Endothelial and virgultar cell formations in the mammalian lymph node sinus: endothelial differentiation morphotypes characterized by a special kind of junction (complexus adhaerens)

Phenomena of Intussusceptive Angiogenesis and Intussusceptive Lymphangiogenesis in Blood and Lymphatic Vessel Tumors

Intussusceptive angiogenesis (IA) and intussusceptive lymphangiogenesis (IL) play a key role in the growth and morphogenesis of vessels. However, there are very few studies in this regard in vessel tumors (VTs). Our objective is to assess the presence, characteristics, and possible mechanisms of the formation of intussusceptive structures in a broad spectrum of VTs. For this purpose, examples of benign and malignant blood and lymphatic VTs were studied via conventional procedures, semithin sections, and immunochemistry and immunofluorescence microscopy. The results demonstrated intussusceptive structures (pillars, meshes, and folds) in benign (lobular capillary hemangioma or pyogenic granuloma, intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia or Masson tumor, sinusoidal hemangioma, cavernous hemangioma, glomeruloid hemangioma, angiolipoma, and lymphangiomas), low-grade malignancy (retiform hemangioendothelioma and Dabska tumor), and malignant (angiosarcoma and Kaposi sarcoma) VTs. Intussusceptive structures showed an endothelial cover and a core formed of connective tissue components and presented findings suggesting an origin through vessel loops, endothelialized thrombus, interendothelial bridges, and/or splitting and fusion, and conditioned VT morphology. In conclusion, the findings support the participation of IA and IL, in association with sprouting angiogenesis, in VTs, and therefore in their growth and morphogenesis, which is of pathophysiological interest and lays the groundwork for in-depth molecular studies with therapeutic purposes.

Nodal lymphangiogenesis and immunophenotypic variations of sinus endothelium in sentinel and non-sentinel lymph nodes of invasive breast carcinoma

Several studies have demonstrated the de novo formation of lymphatic vessels or the reorganization of lymphatic sinus in tumor-draining lymph nodes, partly preceding the detection of lymphatic metastases. This "lymphovascular niche"is supposed to facilitate the survival of metastatic tumor cells. Few studies on nodal lymphangiogenesis in invasive breast cancer (BC) have been published, not considering tumor-free sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) and tumor types. Specimens of SLN and/ or non-SLN (NSLN) of 95 patients with BC were examined immunohistochemically for expression of the lymphatic endothelial marker D2-40 (podoplanin) on lymphatic vessels and the subcapsular sinus. The number of D2-40-positive lymph vessels in metastases was evaluated with two morphometric methods (Chalkley count and number per HPF). Data was explored with respect to TNM parameters, grading, tumor type, size of metastasis, lymph vessel number and hormone receptor/HER2 status with appropriate statistical tests. Lymphangiogenesis was detected exclusively in and around BC metastases with both methods for lymph vessel quantification being equivalent. Lymph vessel number correlated with the size of metastases, being significantly higher in larger metastases (p < 0.001). There was no significant statistical difference with respect to tumor types. Intranodal lymphangiogenesis could not be verified by D2-40 staining in any of the tumor-free lymph nodes examined. However, D2-40 was frequently detected in sinus endothelial/virgultar cells of the subcapsular sinus, partly with strong uniform positivity. Staining intensity and stained proportion of the subcapsular sinus were markedly heterogeneous, significantly correlating with each other both in SLN and NSLN (p < 0.001). A higher proportion of D2-40 stained subcapsular sinus in SLN was significantly associated with worse overall survival (p = 0.0036) and an independent prognostic parameter in multivariate analysis (p = 0.033, HR 2.87). Further studies are necessary to elucidate the biological and clinical significance of the observed immunophenotypic variations of nodal sinus endothelium.

Therapeutic Intervention with Dietary Chitosan Nanoparticles Alleviates Fish Pathological and Molecular Systemic Inflammatory Responses against Infections

Marine bio-sourced chitosan nanoparticles (CSNP) are antimicrobial and immunomodulatory agents beneficial for fish medicine. Herein, dietary CSNP was investigated for the amelioration of the systemic inflammatory responses of an induced fish model. One hundred and forty-four rainbow trout were assigned to one pathogen-free and non-supplemented group (negative control), and three challenged groups: non-supplemented (positive control), CSNP-preventive, and CSNP-therapeutic. After a feeding experiment extended for 21 days, the organosomatic indices (OSI) and molecular aspects were assessed. After a challenge experiment extended for further 28 days, CSNP-therapeutic intervention was assessed on fish survival and systemic inflammatory responses on pathology, histo-morphology, and molecular aspects. With CSNP administration, OSI nonsignificantly decreased and the relative expression of targeted inflammatory-mediator genes was significantly increased. The CSNP-therapeutic fish showed an RPS of 80% as compared to the positive control group, and CSNP-therapeutic administration retained the highest gene expression augmentation up to 28 days after the challenge. Notably, the splenic reticulin fibers framework of the CSNP-therapeutic group retained the highest integrity among the groups during the infection. After recovery, reticulin fibers density in the CSNP-therapeutic samples was significantly higher than in the negative control group, which indicates high innate immunity. Thus, CSNP showed promising biotherapeutic features enhancing fish resistance against infections.

