1
|
Ziolkowski LH, Nikolaev YA, Chikamoto A, Oda M, Feketa VV, Monedero-Alonso D, Ardasheva SA, Bae SS, Xu CS, Pang S, Gracheva EO, Bagriantsev SN. Structural and functional dissection of the Pacinian corpuscle reveals an active role of the inner core in touch detection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.24.609509. [PMID: 39253434 PMCID: PMC11383032 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.24.609509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/11/2024]
Abstract
Pacinian corpuscles are rapidly adapting mechanoreceptor end-organs that detect transient touch and high-frequency vibration. In the prevailing model, these properties are determined by the outer core, which acts as a mechanical filter limiting static and low-frequency stimuli from reaching the afferent terminal-the sole site of touch detection in corpuscles. Here, we determine the detailed 3D architecture of corpuscular components and reveal their contribution to touch detection. We show that the outer core is dispensable for rapid adaptation and frequency tuning. Instead, these properties arise from the inner core, composed of gap junction-coupled lamellar Schwann cells (LSCs) surrounding the afferent terminal. By acting as additional touch sensing structures, LSCs potentiate mechanosensitivity of the terminal, which detects touch via fast-inactivating ion channels. We propose a model in which Pacinian corpuscle function is mediated by an interplay between mechanosensitive LSCs and the afferent terminal in the inner core.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luke H Ziolkowski
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Yury A Nikolaev
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Akitoshi Chikamoto
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Mai Oda
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Viktor V Feketa
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - David Monedero-Alonso
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Serafima A Ardasheva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Samuel S Bae
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - C Shan Xu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Song Pang
- FIB-SEM Collaboration Core, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Elena O Gracheva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Sviatoslav N Bagriantsev
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Özdemir-Sancı T, Sancı A, Nakkaş H. Foreskin neurovascular structure: A histological analysis comparing 0-3 years and 6-11 years children. J Pediatr Urol 2024; 20:704.e1-704.e7. [PMID: 38580481 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpurol.2024.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circumcision is a surgical operation that is frequently performed throughout the world due to religious, cultural, and medical reasons. The best age for circumcision is still debatable, with different procedures depending on geography, culture, and surgeon preference. OBJECTIVE This study aims to immunohistochemical examination using S100 staining and histologically evaluate the neurovascular structures in foreskin samples obtained from children aged 0-3 years and 6-11 years. The goal is to provide guidance in determining an appropriate age for circumcision based on these data. STUDY DESIGN Concerns regarding potential effects on glans sensitivity and sexual function led to the investigation and comparison of sensory innervation in the foreskin of children aged 0-3 and 6-11 years, a total 54 samples, divided into pre-phallic (0-3 years) and post-phallic (6-11 years) groups, were examined. The mean number of Meissner and Pacinian corpuscles, Ruffini endings, free nerve endings and the diameters of arteries were investigated. RESULTS Our findings show that compared to the 6-11 age group, the 0-3 age group had considerably lower sensory innervation in terms of, Meissner's corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, Ruffini endings and free nerve endings. Additionally, the diameter of arteries was noticeably smaller in the 0-3 age group. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, this study supports the idea that circumcision performed in the early years of life may be associated with less adverse effects on neurovascular structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuba Özdemir-Sancı
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Department of Histology and Embryology, Ankara, Turkey.
| | - Adem Sancı
- Etlik City Hospital, Department of Urology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hilal Nakkaş
- Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University, Department of Histology and Embryology, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cuendias P, Vega JA, García-Suárez O, Suazo I, Cobo R, García-Piqueras J, García-Mesa Y. Axonal and Glial PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 Immunoreactivity in Human Clitoral Krause's Corpuscles. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6722. [PMID: 38928429 PMCID: PMC11203881 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Krause's corpuscles are typical of cutaneous mucous epithelia, like the lip vermillion or the glans clitoridis, and are associated with rapidly adapting low-threshold mechanoreceptors involved in gentle touch or vibration. PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 are transmembrane mechano-gated proteins that form a part of the cationic ion channels required for mechanosensitivity in mammalian cells. They are involved in somatosensitivity, especially in the different qualities of touch, but also in pain and proprioception. In the present study, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to analyze the occurrence and cellular location of PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 in human clitoral Krause's corpuscles. Both PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 were detected in Krause's corpuscles in both the axon and the terminal glial cells. The presence of PIEZOs in the terminal glial cells of Kraus's corpuscles is reported here for the first time. Based on the distribution of PIEZO1 and PIEZO2, it may be assumed they could be involved in mechanical stimuli, sexual behavior, and sexual pleasure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Cuendias
- Grupo de Investigación SINPOS, Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (P.C.); (J.A.V.); (O.G.-S.); (J.G.-P.)
| | - José A. Vega
- Grupo de Investigación SINPOS, Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (P.C.); (J.A.V.); (O.G.-S.); (J.G.-P.)
