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Sanches BDA, Teófilo FBS, Brunet MY, Villapun VM, Man K, Rocha LC, Neto JP, Matsumoto MR, Maldarine JS, Ciena AP, Cox SC, Carvalho HF. Telocytes: current methods of research, challenges and future perspectives. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 396:141-155. [PMID: 38539007 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03888-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are CD34-positive interstitial cells that have long cytoplasmic projections, called telopodes; they have been identified in several organs and in various species. These cells establish a complex communication network between different stromal and epithelial cell types, and there is growing evidence that they play a key role in physiology and pathology. In many tissues, TC network impairment has been implicated in the onset and progression of pathological conditions, which makes the study of TCs of great interest for the development of novel therapies. In this review, we summarise the main methods involved in the characterisation of these cells as well as their inherent difficulties and then discuss the functional assays that are used to uncover the role of TCs in normal and pathological conditions, from the most traditional to the most recent. Furthermore, we provide future perspectives in the study of TCs, especially regarding the establishment of more precise markers, commercial lineages and means for drug delivery and genetic editing that directly target TCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno D A Sanches
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Carl von Linnaeus St. Bldg G1, Bertrand Russel Ave., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco B S Teófilo
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Carl von Linnaeus St. Bldg G1, Bertrand Russel Ave., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Y Brunet
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Victor M Villapun
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Kenny Man
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery & Special Dental Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, 3508 GA, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, Utrecht, 3584 CT, The Netherlands
| | - Lara C Rocha
- Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity (LAMAF), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 1515 24 A Ave., Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jurandyr Pimentel Neto
- Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity (LAMAF), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 1515 24 A Ave., Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marta R Matsumoto
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Carl von Linnaeus St. Bldg G1, Bertrand Russel Ave., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana S Maldarine
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Carl von Linnaeus St. Bldg G1, Bertrand Russel Ave., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Adriano P Ciena
- Laboratory of Morphology and Physical Activity (LAMAF), Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), 1515 24 A Ave., Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sophie C Cox
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Hernandes F Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Carl von Linnaeus St. Bldg G1, Bertrand Russel Ave., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Pawlicki P, Yurdakok-Dikmen B, Tworzydlo W, Kotula-Balak M. Toward understanding the role of the interstitial tissue architects: Possible functions of telocytes in the male gonad. Theriogenology 2024; 217:25-36. [PMID: 38241912 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2024.01.013] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Telocytes represent a relatively recently discovered population of interstitial cells with a unique morphological structure that distinguishes them from other neighboring cells. Through their long protrusions extending from the cell body, telocytes create microenvironments via tissue compartmentalization and create homo- and hetero-cellular junctions. These establish a three-dimensional network enabling the maintenance of interstitial compartment homeostasis through regulation of extracellular matrix organization and activity, structural support, paracrine and juxtracrine communication, immunomodulation, immune surveillance, cell survival, and apoptosis. The presence of telocytes has also been confirmed in testicular interstitial tissue of many species of animals. The objective of this review is to summarize recent findings on telocytes in the male gonad, on which conclusions have been deduced that indicate the involvement of telocytes in maintaining the cytoarchitecture of the testicular interstitial tissue, in the processes of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis, and photoperiod-mediated changes in the testes in seasonally reproductive animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Pawlicki
- Center of Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Redzina 1c, 30-248, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Begum Yurdakok-Dikmen
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ankara University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ankara, 06110, Dışkapı, Turkey.
| | - Waclaw Tworzydlo
- Department of Developmental Biology and Invertebrate Morphology, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa 9, 30-385, Krakow, Poland.
| | - Malgorzata Kotula-Balak
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Preclinical Sciences, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland.
