Phone:(56-2) 354 2297
Mail: ebrandan@bio.puc.cl
Our major interest is to understand the processes of normal myogenesis and of the fibrosis that occurs in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. In particular, we are studying the role of the extracellular matrix (ECM), the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and LRP in these processes. Normal myogenesis requires interactions with ECM elements, including proteoglycans that probably act as co-receptors for growth factors such as the TGF-beta. We know that during myogenesis three proteoglycans that bind TGF-beta exert crucial influences on the signaling pathway of this growth factor. Thus, we are characterizing the control of TGF-beta signaling by proteoglycans. On the other hand, CTGF is a fibrotic factor involved in the synthesis of connective tissue and ECM and we have evidences involving LRP in myogenesis. Therefore, studies that integrate the role of all these factors are expected to provide important basic information on the mechanisms that underlie normal and altered skeletal muscle formation. Because fibrosis is a pathogenic process for a variety of other diseases, our results could lead to design therapies and/or disclose target molecules able to interfere with fibrosis in general.
Selected References
| Author(s) | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Cabello-Verrugio, C. & E. Brandan. | A Novel Modulatory Mechanism of TGF- b Signaling through Decorin and LRP-1. J. Biol. Chem. (In Press). 2007. | 0 |
| Ugarte, G. & E. Brandan. | Transforming growth factor- b signaling is regulated by electrical activity in skeletal muscle cells: TGF- b type I receptor is transcriptionally regulated by myotube excitability. | 0 |
| Casar, J.C., B.A. McKechnie, J.R Fallon, M.F. Young & E. Brandan. | Transient Up-regulation of Biglycan During Skeletal Muscle Regeneration: Delayed Fiber Growth along with Decorin Increase in Biglycan-Deficient Mice. Dev. Biol. 268: 358-371. 2004. | 0 |
| Osses, N. & E. Brandan. | ECM is required for skeletal muscle differentiation independently of muscle regulatory factor expression. Am. J. Phys. Cell. Phys. 282: C383-C394. 2002. | 0 |
| Riquelme, C., J. Larraín, E. Schönherr, J.P. Henríquez, H. Kresse & E. Brandan. | Antisense Inhibition of Decorin Expression in Myoblasts Decreases Cell Responsiveness to Transforming Growth Factor and Accelerates Skeletal Muscle Differentiation. J. Biol. Chem. | 0 |
FONDAP-CRCP
Av. Bernardo O´Higgins 340 -
Santiago -
Región Metropolitana
Chile
Phone: 56-2-6862592 - Fax: 56-2-6862959
fondapni@bio.puc.cl
http://www.fondap-crcp.cl
