Tight junctions in Schwann cells of peripheral myelinated axons: A lesson from claudin-19-deficient mice

Tatsuo Miyamoto, Kazumasa Morita, Daisuke Takemoto, Kosei Takeuchi, Yuka Kitano, Tsuyoshi Miyakawa, Kiyomi Nakayama, Yasushi Okamura, Hiroyuki Sasaki, Yoshiki Miyachi, Mikio Furuse, Shoichiro Tsukita

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

151 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)527-538
Number of pages12
JournalJournal of Cell Biology
Volume169
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 09-05-2005
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Cell Biology

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