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3
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Sanches BDA, Tamarindo GH, da Silva ADT, Amaro GM, Dos Santos Maldarine J, Dos Santos VA, Guerra LHA, Baraldi CMB, Góes RM, Taboga SR, Carvalho HF. Stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1) increases the number of telocytes in ex vivo and in vitro assays. Histochem Cell Biol 2023; 160:419-433. [PMID: 37474667 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02223-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Telocytes are interstitial cells that are present in various tissues, have long cytoplasmic projections known as telopodes, and are classified as CD34+ cells. Telopodes form extensive networks that permeate the stroma, and there is evidence that these networks connect several stromal cell types, giving them an important role in intercellular communication and the maintenance of tissue organisation. Data have also shown that these networks can be impaired and the number of telocytes reduced in association with many pathological conditions such as cancer and fibrosis. Thus, techniques that promote telocyte proliferation have become an important therapeutic target. In this study, ex vivo and in vitro assays were conducted to evaluate the impact on prostatic telocytes of SDF-1, a factor involved in the proliferation and migration of CD34+ cells. SDF-1 caused an increase in the number of telocytes in explants, as well as morphological changes that were possibly related to the proliferation of these cells. These changes involved the fusion of telopode segments, linked to an increase in cell body volume. In vitro assays also showed that SDF-1 enriched prostate stromal cells with telocytes. Altogether, the data indicate that SDF-1 may offer promising uses in therapies that aim to increase the number of telocytes. However, further studies are needed to confirm the efficiency of this factor in different tissues/pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Domingos Azevedo Sanches
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Bertrand Russel Av., Carl Von Linnaeus Street., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Henrique Tamarindo
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Bertrand Russel Av., Carl Von Linnaeus Street., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alana Della Torre da Silva
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo St., São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, 2265, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Matheus Amaro
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo St., São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, 2265, Brazil
| | - Juliana Dos Santos Maldarine
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Bertrand Russel Av., Carl Von Linnaeus Street., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vitória Alário Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo St., São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, 2265, Brazil
| | - Luiz Henrique Alves Guerra
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo St., São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, 2265, Brazil
| | - Carolina Marques Bedolo Baraldi
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo St., São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, 2265, Brazil
| | - Rejane Maira Góes
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo St., São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, 2265, Brazil
| | - Sebastião Roberto Taboga
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo St., São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, 2265, Brazil
| | - Hernandes F Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Bertrand Russel Av., Carl Von Linnaeus Street., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Meng X, Ding B, Zhu Z, Ma Q, Wang Q, Feng Y, Liu Y, Wang J, Yang P. Evaluation of the Plasticity of Novel Regulatory Cells-Telocytes-in the Gonad of the Male Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle ( Pelodiscus sinensis) Associated with Seasonal Reproductive Activity. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF MICROSCOPY SOCIETY OF AMERICA, MICROBEAM ANALYSIS SOCIETY, MICROSCOPICAL SOCIETY OF CANADA 2022; 28:1-9. [PMID: 36204971 DOI: 10.1017/s1431927622012302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Telocyte (TC)—a new type of interstitial cell with long telopodes, can form cellular junctions with various tissues or cells to participate in the regulation of multitudes of physiological activities and diseases. This study aimed to characterize the morphology, molecular features, and potential functions of hormone regulation in Chinese soft-shelled turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) testis TCs at different reproductive stages by histological evaluation, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and transmission electron microscopy. During hibernation, TCs were widely distributed in the interstitial tissue. In contrast, during reproductive activity, TCs were noted to be in close proximity with peritubular myoid cells surrounding the seminiferous tubule. Moreover, formed cell–cell junctions were observed between TCs and PTMs. The results of IHC and IF showed that the immunophenotype of testicular TCs in hibernating Chinese soft-shelled turtles is CD34+Vimentin−, while the reproductive telopodes (Tps) show low expression of vimentin. The androgen receptor is expressed in Tps of TCs of testis during hibernation. Our results showed also that TCs in seasonal breeding animals regulate the activity of neighboring cells by releasing extracellular microvesicles (EXMVs), thus influencing the activity of spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. Consideration of our novel and interesting results indicate that the whole area warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangfei Meng
