrin expression or function in the epidermis contributes to wound pathologies such as over-exuberant healing (e.g., hypertrophic scar formation) or diminished healing (e.g., chronic wounds). In this review, we discuss current knowledge of integrin function in the epidermis, which implicates them as attractive therapeutic targets to promote wound healing or treat wound pathologies. We also discuss challenges that arise from the complex roles that multiple integrins play in wound epidermis, which may be regulated through extracellular matrix remodeling that determines ligand availability. Indeed, understanding how different integrin functions are temporally coordinated in wound epidermis and which integrin functions go awry in pathological wounds, will be important to determine how best to target them clinically to achieve maximum therapeutic benefit. Graphical abstract In addition to their well-characterized roles in keratinocyte adhesion, migration and wound re-epithelialization, epidermal integrins play important roles in modifying the wound microenvironment by regulating the expression and secretion of growth factors, extracellular proteases, and matricellular proteins that stimulate other wound cells, including vascular endothelial cells and fibroblasts/myofibroblasts.

Self-assembling peptide hydrogel scaffolds support stem cell-based hair follicle regeneration

Recent studies show that designer peptide nanofibers can mimic properties of extracellular matrix molecules, promising great potential as scaffold materials for tissue engineering. However, their ability in supporting organogenesis has not been studied. Here we examined the effect of self-assembling peptide hydrogels in supporting skin derived precursors (SKPs) in hair follicle neogenesis. We found that hydrogels formed by RADA16, PRG which contains RGD, and particularly the combination of RADA16 and PRG (RADA-PRG) enhanced SKP proliferation. Notably, the RADA-PRG hydrogel, which exhibited advantages of RADA16 in adequate nanofiber formation and PRG in providing the integrin binding sequence, exhibited superior effects in enhancing SKP survival, expression of hair induction signature genes such as Akp2 and Bmp6, and more importantly de novo hair genesis in mice. Thus our results suggest that RADA-PRG may serve as a novel scaffold material for stem cell transplantation and tissue engineering.

Laminin α5 in the keratinocyte basement membrane is required for epidermal-dermal intercommunication

Laminin α5 is broadly expressed in the epidermal basement membrane (BM) of mature mice and its elimination at this site (Lama5^Ker5 mouse) results in hyperproliferation of basal keratinocytes and a delay in hair follicle development, which correlated with upregulation of the dermally-derived laminin α2 and laminin α4 chains in the epidermal BM and of tenascin-C subjacent to the BM. In vitro studies revealed laminin 511 to be strongly adhesive for primary keratinocytes and that loss of laminin α5 does not result in cell autonomous defects in proliferation. Flow cytometry reveals that the loss of laminin α5 resulted in increased numbers of CD45⁺, CD4⁺ and CD11b⁺ immune cells in the skin, which temporo-spatial analyses revealed were detectable only subsequent to the loss of laminin α5 and the appearance of the hyperproliferative keratinocyte phenotype. These findings indicate that immune cell changes are the consequence and not the cause of keratinocyte hyperproliferation. Loss of laminin α5 in the epidermal BM was also associated with changes in the expression of several dermally-derived growth factors involved in keratinocyte proliferation and hair follicle development in adult but not new born Lama5^Ker5 skin, including KGF, EGF and KGF-2. In situ binding of FGF-receptor-2α (IIIb)-Fc chimera (FGFR2IIIb) to mouse skin sections revealed decoration of several BMs, including the epidermal BM, which was absent in Lama5^Ker5 skin. This indicates reduced levels of FGFR2IIIb ligands, which include KGF and KGF-2, in the epidermal BM of adult Lama5^Ker5 skin. Our data suggest an initial inhibitory effect of laminin α5 on basal keratinocyte proliferation and migration, which is exacerbated by subsequent changes in growth factor expression by epidermal and dermal cells, implicating laminin α5 in epidermal-dermal intercommunication.

Integrin signalling regulates YAP and TAZ to control skin homeostasis

The skin is a squamous epithelium that is continuously renewed by a population of basal layer stem/progenitor cells and can heal wounds. Here, we show that the transcription regulators YAP and TAZ localise to the nucleus in the basal layer of skin and are elevated upon wound healing. Skin-specific deletion of both YAP and TAZ in adult mice slows proliferation of basal layer cells, leads to hair loss and impairs regeneration after wounding. Contact with the basal extracellular matrix and consequent integrin-Src signalling is a key determinant of the nuclear localisation of YAP/TAZ in basal layer cells and in skin tumours. Contact with the basement membrane is lost in differentiating daughter cells, where YAP and TAZ become mostly cytoplasmic. In other types of squamous epithelia and squamous cell carcinomas, a similar control mechanism is present. By contrast, columnar epithelia differentiate an apical domain that recruits CRB3, Merlin (also known as NF2), KIBRA (also known as WWC1) and SAV1 to induce Hippo signalling and retain YAP/TAZ in the cytoplasm despite contact with the basal layer extracellular matrix. When columnar epithelial tumours lose their apical domain and become invasive, YAP/TAZ becomes nuclear and tumour growth becomes sensitive to the Src inhibitor Dasatinib.

