Compound mutations in the mammalian EGFR signalling pathway affect epidermal development, growth and viability

Abstract

The widespread expression of polypeptide growth factors from the earliest stages of embryonic development through to mature issues in the adult organism suggests an involvement in a reiterated developmental process affecting the underlying cellular growth and differentiation of many tissues. The hair follicle has taken on increased significance with the observation that many genetic mutations in these peptide growth factor genes affect its development. The targeted disruption of genes encoding members of the EpidermalGrowth Factor (EGF) and Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) families in the mouse has revealed a functional role for these proteins in the regulation of hair follicle growth. Experimental data and other factors are examined and results given. A second experimental system was used to determine if a functional relationship between certain peptide growth factors was conserved in the Merino sheep. The induction of a catagen-like state in the wool follicle and other epidermal changes associated with EGF treatment may be related to the transciptional induction of these peptide growth factors

Date of Award	1997
Original language	English