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Baitao Ding
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhaoxuan Zhu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Qianhui Ma
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Qi Wang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yongchao Feng
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yue Liu
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jia Wang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Ping Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
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Maldarine JS, Sanches BDA, Santos VA, Góes RM, Vilamaior PSL, Carvalho HF, Taboga SR. The complex role of telocytes in female prostate tumorigenesis in a rodent model. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1495-1509. [PMID: 35598087 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The prostate is not an organ exclusive to the male. It is also found in females of several species, including humans, in which part of the Skene gland is homologous to the male prostate. Evidence is accumulating that changes in the stroma are central to tumorigenesis. Equally, telocytes, a recently discovered type of interstitial cell, are essential for the maintenance of stromal organization. However, it is still uncertain whether there are telocytes in the female prostate and if they play a role in tumorigenesis. The present study used ultrastructural and immunofluorescence techniques to investigate the presence of telocytes in the prostate of Mongolian gerbil females, a rodent model that often has a functional prostate in females, as well as to assess the impact of a combination of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea, testosterone, and estradiol on telocytes. The results point to the presence of telocytes in the female prostate in the perialveolar and interalveolar regions, and reveal that these cells are absent in regions of benign and premalignant lesions in the gland, in which the perialveolar smooth muscle is altered. Additionally, telocytes are also closely associated with infiltrated immune cells in the stroma. Our data suggest that telocytes are important for both the maintenance of smooth muscle and prostatic epithelium integrity, which indicates a protective role against the advancement of tumorigenesis. But telocytes are also associated with immune cells and a proinflammatory/proangiogenic role for these cells cannot be ruled out, implying that telocytes have a complex role in prostatic tumorigenesis in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana S Maldarine
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bruno D A Sanches
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vitória A Santos
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rejane M Góes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patricia S L Vilamaior
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hernandes F Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sebastião R Taboga
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Universidade Estadual Paulista-UNESP, São Paulo, Brazil
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Wei XJ, Chen TQ, Yang XJ. Telocytes in Fibrosis Diseases: From Current Findings to Future Clinical Perspectives. Cell Transplant 2022; 31:9636897221105252. [PMID: 35748420 PMCID: PMC9235300 DOI: 10.1177/09636897221105252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs), a distinct type of interstitial (stromal) cells, have been discovered in many organs of human and mammal animals. TCs, which have unique morphological characteristics and abundant paracrine substance, construct a three-dimensional (3D) interstitial network within the stromal compartment by homocellular and heterocellular communications which are important for tissue homeostasis and normal development. Fibrosis-related diseases remain a common but challenging problem in the field of medicine with unclear pathogenesis and limited therapeutic options. Recently, increasing evidences suggest that where TCs are morphologically or numerically destructed, many diseases continuously develop, finally lead to irreversible interstitial fibrosis. It is not difficult to find that TCs are associated with chronic inflammation and fibrosis. This review mainly discusses relationship between TCs and the occurrence of fibrosis in various diseases. We analyzed in detail the potential roles and speculated mechanisms of TCs in onset and progression of systemic fibrosis diseases, as well as providing the most up-to-date research on the current therapeutic roles of TCs and involved related pathways. Only through continuous research and exploration in the future can we uncover its magic veil and provide strategies for treatment of fibrosis-related disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-jiao Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P.R.
China
| | - Tian-quan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P.R.
China
| | - Xiao-jun Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and
Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, P.R.
