Galectin-7 in the Control of Epidermal Homeostasis after Injury

• DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e08-02-0166
• Publication Date: 2008-10-02T01:09:13Z
• Authors: Gaëlle Gendronneau; Sukhvinder S. Sidhu; Delphine Delacour; Tien Dang; Chloé Calonne; Denis Houzelstein; Thierry Magnaldo; Françoise Poirier
• Keywords: Epidermis (zoology); Galectin; Galectin-1; Homeostasis; Galectin-3

Galectins, a family of beta-galactoside binding lectins, have recently emerged as novel regulators tissue homeostasis. Galectin-7 is predominantly expressed in stratified epithelia, especially epidermis. We report here the generation galectin-7-deficient mice that are viable and do not display phenotypical abnormalities skin structure or expression epidermal markers. However, these show unique defects maintenance homeostasis response to environmental challenges. First, after UVB irradiation vivo, apoptotic prematurely triggered lasts longer mutant This result contrasts with proapoptotic role had been proposed for galectin-7. Second, wound-healing experiments vivo revealed displayed reduced reepithelialization potential compared wild-type littermates. effect could be attributed defect cell migration. Because galectin-7 located podosomes keratinocytes migrating out explants culture, we propose this glycan-binding protein may directly influence cell/extracellular matrix interactions. Finally, also detected an unexpected intense hyperproliferative reaction consecutive both types stress mice. Together, studies provide first genetic evidence showing can modulate keratinocyte apoptosis, proliferation, migration during repair.