Retinoic acid is essential for the normal differentiation of epithelia but its cellular function is obscure. The expression patterns of retinoic acid receptors (RARs) in skin cell types may give an insight into the role of retinoic acid in skin. We have compared the patterns of RAR expression in human keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts in vitro, and studied the effects of retinoic acid on RAR expression. RAR-alpha and RAR-gamma were expressed in keratinocytes and fibroblasts: RAR-gamma was expressed at similar levels in both cell types but RAR-alpha was more abundant in fibroblasts. There were no differences in expression of either RAR-alpha or RAR-gamma between stratifying (high-calcium medium) and proliferating (low-calcium medium) keratinocytes and expression of these RARs was unaffected by retinoic acid. RAR-beta was undetectable in keratinocytes. In the majority of fibroblast cell lines, RAR-beta transcripts were either undetectable or expressed at a low level. Retinoic acid at low concentrations (10(−10) to 10(−9) M) rapidly induced the expression of RAR-beta. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analogues inhibit RAR-beta induction in teratocarcinoma cells. However, dibutyryl-cAMP did not affect RAR-beta induction in fibroblasts. Forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine (IBMX) decreased constitutive RAR-beta mRNA levels but did not block induction of RAR-beta by retinoic acid. Since intracellular cAMP levels were only increased detectably in response to forskolin, the reduction in constitutive levels of RAR-beta mRNA may be mediated by mechanisms other than via cAMP.
2021 JCS Prize winner announced
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We are pleased to announce that the winner of the 2021 JCS Prize is Lee Dolat for his paper entitled ‘An endometrial organoid model of interactions between Chlamydia and epithelial and immune cells’.
Propose a new Workshop
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Our Workshops bring together leading experts and early-career researchers from a range of scientific backgrounds. Applications are now open to propose Workshops for 2024, one of which will be held in a Global South country.
Cell scientist to watch: Christian Münch
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Journal of Cell Science interviewed Christian Münch, who established his independent research group in 2016 at Goethe University Frankfurt. His lab studies cellular stress responses to mitochondrial protein misfolding, infection and disease, as well as developing proteomics methods.
Essay series: Equity, diversity and inclusion in cell biology
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The JCS Essay Series is an initiative to help showcase and provide a platform for voices in the field of cell biology. The first topic we covered was 'Equity, diversity and inclusion in cell biology', and the winning and runner up essays are now available to read.
FocalPlane Network launched
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We are excited to announce the launch of the FocalPlane Network, an international directory of microscopists. The idea behind the FocalPlane Network is to facilitate promotion and networking as well as assist those seeking conference speakers, committee members, reviewers or collaborators. We hope that it will help promote diversity in the community. Find out more and join the Network here.
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