Intussusceptive angiogenesis and its counterpart intussusceptive lymphangiogenesis

Intussusceptive angiogenesis (IA) is currently considered an important alternative and complementary form of sprouting angiogenesis (SA). Conversely, intussusceptive lymphangiogenesis (IL) is in an initial phase of study. We compare their morphofunctional characteristics, since many can be shared by both processes. To that end, the following aspects are considered: A) The concept of IA and IL as the mechanism by which blood and lymphatic vessels split, expand and remodel through transluminal pillar formations (hallmarks of intussusception). B) Terminology and historical background, with particular reference to the group of Burri, including Djonov and Patan, who initiated and developed the vessel intussusceptive concept in blood vessels. C) Incidence in normal (e.g. in the sinuses of developing lymph nodes) and pathologic conditions, above all in vessel diseases, such as dilated veins in hemorrhoidal disease, intravascular papillary endothelial hyperplasia (IPEH), sinusoidal hemangioma, lobular capillary hemangioma, lymphangiomas/lymphatic malformations and vascular transformation of lymph nodes. D) Differences and complementarity between vessel sprouting and intussusception. E) Characteristics of the cover (endothelial cells) and core (connective tissue components) of pillars and requirements for pillar identification. F) Structures involved in pillar formation, including endothelial contacts of opposite vessel walls, interendothelial bridges, merged adjacent capillaries, vessel loops and spilt pillars. G) Structures resulting from pillars with intussusceptive microvascular growth, arborization, remodeling and segmentation (compartmentalization). H) Influence of intussusception in the morphogenesis of vessel tumors/ pseudotumors; and I) Hemodynamic and molecular control of vessel intussusception, including VEGF, PDGF BB, Hypoxia, Notch, Endoglobin and Nitric oxide.

Efficient homing of T cells via afferent lymphatics requires mechanical arrest and integrin-supported chemokine guidance

Little is known regarding lymph node (LN)-homing of immune cells via afferent lymphatics. Here, we show, using a photo-convertible Dendra-2 reporter, that recently activated CD4 T cells enter downstream LNs via afferent lymphatics at high frequencies. Intra-lymphatic immune cell transfer and live imaging data further show that activated T cells come to an instantaneous arrest mediated passively by the mechanical 3D-sieve barrier of the LN subcapsular sinus (SCS). Arrested T cells subsequently migrate randomly on the sinus floor independent of both chemokines and integrins. However, chemokine receptors are imperative for guiding cells out of the SCS, and for their subsequent directional translocation towards the T cell zone. By contrast, integrins are dispensable for LN homing, yet still contribute by increasing the dwell time within the SCS and by potentially enhancing T cell sensing of chemokine gradients. Together, these findings provide fundamental insights into mechanisms that control homing of lymph-derived immune cells.

Immune cells mostly enter lymph nodes (LN) from blood circulation, but whether afferent lymphatics contributes to LN entry is unclear. Here, the authors show, using a photo-convertible reporter, that T cells in afferent lymphatics frequently enter LN and become arrested in the subcapsular sinus, with chemokines and integrins further guiding their migration in the LN.

The cell-cell junctions of mammalian testes. III. Absence of an endothelial cell layer covering the peritubular wall of the seminiferous tubules-an immunocytochemical correction of a 50-year-old error in the literature

In the molecular biological and ultrastructural studies of the peritubular wall cells encasing the seminiferous tubules of mammalian testes, we found it necessary to characterize the outermost cell layer bordering on the interstitial space in detail. For half a century, the extremely thin cells of this monolayer have in the literature been regarded as part of a lymphatic endothelium, in particular in rodents. However, our double-label immunofluorescence microscopical results have shown that in all six mammalian species examined, including three rodent ones (rat, mouse, guinea pig), this classification is not correct: the very attenuated cells of this monolayer are not of lymphatic endothelial nature as they do not contain established endothelial marker molecules. In particular, they do not contain claudin-5-positive tight junctions, VE-cadherin-positive adherens junctions, "lymph vessel endothelium hyaluronan receptor 1" (LYVE-1), podoplanin, protein myozap and "von Willebrand Factor" (vWF). By contrast and as controls, all these established marker molecules for the lymphatic endothelial cell type are found in the endothelia of the lymph and-partly also-blood vessels located nearby in the interstitial space. Thus, our results provide evidence that the monolayer cells covering the peritubular wall do not contain endothelial marker molecules and hence are not endothelial cells. We discuss possible methodological reasons for the maintenance of this incorrect cell type classification in the literature and emphasize the value of molecular analyses using multiple cell type-specific markers, also with respect to physiology and medical sciences.

Intussusceptive lymphangiogenesis in the sinuses of developing human foetal lymph nodes

A meshwork of intraluminal processes in lymph node (LN) sinuses originates during LN development. Lymph flows through the meshwork, which has an important role in immunology and pathology. However, the formation mechanism of intraluminal processes has not been sufficiently studied. Our objective is to assess whether this mechanism is by intussusception, as occurs in transcapillary pillar formation in blood vessel intussusceptive angiogenesis. For this purpose, LNs with developing intrasinusal processes were used (human foetuses, 13-18GW) for serial histologic sections and immunohistochemical procedures. The studies showed (a) sinuses originating from lymphatic sacs around expanded LN anlagen, (b) intra-sinus structures (lined by anti-podoplanin⁺, VEGFR3⁺, Prox-1⁺, CD31⁺ lymphatic endothelial cells) with characteristics (in serial sections and 3D images) similar to those considered the hallmarks of intussusceptive angiogenesis, including pillars (≤2.5μm, with a collagen core), interstitial tissue structures (ITSs) or larger pillars (>2.5μm, with a more cellular core) and folds (that form pillars when spanning), and (c) remodelled and fused pillars, ITSs and folds, which formed meshworks, compartmentalizing the sinuses into small intercommunicating spaces (segmentation). In conclusion, intussusception participates in the formation of the meshwork of processes in LN sinuses during LN development. This mechanism is also of interest because it contributes to the general knowledge of intussusceptive lymphangiogenesis (which has received less attention than intussusception in blood vessels), provides a basis for further studies and supports a new role for vessel intussusception (formation of an intraluminal meshwork with known action in fluid filtering, cell interactions and immunology).

The role of apical cell-cell junctions and associated cytoskeleton in mechanotransduction

Tissues of multicellular organisms are characterised by several types of specialised cell-cell junctions. In vertebrate epithelia and endothelia, tight and adherens junctions (AJ) play critical roles in barrier and adhesion functions, and are connected to the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. The interaction between junctions and the cytoskeleton is crucial for tissue development and physiology, and is involved in the molecular mechanisms governing cell shape, motility, growth and signalling. The machineries which functionally connect tight and AJ to the cytoskeleton comprise proteins which either bind directly to cytoskeletal filaments, or function as adaptors for regulators of the assembly and function of the cytoskeleton. In the last two decades, specific cytoskeleton-associated junctional molecules have been implicated in mechanotransduction, revealing the existence of multimolecular complexes that can sense mechanical cues and translate them into adaptation to tensile forces and biochemical signals. Here, we summarise the current knowledge about the machineries that link tight and AJ to actin filaments and microtubules, and the molecular basis for mechanotransduction at epithelial and endothelial AJ.

