Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Single-molecule Super-resolution Imaging of Phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate in the Plasma Membrane with Novel Fluorescent Probes
Published on: October 15, 2016
Phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C, but not phospholipase D, is involved in pemphigus IgG-induced signal
M Seishima1, Y Iwasaki-Bessho, Y Itoh
1Department of Dermatology, Ogaki Municipal Hospital, Japan.
Insights
Pemphigus IgG binding to desmogleins triggers a signaling cascade involving phosphatidylcholine-specific phospholipase C (PC-PLC). This pathway prolongs diacylglycerol generation, potentially activating protein kinase C and contributing to pemphigus pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Cell signaling
- Dermatology
Background:
- The exact mechanism of acantholysis in pemphigus, following pemphigus IgG binding to desmogleins (Dsg) 3 and/or Dsg 1, remains unclear.
- Previous studies indicated that pemphigus IgG (P-IgG) transiently increases intracellular calcium and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, activating protein kinase C (PKC) in DJM-1 cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the involvement of phosphatidylcholine (PC)-specific phospholipase C (PLC) and phospholipase D (PLD) in P-IgG-induced signaling.
- To determine the role of diacylglycerol (DAG) and phosphatidylbutanol (PBut) production in P-IgG-mediated cellular responses.
Main Methods:
- DJM-1 cells were treated with P-IgG to assess DAG and PBut production.
- The effects of D609 (PC-PLC inhibitor) and propranolol (phosphatidate phosphohydrolase inhibitor) on DAG accumulation were evaluated.
- Pemphigus serum, pre-adsorbed against Dsg 3 and Dsg 1, was used to assess Dsg-specific effects.
- Levels of [3H]phosphocholine, a PC-PLC metabolite, were measured.
Main Results:
- A biphasic accumulation of DAG was observed, with a sustained second phase.
- The second phase of DAG accumulation was significantly inhibited by D609, but not propranolol.
- P-IgG did not induce DAG formation after pemphigus antibodies were adsorbed to Dsg 3 and Dsg 1.
- PBut was not generated, and [3H]phosphocholine levels were elevated following P-IgG addition.
Conclusions:
- The PC-PLC pathway plays a significant role in P-IgG-induced transmembrane signaling.
- Prolonged DAG generation via PC-PLC may lead to sustained PKC activation, contributing to pemphigus pathology.
- These findings elucidate a key signaling mechanism in P-IgG-induced cellular responses.
Abstract:
The precise mechanism of the acantholysis after pemphigus IgGs bind to desmoglein (Dsg) 3 and/or Dsg 1 on the cell surface is as yet unknown. We have previously reported that pemphigus IgG (P-IgG) causes a transient increase in intracellular calcium and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate concentration, and subsequent activation of protein kinase C (PKC) in DJM-1 cells, a squamous cell carcinoma line. In order to see whether phosphatidylcholine (PC)-specific phospholipase C (PLC) or phospholipase D (PLD) is involved in the P-IgG-induced signaling process, the production of 1,2-diacylglycerol (DAG) and phosphatidylbutanol (PBut), a potential marker for the determination of PLD activity in the presence of butanol, was determined in DJM-1 cells. A biphasic accumulation of DAG, which consisted of a first transient phase and a second sustained phase, was observed. The second phase of DAG accumulation was profoundly inhibited by pretreatment with D609, a selective inhibitor of PC-PLC, but not by propranolol, an inhibitor of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase. Pemphigus serum after preadsortion of antibodies to Dsg 3 and Dsg 1 with recombinant Dsg 3 and Dsg 1 did not show formation of DAG. PBut was not generated following the addition of P-IgG. In addition, the levels of [3H]phosphocholine, a direct metabolite of PC-PLC, were elevated after the addition of P-IgG. These results suggest that the PC-PLC pathway plays a major role in P-IgG-induced transmembrane signaling by causing prolonged generation of DAG, which may lead to long-term activation of PKC.
More Related Videos
05:05Technique of Conjunctival Biopsy and Direct Immunofluorescence for Diagnosing Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid
Published on: June 17, 2025
10:31A Liposome Membrane Permeability Assay for Investigating the Effects of Phosphatidylinositol Phosphate Groups on Membranotropic Action of Venom PLA2
Published on: September 26, 2025
Related Concept Videos
What are Second Messengers?
Asymmetric Lipid Bilayer
Phosphoinositides and PIPs
Different phosphoinositides are synthesized and recruited on the cytosolic face of the plasma membrane. The localization of specific phosphoinositides concentrated in separate membrane...
Synthesis of Phosphatidylcholine in the ER Membrane
The major components of all eukaryotic cell...
Amplifying Signals via Second Messengers
IP3/DAG Signaling Pathway