Abstract
Primary objective. Heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor (HB-EGF) protects the intestine from damage in animals. Future clinical trials of HB-EGF may involve administration of repeated doses of HB-EGF. Since HB-EGF activates EGF receptors which have been implicated in tumor development, we examined the effects of HB-EGF overexpression in the intestine.Research design. We generated transgenic (TG) mice in which the human HB-EGF gene is driven by the villin promoter to overexpress HB-EGF along the crypt-villous axis from the duodenum to the colon.Results. HB-EGF TG mice have increased enterocyte proliferation balanced by increased enterocyte apoptosis. Despite prolonged overexpression of HB-EGF, no evidence of intestinal hyperplasia or tumor formation occurs. Although HB-EGF TG mice have no significant phenotypic alterations under basal conditions, they have increased resistance to intestinal injury.Conclusions. Prolonged intestinal HB-EGF overexpression results in no significant phenotypic alterations under basal conditions, but confers protection against intestinal injury.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 82-97 |
Number of pages | 16 |
Journal | Growth Factors |
Volume | 28 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Apr 2010 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- HB-EGF
- Injury
- Intestine
- Transgenic
- Villin promoter
- Villous
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Endocrinology
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Cell Biology