Changes in dermal matrix in the absence of Rac1 in keratinocytes

Keratinocytes, in response to irritants, secrete pro-inflammatory mediators which recruit and activate immune and mesenchymal cells, including fibroblasts, to repair the skin. Fibroblasts respond by synthesising collagen and promoting the crosslinking extracellular matrix (ECM). We recently showed that the deletion of Rac1 in keratinocytes causes heightened inflammation due to aberrant crosstalk with immune cells. Indeed, the skin of these mice shows a higher inflammatory response to the induction of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), and also even to treatment with a vehicle alone, compared with controls. As inflammation is intimately linked with fibrotic disease in the skin, this raised the question as to whether this deletion may also affect the deposition and arrangement of the dermal ECM. This study assessed the effects of Rac1 deletion in keratinocytes and of the heightened inflammatory status by induction of ICD on the tissue localisation and arrangements of dermal collagen. Qualitative analysis did not reveal evidence for the formation of pathologies in the dermis. However, quantitative analysis did reveal some perturbations in the dermal matrix, namely that only the combination of the lack of Rac1 and ICD affects the architectural organisation of the dermal collagen, and that a higher inflammatory state in the tissue (i.e. when Rac1 is deleted in the keratinocytes or ICD is induced in the skin, or a combination of both) influences the diameter of the collagen fibrils. It is proposed that this increase in the diameter of collagen fibrils due to inflammation may serve as pre-fibrotic marker enabling earlier determination of fibrosis and earlier treatment. This study has revealed previously unknown effects on the ECM due to the deletion of Rac1 in keratinocytes.

Integrin signalling regulates the expansion of neuroepithelial progenitors and neurogenesis via Wnt7a and Decorin

Development of the cerebral cortex requires regulation of proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells and a diverse range of progenitors. Recent work suggests a role for extracellular matrix (ECM) and the major family of ECM receptors, the integrins. Here we show that enhancing integrin beta-1 signalling, by expressing a constitutively active integrin beta-1 (CA*β1) in the embryonic chick mesencephalon, enhances neurogenesis and increases the number of mitotic cells dividing away from the ventricular surface, analogous to sub-apical progenitors in mouse. Only non-integrin-expressing neighbouring cells (lacking CA*β1) contributed to the increased neurogenesis. Transcriptome analysis reveals upregulation of Wnt7a within the CA*β1 cells and upregulation of the ECM protein Decorin in the neighbouring non-expressing cells. Experiments using inhibitors in explant models and genetic knock-downs in vivo reveal an integrin-Wnt7a-Decorin pathway that promotes proliferation and differentiation of neuroepithelial cells, and identify Decorin as a novel neurogenic factor in the central nervous system.

The extracellular matrix is suggested to play a role in neurogenesis, but it is unclear what role integrin signalling may play in the developing neuroepithelium. Here, in chick, Long et al. show that expression of constitutively active integrin beta-1 enhances neurogenesis via a novel Wnt7 and decorin pathway.

Role of β1 integrins and bacterial adhesins for Yop injection into leukocytes in Yersinia enterocolitica systemic mouse infection

Injection of Yersinia outer proteins (Yops) into host cells by a type III secretion system is an important immune evasion mechanism of Yersinia enterocolitica (Ye). In this process Ye invasin (Inv) binds directly while Yersinia adhesin A (YadA) binds indirectly via extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins to β1 integrins on host cells. Although leukocytes turned out to be an important target of Yop injection by Ye, it was unclear which Ye adhesins and which leukocyte receptors are required for Yop injection. To explain this, we investigated the role of YadA, Inv and β1 integrins for Yop injection into leukocytes and their impact on the course of systemic Ye infection in mice. Ex vivo infection experiments revealed that adhesion of Ye via Inv or YadA is sufficient to promote Yop injection into leukocytes as revealed by a β-lactamase reporter assay. Serum factors inhibit YadA- but not Inv-mediated Yop injection into B and T cells, shifting YadA-mediated Yop injection in the direction of neutrophils and other myeloid cells. Systemic Ye mouse infection experiments demonstrated that YadA is essential for Ye virulence and Yop injection into leukocytes, while Inv is dispensable for virulence and plays only a transient and minor role for Yop injection in the early phase of infection. Ye infection of mice with β1 integrin-depleted leukocytes demonstrated that β1 integrins are dispensable for YadA-mediated Yop injection into leukocytes, but contribute to Inv-mediated Yop injection. Despite reduced Yop injection into leukocytes, β1 integrin-deficient mice exhibited an increased susceptibility for Ye infection, suggesting an important role of β1 integrins in immune defense against Ye. This study demonstrates that Yop injection into leukocytes by Ye is largely mediated by YadA exploiting, as yet unknown, leukocyte receptors.

FGF2 Overrides TGFβ1-Driven Integrin ITGA11 Expression in Human Dermal Fibroblasts

Deposition of collagen-based extracellular matrix by fibroblasts during wound healing leads to scar formation--a typical outcome of the healing process in soft tissue wounds. The process can, however, be skewed in favor of tissue regeneration by manipulation of wound environment. Low oxygen conditions and supplementation with FGF2 provide extracellular cues that drive wound fibroblasts towards a pro-regenerative phenotype. Under these conditions, fibroblasts dramatically alter expression of many genes among which the most significantly deregulated are extracellular matrix and adhesion molecules. Here we investigate the mechanism of a collagen I binding integrin α11 (ITGA11) deregulation in response to low oxygen-mediated FGF2 effects in dermal fibroblasts. Using RT-PCR, qRT-PCR, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry, we describe significant down-regulation of ITGA11. Decrease in ITGA11 is associated with its loss from focal adhesions. We show that loss of ITGA11 requires FGF2 induced ERK1/2 activity and in the presence of FGF2, ITGA11 expression cannot be rescued by TGFβ1, a potent activator of ITGA11. Our results indicate that FGF2 may be redirecting fibroblasts towards an anti-fibrotic phenotype by overriding TGFβ1 mediated ITGA11 expression.

