Cadherin function: breaking the barrier

Cytokine-Mediated Inflammation in the Oral Cavity and Its Effect on Lipid Nanocarriers

Topical drug administration to the oral mucosa proves to be a promising treatment alternative for inflammatory diseases. However, disease-related changes in the cell barrier must be considered when developing such delivery systems. This study aimed at investigating the changes in the lining mucosa caused by inflammation and evaluating the consequences on drug delivery systems such as nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC). For this, TR146 cells were treated with inflammatory cytokines and bacterial components. Cell viability and integrity, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and interleukin (IL)-8 release were used as endpoints to assess inflammation. Translocation of phosphatidylserine, cytoskeletal arrangement, opening of desmosomes, and cell proliferation were examined. Transport studies with NLC were performed considering active and passive pathways. The results showed that IL-1ß and tumor necrosis factor α induced inflammation by increasing IL-8 and ROS production (22-fold and 2-fold). Morphologically, loss of cell–cell connections and formation of stress fibers and hyperplasia were observed. The charge of the cell membrane shifted from neutral to negative, which increased the absorption of NLC due to the repulsive interactions between the hydrophobic negative particles and the cell membrane on the one hand, and interactions with lipophilic membrane proteins such as caveolin on the other.

Cutaneous Penetration-Enhancing Effect of Menthol: Calcium Involvement

Menthol is a naturally occurring terpene used as a penetration enhancer in topical and transdermal formulations. Literature shows a growing interest in menthol's interactions with the transient receptor potential melastatin 8. A decrease in extracellular Ca²⁺ due to the activation of the transient receptor potential melastatin 8 receptor produces inhibition of E-cadherin expression that is responsible for cell-cell adhesion. Because calcium is present in the entire epidermis, the purpose of this study is to evaluate whether the aforementioned properties of menthol are also related to its penetration-enhancing effects. We formulated 16 gels: (i) drug-alone (diphenhydramine or lidocaine), (ii) drug with menthol, (iii) drug, menthol, and calcium channel blocker (CCB; verapamil or diltiazem), and (iv) drug and CCB. In vitro studies showed no effect of the CCB on the release of the drugs either with or without menthol. In vivo experiments were performed for each drug/menthol/CCB combination gel by applying 4 formulations on a shaved rabbit's dorsum on the same day. Dermis concentration profiles were assessed with microdialysis. The gels containing menthol showed higher penetration of drugs than those without whereas the addition of the CCB consistently inhibited the penetration-enhancing effects of menthol. In summary, these findings strongly support the involvement of calcium in the penetration-enhancing effect of menthol.

Structural and immunological effects of skin cryoablation in a mouse model

Cryoablation is therapeutically applied for various disorders in several organs, and skin diseases are typical targets as this cryotherapy has been widely used for viral warts, benign tumors, and actinic keratosis. The main mechanisms of cryoablation consist of direct freezing effect on skin constituents, thrombosis formation in microcirculation, and subsequent immunological responses. Among them, however, the immunological mechanism remains unelucidated, and it is an issue how the direct freezing injury induces immunological consequences. We established a mouse cryoablation model with liquid nitrogen applied to the shaved back skin, and used this system to study the immunological excitement. After application of liquid nitrogen, the thermal decrease ratio was -25°C/sec or less and the lowest temperature was less than -100°C, which was sufficient to induce ulceration. Destruction of cornified layer and necrosis of epidermal cells were observed in transmission electron microscopy image, and increased transepidermal water loss and skin permeability were detected by the functional measurements. By flow cytometry, antigen-presenting dendritic cells (DCs), including PDCA1+B220+CD19- plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) and CD11c+ myeloid DCs, as well as neutrophils and macrophages were increased in subcutaneous tissue. In parallel, the mRNA expressions of interferon α1 which are known as pDC-producing cytokines, was elevated. We also found marked degranulation of mast cells, providing a possibility that released histamine attracts pDCs. Finally, FITC migration assay revealed that pDCs and CD11c+ DCs emigrated from the cryoablated skin to the draining lymph nodes. Our study suggests that cryoablation induces destruction of the barrier/epidermis, accumulation of pDCs and CD11c+ DCs to the skin, and migration of DCs to regional lymph nodes. Viral elements or tumor cell lysates released from damaged keratinocytes may stimulate the DCs, thereby leading to antiviral or antitumor effect.

The molecular composition and function of desmosomes

Desmosomes are intercellular adhesive junctions that are particularly prominent in tissues experiencing mechanical stress, such as the heart and epidermis. Whereas the related adherens junction links actin to calcium-dependent adhesion molecules known as classical cadherins, desmosomes link intermediate filaments (IF) to the related subfamily of desmosomal cadherins. By tethering these stress-bearing cytoskeletal filaments to the plasma membrane, desmosomes serve as integrators of the IF cytoskeleton throughout a tissue. Recent evidence suggests that IF attachment in turn strengthens desmosomal adhesion. This collaborative arrangement results in formation of a supracellular network, which is critical for imparting mechanical integrity to tissues. Diseases and animal models targeting desmosomal components highlight the importance of desmosomes in development and tissue integrity, while the downregulation of individual protein components in cancer metastasis and wound healing suggests their importance in cell homeostasis. This chapter will provide an update on desmosome composition, function, and regulation, and will also discuss recent work which raises the possibility that desmosome proteins do more than play a structural role in tissues where they reside.

The most widespread desmosomal cadherin, desmoglein 2, is a novel target of caspase 3-mediated apoptotic machinery

Apoptotic cells are known to regulate the ordered dismantling of intercellular contacts through caspase activity. Despite the important role of desmoglein (Dsg) 2 in epithelial cell-cell adhesion, the fate of this widespread desmosomal cadherin during apoptosis is yet poorly understood. Here, by means of pharmacological approaches, we investigated whether Dsg2 was targeted by caspases in HaCaT and HT-29 cell lines undergoing staurosporine (STS)-induced apoptosis. Results showed that STS induced a caspase-dependent form of cell-death in both keratinocytes (HaCaT) and enterocytes (HT-29), that associated with progressive depletion of Dsg2 from cell lysates. The proteolytic processing of full-length Dsg2 resulted in the appearance of a 70-kDa fragment which was released into the cytosol. Consistently, immunofluorescence studies revealed that Dsg2 staining was abolished from cell surface whereas the cytoplasmic region of Dsg2 did localize intracellularly. Plakoglobin (Pg) also underwent cleavage and detached from Dsg2. Apoptotic changes paralleled with progressive loss of intercellular adhesion strength. All these biochemical, morphological, and functional changes were regulated by caspase 3. Indeed, in the presence of the caspase 3-inhibitor z-DEVD-fmk, full-length Dsg2 protein levels were preserved, whereas the amount of the 70-kDa fragment was maintained on control levels. Furthermore, cells pretreated with z-DEVD-fmk retained the membrane labeling of Dsg2. Taken together, our data demonstrate that the apoptotic processing of Dsg2 is mediated by caspase 3 in epithelial cells.

Desmosomes: new perspectives on a classic

Desmosomes are highly specialized anchoring junctions that link intermediate filaments to sites of intercellular adhesion, thus facilitating the formation of a supracellular scaffolding that distributes mechanical forces throughout a tissue. These junctions are thus particularly important for maintaining the integrity of tissues that endure physical stress, such as the epidermis and myocardium. The importance of the classic mechanical functions of desmosomal constituents is underscored by pathologies reported in animal models and an ever-expanding list of human mutations that target both desmosomal cadherins and their associated cytoskeletal anchoring proteins. However, the notion that desmosomes are static structures that exist simply to glue cells together belies their susceptibility to remodeling in response to environmental cues and their important tissue-specific roles in cell behavior and signaling. Here, we review the molecular blueprint of the desmosome and models for assembling its protein components to form an adhesive interface and the desmosomal plaque. We also discuss emerging evidence of supra-adhesive roles for desmosomal proteins in regulating tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis. Finally, we highlight the dynamic nature of these adhesive organelles, examining mechanisms in health and disease for modulating adhesive strength and stability of desmosomes.

