[Profiles of cell proliferation and apoptosis in the mouse epithelial regeneration model K6b-E6/E7].
BACKGROUND
Mammals have limited epithelial regeneration capacity. The K6b-E6/E7 mice model has been described as useful for the study of epithelial regeneration. The objective of this study is to compare the expression of E6/E7 oncogenes with those of cell proliferation and apoptosis during epithelization. The hypothesis of this study is that alterations in cell proliferation and apoptosis in K6b-E6/E7 mice will only occur during epithelization.


METHODS
Deep 2 mm punches were performed in the middle of transgenic and control mice's ears. A biopsy was collected from the epithelization zone 72 hours and 2 weeks post-injury. Assays for cell proliferation and apoptosis were carried out by immunohistochemistry and TUNEL techniques, respectively. RT-PCR in situ was performed to compare E6/E7 expressions in the areas studied.


RESULTS
Transgenic strain K6b-E6/E7 presented more proliferative cells and less apoptotic cells in epithelizated zones. This effect was limited to suprabasal stratum only, and correlates with E6/E7 oncogenes expression. Two weeks post-injury, cell proliferation and apoptosis were similar in both samples as the E6/E7 expression went down.


CONCLUSIONS
K6b-E6/E7 mouse model is useful for epithelial regeneration. Its mechanisms should be considered for the treatment of deep wounds.
Laboratorio de Genética y Diagnóstico Molecular. Unidad de Investigación. Hospital Juárez de México, México, D.F., Mexico. jbonilla@cinvestav.mx
José
J
Bonilla-Delgado
Genaro
G
Rodríguez-Uribe
Enoc Mariano
EM
Cortés-Malagón
Mónica
M
Sierra Martínez
Gustavo
G
Acosta-Altamirano
Patricio
P
Gariglio-Vidal
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000235:genetics; D001706:Biopsy; D002455:Cell Division / Q000235:genetics; D004431:Ear, External / Q000293:injuries / Q000502:physiology*; D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D004848:Epithelium / Q000502:physiology; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D052162:Human papillomavirus 16 / Q000235:genetics; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D053553:Keratin-6 / Q000235:genetics; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009856:Oncogene Proteins, Viral / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D050725:Papillomavirus E7 Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D012038:Regeneration; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D019076:Transgenes
C068651:E6 protein, Human papillomavirus type 16; D053553:Keratin-6; D009856:Oncogene Proteins, Viral; D050725:Papillomavirus E7 Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins; C059731:oncogene protein E7, Human papillomavirus type 16