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Gupta J, Rangarajan ES, Troyanovsky RB, Indra I, Troyanovsky SM, Izard T. Plakophilin-3 Binds the Membrane and Filamentous Actin without Bundling F-Actin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9458. [PMID: 37298410 PMCID: PMC10253835 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119458] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Plakophilin-3 is a ubiquitously expressed protein found widely in epithelial cells and is a critical component of desmosomes. The plakophilin-3 carboxy-terminal domain harbors nine armadillo repeat motifs with largely unknown functions. Here, we report the 5 Å cryogenic electron microscopy (cryoEM) structure of the armadillo repeat motif domain of plakophilin-3, one of the smaller cryoEM structures reported to date. We find that this domain is a monomer or homodimer in solution. In addition, using an in vitro actin co-sedimentation assay, we show that the armadillo repeat domain of plakophilin-3 directly interacts with F-actin. This feature, through direct interactions with actin filaments, could be responsible for the observed association of extra-desmosomal plakophilin-3 with the actin cytoskeleton directly attached to the adherens junctions in A431 epithelial cells. Further, we demonstrate, through lipid binding analyses, that plakophilin-3 can effectively be recruited to the plasma membrane through phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate-mediated interactions. Collectively, we report on novel properties of plakophilin-3, which may be conserved throughout the plakophilin protein family and may be behind the roles of these proteins in cell-cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Gupta
- Cell Adhesion Laboratory, UF Scripps, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
| | | | - Regina B. Troyanovsky
- Department of Dermatology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 606112, USA
| | - Indrajyoti Indra
- Department of Dermatology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 606112, USA
| | - Sergey M. Troyanovsky
- Department of Dermatology, The Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 606112, USA
| | - Tina Izard
- Cell Adhesion Laboratory, UF Scripps, Jupiter, FL 33458, USA
- The Skaggs Graduate School, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
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2
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Gerber TS, Ridder DA, Schindeldecker M, Weinmann A, Duret D, Breuhahn K, Galle PR, Schirmacher P, Roth W, Lang H, Straub BK. Constitutive Occurrence of E:N-cadherin Heterodimers in Adherens Junctions of Hepatocytes and Derived Tumors. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162507. [PMID: 36010583 PMCID: PMC9406782 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell–cell junctions are pivotal for embryogenesis and tissue homeostasis but also play a major role in tumorigenesis, tumor invasion, and metastasis. E-cadherin (CDH1) and N-cadherin (CDH2) are two adherens junction’s transmembrane glycoproteins with tissue-specific expression patterns in epithelial and neural/mesenchymal cells. Aberrant expression has been implicated in the process of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) in malignant tumors. We could hitherto demonstrate cis-E:N-cadherin heterodimer in endoderm-derived cells. Using immunoprecipitation in cultured cells of the line PLC as well as in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-lysates, we isolated E-N-cadherin heterodimers in a complex with the plaque proteins α- and β-catenin, plakoglobin, and vinculin. In confocal laser scanning microscopy, E-cadherin co-localized with N-cadherin at the basolateral membrane of normal hepatocytes, hepatocellular adenoma (HCA), and in most cases of HCC. In addition, we analyzed E- and N-cadherin expression via immunohistochemistry in a large cohort of 868 HCCs from 570 patients, 25 HCA, and respective non-neoplastic liver tissue, and correlated our results with multiple prognostic markers. While E- or N-cadherin were similarly expressed in tumor sites with vascular invasion or HCC metastases, HCC with vascular encapsulated tumor clusters (VETC) displayed slightly reduced E-cadherin, and slightly increased N-cadherin expression. Analyzing The Cancer Genome Atlas patient cohort, we found that reduced mRNA levels of CDH1, but not CDH2 were significantly associated with unfavorable prognosis; however, in multivariate analysis, CDH1 did not correlate with prognosis. In summary, E- and N-cadherin are specific markers for hepatocytes and derived HCA and HCC. E:N-cadherin heterodimers are constitutively expressed in the hepatocytic lineage and only slightly altered in malignant progression, thereby not complying with the concept of EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiemo Sven Gerber
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Dirk Andreas Ridder
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Mario Schindeldecker
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Tissue Biobank, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Arndt Weinmann