A unique and specific interaction between alphaT-catenin and plakophilin-2 in the area composita, the mixed-type junctional structure of cardiac intercalated discs

Alpha-catenins play key functional roles in cadherin-catenin cell-cell adhesion complexes. We previously reported on alphaT-catenin, a novel member of the alpha-catenin protein family. alphaT-catenin is expressed predominantly in cardiomyocytes, where it colocalizes with alphaE-catenin at the intercalated discs. Whether alphaT- and alphaE-catenin have specific or synergistic functions remains unknown. In this study we used the yeast two-hybrid approach to identify specific functions of alphaT-catenin. An interaction between alphaT-catenin and plakophilins was observed and subsequently confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation and colocalization. Interaction with the amino-terminal part of plakophilins appeared to be specific for the central ;adhesion-modulation' domain of alphaT-catenin. In addition, we showed, by immuno-electron microscopy, that desmosomal proteins in the heart localize not only to the desmosomes in the intercalated discs but also at adhering junctions with hybrid composition. We found that in the latter junctions, endogenous plakophilin-2 colocalizes with alphaT-catenin. By providing an extra link between the cadherin-catenin complex and intermediate filaments, the binding of alphaT-catenin to plakophilin-2 is proposed to be a means of modulating and strengthening cell-cell adhesion between cardiac muscle cells. This could explain the devastating effect of plakophilin-2 mutations on cell junction stability in intercalated discs, which lead to cardiac muscle malfunction.

Identification of novel Cry1Ac binding proteins in midgut membranes from Heliothis virescens using proteomic analyses

Proteins such as aminopeptidases and alkaline phosphatases, both glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol (GPI) anchored proteins, were previously identified as Cry1Ac binding proteins in the Heliothis virescens midgut. To identify additional toxin binding proteins, brush border membrane vesicles from H. virescens larvae were treated with phosphatidyl inositol phospholipase C, and released proteins were resolved by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Protein spots selected by their ability to bind Cry1Ac were identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry coupled to peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF) and database searching. As in previous studies, H. virescens alkaline phosphatase was identified as a Cry1Ac binding protein. V-ATP synthase subunit A and actin were identified as novel Cry1Ac binding proteins in H. virescens. Additional toxin-binding proteins were predicted based on MS/MS fragmentation and de novo sequencing, providing amino acid sequences that were used in database searches to identify a phosphatase and a putative protein of the cadherin superfamily as additional Cry1Ac binding proteins.

Changes in desmoglein 1 expression and subcellular localization in cultured keratinocytes subjected to anti-desmoglein 1 pemphigus autoimmunity

The complexity of pemphigus acantholysis together with the weak expression of desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) in cultured keratinocytes have made the study on the pathogenic action of anti-Dsg1 antibodies quite difficult. The pathophysiology of the acantholytic phenomenon could depend on the reduction of Dsg1 adhesion function occurring after its massive internalization or decrease of its synthesis. Here, we have investigated this hypothesis by using sera of patients having antibodies against Dsg1 or monoclonal anti-Dsg1 antibodies to simulate pemphigus autoimmunity in Dsg1-rich keratinocytes. Similar to pemphigus foliaceus (PF) and vulgaris (PV) sera, monoclonal anti-Dsg1 antibodies induced transient internalization of Dsg1 and reduced the adhesion strength among keratinocytes. However, binding of IgG to Dsg1 did not determine its early depletion from the adhesion complexes but reduced the amount of Dsg1 found in the Triton X-100 soluble pool of proteins. Taken together, our results represent the first demonstration that anti-Dsg1 antibodies induce similar alterations on the subcellular distribution of Dsg1 irrespective of the disease where they come from. Furthermore, the present study provides insight into the mechanisms underlying epithelial blistering observed in the skin type of pemphigus.

Discriminating roles of desmosomal cadherins: Beyond desmosomal adhesion

The desmosomal cadherins, which include desmogleins and desmocollins, are Ca(2+)-dependent adhesion molecules that cooperate to make up the adhesive core of intercellular junctions known as desmosomes. The roles of desmosomal cadherins in epidermal integrity and as targets in human cutaneous disease have been well established. However, the molecular basis of these disorders is still poorly understood, due in part to a lack of fundamental knowledge about the organization of the adhesive interface and molecular machinery that dictates the proper presentation of desmogleins and desmocollins on the cell surface. Further, the diversity of the desmosomal cadherin family, and their individualized expression patterns within complex tissues, suggests that these adhesion molecules may have differentiation-specific functions that transcend their roles in intercellular adhesion. Here we will review the most recent data from our own group and others that are beginning to unveil the diverse properties and functions of this complex family of adhesion molecules.

