N-cadherin plays a role in the synapse-like structures between mast cells and neurites.
Communication between nerves and mast cells is a prototypic demonstration of neuro-immune interaction. Numerous studies have shown that the stimulation of nerves (or addition of neurotransmitters) can evoke activation of mast cells, and that mast cell-derived mediators can influence neuronal activity. However, the molecules involved in the membrane-membrane contacts between nerves and mast cells are still unknown. Here, we used an in vitro co-culture approach comprising interaction between immune (bone marrow-derived mast cell, BMMC) and nerve cells (superior cervical ganglia, SCG). The experiments showed clearly that the nerve-mast cell communication was supported by synapse-like structure and that N-cadherin, not E-cadherin, played an essential role in the synapse-like structure. In addition, we found that the synapse-like structure was assisted by clustering of beta-catenin to N-cadherin.
Suzuki
Akio
A
Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Japan.
Suzuki
Ryo
R
Furuno
Tadahide
T
Teshima
Reiko
R
Nakanishi
Mamoru
M
D000818:Animals; D015820:Cadherins / Q000502:physiology*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D005260:Female; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008808:Mice, Inbred CBA; D016501:Neurites / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D013569:Synapses / Q000502:physiology* / Q000648:ultrastructure
D015820:Cadherins