Actin cytoskeleton has been implicated at early FcεRI-mediated signaling events as well as at later steps leading to degranulation and/or cell migration (1). In initial biochemical studies aggregation of the FcεRI caused rapid decrease in the amount of filamentous (F)-actin followed by its subsequent increase

Activation of mast cells is characterized by dramatic changes in cell morphology, intracellular transport and exocytosis. All these processes depend on the activities of cytoskeletal filamentous structures – microtubules, microfilaments and intermediate filaments. Different regulatory pathways regulate cytoskeletal functions indispensable for mast cell degranulation. Microtubules

Proper activity of cytoskeletal proteins is necessary for processes accompanying the activation of mast cells (e.g. changes in cell morphology, enhanced cell adhesion to various substrates, migration, and exocytosis). The cytoskeleton of mast cells is formed by three types of filamentous structures: microtubules consisting of

General Description The high affinity Immunoglobulin E receptor (FcεRI) is a tetrameric membrane protein complex (Fig. 1) expressed on mast cells and basophils (1), which belongs to the family of immunoreceptors involved in antigen recognition (2). It is composed of one α subunit containing one

Transmembrane adaptor proteins (TRAPs) facilitate activation within signal transduction pathways but lack both intrinsic enzymatic and transcriptional activities. They are characterized by a short extracellular domain, a single transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic tail with various motifs serving as anchors for cytoplasmic signaling molecules. TRAPs

Leishmania is an important cutaneous pathogen and more than 12 million people worldwide are currently infected. Almost 60,000 individuals die of complications associated with leishmaniasis and 2 million new infections are reported every year. In humans, different disease forms develop depending on the parasite strain.

General Description and Physiological Function KIT is a transmembrane receptor, member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family and structurally related to the PDGF, CSF-1 (M-CSF) and FLT3 receptors. It is encoded by the c-kit gene, the cellular homolog of v-kit Hardy-Zuckerman 4 feline sarcoma viral

STIM1 signaling pathway The stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) is a protein embedded predominantly in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane via its transmembrane domain. It is a key regulator of calcium release activated calcium (CRAC) channel responsible for store operated calcium entry (SOCE) formerly known as

In mammals, the successful implantation of the blastocyst into the endometrium and the subsequent development of a decidual cell response involve many interactions between the mother and the conceptus [1]. Uterine-derived histamine has long been suspected as a key regulator in implantation due to its

General description Mast cells (MC) are best known for their crucial role in the allergic response, but their strategic location and richness of pre-stored and newly synthesized mediators have clearly demonstrated their significance also in innate and adaptive immune responses, inflammation, and tissue remodeling. MC