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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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Babadag S, Çelebi-Saltik B. A cellular regulator of the niche: telocyte. Tissue Barriers 2023; 11:2131955. [PMID: 36218299 PMCID: PMC10606812 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2022.2131955] [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: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Interstitial cells are present in the environment of stem cells in order to increase stem cell proliferation and differentiation and they are important to increase the efficiency of their transplantation. Telocytes (TCs) play an important role both in the preservation of tissue organ integrity and in the pathophysiology of many diseases, especially cancer. They make homo- or heterocellular contacts to form the structure of 3D network through their telopodes and deliver signaling molecules via a juxtacrine and/or paracrine association by budding shed vesicles into the vascular, nervous and endocrine systems. During this interaction, along with organelles, mRNA, microRNA, long non-coding RNA, and genomic DNA are transferred. This review article not only specifies the properties of TCs and their roles in the tissue organ microenvironment but also gives information about the factors that play a role in the transport of epigenetic information by TCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sena Babadag
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Hacettepe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Sihhiye, Turkey
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Turkey
| | - Betül Çelebi-Saltik
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Hacettepe University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Sihhiye, Turkey
- Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, Sihhiye, Turkey
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Soliman SA, Abd-Elhafeez HH, Abou-Elhamd AS, Kamel BM, Abdellah N, Mustafa FEZA. Role of Uterine Telocytes During Pregnancy. MICROSCOPY AND MICROANALYSIS 2023; 29:283-302. [DOI: 10.1093/micmic/ozac001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Endometrial remolding and angiogenesis are critical events that occur during pregnancy in order to establish uteroplacental vascular communication. This study investigated the role of uterine telocytes (TCs) in pregnancy. We analyzed the distribution of TCs and morphological changes in the endometrium of the gravid rabbit uterus at different stages of pregnancy: after ovulation, pre-implantation (day 7), post-implantation (days 8 and 9), and mid-pregnancy (day 14) and late (days 21–28) pregnancy. TCs gradually increased with the progression of pregnancy. They had distinctive telopodes (TPs) and podoms, with intranucleolar chromatin. The TCs established contact with decidual cells, growing a glandular epithelium, blood vessels, and immune cells, such as lymphocytes, neutrophils, and macrophages. The TCs underwent morphological changes at the post-implantation phase. They acquired thick and voluminous TPs, formed an extensive three-dimensional (3D) labyrinth at mid-pregnancy, and exhibited irregular-shaped nuclei and a dilated rough endoplasmic reticulum at late pregnancy. They also acquired a convoluted contour-formed complex network. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed an extensive 3D network in the endometrium, forming a condensed sheath at late pregnancy. Transmission electron microscopy and SEM detected fenestrated TPs, and TCs were identified by CD34 and vascular endothelial growth factor expression. TCs also expressed matrix metalloproteinase-9 and transforming growth factor beta-1. Results suggested that TCs might play an essential role in maternal placenta formation, especially decidualization, regulation of uterine gland development, and neovascularization of maternal uterine blood vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soha A Soliman
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University , Qena , Egypt
| | - Hanan H Abd-Elhafeez
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University , Assiut 71526 , Egypt
| | - Alaa S Abou-Elhamd
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University , Assiut 71526 , Egypt
- Department of Respiratory Therapy, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jazan University , Jazan , Saudi Arabia
| | - Basma Mohamed Kamel
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sadat City , Sadat City 32897 , Egypt
| | - Nada Abdellah
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University , Sohag 82524 , Egypt
| | - Fatma El-Zahraa A Mustafa
- Department of Cell and Tissues, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assiut University , Assiut 71526 , Egypt
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Aschacher T, Aschacher O, Schmidt K, Enzmann FK, Eichmair E, Winkler B, Arnold Z, Nagel F, Podesser BK, Mitterbauer A, Messner B, Grabenwöger M, Laufer G, Ehrlich MP, Bergmann M. The Role of Telocytes and Telocyte-Derived Exosomes in the Development of Thoracic Aortic Aneurysm. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094730. [PMID: 35563123 PMCID: PMC9099883 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of thoracic aortic aneurysms (TAA) is the degenerative remodeling of aortic wall, which leads to progressive aortic dilatation and resulting in an increased risk for aortic dissection or rupture. Telocytes (TCs), a distinct type of interstitial cells described in many tissues and organs, were recently observed in the aortic wall, and studies showed the potential regulation of smooth muscle cell (SMC) homeostasis by TC-released shed vesicles. The purpose of the present work was to study the functions of TCs in medial degeneration of TAA. During aneurysmal formation an increase of aortic TCs was identified in human surgical specimens of TAA-patients, compared to healthy thoracic aortic (HTA)-tissue. We found the presence of epithelial progenitor cells in the adventitial layer, which showed increased infiltration in TAA samples. For functional analysis, HTA- and TAA-telocytes were isolated, characterized, and compared by their protein levels, mRNA- and miRNA-expression profiles. We detected TC and TC-released exosomes near SMCs. TAA-TC-exosomes showed a significant increase of the SMC-related dedifferentiation markers KLF-4-, VEGF-A-, and PDGF-A-protein levels, as well as miRNA-expression levels of miR-146a, miR-221 and miR-222. SMCs treated with TAA-TC-exosomes developed a dedifferentiation-phenotype. In conclusion, the study shows for the first time that TCs are involved in development of TAA and could play a crucial role in SMC phenotype switching by release of extracellular vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Aschacher
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinic Floridsdorf and Karl Landsteiner Institute for Cardio-Vascular Research, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (B.W.); (Z.A.); (M.G.)