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Diane Duret
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Kai Breuhahn
- Institute of Pathology, University Clinic Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter R. Galle
- 1st Department of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Peter Schirmacher
- Institute of Pathology, University Clinic Heidelberg, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wilfried Roth
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Hauke Lang
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Beate Katharina Straub
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Correspondence:
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3
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Ebert LM, Vandyke K, Johan MZ, DeNichilo M, Tan LY, Myo Min KK, Weimann BM, Ebert BW, Pitson SM, Zannettino ACW, Wallington-Beddoe CT, Bonder CS. Desmoglein-2 expression is an independent predictor of poor prognosis patients with multiple myeloma. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:1221-1240. [PMID: 34245117 PMCID: PMC8936512 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is the second most common haematological malignancy and is an incurable disease of neoplastic plasma cells (PC). Newly diagnosed MM patients currently undergo lengthy genetic testing to match chromosomal mutations with the most potent drug/s to decelerate disease progression. With only 17% of MM patients surviving 10‐years postdiagnosis, faster detection and earlier intervention would unequivocally improve outcomes. Here, we show that the cell surface protein desmoglein‐2 (DSG2) is overexpressed in ~ 20% of bone marrow biopsies from newly diagnosed MM patients. Importantly, DSG2 expression was strongly predictive of poor clinical outcome, with patients expressing DSG2 above the 70th percentile exhibiting an almost 3‐fold increased risk of death. As a prognostic factor, DSG2 is independent of genetic subtype as well as the routinely measured biomarkers of MM activity (e.g. paraprotein). Functional studies revealed a nonredundant role for DSG2 in adhesion of MM PC to endothelial cells. Together, our studies suggest DSG2 to be a potential cell surface biomarker that can be readily detected by flow cytometry to rapidly predict disease trajectory at the time of diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Ebert
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kate Vandyke
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Myeloma Research Laboratory, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - M Zahied Johan
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Mark DeNichilo
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lih Y Tan
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kay K Myo Min
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Benjamin M Weimann
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Brenton W Ebert
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stuart M Pitson
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Andrew C W Zannettino
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Myeloma Research Laboratory, Precision Medicine Theme, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Craig T Wallington-Beddoe
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, Australia.,Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park, SA, Australia
| | - Claudine S Bonder
- Centre for Cancer Biology, SA Pathology and University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Abstract
Intercalated discs (ICDs) are highly orchestrated structures that connect neighboring cardiomyocytes in the heart. Three major complexes are distinguished in ICD: desmosome, adherens junction (AJ), and gap junction (GJ). Desmosomes are major cell adhesion junctions that anchor cell membrane to the intermediate filament network; AJs connect the actin cytoskeleton of adjacent cells; and gap junctions metabolically and electrically connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cardiomyocytes. All these complexes work as a single unit, the so-called area composita, interdependently rather than individually. Mutation or altered expression of ICD proteins results in various cardiac diseases, such as ARVC (arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy), dilated cardiomyopathy, and hypotrophy cardiomyopathy, eventually leading to heart failure. In this article, we first review the recent findings on the structural organization of ICD and their functions and then focus on the recent advances in molecular pathogenesis of the ICD-related heart diseases, which include two major areas: i) the ICD gene mutations in cardiac diseases, and ii) the involvement of ICD proteins in signal transduction pathways leading to myocardium remodeling and eventual heart failure. These major ICD-related signaling pathways include Wnt/β-catenin pathway, p38 MAPK cascade, Rho-dependent serum response factor (SRF) signaling, calcineurin/NFAT signaling, Hippo kinase cascade, etc., which are differentially regulated in pathological conditions.
