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Alexandra Tészás

Publications and source records attributed to Alexandra Tészás.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

Lithium suppresses epidermal SERCA2 and PMR1 levels in the rat.

Autosomal dominant mutations in the genes encoding the calcium ATPases SERCA2 and PMRI/SPCA1 cause the genodermatoses Darier disease (DD) and Hailey-Hailey disease (HHD), respectively. Recent observations indicated that the level of the pathogenic proteins greatly decreases in the affected areas of the epidermis in these disorders. Here we addressed how lithium, a recognized exacerbating factor in Darier disease, affects the epidermal expression of SERCA2 and PMR1/SPCA1 in the rat as a model. Standard histologic and immunohistochemical methods were utilized in 3 lithium-treated and 3 control animals. A significant suppression of epidermal SERCA2 and PMR1 levels were observed as a result of lithium therapy in addition to marked qualitative and quantitative changes in the stratum corneum and the granular layer of the epidermis in the treated animals. Our findings suggest that exacerbating factors in calcium ATPase disorders of the skin suppress epidermal SERCA2 and PMR1 levels, further decreasing the already haploinsufficient protein expression to a potentially critical level in Darier disease and Hailey-Hailey disease, respectively. Lithium therapy should specifically be avoided not only in Darier disease, but Hailey-Hailey disease as well.

Animals↗

[Novel approaches to the background of developmental abnormalities: clinical genetics of transcription factors].

Transcription factors are highly conserved proteins with preserved structure and function for up to a hundred million years. They regulate protein formation and function by binding to DNA and controlling gene expression. Mutations are generally lethal, but can play role in endocrine disorders and tumor genesis. They are necessary for cell growth, proliferation, differentiation and are required in tissue and organ development during normal embryogenesis. Consequently, transcription factors are essential in developmental processes and homeostasis. Mutations of genes encoding transcriptional regulators have been shown to be involved in a number of various genetic diseases, in particular malformation of the skeletal system, cranium, limbs, as well as some congenital syndromes with anomalies of these organs and somatic/mental retardation. Evidences accumulate to support the need of transcription factor mutation identification in the clinical practice. The present study reviews the most important congenital malformations and genetic syndromes which are thought to be related to mutations in classic transcription factors, and in which determination of transcription factors might be of clinical significance, even in the near future, for exact causative diagnosis and genetic counseling in affected families. In addition, studies of the transcription factors may lead to a better understanding of human embryogenesis.

Bone Diseases, Developmental↗