Abstract:Milk production is modulated by the paracellular barrier function of tight junction (TJ) proteins located in the mammary epithelium. The aim of our study was the molecular analysis of TJs in native lactating murine mammary gland epithelium as this process may strongly challenge epithelial barrier properties and regulation. Mammary gland tissue specimens from lactating control mice and animals after a 20-h interruption of suckling were prepared; histological analyses were performed by light and electron microsc… Show more
“…In contrast, members of the claudin family have been attributed to the organ-specific properties of epithelia, as e. g. shown in intestine, mammary gland, kidney and lungs (Kaarteenaho et al, 2010; Kirk et al, 2010; Markov et al, 2010, 2012). The single contribution of claudins to barrier properties varies, though.…”
Section: Physiological Contribution Of Tight Junction Proteinsmentioning
Pleura consists of visceral and parietal cell layers, producing a fluid, which is necessary for lubrication of the pleural space. Function of both mesothelial cell layers is necessary for the regulation of a constant pleural fluid volume and composition to facilitate lung movement during breathing. Recent studies have demonstrated that pleural mesothelial cells show a distinct expression pattern of tight junction proteins which are known to ubiquitously determine paracellular permeability. Most tight junction proteins provide a sealing function to epithelia, but some have been shown to have a paracellular channel function or ambiguous properties. Here we provide an in-depth review of the current knowledge concerning specific functional contribution of these proteins determining transport and barrier function of pleural mesothelium.
“…In contrast, members of the claudin family have been attributed to the organ-specific properties of epithelia, as e. g. shown in intestine, mammary gland, kidney and lungs (Kaarteenaho et al, 2010; Kirk et al, 2010; Markov et al, 2010, 2012). The single contribution of claudins to barrier properties varies, though.…”
Section: Physiological Contribution Of Tight Junction Proteinsmentioning
Pleura consists of visceral and parietal cell layers, producing a fluid, which is necessary for lubrication of the pleural space. Function of both mesothelial cell layers is necessary for the regulation of a constant pleural fluid volume and composition to facilitate lung movement during breathing. Recent studies have demonstrated that pleural mesothelial cells show a distinct expression pattern of tight junction proteins which are known to ubiquitously determine paracellular permeability. Most tight junction proteins provide a sealing function to epithelia, but some have been shown to have a paracellular channel function or ambiguous properties. Here we provide an in-depth review of the current knowledge concerning specific functional contribution of these proteins determining transport and barrier function of pleural mesothelium.
The imbalance between bone formation and resorption during bone remodeling has been documented to be a major factor in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis. Recent evidence suggests a significant role for the tight junction proteins, Claudins (Cldns), in the regulation of bone remodeling processes. In terms of function, whereas Cldns act "canonically" as key determinants of paracellular permeability, there is considerable recent evidence to suggest that Cldns also participate in cell signaling, ie, a "noncanonical function". To this end, Cldns have been shown to regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, and gene expression in a variety of cell types. The present review will discuss Cldns' structure, their expression profile, regulation of expression, and their canonical and non- canonical functions in general with special emphasis on bone cells. In order to shed light on the noncanonical functions of Cldns in bone, we will highlight the role of Cldn-18 in regulating bone resorption and osteoclast differentiation. Collectively, we hope to provide a framework for guiding future research on understanding how Cldns modulate osteoblast and osteoclast function and overall bone homeostasis. Such studies should provide valuable insights into the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, and may highlight Cldns as novel targets for the diagnosis and therapeutic management of osteoporosis.
“…Integrins have been shown to be mechanosensors in other cell types [20], and occludin, an integral transmembrane TJ protein, was downregulated during stretch in lung alveolar epithelial cells [21]. Thus, the down-regulation of β1-integrin [22,23] and TJ proteins [24,25] during mammary engorgement could be implicated in this mechanotransduction cascade. Furthermore, the stretching of MEC in vitro, results in the induction of apoptotic pathways [26], and morphological changes in the mechanosensors primary cilia occur during involution of the mammary gland [27,28].…”
Objective: Weaning is a process that results in a reduction in milk secretion, an increase in mammary epithelial cell (MEC) apoptosis, and involution of the mammary gland. The local mechanisms initiating MEC apoptosis and involution are unclear, although the physical morphology of the MEC may influence cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix communication and thus may alter function. This study examined the effect of physical distension of alveoli on the early molecular events that occur at the onset of involution of rat mammary glands.
Methods:Mammary tissue was collected post-mortem from lactating Sprague-Dawley rats at 0, 1, 3, and 6 h (n=6 per time point) following acute physical distension of an inguinal gland with isosmotic sucrose solution (0.8 ml; equivalent to ~6 h worth of milk accumulation) via the teat canal followed by sealing with adhesive (infused). The remaining teats on each rat were either left unsealed for pups to suckle (control), or were sealed to induce milk accumulation and mammary engorgement (engorged).
Results:There was a low number of positive in situ-end labeled (ISEL) nuclei in suckled control glands indicating they had a low number of cells with fragmented DNA or were apoptotic. However, there was a greater number of ISEL nuclei in sucrose-infused and milk-engorged teat-sealed glands by 1 and 6 h, respectively, such that these changes were accelerated by sucrose infusion, compared with milk accumulation alone. The timing of the decline in abundance of β1-integrin (cell-extracellular matrix protein) and occludin (tight junction protein), and increase in abundance of the activated apoptotic marker signal transducer and activator of transcription factor-3 (pSTAT3) protein were also accelerated by sucrose infusion.
Conclusion:Physical distension by sucrose infusion accelerated the onset of the first stage of mammary apoptosis and involution, supporting a role for mechanotransduction during these processes.
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