MicroRNA-1 upregulation promotes myocardiocyte proliferation and suppresses apoptosis during heart development

Previous studies have investigated the role of microRNAs (miRs) in heart development to reveal the miRNA mechanism of action in congenital heart disease (CHD) in children. The present study aimed to investigate the role of miR‑1 in heart development in P19 cells. The mRNA level for miR‑1 in P19 cells was detected before or after cardiomyocyte differentiation, using reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Expression of cardiomyocyte differentiation markers was also analyzed. The effect of miR‑1 overexpression on the viability and apoptosis of differentiated P19 cells was assessed using MTT and Annexin V‑FITC assays, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of miR-1 on expression of markers of cell proliferation and apoptosis were also analyzed in differentiated P19 cells using western blotting. The results demonstrated that P19 cells were successfully differentiated into cardiomyocytes, and that endogenous miR‑1 expression was significantly decreased in differentiated P19 cells compared with undifferentiated P19 cells. Overexpression of miR‑1 resulted in increased viability in differentiated P19 cells and decreased apoptosis, compared with the normal control. In addition, expression of heart and neural crest derivatives expressed transcript 2 (Hand2) was increased in differentiated cells with miR‑1 overexpressed compared with normal cells, while caspase‑3 cleavage was decreased by miR‑1 overexpression. In conclusion, the present study suggested that miR-1 upregulation may be important in regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis in P19 differentiated cardiomyocytes by increasing Hand2 expression and suppressing caspase‑3 cleavage. The present study aimed to provide a theoretical basis for the explanation of the mechanism of CHD and investigate miR‑1 as a potential therapeutic target for its clinical treatment.

Striatins as plaque molecules of zonulae adhaerentes in simple epithelia, of tessellate junctions in stratified epithelia, of cardiac composite junctions and of various size classes of lateral adherens junctions in cultures of epithelia- and carcinoma-derived cells

Proteins of the striatin family (striatins 1–4; sizes ranging from 90 to 110 kDa on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) are highly homologous in their amino acid sequences but can differ in their cell-type-specific gene expression patterns and biological functions. In various cell types, we have found one, two or three polypeptides of this evolutionarily old and nearly ubiquitous family of proteins known to serve as scaffold proteins for diverse protein complexes. Light and electron microscopic immunolocalization methods have revealed striatins in mammalian cell-cell adherens junctions (AJs). In simple epithelia, we have localized striatins as constitutive components of the plaques of the subapical zonulae adhaerentes of cells, including intestinal, glandular, ductal and urothelial cells and hepatocytes. Striatins colocalize with E-cadherin or E–N-cadherin heterodimers and with the plaque proteins α- and β-catenin, p120 and p0071. In some epithelia and carcinomas and in cultured cells derived therefrom, striatins are also seen in lateral AJs. In stratified epithelia and in corresponding squamous cell carcinomas, striatins can be found in plaques of some forms of tessellate junctions. Moreover, striatins are major plaque proteins of composite junctions (CJs; areae compositae) in the intercalated disks connecting cardiomyocytes, colocalizing with other CJ molecules, including plectin and ankyrin-G. We discuss the “multimodulator” scaffold roles of striatins in the initiation and regulation of the formation of various complex particles and structures. We propose that striatins are included in the diagnostic candidate list of proteins that, in the CJs of human hearts, can occur in mutated forms in the pathogeneses of hereditary cardiomyopathies, as seen in some types of genetically determined heart damage in boxer dogs.

The cell-cell junctions of mammalian testes: I. The adhering junctions of the seminiferous epithelium represent special differentiation structures

The seminiferous tubules and the excurrent ducts of the mammalian testis are physiologically separated from the mesenchymal tissues and the blood and lymph system by a special structural barrier to paracellular translocations of molecules and particles: the "blood-testis barrier", formed by junctions connecting Sertoli cells with each other and with spermatogonial cells. In combined biochemical as well as light and electron microscopical studies we systematically determine the molecules located in the adhering junctions of adult mammalian (human, bovine, porcine, murine, i.e., rat and mouse) testis. We show that the seminiferous epithelium does not contain desmosomes, or "desmosome-like" junctions, nor any of the desmosome-specific marker molecules and that the adhering junctions of tubules and ductules are fundamentally different. While the ductules contain classical epithelial cell layers with E-cadherin-based adherens junctions (AJs) and typical desmosomes, the Sertoli cells of the tubules lack desmosomes and "desmosome-like" junctions but are connected by morphologically different forms of AJs. These junctions are based on N-cadherin anchored in cytoplasmic plaques, which in some subforms appear thick and dense but in other subforms contain only scarce and loosely arranged plaque structures formed by α- and β-catenin, proteins p120, p0071 and plakoglobin, together with a member of the striatin family and also, in rodents, the proteins ZO-1 and myozap. These N-cadherin-based AJs also include two novel types of junctions: the "areae adhaerentes", i.e., variously-sized, often very large cell-cell contacts and small sieve-plate-like AJs perforated by cytoplasm-to-cytoplasm channels of 5-7 nm internal diameter ("cribelliform junctions"). We emphasize the unique character of this epithelium that totally lacks major epithelial marker molecules and structures such as keratin filaments and desmosomal elements as well as EpCAM- and PERP-containing junctions. We also discuss the nature, development and possible functions of these junctions.

Mapping the distinctive populations of lymphatic endothelial cells in different zones of human lymph nodes

The lymphatic sinuses in human lymph nodes (LNs) are crucial to LN function yet their structure remains poorly defined. Much of our current knowledge of lymphatic sinuses derives from rodent models, however human LNs differ substantially in their sinus structure, most notably due to the presence of trabeculae and trabecular lymphatic sinuses that rodent LNs lack. Lymphatic sinuses are bounded and traversed by lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs). A better understanding of LECs in human LNs is likely to improve our understanding of the regulation of cell trafficking within LNs, now an important therapeutic target, as well as disease processes that involve lymphatic sinuses. We therefore sought to map all the LECs within human LNs using multicolor immunofluorescence microscopy to visualize the distribution of a range of putative markers. PROX1 was the only marker that uniquely identified the LECs lining and traversing all the sinuses in human LNs. In contrast, LYVE1 and STAB2 were only expressed by LECs in the paracortical and medullary sinuses in the vast majority of LNs studied, whilst the subcapsular and trabecular sinuses lacked these molecules. These data highlight the existence of at least two distinctive populations of LECs within human LNs. Of the other LEC markers, we confirmed VEGFR3 was not specific for LECs, and CD144 and CD31 stained both LECs and blood vascular endothelial cells (BECs); in contrast, CD59 and CD105 stained BECs but not LECs. We also showed that antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the sinuses could be clearly distinguished from LECs by their expression of CD169, and their lack of expression of PROX1 and STAB2, or endothelial markers such as CD144. However, both LECs and sinus APCs were stained with DCN46, an antibody commonly used to detect CD209.

Potential application of hydrolyzed fish collagen for inducing the multidirectional differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells

Hydrolyzed fish collagen (HFC) has recently attracted considerable attention because of its outstanding bioactivity. However, few studies have been performed to determine the biological effects of HFC on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), which are often used in regenerative medicine. In this study, the molecular weight, amino acid composition, and contact angle of HFC were measured. The influence of HFC on cell viability and the multidirectional differentiation of BMSCs into osteogenic, endothelial, adipogenic, chondrogenic, and neural lineages were also assessed. Furthermore, the mechanism by which HFC promotes osteogenesis was investigated at the protein level. The molecular weight of HFC ranged from 700 to 1300 Da, the contact angle of HFC was approximately 26°, and HFC was found to be composed of various amino acids, including glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. At a concentration of 0.2 mg/mL, HFC promoted cell viability, and significantly up-regulated the expression of osteogenic markers (RUNX2, ALP, OPN, and OCN), as well as endothelial markers (CD31, VE-cadherin, and VEGFR2). Western blot results indicated that treatment of BMSCs with 0.2 mg/mL HFC could activate the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway and then increase the protein level of RUNX2, while treatment with PD98059, a specific inhibitor of ERK1/2, could significantly inhibit the expression of P-ERK and RUNX2. Interestingly, real-time PCR demonstrated that HFC inhibited the expression of adipogenic markers (LPL and ADFP) and chondrogenic markers (aggrecan and COLII), whereas it had no effect on neural differentiation markers (MAP2 and β3-tubulin). In summary, this study suggests that without the use of any additional inducing reagent, HFC has the potential to actively promote osteogenic and endothelial differentiation because of its high hydrophilicity and the optimal extracellular microenvironment supplied by its amino acids. This research also revealed that HFC inhibited adipogenic and chondrogenic differentiation, but it had no influence on the neural differentiation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs).

Transmembrane protein PERP is a component of tessellate junctions and of other junctional and non-junctional plasma membrane regions in diverse epithelial and epithelium-derived cells

Protein PERP (p53 apoptosis effector related to PMP-22) is a small (21.4 kDa) transmembrane polypeptide with an amino acid sequence indicative of a tetraspanin character. It is enriched in the plasma membrane and apparently contributes to cell-cell contacts. Hitherto, it has been reported to be exclusively a component of desmosomes of some stratified epithelia. However, by using a series of newly generated mono- and polyclonal antibodies, we show that protein PERP is not only present in all kinds of stratified epithelia but also occurs in simple, columnar, complex and transitional epithelia, in various types of squamous metaplasia and epithelium-derived tumors, in diverse epithelium-derived cell cultures and in myocardial tissue. Immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy allow us to localize PERP predominantly in small intradesmosomal locations and in variously sized, junction-like peri- and interdesmosomal regions ("tessellate junctions"), mostly in mosaic or amalgamated combinations with other molecules believed, to date, to be exclusive components of tight and adherens junctions. In the heart, PERP is a major component of the composite junctions of the intercalated disks connecting cardiomyocytes. Finally, protein PERP is a cobblestone-like general component of special plasma membrane regions such as the bile canaliculi of liver and subapical-to-lateral zones of diverse columnar epithelia and upper urothelial cell layers. We discuss possible organizational and architectonic functions of protein PERP and its potential value as an immunohistochemical diagnostic marker.

Update on vascular neoplasms

This article provides an update on vascular neoplasms. New immunohistochemical markers for the diagnosis of vascular neoplasms tumor 1, infantile hemangiomas, myopericytomas, perivascular epithelial cell tumors, acquired elastotic hemangiomas, vascular proliferations in radiated skin, and new histopathologic variants of AIDS-related Kaposi sarcoma are explored.

The plaque protein myozap identified as a novel major component of adhering junctions in endothelia of the blood and the lymph vascular systems

Recently the protein myozap, a 54-kD polypeptide which is not a member of any of the known cytoskeletal and junctional protein multigene families, has been identified as a constituent of the plaques of the composite junctions in the intercalated disks connecting the cardiomyocytes of mammalian hearts. Using a set of novel, highly sensitive and specific antibodies we now report that myozap is also a major constituent of the cytoplasmic plaques of the adherens junctions (AJs) connecting the endothelial cells of the mammalian blood and lymph vascular systems, including the desmoplakin-containing complexus adhaerentes of the virgultar cells of lymph node sinus. In light and electron microscopic immunolocalization experiments we show that myozap colocalizes with several proteins of desmosomal plaques as well as with AJ-specific transmembrane molecules, including VE-cadherin. In biochemical analyses, rigorous immunoprecipitation experiments have revealed N-cadherin, desmoplakin, desmoglein-2, plakophilin-2, plakoglobin and plectin as very stably bound complex partners. We conclude that myozap is a general component of cell-cell junctions not only in the myocardium but also in diverse endothelia of the blood and lymph vascular systems of adult mammals, suggesting that this protein not only serves a specific role in the heart but also a broader set of functions in the vessel systems. We also propose to use myozap as an endothelial cell type marker in diagnoses.