China
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Scleroderma-like Impairment in the Network of Telocytes/CD34 + Stromal Cells in the Experimental Mouse Model of Bleomycin-Induced Dermal Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222212407. [PMID: 34830288 PMCID: PMC8620338 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Considerable evidence accumulated over the past decade supports that telocytes (TCs)/CD34+ stromal cells represent an exclusive type of interstitial cells identifiable by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) or immunohistochemistry in various organs of the human body, including the skin. By means of their characteristic cellular extensions (telopodes), dermal TCs are arranged in networks intermingled with a multitude of neighboring cells and, hence, they are thought to contribute to skin homeostasis through both intercellular contacts and releasing extracellular vesicles. In this context, fibrotic skin lesions from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc, scleroderma) appear to be characterized by a disruption of the dermal network of TCs, which has been ascribed to either cell degenerative processes or possible transformation into profibrotic myofibroblasts. In the present study, we utilized the well-established mouse model of bleomycin-induced scleroderma to gain further insights into the TC alterations found in cutaneous fibrosis. CD34 immunofluorescence revealed a severe impairment in the dermal network of TCs/CD34+ stromal cells in bleomycin-treated mice. CD31/CD34 double immunofluorescence confirmed that CD31-/CD34+ TC counts were greatly reduced in the skin of bleomycin-treated mice compared with control mice. Ultrastructural signs of TC injury were detected in the skin of bleomycin-treated mice by TEM. The analyses of skin samples from mice treated with bleomycin for different times by either TEM or double immunostaining and immunoblotting for the CD34/α-SMA antigens collectively suggested that, although a few TCs may transition to α-SMA+ myofibroblasts in the early disease stage, most of these cells rather undergo degeneration, and then are lost. Taken together, our data demonstrate that TC changes in the skin of bleomycin-treated mice mimic very closely those observed in human SSc skin, which makes this experimental model a suitable tool to (i) unravel the pathological mechanisms underlying TC damage and (ii) clarify the possible contribution of the TC loss to the development/progression of dermal fibrosis. In perspective, these findings may have important implications in the field of skin regenerative medicine.
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Sanches BDA, Maldarine JS, Vilamaior PSL, Felisbino SL, Carvalho HF, Taboga SR. Stromal cell interplay in prostate development, physiology, and pathological conditions. Prostate 2021; 81:926-937. [PMID: 34254335 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Advances in prostatic stroma studies over the past few decades have demonstrated that the stroma not only supports and nourishes the gland's secretory epithelium but also participates in key aspects of morphogenesis, in the prostate's hormonal metabolism, and in the functionality of the secretory epithelium. Furthermore, the stroma is implicated in the onset and progression of prostate cancer through the formation of the so-called reactive stroma, which corresponds to a tumorigenesis-permissive microenvironment. Prostatic stromal cells are interconnected and exchange paracrine signals among themselves in a gland that is highly sensitive to endocrine hormones. There is a growing body of evidence that telocytes, recently detected interstitial cells that are also present in the prostate, are involved in stromal organization, so that their processes form a network of interconnections with both the epithelium and the other stromal cells. The present review provides an update on the different types of prostate stromal cells, their interrelationships and implications for prostate development, physiology and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno D A Sanches
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Juliana S Maldarine
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Patricia S L Vilamaior
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, São Paulo State University-UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
| | - Sergio L Felisbino
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University-UNESP, Botucatu, Brazil
| | - Hernandes F Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Sebastião R Taboga
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, São Paulo State University-UNESP, São José do Rio Preto, Brazil
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Sha Y, Liu W, Wei X, Zhu X, Tang B, Zhang X, Yang X, Wang Y, Wang X. Pathogenic variants of ATG4D in infertile men with non-obstructive azoospermia identified using whole-exome sequencing. Clin Genet 2021; 100:280-291. [PMID: 33988247 DOI: 10.1111/cge.13995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Non-obstructive azoospermia (NOA) is the most severe form of male infertility, and it is primarily associated with genetic defects. We performed whole-exome sequencing of 236 patients with NOA and identified a homozygous pathogenic variant of autophagy-related 4D cysteine peptidase (ATG4D) in two siblings from a consanguineous family and compound heterozygous pathogenic variants of ATG4D in two sporadic cases. The expression of LC3B, a regulator of autophagic activity, was significantly decreased, and the apoptosis rate of spermatogenic cells in testicular tissues was increased. Transfection of GC-2spd cells with a ATG4D mutant plasmid (Flag-Atg4dmut ) significantly decreased the expression level of Lc3b and increased the rate of apoptosis. Moreover, a pathogenic variant in X-linked ATG4A and compound heterozygous pathogenic variants of ATG4B were identified in one patient each. All novel variants were segregated by disease phenotype and were predicted to be pathogenic. Our findings revealed that autophagy-related cysteine peptidase family genes may play crucial roles in human spermatogenesis and identified ATG4D as a novel candidate gene for male infertility due to NOA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Sha