Focal-adhesion-independent integrin-αv regulation of FAK and c-Myc is necessary for 3D skin formation and tumor invasion

Integrins play crucial roles in epithelial adhesion, proliferation, wound healing and cancer. In the epidermis, the roles of many integrin subunits are incompletely defined and mechanistic details regarding their functions are lacking. We performed a multiplexed small hairpin (sh)RNA screen to define roles for each subunit in human organotypic skin. We show that integrin-αv (also known as ITGAV) heterodimers are essential for epidermal generation, with integrin-αv loss driving a keratinocyte G1-S cell cycle block. Surprisingly, integrin αv is not localized within keratinocyte focal adhesions, and instead maintains proliferation by controlling cellular (c)-Myc translation through FAK, p38β and p90RSK1. These phenotypes depend only on the binding partners of integrin-αv--integrin β5 and integrin β6 (also known as ITGB5 and ITGB6, respectively). Through inducible depletion of integrin αv in both normal organotypic epidermis and Ras-driven invasive neoplasia, we show that integrin αv is required for de novo tissue generation and neoplastic invasion but that it is dispensable for epidermal maintenance. Heterodimers of integrin αv with integrin β5 (integrin αvβ5) or integrin β6 (integrin αvβ6) are required to similar extents for neoplastic invasion, thus identifying integrin αvβ5 and integrin αvβ6 heterodimers as potential therapeutic targets for epidermal squamous cell carcinoma.

Kindlin-3-mediated integrin adhesion is dispensable for quiescent but essential for activated hematopoietic stem cells

Ruppert et al. report that Kindlin-3–mediated integrin activation controls homing of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) to the bone marrow (BM) and the retention of activated, but not quiescent, HSCs in the BM niche.

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) generate highly dividing hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), which produce all blood cell lineages. HSCs are usually quiescent, retained by integrins in specific niches, and become activated when the pools of HPCs decrease. We report that Kindlin-3–mediated integrin activation controls homing of HSCs to the bone marrow (BM) and the retention of activated HSCs and HPCs but not of quiescent HSCs in their BM niches. Consequently, Kindlin-3–deficient HSCs enter quiescence and remain in the BM when cotransplanted with wild-type hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), whereas they are hyperactivated and lost in the circulation when wild-type HSPCs are absent, leading to their exhaustion and reduced survival of recipients. The accumulation of HSPCs in the circulation of leukocyte adhesion deficiency type III patients, who lack Kindlin-3, underlines the conserved functions of Kindlin-3 in man and the importance of our findings for human disease.

Integrin Adhesions Suppress Syncytium Formation in the Drosophila Larval Epidermis

Integrins are critical for barrier epithelial architecture. Integrin loss in vertebrate skin leads to blistering and wound healing defects. However, how integrins and associated proteins maintain the regular morphology of epithelia is not well understood. We found that targeted knockdown of the integrin focal adhesion (FA) complex components β-integrin, PINCH, and integrin-linked kinase (ILK) caused formation of multinucleate epidermal cells within the Drosophila larval epidermis. This phenotype was specific to the integrin FA complex and not due to secondary effects on polarity or junctional structures. The multinucleate cells resembled the syncytia caused by physical wounding. Live imaging of wound-induced syncytium formation in the pupal epidermis suggested direct membrane breakdown leading to cell-cell fusion and consequent mixing of cytoplasmic contents. Activation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, which occurs upon wounding, also correlated with syncytium formation induced by PINCH knockdown. Further, ectopic JNK activation directly caused epidermal syncytium formation. No mode of syncytium formation, including that induced by wounding, genetic loss of FA proteins, or local JNK hyperactivation, involved misregulation of mitosis or apoptosis. Finally, the mechanism of epidermal syncytium formation following JNK hyperactivation and wounding appeared to be direct disassembly of FA complexes. In conclusion, the loss-of-function phenotype of integrin FA components in the larval epidermis resembles a wound. Integrin FA loss in mouse and human skin also causes a wound-like appearance. Our results reveal a novel and unexpected role for proper integrin-based adhesion in suppressing larval epidermal cell-cell fusion--a role that may be conserved in other epithelia.

Epidermal Basement Membrane in Health and Disease

Skin, as the organ protecting the individual from environmental aggressions, constantly meets external insults and is dependent on mechanical toughness for its preserved function. Accordingly, the epidermal basement membrane (BM) zone has adapted to enforce tissue integrity. It harbors anchoring structures created through unique organization of common BM components and expression of proteins exclusive to the epidermal BM zone. Evidence for the importance of its correct assembly and the nonredundancy of its components for skin integrity is apparent from the multiple skin blistering disorders caused by mutations in genes coding for proteins associated with the epidermal BM and from autoimmune disorders in which autoantibodies target these molecules. However, it has become clear that these proteins not only provide mechanical support but are also critically involved in tissue homeostasis, repair, and regeneration. In this chapter, we provide an overview of the unique organization and components of the epidermal BM. A special focus will be given to its function during regeneration, and in inherited and acquired diseases.

Interaction between fibronectin and β1 integrin is essential for tooth development

The dental epithelium and extracellular matrix interact to ensure that cell growth and differentiation lead to the formation of teeth of appropriate size and quality. To determine the role of fibronectin in differentiation of the dental epithelium and tooth formation, we analyzed its expression in developing incisors. Fibronectin mRNA was expressed during the presecretory stage in developing dental epithelium, decreased in the secretory and early maturation stages, and then reappeared during the late maturation stage. The binding of dental epithelial cells derived from postnatal day-1 molars to a fibronectin-coated dish was inhibited by the RGD but not RAD peptide, and by a β1 integrin-neutralizing antibody, suggesting that fibronectin-β1 integrin interactions contribute to dental epithelial-cell binding. Because fibronectin and β1 integrin are highly expressed in the dental mesenchyme, it is difficult to determine precisely how their interactions influence dental epithelial differentiation in vivo. Therefore, we analyzed β1 integrin conditional knockout mice (Intβ1^lox-/lox-/K14-Cre) and found that they exhibited partial enamel hypoplasia, and delayed eruption of molars and differentiation of ameloblasts, but not of odontoblasts. Furthermore, a cyst-like structure was observed during late ameloblast maturation. Dental epithelial cells from knockout mice did not bind to fibronectin, and induction of ameloblastin expression in these cells by neurotrophic factor-4 was inhibited by treatment with RGD peptide or a fibronectin siRNA, suggesting that the epithelial interaction between fibronectin and β1 integrin is important for ameloblast differentiation and enamel formation.