Morphological studies of lymphatic labyrinths in the rat mesenteric lymph node

To supplement and correct the morphological features of lymphatic labyrinths (LLs) in rat mesenteric lymph node, the distribution, morphology and origin of LLs, and cellular elements in LLs, particularly the organization and integrity of the wall of LLs were examined by silver impregnation, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and immunohistochemistry. LLs consisted of labyrinthine tubules and ran through not only the periphery of the deep cortical unit (DCU) but interfollicular cortex. LLs originated at the edge of the center of the DCU and of the follicle. At the site of their origin, the fibers in the wall of LL were continuous with the fibers located in the follicle and the center of DCU. The wall of LLs was a trilaminar membrane: a layer of flattened lymphatic endothelium; a layer of fibroblastic reticular cells; and amorphous substance and collagen fibers sandwiched between the above two layers. Under SEM and TEM, the whole amoeboid lymphocytes were moving through the pores in the wall of LL, which showed that lymphocytes end their journey through the paracortical cord by migrating into LLs. Immunohistochemical lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronan receptor-1 expression was present in cells lining the LLs and intraluminal stellate cells, which may belong to the "sinus endothelial/virgultar cells." LLs are specific channels that are different from lymphatic sinuses. LL may be regarded as a special part of lymphatic vascular system in lymph nodes. We confirm that LLs are important transport pathway of lymphocytes in lymph nodes. The structural framework of LLs facilitates the migration of lymphocytes.

Transcriptional profiling of stroma from inflamed and resting lymph nodes defines immunological hallmarks

Lymph node stromal cells (LNSCs) closely regulate immunity and self-tolerance, yet key aspects of their biology remain poorly elucidated. Here, comparative transcriptomic analyses of mouse LNSC subsets demonstrated the expression of important immune mediators, growth factors and previously unknown structural components. Pairwise analyses of ligands and cognate receptors across hematopoietic and stromal subsets suggested a complex web of crosstalk. Fibroblastic reticular cells (FRCs) showed enrichment for higher expression of genes relevant to cytokine signaling, relative to their expression in skin and thymic fibroblasts. LNSCs from inflamed lymph nodes upregulated expression of genes encoding chemokines and molecules involved in the acute-phase response and the antigen-processing and antigen-presentation machinery. Poorly studied podoplanin (gp38)-negative CD31(-) LNSCs showed similarities to FRCs but lacked expression of interleukin 7 (IL-7) and were identified as myofibroblastic pericytes that expressed integrin α(7). Together our data comprehensively describe the transcriptional characteristics of LNSC subsets.

Lymph node homing of T cells and dendritic cells via afferent lymphatics

The continuous migration of immune cells is of utmost importance for the induction of both protective immunity as well as immunological tolerance. However, relatively little is known about the molecular cues that regulate the entry of immune cells from peripheral, nonlymphoid tissues into afferent lymph vessels and, in particular, their subsequent transmigration from afferent lymphatics into the parenchyma of draining lymph nodes (LNs). Here, we review the requirements for T cells and dendritic cells (DCs) to enter initial afferent lymph vessels of the skin. We discuss how these cells subsequently gain access to the paracortex of draining lymph nodes; a location that allows for efficient interaction between both cell populations, providing the right environment for the induction of immunity as well as tolerance.

Claudin-5 as an immunohistochemical marker for angiosarcoma and hemangioendotheliomas

Claudin-5 is a tight junction protein expressed in endothelial cells and in some epithelial cells. It has been shown as a marker in canine angiosarcoma; however, data on human mesenchymal tumors are limited. In this study, we examined claudin-5 in selected normal tissues, in 280 benign and malignant vascular tumors, and in 448 other epithelial, mesenchymal, and neuroectodermal tumors. Early human embryos showed limited claudin-5 expression in endothelia of large truncal vessels, in liver sinusoids, and in the epidermis. In adult human tissues, claudin-5 was widely present in the endothelia of vessels of different calibers. However, neovascular capillaries in carcinomas and other tumors were often negative. Claudin-5 was also present in many glandular and ductal epithelia, hair shafts, and glomerular podocytes. Capillary and cavernous hemangiomas and lymphangiomas generally showed endothelial positivity; however, many vessels, especially those with poorly formed lumina, were negative in juvenile capillary hemangiomas, and fewer vessels were highlighted in lobular capillary hemangiomas. Hemangioendotheliomas of retiform, kaposiform, epithelioid, and epithelioid sarcoma-like types showed positivity, the latter in a diffuse cytoplasmic manner. Most angiosarcomas (115 of 119) and Kaposi sarcomas (28 of 29) showed strong labeling, but rare cases only contained positive cytoplasmic dots. Claudin-5 was commonly present in carcinomas (except in sarcomatoid ones), but most tumors showed heterogenous labeling weaker than that in angiosarcomas. Seminomas and renal cell, hepatocellular, and signet ring cell carcinomas were negative. Among non-vascular mesenchymal tumors, biphasic synovial sarcoma was the only tumor to contain claudin-5-positive nonvascular elements. In hemangiopericytomas, glomus tumor, and melanomas, claudin-5 was expressed in endothelial cells only. Claudin-5 is a promising new marker for angiosarcomas and hemangioendotheliomas, but widespread expression in carcinomas and biphasic synovial sarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis and addressed with the use of an antibody panel including keratins, especially the more epithelial-specific AE1/AE3 and epithelial membrane antigen.

