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Vásquez W, Toro CA, Cardozo CP, Cea LA, Sáez JC. Pathophysiological role of connexin and pannexin hemichannels in neuromuscular disorders. J Physiol 2024. [PMID: 39173050 DOI: 10.1113/jp286173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024] Open
Abstract
A growing body of research has provided evidence that de novo expression of connexin hemichannels and upregulation of pannexin hemichannels (Cx HCs and Panx HCs, respectively) in the cytoplasmic membrane of skeletal muscle (sarcolemma) are critical steps in the pathogenesis of muscle dysfunction of many genetic and acquired muscle diseases. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating the expression of Cx and Panx HCs in skeletal muscle, as well as their roles in both muscle physiology and pathologies. Additionally, it addresses existing gaps in knowledge and outlines future challenges in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter Vásquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario De Neurociencia De Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Carlos A Toro
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christopher P Cardozo
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, James J Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Luis A Cea
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario De Neurociencia De Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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Akotkar L, Aswar U, Ganeshpurkar A, Raj R, Pawar A. An Overview of Chemistry, Kinetics, Toxicity and Therapeutic Potential of Boldine in Neurological Disorders. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:3283-3295. [PMID: 37462836 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03992-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Boldine is an alkaloid obtained from the medicinal herb Peumus boldus (Mol.) (Chilean boldo tree; boldo) and belongs to the family Monimiaceae. It exhibits a wide range of pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-diabetic properties. There is a dearth of information regarding its pharmacokinetics and toxicity in addition to its potential pharmacological activity. Boldine belongs to the aporphine alkaloid class and possesses lipophilic properties which enable its efficient absorption and distribution throughout the body, including the central nervous system. It exhibits potent free radical scavenging activity, thereby reducing oxidative stress and preventing neuronal damage. Through a variety of neuroprotective mechanisms, including suppression of AChE and BuChE activity, blocking of connexin-43 hemichannels, pannexin 1 channel, reduction of NF-κβ mediated interleukin release, and glutamate excitotoxicity which successfully reduces neuronal damage. These results point to its probable application in reducing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Moreover, its effects on serotonergic, dopaminergic, opioid, and cholinergic receptors were further investigated in order to determine its applicability for neurobehavioral dysfunctions. The article investigates the pharmacokinetics of boldine and reveals that it has a low oral bioavailability and a short half-life, requiring regular dosage to maintain therapeutic levels. The review studies boldine's potential therapeutic uses and mode of action while summarizing its neuroprotective benefits. Given the favorable results for boldine as a potential neurotherapeutic drug in laboratory animals, more research is required. However, in order to optimise its therapeutic potential, it must be more bioavailable with fewer detrimental side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Likhit Akotkar
- Department of Pharmacology, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Erandwane, Pune, 411038, Maharashtra, India
| | - Urmila Aswar
- Department of Pharmacology, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Erandwane, Pune, 411038, Maharashtra, India.
