[HTML][HTML] Epimorphin–/– mice have increased intestinal growth, decreased susceptibility to dextran sodium sulfate colitis, and impaired spermatogenesis

Y Wang, L Wang, H Iordanov… - The Journal of …, 2006 - Am Soc Clin Investig
Y Wang, L Wang, H Iordanov, EA Swietlicki, Q Zheng, S Jiang, Y Tang, MS Levin, DC Rubin
The Journal of clinical investigation, 2006Am Soc Clin Investig
Dynamic and reciprocal epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are critical for the normal
morphogenesis and maintenance of epithelia. Epimorphin has been identified as a unique
molecule expressed by mesenchymal cells and myofibroblasts and has putative
morphogenetic effects in multiple epithelial tissues, including intestine, skin, mammary
gland, lung, gallbladder, and liver. To define the in vivo role of epimorphin, we created
epimorphin-null mice by targeted inactivation of the epimorphin gene. Male epimorphin …
Dynamic and reciprocal epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are critical for the normal morphogenesis and maintenance of epithelia. Epimorphin has been identified as a unique molecule expressed by mesenchymal cells and myofibroblasts and has putative morphogenetic effects in multiple epithelial tissues, including intestine, skin, mammary gland, lung, gallbladder, and liver. To define the in vivo role of epimorphin, we created epimorphin-null mice by targeted inactivation of the epimorphin gene. Male epimorphin–/– mice are sterile due to abnormal testicular development and impaired spermatogenesis. Intestinal growth is increased in epimorphin–/– mice due to augmented crypt cell proliferation and crypt fission during the neonatal (suckling) period, mediated at least in part by changes in bone morphogenetic protein (Bmp) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. Colonic mucosal injury and colitis induced by dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) are ameliorated in epimorphin–/– mice, probably due to the increased proliferative capacity of the epimorphin–/– colon. These in vivo findings support the notion that epimorphin is a key stromal regulator of epithelial cell proliferation and growth in the intestine. In addition, our studies demonstrate a novel and critical role for epimorphin in regulating testicular development and growth as well as spermatogenesis.
The Journal of Clinical Investigation