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia, Santiago de Chile 4810010, Chile;
| | - Olivia García-Suárez
- Grupo de Investigación SINPOS, Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (P.C.); (J.A.V.); (O.G.-S.); (J.G.-P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| | - Iván Suazo
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia, Santiago de Chile 4810010, Chile;
| | - Ramón Cobo
- Servicio de Otorrinolaringología, Hospital Universitario “Marqués de Valdecilla”, 39008 Santander, Spain;
| | - Jorge García-Piqueras
- Grupo de Investigación SINPOS, Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (P.C.); (J.A.V.); (O.G.-S.); (J.G.-P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
- Departamento de Anatomía, Histología y Neurociencia, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - Yolanda García-Mesa
- Grupo de Investigación SINPOS, Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de Oviedo, 33006 Oviedo, Spain; (P.C.); (J.A.V.); (O.G.-S.); (J.G.-P.)
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), 33011 Oviedo, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
García-Mesa Y, Cuendias P, Alonso-Guervós M, García-Piqueras J, Martín-Biedma B, Cobo T, García-Suárez O, Vega JA. Immunohistochemical detection of PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 in human digital Meissner´s corpuscles. Ann Anat 2024; 252:152200. [PMID: 38109982 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2023.152200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cutaneous end organ complexes or cutaneous sensory corpuscles are specialized sensory organs associated to low-threshold mechanoreceptors. Mechano-gated proteins forming a part of ion channels have been detected in both the axon and terminal glial cells of Meissner corpuscles, a specific cutaneous end organ complex in the human glabrous skin. The main candidates to mechanotransduction in Meissner corpuscles are members of the Piezo family of cationic ion channels. PIEZO2 has been detected in the axon of these sensory structures whereas no data exists about the occurrence and cell localization of PIEZO1. METHODS Skin samples (n = 18) from the palmar aspect of the distal phalanx of the first and second fingers were analysed (8 female and 10 males; age range 26 to 61 26-61 years). Double immunofluorescence for PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 together with axonal or terminal glial cell markers was captured by laser confocal microscopy, and the percentage of PIEZOs positive Meissner corpuscles was evaluated. RESULTS MCs from human fingers showed variable morphology and degree of lobulation. Regarding the basic immunohistochemical profile, in all cases the axons were immunoreactive for neurofilament proteins, neuron specific enolase and synaptophysin, while the lamellar cells displayed strong S100P immunoreactivity. PIEZO1 was detected co-localizing with axonal markers, but never with terminal glial cell markers, in the 56% of Meissner corpuscles; weak but specific immunofluorescence was additionally detected in the epidermis, especially in basal keratinocytes. Similarly, PIEZO2 immunoreactivity was found restricted to the axon in the 85% of Meissner corpuscles. PIEZO2 positive Merkel cells were also regularly found. CONCLUSIONS PIEZO1 and PIEZO2 are expressed exclusively in the axon of a subpopulation of human digital Meissner corpuscles, thus suggesting that not only PIEZO2, but also PIEZO1 may be involved in the mechanotransduction from low-threshold mechanoreceptors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yolanda García-Mesa
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Patricia Cuendias
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Marta Alonso-Guervós
- Unidad de Microscopía Fotónica y Análisis de Imágenes, Servicios Científico-Técnicos, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Jorge García-Piqueras
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain; Departamento de Anatomía, Histología y Neurociencia, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain.
| | - Benjamín Martín-Biedma
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
| | - Teresa Cobo
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain; Instituto Asturiano de Odontología, Oviedo, Spain.
| | - Olivia García-Suárez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain.
