scholarly journals Tight junctions in Schwann cells of peripheral myelinated axons

2005 ◽  
Vol 169 (3) ◽  
pp. 527-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tatsuo Miyamoto ◽  
Kazumasa Morita ◽  
Daisuke Takemoto ◽  
Kosei Takeuchi ◽  
Yuka Kitano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Tight Junction ◽  
Adhesion Molecules ◽  
Schwann Cells ◽  
Nerve Conduction ◽  
Physiological Function ◽  
Node Of Ranvier ◽  
Behavioral Abnormalities ◽  
Deficient Mice

Tight junction (TJ)–like structures have been reported in Schwann cells, but their molecular composition and physiological function remain elusive. We found that claudin-19, a novel member of the claudin family (TJ adhesion molecules in epithelia), constituted these structures. Claudin-19–deficient mice were generated, and they exhibited behavioral abnormalities that could be attributed to peripheral nervous system deficits. Electrophysiological analyses showed that the claudin-19 deficiency affected the nerve conduction of peripheral myelinated fibers. Interestingly, the overall morphology of Schwann cells lacking claudin-19 expression appeared to be normal not only in the internodal region but also at the node of Ranvier, except that TJs completely disappeared, at least from the outer/inner mesaxons. These findings have indicated that, similar to epithelial cells, Schwann cells also bear claudin-based TJs, and they have also suggested that these TJs are not involved in the polarized morphogenesis but are involved in the electrophysiological “sealing” function of Schwann cells.

scholarly journals Heterophilic Binding of L1 on Unmyelinated Sensory Axons Mediates Schwann Cell Adhesion and Is Required for Axonal Survival

1999 ◽  
Vol 146 (5) ◽  
pp. 1173-1184 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.A. Haney ◽  
Z. Sahenk ◽  
C. Li ◽  
V.P. Lemmon ◽  
J. Roder ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Schwann Cell ◽  
Schwann Cells ◽  
Sensory Nerves ◽  
Sensory Function ◽  
Trophic Effect ◽  
Unmyelinated Fibers ◽  
Sensory Axons ◽  
Unmyelinated Axons ◽  
Deficient Mice

This study investigated the function of the adhesion molecule L1 in unmyelinated fibers of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) by analysis of L1- deficient mice. We demonstrate that L1 is present on axons and Schwann cells of sensory unmyelinated fibers, but only on Schwann cells of sympathetic unmyelinated fibers. In L1-deficient sensory nerves, Schwann cells formed but failed to retain normal axonal ensheathment. L1-deficient mice had reduced sensory function and loss of unmyelinated axons, while sympathetic unmyelinated axons appeared normal. In nerve transplant studies, loss of axonal-L1, but not Schwann cell-L1, reproduced the L1-deficient phenotype. These data establish that heterophilic axonal-L1 interactions mediate adhesion between unmyelinated sensory axons and Schwann cells, stabilize the polarization of Schwann cell surface membranes, and mediate a trophic effect that assures axonal survival.

scholarly journals Neuroglian, Gliotactin, and the Na+/K+ ATPase are essential for septate junction function in Drosophila

2003 ◽  
Vol 161 (5) ◽  
pp. 979-989 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jennifer L. Genova ◽  
Richard G. Fehon
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Tight Junction ◽  
Septate Junction ◽  
Barrier Functions ◽  
Na Pump ◽  
Essential Function ◽  
Α And Β Subunits ◽  
Paracellular Flow

