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CCL2 disrupts the adherens junction: implications for neuroinflammation
Toni K Roberts1, Eliseo A Eugenin, Lillie Lopez
1Department of Pathology, The Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
Chemokine CCL2 disrupts brain endothelial adherens junctions via Src-dependent mechanisms. This process involves beta-catenin and PECAM-1, potentially increasing leukocyte entry into the CNS during neuroinflammation.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Neuroinflammation can compromise the blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity.
- Chemokine CCL2 is implicated in CNS inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of CCL2 on endothelial adherens junctions (AJs).
- To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying CCL2-induced BBB alterations.
Main Methods:
- Studied human brain microvascular endothelial cells.
- Utilized Src-dependent signaling pathways.
- Investigated beta-catenin and PECAM-1 interactions.
Main Results:
- CCL2 transiently disrupted endothelial AJs through a Src-dependent pathway.
- CCL2 induced beta-catenin phosphorylation and its transient sequestration by PECAM-1.
- PECAM-1 tyrosine phosphorylation recruited SHP-2, leading to beta-catenin release and AJ reassembly.
- CCL2 increased PECAM-1 surface localization.
Conclusions:
- CCL2 disrupts endothelial adherens junctions via a novel mechanism involving beta-catenin and PECAM-1.
- This disruption may contribute to BBB dysfunction and leukocyte infiltration in neuroinflammatory diseases.
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