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MRGPRX2 was recently uncovered as the "missing link" in clinically relevant mast cell (MC) activation explaining previously puzzling phenomena. It is the receptor for various endogenous ligands and exogenous compounds alike, whose binding evokes rapid degranulation much like allergen‐mediated exocytosis. While the perceivable outcomes are similar, the two activation routes differ regarding mechanism and regulation. We recently reported that acute SCF administration curbs responses evoked by MRGPRX2 in human skin MCs. Maintenance of MCs in culture requires the presence of MC supportive factors and renders the cells functionally and molecularly unequal to ex vivo counterparts. Here, we asked whether expansion in culture impacts the pseudo‐allergic route, and if so, what contribution SCF and IL‐4 play in this scenario. We report that the in vitro micromilieu dampens (but does not erase) pseudo‐allergic responses and that this is accompanied by strongly reduced MRGPRX2 expression. Withdrawal of SCF or IL‐4 individually, but most potently of both collectively, partially reinstates the MRGPRX2 pathway, revealing that SCF and IL‐4 make negative adjustments to the pseudo‐allergic pathway. Under all conditions, the FcεRI‐triggered route showed the inverse pattern of regulation, substantiating that allergic and pseudo‐allergic MC activation can obey opposite rules, hinting at possible competition between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mast cells ( MCs) from human skin have been notoriously resistant to gene manipulation, and a method to knock-down gene expression in in situ differentiated MCs is highly desired. The Dharmacon Accell® transfection system proved successful on several 'difficult-to-transfect' cells. In the present work, we therefore tested this method on skin-derived MCs using different si RNA entities. The si RNA was readily taken up, followed by pronounced, specific reduction of gene and protein expression. Hence, we present the first efficient technique for the manipulation of gene expression in primary skin MCs ex vivo, which combines high transfection rates with retained cell viability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNAs with key roles in cellular regulation. As part of the fifth edition of the Functional Annotation of Mammalian Genome (FANTOM5) project, we created an integrated expression atlas of miRNAs and their promoters by deep-sequencing 492 short RNA (sRNA) libraries, with matching Cap Analysis Gene Expression (CAGE) data, from 396 human and 47 mouse RNA samples. Promoters were identified for 1,357 human and 804 mouse miRNAs and showed strong sequence conservation between species. We also found that primary and mature miRNA expression levels were correlated, allowing us to use the primary miRNA measurements as a proxy for mature miRNA levels in a total of 1,829 human and 1,029 mouse CAGE libraries. We thus provide a broad atlas of miRNA expression and promoters in primary mammalian cells, establishing a foundation for detailed analysis of miRNA expression patterns and transcriptional control regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Vitamin-A-metabolite retinoic acid (RA) acts as a master regulator of cellular programs. Mast cells (MCs) are primary effector cells of type-I-allergic reactions. We recently uncovered that human cutaneous MCs are enriched with RA network components over other skin cells. Yet, direct experimental evidence on the significance of the RA-MC axis is limited. Here, skin-derived cultured MCs were exposed to RA for seven days and investigated by flow-cytometry (BrdU incorporation, Annexin/PI, Fc"RI), microscopy, RT-qPCR, histamine quantitation, protease activity, and degranulation assays. We found that whileMCsize and granularity remained unchanged, RA potently interfered with MC proliferation. Conversely, a modest survival-promoting effect from RA was noted. The granule constituents, histamine and tryptase, remained unaffected, while RA had a striking impact on MC chymase, whose expression dropped by gene and by peptidase activity. The newly uncovered MRGPRX2 performed similarly to chymase. Intriguingly, RA fostered allergic MC degranulation, in a way completely uncoupled from Fc"RI expression, but it simultaneously restricted MRGPRX2-triggered histamine release in agreement with the reduced receptor expression. Vitamin-A-derived hormones thus re-shape skin-derived MCs numerically, phenotypically, and functionally. A general theme emerges, implying RA to skew MCs towards processes associated with (allergic) inflammation, while driving them away from the skin-imprinted MCTC ("MCs containing tryptase and chymase") signature (chymase, MRGPRX2). Collectively, MCs are substantial targets of the skin retinoid network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mast cells (MCs), unique cellular elements of the body, are commonly associated with IgE-mediated reactions and manifestations of Th2-type immunity. A key characteristic of the lineage is its heterogeneity, with subsets displaying significant variation depending on maturation stage, species, tissue, microenvironment and other. Heterogeneity also affects MC responses to extracellular cues. Indeed, IL-4, the signature cytokine of Th2-immunity, can affect MCs in opposing ways ranging from the induction of apoptosis to positive regulation of lineage characteristics. It is unknown, however, whether IL-4 alters the phenotype of terminally differentiated human cutaneous MCs. Using our well-established technique