- Department of Andrology, United Diagnostic and Research Centre for Clinical Genetics, School of Public Health & Women and Children's Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wensheng Liu
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xingshen Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Bowen Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoya Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoyu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Clinical Centre of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yifeng Wang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Centre, Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
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Sanches BDA, Tamarindo GH, Maldarine JDS, Da Silva ADT, Dos Santos VA, Góes RM, Taboga SR, Carvalho HF. Telocytes of the male urogenital system: Interrelationships, possible functions, and pathological implications. Cell Biol Int 2021; 45:1613-1623. [PMID: 33856089 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The male urogenital system is composed of the reproductive system and the urinary tract; they have an interconnected embryonic development and share one of their anatomical components, the urethra. This system has a highly complex physiology deeply interconnected with the circulatory and nervous systems, as well as being capable of adapting to environmental variations; it also undergoes changes with aging and, in the case of the reproductive system, with seasonality. The stroma is an essential component in this physiological plasticity and its complexity has increased with the description in the last decade of a new cell type, the telocyte. Several studies have demonstrated the presence of telocytes in the organs of the male urogenital system and other systems; however, their exact function is not yet known. The present review addresses current knowledge about telocytes in the urogenital system in terms of their locations, interrelationships, possible functions and pathological implications. It has been found that telocytes in the urogenital system possibly have a leading role in stromal tissue organization/maintenance, in addition to participation in stem cell niches and an association with the immune system, as well as specific functions in the urogenital system, lipid synthesis in the testes, erythropoiesis in the kidneys and the micturition reflex in the bladder. There is also evidence that telocytes are involved in pathologies in the kidneys, urethra, bladder, prostate, and testes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Domingos Azevedo Sanches
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Henrique Tamarindo
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Dos Santos Maldarine
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alana Della Torre Da Silva
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Department of Biology, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vitória Alário Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Department of Biology, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rejane Maira Góes
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Department of Biology, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sebastião Roberto Taboga
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Department of Biology, Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hernandes F Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Díaz-Flores L, Gutiérrez R, García MP, González-Gómez M, Carrasco JL, Alvarez-Argüelles H, Díaz-Flores L. Telocytes/CD34+ Stromal Cells in Pathologically Affected White Adipose Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249694. [PMID: 33353193 PMCID: PMC7767010 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied telocytes/CD34+ stromal cells (TCs/CD34+SCs) in pathologically affected white adipose tissue after briefly examining them in normal fat. To this aim, we reviewed pathological processes, including original contributions, in which TCs/CD34+SCs are conserved, increased, and lost, or acquire a specific arrangement. The pathologic processes in which TCs/CD34+SCs are studied in adipose tissue include inflammation and repair through granulation tissue, iatrogenic insulin-amyloid type amyloidosis, non-adipose tissue components (nerve fascicles and fibres in neuromas and hyperplastic neurogenic processes) and tumours (signet ring carcinoma with Krukenberg tumour and colon carcinoma) growing in adipose tissue, adipose tissue tumours (spindle cell lipoma, dendritic fibromyxolipoma, pleomorphic lipoma, infiltrating angiolipoma of skeletal muscle and elastofibrolipoma), lipomatous hypertrophy of the interatrial septum, nevus lipomatosus cutaneous superficialis of Hoffman–Zurhelle and irradiated adipose tissue of the perirectal and thymic regions. Two highly interesting issues emerged: (1) whether the loss of CD34 expression in TCs/CD34+SCs is by changes in marker expression or the disappearance of these cells (the findings suggest the first possibility) and (2) whether in some invasive and metastatic malignant tumours, TCs/CD34+SCs that completely surround neoplastic cells act as nurse and/or isolating cells. Further studies are required on adipose tissue TCs/CD34+SCs, mainly in lipomatosis and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 3071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (J.L.C.); (H.A.-A.); (L.D.-F.J.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-922-319317; Fax: +34-922-319279
| | - Ricardo Gutiérrez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 3071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (J.L.C.); (H.A.-A.); (L.D.-F.J.)