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Green KJ, Jaiganesh A, Broussard JA. Desmosomes: Essential contributors to an integrated intercellular junction network. F1000Res 2019; 8. [PMID: 31942240 PMCID: PMC6944264 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.20942.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of adhesive connections between cells was critical for the evolution of multicellularity and for organizing cells into complex organs with discrete compartments. Four types of intercellular junction are present in vertebrates: desmosomes, adherens junctions, tight junctions, and gap junctions. All are essential for the development of the embryonic layers and organs as well as adult tissue homeostasis. While each junction type is defined as a distinct entity, it is now clear that they cooperate physically and functionally to create a robust and functionally diverse system. During evolution, desmosomes first appeared in vertebrates as highly specialized regions at the plasma membrane that couple the intermediate filament cytoskeleton at points of strong cell–cell adhesion. Here, we review how desmosomes conferred new mechanical and signaling properties to vertebrate cells and tissues through their interactions with the existing junctional and cytoskeletal network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen J Green
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Avinash Jaiganesh
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joshua A Broussard
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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6
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Desmoglein 2 promotes vasculogenic mimicry in melanoma and is associated with poor clinical outcome. Oncotarget 2018; 7:46492-46508. [PMID: 27340778 PMCID: PMC5216812 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 06/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors can develop a blood supply not only by promoting angiogenesis but also by forming vessel-like structures directly from tumor cells, known as vasculogenic mimicry (VM). Understanding mechanisms that regulate VM is important, as these might be exploitable to inhibit tumor progression. Here, we reveal the adhesion molecule desmoglein 2 (DSG2) as a novel mediator of VM in melanoma. Analysis of patient-derived melanoma cell lines and tumor tissues, and interrogation of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, revealed that DSG2 is frequently overexpressed in primary and metastatic melanomas compared to normal melanocytes. Notably, this overexpression was associated with poor clinical outcome. DSG2+ melanoma cells self-organized into tube-like structures on Matrigel, indicative of VM activity, which was inhibited by DSG2 knockdown or treatment with a DSG2-blocking peptide. Mechanistic studies revealed that DSG2 regulates adhesion and cell-cell interactions during tube formation, but does not control melanoma cell viability, proliferation or motility. Finally, analysis of patient tumors revealed a correlation between DSG2 expression, VM network density and expression of VM-associated genes. These studies identify DSG2 as a key regulator of VM activity in human melanoma and suggest this molecule might be therapeutically targeted to reduce tumor blood supply and metastatic spread.
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Ebert LM, Tan LY, Johan MZ, Min KKM, Cockshell MP, Parham KA, Betterman KL, Szeto P, Boyle S, Silva L, Peng A, Zhang Y, Ruszkiewicz A, Zannettino ACW, Gronthos S, Koblar S, Harvey NL, Lopez AF, Shackleton M, Bonder CS. A non-canonical role for desmoglein-2 in endothelial cells: implications for neoangiogenesis. Angiogenesis 2016; 19:463-86. [PMID: 27338829 PMCID: PMC5026727 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-016-9520-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Desmogleins (DSG) are a family of cadherin adhesion proteins that were first identified in desmosomes and provide cardiomyocytes and epithelial cells with the junctional stability to tolerate mechanical stress. However, one member of this family, DSG2, is emerging as a protein with additional biological functions on a broader range of cells. Here we reveal that DSG2 is expressed by non-desmosome-forming human endothelial progenitor cells as well as their mature counterparts [endothelial cells (ECs)] in human tissue from healthy individuals and cancer patients. Analysis of normal blood and bone marrow showed that DSG2 is also expressed by CD34+CD45dim hematopoietic progenitor cells. An inability to detect other desmosomal components, i.e., DSG1, DSG3 and desmocollin (DSC)2/3, on these cells supports a solitary role for DSG2 outside of desmosomes. Functionally, we show that CD34+CD45dimDSG2+ progenitor cells are multi-potent and pro-angiogenic in vitro. Using a ‘knockout-first’ approach, we generated a Dsg2 loss-of-function strain of mice (Dsg2lo/lo) and observed that, in response to reduced levels of Dsg2: (i) CD31+ ECs in the pancreas are hypertrophic and exhibit altered morphology, (ii) bone marrow-derived endothelial colony formation is impaired, (iii) ex vivo vascular sprouting from aortic rings is reduced, and (iv) vessel formation in vitro and in vivo is attenuated. Finally, knockdown of DSG2 in a human bone marrow EC line reveals a reduction in an in vitro angiogenesis assay as well as relocalisation of actin and VE-cadherin away from the cell junctions, reduced cell–cell adhesion and increased invasive properties by these cells. In summary, we have identified DSG2 expression in distinct progenitor cell subpopulations and show that, independent from its classical function as a component of desmosomes, this cadherin also plays a critical role in the vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Ebert
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, PO Box 14, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Lih Y Tan
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, PO Box 14, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - M Zahied Johan
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, PO Box 14, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Kay Khine Myo Min
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, PO Box 14, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Michaelia P Cockshell
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, PO Box 14, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Kate A Parham
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, PO Box 14, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Kelly L Betterman
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, PO Box 14, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Paceman Szeto
- Cancer Development and Treatment Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Samantha Boyle
- Cancer Development and Treatment Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lokugan Silva
- Cancer Development and Treatment Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Angela Peng
- Cancer Development and Treatment Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - YouFang Zhang
- Cancer Development and Treatment Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrew Ruszkiewicz
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, PO Box 14, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Andrew C W Zannettino
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Stan Gronthos
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Simon Koblar
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Natasha L Harvey
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, PO Box 14, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia
| | - Angel F Lopez
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, PO Box 14, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia.,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Mark Shackleton
- Cancer Development and Treatment Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Pathology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Claudine S Bonder
- Centre for Cancer Biology, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, PO Box 14, Rundle Mall, Adelaide, SA, 5000, Australia. .,Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.
