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Intraepithelial anchoring fibril components
L A Goldsmith1, P McCoon, A Partridge
1Department of Dermatology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, NY 14642.
Insights
Researchers found intracellular anchoring fibril antigens in cultured human cells. These antigens may relate to recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, a skin disease characterized by anchoring fibril retention.
Area of Science:
- Cell biology
- Dermatology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Anchoring fibrils are crucial components of the dermal-epidermal junction.
- Defects in anchoring fibrils are associated with certain genetic skin disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and characteristics of intracellular anchoring fibril antigens in cultured human cells.
- To explore the potential relationship between intracellular anchoring fibril antigens and recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa.
Main Methods:
- Utilized cultured human keratinocytes and ME-180 cervical carcinoma cells.
- Employed anchoring fibril antibodies (AF1, AF2) for antigen detection.
- Applied flow cytometry and acetone pretreatment to reveal intracellular antigens.
- Assessed calcium sensitivity of the intracellular epitope.
Main Results:
- Intracellular pools of antigens reacting with AF1 and AF2 antibodies were identified in both cell types.
- In keratinocytes, these antigens formed a basement membrane-like structure.
- Acetone pretreatment of ME-180 cells exposed large intracellular antigen pools.
- The intracellular epitope demonstrated calcium sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Cultured human cells contain intracellular anchoring fibril antigens.
- The calcium-sensitive nature of these antigens was characterized.
- Findings suggest a potential link between intracellular anchoring fibril antigens and recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, given its association with anchoring fibril retention.
Abstract:
Cultured human keratinocytes and cultured human cervical carcinoma cells (ME-180) contained intracellular pools of antigens that reacted with the anchoring fibril antibodies AF1 and AF2. In keratinocytes, these antigens formed a basement membrane-like structure near the apical portions of the cells. Using flow cytometric techniques, pretreatment of the ME-180 cells with acetone revealed large intracellular pools of antigen. The intracellular epitope was calcium sensitive. Some forms of recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa have retention of intracellular portions of the anchoring fibril suggesting a relation of the intracellular anchoring fibril antigens to that disease.