E-cadherin and cell adhesion: a role in architecture and function in the pancreatic islet. |
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Authors: | Gareth J Rogers Matthew N Hodgkin Paul E Squires |
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Affiliation: | Molecular Physiology Group, Biomedical Research Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Warwick Coventry, UK. |
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Abstract: | BACKGROUND/AIMS: The efficient secretion of insulin from beta-cells requires extensive intra-islet communication. The cell surface adhesion protein epithelial (E)-cadherin (ECAD) establishes and maintains epithelial tissues such as the islets of Langerhans. In this study, the role of ECAD in regulating insulin secretion from pseudoislets was investigated. METHODS: The effect of an immuno-neutralising ECAD on gross morphology, cytosolic calcium signalling, direct cell-to-cell communication and insulin secretion was assessed by fura-2 microfluorimetry, Lucifer Yellow dye injection and insulin ELISA in an insulin-secreting model system. RESULTS: Antibody blockade of ECAD reduces glucose-evoked changes in [Ca(2+)](i) and insulin secretion. Neutralisation of ECAD causes a breakdown in the glucose-stimulated synchronicity of calcium oscillations between discrete regions within the pseudoislet, and the transfer of dye from an individual cell within a cell cluster is attenuated in the absence of ECAD ligation, demonstrating that gap junction communication is disrupted. The functional consequence of neutralising ECAD is a significant reduction in insulin secretion. CONCLUSION: Cell adhesion via ECAD has distinct roles in the regulation of intercellular communication between beta-cells within islets, with potential repercussions for insulin secretion. |
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