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Rampazzo A, Calore M, van Hengel J, van Roy F. Intercalated Discs and Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 7:930-40. [DOI: 10.1161/circgenetics.114.000645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Rampazzo
- From the Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy (A.R., M.C.); Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Inflammation Research Center (IRC), VIB-Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (J.v.H., F.v.R.); and Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (J.v.H., F.v.R.)
| | - Martina Calore
- From the Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy (A.R., M.C.); Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Inflammation Research Center (IRC), VIB-Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (J.v.H., F.v.R.); and Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (J.v.H., F.v.R.)
| | - Jolanda van Hengel
- From the Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy (A.R., M.C.); Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Inflammation Research Center (IRC), VIB-Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (J.v.H., F.v.R.); and Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (J.v.H., F.v.R.)
| | - Frans van Roy
- From the Department of Biology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy (A.R., M.C.); Molecular Cell Biology Unit, Inflammation Research Center (IRC), VIB-Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (J.v.H., F.v.R.); and Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (J.v.H., F.v.R.)
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Nitoiu D, Etheridge SL, Kelsell DP. Insights into Desmosome Biology from Inherited Human Skin Disease and Cardiocutaneous Syndromes. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 21:129-40. [DOI: 10.3109/15419061.2014.908854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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10
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Peitsch WK, Doerflinger Y, Fischer-Colbrie R, Huck V, Bauer AT, Utikal J, Goerdt S, Schneider SW. Desmoglein 2 depletion leads to increased migration and upregulation of the chemoattractant secretoneurin in melanoma cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e89491. [PMID: 24558503 PMCID: PMC3928442 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0089491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
During development and progression of malignant melanoma, an important role has been attributed to alterations of cell-cell adhesions, in particular, to a “cadherin switch” from E- to N-cadherin. We have previously shown that a subtype of melanoma cells express the desmosomal cadherin desmoglein 2 as non-junction-bound cell surface protein in addition to classical cadherins. To study the role of desmoglein 2 in melanoma cells, melanoma lines containing high endogenous amounts of desmoglein 2 were depleted of the protein by RNA interference. Transwell migration and scratch wounding assays showed markedly increased migration upon desmoglein 2 suppression whereas proliferation and viability remained unaltered. In gene expression profiles, desmoglein 2 depletion was associated with overexpression of migration-related genes. Strongest overexpression was found for secretogranin II which has not been reported in melanoma cells before. The bioactive peptide derived from secretogranin II, secretoneurin, is known to exert chemoattractive functions and was demonstrated here to stimulate melanoma cell migration. In summary, we show that desmoglein 2 expression attenuates migration of melanoma cells. The mechanism of desmoglein 2 impaired cell migration is mediated by downregulation of secretogranin II. Loss of desmoglein 2 increases expression of secretogranin II, followed by an enhanced migratory activity of melanoma cells. Our data add a new pathway of regulating melanoma cell migration related to a desmoglein 2 – secretogranin II axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke K. Peitsch
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Helmholtz Group for Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Yvette Doerflinger
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Helmholtz Group for Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Volker Huck
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Alexander T. Bauer
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jochen Utikal
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Skin Cancer Unit, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sergij Goerdt
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Stefan W. Schneider
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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11