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (E.E.); (B.M.); (G.L.); (M.P.E.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-1-277-00-74316
| | - Olivia Aschacher
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Katy Schmidt
- Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Florian K. Enzmann
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Eva Eichmair
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (E.E.); (B.M.); (G.L.); (M.P.E.)
| | - Bernhard Winkler
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinic Floridsdorf and Karl Landsteiner Institute for Cardio-Vascular Research, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (B.W.); (Z.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Zsuzsanna Arnold
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinic Floridsdorf and Karl Landsteiner Institute for Cardio-Vascular Research, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (B.W.); (Z.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Felix Nagel
- Department of Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (F.N.); (B.K.P.)
| | - Bruno K. Podesser
- Department of Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (F.N.); (B.K.P.)
| | - Andreas Mitterbauer
- Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.M.); (M.B.)
| | - Barbara Messner
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (E.E.); (B.M.); (G.L.); (M.P.E.)
| | - Martin Grabenwöger
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Clinic Floridsdorf and Karl Landsteiner Institute for Cardio-Vascular Research, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (B.W.); (Z.A.); (M.G.)
| | - Günther Laufer
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (E.E.); (B.M.); (G.L.); (M.P.E.)
| | - Marek P. Ehrlich
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (E.E.); (B.M.); (G.L.); (M.P.E.)
| | - Michael Bergmann
- Department of General Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria; (A.M.); (M.B.)
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Zhu X, Wang Q, Pawlicki P, Wang Z, Pawlicka B, Meng X, Feng Y, Yang P. Telocytes and Their Structural Relationships With the Sperm Storage Tube and Surrounding Cell Types in the Utero-Vaginal Junction of the Chicken. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:852407. [PMID: 35400114 PMCID: PMC8987988 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.852407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs) are a new type of mesenchymal cells that have been discovered recently in many organs and tissues. However, studies of TCs in the avian reproductive system are still at the beginning. Chickens are one of the world's most popular domesticated animals, providing inexpensive but valuable proteins and nutrients from chickens and eggs to nourish the human bodies. Chickens have important scientific value; thus, understanding the reproductive system regulations seems to be important. The utero-vaginal junction is involved in the regulation of sperm storage. The sperm storage tube (SST) in the utero-vaginal junction stores sperm. The purpose of this study was to investigate the existence of TCs in the utero-vaginal junction of the chicken, and their structural relationships with the sperm storage tube and surrounding cell types. We studied the morphology, ultrastructure, and immune characterization of TCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Zhu
- College of Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Piotr Pawlicki
- Center of Experimental and Innovative Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ziyu Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bernadetta Pawlicka
- Laboratory of Genetics and Evolutionism, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Xiangfei Meng
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongchao Feng
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ping Yang
- MOE Joint International Research Laboratory of Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Yang
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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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Chen X, Zeng J, Huang Y, Gong M, Ye Y, Zhao H, Chen Z, Zhang H. Telocytes and their structural relationships with surrounding cell types in the skin of silky fowl by immunohistochemistrical, transmission electron microscopical and morphometric analysis. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101367. [PMID: 34325111 PMCID: PMC8334741 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Telocytes (TCs), a novel type of interstitial cells, were identified in various animals. Since TCs have not observed in avian skin, hence, we carried out immunohistochemistrical and transmission electron microscopical studies in the skin of the silky fowl to investigate the TCs. TCs appear as CD34, c-Kit, and PDGFRα immunopositive. The elongated TCs with 2 long and thin telopodes (Tps) are located in the dermis. Generally, a TC possesses a fusiform, ovoid and polygonal cell body with 2 Tps (lengths = 5.27-21.85 μm), which are uneven in thickness including thick sections - podoms (diameters = 0.40-0.47 μm) and thin sections - podomers (diameters = 0.03-0.04 μm). TCs/Tps are observed frequently in close proximity to neighboring cell types/structures, such as adipocytes, collagen fibers, and capillaries. Under a magnified field, homocellular TCs/Tps contacts are observed through gap junctions (distances = 0.01-0.05 μm), whereas some of TCs/Tps have heterocellular close contacts by point contacts with surrounding cells, including stem cells and melanocytes. The multivisicular bodies, especially exosomes (diameters = 0.09-0.23 μm) releasing from TCs/Tps are observed in close proximity to TCs/Tps. Our results illustrated that the novel type of interstitial cells - TCs are present in the dermis of the silky fowl, and they have special structural relationships with surrounding cell types. The study provides histological evidence for TCs involvement in intercellular communication, skin regeneration, and pigmentogenesis in avian skin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianshu Chen
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Jie Zeng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China
| | - Yujie Huang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Meiling Gong
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Yaqiong Ye
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Haiquan Zhao
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Zhisheng Chen
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan 528231, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jiangxi Agricultural University, Nanchang 330045, China.
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8
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Identification of PDGFRα-positive interstitial cells in the distal segment of the murine vas deferens. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7553. [PMID: 33824385 PMCID: PMC8024294 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87049-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor receptor-α (PDGFRα)-positive interstitial cells (ICs) are widely distributed in various organs and may be involved in the motility of various tubular organs. We, for the first time, aimed to investigate the distribution, immunohistochemical characteristics, and ultrastructure of PDGFRα-positive ICs in murine vas deferens, using confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and immuno-electron microscopy (immuno-EM). For immunofluorescence, we used antibodies against PDGFRα and other markers of ICs. PDGFRα-positive ICs were distributed widely in the lamina propria, smooth muscles, and serosal layers. Although most PDGFRα-positive ICs labeled CD34, they did not label CD34 in the subepithelial layers. Additionally, PDGFRα-positive ICs were in close proximity to each other, as also to the surrounding cells. TEM and immuno-EM findings revealed that PDGFRα-positive ICs established close physical interactions with adjacent ICs. Extracellular vesicles were also detected around the PDGFRα-positive ICs. Our morphological findings suggest that PDGFRα-positive ICs may have several subpopulations, which can play an important role in intercellular signaling via direct contact with the IC network and the extracellular vesicles in the murine vas deferens. Further investigation on PDGFRα-positive ICs in the vas deferens may lead to understanding the vas deferens mortility.
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Identification of Telocytes in the Pancreas of Turtles-A role in Cellular Communication. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21062057. [PMID: 32192184 PMCID: PMC7139993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21062057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of telocytes (TCs) has not yet been established in the pancreases of aquatic reptiles. Here, we report TCs in the exocrine pancreas of Pelodiscus sinensis using transmission electron microscope (TEM), immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) techniques. TCs surrounded the acini and ducts of the connective tissue of the exocrine pancreas and between lobules and gland cells. The cells were located preferably close to the blood vessels, interlobular ducts, and nerve fibers. Ultrastructurally, TCs exhibited small and large bodies with thick and thin portions, podoms, and podomers, and prolongations that form dichotomous branching with hetero-cellular and homo-cellular junctions. The podom (thick) portions showed caveolae, mitochondria, rough endoplasmic reticulum, and vesicles. The nucleus carries heterochromatin and is irregular in shape. The shape of TCs depends on the number of telopodes (Tps) bearing long, short, spindle, triangular, and "beads on a string" shapes with twisted, tortuous prolongations and ramifications. Shed extracellular vesicles and exosomes were found frequently released from projections and Tps within connective tissue in the vicinity of the acini and collagen fibers. IHC and IF results showed CD34+, α-SMA+, and vimentin+, long and triangle-shaped TCs, consistent with the TEM findings. The presence of shaded vesicles from TCs might implicate their possible role in immune surveillance, tissue regeneration as well as regulatory functions in the reptilian pancreas.
