The cellular cortex provides crucial mechanical support and plays critical roles during cell division and migration. The proteins of the ERM family, comprised of ezrin, radixin, and moesin, are central to these processes by linking the plasma membrane to the actin cytoskeleton. To investigate the contributions of the ERM proteins to leukocyte migration, we generated single and triple ERM knockout macrophages.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPemphigus is a serious and rare chronic bullous autoimmune disease. It is characterized by mucocutaneous erosions secondary to autoantibodies directed against desmogleins 1 and 3, proteins involved in intercellular adhesion mechanisms. The occurrence of pemphigus is based on the triggering of genetic and external environmental factors such as drugs, infection, and more rarely radiotherapy.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhagocytosis consists in ingestion and digestion of large particles, a process strictly dependent on actin re-organization. Using synchronized phagocytosis of IgG-coated latex beads (IgG-LB), zymosan or serum opsonized-zymosan, we report the formation of actin structures on both phagocytic cups and closed phagosomes in human macrophages. Their lifespan, size, protein composition and organization are similar to podosomes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFElevated amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) including hydrogen peroxide (HO) are observed in the epidermis in different skin disorders. Thus, epidermal sensing of HO should be useful to monitor the progression of skin pathologies. We have evaluated epidermal sensing of HO in vitro, by visualising HO permeation through the skin.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHIV-1 infection is frequently associated with low bone density, which can progress to osteoporosis leading to a high risk of fractures. Only a few mechanisms have been proposed to explain the enhanced osteolysis in the context of HIV-1 infection. As macrophages are involved in bone homeostasis and are critical host cells for HIV-1, we asked whether HIV-1-infected macrophages could participate in bone degradation.
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