| | - José A Vega
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain; Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Providencia, Santiago de Chile, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Martín-Cruces J, Martín-Biedma B, García-Mesa Y, Cuendias P, Gaite JJ, García-Suárez O, Cobo JL, Vega JA. Exploring somatosensory innervation of the human lip: A focus on the vermilion. Ann Anat 2023; 250:152159. [PMID: 37741584 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2023.152159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The lips are a vital component of the face and are densely innervated to perform various functions. The lip edges are covered with mucocutaneous tissue called vermilion which is particularly receptive to touch and temperature. The aim of this study was to investigate the somatosensory innervation of human lips, focusing on sensory corpuscles and the presence of mechano-gated (ASIC2, PIEZO2, and TRPV4) and thermosensing (TRPV1, TRPM2, and RPM8) ion channels within them. METHODS Twelve intact lips (6 upper and 6 lower) were obtained from non-embalmed frozen cadavers (five females and seven males) with an age range of 60-80 years. The specimens were divided into three zones (medial, lateral, and median). The morphotypes of sensory corpuscles and their immunohistochemical profile was analysed. The occurrence of ion channels involved in mechanosensation and temperature detection was examined using various antibodies. Sensory corpuscle density was quantified in vermilion sections, and statistical analyses were conducted to assess differences between the upper and lower lips, as well as between females and males (p < 0.05). RESULTS Different morphotypes of sensory corpuscles were identified: Ruffini-like associated with hair follicles, Meissner and glomerular corpuscles in the vermilion, and less classifiable sensory corpuscles within the mucosa. The density of sensory corpuscles in the vermilion was higher in the upper lip than in the lower lip; glomerular corpuscles predominated in the medial and median segments, whereas Meissner corpuscles were more abundant in the lateral segment. No sex-related differences were observed in the density or distribution of the two main corpuscular morphotypes. In contrast, the axons of both the glomeruli and Meissner corpuscles regularly displayed ASIC2 and PIEZO2 immunoreactivity, whereas immunoreactivity for TRPV1, TRPV4, TRPM2, and TRPV8 was absent. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that the sensory corpuscles of the vermilion are a mixture of those typical of glabrous skin mucocutaneous tissues. The presence of PIEZO2 and ASIC2 in their axons suggests that these sensory corpuscles function as mechanosensors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Martín-Cruces
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular - Grupo SINPOs, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Benjamín Martín-Biedma
- Departamento de Cirugía y Especialidades Médico-Quirúrgicas, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Yolanda García-Mesa
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular - Grupo SINPOs, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Patricia Cuendias
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular - Grupo SINPOs, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan J Gaite
- Unidad Dental, Clínica Universitaria de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Olivia García-Suárez
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular - Grupo SINPOs, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Juan L Cobo
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular - Grupo SINPOs, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Servico de Cirugía Maxillofacial, Hospital Universitario Central de Asturias, Oviedo, Spain
| | - José A Vega
- Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular - Grupo SINPOs, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain; Facutad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nikolaev YA, Ziolkowski LH, Pang S, Li WP, Feketa VV, Xu CS, Gracheva EO, Bagriantsev SN. 3D architecture and a bicellular mechanism of touch detection in mechanosensory corpuscle. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadi4147. [PMID: 37703368 PMCID: PMC10499330 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adi4147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Mechanosensory corpuscles detect transient touch and vibration in the skin of vertebrates, enabling precise sensation of the physical environment. The corpuscle contains a mechanoreceptor afferent surrounded by lamellar cells (LCs), but corpuscular ultrastructure and the role of LCs in touch detection are unknown. We report the three-dimensional architecture of the avian Meissner (Grandry) corpuscle acquired using enhanced focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy and machine learning-based segmentation. The corpuscle comprises a stack of LCs interdigitated with terminal endings from two afferents. Simultaneous electrophysiological recordings from both cell types revealed that mechanosensitive LCs use calcium influx to trigger action potentials in the afferent and thus serve as physiological touch sensors in the skin. The elaborate architecture and bicellular sensory mechanism in the corpuscles, which comprises the afferents and LCs, create the capacity for nuanced encoding of the submodalities of touch.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yury A. Nikolaev
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Luke H. Ziolkowski
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Song Pang
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Wei-Ping Li
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Viktor V. Feketa
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - C. Shan Xu
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, VA 20147, USA
| | - Elena O. Gracheva
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
- Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sviatoslav N. Bagriantsev
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nikolaev YA, Ziolkowski LH, Pang S, Li WP, Feketa VV, Xu CS, Gracheva EO, Bagriantsev SN. 3D architecture and a bi-cellular mechanism of touch detection in mechanosensory corpuscle. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.05.535701. [PMID: 37066170 PMCID: PMC10104047 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.05.535701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Mechanosensory corpuscles detect transient touch and vibratory signals in the skin of vertebrates, enabling navigation, foraging, and precise manipulation of objects 1 . The corpuscle core comprises a terminal neurite of a mechanoreceptor afferent, the only known touch-sensing element within corpuscles, surrounded by terminal Schwann cells called lamellar cells (LCs) 2â€"4 . However, the precise corpuscular ultrastructure, and the role of LCs in touch detection are unknown. Here we used enhanced focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy and electron tomography to reveal the three-dimensional architecture of avian Meissner (Grandry) corpuscle 5 . We show that corpuscles contain a stack of LCs innervated by two afferents, which form large-area contacts with LCs. LCs form tether-like connections with the afferent membrane and contain dense core vesicles which release their content onto the afferent. Furthermore, by performing simultaneous electrophysiological recordings from both cell types, we show that mechanosensitive LCs use calcium influx to trigger action potential firing in the afferent and thus serve as physiological touch sensors in the skin. Our findings suggest a bi-cellular mechanism of touch detection, which comprises the afferent and LCs, likely enables corpuscles to encode the nuances of tactile stimuli.
