Expression of matrilin-2 in human skin.
The extracellular matrix is composed of a large number of different modular proteins. Matrilin-2 is a newly described member of the protein superfamily with von Willebrand factor A-like modules. To examine the expression of matrilin-2 in human skin, the distribution of protein and mRNA was studied by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. In addition, immunoblotting and real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction were used to investigate the expression of matrilin-2 in keratinocyte and fibroblast cultures. In vivo, keratinocytes and fibroblasts were both found to express matrilin-2 mRNA and deposit the protein at the basal side of the dermal-epidermal basement membrane. Matrilin-2 molecules synthesized by the two cell types in vitro appeared to be processed differently by cell-associated proteases. Transcription of matrilin-2 mRNA in keratinocytes was enhanced by a diffusible factor produced by fibroblasts, suggesting a regulatory mechanism for the production of extracellular matrix at the dermal-epidermal junction. These findings demonstrate that matrilin-2 is expressed in normal skin by keratinocytes and fibroblasts and may thus contribute to cutaneous homeostasis.
Piecha
Dorothea
D
Department of Dermatology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Joseph-Stelzmann-Strasse 9, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
Hartmann
Karin
K
Kobbe
Birgit
B
Haase
Ingo
I
Mauch
Cornelia
C
Krieg
Thomas
T
Paulsson
Mats
M
D000328:Adult; D015152:Blotting, Northern; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D005347:Fibroblasts / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D015870:Gene Expression / Q000502:physiology; D006023:Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics*; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D017403:In Situ Hybridization; D007223:Infant; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology*; D064235:Matrilin Proteins; D008875:Middle Aged; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000032:analysis; D012867:Skin / Q000166:cytology*
D016326:Extracellular Matrix Proteins; D006023:Glycoproteins; C577541:MATN2 protein, human; D064235:Matrilin Proteins; D012333:RNA, Messenger