The Fraser Complex Proteins Can Form Anchoring Cords Without AMACO at the Dermal-Epidermal Junction of Mouse Skin

The study examined the role of AMACO in the formation of anchoring cords at the dermal-epidermal junction (DEJ) in mouse skin by generating AMACO-deficient mice. Despite the absence of AMACO, no significant phenotypic changes or developmental defects were observed, unlike deficiencies in other Fraser complex proteins (Fras1, Frem1, and Frem2). Immunofluorescence, immunoblot, and histological analyses showed that the Fraser complex proteins could still form anchoring cords and maintain normal tissue architecture without AMACO. This indicates that AMACO is not essential for the stability or function of the Fraser complex at the DEJ, suggesting potential compensatory mechanisms by other proteins.