Expression of N-cadherin and cell surface molecules in the taste buds of mouse circumvallate papillae

Abstract Objectives Cadherins are a type of adhesion molecule involved in cell–cell recognition and morphogenesis. N-cadherin is predominantly expressed in the nervous system, and is localized at synapses, where it not only plays an adhesive role, but also participates in the regulation of synaptic function and plasticity. Taste cells within taste buds have a limited lifespan, and are replaced on a regular basis. However, little is known regarding the expression pattern of cadherins in taste bud cells. In this study, we examined whether taste bud cells in mouse taste papillae express N-cadherins, and if so, which cell type(s) the N-cadherins are found in. Methods We examined the expression of N-cadherins by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and in situ hybridization. Results RT-PCR results demonstrated that N-cadherins are expressed in the taste bud-containing epithelium of the circumvallate papilla in mice. Based on immunohistochemical analyses, N-cadherins were found to be expressed in a subset of taste bud cells of gustatory papillae. Double-labelling studies showed that N-cadherin co-localizes with α-gustducin, aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), carbonic anhydrase IV (CA4), and phospholipase C β2 (PLCβ2). Conclusions Our study indicated that N-cadherins are expressed in type II and III taste cells. Taken together with results from previous studies, we propose that N-cadherins might play a functional role in the establishment of nerve terminal connections.