Collapse
|
8
|
Bataille A, Le Gall C, Misery L, Talagas M. Merkel Cells Are Multimodal Sensory Cells: A Review of Study Methods. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233827. [PMID: 36497085 PMCID: PMC9737130 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Merkel cells (MCs) are rare multimodal epidermal sensory cells. Due to their interactions with slowly adapting type 1 (SA1) Aβ low-threshold mechanoreceptor (Aβ-LTMRs) afferents neurons to form Merkel complexes, they are considered to be part of the main tactile terminal organ involved in the light touch sensation. This function has been explored over time by ex vivo, in vivo, in vitro, and in silico approaches. Ex vivo studies have made it possible to characterize the topography, morphology, and cellular environment of these cells. The interactions of MCs with surrounding cells continue to be studied by ex vivo but also in vitro approaches. Indeed, in vitro models have improved the understanding of communication of MCs with other cells present in the skin at the cellular and molecular levels. As for in vivo methods, the sensory role of MC complexes can be demonstrated by observing physiological or pathological behavior after genetic modification in mouse models. In silico models are emerging and aim to elucidate the sensory coding mechanisms of these complexes. The different methods to study MC complexes presented in this review may allow the investigation of their involvement in other physiological and pathophysiological mechanisms, despite the difficulties in exploring these cells, in particular due to their rarity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adeline Bataille
- LIEN—Laboratoire Interactions Epithélium Neurones, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
- Correspondence:
| | - Christelle Le Gall
- LIEN—Laboratoire Interactions Epithélium Neurones, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
- Department of Dermatology, Brest University Hospital, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Laurent Misery
- LIEN—Laboratoire Interactions Epithélium Neurones, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
- Department of Dermatology, Brest University Hospital, F-29200 Brest, France
| | - Matthieu Talagas
- LIEN—Laboratoire Interactions Epithélium Neurones, Brest University, F-29200 Brest, France
- Department of Dermatology, Brest University Hospital, F-29200 Brest, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Michalak-Micka K, Rütsche D, Mazzone L, Büchler VL, Moehrlen U, Klar AS, Biedermann T. Human fetal skin derived merkel cells display distinctive characteristics in vitro and in bio-engineered skin substitutes in vivo. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:983870. [PMID: 36185452 PMCID: PMC9520781 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.983870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human skin contains specialized neuroendocrine Merkel cells responsible for fine touch sensation. In the present study, we performed in-depth analysis of Merkel cells in human fetal back skin. We revealed that these Merkel cells expressed cytokeratin 20 (CK20), were positive for the neuroendocrine markers synaptophysin and chromogranin A, and the mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo2. Further, we demonstrated that Merkel cells were present in freshly isolated human fetal epidermal cells in vitro, and in tissue-engineered human dermo-epidermal skin substitutes 4 weeks after transplantation on immune-compromised rats. Merkel cells retained the expression of CK20, synaptophysin, chromogranin A, and Piezo2 after isolation and in culture, and in the skin substitutes after transplantation. Interestingly, we observed that in fetal skin and in skin substitutes, only Merkel cells were positive for CK8, while in culture, also non-Merkel cells showed positivity for CK8. In summary, human fetal Merkel cells showed phenotypical features confirming their cell identity. This findings are of pivotal importance for the future application of fetal tissue-engineered skin in clinics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Michalak-Micka
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center (CRC), University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dominic Rütsche
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center (CRC), University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luca Mazzone
- Children’s Research Center (CRC), University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Spina Bifida Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- The Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vanessa L. Büchler
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center (CRC), University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ueli Moehrlen
- Children’s Research Center (CRC), University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Spina Bifida Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- The Zurich Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Therapy, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Agnes S. Klar
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center (CRC), University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Biedermann
- Tissue Biology Research Unit, Department of Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Children’s Research Center (CRC), University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- *Correspondence: Thomas Biedermann,
| |
Collapse
|