Cited by 61Genetic and Kidney Cyst DiseasesCystic Fibrosis Research AdvancesIon Transport and Channel Regulation

A novel serotonin-secreting cell type regulates ciliary motility in the mucociliary epidermis of Xenopus tadpoles

Walentek, Peter, Bogusch, Susanne, Thumberger, Thomas, Vick, Philipp, Dubaissi, Eamon, Beyer, Tina, Blum, Martin, Schweickert, Axel·2014·Development

Abstract

The embryonic skin of Xenopus tadpoles serves as an experimental model system for mucociliary epithelia (MCE) such as the human airway epithelium. MCEs are characterized by the presence of mucus-secreting goblet and multiciliated cells (MCCs). A third cell type, ion-secreting cells (ISCs), is present in the larval skin as well. Synchronized beating of MCC cilia is required for directional transport of mucus. Here we describe a novel cell type in the Xenopus laevis larval epidermis, characterized by serotonin synthesis and secretion. It is termed small secretory cell (SSC). SSCs are detectable at early tadpole stages, unlike MCCs and ISCs, which are specified at early neurulation. Subcellularly, serotonin was found in large, apically localized vesicle-like structures, which were entirely shed into the surrounding medium. Pharmacological inhibition of serotonin synthesis decreased the velocity of cilia-driven fluid flow across the skin epithelium. This effect was mediated by serotonin type 3 receptor (Htr3), which was expressed in ciliated cells. Knockdown of Htr3 compromised flow velocity by reducing the ciliary motility of MCCs. SSCs thus represent a distinct and novel entity of the frog tadpole MCE, required for ciliary beating and mucus transport across the larval skin. The identification and characterization of SSCs consolidates the value of the Xenopus embryonic skin as a model system for human MCEs, which have been known for serotonin-dependent regulation of ciliary beat frequency.

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Crossref · 10.1242/dev.102343

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Authors
Walentek, P., Bogusch, S., Thumberger, T., Vick, P., Dubaissi, E., Beyer, T., Blum, M., & Schweickert, A.
Affiliations
  • University of Hohenheim (DE)
  • University of Manchester (GB)
Corresponding author
Schweickert, Axel
Venue
Development
Published
2014-04-01
Volume
141
Issue
7
Pages
1526-1533
ISSN
  • 0950-1991 (ISSN-L)
  • 1477-9129
OpenAlex
W2156667312
Cited by
61
References
63
Citations by year
2026: 2 · 2025: 7 · 2024: 3 · 2023: 5 · 2022: 2 · 2021: 7 · 2020: 3 · 2019: 7 · 2018: 6 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 2 · 2015: 9 · 2014: 4
FWCI
4.16
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Development (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • HighWire Press Open Archive (submittedVersion)
Funders
Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetic and Kidney Cyst Diseases
  • Health Sciences › Medicine › Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine › Cystic Fibrosis Research Advances
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Ion Transport and Channel Regulation
Keywords
serotonin, ciliary motility, mucociliary epithelium, multiciliated cells, mucus transport, ciliary beat frequency, embryonic skin
MeSH terms
Epidermal Cells, Animals, Cell Separation, Cilia, Embryo, Nonmammalian, Epidermis, Ions, Larva, Movement, Mucus, Receptors, Serotonin, Serotonin, Xenopus

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