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S-100 proteins in the human peripheral nervous system.
T Gonzalez-Martinez1, P Perez-Piñera, B Díaz-Esnal
1Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Universidad de 33006 Oviedo, Spain.
Microscopy Research and Technique
|March 20, 2003
Summary
S100 proteins are widely distributed in human peripheral nervous system glial cells, including Schwann cells and satellite cells. These proteins are also found in peripheral neurons, with specific subtypes expressing S100alpha and S100beta proteins.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cell Biology
Background:
- S100 proteins are a family of calcium-binding proteins.
- Their role in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is not fully elucidated.
- Peripheral glial cells and neurons are key components of the nervous system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the distribution of S100 proteins within the human peripheral nervous system.
- To identify which cell types express S100 proteins in the PNS.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating S100 protein expression.
- Immunohistochemical and molecular analyses of human peripheral tissues.
Main Results:
- S100 protein expression is a characteristic feature of various peripheral glial cells, irrespective of myelination status.
- Cells expressing S100 proteins include satellite cells (sensory, sympathetic, enteric ganglia), adrenal medulla supporting cells, Schwann cells (myelinating and non-myelinating), and Schwann-related cells in sensory corpuscles.
- Peripheral neurons also express S100 proteins; most express S100alpha, while a subset of dorsal root ganglion neurons contain S100beta or both S100alpha and S100beta.
Conclusions:
- S100 protein expression is a conserved marker across diverse glial cell types in the human PNS.
- The presence of S100 proteins in both glial and neuronal populations suggests multifaceted roles in peripheral nerve function and development.