Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026
06:43
Increased Recovery Time and Decreased LPS Administration to Study the Vagus Nerve Stimulation Mechanisms in Limited Inflammatory Responses
Published on: March 29, 2017
Direct interaction between nerves and mast cells mediated by the SgIGSF/SynCAM adhesion molecule
1Division of Surgical Pathology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan. akito@med.kobe-u.ac.jp
Journal of Pharmacological Sciences
|August 29, 2006
Summary
Nerve and immune cell communication is vital in disease. Researchers found the SynCAM molecule mediates direct contact between nerve and mast cells, opening new avenues for understanding neuro-immune interactions.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neuro-immune systems play a key role in disease pathophysiology.
- Nerve-mast cell interactions are crucial, involving bi-directional communication via mediators like Substance P, proteases, and cytokines.
- The molecules mediating direct membrane-to-membrane contact between nerves and mast cells were previously unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of the adhesion molecule SynCAM (SgIGSF) in nerve-mast cell interaction.
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying direct cell-cell contact in neuro-immune communication.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using superior cervical ganglia neurites and mast cells.
- Analysis of SgIGSF/SynCAM expression on nerve and mast cells.
- Assessment of mast cell adhesion to neurites with and without SgIGSF/SynCAM expression.
Main Results:
- Both nerve cells and mast cells express the identical adhesion molecule SgIGSF/SynCAM.
- Mast cells lacking SgIGSF/SynCAM showed poor adhesion to nerve neurites, which was restored by ectopic SgIGSF/SynCAM expression.
- SgIGSF/SynCAM expression enhanced mast cell communication with nerve neurites.
Conclusions:
- SgIGSF/SynCAM is a key molecule mediating homophilic adhesion between nerve and mast cells.
- This adhesion molecule-dependent interaction is critical for effective neuro-immune communication.
- Understanding SgIGSF/SynCAM's role offers new therapeutic targets for neuro-immune related diseases.
Related Concept Videos
01:31Immunoglobulin-like Cell Adhesion Molecules
Immunoglobulin-like cell adhesion molecules or Ig-CAMs are a versatile group of cell surface glycoproteins belonging to the immunoglobulin protein superfamily. Ig-CAMs possess the characteristic immunoglobulin protein domains and other domains such as the fibronectin type III domain. The Ig domains are glycosylated to varying degrees in different Ig-CAMs.
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
Ig-CAMs exhibit either homophilic binding (to other Ig-CAMs) or heterophilic binding (to other ligands such as integrins). While most Ig-CAMs...
01:24Overview of Cell-Matrix Interactions
The extracellular matrix or ECM holds cells together to form a tissue and allows the cells within the tissue to communicate. ECM comprises proteins such as fibronectin, collagen, laminin, etc. The most abundant protein in this space is collagen. Collagen fibers are interwoven with carbohydrate-containing protein molecules called proteoglycans. ECM allows cell migration and provides a structural scaffold at cell adhesion that anchors the cell when the extracellular matrix proteins interact with...
01:13Cell-matrix's Response to Mechanical Forces
In animal cells, the extracellular matrix allows cells within tissues to withstand external stresses and transmits signals from the outside of the cell to the inside. The extracellular matrix is extensive, and its composition varies between different types of tissues. For example, the reticular fibers and ground substance make up the ECM in loose connective tissue, while collagen and bone minerals make up the ECM of bone tissue.
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
Anchoring junctions mechanically attach a cell to the...
01:17Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...
01:03Anchoring Junctions
Anchoring junctions are multiprotein complexes that help cells connect to other cells and the extracellular matrix. Anchoring junctions are present on the lateral and basal surfaces of cells, providing strong and flexible connections. Focal adhesions are often formed due to cell interactions with the ECM substrata, which initiate signal transduction via kinase cascades and other mechanisms. Together, they provide stability and tissue integrity. There are three types of anchoring junctions:...
01:20Cell Adhesion Molecules - Types and Functions
Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) are pivotal to multicellularity and the coordinated functioning of tissues and organ systems. They enable physical interactions between cells and provide mechanical strength to tissues. They also function as receptors for signal transmission across the plasma membrane. The CAMs are broadly classified into four families - integrins, cadherins, selectins, and immunoglobulin-like CAMs (IgCAMs).
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...
CAM Families
The Integrin family of proteins is primarily involved in a...