Neural cell adhesion molecule immunoreactivity in Merkel cells and Merkel cell tumours

Gallego, Rosalı́a; García‐Caballero, Tomás; Beiras, A.; Fraga, Máximo; Forteza, Jerónimo

doi:10.1007/bf00191370

Cited by 37 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 39 publications

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“…Thus, the broad expression of N-CAM in human MCs might argue for an involvement of N-CAM-positive MCs in sensory functions, as well as in diVerentiation and homeostasis of surrounding cells. Our results conWrm the presence of N-CAM in MCs published by Gallego et al (1995). They described 100% of MCs in four skin samples of Wngertips and pig snouts to be positive for N-CAM.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

Evidence for distinct populations of human Merkel cells

Eispert

Fuchs

Brandner

et al. 2009

Histochem Cell Biol

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Merkel cells (MCs) are neuroendocrine cells of unknown origin located in the skin. They are identified at electron microscopic level by electron dense granules, at light microscopic level by the presence of cytokeratins 8, 18, 19 and 20. Contradictory reports concerning the presence of other molecules of epithelial as well as neural origin prompted us to investigate whether there are distinct populations of human MCs. Here, we show the heterogeneous expression of villin, N-CAM, NGF-R, and neurofilaments in MCs. Synaptophysin is found in all MCs but with different intensity, nestin is absent. Expression patterns vary between interfollicular epidermis, hair follicles and glabrous epidermis. We conclude that there are distinct populations of MCs, but all populations contain markers for epithelial as well as neural cells. Putative functions of the distinct populations are discussed.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 93%

Evidence for distinct populations of human Merkel cells

Eispert

Fuchs

Brandner

et al. 2009

Histochem Cell Biol

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“…We targeted CD56 antigen for the purpose of cell sorting. It is one of the only extracellular markers described for human and swine MCs [40], [41], although all MCs do not express it [42]. We routinely obtained ∼5.9×10 5 cells (1.54±0.15% of the total dissociated cells) in the CD56-positive fraction, of which MCs accounted for an average of 62% (±3.5) as shown in over 10 experiments employing CK20 immunofluorescence and DAPI counterstaining (Figure 2a).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 73%

Merkel Cells as Putative Regulatory Cells in Skin Disorders: An In Vitro Study

et al. 2009

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Merkel cells (MCs) are involved in mechanoreception, but several lines of evidence suggest that they may also participate in skin disorders through the release of neuropeptides and hormones. In addition, MC hyperplasias have been reported in inflammatory skin diseases. However, neither proliferation nor reactions to the epidermal environment have been demonstrated. We established a culture model enriched in swine MCs to analyze their proliferative capability and to discover MC survival factors and modulators of MC neuroendocrine properties. In culture, MCs reacted to bFGF by extending outgrowths. Conversely, neurotrophins failed to induce cell spreading, suggesting that they do not act as a growth factor for MCs. For the first time, we provide evidence of proliferation in culture through Ki-67 immunoreactivity. We also found that MCs reacted to histamine or activation of the proton gated/osmoreceptor TRPV4 by releasing vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP). Since VIP is involved in many pathophysiological processes, its release suggests a putative regulatory role for MCs in skin disorders. Moreover, in contrast to mechanotransduction, neuropeptide exocytosis was Ca2+-independent, as inhibition of Ca2+ channels or culture in the absence of Ca2+ failed to decrease the amount of VIP released. We conclude that neuropeptide release and neurotransmitter exocytosis may be two distinct pathways that are differentially regulated.

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“…Indeed, a study by Eispert suggested that Nestin is absent in human Merkel cells of different anatomical origin [29]. Merkel cells are known to express a variety of neuronal markers like NSE, Synaptophysin, and PGP 9.5, whereas Neurofilament is absent [26, 28, 30–33]. Additionally, it was reported that Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) is required for the development of Merkel cells [34].…”

Section: Expression Patternmentioning

confidence: 99%

Origin and Regenerative Potential of Vertebrate Mechanoreceptor-Associated Stem Cells

Widera

Hauser

Kaltschmidt

et al. 2012

Anatomy Research International

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Meissner corpuscles and Merkel cell neurite complexes are highly specialized mechanoreceptors present in the hairy and glabrous skin, as well as in different types of mucosa. Several reports suggest that after injury, such as after nerve crush, freeze injury, or dissection of the nerve, they are able to regenerate, particularly including reinnervation and repopulation of the mechanoreceptors by Schwann cells. However, little is known about mammalian cells responsible for these regenerative processes. Here we review cellular origin of this plasticity in the light of newly described adult neural crest-derived stem cell populations. We also discuss further potential multipotent stem cell populations with the ability to regenerate disrupted innervation and to functionally recover the mechanoreceptors. These capabilities are discussed as in context to cellularly reprogrammed Schwann cells and tissue resident adult mesenchymal stem cells.

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Neural cell adhesion molecule immunoreactivity in Merkel cells and Merkel cell tumours

Cited by 37 publications

References 39 publications

Evidence for distinct populations of human Merkel cells

Evidence for distinct populations of human Merkel cells

Merkel Cells as Putative Regulatory Cells in Skin Disorders: An In Vitro Study

Origin and Regenerative Potential of Vertebrate Mechanoreceptor-Associated Stem Cells

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