Claudin-12 is not required for blood–brain barrier tight junction function

Fluids and Barriers of the CNS

Sabine M. Hölter¹  Lore Becker¹  Martin Hrabě de Angelis¹  German Mouse Clinic Consortium¹  Lillian Garrett¹  Gaby Enzmann²  Mariana Castro Dias²  Caroline Coisne²  Pascale Baden²  Urban Deutsch²  Britta Engelhardt² 

[1] German Mouse Clinic, Institute of Experimental Genetics, Helmholtz Center Munich;Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern;

关键词: Claudin-12;    Tight junctions;    Blood–brain barrier;    Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12987-019-0150-9

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Abstract Background The blood–brain barrier (BBB) ensures central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis by strictly controlling the passage of molecules and solutes from the bloodstream into the CNS. Complex and continuous tight junctions (TJs) between brain endothelial cells block uncontrolled paracellular diffusion of molecules across the BBB, with claudin-5 being its dominant TJs protein. However, claudin-5 deficient mice still display ultrastructurally normal TJs, suggesting the contribution of other claudins or tight-junction associated proteins in establishing BBB junctional complexes. Expression of claudin-12 at the BBB has been reported, however the exact function and subcellular localization of this atypical claudin remains unknown. Methods We created claudin-12-lacZ-knock-in C57BL/6J mice to explore expression of claudin-12 and its role in establishing BBB TJs function during health and neuroinflammation. We furthermore performed a broad standardized phenotypic check-up of the mouse mutant. Results Making use of the lacZ reporter allele, we found claudin-12 to be broadly expressed in numerous organs. In the CNS, expression of claudin-12 was detected in many cell types with very low expression in brain endothelium. Claudin-12lacZ/lacZ C57BL/6J mice lacking claudin-12 expression displayed an intact BBB and did not show any signs of BBB dysfunction or aggravated neuroinflammation in an animal model for multiple sclerosis. Determining the precise localization of claudin-12 at the BBB was prohibited by the fact that available anti-claudin-12 antibodies showed comparable detection and staining patterns in tissues from wild-type and claudin-12lacZ/lacZ C57BL/6J mice. Conclusions Our present study thus shows that claudin-12 is not essential in establishing or maintaining BBB TJs integrity. Claudin-12 is rather expressed in cells that typically lack TJs suggesting that claudin-12 plays a role other than forming classical TJs. At the same time, in depth phenotypic screening of clinically relevant organ functions of claudin-12lacZ/lacZ C57BL/6J mice suggested the involvement of claudin-12 in some neurological but, more prominently, in cardiovascular functions.

【 授权许可】

Unknown