Stage-specific control of stem cell niche architecture in the Drosophila testis by the posterior Hox gene Abd-B

A fundamental question in biology is how complex structures are maintained after their initial specification. We address this question by reviewing the role of the Hox gene Abd-B in Drosophila testis organogenesis, which proceeds through embryonic, larval and pupal stages to reach maturation in adult stages. The data presented in this review highlight a cell- and stage-specific function of Abd-B, since the mechanisms regulating stem cell niche positioning and architecture at different stages seem to be different despite the employment of similar factors. In addition to its described role in the male embryonic gonads, sustained activity of Abd-B in the pre-meiotic germline spermatocytes during larval stages is required to maintain the architecture of the stem cell niche by regulating βPS-integrin localization in the neighboring somatic cyst cells. Loss of Abd-B is associated with cell non-autonomous effects within the niche, leading to a dramatic reduction of pre-meiotic cell populations in adult testes. Identification of Abd-B target genes revealed that Abd-B mediates its effects by controlling the activity of the sevenless ligand Boss via its direct targets Src42A and Sec63. During adult stages, when testis morphogenesis is completed with the addition of the acto-myosin sheath originating from the genital disc, stem cell niche positioning and integrity are regulated by Abd-B activity in the acto-myosin sheath whereas integrin acts in an Abd-B independent way. It seems that the occurrence of new cell types and cell interactions in the course of testis organogenesis made it necessary to adapt the system to the new cellular conditions by reusing the same players for testis stem cell niche positioning in an alternative manner.

The focal adhesion protein PINCH-1 associates with EPLIN at integrin adhesion sites

PINCH-1 is a LIM-only domain protein that forms a ternary complex with integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and parvin (to form the IPP complex) downstream of integrins. Here, we demonstrate that PINCH-1 (also known as Lims1) gene ablation in the epidermis of mice caused epidermal detachment from the basement membrane, epidermal hyperthickening and progressive hair loss. PINCH-1-deficient keratinocytes also displayed profound adhesion, spreading and migration defects in vitro that were substantially more severe than those of ILK-deficient keratinocytes indicating that PINCH-1 also exerts functions in an ILK-independent manner. By isolating the PINCH-1 interactome, the LIM-domain-containing and actin-binding protein epithelial protein lost in neoplasm (EPLIN, also known as LIMA1) was identified as a new PINCH-1-associated protein. EPLIN localized, in a PINCH-1-dependent manner, to integrin adhesion sites of keratinocytes in vivo and in vitro and its depletion severely attenuated keratinocyte spreading and migration on collagen and fibronectin without affecting PINCH-1 levels in focal adhesions. Given that the low PINCH-1 levels in ILK-deficient keratinocytes were sufficient to recruit EPLIN to integrin adhesions, our findings suggest that PINCH-1 regulates integrin-mediated adhesion of keratinocytes through the interactions with ILK as well as EPLIN.

Identification of skin-expressed genes possibly associated with wool growth regulation of Aohan fine wool sheep

Background

Sheep are valuable resources for the animal fibre industry. Therefore, identifying genes which regulate wool growth would offer strategies for improving the quality of fine wool. In this study, we employed Agilent sheep gene expression microarray and proteomic technology to compare the gene expression patterns of the body side (hair-rich) and groin (hairless) skins of Aohan fine wool sheep (a Chinese indigenous breed).

Results

Comparing the body side to the groin skins (S/G) of Aohan fine wool sheep, the microarray study revealed that 1494 probes were differentially expressed, including 602 more highly expressed and 892 less highly expressed probes. The microarray results were verified by means of quantitative PCR. Cluster analysis could distinguish the body side skin and the groin skin. Based on the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), 38 of the differentially expressed genes were classified into four categories, namely regulation of receptor binding, multicellular organismal process, protein binding and macromolecular complex. Proteomic study revealed that 187 protein spots showed significant (p < 0.05) differences in their respective expression levels. Among them, 46 protein entries were further identified by MALDI-TOF/MS analyses.

Conclusions

Microarray analysis revealed thousands of differentially expressed genes, many of which were possibly associated with wool growth. Several potential gene families might participate in hair growth regulation. Proteomic analysis also indentified hundreds of differentially expressed proteins.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12863-014-0144-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Epidermal polarity genes in health and disease

The epidermis of the skin is a highly polarized, metabolic tissue with important innate immune functions. The polarity of the epidermis is, for example, reflected in controlled changes in cell shape that accompany differentiation, oriented cell division, and the planar orientation of hair follicles and cilia. The establishment and maintenance of polarity is organized by a diverse set of polarity proteins that include transmembrane adhesion proteins, cytoskeletal scaffold proteins, and kinases. Although polarity proteins have been extensively studied in cell culture and in vivo in simple epithelia of lower organisms, their role in mammalian tissue biology is only slowly evolving. This article will address the importance of polarizing processes and their molecular regulators in epidermal morphogenesis and homeostasis and discuss how alterations in polarity may contribute to skin disease.

