Real-time imaging of Ca(2+) mobilization and degranulation in mast cells.
Mast cells play a key role in allergy and inflammation processes as part of the immune response. The activation of mast cells via antigen binding and cross-linking of IgE receptors initiates the onset of dramatic calcium (Ca(2+)) mobilization dynamics that promote the release of mediators of inflammation and allergy. Ca(2+) signaling in mast cells has been studied extensively using a variety of research tools and techniques. In these studies, a large number of proteins have been identified to participate in various stages of these processes. Here we describe single-cell imaging as an important approach for examining Ca(2+) signaling and exocytosis in mast cells. Single-cell imaging tools have advanced significantly over the last 10 years, in part due to improvements in microscope technology and in part due to the development of a new generation of Ca(2+) indicators and genetically encoded Ca(2+) sensors. The single-cell imaging techniques described here provide the spatial and temporal resolution required to decipher the signaling events that are critical for mast cell functions.
Baker Institute for Animal Health, Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, NY, 14850, USA.
Roy
R
Cohen
David A
DA
Holowka
Barbara A
BA
Baird
D020013:Calcium Signaling; D015550:Cell Degranulation; D002460:Cell Line; D005089:Exocytosis; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000166:cytology*; D008853:Microscopy; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D059010:Single-Cell Analysis; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence; D013997:Time Factors