Heparanase affects secretory granule homeostasis of murine mast cells through degrading heparin.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Heparanase degradation of heparan sulfate plays important roles in a number of pathological processes, including inflammation. In vitro experiments show that heparanase is capable of degrading heparin, a polysaccharide present in mast cells (MCs), in which it has a key role in promoting the storage of secretory granule compounds.

Objective

We sought to investigate the functions of heparanase in MCs.

Methods

Primarily cultured fetal skin-derived mast cells (FSMCs) isolated from embryos and adult peritoneal MCs were analyzed for storage and release of granule molecules in response to MC activation.

Results

FSMCs from heparanase-overexpressing mice contained substantially shorter heparin chains and significantly less proteases than control cells. Conver

SUBMITTER: Wang B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3160500 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature