The physical properties of leathers made from the skins of mice genetically deficient in decorin or thrombospondin-2

The physical properties of leathers made from the skins of mice genetically deficient in decorin or thrombospondin-2 were compared to leathers made fr om the skins of control (normal) mice. Decorin deficiency was associated wi th a leather of significantly reduced tensile strength and stiffness. There was no evidence of a similar effect of thrombospondin-2 deficiency. Neithe r deficiency had a significant effect on the extensibility of the skin or o f leather produced from it. The implications of these findings are discusse d.