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Immune system dysfunction and autoimmune disease in mice lacking Emk (Par-1) protein kinase
J B Hurov1, T S Stappenbeck, C M Zmasek
1Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110-1093, USA.
Molecular and Cellular Biology
|April 5, 2001
Summary
Mice lacking the Emk protein kinase showed immune cell dysfunction and developed autoimmune symptoms. This highlights Emk
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Emk (Emmprin kinase) is a serine/threonine protein kinase.
- It plays roles in cell polarity, cell cycle, and microtubule dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the function of Emk in mammalian development and immunity.
- To understand the consequences of Emk deficiency in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Generation of Emk-deficient (Emk-/-) mice via gene targeting.
- Analysis of immune cell function, including T-cell and B-cell responses.
- Histopathological examination of aged Emk-/- mice for autoimmune manifestations.
Main Results:
- Emk-/- mice exhibited growth retardation and immune cell dysfunction.
- CD4(+) T cells showed increased memory marker (CD44/pgp-1) and cytokine production (IFN-γ, IL-4).
- Aged Emk-/- mice developed splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, glomerulonephritis, and lymphocytic infiltrates, indicating autoimmune disease.
Conclusions:
- Emk protein kinase is crucial for maintaining immune system homeostasis.
- Loss of Emk function can lead to immune dysregulation and contribute to autoimmune conditions.