Epithelial β1 integrin is required for lung branching morphogenesis and alveolarization

Integrin-dependent interactions between cells and extracellular matrix regulate lung development; however, specific roles for β1-containing integrins in individual cell types, including epithelial cells, remain incompletely understood. In this study, the functional importance of β1 integrin in lung epithelium during mouse lung development was investigated by deleting the integrin from E10.5 onwards using surfactant protein C promoter-driven Cre. These mutant mice appeared normal at birth but failed to gain weight appropriately and died by 4 months of age with severe hypoxemia. Defects in airway branching morphogenesis in association with impaired epithelial cell adhesion and migration, as well as alveolarization defects and persistent macrophage-mediated inflammation were identified. Using an inducible system to delete β1 integrin after completion of airway branching, we showed that alveolarization defects, characterized by disrupted secondary septation, abnormal alveolar epithelial cell differentiation, excessive collagen I and elastin deposition, and hypercellularity of the mesenchyme occurred independently of airway branching defects. By depleting macrophages using liposomal clodronate, we found that alveolarization defects were secondary to persistent alveolar inflammation. β1 integrin-deficient alveolar epithelial cells produced excessive monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 and reactive oxygen species, suggesting a direct role for β1 integrin in regulating alveolar homeostasis. Taken together, these studies define distinct functions of epithelial β1 integrin during both early and late lung development that affect airway branching morphogenesis, epithelial cell differentiation, alveolar septation and regulation of alveolar homeostasis.

Hair follicle morphogenesis and epidermal homeostasis in we/we wal/wal mice with postnatal alopecia

Mice with skin and hair follicle (HF) defects are common models of human skin disorders. A mutant strain with the we/we wal/wal genotype develops alopecia. We found the hair shaft structure in the pelage of mutant mice to have significant defects. Although these mice lose their hair at 21 days, a label-retaining cell population persists in HFs until at least day 54. Depilation-induced anagen was accomplished in we/we wal/wal mutants but the resulting hair shafts were short and extremely deformed. Serious abnormalities in epidermis stratification and HF morphogenesis exist in we/we wal/wal homozygous E18.5 embryos. There were significantly fewer HF primordia in this mutant compared with wild type. We discovered specific structures, identified as invalid placodes, positive for ectodysplasin A1 receptor, nuclear β-catenin, and LEF1, which failed to invaginate, produced a double basal-like layer of epidermal cells, and lacked cylindrical keratinocytes. Specification of dermal papillae (DP) was impaired, and the papillary dermis expressed alkaline phosphatase and LEF1. We also detected DP-like groups of intensively stained cells in the absence of visible signs of folliculogenesis in the epidermis. We showed differentiation disturbances in the mutant embryonic E18.5 epidermis and HFs: The cornified layer was absent, the width of the spinous layer was reduced, and HFs lacked LEF1-positive precortex cells. In this study, we used a very interesting and useful mouse model of alopecia. The presence of symptoms of skin disorders in we/we wal/wal murine embryos correlates with the postnatal skin phenotype. This correlation may help to evaluate reasons of alopecia.

Regulation of sonic hedgehog expression by integrin β1 and epidermal growth factor receptor in intestinal epithelium

We previously found that conditional deletion of integrin β1 in intestinal epithelium of mice caused early postnatal lethality and intestinal phenotypic changes including excessive proliferation and defective differentiation of intestinal epithelium due to loss of Hedgehog expression. Here, we link these defects to the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway and show that loss of integrin β1 leads to excessive phosphorylation of MEK-1 and increased expression of ErbB receptors, including the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We show that increased EGFR signaling attenuates Hh abundance and that an EGFR inhibitor rescues conditional β1 integrin null pups from postnatal lethality. These studies link the loss of Hh expression in the intestinal epithelium of integrin β1-deficient mice to excessive EGFR/MAPK signaling, and identify a unique mechanism for crosstalk between stromal and epithelial signaling pathways that is critical for intestinal epithelial differentiation and function.

Topically applied glycyrrhizic acid causes hair removal in rats

CONTEXT

Anecdotic reports from Turkmenistan suggest an epilatory effect of sweet licorice extract after topical application.

OBJECTIVE

This study examines hair removal after topical application of glycyrrhizic acid, the main compound of sweet licorice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An aqueous solution containing 15% of the ammonium salt of glycyrrhizic acid, 10% urea, and 20% ethanol was topically applied two times per day on the neck areas of Wistar rats using a toothbrush.

RESULTS

After 3 d, 20-30% of the treated areas were free of hair. After treatment for 6-12 d, 90-95% of the hair was gone. Clinical as well as immunohistological examinations showed no signs of inflammation even after long-term treatment for more than 9 months. Interestingly, long-term treatment reduced the regrowth of hair of about 20%. Examination by scanning electron microscopy showed a smoothed hair cuticle that might facilitate detachment of the hair shaft from the follicular wall.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest glycyrrhizic acid as an interesting molecule for treating hypertrichosis in humans.

Heterelogous expression of mutated HLA-G decreases immunogenicity of human embryonic stem cells and their epidermal derivatives

Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are capable of extensive self-renewal and expansion and can differentiate into any somatic tissue, making them useful for regenerative medicine applications. Allogeneic transplantation of hESC-derived tissues from results in immunological rejection absent adjunctive immunosuppression. The goal of our study was to generate a universal pluripotent stem cell source by nucleofecting a mutated human leukocyte antigen G (mHLA-G) gene into hESCs using the PiggyBac transposon. We successfully generated stable mHLA-G(EF1α)-hESC lines using chEF1α promoter system that stably expressed mHLA-G protein during prolonged undifferentiated proliferation andin differentiated embryoid bodies as well as teratomas. Morphology, karyotype, and telomerase activity of mHLA-G expressing hESC were normal. Immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry analysis revealed persistent expression of pluripotent markers, OCT-3/4 and SSEA-4, in undifferentiated mHLA-G(EF1α)-hESC. Nucleofected hESC formed teratomas and when directed to differentiate into epidermal precursors, expressed high levels of mHLA-G and keratinocyte markers K14 and CD29. Natural killer cell cytotoxicity assays demonstrated a significant decrease in lysis of mHLA-G(EF1a)-hESC targets relative to control cells. Similar results were obtained with mHLA-G(EF1α)-hESC-derived epidermal progenitors (hEEP). One way mixed T lymphocyte reactions unveiled that mHLA-G(EF1a)-hESC and -hEEP restrained the proliferative activity of mixed T lymphocytes. We conclude that heterologous expression of mHLA-G decreases immunogenicity of hESCs and their epidermal differentiated derivatives.