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Lindahl GE, Stock CJ, Shi-Wen X, Leoni P, Sestini P, Howat SL, Bou-Gharios G, Nicholson AG, Denton CP, Grutters JC, Maher TM, Wells AU, Abraham DJ, Renzoni EA. Microarray profiling reveals suppressed interferon stimulated gene program in fibroblasts from scleroderma-associated interstitial lung disease. Respir Res 2013; 14:80. [PMID: 23915349 PMCID: PMC3750263 DOI: 10.1186/1465-9921-14-80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2012] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interstitial lung disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc), with insufficiently effective treatment options. Progression of pulmonary fibrosis involves expanding populations of fibroblasts, and the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins. Characterisation of SSc lung fibroblast gene expression profiles underlying the fibrotic cell phenotype could enable a better understanding of the processes leading to the progressive build-up of scar tissue in the lungs. In this study we evaluate the transcriptomes of fibroblasts isolated from SSc lung biopsies at the time of diagnosis, compared with those from control lungs. METHODS We used Affymetrix oligonucleotide microarrays to compare the gene expression profile of pulmonary fibroblasts cultured from 8 patients with pulmonary fibrosis associated with SSc (SSc-ILD), with those from control lung tissue peripheral to resected cancer (n=10). Fibroblast cultures from 3 patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) were included as a further comparison. Genes differentially expressed were identified using two separate analysis programs following a set of pre-determined criteria: only genes significant in both analyses were considered. Microarray expression data was verified by qRT-PCR and/or western blot analysis. RESULTS A total of 843 genes were identified as differentially expressed in pulmonary fibroblasts from SSc-ILD and/or IPF compared to control lung, with a large overlap in the expression profiles of both diseases. We observed increased expression of a TGF-β response signature including fibrosis associated genes and myofibroblast markers, with marked heterogeneity across samples. Strongly suppressed expression of interferon stimulated genes, including antiviral, chemokine, and MHC class 1 genes, was uniformly observed in fibrotic fibroblasts. This expression profile includes key regulators and mediators of the interferon response, such as STAT1, and CXCL10, and was also independent of disease group. CONCLUSIONS This study identified a strongly suppressed interferon-stimulated gene program in fibroblasts from fibrotic lung. The data suggests that the repressed expression of interferon-stimulated genes may underpin critical aspects of the profibrotic fibroblast phenotype, identifying an area in pulmonary fibrosis that requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gisela E Lindahl
- Interstitial Lung Disease Unit, Royal Brompton Hospital and National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, Emmanuel Kaye Building, 1B Manresa Road, London SW3 6LR, UK.
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12
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Rusu M, Pop F, Mănoiu V, Lupuşoru M, Didilescu A. Zipper-like series of desmosomes supported by subplasmalemmal actin belts in thymic epithelial reticular cells in the rat. Ann Anat 2013; 195:359-364. [DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2013.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Revised: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Kowalczyk AP, Green KJ. Structure, function, and regulation of desmosomes. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2013; 116:95-118. [PMID: 23481192 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394311-8.00005-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Desmosomes are adhesive intercellular junctions that mechanically integrate adjacent cells by coupling adhesive interactions mediated by desmosomal cadherins to the intermediate filament cytoskeletal network. Desmosomal cadherins are connected to intermediate filaments by densely clustered cytoplasmic plaque proteins comprising members of the armadillo gene family, including plakoglobin and plakophilins, and members of the plakin family of cytolinkers, such as desmoplakin. The importance of desmosomes in tissue integrity is highlighted by human diseases caused by mutations in desmosomal genes, autoantibody attack of desmosomal cadherins, and bacterial toxins that selectively target desmosomal cadherins. In addition to reviewing the well-known roles of desmosomal proteins in tissue integrity, this chapter also highlights the growing appreciation for how desmosomal proteins are integrated with cell signaling pathways to contribute to vertebrate tissue organization and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Kowalczyk
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Pieperhoff S, Rickelt S, Heid H, Claycomb WC, Zimbelmann R, Kuhn C, Winter-Simanowski S, Kuhn C, Frey N, Franke WW. The plaque protein myozap identified as a novel major component of adhering junctions in endothelia of the blood and the lymph vascular systems. J Cell Mol Med 2012; 16:1709-19. [PMID: 21992629 PMCID: PMC3822684 DOI: 10.1111/j.1582-4934.2011.01463.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [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] [Received: 05/17/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently the protein myozap, a 54-kD polypeptide which is not a member of any of the known cytoskeletal and junctional protein multigene families, has been identified as a constituent of the plaques of the composite junctions in the intercalated disks connecting the cardiomyocytes of mammalian hearts. Using a set of novel, highly sensitive and specific antibodies we now report that myozap is also a major constituent of the cytoplasmic plaques of the adherens junctions (AJs) connecting the endothelial cells of the mammalian blood and lymph vascular systems, including the desmoplakin-containing complexus adhaerentes of the virgultar cells of lymph node sinus. In light and electron microscopic immunolocalization experiments we show that myozap colocalizes with several proteins of desmosomal plaques as well as with AJ-specific transmembrane molecules, including VE-cadherin. In biochemical analyses, rigorous immunoprecipitation experiments have revealed N-cadherin, desmoplakin, desmoglein-2, plakophilin-2, plakoglobin and plectin as very stably bound complex partners. We conclude that myozap is a general component of cell-cell junctions not only in the myocardium but also in diverse endothelia of the blood and lymph vascular systems of adult mammals, suggesting that this protein not only serves a specific role in the heart but also a broader set of functions in the vessel systems. We also propose to use myozap as an endothelial cell type marker in diagnoses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Pieperhoff
