Abstract
Adherens junctions (AJs) are cell-cell and cell-matrix junctions that are known to comprise of transmembrane and cytoplasmic components linked to the f-actin cytoskeleton. Although the presence of AJs has been confirmed in normal human epidermis, previous studies immunolocalizing AJ-related antigens have been controversial. The purpose of this study was to produce a more precise molecular mapping of AJs and their constituents in relation to desmosomes in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Using an electron microscopy (EM) method to optimally fix plasma membranes, AJ structures were typically seen as a narrowing of the intercellular space between two keratinocytes that was distinct from desmosomes and gap junctions. Such structures were consistently found more frequently in the upper epidermis than in the basal layer. Immunogold electron microscopy showed an absence of the AJ components (E-cadherin and β-catenin) from desmosomal areas but they were present at interdesmosomal areas at sites of close membrane association. Conversely, the desmosomal components plakoglobin and plakophilin 1 were restricted only to the outer attachment plaque of the desmosome. These results further confirm that AJs have a distinct molecular composition and distribution from desmosomes and that they regularly occur between desmosomes along the keratinocyte plasma membrane to provide alternative cell-cell adhesion mechanisms.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 747-754 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | Experimental Dermatology |
| Volume | 12 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2003 Dec |
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Keywords
- Cell adhesion molecules
- E-cadherin
- Immunoelectron microscopy
- Plakoglobin
- Plakophilin 1
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Dermatology
Cite this
Immunomolecular mapping of adherens junction and desmosomal components in normal human epidermis. / Ishiko, Akira; Matsunaga, Y.; Masunaga, T.; Aiso, S.; Nishikawa, T.; Shimizu, H.
In: Experimental Dermatology, Vol. 12, No. 6, 12.2003, p. 747-754.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Immunomolecular mapping of adherens junction and desmosomal components in normal human epidermis
AU - Ishiko, Akira
AU - Matsunaga, Y.
AU - Masunaga, T.
AU - Aiso, S.
AU - Nishikawa, T.
AU - Shimizu, H.
PY - 2003/12
Y1 - 2003/12
N2 - Adherens junctions (AJs) are cell-cell and cell-matrix junctions that are known to comprise of transmembrane and cytoplasmic components linked to the f-actin cytoskeleton. Although the presence of AJs has been confirmed in normal human epidermis, previous studies immunolocalizing AJ-related antigens have been controversial. The purpose of this study was to produce a more precise molecular mapping of AJs and their constituents in relation to desmosomes in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Using an electron microscopy (EM) method to optimally fix plasma membranes, AJ structures were typically seen as a narrowing of the intercellular space between two keratinocytes that was distinct from desmosomes and gap junctions. Such structures were consistently found more frequently in the upper epidermis than in the basal layer. Immunogold electron microscopy showed an absence of the AJ components (E-cadherin and β-catenin) from desmosomal areas but they were present at interdesmosomal areas at sites of close membrane association. Conversely, the desmosomal components plakoglobin and plakophilin 1 were restricted only to the outer attachment plaque of the desmosome. These results further confirm that AJs have a distinct molecular composition and distribution from desmosomes and that they regularly occur between desmosomes along the keratinocyte plasma membrane to provide alternative cell-cell adhesion mechanisms.
AB - Adherens junctions (AJs) are cell-cell and cell-matrix junctions that are known to comprise of transmembrane and cytoplasmic components linked to the f-actin cytoskeleton. Although the presence of AJs has been confirmed in normal human epidermis, previous studies immunolocalizing AJ-related antigens have been controversial. The purpose of this study was to produce a more precise molecular mapping of AJs and their constituents in relation to desmosomes in normal human epidermal keratinocytes. Using an electron microscopy (EM) method to optimally fix plasma membranes, AJ structures were typically seen as a narrowing of the intercellular space between two keratinocytes that was distinct from desmosomes and gap junctions. Such structures were consistently found more frequently in the upper epidermis than in the basal layer. Immunogold electron microscopy showed an absence of the AJ components (E-cadherin and β-catenin) from desmosomal areas but they were present at interdesmosomal areas at sites of close membrane association. Conversely, the desmosomal components plakoglobin and plakophilin 1 were restricted only to the outer attachment plaque of the desmosome. These results further confirm that AJs have a distinct molecular composition and distribution from desmosomes and that they regularly occur between desmosomes along the keratinocyte plasma membrane to provide alternative cell-cell adhesion mechanisms.
KW - Cell adhesion molecules
KW - E-cadherin
KW - Immunoelectron microscopy
KW - Plakoglobin
KW - Plakophilin 1
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=0346339895&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=0346339895&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1111/j.0906-6705.2003.00083.x
DO - 10.1111/j.0906-6705.2003.00083.x
M3 - Article
C2 - 14714553
AN - SCOPUS:0346339895
VL - 12
SP - 747
EP - 754
JO - Experimental Dermatology
JF - Experimental Dermatology
SN - 0906-6705
IS - 6
ER -