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Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical characteristics of telocytes in human scalp tissue. Sci Rep 2020; 10:1693. [PMID: 32015359 PMCID: PMC6997163 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-58628-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to characterize the location, morphology and ultrastructure of telocytes (TCs) in human scalp tissue. After obtaining approval for this study and informed consent from the patient, a scalp specimen was obtained. The distribution and morphology of TCs in human scalp tissue was assessed by immunohistochemical staining of CD34 and CD117/c-KIT, and the ultrastructure of TCs was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Immunohistochemical staining of CD34 revealed that TCs were located in the connective tissue of human scalp, and were concentrated around hair follicles (HFs), blood vessels, sweat glands, sebaceous glands and adipose lobules. Immunohistochemical staining of CD117 revealed that TCs were mainly located in the dermis of human scalp, surrounding the HFs and sweat glands. Under TEM, TCs were seen and confirmed by their special morphological features. These cells were spindle-shaped, had small cell bodies and long thin processes, and surrounded stem cell clusters in the bulge region of HFs. These results demonstrate that TCs in human scalp were positive for CD34 and CD117, and their strategic positioning surrounding stem cells suggests their possible involvement in local regeneration, remodeling and homeostasis of the skin.
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Varga I, Polák Š, Kyselovič J, Kachlík D, Danišovič Ľ, Klein M. Recently Discovered Interstitial Cell Population of Telocytes: Distinguishing Facts from Fiction Regarding Their Role in the Pathogenesis of Diverse Diseases Called "Telocytopathies". MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2019; 55:E56. [PMID: 30781716 PMCID: PMC6410178 DOI: 10.3390/medicina55020056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Revised: 01/14/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In recent years, the interstitial cells telocytes, formerly known as interstitial Cajal-like cells, have been described in almost all organs of the human body. Although telocytes were previously thought to be localized predominantly in the organs of the digestive system, as of 2018 they have also been described in the lymphoid tissue, skin, respiratory system, urinary system, meninges and the organs of the male and female genital tracts. Since the time of eminent German pathologist Rudolf Virchow, we have known that many pathological processes originate directly from cellular changes. Even though telocytes are not widely accepted by all scientists as an individual and morphologically and functionally distinct cell population, several articles regarding telocytes have already been published in such prestigious journals as Nature and Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. The telocyte diversity extends beyond their morphology and functions, as they have a potential role in the etiopathogenesis of different diseases. The most commonly described telocyte-associated diseases (which may be best termed "telocytopathies" in the future) are summarized in this critical review. It is difficult to imagine that a single cell population could be involved in the pathogenesis of such a wide spectrum of pathological conditions as extragastrointestinal stromal tumors ("telocytomas"), liver fibrosis, preeclampsia during pregnancy, tubal infertility, heart failure and psoriasis. In any case, future functional studies of telocytes in vivo will help to understand the mechanism by which telocytes contribute to tissue homeostasis in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Varga
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Štefan Polák
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Ján Kyselovič
- Fifth Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - David Kachlík
- Institute of Anatomy, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Ľuboš Danišovič
- Institute of Medical Biology, Genetics and Clinical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Martin Klein
- Institute of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia.
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Recently discovered interstitial cells termed telocytes: distinguishing cell-biological and histological facts from fictions. Biologia (Bratisl) 2018. [DOI: 10.2478/s11756-018-0162-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Awad M, Ghanem ME. Localization of telocytes in rabbits testis: Histological and immunohistochemical approach. Microsc Res Tech 2018; 81:1268-1274. [PMID: 30351479 DOI: 10.1002/jemt.23133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Telocyte (TC) is an interesting unique interstitial cell demonstrated in many human and animal tissues and organs. This study verified, for the first time, the pattern of TC distribution in the testicular tissue of New Zealand White rabbits using histological, immunohistochemical, and electron microscopic tools. Rabbit testicular tissue samples were obtained from three pairs of adult healthy New Zealand white rabbit by surgical procedures. The testicular tissues were stained with hematoxyline-eosin, Crossmon's trichrome and Periodic acid Schiff. The immunohistochemistry was performed using three different antibodies CD34, CD117, and vimentin. The testes were examined by scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Histologically, TCs formed a sheath surrounding the seminiferous tubules. Other TCs were located in the interstitial tissue of the rabbit testis. Immunohistochemically, TCs reacted strongly with CD34, CD117, and vimentin. Scanning electron microscopic findings clearly elucidated the spreading pattern of TCs and their cytoplasmic processes with the interstitial tissue including blood vessels. Both homocellular and heterocellular junctions were demonstrated by transmission electron microscope. On the basis of TCs distribution and connections, the before mentioned data suggested that, TCs may play a potential role in maintaining the testicular construction and regulation. A future work is needed to clarify the actual role played by TCs in monitoring testicular fertility. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Telocyte (TC) is a unique cell demonstrated in human and animal tissues. TCs formed a sheath surrounding the seminiferous tubules in rabbits and may be located in interstitial tissue. Immunohistochemically, TCs reacted strongly with CD34 and CD117.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud Awad
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elshabrawy Ghanem
- Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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