- Helmholtz Group Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)Heidelberg, Germany
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of EdinburghEdinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Department of Zoology and Faculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British ColumbiaVancouver, Canada
| | - Steffen Rickelt
- Helmholtz Group Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)Heidelberg, Germany
- Progen Biotechnik GmbH, HeidelbergGermany
| | - Hans Heid
- Helmholtz Group Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Ralf Zimbelmann
- Helmholtz Group Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Caecilia Kuhn
- Helmholtz Group Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)Heidelberg, Germany
- Progen Biotechnik GmbH, HeidelbergGermany
| | | | - Christian Kuhn
- Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital, Schleswig-HolsteinCampus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Norbert Frey
- Internal Medicine and Cardiology, Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital, Schleswig-HolsteinCampus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Werner W Franke
- Helmholtz Group Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ)Heidelberg, Germany
- Progen Biotechnik GmbH, HeidelbergGermany
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Franke WW, Pape UF. Diverse types of junctions containing tight junction proteins in stratified mammalian epithelia. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2012; 1257:152-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06504.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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16
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Rickelt S. Plakophilin-2: a cell-cell adhesion plaque molecule of selective and fundamental importance in cardiac functions and tumor cell growth. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 348:281-94. [PMID: 22281687 PMCID: PMC3349858 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-011-1314-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 12/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Within the characteristic ensemble of desmosomal plaque proteins, the armadillo protein plakophilin-2 (Pkp2) is known as a particularly important regulatory component in the cytoplasmic plaques of various other cell-cell junctions, such as the composite junctions (areae compositae) of the myocardiac intercalated disks and in the variously-sized and -shaped complex junctions of permanent cell culture lines derived therefrom. In addition, Pkp2 has been detected in certain protein complexes in the nucleoplasm of diverse kinds of cells. Using a novel set of highly sensitive and specific antibodies, both kinds of Pkp2, the junctional plaque-bound and the nuclear ones, can also be localized to the cytoplasmic plaques of diverse non-desmosomal cell-cell junction structures. These are not only the puncta adhaerentia and the fasciae adhaerentes connecting various types of highly proliferative non-epithelial cells growing in culture but also some very proliferative states of cardiac interstitial cells and cardiac myxomata, including tumors growing in situ as well as fetal stages of heart development and cultures of valvular interstitial cells. Possible functions and assembly mechanisms of such Pkp2-positive cell-cell junctions as well as medical consequences are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Rickelt
- Helmholtz Group for Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Rickelt S, Pieperhoff S. Mutations with pathogenic potential in proteins located in or at the composite junctions of the intercalated disk connecting mammalian cardiomyocytes: a reference thesaurus for arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies and for Naxos and Carvajal diseases. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 348:325-33. [PMID: 22450909 PMCID: PMC3349860 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1365-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
In the past decade, an avalanche of findings and reports has correlated arrhythmogenic ventricular cardiomyopathies (ARVC) and Naxos and Carvajal diseases with certain mutations in protein constituents of the special junctions connecting the polar regions (intercalated disks) of mature mammalian cardiomyocytes. These molecules, apparently together with some specific cytoskeletal proteins, are components of (or interact with) composite junctions. Composite junctions contain the amalgamated fusion products of the molecules that, in other cell types and tissues, occur in distinct separate junctions, i.e. desmosomes and adherens junctions. As the pertinent literature is still in an expanding phase and is obviously becoming important for various groups of researchers in basic cell and molecular biology, developmental biology, histology, physiology, cardiology, pathology and genetics, the relevant references so far recognized have been collected and are presented here in the following order: desmocollin-2 (Dsc2, DSC2), desmoglein-2 (Dsg2, DSG2), desmoplakin (DP, DSP), plakoglobin (PG, JUP), plakophilin-2 (Pkp2, PKP2) and some non-desmosomal proteins such as transmembrane protein 43 (TMEM43), ryanodine receptor 2 (RYR2), desmin, lamins A and C, striatin, titin and transforming growth factor-β3 (TGFβ3), followed by a collection of animal models and of reviews, commentaries, collections and comparative studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Rickelt
