| First Author | Miyamoto T | Year | 2005 |
| Journal | J Cell Biol | Volume | 169 |
| Issue | 3 | Pages | 527-38 |
| PubMed ID | 15883201 | Mgi Jnum | J:99659 |
| Mgi Id | MGI:3583407 | Doi | 10.1083/jcb.200501154 |
| Citation | Miyamoto T, et al. (2005) Tight junctions in Schwann cells of peripheral myelinated axons: a lesson from claudin-19-deficient mice. J Cell Biol 169(3):527-38 |
| abstractText | Tight junction (TJ)-like structures have been reported in Schwann cells, but their molecular composition and physiological function remain elusive. We found that claudin-19, a novel member of the claudin family (TJ adhesion molecules in epithelia), constituted these structures. Claudin-19-deficient mice were generated, and they exhibited behavioral abnormalities that could be attributed to peripheral nervous system deficits. Electrophysiological analyses showed that the claudin-19 deficiency affected the nerve conduction of peripheral myelinated fibers. Interestingly, the overall morphology of Schwann cells lacking claudin-19 expression appeared to be normal not only in the internodal region but also at the node of Ranvier, except that TJs completely disappeared, at least from the outer/inner mesaxons. These findings have indicated that, similar to epithelial cells, Schwann cells also bear claudin-based TJs, and they have also suggested that these TJs are not involved in the polarized morphogenesis but are involved in the electrophysiological 'sealing' function of Schwann cells. |