| | - Ma Pino García
- Department of Pathology, Eurofins® Megalab–Hospiten Hospitals, 38100 Tenerife, Spain;
| | - Miriam González-Gómez
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 3071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (J.L.C.); (H.A.-A.); (L.D.-F.J.)
| | - Jose Luís Carrasco
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 3071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (J.L.C.); (H.A.-A.); (L.D.-F.J.)
| | - Hugo Alvarez-Argüelles
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 3071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (J.L.C.); (H.A.-A.); (L.D.-F.J.)
| | - Lucio Díaz-Flores
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of La Laguna, 3071 Tenerife, Spain; (R.G.); (M.G.-G.); (J.L.C.); (H.A.-A.); (L.D.-F.J.)
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12
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Sanches BDA, Tamarindo GH, Dos Santos Maldarine J, da Silva ADT, Dos Santos VA, Lima MLD, Rahal P, Góes RM, Taboga SR, Felisbino SL, Carvalho HF. Telocytes contribute to aging-related modifications in the prostate. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21392. [PMID: 33288817 PMCID: PMC7721742 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78532-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Telocytes are interstitial cells present in the stroma of several organs, including the prostate. There is evidence that these cells are present during prostate alveologenesis, in which these cells play a relevant role, but there is no information about the presence of and possible changes in telocytes during prostate aging. Throughout aging, the prostate undergoes several spontaneous changes in the stroma that are pro-pathogenic. Our study used histochemistry, 3D reconstructions, ultrastructure and immunofluorescence to compare the adult prostate with the senile prostate of the Mongolian gerbil, in order to investigate possible changes in telocytes with senescence and a possible role for these cells in the age-associated alterations. It was found that the layers of perialveolar smooth muscle become thinner as the prostatic alveoli become more dilated during aging, and that telocytes form a network that involves smooth muscle cells, which could possibly indicate a role for telocytes in maintaining the integrity of perialveolar smooth muscles. On the other hand, with senescence, VEGF+ telocytes are seen in stroma possibly contributing to angiogenesis, together with TNFR1+ telocytes, which are associated with a pro-inflammatory microenvironment in the prostate. Together, these data indicate that telocytes are important both in understanding the aging-related changes that are seen in the prostate and also in the search for new therapeutic targets for pathologies whose frequency increases with age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Domingos Azevedo Sanches
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Bertrand Russel Av., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Henrique Tamarindo
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Bertrand Russel Av., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Dos Santos Maldarine
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Bertrand Russel Av., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alana Della Torre da Silva
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo St., 2265, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vitória Alário Dos Santos
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo St., 2265, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria Letícia Duarte Lima
- Laboratory of Genome Studies, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo St., 2265, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula Rahal
- Laboratory of Genome Studies, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo St., 2265, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rejane Maira Góes
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo St., 2265, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sebastião Roberto Taboga
- Laboratory of Microscopy and Microanalysis, Department of Biology, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Cristóvão Colombo St., 2265, São José Do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sérgio Luis Felisbino
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix, Institute of Biosciences, São Paulo State University - UNESP, Prof. Dr. Antônio Celso Wagner Zanin St., 250, Rubião Júnior District, Botucatu, São Paulo, 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Hernandes F Carvalho
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Bertrand Russel Av., Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.