Kindler syndrome in mice and men

Kindler syndrome (KS) in humans is a severe skin blistering disease associated with inflammation and increased risk of epidermal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). This disease is known to be caused by loss-of-function mutations in Kindlin-1, a focal adhesion β-integrin binding protein. Thus far, it has been unclear what specific signaling events occur in KS keratinocytes to promote tumorigenesis, especially since loss of β-integrins and focal adhesion complexes has been previously shown to prevent or delay tumor formation. In the April issue of Nature Medicine, Rognoni and colleagues generate a transgenic mouse lacking Kindlin-1 in the epidermis to model the key features of KS, and show that Kindlin-1 regulates Wnt and TGFβ signaling independent of β-integrins. These β1-integrin-independent functions of Kindlin-1 may contribute to the increased SCC risk in KS patients.

Integrins in development and cancer

The correct control of cell fate decisions is critical for metazoan development and tissue homeostasis. It is established that the integrin family of cell surface receptors regulate cell fate by mediating cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. However, our understanding of how the different family members control discrete aspects of cell biology, and how this varies between tissues and is temporally regulated, is still in its infancy. An emerging area of investigation aims to understand how integrins translate changes in tension in the surrounding microenvironment into biological responses. This is particularly pertinent due to changes in the mechanical properties of the ECM having been linked to diseases, such as cancer. In this review, we provide an overview of the roles integrins play in important developmental processes, such as proliferation, polarity, apoptosis, differentiation and maintenance of "stemness". We also discuss recent advances in integrin mechanobiology and highlight the involvement of integrins and aberrant ECM in cancer.

Differential expression of genes and proteins associated with wool follicle cycling

Sheep are valuable resources for the wool industry. Wool growth of Aohan fine wool sheep has cycled during different seasons in 1 year. Therefore, identifying genes that control wool growth cycling might lead to ways for improving the quality and yield of fine wool. In this study, we employed Agilent sheep gene expression microarray and proteomic technology to compare the gene expression patterns of the body side skins at August and December time points in Aohan fine wool sheep (a Chinese indigenous breed). Microarray study revealed that 2,223 transcripts were differentially expressed, including 1,162 up-regulated and 1,061 down-regulated transcripts, comparing body side skin at the August time point to the December one (A/D) in Aohan fine wool sheep. Then seven differentially expressed genes were selected to validated the reliability of the gene chip data. The majority of the genes possibly related to follicle development and wool growth could be assigned into the categories including regulation of receptor binding, extracellular region, protein binding and extracellular space. Proteomic study revealed that 84 protein spots showed significant differences in expression levels. Of the 84, 63 protein spots were upregulated and 21 were downregulated in A/D. Finally, 55 protein points were determined through MALDI-TOF/MS analyses. Furthermore, the regulation mechanism of hair follicle might resemble that of fetation.

Knockdown and knockout of β1-integrin in hepatocytes impairs liver regeneration through inhibition of growth factor signalling

The liver has a unique regenerative capability, which involves extensive remodelling of cell-cell and cell-matrix contacts. Here we study the role of integrins in mouse liver regeneration using Cre/loxP-mediated gene deletion or intravenous delivery of β1-integrin siRNA formulated into nanoparticles that predominantly target hepatocytes. We show that although short-term loss of β1-integrin has no obvious consequences for normal livers, partial hepatectomy leads to severe liver necrosis and reduced hepatocyte proliferation. Mechanistically, loss of β1-integrin in hepatocytes impairs ligand-induced phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor and hepatocyte growth factor receptors, thereby attenuating downstream receptor signalling in vitro and in vivo. These results identify a crucial role and novel mechanism of action of β1-integrins in liver regeneration and demonstrate that protein depletion by nanoparticle-based delivery of specific siRNA is a powerful strategy to study gene function in the regenerating liver.

Nanoparticle-formulated siRNA targeting integrins inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma progression in mice

Integrins play an important role during development, regulating cell differentiation, proliferation and survival. Here we show that knockdown of integrin subunits slows down the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Using nanoparticulate delivery of short interfering RNAs targeting β1 and αv integrin subunits we downregulate all integrin receptors in hepatocytes. Short-term integrin knockdown (two weeks) does not cause apparent structural or functional perturbations of normal liver tissue. Alterations in liver morphology accumulate upon sustained integrin downregulation (seven weeks). The integrin knockdown leads to significant retardation of HCC progression, reducing proliferation and increasing tumour cell death. This tumour retardation is accompanied by reduced activation of MET oncogene as well as expression of its mature form on the cell surface. Our data suggest that transformed proliferating cells from HCC are more sensitive to knockdown of integrins than normal quiescent hepatocytes, highlighting the potential of siRNA-mediated inhibition of integrins as an anti-cancer therapeutic approach.

Kindlin-1 controls Wnt and TGF-β availability to regulate cutaneous stem cell proliferation

Kindlin-1 is an integrin tail binding protein that controls integrin activation. Mutations in the FERMT-1 gene lead to Kindler Syndrome in man, which is characterized by skin blistering, premature skin ageing and skin cancer of unknown etiology. Here we show that loss of Kindlin-1 in mouse keratinocytes recapitulates Kindler Syndrome, and in addition produces enlarged and hyperactive stem cell compartments, which lead to hyperthickened epidermis, ectopic hair follicle development and increased skin tumor susceptibility. Mechanistically, Kindlin-1 controls keratinocyte adhesion through β₁-class integrins and proliferation and differentiation of cutaneous epithelial stem cells by promoting α_vβ₆ integrin-mediated TGFβ activation and by inhibiting Wnt-β-catenin signaling through an integrin-independent regulation of Wnt ligand expression. Our findings assign Kindlin-1 the novel and essential task to control cutaneous epithelial stem cell homeostasis by balancing TGFβ mediated growth inhibitory and Wnt-β-catenin mediated growth-promoting signals.

