IMMUNOBIOLOGY AND GENETICS OF WOUND HEALING REGENERATION

Wistar Institute, Philadelphia PA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

DESCRIPTION (Adapted from the Investigator's abstract): The MRL.lpr/lpr mouse is known to display gross lymphoproliferative disease and autoimmunity as it ages. This defect is due to a mutation in the fas gene which leads to an inability to mediate apoptosis of lymphocytes. The investigators have noted recently that these animals, as young adults, also display a remarkable capacity for wound healing and regeneration. Specifically, through-and-through ear punches rapidly attain full closure with normal tissue architecture reminiscent of regeneration seen in amphibians as opposed to scarring usually seen in mammals. This phenomenon appears to be regulated by T-cells and is not fas related. In this application, the investigators wish to investigate further the genetics and the immunobiology of this model system. To date, they have: 1) quantitated the gross healing rate difference between the MRL.lpr/lpr mouse and the B6 nonhealing mouse; 2) demonstrated by histology that normal cell growth and microanatomic architecture is completely restored in these animals including blood vessels, hair follicles, and cartilage; 3) confirmed through extensive breeding and backcrossing that there is a multigene genetic basis for this phenomenon; 4) mapped seven healing trait loci at 20 cM resolution to chromosomes 7, 8, 12, 13, and 15; 5) assigned first pass candidate genes which include an interlocking set of signal transduction molecules and morphogen receptors; and 6) have shown that the elimination of alpha +T-cells in these animals regulates this trait.