Desmoglein 4 is expressed in highly differentiated keratinocytes and trichocytes in human epidermis and hair follicle

Desmosomes are critical for the tissue integrity of stratified epithelia and their appendages. Desmogleins (DSGs) and desmocollins (DSCs) are transmembrane desmosomal cadherins that interact extracellularly to link neighboring epithelial cells. We recently identified a new member of the DSG family, designated desmoglein 4, whose mutations cause hypotrichosis in human, mouse and rat. In this study, we analyzed in detail the expression domains of human desmoglein 4 protein (DSG4) in human skin relative to differentiation markers and other DSGs. Our results show that DSG4 protein is expressed in the more highly differentiated layers of the epidermis. This expression pattern in vivo is recapitulated in highly differentiated HaCaT human keratinocytes and normal human keratinocytes in vitro. In the human hair follicle, DSG4 is expressed specifically in the hair shaft cortex, the lower hair cuticle, and the upper inner root sheath (IRS) cuticle. Using a green fluorescent protein-tagged version of mouse or rat desmoglein 4 protein (Dsg4) and immuno-electron microscopy, we demonstrate that Dsg4 localizes to desmosomes both in vitro and in vivo. The highly specific expression pattern of DSG4 in the human hair follicle, combined with the phenotype of rodent models and human patients with desmoglein 4 mutations, underscores the importance of this adhesion molecule in the integrity of the hair shaft.

Modulating the strength of cadherin adhesion: evidence for a novel adhesion complex

Adherens junctions and desmosomes are critical for embryogenesis and the integrity of adult tissues. To form these junctions, classical cadherins interact via α- and β-catenin with the actin cytoskeleton, whereas desmosomal cadherins interact with the intermediate filament system. Here, we used a hormone-activated mutant N-cadherin expressed in fibroblasts to show the existence of a novel classical cadherin adhesion system. N-cadherin was fused at its C-terminus to a modified estrogen receptor ligand-binding domain (NcadER) that binds 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4OHT) and expressed in L cells, which lack an endogenous cadherin. Cells with the mutant cadherin (LNER cells) aggregated in the absence of 4OHT, but only in its presence formed tightly compacted aggregates like those formed by L cells expressing wild-type N-cadherin (LN cells). Compaction of LNER cells treated with 4OHT was accompanied by elevated levels of p120ctn in NcadER immunoprecipitates, compared to immunoprecipitates of non-treated cells, but without changes in α- and β-catenin, or actin. Compaction induced by 4OHT was also accompanied by increased interaction of the NcadER with the cytoskeleton and increased vimentin organization. Vimentin co-immunoprecipitated with the NcadER/catenin complex, suggesting an interaction between cadherin and vimentin. The mechanism by which vimentin interacts with the cadherin appears to involve p120ctn as it co-immunoprecipitates and colocalizes with vimentin in the parent L cells, which lack a cadherin and α- and β-catenins. Disrupting the actin cytoskeleton with cytochalasin B inhibited aggregation, whereas knocking down vimentin with specific siRNAs inhibited compaction. Based on our results we propose that a vimentin-based classical cadherin complex functions together with the actin-based complex to promote strong cell-cell adhesion in fibroblasts.

Progesterone treatment and the progress of early pregnancy reduce desmoglein 1&2 staining along the lateral plasma membrane in rat uterine epithelial cells

Uterine epithelium undergoes dramatic changes during early pregnancy in preparation for implantation. We have studied distribution patterns of the desmosomal marker, desmoglein 1&2, in rat uterine epithelial cells during early pregnancy as well as in hormonally stimulated ovariectomised animals. On day 1 of pregnancy as well as in oestradiol treated rats, desmoglein 1&2 staining was localized along the entire length of the lateral plasma membrane. By day 3 and on subsequent days of pregnancy as well as in ovariectomised animals treated with progesterone alone or in combination with oestradiol, desmoglein 1&2 staining was concentrated at the apical portion of the lateral plasma membrane. We suggest that the reorganisation of these desmosomal cadherins is an important component of uterine epithelial receptivity and this relocation is under the control of the ovarian hormone progesterone.