for homogeneous purification of human skin MCs, we now report that prolonged contact with IL-4 not only increases MC expansion, but also phenotypically and functionally re-shapes the cells. FcεRI cell surface expression, FcεRIα-specific mRNA and FcεRI-mediated histamine release are all augmented by IL-4, while histamine release elicited by the non-immunological stimulus, substance P, remains unaffected. IL-4's potential to mold MCs is broad and similarly detectable across donors. Intriguingly, IL-4 impacts granule-associated mediators, especially histamine whose synthesis is boosted in the presence of IL-4. To our knowledge, an increase in histamine production by IL-4 has not been described yet for any type of MCs, but may well contribute to its pro-allergic effect given the significance of this biogenic amine to allergic symptoms. Collectively, IL-4 alters human skin MCs after long-term exposure mimicking chronic disorders by strengthening MC numbers and intensifying processes associated with allergic inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mast cells ( MCs) are unique constituents of the human body. While inter-individual differences may influence the ways by which MCs operate in their skin habitat, they have not been surveyed in a comprehensive manner so far. We therefore set out to quantify skin MC variability in a large cohort of subjects. Pathophysiologically relevant key features were quantified and correlated: transcripts of c-kit, Fc ε RI α, Fc ε RI β, Fc ε RI γ, histidine decarboxylase, tryptase, and chymase; surface expression of c-Kit, Fc ε RI α; activity of tryptase, and chymase; histamine content and release triggered by Fc ε RI and Ca2+ ionophore. While there was substantial variability among subjects, it strongly depended on the feature under study (coefficient of variation 33-386%). Surface expression of Fc ε RI was positively associated with Fc ε RI α mRNA content, histamine content with HDC mRNA, and chymase activity with chymase mRNA. Also, MC signature genes were co-regulated in distinct patterns. Intriguingly, histamine levels were positively linked to tryptase and chymase activity, whereas tryptase and chymase activity appeared to be uncorrelated. Fc ε RI triggered histamine release was highly variable and was unrelated to Fc ε RI expression but unexpectedly tightly correlated with histamine release elicited by Ca2+ ionophore. This most comprehensive and systematic work of its kind provides not only detailed insights into inter-individual variability in MCs, but also uncovers unexpected patterns of co-regulation among signature attributes of the lineage. Differences in MCs among humans may well underlie clinical responses in settings of allergic reactions and complex skin disorders alike. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the characteristics of mast cells in skin tissues and discusses the variability in them in different cohorts through an analysis. Topics discussed include the morphology of the cells, the granules in mast cells, and the differences in mast cells based on the location of the skin on the body.

The receptor tyrosine kinase c-Kit is fundamental to mast cell (MC) development and maintenance. Its regulation can occur at various levels, but nothing is known about how this is accomplished in normal human tissue MC. Likewise, the baseline turnover of c-Kit has not been addressed yet. We used mature MC from human skin, along with the MC lines LAD-2 and HMC-1 and treated them with stem cell factor (SCF), cycloheximide, actinomycin D (AD) and combinations thereof, and determined expression levels of c-Kit and other surface receptors by flow cytometry. Ligand-induced internalization of c-Kit was found to be a universal mechanism and detectable in all MC subtypes. By Western blot analysis of LAD-2 cells, c-Kit was found to nearly disappear 3 h after the addition of SCF to slowly recover thereafter. Investigations into the baseline turnover of c-Kit expression revealed that c-Kit is strongly affected by the inhibition of de novo translation in all MC subsets, while a suppression of transcription had a weaker effect and displayed greater cell-to-cell variation. Only a minor impact on other cell surface receptors (CD29, CD50 and CD54) was noted. On combined treatment, cycloheximide, AD and SCF displayed additive effects, resulting in a complete disappearance of c-Kit from the cell surface. In conclusion, c-Kit represents a rapidly cycling cell surface receptor. It is not only immediately internalized upon binding of its ligand, but it is also heavily affected by the inhibition of translation or transcription when viewed against an average background. Interestingly, c-Kit regulation seems largely independent of the MC subtype. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their hematopoietic origin, mast cells ( MCs) develop exclusively in tissues, hampering their ample use in research. To circumvent this problem, tissue-derived MCs are typically first expanded in culture, but the changes MCs may undergo in the novel micromilieu are poorly defined. Here, we monitor skin MCs from a number of donors over time, revealing profound yet non-synchronized modulations in culture. While tryptase and chymase, the most specific markers, strongly decline, Fc ε RI surface expression, and Fc ε RI-mediated histamine release steeply increase (from ≈15.5% to ≈60%), replicated by similar increments in TNF- α secretion. Interestingly, the modulations are independent of cell cycle progression, as they are comparable in the growth and postgrowth phase, implying they primarily result from microenvironmental conditioning. The data highlight a high degree of MC versatility, but also advise that results based on cultured MCs should be viewed with some caution, as they may not accurately reflect their counterparts in situ. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Androgens are known to exert anti-inflammatory effects but their impact on mast cells (MCs) remains to be determined. Here, we show that MCs isolated from human foreskin samples (male) and those from breast skin (female) express the androgen receptor, albeit with a 10-fold difference between the subsets. While fundamental MC properties (FceRI, c-Kit, tryptase; histamine release upon FceRI cross-linking) were unaffected or slightly reduced (chymase) by testosterone, the hormone had a more profound impact on the production of cytokines, with IL-6 being a target (reduction by 53%). Interestingly, this effect was limited to breast skin MCs (15 of 16 donors displayed this phenomenon), but was not reproduced by foreskin MCs. Collectively, effector functions of human skin MCs are modulated by androgens in a gene-selective and MC subset-specific fashion. Possibly, MCs from women are more susceptible to testosterone. We also demonstrate that MC IL-6 production is highly variable among individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coincidence of skin tumors and elevated mast cell (MC) numbers has been known for many years. However, it has remained controversial whether, in this context, MCs promote or inhibit tumor growth. Addressing this problem, different melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma cell lines were co-cultivated with primary, dermal MC for 24 h and gene or protein expression of cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-8 (IL-8) estimated. Co-culture with MCs led to an increase in IL-8 gene expression and IL-8 protein release from melanoma cells and IL-6 and IL-8 gene expression and protein release from squamous cell carcinoma cells, respectively. Moreover induction of IL-6 and IL-8 was primarily regulated by MC-derived TNF-α. Our data suggest an interplay between MCs and tumor cells, which results in altered cytokine release and may, thus, have an impact on tumor growth, invasion and neovascularisation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a study which examines the applicability of human skin mast cells (skMCs) for pharmacological studies of anti-allergic drugs. Findings of the study reveal that long-term skMCs demonstrated profound responsiveness towards high affinity IgE receptor cross-linking. It concludes that skMCs can be useful in pre-clinical testing of anti-allergic agents.

Please cite this paper as: Mast cell lines HMC-1 and LAD2 in comparison with mature human skin mast cells – drastically reduced levels of tryptase and chymase in mast cell lines. Experimental Dermatology 2010; 19: 845–847. To circumvent the costly isolation procedure associated with tissue mast cells (MC), two human MC lines, i.e. HMC-1 and LAD2, are frequently employed, but their relation to mature MC is unknown. Here, we quantitatively assessed their expression of MC markers in direct comparison to skin MC (sMC). sMC expressed all lineage markers at highest and HMC-1 cells at lowest levels. LAD2 cells expressed comparable high-affinity IgE receptor α (FcεRIα) and FcεRIγ but less FcεRIβ than sMC and displayed slightly reduced, but robust FcεRI-mediated histamine release. Only minor differences were found for total histamine content and c-Kit expression. Huge, and to this level unexpected, differences were found for MC tryptase and chymase, with sMC >>> LAD2 > HMC-1. Taken together, HMC-1 cells represent very immature malignantly transformed MC, whereas LAD2 cells can be considered intermediately differentiated. Because of the minute levels of MC proteases, MC lines can serve as surrogates of tissue MC to a limited degree only. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinically relevant exocytosis of mast cell (MC) mediators can be triggered by high-affinity IgE receptor (FcεRI)-aggregation (allergic route) or by the so-called pseudo-allergic pathway elicited via MAS-related G protein-coupled receptor-X2 (MRGPRX2). The latter is activated by drugs and endogenous neuropeptides. We recently reported that FcεRI-triggered degranulation is attenuated when human skin mast cells are chronically exposed to IL-33. Here, we were interested in the regulation of the MRGPRX2-route. Chronic exposure of skin MCs to IL-33 basically eliminated the pseudo-allergic/neurogenic route as a result of massive MRGPRX2 reduction. This downregulation seemed to partially require c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK), but not p38, the two kinases activated by IL-33 in skin MCs. Surprisingly, however, JNK had a positive effect on MRGPRX2 expression in the absence of IL-33. This was evidenced by Accell®-mediated JNK knockdown and JNK inhibition. In stark contrast to the dampening effect upon prolonged exposure, IL-33 was able to prime for increased degranulation by MRGPRX2 ligands when administered directly before stimulation. This supportive effect depended on p38, but not on JNK activity. Our data reinforce the concept that exposure length dictates whether IL-33 will enhance or attenuate secretion. IL-33 is, thus, the first factor to acutely enhance MRGPRX2-triggered degranulation. Finally, we reveal that p38, rarely associated with MC degranulation, can positively affect exocytosis in a context-dependent manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]