Protein myozap--a late addition to the molecular ensembles of various kinds of adherens junctions

The protein myozap, a polypeptide of 54 kDa, has recently been identified as a component of the cytoplasmic plaques of the composite junctions (areae compositae) in the myocardiac intercalated disks and of the adherens junctions (AJs) in vascular endothelia. Now we report that using very sensitive new antibodies and drastic localization methods, we have also identified this protein as a component of the AJ plaques in simple and complex epithelia, in the adluminal cell layer of the transitional epithelium of the urinary tract and in certain cell layers of diverse stratified epithelia, including gingiva, tongue, pharynx and esophagus, cervix, vagina and epidermis. Myozap has not been identified in desmosomal and tight junction plaques. We have also detected protein myozap in AJ structures of carcinomas. The discovery of a novel major protein in AJ plaques now calls for re-examinations of molecular interactions in AJ formation and maintenance and also offers a new marker for diagnostic immunocytochemistry. We also discuss the need for progressive unravelling, extractive treatments and buffer rinses of sections and cultured cells to reveal obscured or masked antigens, before definitive negative conclusions in immunohistochemistry can be made.

Intercellular adhering junctions with an asymmetric molecular composition: desmosomes connecting Merkel cells and keratinocytes

Merkel cells (MCs) are special neuroendocrine epithelial cells that occur as individual cells or as cell groups within the confinements of a major epithelium formed and dominated by other epithelial cells. In the epidermis and some of its appendages MCs are mostly located in the basal cell layer, occasionally also in suprabasal layers and generally occur in linear arrays in outer root sheath cell layers of hair follicles. As MCs are connected to the adjacent keratinocytes by a series of adhering junctions (AJs), of which the desmosomes are the most prominent, these junctions represent heterotypic cell-cell connections, i.e. a kind of structure not yet elucidated in molecular terms. Therefore, we have studied these AJs in order to examine the molecular composition of the desmosomal halves. Using light- and electron-microscopic immunolocalization and keratin 20 as the MC-specific cell type marker we show that the plaques of the MC half of the desmosomes specifically and constitutively contain plakophilin Pkp2. This protein, however, is absent in the keratinocyte half of such heterotypic desmosomes which instead contains Pkp1 and/or Pkp3. We discuss the developmental, tissue-architectonic and functional importance of such asymmetric junctions in normal physiology as well as in diseases, in particular in the formation of distant tumor cell metastasis.

Dysmorphogenesis of lymph nodes in Foxc2 haploinsufficient mice

Dysmorphogenesis of lymph nodes displayed in a fork head transcription factor Foxc2 haploinsufficient mice--a model for lymphedema-distichiasis syndrome--was studied by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. The Foxc2 heterozygous mice manifested lymph node hyperplasia composed of conspicuous proliferation of endothelial cells forming the lymphatic sinus and α-smooth muscle actin (SMA)-immunopositive fibroblast-like cells in the lymphatic pulp, particularly around the sinus. The hyperplastic sinus endothelial cells and the SMA-positive cells demonstrated distinct immunolocalization of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B, a crucial chemoattractant for vascular mural cell recruitment, and its receptor, PDGFR-β, respectively. The observations suggest that the sinus endothelial cells elicit abnormal recruitment of the fibroblast-like cells as a type of vascular mural cells via PDGF-B/PDGFR-β signaling in lymph nodes of the Foxc2 heterozygotes. Furthermore, in Foxc2 heterozygous lymph nodes, recruited SMA-positive cells displayed an intense immunoreaction for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, a highly specific lymphangiogenic factor, and its receptor, VEGFR-3, was preferentially distributed in the lymphatic sinus endothelial cells. These findings suggest that an interactive cycle between lymphatic sinus endothelial cells and the fibroblast-like cells, which involves PDGF-B/PDGFR-β and VEGF-C/VEGFR-3 signaling, is essential for aberrant hyperplasia of the lymphatic sinus and the fibroblast-like cells in Foxc2 haploinsufficiency.

Homo- and heterotypic cell-cell contacts in Merkel cells and Merkel cell carcinomas: heterogeneity and indications for cadherin switching

AIMS

Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) are rare but aggressive tumours associated recently with Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCV). As development and progression of several types of carcinomas can be promoted by changes in cell adhesion proteins, the aim of this study was to examine homo- and heterotypic cell contacts of Merkel cells and MCCs.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Merkel cells of healthy glabrous epidermis and 52 MCCs were analysed by double-label immunostaining, immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy. Merkel cells were connected to keratinocytes by E- and P-cadherin, desmoglein 2 and desmocollin 2. In contrast, the vast majority of MCCs (90%) contained N-cadherin, but only 67% and 65% contained E- and P-cadherin, respectively. Interestingly, P-cadherin was absent significantly more frequently in lymph node metastases than in primary tumours and by trend in more advanced clinical stages. Moreover, major subsets of MCCs synthesized desmoglein 2 and, surprisingly, tight junction proteins. No significant differences were observed upon stratification for MCV DNA, detected in 84% of tumours by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Assuming that MCCs originate from Merkel cells, our data indicate a switch from E- and P-cadherin to N-cadherin during tumorigenesis. Whether the unexpected heterogeneity of junctional proteins can be exploited for prognostic and therapeutic purposes will need to be examined.

Vimentin intermediate filaments: the central base in sinus endothelial cells of the rat spleen

The ultrastructural distribution of vimentin intermediate filaments (IFs) and localizations of the related proteins in sinus endothelial cells of the rat spleen was examined by confocal laser scanning and electron microscopy with detergent extraction, myosin-fragment 1 decoration, and immunogold labeling to elucidate their functions in endothelial cells. Vimentin IFs were extremely abundant over stress fibers in the basal part of the endothelial cells. Some of them were intermingled with actin filaments in stress fibers, and were associated with coated vesicles. Plectin was predominantly localized in the layers of vimentin and stress fibers of the endothelial cells, but rarely in the vicinity of adherens junctions in the lateral part and focal adhesions in the basal part of the cells. Neither plakoglobin nor desmoplakin, which is coupled VE-cadherin to vimentin IFs, was detected in sinus endothelial cells. Vinculin was localized in the basal membranes of the endothelial cells. These data suggest that abundant vimentin IFs are associated with stress fibers by plectin in the basal part of the cells and form cytoskeletal cores of sinus endothelial cells only partially supported by the ring-shaped basal lamina to have roles in scaffolding and the mechanical stabilization of the endothelial cells. Furthermore, taken in connection with recently revealed functions of vimentin and plectin, vimentin might play a cytoskeletal core of sinus endothelial cells.

