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Altered water barrier function in epidermal-type fatty acid binding protein-deficient mice
Yuji Owada1, Hiroshi Takano, Hitomi Yamanaka
1Division of Histology, Division of Molecular Genetics, Department of Cell Biology, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|March 5, 2002
Summary
Mutant mice lacking epidermal-type fatty acid binding protein showed normal skin histology but impaired water barrier recovery. Heart-type fatty acid binding protein expression was upregulated in their skin.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Dermatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Epidermal-type fatty acid binding protein (E-FABP) plays roles in skin physiology.
- Its specific function in the skin barrier remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of E-FABP in skin function and barrier properties using gene-targeted mice.
Main Methods:
- Gene targeting to create E-FABP knockout mice.
- Phenotypic analysis including histology, Northern blot, and transepidermal water loss measurements.
- Skin barrier disruption using acetone application.
Main Results:
- E-FABP knockout mice exhibited normal gross and histological appearance.
- Upregulation of heart-type fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP) mRNA in the skin of knockout mice.
- Reduced basal transepidermal water loss and delayed barrier recovery after acetone challenge in knockout mice.
Conclusions:
- E-FABP is not essential for normal skin histology or initial barrier disruption.
- E-FABP influences skin barrier homeostasis and recovery, potentially involving compensatory mechanisms like H-FABP upregulation.
- The precise molecular mechanisms underlying E-FABP's contribution to skin water barrier function require further investigation.