The WNT1 induced signalling protein 1 is a novel mediator of impaired epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in lung fibrosis [Elektronische Ressource] / by Melanie Königshoff

1 The WNT1 induced signalling protein 1 is a novel mediator of impaired epithelial-mesenchymal interactions in lung fibrosis Inaugural Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Medicine in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the PhD-Degree of the Faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Medicine of the Justus Liebig University Giessen by Dr. med. Melanie Königshofff from Wilhelmshaven Giessen 20092 From the Department of Internal Medicine II of the Faculty of Medicine of the Justus Liebig University Giessen Director: Prof. Dr. W. Seeger Prof. Dr. Werner Seeger (Supervisior) Priv.-Doz. Dr. Antje Prasse Prof. Dr. Martin Diener Prof. Dr. Ritva Tikkanen Date of Doctoral Defense: August 14, 2009 3 TABLE OF CONTENT SUMMARY 1 ZUSAMMENFASSUNG 2 INTRODUCTION 3-7 AIM OF THE STUDY 8 MATERIAL AND METHODS 9-18 RESULTS 19-45 DISCUSSION 46-54 SUPPLEMENT MATERIAL 55-62 REFERENCES 63-75 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 76 CURRICULUM VITAE 77-83 DECLARATION 84 4 SUMMARY Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is characterized by distorted lung architecture and loss of respiratory function. Enhanced (myo)-fibroblast activation, ECM deposition, and alveolar epithelial type II (ATII) cell dysfunction contribute to IPF pathogenesis.