Neural system antigens are recognized by autoantibodies from patients affected by a new variant of endemic pemphigus foliaceus in Colombia

BACKGROUND

Endemic pemphigus foliaceus (EPF), is also known as "fogo selvagem" or "wild fire," reflecting the intense burning sensation of the skin reported by patients with this disease. Based on this finding, we tested for neural autoreactivity in patients affected by a new variant of EPF (El Bagre-EPF).

METHODS

We tested 20 El Bagre-EPF patients, 20 normal controls from the endemic area, and 20 age- and sex-matched normal controls from outside the endemic area. We tested for autoreactivity to several immunoglobulins and complement. Both human skin and bovine tail were used as antigens.

RESULTS

We detected autoreactivity to neural structures, mechanoreceptors, nerves, perineural cell layers of the arachnoid envelope around the optic nerve, brain structures, and to neuromuscular spindles; these structures colocalized with several neural markers. The patient antibodies also colocalized with desmoplakins 1 and 2, with the armadillo repeat protein deleted in velo-cardio-facial syndrome and with p0071 antibodies. Autoreactivity was also found associated with neurovascular bundles innervating the skin, and immunoelectron microscopy using protein A gold against patient antibodies was positive against the nerve axons. Paucicellularity of the intraepidermal nerve endings and defragmentation of the neural plexus were seen in 70% of the cases and not in the controls from the endemic area (p<0.005). Neuropsychological and/or behavioral symptoms were detected in individuals from the endemic area, including sensorimotor axonal neuropathy.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings may explain for the first time the "pose of pemphigus," representing a dorsiflexural posture seen in EPF patients vis-a-vis the weakness of the extensor nerves, and furthermore, the autoreactivity to nerves in EPF could explain the "burning sensation" encountered in EPF disease.

PLEKHA7 is an adherens junction protein with a tissue distribution and subcellular localization distinct from ZO-1 and E-cadherin

The pleckstrin-homology-domain-containing protein PLEKHA7 was recently identified as a protein linking the E-cadherin-p120 ctn complex to the microtubule cytoskeleton. Here we characterize the expression, tissue distribution and subcellular localization of PLEKHA7 by immunoblotting, immunofluorescence microscopy, immunoelectron microscopy, and northern blotting in mammalian tissues. Anti-PLEKHA7 antibodies label the junctional regions of cultured kidney epithelial cells by immunofluorescence microscopy, and major polypeptides of M_r ∼135 kDa and ∼145 kDa by immunoblotting of lysates of cells and tissues. Two PLEKHA7 transcripts (∼5.5 kb and ∼6.5 kb) are detected in epithelial tissues. PLEKHA7 is detected at epithelial junctions in sections of kidney, liver, pancreas, intestine, retina, and cornea, and its tissue distribution and subcellular localization are distinct from ZO-1. For example, PLEKHA7 is not detected within kidney glomeruli. Similarly to E-cadherin, p120 ctn, β-catenin and α-catenin, PLEKHA7 is concentrated in the apical junctional belt, but unlike these adherens junction markers, and similarly to afadin, PLEKHA7 is not localized along the lateral region of polarized epithelial cells. Immunoelectron microscopy definitively establishes that PLEKHA7 is localized at the adherens junctions in colonic epithelial cells, at a mean distance of 28 nm from the plasma membrane. In summary, we show that PLEKHA7 is a cytoplasmic component of the epithelial adherens junction belt, with a subcellular localization and tissue distribution that is distinct from that of ZO-1 and most AJ proteins, and we provide the first description of its distribution and localization in several tissues.

Desmosomal molecules in and out of adhering junctions: normal and diseased States of epidermal, cardiac and mesenchymally derived cells

Current cell biology textbooks mention only two kinds of cell-to-cell adhering junctions coated with the cytoplasmic plaques: the desmosomes (maculae adhaerentes), anchoring intermediate-sized filaments (IFs), and the actin microfilament-anchoring adherens junctions (AJs), including both punctate (puncta adhaerentia) and elongate (fasciae adhaerentes) structures. In addition, however, a series of other junction types has been identified and characterized which contain desmosomal molecules but do not fit the definition of desmosomes. Of these special cell-cell junctions containing desmosomal glycoproteins or proteins we review the composite junctions (areae compositae) connecting the cardiomyocytes of mature mammalian hearts and their importance in relation to human arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathies. We also emphasize the various plakophilin-2-positive plaques in AJs (coniunctiones adhaerentes) connecting proliferatively active mesenchymally-derived cells, including interstitial cells of the heart and several soft tissue tumor cell types. Moreover, desmoplakin has also been recognized as a constituent of the plaques of the complexus adhaerentes connecting certain lymphatic endothelial cells. Finally, we emphasize the occurrence of the desmosomal transmembrane glycoprotein, desmoglein Dsg2, out of the context of any junction as dispersed cell surface molecules in certain types of melanoma cells and melanocytes. This broadening of our knowledge on the diversity of AJ structures indicates that it may still be too premature to close the textbook chapters on cell-cell junctions.

Identification and characterization of DSPIa, a novel isoform of human desmoplakin

Desmoplakin is a ubiquitous component of desmosomes and desmosome-like structures, such as the cardiomyocyte area composita. Two major isoforms, desmoplakin I (DSPI) and desmoplakin II (DSPII) are encoded by alternative mRNA transcripts differentially spliced from the same gene. The resulting proteins are identical in amino acid sequence with the exception that DSPII contains only one third of the central alpha-helical rod domain present in DSPI. Here we describe a novel minor isoform of desmoplakin that is also produced by alternative splicing of the desmoplakin gene and that we name desmoplakin Ia (DSPIa). DSPIa is an alternatively spliced DSPI mRNA with a unique splice donor site that is 90% homologous to and downstream of the DSPII specific donor. The resulting DSPIa mRNA is in-frame and encodes a protein that has a central alpha-helical rod domain of intermediate size and that is 156 amino acids larger than DSPII and 443 amino acids smaller than DSPI. We demonstrate, through recombinant expression and short interfering RNA knockdown, that the DSPIa protein is readily detectable, albeit at substantially lower levels than the dominant isoforms, DSPI and DSPII. DSPIa mRNA has a similar tissue distribution to that of DSPI and of DSPII.