Desmosomal cadherin misexpression alters beta-catenin stability and epidermal differentiation

Desmosomal adhesion is important for the integrity and protective barrier function of the epidermis and is disregulated during carcinogenesis. Strong adhesion between keratinocytes is conferred by the desmosomal cadherins, desmocollin (Dsc) and desmoglein. These constitute two gene families, members of which are differentially expressed in epidermal strata. It has been suggested that this stratum-specific expression regulates keratinocyte differentiation. We tested this hypothesis by misdirecting the expression of the basally abundant desmosomal cadherins Dsc3a and Dsc3b to suprabasal differentiating keratinocytes in transgenic mice. No phenotype was apparent until adulthood, when mice developed variable ventral alopecia and had altered keratinocyte differentiation within affected areas. The follicular changes were reminiscent of changes in transgenic mice with an altered beta-catenin stability. Stabilized beta-catenin and increased beta-catenin transcriptional activity were demonstrated in transgenic mice prior to the phenotypic change and in transgenic keratinocytes as a consequence of transgene expression. Hence, a link between desmosomal cadherins and beta-catenin stability and signaling was demonstrated, and it was shown that desmocollin cadherin expression can affect keratinocyte differentiation. Furthermore, the first function for a "b-type" desmocollin cadherin was demonstrated.

Zyxin, axin, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein are adaptors that link the cadherin/catenin protein complex to the cytoskeleton at adherens junctions in the seminiferous epithelium of the rat testis

During spermatogenesis, the movement of germ cells across the seminiferous epithelium is associated with extensive junction restructuring. Yet the underlying mechanism (or mechanisms) that regulates these events is largely unknown. If the molecular architecture of the cell-cell actin-based adherens junction (AJ), such as ectoplasmic specialization (ES) and tubulobulbar complex- two testis-specific AJ types, is known, many functional mechanistic studies can be designed. We thus undertook an investigation to study 3 adaptors in the seminiferous epithelium: zyxin, axin, and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein (WASP). All 3 adaptors were shown to be products of Sertoli and germ cells. Zyxin was shown to be a stage-specific protein that was most prominent during stages V-VII and restricted mostly to pachytene spermatocytes, but it could also be detected at the site of basal and apical ectoplasmic specialization (ES). Zyxin, axin, and WASP were shown to be structurally linked to the N-cadherin/beta-catenin/alpha-actinin/actin complex but not to the nectin-3/afadin or the beta 1-integrin-mediated protein complexes. Interestingly, zyxin, axin, and WASP are also structurally linked to vimentin (an intermediate filament protein) and alpha-tubulin (the subunit of a microtubule), which suggests that they have a role (or roles) in the regulation of the dynamics of the desmosome-like junction and microtubule. These results illustrate that zyxin, axin, and WASP are adaptors in both AJs and intermediate filament-based desmosome-like junctions. This raises the possibility that classic cadherins are also associated with vimentin-based intermediate filaments via these adaptors in the testis. While virtually no N-cadherin was found to associate with vimentin in the seminiferous tubules, it did associate with vimentin when testis lysates were used. Interestingly, about 5% of the E-cadherin associated with vimentin in isolated seminiferous tubules, and about 50% of the E-cadherin in the testis used vimentin as its attachment site. These data suggest that cadherins in the testis, unlike those in other epithelia, use different attachment sites to anchor the cadherin/catenin complex to the cytoskeleton. The levels of zyxin, axin, and WASP were also assessed during AF-2364-mediated AJ disruption of the testis, which illustrated a time-dependent protein reduction that was similar to the trends observed in nectin-3 and afadin but was the opposite of those observed for N-cadherin and beta-catenin, which were induced. Collectively, these results illustrate that while these adaptors are structurally associated with the cadherin/catenin complex in the testis, they are regulated differently.

Homo-oligomerization of human corneodesmosin is mediated by its N-terminal glycine loop domain