Integrin Regulation of Epidermal Functions in Wounds

Significance: Integrins are bidirectional signaling receptors for extracellular matrix that regulate both inside-out signaling that controls keratinocyte-mediated changes to the wound microenvironment and outside-in signaling that controls keratinocyte responses to microenvironmental changes. As such, integrins represent attractive therapeutic targets for treatment of chronic wounds or general promotion of wound healing. Advances in wound management are particularly important as the elderly and diabetic populations within the United States continue to grow. Recent Advances: Although integrins are best known for mediating cell adhesion and migration, integrins in wound epidermis also control cell survival, proliferation, matrix remodeling, and paracrine crosstalk to other cellular compartments of the wound. Importantly, the concept of targeting integrins in the clinic has been established for treatment of certain cancers and other diseases, laying the groundwork for similar exploitation of integrins as targets to treat chronic wounds. Critical Issues: Despite their attractiveness as therapeutic targets, integrins have complex roles in wound healing that are impacted by both their own expression and a highly dynamic wound microenvironment that determines ligand availability. Therefore, identifying relevant integrin ligands in the wound and understanding both distinct and overlapping functions that different integrins play in the epidermis will be critical to determine their precise roles in wound healing. Future Directions: Future research should focus on gaining a thorough understanding of the highly coordinated functions of different integrins in wound epidermis, and on determining which of these functions go awry in pathological wounds. This focus should facilitate development of integrin-targeting therapeutics for treating chronic wounds.

Effect of mixed transplantation of autologous and allogeneic microskin grafts on wound healing in a rat model of acute skin defect

The treatment of extensive thermal injuries with insufficient autologous skin remains a great challenge to burn surgeons. In this study, we investigated the influence of the ratio of autologous and allogeneic tissue in mixed microskin grafts on wound healing in order to develop an effective method for using limited donor skin to cover a large open wound. Four different mixtures were tested: autologous microskin at an area expansion ratio of 10∶1 with allogeneic microskin at an area expansion ratio of 10∶1 or 10∶3 and autologous microskin at an expansion ratio of 20∶1 with allogeneic microskin at an expansion ratio of 20∶3 or 20∶6. Wound healing, wound contraction, and integrin β1 expression were measured. Mixed microskin grafting facilitated wound healing substantially. The mixture of autologous microskin at an expansion ratio of 10∶1 with the same amount of allogeneic microskin achieved the most satisfactory wound healing among the 4 tested mixtures. Histological examination revealed the presence of obviously thickened epidermis and ectopic integrin β1 expression. Keratinocytes expressing integrin β1 were scattered in the suprabasal layer. Higher levels of integrin β1 expression were associated with faster wound healing, implying that ectopic expression of integrin β1 in keratinocytes may play a pivotal role in wound healing. In conclusion, this study proves that this new skin grafting technique may improve wound healing.

β1 integrin signaling maintains human epithelial progenitor cell survival in situ and controls proliferation, apoptosis and migration of their progeny

β1 integrin regulates multiple epithelial cell functions by connecting cells with the extracellular matrix (ECM). While β1 integrin-mediated signaling in murine epithelial stem cells is well-studied, its role in human adult epithelial progenitor cells (ePCs) in situ remains to be defined. Using microdissected, organ-cultured human scalp hair follicles (HFs) as a clinically relevant model for studying human ePCs within their natural topobiological habitat, β1 integrin-mediated signaling in ePC biology was explored by β1 integrin siRNA silencing, specific β1 integrin-binding antibodies and pharmacological inhibition of integrin-linked kinase (ILK), a key component of the integrin-induced signaling cascade. β1 integrin knock down reduced keratin 15 (K15) expression as well as the proliferation of outer root sheath keratinocytes (ORSKs). Embedding of HF epithelium into an ECM rich in β1 integrin ligands that mimic the HF mesenchyme significantly enhanced proliferation and migration of ORSKs, while K15 and CD200 gene and protein expression were inhibited. Employing ECM-embedded β1 integrin-activating or -inhibiting antibodies allowed to identify functionally distinct human ePC subpopulations in different compartments of the HF epithelium. The β1 integrin-inhibitory antibody reduced β1 integrin expression in situ and selectively enhanced proliferation of bulge ePCs, while the β1 integrin-stimulating antibody decreased hair matrix keratinocyte apoptosis and enhanced transferrin receptor (CD71) immunoreactivity, a marker of transit amplifying cells, but did not affect bulge ePC proliferation. That the putative ILK inhibitor QLT0267 significantly reduced ORSK migration and proliferation and induced massive ORSK apoptosis suggests a key role for ILK in mediating the ß1 integrin effects. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that ePCs in human HFs require β1 integrin-mediated signaling for survival, adhesion, and migration, and that different human HF ePC subpopulations differ in their response to β1 integrin signaling. These insights may be exploited for cell-based regenerative medicine strategies that employ human HF-derived ePCs.

ILK modulates epithelial polarity and matrix formation in hair follicles

Integrin-linked kinase–deficient hair follicles fail to develop apical–basal polarity and show impaired specification of the hair matrix cell lineage. Exogenous laminin-511 restores matrix cell formation.

