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CD44 facilitates adhesive interactions in airineme-mediated intercellular signaling
Raquel L Bowman1, Jiyea Kim1, Michael J Parsons1
1Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California, Irvine, CA, United States.
Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology
|October 6, 2025
Summary
Cellular protrusions called airinemes use CD44 adhesion for long-distance signaling in zebrafish. This interaction with macrophages is vital for pigment pattern formation, revealing new insights into intercellular communication.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Molecular Signaling
Background:
- Specialized cellular protrusions mediate intercellular communication across species.
- Airinemes are key to zebrafish pigment pattern formation via Notch signaling.
- Macrophage interaction with airineme vesicles initiates signaling, but molecular mechanisms are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the molecular basis of macrophage-airineme vesicle interaction in signaling.
- To investigate the role of CD44 in mediating this crucial cellular communication.
Main Methods:
- High-resolution live imaging of cellular interactions.
- Genetic manipulation in vivo in zebrafish models.
- In vitro cell adhesion assays to quantify binding.
Main Results:
- Adhesive interactions involving the CD44 extracellular domain are critical for airineme signaling.
- Macrophage-CD44 interaction with airineme vesicles facilitates signaling.
- CD44 extracellular domain mutants show reduced airineme extension and pigment defects.
Conclusions:
- CD44-mediated adhesion is essential for macrophage-airineme vesicle interactions.
- This interaction is crucial for long-range intercellular signaling and pattern formation.
- Findings highlight the role of cell adhesion in macrophage-mediated signaling pathways.
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