Corneodesmosin (CDSN), a glycoprotein expressed during the late stages of epidermal differentiation, localizes in the extracellular core of upper desmosomes and of corneodesmosomes. Since it displays homophilic adhesive properties, CDSN is thought to reinforce cell-cell cohesion within the upper layers of the epidermis. CDSN presents two serine- and glycine-rich domains in its N- and C-terminus that may fold into highly flexible and adhesive secondary structures called glycine loops. We analyzed the importance of these domains in CDSN homophilic adhesion by producing full-length and truncated recombinant forms of the protein deleted of the N- and/or the C-terminal domain. The adhesive properties of the various proteins were then tested in vitro by overlay binding assays and surface plasmon resonance quantitative analysis. Experiments evidenced the homophilic adhesive properties of the N-terminal glycine loop domain, confirming its involvement in CDSN-CDSN interactions. They further indicated that most of the C-terminal domain is not necessary for the adhesive properties of the protein. The dissociation constant (K(D)) was calculated to be 1.3x10(-5) M. This interaction strength might allow dynamic regulation of the CDSN-CDSN association to occur in vivo. Moreover, molecular filtration analyses demonstrated for the first time that non-glycosylated CDSN is able to spontaneously form large homo-oligomers in vitro and that the N-terminal glycine loop domain is necessary for the formation of these macromolecular complexes.

Cadherins as modulators of cellular phenotype

Cadherins are transmembrane glycoproteins that mediate calcium-dependent cell-cell adhesion. The cadherin family is large and diverse, and proteins are considered to be members of this family if they have one or more cadherin repeats in their extracellular domain. Cadherin family members are the transmembrane components of a number of cellular junctions, including adherens junctions, desmosomes, cardiac junctions, endothelial junctions, and synaptic junctions. Cadherin function is critical in normal development, and alterations in cadherin function have been implicated in tumorigenesis. The strength of cadherin interactions can be regulated by a number of proteins, including the catenins, which serve to link the cadherin to the cytoskeleton. Cadherins have been implicated in a number of signaling pathways that regulate cellular behavior, and it is becoming increasingly clear that integration of information received from cell-cell signaling, cell-matrix signaling, and growth factor signaling determines ultimate cellular phenotype and behavior.

Abrogation of E-cadherin-mediated adhesion induces tumor cell invasion in human skin-like organotypic culture

The role of cell-cell adhesion in the transition from premalignancy to invasive cancer is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine how abrogation of E-cadherin-mediated adhesion influenced early neoplastic progression in tissues that mimic human, premalignant disease. To accomplish this, E-cadherin function was abrogated in a human cell line representing an early stage in the transformation process (HaCaT-II-4 cells) that was grown in three-dimensional, organotypic cultures with intact basement membrane. Before modification, this cell line showed a paucity of cell adhesion structures by ultrastructural and immunohistochemical analysis, whereas immunoblot studies demonstrated that expression and association of E-cadherin and catenins were not diminished when compared with normal keratinocytes. To further reduce functional E-cadherin, II-4 cells were infected with a dominant-negative, recombinant adenovirus, expressing E-cadherin lacking an extracellular domain (AdECadEC). AdECadEC infection resulted in loss of endogenous E-cadherin and completely disrupted II-4 cell adhesion, as seen by loss of beta-catenin from II-4 cell junctions in monolayer culture. In three-dimensional cultures, AdECadEC-infected cells demonstrated disruption of tissue architecture, loss of cell-cell adhesion, and the invasion of individual tumor cells into the stroma. The induction of this invasive phenotype was associated with loss of basement membrane integrity, as seen by degradation of type IV collagen and laminin 5. These studies showed that loss of E-cadherin-mediated adhesion enabled acquisition of an invasive phenotype, suggesting that maintenance of intercellular adhesion and tissue organization plays a crucial part in suppressing the incipient stages of squamous cell cancer progression.

Testing effects of signal transduction pathways on cadherin junctional complex assembly using quantitative image analysis

Cadherin adhesion molecules function in numerous cell biological processes that influence embryo development, normal cell physiology, and pathophysiology of many disease processes. Cadherins nucleate the assembly of the adherens junction, a cell-to-cell adhesion plaque that is prominent in simple epithelial cells and found in many cell types. Numerous cell biological approaches have been used to study this interesting class of molecules. Here, we outline methodology used in our studies of junctional complexes to examine effects of signaling molecules on assembly mechanisms. This is a quantitative method that allows the investigator to test the combined effect of two different signaling processes to determine whether these two signals act in concert within the same pathway. We discuss how this method could be generalized to other studies to examine consequences of various experimental manipulations on the assembly of cellular structures.

