Schwann cell-specific JAM-C-deficient mice reveal novel expression and functions for JAM-C in peripheral nerves

FASEB J. 2012 Mar;26(3):1064-76. doi: 10.1096/fj.11-196220. Epub 2011 Nov 16.

Abstract

Junctional adhesion molecule-C (JAM-C) is an adhesion molecule expressed at junctions between adjacent endothelial and epithelial cells and implicated in multiple inflammatory and vascular responses. In addition, we recently reported on the expression of JAM-C in Schwann cells (SCs) and its importance for the integrity and function of peripheral nerves. To investigate the role of JAM-C in neuronal functions further, mice with a specific deletion of JAM-C in SCs (JAM-C SC KO) were generated. Compared to wild-type (WT) controls, JAM-C SC KO mice showed electrophysiological defects, muscular weakness, and hypersensitivity to mechanical stimuli. In addressing the underlying cause of these defects, nerves from JAM-C SC KO mice were found to have morphological defects in the paranodal region, exhibiting increased nodal length as compared to WTs. The study also reports on previously undetected expressions of JAM-C, namely on perineural cells, and in line with nociception defects of the JAM-C SC KO animals, on finely myelinated sensory nerve fibers. Collectively, the generation and characterization of JAM-C SC KO mice has provided unequivocal evidence for the involvement of SC JAM-C in the fine organization of peripheral nerves and in modulating multiple neuronal responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Blotting, Western
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide / metabolism
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / deficiency
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / genetics
  • Cell Adhesion Molecules / physiology*
  • Endothelial Cells / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Female
  • Immunoglobulins / deficiency
  • Immunoglobulins / genetics
  • Immunoglobulins / physiology*
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, 129 Strain
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Knockout
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Motor Neurons / metabolism
  • Muscle, Skeletal / cytology
  • Muscle, Skeletal / injuries
  • Muscle, Skeletal / metabolism
  • Nerve Fibers / metabolism
  • Peripheral Nerves / cytology
  • Peripheral Nerves / metabolism
  • Peripheral Nerves / physiology*
  • Reflex / physiology
  • Schwann Cells / metabolism*
  • Sciatic Nerve / metabolism
  • Sciatic Nerve / physiology
  • Sciatic Nerve / ultrastructure
  • Sensory Receptor Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Cell Adhesion Molecules
  • Immunoglobulins
  • Jam3 protein, mouse
  • Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide