The C-terminal cytoplasmic domain of human proEGF is a negative modulator of body and organ weights in transgenic mice.
We generated transgenic mice to study the in vivo role of the cytoplasmic domain of human proEGF (proEGFcyt). Post-pubertal proEGFcyt transgenic (tg) mice displayed an up to 15% reduction in body weight, including smaller kidney and brain weights as compared to control littermates. Renal histology, gene expression profiles, and functional parameters were normal. In both sexes, serum levels of IGFBP-3 were reduced. Circulating IGF-I/IGF-II levels were unchanged. Histomorphological analysis revealed isolated foci of liver necrosis specific to proEGFcyt tg mice. In conclusion, we identified proEGF cytoplasmic domain as a novel modulator of whole body and organ-specific growth in mice.
Klonisch
Thomas
T
Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba, 130-745 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg, Canada. klonisch@cc.umanitoba.ca
Glogowska
Aleksandra
A
Gratao
Ana A
AA
Grzech
Marjeta
M
Nistor
Andreea
A
Torchia
Mark
M
Weber
Ekkehard
E
de Angelis
Martin Hrabé
MH
Rathkolb
Birgit
B
Cuong
Hoang-Vu
HV
Wolf
Eckhard
E
Schneider
Marlon R
MR