Defining desmosomal plakophilin-3 interactions

Plakophilin 3 (PKP3) is a recently described armadillo protein of the desmosomal plaque, which is synthesized in simple and stratified epithelia. We investigated the localization pattern of endogenous and exogenous PKP3 and fragments thereof. The desmosomal binding properties of PKP3 were determined using yeast two-hybrid, coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization experiments. To this end, novel mouse anti-PKP3 mAbs were generated. We found that PKP3 binds all three desmogleins, desmocollin (Dsc) 3a and -3b, and possibly also Dsc1a and -2a. As such, this is the first protein interaction ever observed with a Dsc-b isoform. Moreover, we determined that PKP3 interacts with plakoglobin, desmoplakin (DP) and the epithelial keratin 18. Evidence was found for the presence of at least two DP-PKP3 interaction sites. This finding might explain how lateral DP-PKP interactions are established in the upper layers of stratified epithelia, increasing the size of the desmosome and the number of anchoring points available for keratins. Together, these results show that PKP3, whose epithelial and epidermal desmosomal expression pattern and protein interaction repertoire are broader than those of PKP1 and -2, is a unique multiprotein binding element in the basic architecture of a vast majority of epithelial desmosomes.

Desmosomal cadherins

New evidence from blocking desmosomal adhesion with anti-adhesion peptides reveals a role for desmosomes in cell positioning in morphogenesis. Desmosomal adhesion is necessary for the stability of adherens junctions in epithelial cell sheets. Knockout and mis-expression of desmosomal cadherins in mice suggests that they may function directly or indirectly in regulating epidermal differentiation. Protein kinase C signalling and tyrosine phosphorylation appear to regulate desmosomal adhesion. There are new insights into the role of desmosomal cadherins in autoimmune, infectious and genetic disease.

Suprabasal desmoglein 3 expression in the epidermis of transgenic mice results in hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation

The desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) and desmocollin 1 (Dsc1) isoforms of the desmosomal cadherins are expressed in the suprabasal layers of epidermis, whereas Dsg3 and Dsc3 are more strongly expressed basally. This differential expression may have a function in epidermal morphogenesis and/or may regulate the proliferation and differentiation of keratinocytes. To test this hypothesis, we changed the expression pattern by overexpressing human Dsg3 under the control of the keratin 1 (K1) promoter in the suprabasal epidermis of transgenic mice. From around 12 weeks of age, the mice exhibited flaking of the skin accompanied by epidermal pustules and thinning of the hair. Histological analysis of affected areas revealed acanthosis, hypergranulosis, hyperkeratosis, localized parakeratosis, and abnormal hair follicles. This phenotype has some features in common with human ichthyosiform diseases. Electron microscopy revealed a mild epidermal spongiosis. Suprabasally, desmosomes showed incorporation of the exogenous protein by immunogold labeling but were normal in structure. The epidermis was hyperproliferative, and differentiation was abnormal, demonstrated by expression of K14 in the suprabasal layer, restriction of K1, and strong induction of K6 and K16. The changes resembled those found in previous studies in which growth factors, cytokines, and integrins had been overexpressed in epidermis. Thus our data strongly support the view that Dsg3 contributes to the regulation of epidermal differentiation. Our results contrast markedly with those recently obtained by expressing Dsg3 in epidermis under the involucrin promoter. Possible reasons for this difference are considered in this paper.

Cell Junction Dynamics in the Testis: Sertoli-Germ Cell Interactions and Male Contraceptive Development

Spermatogenesis is an intriguing but complicated biological process. However, many studies since the 1960s have focused either on the hormonal events of the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis or morphological events that take place in the seminiferous epithelium. Recent advances in biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology have shifted attention to understanding some of the key events that regulate spermatogenesis, such as germ cell apoptosis, cell cycle regulation, Sertoli-germ cell communication, and junction dynamics. In this review, we discuss the physiology and biology of junction dynamics in the testis, in particular how these events affect interactions of Sertoli and germ cells in the seminiferous epithelium behind the blood-testis barrier. We also discuss how these events regulate the opening and closing of the blood-testis barrier to permit the timely passage of preleptotene and leptotene spermatocytes across the blood-testis barrier. This is physiologically important since developing germ cells must translocate across the blood-testis barrier as well as traverse the seminiferous epithelium during their development. We also discuss several available in vitro and in vivo models that can be used to study Sertoli-germ cell anchoring junctions and Sertoli-Sertoli tight junctions. An in-depth survey in this subject has also identified several potential targets to be tackled to perturb spermatogenesis, which will likely lead to the development of novel male contraceptives.