Summary
Tight junctions (TJ) play a role in the barrier function of the epidermis. While Merkel cells are negative for Claudin 3, 4, 5, occludin and ZO-1, these TJ proteins are found in Merkel cell carcinoma. As TJ are able to connect neighbouring cells tightly and to control the paracellular pathway of substances, the formation of TJ might be a mechanism for a self-isolation of the tumour from its environment, especially from anti-tumorigenic cells and molecules. The synthesis of claudin 5, a marker for endothelial cells, in certain areas of Merkel cell carcinoma — in addition to blood vessels — gives a hint that a “vessel formation” might occur in this tumour.
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References
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Haass, N.K., Houdek, P., Wladykowski, E., Moll, I., Brandner, J.M. (2003). Expression Patterns of Tight Junction Proteins in Merkel Cell Carcinoma. In: Baumann, K.I., Halata, Z., Moll, I. (eds) The Merkel Cell. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-10358-6_32
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-662-10358-6_32
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