Title:A Single Fas Gene Mutation Changes Lupus Onset, Severity, Location, and Molecular Abnormalities in Mice
VOLUME: 15 ISSUE: 4
Author(s):S. Hu, S. Ke, W. Wang, H. Ran, M. Chen, F. Zhang, X. Qiu, M. Jiang, C. Zou, R. Zhang, L. Cao, Y. Wen, R. Fu and C. Chen
Affiliation:Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
Keywords:Systemic lupus erythematosus, genetic mutation, molecular abnormality, molecular imaging, molecular
medicine.
Abstract:Although genetic predisposition plays a major role in the progression of systemic
lupus erythematosus (SLE) and its variation in symptoms, the precise relationships between genetic changes
and disease status are not well understood. Here, to demonstrate the effect of a single gene mutation on
disease etiology, we examined two mouse models of SLE with the same genetic background but different Fas
genes. Mice with the Faslpr gene developed severe SLE with renal dysfunction and inflammatory responses in
the lung and kidney. By contrast, mice with the Fas+ gene showed disease-related abnormalities in the liver
and joints. Patterns of inflammatory disease markers differed across organs between the two lines of mice.
Faslpr mice showed greater MMP signals in the kidney and IL-11 signals in the lung than Fas+ mice. Fas+ mice
had higher IL-11 signal intensity in the knee region and higher CXCR4 signal intensity in the liver than Faslpr
mice. Our results exemplify the complexity of disease and suggest the need for individualized target-specific
treatment regimens.
Strengths and Limitations of this Study: Fas gene is a well characterized gene in this disease. The molecular
components in human disease need more clinical data.
