Grupa za molekularnu biologiju
srijeda, 17. sijeènja 2007. godine u 18.00 sati predavaonica B02 (MB1)
Prirodoslovno-matematièkog fakulteta, Rooseveltov trg 6, Zagreb

Prof. Dr. Giorgio Bressan
Department of the Histology
Microbiology and Medical Biotechnology University of Padua

Emilins as regulators of TGF-beta in vascular homeostasis

Emilins are extracellular matrix proteins characterized by the presence of a cysteine-rich domain called the EMI-domain and expressed at high levels in blood vessels. The analysis of mice mutant for Emilin1 has unveiled an unprecedented link between TGF-beta signaling and arterial hypertension. Emilin1 knockout animals display increased blood pressure, increased peripheral vascular resistance, and reduced vessel size. Mechanistically, Emilin1 inhibits TGF-beta signaling by binding specifically to the proTGF-beta precursor and preventing its maturation by furin convertases in the extracellular space. In support of these findings, genetic inactivation of Emilin1 causes increased TGF-beta signaling in the vascular wall. Strikingly, high blood pressure observed in Emilin1 mutants is rescued to normal levels upon inactivation of a single TGF-beta1 allele. Unpublished results suggest that other Emilins, in addition to Emilin1, have a role in vascular homeostasis. The study reveals new aspects of the role of TGF-beta proteins as regulators of blood vessel development and maintenance and highlights the importance of modulation of TGF-beta availability in the pathogenesis of hypertension.

Predsjednica HGD-a:
Dr. sc. Ðurðica Ugarkoviæ, zn. savjetnica, IRB

Koordinatori predavanja:
Dr. sc. Ksenija Zahradka, zn. sur., IRB
Dr. sc. Krešimir Gjuraèiæ, GSK Research Centre Zagreb Ltd.