Lessons from the α2 Integrin Knockout Mouse

摘要: The α2β1 integrin (VLA-2), one of the first integrins to be identified and characterized, is a collagen receptor, although it can function as dual collagen/laminin receptor on some cell types. 1 Numerous studies have implicated this in range biological pathobiological functions. 2,3 A more rigorous analysis has been hindered, however, by lack an α2-deficient mouse. Given that mice with null mutations other well-studied are related either their expression pattern or [α1 (α1β1);α3 (α3β1); α6 (α6β1; α6β4)] available for several years provided considerable insight into these integrins, situation was rather surprising. Fortunately, issue remedied. In American Journal Pathology, Zutter colleagues report generation initial characterization 4 Eckes published similar results recently. 5 Surprisingly, not surprisingly, depending your preconceived notions, deficient α2 subunit quite healthy. They viable at birth, develop normally, able reproduce. Their major organs appear normal, least level gross histology. overt normality mice, did deter from probing deeply biology, using vitro guide. observations interest because they both confirm refute previously studies, suggest specific areas future work. discussion phenotype use warrants broader receptors relationship α2β1, well mention caveats associated interpretation mice.