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Immunolocalization of epimorphin in skin
K I Butt1, M Manabe, H Yaguchi
1Department of Dermatology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Journal of Dermatological Science
|December 1, 1996
Summary
Epimorphin, a protein previously thought to be specific to epithelial development, is now found in various adult mouse skin cell types. This suggests epimorphin plays broader roles in multiple biological functions beyond just epithelial morphogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Histology
Background:
- Epimorphin was initially identified as a cell surface protein involved in embryonic epithelial morphogenesis.
- Previous studies localized epimorphin in embryonic mouse skin, adjacent to the epidermis and near hair follicles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the detailed localization of epimorphin in adult mouse skin.
- To determine if epimorphin's role is specific to epithelial development or broader.
Main Methods:
- Immunoelectron microscopy was employed for detailed protein localization.
- Adult mouse skin tissue was analyzed for epimorphin distribution.
Main Results:
- Epimorphin was localized on basal cells, fibroblast cytoplasm and plasma membranes.
- The protein was also found on endothelial cells, pericytes, perineurium, and endomysium.
Conclusions:
- Epimorphin is not exclusively an epithelial morphogenetic factor.
- The protein is involved in diverse biological functions across various cell types and structures of different origins.