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13
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Gohlke AL, Amin MB, Smith SC. CD34 positive tubular basement membrane in testicular germ cell tumours: a potential staging pitfall. Histopathology 2020; 77:331-333. [PMID: 32356916 DOI: 10.1111/his.14131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Gohlke
- Department of Pathology, VCU School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Mahul B Amin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Steven C Smith
- Department of Pathology, VCU School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA.,Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, VCU School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, USA
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14
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Marini M, Tani A, Manetti M, Sgambati E. Characterization and distribution of sialic acids in human testicular seminoma. Acta Histochem 2020; 122:151532. [PMID: 32143917 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2020.151532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant content of sialic acids (Sias) has been observed in various human cancer types in different organs. Sias have been implicated in cancerous transformation, invasiveness and metastasis, and in the escaping of cancer cells from immune surveillance. Indeed, Sias are commonly regarded as important biomarkers to distinguish cancer cells from their healthy counterparts. However, scarce and not exhaustive investigations have been performed on Sia content in testicular cancers and, in particular, in seminoma, one of the most common malignant testicular tumors. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the content and distribution of Sias with different glycosidic linkage, namely α2,3 and α2,6 galactose- or N-acetyl-galactosamine-linked Sias and polymeric Sia (polySia), in the germinal and stromal components of human testes affected by seminoma compared to normal testicular tissue. Structural changes in seminoma tissue were examined using hematoxylin-eosin staining. α2,3 and α2,6 linked Sias were evaluated by lectin histochemistry (Maackia amurensis agglutinin (MAA) and Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA)), while confocal immunofluorescence was used for polySia detection. Histopathological findings in seminoma tissue included loss of seminiferous tubules replaced by clusters of uniform polygonal cells with a clear cytoplasm, bundles of fibrotic tissue, numerous microvessels and some atrophic tubules. The content of α2,3 and α2,6 linked Sias was lost in almost all seminoma components respect to normal tissue, with the exception of microvessels in which it was higher. On the contrary, polySia level was increased in all the seminoma components compared to normal testicular tissue. Our findings suggest that an aberrant content of different Sias might have important and differential roles in seminoma development and progression. In particular, polySia might be implicated in seminoma progression by promoting cancer invasiveness and regulating the cross-talk between cancer cells, reactive stroma and vessels. Thus, the possibility that polySia might represent an important biomarker for seminoma deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirca Marini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | - Alessia Tani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | - Mirko Manetti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Sgambati
- Department of Biosciences and Territory, University of Molise, Contrada Fonte Lappone, 86090 Pesche (Isernia), Italy.
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15
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Rosa I, Marini M, Sgambati E, Ibba-Manneschi L, Manetti M. Telocytes and lymphatic endothelial cells: Two immunophenotypically distinct and spatially close cell entities. Acta Histochem 2020; 122:151530. [PMID: 32115248 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2020.151530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) have recently emerged as a peculiar type of stromal cells located in both perivascular and interstitial compartments of multiple anatomical sites in humans, other mammals and vertebrates. Pioneer electron microscopy studies have ultrastructurally defined TCs as "stromal cells with telopodes" (i.e. very long and thin cell processes with a moniliform morphology conferred by the irregular alternation of slender segments and small, bead-like, dilated portions), whereupon it has become apparent that TCs largely correspond to the CD34+ stromal/interstitial cells detectable by immunohistochemical assays. Besides CD34, TCs are also characterized by the expression of platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR)α. Interestingly, recent works recommended that lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC) markers should be routinely assessed to discriminate with certainty TCs from LECs, because these two cell types may exhibit similar morphological traits, especially when initial lymphatics are sectioned longitudinally and appear as vascular profiles with no obvious lumen. Furthermore, it has been argued that lymphatic microvessels immunostained for the small mucin-type transmembrane glycoprotein podoplanin (PDPN), which is widely used as lymphatic endothelial marker, can be easily misidentified as TCs. Nevertheless, surprisingly these assumptions were not based on double tissue immunostaining for TC and LEC markers. Therefore, the present morphological study was undertaken to precisely investigate the mutual spatial organization and putative relationships of TCs and lymphatic vessels in tissues from different human organs. For this purpose, we carried out a series of double immunofluorescence analyses simultaneously detecting the CD34 or PDGFRα antigen and a marker of LECs, either PDPN or lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 (LYVE-1). In the connective tissue compartment of different organs, TCs were CD34+/PDGFRα+/PDPN-/LYVE-1- while LECs were CD34-/PDGFRα-/PDPN+/LYVE-1+, thus representing two definitely distinct, though spatially close, cell entities. The arrangement of telopodes to intimately surround the abluminal side of LECs suggests a possible role of TCs in the regulation of lymphatic capillary functionality, which is worth investigating further.
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