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Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences
The Role Of Xenopus Laevis Reck In Ecm Remodeling And Tissue Patterning, Jessica Willson
The Role Of Xenopus Laevis Reck In Ecm Remodeling And Tissue Patterning, Jessica Willson
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Proper cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions are vital for cell migration and patterning of the vertebrate embryo. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors, reversion-inducing cysteine-rich proteins with Kazal motifs (RECK) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), are all differentially expressed during embryogenesis to regulate such ECM remodeling events and cell interactions. While TIMPs are a family of 4 secreted proteins that share overlapping substrate specificities of MMPs, RECK is unique in that it is a membrane-anchored MMP inhibitor that is embryonic lethal in mice. I used Xenopus laevis as a model organism to investigate the role of RECK as …
Underlying Mechanisms Regulating Gingival Healing And Fibrosis, Shawna Soheun Kim
Underlying Mechanisms Regulating Gingival Healing And Fibrosis, Shawna Soheun Kim
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Successful wound healing involves tightly controlled regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling, and myofibroblast-mediated wound contraction, to restore normal tissue function. However, these events involved in healing are also associated with development of tissue fibrosis, which is characterized by excessive deposition of ECM and the presence of myofibroblasts. Increasing evidence suggests that periostin is a critical player in regulating skin healing and fibrosis. In contrast to most adult tissues, gingival connective tissue is known to heal more rapidly and with less scarring, yet is still associated with fibrosis, such as drug-induced gingival enlargement. The aim of this study …
The Role Of Integrins In Support Of Pancreatic Function, Survival And Maturation, Matthew Riopel
The Role Of Integrins In Support Of Pancreatic Function, Survival And Maturation, Matthew Riopel
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
The pancreas is a glandular organ composed of endocrine and exocrine compartments. Integrins are cell adhesion molecules that connect cells to the extracellular matrix (ECM). Integrins modulate a variety of cellular effects, yet their mechanism of action in the developed pancreas is not well understood. Fibrin is a provisional ECM protein that contains ligands for integrin receptors. Fibrin is capable of supporting islet health, but it is unclear how fibrin exerts its effects. The objective of this thesis is to understand the role of integrin receptors on in vivo pancreatic cell function, survival, and proliferation. In addition, this thesis investigates …
Developmental Characterization Of Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloproteinase Domain Functions In Xenopus Laevis, Michelle A. Nieuwesteeg
Developmental Characterization Of Tissue Inhibitor Of Metalloproteinase Domain Functions In Xenopus Laevis, Michelle A. Nieuwesteeg
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
During development the extracellular matrix is cleaved and remodeled to facilitate the large-scale cell rearrangements that are necessary for processes like gastrulation, neurulation, angiogenesis and organogenesis. ECM remodeling occurs primarily through secreted enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Regulation of MMP activity is achieved through the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), a small family of secreted proteins that bind MMPs in a 1:1 manner to inhibit their activity. Although TIMPs were originally characterized based on their MMP-inhibitory activities, in vitro studies have revealed that TIMPs are multifunctional proteins, with structurally and functionally distinct N- and C-terminal domains. TIMP N-terminal domains bind …