Breitkreutz D, Mirancea N, Nischt R, et al.
Histochemistry and cell biology. Date of publication 2009 Jul 1;volume 132(1):1-10.
1. Histochem Cell Biol. 2009 Jul;132(1):1-10. doi: 10.1007/s00418-009-0586-0. Epub
2009 Mar 31.
Basement membranes in skin: unique matrix structures with diverse functions?
Breitkreutz D(1), Mirancea N, Nischt R.
Author information:
(1)DGZ (B 050) Rm 145, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld
280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. dirkbtz@gmx.de
The view of extracellular matrix (ECM) has evolved from a merely scaffolding and
space filling tissue element to an interface actively controlling cellular
activities and tissue functions. A highly specialized form of ECM is the basement
membrane (BM), an ubiquitous sheet-like polymeric structure composed of a set of
distinct glycoproteins and proteoglycans. In this review we are largely focusing
on function and assembly of BM in skin (1) at the dermo-epidermal interface and
(2) in the resident micro-vasculature. The role of the non-polymeric components
perlecan and particularly nidogen is exemplified by reviewing experiments based
on genetic approaches and adequate experimental skin models in vivo and in vitro.
While in mice total deficiency of one of these components is eventually
developmentally lethal, the severity of the defects varies drastically between
tissues and also the skin models recapitulating BM formation in vitro. There is
accumulating evidence that this relies on the mechanical properties, the
molecular composition of the BM, the adjacent ECM or connective tissue, the
dynamics of molecular assembly, and 'minor' tissue-specific modifier or adapter
components. Though the role of nidogen or perlecan is still remaining a
controversial issue, the statements 'being essential for BM/or not' should be
consequently referred to the developmental, tissue, and functional (e.g., repair)
context.
DOI: 10.1007/s00418-009-0586-0
PMID: 19333614 [Indexed for MEDLINE]
