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Granulin as an important immune molecule involved in lamprey tissue repair and regeneration by promoting cell proliferation and migration

Cellular & Molecular Biology Letters, 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s11658-022-00360-6 · Published: September 2, 2022

Regenerative MedicineImmunologyGenetics

Simple Explanation

Progranulin (PGRN) is a growth factor that plays a role in cell proliferation, migration, wound healing, and tissue repair in mammals. This study investigates PGRN's function in lampreys, primitive vertebrates with regenerative capabilities. Researchers identified four genes encoding PGRNs in lampreys and examined their expression and function. They found that one of these genes, Lr-PGRN-S1, promotes cell migration and proliferation and is involved in tissue repair after injury. The findings suggest that PGRNs play a role in the immune response and tissue repair in lampreys, shedding light on the evolutionary history and diverse functions of PGRN genes in vertebrates.

Study Duration
Not specified
Participants
Adult lamprey (Lethenteron reissneri)
Evidence Level
Not specified

Key Findings

  • 1
    Four PGRN genes were identified in lampreys: one long form (Lr-PGRN-L) and three short forms (Lr-PGRN-S1, Lr-PGRN-S2, and Lr-PGRN-S3).
  • 2
    Lr-PGRN-S1 induces cell migration and proliferation and participates in repair after skin and spinal cord injury.
  • 3
    Expression levels of Lr-pgrn genes increased significantly after induction by various pathogens, suggesting roles in immunity.

Research Summary

This study investigates the evolutionary dynamics and function of progranulins (PGRNs) in lampreys, primitive vertebrates known for their regenerative abilities. Four genes encoding PGRNs were identified, and their expression and roles in immune response and tissue repair were examined. The research revealed that Lr-PGRN-S1 promotes cell migration and proliferation and is involved in repair after skin and spinal cord injury. The study also indicated the lamprey pgrn-s1 gene is involved in the inflammatory response. Overall, the findings contribute to understanding the evolutionary relationship of vertebrate pgrn genes and provide insights into the diverse and important roles of Lr-PGRNs in immunity and tissue regeneration.

Practical Implications

Evolutionary Insights

Provides insight into the evolutionary dynamics of PGRN genes in vertebrates.

Therapeutic Potential

Suggests potential therapeutic targets for tissue repair and regeneration based on Lr-PGRN-S1 function.

Immune Regulation

Highlights the role of Lr-PGRNs as immune regulators in lampreys.

Study Limitations

  • 1
    Lack of lamprey cell lines hindered detailed analysis of Lr-pgrn-s1 function.
  • 2
    Precise molecular mechanisms underlying PGRNs in skin and spinal cord injury repair warrant further research.
  • 3
    Study focused primarily on Lr-PGRN-S1; the functions of other PGRN paralogs remain less explored.

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