Schwann cell-specific JAM-C-deficient mice reveal novel expression and functions for JAM-C in peripheral nerves

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

  • Bartomeu Colom - , Queen Mary University of London (Author)
  • Yannick Poitelon - , Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (Author)
  • Wenlong Huang - , Queen Mary University of London (Author)
  • Abigail Woodfin - , Queen Mary University of London (Author)
  • Sharon Averill - , Queen Mary University of London (Author)
  • Ubaldo Del Carro - , Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (Author)
  • Desirée Zambroni - , Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (Author)
  • Susan D. Brain - , King's College London (KCL) (Author)
  • Mauro Perretti - , Queen Mary University of London (Author)
  • Amrita Ahluwalia - , Queen Mary University of London (Author)
  • John V. Priestley - , Queen Mary University of London (Author)
  • Triantafyllos Chavakis - , Department of Internal Medicine III, Institute of Physiology (Author)
  • Beat A. Imhof - , University of Geneva (Author)
  • M. Laura Feltri - , Vita-Salute San Raffaele University (Author)
  • Sussan Nourshargh - , Queen Mary University of London (Author)

Abstract

Junctional adhesion molecule-C (JAM-C) is an adhesion molecule expressed at junctions between adjacent endothelial and epithelial cells and implicated in multiple inflammatory and vascular responses. In addition, we recently reported on the expression of JAM-C in Schwann cells (SCs) and its importance for the integrity and function of peripheral nerves. To investigate the role of JAM-C in neuronal functions further, mice with a specific deletion of JAM-C in SCs (JAM-C SC KO) were generated. Compared to wild-type (WT) controls, JAM-C SC KO mice showed electrophysiological defects, muscular weakness, and hypersensitivity to mechanical stimuli. In addressing the underlying cause of these defects, nerves from JAM-C SC KO mice were found to have morphological defects in the paranodal region, exhibiting increased nodal length as compared to WTs. The study also reports on previously undetected expressions of JAM-C, namely on perineural cells, and in line with nociception defects of the JAM-C SC KO animals, on finely myelinated sensory nerve fibers. Collectively, the generation and characterization of JAM-C SC KO mice has provided unequivocal evidence for the involvement of SC JAM-C in the fine organization of peripheral nerves and in modulating multiple neuronal responses.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1064-1076
Number of pages13
JournalFASEB Journal
Volume26
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2012
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

researchoutputwizard legacy.publication#48969
researchoutputwizard legacy.publication#48542
Scopus 84863229734
PubMed 22090315

Keywords

Keywords

  • Adhesion molecules, Peripheral nerves, Tight junctions