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Published on: February 7, 2019
Human digital merkel cells display pannexin1 immunoreactivity
Lucia Cárcaba1, Jorge García-Piqueras1, Yolanda García-Mesa1
1Departamento de Morfología y Biología Celular, Grupo SINPOS, Universidad de Oviedo, Spain.
Pannexin1, a protein involved in ATP release, is expressed in human digital Merkel cells. This finding supports ATP's role in mechanotransduction within Merkel cell-axon complexes.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
- Dermatology
Background:
- Pannexins are transmembrane proteins that release ATP.
- Pannexin1 is found in skin and adnexal structures.
- ATP is a potential neurotransmitter in Merkel cell-axon complexes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate Pannexin1 expression in human digital Merkel cells.
- To explore the role of Pannexin1 in mechanotransduction.
Main Methods:
- Immunohistochemistry was used to detect Pannexin1.
- Merkel cells were identified by markers like cytokeratine 20, chromogranin A, and synaptophysin.
Main Results:
- Pannexin1 immunoreactivity was observed in human digital Merkel cells.
- Merkel cells expressing Pannexin1 were located in the basal epidermis and contacted nerve profiles.
- Pannexin1 was also detected in dermal blood vessels.
Conclusions:
- This study provides the first evidence of Pannexin1 expression in human digital Merkel cells.
- The findings suggest Pannexin1's involvement in ATP signaling at Merkel cell-axon complexes.
- ATP may play a direct or indirect role in the mechanotransduction process.
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