Hair follicle morphogenesis requires coordination of multiple signals and communication between its epithelial and mesenchymal constituents. Cell adhesion protein platforms, which include integrins and integrin-linked kinase (ILK), are critical for hair follicle formation. However, their precise contribution to this process is poorly understood. We show that in the absence of ILK, the hair follicle matrix lineage fails to develop, likely due to abnormalities in development of apical–basal cell polarity, as well as in laminin-511 and basement membrane assembly at the tip of the hair bud. These defects also result in impaired specification of hair matrix and absence of precortex and inner sheath root cell lineages. The molecular pathways affected in ILK-deficient follicles are similar to those in the absence of epidermal integrin β1 and include Wnt, but not sonic hedgehog, signaling. ILK-deficient hair buds also show abnormalities in the dermal papilla. Addition of exogenous laminin-511 restores morphological and molecular markers associated with hair matrix formation, indicating that ILK regulates hair bud cell polarity and functions upstream from laminin-511 assembly to regulate the developmental progression of hair follicles beyond the germ stage.

Skin and diabetes mellitus: what do we know?

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Although major complications of this condition involve kidney, retina and peripheral nerves, the skin of diabetic patients is also frequently injured. Hence, interest is mounting in the definition of the structural and molecular profile of non-complicated diabetic skin, i.e., before injuries occur. Most of the available knowledge in this area has been obtained relatively recently and, in part, derives from various diabetic animal models. These include both insulin-dependent and insulin-resistant models. Structural work in human diabetic skin has also been carried out by means of tissue samples or of non-invasive methods. Indications have indeed been found for molecular/structural changes in diabetic skin. However, the overall picture that emerges is heterogeneous, incomplete and often contradictory and many questions remain unanswered. This review aims to detail, as much as possible, the various pieces of current knowledge in a systematic and synoptic manner. This should aid the identification of areas in which key questions are still open and more research is needed. A comprehensive understanding of this field could help in determining molecular targets for the prevention and treatment of skin injuries in DM and markers for the monitoring of cutaneous and systemic aspects of the disease. Additionally, with the increasing development of non-invasive optics-based deep-tissue-imaging diagnostic technologies, precise knowledge of cutaneous texture and molecular structure becomes an important pre-requisite for the use of such methods in diabetic patients.

β1 integrins with individually disrupted cytoplasmic NPxY motifs are embryonic lethal but partially active in the epidermis

β1 Integrin adhesion is believed to require binding of talins and kindlins to the membrane proximal and distal NPxY motifs of the β1 cytoplasmic tail, respectively. To test this hypothesis, we substituted the membrane proximal and distal tyrosines (Y) of the β1 tail with alanine (A) residues (β1 Y783A; β1 Y795A) in the germline of mice. We report that β1 Y783A or β1 Y795A substitutions blocked talin or kindlin binding, respectively, and led to β1 null-like peri-implantation lethality. Expression of β1 Y783A or β1 Y795A in the epidermis, however, resulted in skin blister and hair follicle phenotypes that were considerably milder than those observed with β1 integrin gene deletion or a β1 double Y-to-A substitution (β1 YY783/795AA). In culture, defects in adhesion, spreading, and migration were more severe with the β1 Y783A than with the β1 Y795A substitution despite markedly reduced β1 Y795A integrin surface levels owing to diminished protein stability. We conclude that regulation of β1 integrin adhesion through talins and kindlins may differ substantially between stably adherent keratinocytes and cells of the developing embryo, and that β1 cytoplasmic NPxY motifs contribute individually and independent of each other to β1 function in keratinocytes.

Cre recombinase induces DNA damage and tetraploidy in the absence of loxP sites

The spatiotemporal manipulations of gene expression by the Cre recombinase (Cre) of bacteriophage P1 has become an essential asset to understanding mammalian genetics. Accumulating evidence suggests that Cre activity can, in addition to excising targeted loxP sites, induce cytotoxic effects, including abnormal cell cycle progression, genomic instability, and apoptosis, which can accelerate cancer progression. It is speculated that these defects are caused by Cre-induced DNA damage at off-target sites. Here we report the formation of tetraploid keratinocytes in the epidermis of keratin 5 and/or keratin 14 promoter-driven Cre (KRT5- and KRT14-Cre) expressing mouse skin. Biochemical analyses and flow cytometry demonstrated that Cre expression also induces DNA damage, genomic instability, and tetraploidy in HCT116 cells, and live-cell imaging revealed an extension of the G 2 cell cycle phase followed by defective or skipping of mitosis as cause for the tetraploidy. Since tetraploidy eventually leads to aneuploidy, a hallmark of cancer, our findings highlight the importance of distinguishing non-specific cytopathic effects from specific Cre/loxP-driven genetic manipulations when using Cre-mediated gene deletions.

VEGF165 modulates proliferation, adhesion, migration and differentiation of cultured human outer root sheath cells from central hair follicle epithelium through VEGFR-2 activation in vitro

BACKGROUND

The functional state of vasculature is tightly controlled by vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). Recent studies revealed that VEGFR-2 is expressed on hair follicle keratinocytes.

OBJECTIVE

We proposed to investigate its effect on proliferation, adhesion and migration of cultured human outer root sheath cells from central hair follicle epithelium.

METHODS

These studies were undertaken in vitro using human outer root sheath cells from central hair follicle epithelium, immunohistochemistry analysis, immunofluorescence microscopy, western blot analysis, MTT, trans well analysis, and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

Our results show that VEGFR-2 is expressed in these cells in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, proliferation and migration of cultured human outer root sheath cells from central hair follicle epithelium is increased by VEGF165, while homotypic adhesion is decreased but heterotypic adhesion is increased. VEGF165 upregulates integrin β1 but dowregulates lgr6 expression. In addition, phosphorylation of VEGFR-2, Erk1/2, c-Jun and p38, are increased following VEGF165 treatment and these effects are reversed by a VEGFR-2 neutralizing antibody.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest a role of VEGF/VEGFR-2 beyond angiogenesis in hair follicle regulation.