- Helmholtz Group for Cell Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 581, Building TP4, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Progen Biotechnik, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Pieperhoff
- BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen’s Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, 47 Little France Crescent, EH164TJ Edinburgh, Scotland UK
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Cardiac telocytes - their junctions and functional implications. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 348:265-79. [PMID: 22350946 PMCID: PMC3349856 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1333-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2011] [Accepted: 01/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) form a cardiac network of interstitial cells. Our previous studies have shown that TCs are involved in heterocellular contacts with cardiomyocytes and cardiac stem/progenitor cells. In addition, TCs frequently establish ‘stromal synapses’ with several types of immunoreactive cells in various organs (www.telocytes.com). Using electron microscopy (EM) and electron microscope tomography (ET), we further investigated the interstitial cell network of TCs and found that TCs form ‘atypical’ junctions with virtually all types of cells in the human heart. EM and ET showed different junction types connecting TCs in a network (puncta adhaerentia minima, processus adhaerentes and manubria adhaerentia). The connections between TCs and cardiomyocytes are ‘dot’ junctions with nanocontacts or asymmetric junctions. Junctions between stem cells and TCs are either ‘stromal synapses’ or adhaerens junctions. An unexpected finding was that TCs have direct cell–cell (nano)contacts with Schwann cells, endothelial cells and pericytes. Therefore, ultrastructural analysis proved that the cardiac TC network could integrate the overall ‘information’ from vascular system (endothelial cells and pericytes), nervous system (Schwann cells), immune system (macrophages, mast cells), interstitium (fibroblasts, extracellular matrix), stem cells/progenitors and working cardiomyocytes. Generally, heterocellular contacts occur by means of minute junctions (point contacts, nanocontacts and planar contacts) and the mean intermembrane distance is within the macromolecular interaction range (10–30 nm). In conclusion, TCs make a network in the myocardial interstitium, which is involved in the long-distance intercellular signaling coordination. This integrated interstitial system appears to be composed of large homotropic zones (TC–TC junctions) and limited (distinct) heterotropic zones (heterocellular junctions of TCs).
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Pieperhoff S. Gene Mutations Resulting in the Development of ARVC/D Could Affect Cells of the Cardiac Conduction System. Front Physiol 2012; 3:22. [PMID: 22363295 PMCID: PMC3281278 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to epithelial cells, cardiomyocytes are connected by complex hybrid-type adhering junctions, termed composite junctions (areae compositae). Composite junctions are found to be composed of typical desmosomal as well as adherens junction proteins. Therefore, in adult mammalian cardiomyocytes desmosomal proteins are not restricted to the relatively small desmosomes but are indirectly involved in anchoring the myofibrillar actin filaments. Subsequent investigations revealed that the formation of composite junctions is a rather late event during mammalian heart development and vertebrate heart evolution. Nascent, more round shaped cardiomyocytes of early developmental stages are connected by desmosomes and separate adherens junctions quite similar to cells of epithelial origin. During progression of development both types of adhering junctions seem to gradually fuse at the two poles of the mature mammalian cardiomyocytes to establish the hybrid-type composite junctions. Recently, we demonstrated that the specialized cardiomyocytes of the cardiac conduction system exhibit high amounts of desmosomes, not fully established composite junctions and adherens junctions. This underlines the fact that cells of the cardiac conduction system are known to resemble cardiomyocytes in their nascent state and do not undergo working myocardial differentiation. However, the astonishing high amount of desmosomal protein containing adhering junctions connecting, e.g., Purkinje fibers raises the possibility that pacemaker and conductive tissue may be affected by desmosomal gene mutations in ARVC/D patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Pieperhoff
- British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Scotland, UK
