Browsing by Subject "Fibronectins"

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    Roles of integrins in fibronectin matrix assembly
    (Murcia : F. Hernández, 1997) Wu, C.
    Fibronectin (Fn) matrix assembly is a dynamic cellular process in which the soluble dimeric Fn molecules are assembled into insoluble, disulfide bond stabilized fibrillar polymeric matrix. Fn matrix assembly requires specific Fn binding integrins. Several Fn binding integrins that are capable of mediating Fn matrix assembly have been identified. They include a5B1, aIIbB3 and ctvB3 integrins. Cells regulate the matrix assembly process not only by controlling cell surface expression leve1 of the Fn binding integrins but also by modulating Fn binding and cytoskeleton binding activities of the integrins. A major challenge of future studies is to delineate the signal transduction pathway that regulates Fn matrix assembly
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    Transforming growth factor-01 gene and protein expression associated with atherogenesis of cholesterol-fed rabbits
    (Murcia : F. Hernández, 2000) Chen, Y.L.; Wu, H.W.; Jlang, M.J.
    Transforming growth factor-l31 (TGF-l31) has been shown to modulate both cell proliferation and the synthesis of extracellular matrix by vascular cells. This study was aimed to establish the temporal correlation between TGF-l31 expression, the expression of the extracellular matrix protein fibronectin, and plaque development during atherogenesis of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. New Zealand White rabbits were fed with 2% cholesterol-supplemented chow for 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks or 6 weeks. TGF-l31 mRNA and protein expression was examined in serial sections of aorta by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. Fibronectin expression was examined by immunohistochemistry. In the control and l-week feeding group, the expression of TGF-l31 mRNA and protein was not apparent. In 2-week feeding group, intimal thickening was detected in which TGF-B1 mRNA and protein were not clearly observed, either. The 3-week and 6-week feeding groups exhibited fatty streaks in which TGF-l31 mRNA and protein expression markedly increased as feeding proceeded. Cell typespecific staining indicated that TGF-l31 was expressed by macrophages as well as smooth muscle cells of the fatty streaks. Immunostaining of fibronectin detected low expression levels in control, l-week and 2-week feeding groups with pronounced upregulation in the thickened intima and the proximal media in 3-week and 6-week feeding groups. These results implicate a role for TGF-l31 in modulating fatty streak formation and the synthesis of extracellular protein fibronectin during plaque development.