One essential function of epithelia is to form a barrier between the apical and basolateral surfaces of the epithelium. In vertebrate epithelia, the tight junction is the primary barrier to paracellular flow across epithelia, whereas in invertebrate epithelia, the septate junction (SJ) provides this function. In this study, we identify new proteins that are required for a functional paracellular barrier in Drosophila. In addition to the previously known components Coracle (COR) and Neurexin (NRX), we show that four other proteins, Gliotactin, Neuroglian (NRG), and both the α and β subunits of the Na+/K+ ATPase, are required for formation of the paracellular barrier. In contrast to previous reports, we demonstrate that the Na pump is not localized basolaterally in epithelial cells, but instead is concentrated at the SJ. Data from immunoprecipitation and somatic mosaic studies suggest that COR, NRX, NRG, and the Na+/K+ ATPase form an interdependent complex. Furthermore, the observation that NRG, a Drosophila homologue of vertebrate neurofascin, is an SJ component is consistent with the notion that the invertebrate SJ is homologous to the vertebrate paranodal SJ. These findings have implications not only for invertebrate epithelia and barrier functions, but also for understanding of neuron–glial interactions in the mammalian nervous system.

scholarly journals Studies of adhesion molecules mediating interactions between cells of peripheral nervous system indicate a major role for L1 in mediating sensory neuron growth on Schwann cells in culture.

1988 ◽  
Vol 107 (1) ◽  
pp. 341-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
B Seilheimer ◽  
M Schachner
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Dorsal Root Ganglion ◽  
Schwann Cell ◽  
Neurite Outgrowth ◽  
Adhesion Molecules ◽  
Schwann Cells ◽  
Dorsal Root ◽  
Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons ◽  
Ganglion Neurons ◽  
Large Neurons

The involvement of the adhesion molecules L1, N-CAM, and J1 in adhesion and neurite outgrowth in the peripheral nervous system was investigated. We prepared Schwann cells and fibroblasts (from sciatic nerves) and neurons (from dorsal root ganglia) from 1-d mice. These cells were allowed to interact with each other in a short-term adhesion assay. We also measured outgrowth of dorsal root ganglion neurons on Schwann cell and fibroblast monolayers. Schwann cells (which express L1, N-CAM, and J1) adhered most strongly to dorsal root ganglion neurons by an L1-dependent mechanism and less by N-CAM and J1. Schwann cell-Schwann cell adhesion was mediated by L1 and N-CAM, but not J1. Adhesion of fibroblasts (which express N-CAM, but not L1 or J1) to neurons or Schwann cells was mediated by L1 and N-CAM and not J1. However, inhibition by L1 and N-CAM antibodies was found to be less pronounced with fibroblasts than with Schwann cells. N-CAM was also strongly involved in fibroblast-fibroblast adhesion. Neurite outgrowth was most extensive on Schwann cells and less on fibroblasts. A difference in extent of neurite elongation was seen between small- (10-20 microns) and large- (20-35 microns) diameter neurons, with the larger neurons tending to exhibit longer neurites. Fab fragments of polyclonal L1, N-CAM, and J1 antibodies exerted slightly different inhibitory effects on neurite outgrowth, depending on whether the neurites were derived from small or large neurons. L1 antibodies interfered most strikingly with neurite outgrowth on Schwann cells (inhibition of 88% for small and 76% for large neurons), while no inhibition was detectable on fibroblasts. Similarly, although to a smaller extent than L1, N-CAM appeared to be involved in neurite outgrowth on Schwann cells and not on fibroblasts. Antibodies to J1 only showed a very small effect on neurite outgrowth of large neurons on Schwann cells. These observations show for the first time that identified adhesion molecules are potent mediators of glia-dependent neurite formation and attribute to L1 a predominant role in neurite outgrowth on Schwann cells which may be instrumental in regeneration.

scholarly journals Polarization and Myelination in Myelinating Glia

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Toshihiro Masaki
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Epithelial Cells ◽  
Schwann Cells ◽  
Myelin Sheath ◽  
Nerve Impulse ◽  
Membrane System ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cell Polarization ◽  
Polarization Study ◽  
Myelinating Glia

Myelinating glia, oligodendrocytes in central nervous system and Schwann cells in peripheral nervous system, form myelin sheath, a multilayered membrane system around axons enabling salutatory nerve impulse conduction and maintaining axonal integrity. Myelin sheath is a polarized structure localized in the axonal side and therefore is supposed to be formed based on the preceding polarization of myelinating glia. Thus, myelination process is closely associated with polarization of myelinating glia. However, cell polarization has been less extensively studied in myelinating glia than other cell types such as epithelial cells. The ultimate goal of this paper is to provide insights for the field of myelination research by applying the information obtained in polarity study in other cell types, especially epithelial cells, to cell polarization of myelinating glia. Thus, in this paper, the main aspects of cell polarization study in general are summarized. Then, they will be compared with polarization in oligodendrocytes. Finally, the achievements obtained in polarization study for epithelial cells, oligodendrocytes, and other types of cells will be translated into polarization/myelination process by Schwann cells. Then, based on this model, the perspectives in the study of Schwann cell polarization/myelination will be discussed.

scholarly journals Aldose Reductase and the Polyol Pathway in Schwann Cells: Old and New Problems

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 1031
Author(s):  
Naoko Niimi ◽  
Hideji Yako ◽  
Shizuka Takaku ◽  
Sookja K. Chung ◽  
Kazunori Sango
Keyword(s):  
Schwann Cells ◽  
Aldose Reductase ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Polyol Pathway ◽  
Glucose Flux ◽  
Rate Limiting ◽  
Deficient Mice ◽  
Excess Glucose ◽  
Shed Light ◽  
Immortalized Schwann Cells

Aldose reductase (AR) is a member of the reduced nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH)-dependent aldo-keto reductase superfamily. It is also the rate-limiting enzyme of the polyol pathway, catalyzing the conversion of glucose to sorbitol, which is subsequently converted to fructose by sorbitol dehydrogenase. AR is highly expressed by Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The excess glucose flux through AR of the polyol pathway under hyperglycemic conditions has been suggested to play a critical role in the development and progression of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). Despite the intensive basic and clinical studies over the past four decades, the significance of AR over-activation as the pathogenic mechanism of DPN remains to be elucidated. Moreover, the expected efficacy of some AR inhibitors in patients with DPN has been unsatisfactory, which prompted us to further investigate and review the understanding of the physiological and pathological roles of AR in the PNS. Particularly, the investigation of AR and the polyol pathway using immortalized Schwann cells established from normal and AR-deficient mice could shed light on the causal relationship between the metabolic abnormalities of Schwann cells and discordance of axon-Schwann cell interplay in DPN, and led to the development of better therapeutic strategies against DPN.

scholarly journals Murine Esophagus Expresses Glial-Derived Central Nervous System Antigens

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 3233
Author(s):  
Christopher Kapitza ◽  
Rittika Chunder ◽  
Anja Scheller ◽  
Katherine S. Given ◽  
Wendy B. Macklin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Schwann Cells ◽  
Glial Cells ◽  
Proteolipid Protein ◽  
Pcr Analysis ◽  
Specific Expression ◽  
Enteric Glial Cells ◽  
Cell Type Specific Expression ◽  
Long Time

Multiple sclerosis (MS) has been considered to specifically affect the central nervous system (CNS) for a long time. As autonomic dysfunction including dysphagia can occur as accompanying phenomena in patients, the enteric nervous system has been attracting increasing attention over the past years. The aim of this study was to identify glial and myelin markers as potential target structures for autoimmune processes in the esophagus. RT-PCR analysis revealed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), proteolipid protein (PLP), and myelin basic protein (MBP) expression, but an absence of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) in the murine esophagus. Selected immunohistochemistry for GFAP, PLP, and MBP including transgenic mice with cell-type specific expression of PLP and GFAP supported these results by detection of (1) GFAP, PLP, and MBP in Schwann cells in skeletal muscle and esophagus; (2) GFAP, PLP, but no MBP in perisynaptic Schwann cells of skeletal and esophageal motor endplates; (3) GFAP and PLP, but no MBP in glial cells surrounding esophageal myenteric neurons; and (4) PLP, but no GFAP and MBP in enteric glial cells forming a network in the esophagus. Our results pave the way for further investigations regarding the involvement of esophageal glial cells in the pathogenesis of dysphagia in MS.

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