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The adhering junctions of valvular interstitial cells: molecular composition in fetal and adult hearts and the comings and goings of plakophilin-2 in situ, in cell culture and upon re-association with scaffolds. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 348:295-307. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-011-1315-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2011] [Accepted: 12/20/2011] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Brooke MA, Nitoiu D, Kelsell DP. Cell-cell connectivity: desmosomes and disease. J Pathol 2011; 226:158-71. [PMID: 21989576 DOI: 10.1002/path.3027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2011] [Revised: 10/03/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Cell-cell connectivity is an absolute requirement for the correct functioning of cells, tissues and entire organisms. At the level of the individual cell, direct cell-cell adherence and communication is mediated by the intercellular junction complexes: desmosomes, adherens, tight and gap junctions. A broad spectrum of inherited, infectious and auto-immune diseases can affect the proper function of intercellular junctions and result in either diseases affecting specific individual tissues or widespread syndromic conditions. A particularly diverse group of diseases result from direct or indirect disruption of desmosomes--a consequence of their importance in tissue integrity, their extensive distribution, complex structure, and the wide variety of functions their components accomplish. As a consequence, disruption of desmosomal assembly, structure or integrity disrupts not only their intercellular adhesive function but also their functions in cell communication and regulation, leading to such diverse pathologies as cardiomyopathy, epidermal and mucosal blistering, palmoplantar keratoderma, woolly hair, keratosis, epidermolysis bullosa, ectodermal dysplasia and alopecia. Here, as well as describing the importance of the other intercellular junctions, we focus primarily on the desmosome, its structure and its role in disease. We will examine the various pathologies that result from impairment of desmosome function and thereby demonstrate the importance of desmosomes to tissues and to the organism as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A Brooke
- Centre for Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, London, UK
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Intercellular adhering junctions with an asymmetric molecular composition: desmosomes connecting Merkel cells and keratinocytes. Cell Tissue Res 2011; 346:65-77. [PMID: 22006253 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-011-1260-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Accepted: 09/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Merkel cells (MCs) are special neuroendocrine epithelial cells that occur as individual cells or as cell groups within the confinements of a major epithelium formed and dominated by other epithelial cells. In the epidermis and some of its appendages MCs are mostly located in the basal cell layer, occasionally also in suprabasal layers and generally occur in linear arrays in outer root sheath cell layers of hair follicles. As MCs are connected to the adjacent keratinocytes by a series of adhering junctions (AJs), of which the desmosomes are the most prominent, these junctions represent heterotypic cell-cell connections, i.e. a kind of structure not yet elucidated in molecular terms. Therefore, we have studied these AJs in order to examine the molecular composition of the desmosomal halves. Using light- and electron-microscopic immunolocalization and keratin 20 as the MC-specific cell type marker we show that the plaques of the MC half of the desmosomes specifically and constitutively contain plakophilin Pkp2. This protein, however, is absent in the keratinocyte half of such heterotypic desmosomes which instead contains Pkp1 and/or Pkp3. We discuss the developmental, tissue-architectonic and functional importance of such asymmetric junctions in normal physiology as well as in diseases, in particular in the formation of distant tumor cell metastasis.
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The Misregulation of Cell Adhesion Components during Tumorigenesis: Overview and Commentary. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2010; 2010. [PMID: 20953359 PMCID: PMC2952821 DOI: 10.1155/2010/174715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2010] [Revised: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 09/10/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cell adhesion complexes facilitate attachment between cells or the binding of cells to the extracellular matrix. The regulation of cell adhesion is an important step in embryonic development and contributes to tissue homeostasis allowing processes such as differentiation and cell migration. Many mechanisms of cancer progression are reminiscent of embryonic development, for example, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and involve the disruption of cell adhesion and expression changes in components of cell adhesion structures. Tight junctions, adherens junctions, desmosomes, and focal adhesion besides their roles in cell-cell or cell-matrix interaction also possess cell signaling function. Perturbations of such signaling pathways can lead to cancer. This article gives an overview of the common structures of cell adhesion and summarizes the impact of their loss on cancer development and progression with articles highlighted from the present issue.
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