The junctions that don't fit the scheme: special symmetrical cell-cell junctions of their own kind

Immunocytochemical, electron-, and immunoelectron-microscopical studies have revealed that, in addition to the four major "textbook categories" of cell-cell junctions (gap junctions, tight junctions, adherens junctions, and desmosomes), a broad range of other junctions exists, such as the tiny puncta adhaerentia minima, the taproot junctions (manubria adhaerentia), the plakophilin-2-containing adherens junctions of mesenchymal or mesenchymally derived cell types including malignantly transformed cells, the composite junctions (areae compositae) of the mature mammalian myocardium, the cortex adhaerens of the eye lens, the interdesmosomal "sandwich" or "stud" junctions in the subapical layers of stratified epithelia and the tumors derived therefrom, and the complexus adhaerentes of the endothelial and virgultar cells of the lymph node sinus. On the basis of their sizes and shapes, other morphological criteria, and their specific molecular ensembles, these junctions and the genes that encode them cannot be subsumed under one of the major categories mentioned above but represent special structures in their own right, appear to serve special functions, and can give rise to specific pathological disorders.

Upregulation of plakophilin-2 and its acquisition to adherens junctions identifies a novel molecular ensemble of cell-cell-attachment characteristic for transformed mesenchymal cells

In contrast to the desmosome-containing epithelial and carcinoma cells, normal and malignantly transformed cells derived from mesenchymal tissues and tumors are connected only by adherens junctions (AJs) containing N-cadherins and/or cadherin-11, anchored in a cytoplasmic plaque assembled by alpha- and beta-catenin, plakoglobin, proteins p120 and p0071. Here, we report that the AJs of many malignantly transformed cell lines are characterized by the additional presence of plakophilin-2 (Pkp2), a protein hitherto known only as a major component of desmosomal plaques, i.e., AJs of epithelia and carcinomatous cells. This massive acquisition of Pkp2 and its integration into AJ plaques of a large number of transformed cell lines is demonstrated with biochemical and immunolocalization techniques. Upregulation of Pkp2 and its integration into AJs has also been noted in some soft tissue tumors insitu and some highly proliferative colonies of cultured mesenchymal stem cells. As Pkp2 has recently been identified as a functionally important major regulatory organizer in AJs and related junctions in epithelial cells and cardiomyocytes, we hypothesize that the integration of Pkp2 into AJs of "soft tissue tumor" cells also can serve functions in the upregulation of proliferation, the promotion of malignant growth in general as well as the close-packing of diverse kinds of cells and the metastatic behavior of such tumors. We propose to examine its presence in transformed mesenchymal cells and related tumors and to use it as an additional diagnostic criterion.

Cordial connections: molecular ensembles and structures of adhering junctions connecting interstitial cells of cardiac valves in situ and in cell culture

Remarkable efforts have recently been made in the tissue engineering of heart valves to improve the results of valve transplantations and replacements, including the design of artificial valves. However, knowledge of the cell and molecular biology of valves and, specifically, of valvular interstitial cells (VICs) remains limited. Therefore, our aim has been to determine and localize the molecules forming the adhering junctions (AJs) that connect VICs in situ and in cell culture. Using biochemical and immunolocalization methods at the light- and electron-microscopic levels, we have identified, in man, cow, sheep and rat, the components of VIC-connecting AJs in situ and in cell culture. These AJs contain, in addition to the transmembrane glycoproteins N-cadherin and cadherin-11, the typical plaque proteins alpha- and beta-catenin as well as plakoglobin and p120, together with minor amounts of protein p0071, i.e. a total of five plaque proteins of the armadillo family. While we can exclude the occurrence of desmogleins, desmocollins and desmoplakin, we have noted with surprise that AJs of VICs in cell cultures, but not those growing in the valve tissue, contain substantial amounts of the desmosomal plaque protein, plakophilin-2. Clusters of AJs occur not only on the main VIC cell bodies but are also found widely dispersed on their long filopodia thus forming, in the tissue, a meshwork that, together with filopodial attachments to paracrystalline collagen fiber bundles, establishes a three-dimensional suprastructure, the role of which is discussed with respect to valve formation, regeneration and function.

Protein p0071, a major plaque protein of non-desmosomal adhering junctions, is a selective cell-type marker

Protein p0071, which originally was introduced as a member of the p120-subfamily of armadillo proteins, common to desmosomes and adhaerens junctions (AJs) and to several other cell structures (centrosomes, midbodies), has been localized by using a series of novel mono- and polyclonal antibodies generated against various domains of the molecule. By protein analysis and immunolocalization techniques, protein p0071 has been localized as a plaque protein in AJs of diverse epithelia and certain vascular endothelia, in the composite junctions (areal compositae) of the intercalated disks of cardiomyocytes, and in the punctate or more extended AJs of the vast majority of cell culture types examined, including mitotic states. Using these antibodies, we have also shown that this AJ protein occurs only rarely or is even absent in tissues such as skeletal and smooth muscles, in a series of mesenchymal tissue cells, and in specific desmosome-rich cells such as those of the upper layers of the epidermis and certain other stratified epithelia and Hassall corpuscles of the thymus. We have also demonstrated that p0071 is absent from desmosomes. The occurrence of two major subtypes of lymphatic endothelial cells, one with AJs containing p0071 and one without detectable p0071, is emphasized. Possible structural and functional roles of p0071 are discussed in light of these new findings regarding its localization, and the addition of p0071 to the armamentarium of cytodiagnostic cell-type markers is recommended.