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Expression and function of junctional adhesion molecule-C in myelinated peripheral nerves

Christoph Scheiermann1, Paolo Meda, Michel Aurrand-Lions

  • 1National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK.

Science (New York, N.Y.)
|December 1, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Junction adhesion molecule-C (JAM-C) is crucial for peripheral nerve health. This study reveals JAM-C

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cell Biology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Junction adhesion molecule-C (JAM-C) is an adhesion molecule primarily studied in inflammatory contexts.
  • Its role in peripheral nerve structure and function was previously unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression and function of JAM-C in peripheral nerves.
  • To determine JAM-C's role in Schwann cell biology and myelin sheath integrity.

Main Methods:

  • Immunolabeling with confocal and electron microscopy.
  • Analysis of sciatic nerves from JAM-C-deficient (knockout) mice.
  • Morphological, electrophysiological, and behavioral assessments.

Main Results:

  • JAM-C is expressed in Schwann cells at myelin end loops in peripheral nerves.
  • JAM-C-deficient mice show myelin sheath defects and impaired nerve conduction.
  • Motor abnormalities were observed in JAM-C-deficient mice.
  • Similar JAM-C expression was found in human sural nerves.

Conclusions:

  • JAM-C is a key component of Schwann cell junctions in myelinated peripheral nerves.
  • JAM-C is essential for maintaining myelin sheath integrity and proper nerve function.
  • This highlights a novel role for JAM-C beyond inflammation.

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