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Isolation of Peritoneum-derived Mast Cells and Their Functional Characterization with Ca2+-imaging and Degranulation Assays
11:31

Isolation of Peritoneum-derived Mast Cells and Their Functional Characterization with Ca2+-imaging and Degranulation Assays

Published on: July 4, 2018

A mastoparan analog without lytic effects and its stimulatory mechanisms in mast cells

Hidehito Mukai1, Miharu Kikuchi2, Yasufumi Suzuki2

  • 1Institute of Applied Biochemistry, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8572, Japan; Laboratory of Peptide Biosignal Engineering, Mitsubishi Kagaku Institute of Life Sciences, 11 Minamiooya, Machida, Tokyo 194-8511, Japan.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|August 19, 2007
PubMed

Insights

A new mastoparan derivative, mas 11, triggers non-lytic exocytosis and calcium signaling in mast cells. This peptide offers a tool to study exocytosis without cell damage.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Mastoparan (MP), a wasp venom peptide, induces histamine secretion and cell lysis in mast cells.
  • The lytic effect of MP complicates studies on its signaling mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate a novel mastoparan derivative, mas 11, for its ability to induce exocytosis without causing cell lysis.
  • To elucidate the signaling pathways activated by mas 11 in mast cells.

Main Methods:

  • Treatment of rat peritoneal mast cells with mas 11.
  • Measurement of beta-hexosaminidase release (exocytosis marker).
  • Assessment of cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration.
  • Evaluation of pertussis toxin inhibition.

Main Results:

  • Mas 11 induced exocytosis with higher activity than native mastoparan.
  • Mas 11 triggered non-lytic release of beta-hexosaminidase.
  • Mas 11 increased cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration.
  • These effects were largely inhibited by pertussis toxin, indicating G(i)-protein involvement.

Conclusions:

  • Mas 11 is a potent stimulator of non-lytic exocytosis in mast cells.
  • Mas 11 activates signaling pathways involving G(i)-type G proteins.
  • Mas 11 serves as a valuable tool for studying exocytotic mechanisms and amphiphilic peptide signaling.

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