| | - Ankit Ganeshpurkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, 411038, India
| | - Ritik Raj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, 411038, India
| | - Atmaram Pawar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Poona College of Pharmacy, Bharati Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pune, 411038, India
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Chen X, Yuan S, Mi L, Long Y, He H. Pannexin1: insight into inflammatory conditions and its potential involvement in multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1217366. [PMID: 37711629 PMCID: PMC10498923 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1217366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Sepsis represents a global health concern, and patients with severe sepsis are at risk of experiencing MODS (multiple organ dysfunction syndrome), which is associated with elevated mortality rates and a poorer prognosis. The development of sepsis involves hyperactive inflammation, immune disorder, and disrupted microcirculation. It is crucial to identify targets within these processes to develop therapeutic interventions. One such potential target is Panx1 (pannexin-1), a widely expressed transmembrane protein that facilitates the passage of molecules smaller than 1 KDa, such as ATP. Accumulating evidence has implicated the involvement of Panx1 in sepsis-associated MODS. It attracts immune cells via the purinergic signaling pathway, mediates immune responses via the Panx1-IL-33 axis, promotes immune cell apoptosis, regulates blood flow by modulating VSMCs' and vascular endothelial cells' tension, and disrupts microcirculation by elevating endothelial permeability and promoting microthrombosis. At the level of organs, Panx1 contributes to inflammatory injury in multiple organs. Panx1 primarily exacerbates injury and hinders recovery, making it a potential target for sepsis-induced MODS. While no drugs have been developed explicitly against Panx1, some compounds that inhibit Panx1 hemichannels have been used extensively in experiments. However, given that Panx1's role may vary during different phases of sepsis, more investigations are required before interventions against Panx1 can be applied in clinical. Overall, Panx1 may be a promising target for sepsis-induced MODS. Nevertheless, further research is needed to understand its complex role in different stages of sepsis fully and to develop suitable pharmaceutical interventions for clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yun Long
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huaiwu He
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Graham ZA, Siedlik JA, Toro CA, Harlow L, Cardozo CP. Boldine Alters Serum Lipidomic Signatures after Acute Spinal Cord Transection in Male Mice. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6591. [PMID: 37623175 PMCID: PMC10454893 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20166591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) results in wide-ranging cellular and systemic dysfunction in the acute and chronic time frames after the injury. Chronic SCI has well-described secondary medical consequences while acute SCI has unique metabolic challenges as a result of physical trauma, in-patient recovery and other post-operative outcomes. Here, we used high resolution mass spectrometry approaches to describe the circulating lipidomic and metabolomic signatures using blood serum from mice 7 d after a complete SCI. Additionally, we probed whether the aporphine alkaloid, boldine, was able to prevent SCI-induced changes observed using these 'omics platforms'. We found that SCI resulted in large-scale changes to the circulating lipidome but minimal changes in the metabolome, with boldine able to reverse or attenuate SCI-induced changes in the abundance of 50 lipids. Multiomic integration using xMWAS demonstrated unique network structures and community memberships across the groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A. Graham
- Research Service, Birmingham VA Health Care System, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA
- Healthspan, Resilience & Performance, Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, FL 32502, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jacob A. Siedlik
- Department of Exercise Science and Pre-Health Professions, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA;
- School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | - Carlos A. Toro
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA; (C.A.T.); (L.H.); (C.P.C.)
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Lauren Harlow
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA; (C.A.T.); (L.H.); (C.P.C.)
| | - Christopher P. Cardozo
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA; (C.A.T.); (L.H.); (C.P.C.)
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Medical Service, James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY 10468, USA
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Jiménez-Madrona E, Morado-Díaz CJ, Talaverón R, Tabernero A, Pastor AM, Sáez JC, Matarredona ER. Antiproliferative effect of boldine on neural progenitor cells and on glioblastoma cells. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1211467. [PMID: 37655012 PMCID: PMC10467274 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1211467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The subventricular zone (SVZ) is a brain region that contains neural stem cells and progenitor cells (NSCs/NPCs) from which new neurons and glial cells are formed during adulthood in mammals. Recent data indicate that SVZ NSCs are the cell type that acquires the initial tumorigenic mutation in glioblastoma (GBM), the most aggressive form of malignant glioma. NSCs/NPCs of the SVZ present hemichannel activity whose function has not yet been fully elucidated. In this work, we aimed to analyze whether hemichannel-mediated communication affects proliferation of SVZ NPCs and GBM cells. Methods and Results For that purpose, we used boldine, an alkaloid derived from the boldo tree (Peumus boldus), that inhibits connexin and pannexin hemichannels, but without affecting gap junctional communication. Boldine treatment (50 μM) of rat SVZ NPCs grown as neurospheres effectively inhibited dye uptake through hemichannels and induced a significant reduction in neurosphere diameter and in bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation. However, the differentiation pattern was not modified by the treatment. Experiments with specific blockers for hemichannels formed by connexin subunits (D4) or pannexin 1 (probenecid) revealed that probenecid, but not D4, produced a decrease in BrdU incorporation similar to that obtained with boldine. These results suggest that inhibition of pannexin 1 hemichannels could be partially responsible for the antiproliferative effect of boldine on SVZ NPCs. Analysis of the effect of boldine (25-600 μM) on different types of primary human GBM cells (GBM59, GBM96, and U87-MG) showed a concentration-dependent decrease in GBM cell growth. Boldine treatment also induced a significant inhibition of hemichannel activity in GBM cells. Discussion Altogether, we provide evidence of an antimitotic action of boldine in SVZ NPCs and in GBM cells which may be due, at least in part, to its hemichannel blocking function. These results could be of relevance for future possible strategies in GBM aimed to suppress the proliferation of mutated NSCs or glioma stem cells that might remain in the brain after tumor resection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrique Jiménez-Madrona
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Camilo J. Morado-Díaz
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Rocío Talaverón
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Arantxa Tabernero
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Angel M. Pastor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Juan C. Sáez
- Instituto de Neurociencia, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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Potter LA, Toro CA, Harlow L, Lavin KM, Cardozo CP, Wende AR, Graham ZA. Assessing the impact of boldine on the gastrocnemius using multiomics profiling at 7 and 28 days post-complete spinal cord injury in young male mice. Physiol Genomics 2023; 55:297-313. [PMID: 37125768 PMCID: PMC10292965 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00129.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) results in rapid muscle loss. Exogenous molecular interventions to slow muscle atrophy after SCI have been relatively ineffective and require the search for novel therapeutic targets. Connexin hemichannels (CxHCs) allow nonselective passage of small molecules into and out of the cell. Boldine, a CxHC-inhibiting aporphine found in the boldo tree (Peumus boldus), has shown promising preclinical results in slowing atrophy during sepsis and restoring muscle function in dysferlinopathy. We administered 50 mg/kg/day of boldine to spinal cord transected mice beginning 3 days post-injury. Tissue was collected 7 and 28 days post-SCI and the gastrocnemius was used for multiomics profiling. Boldine did not prevent body or muscle mass loss but attenuated SCI-induced changes in the abundance of the amino acids proline, phenylalanine, leucine and isoleucine, as well as glucose, 7 days post-SCI. SCI resulted in the differential expression of ∼7,700 and ∼2,000 genes at 7 and 28 days, respectively, compared with Sham controls. Pathway enrichment of these genes highlighted ribosome biogenesis at 7 days and translation and oxidative phosphorylation at both timepoints. Boldine altered the expression of ∼150 genes at 7 days and ∼110 genes at 28 days post-SCI. Pathway enrichment of these genes indicated a potential role for boldine in suppressing protein ubiquitination and degradation at the 7-day timepoint. Methylation analyses showed minimal differences between groups. Taken together, boldine is not an efficacious therapy to preserve body and muscle mass after complete SCI, though it attenuated some SCI-induced changes across the metabolome and transcriptome.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to describe the multiome of skeletal muscle paralyzed by a spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice across the acute and subacute timeframe after injury. We show large-scale changes in the metabolome and transcriptome at 7 days post-injury compared with 28 days. Furthermore, we show that the alkaloid boldine was able to prevent SCI-induced changes in muscle glucose and free amino acid levels at 7 days, but not 28 days, after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke A Potter
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Carlos A Toro
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, Bronx, New York, United States
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
| | - Lauren Harlow
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, Bronx, New York, United States
| | - Kaleen M Lavin
- Healthspan, Resilience & Performance, Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, Florida, United States
| | - Christopher P Cardozo
- Spinal Cord Damage Research Center, Bronx, New York, United States
- Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States
- Medical Service, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, New York, United States
| | - Adam R Wende
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Zachary A Graham
- Healthspan, Resilience & Performance, Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, Pensacola, Florida, United States
- Research Service, Birmingham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
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Cea LA, Vásquez W, Hernández-Salinas R, Vielma AZ, Castillo-Ruiz M, Velarde V, Salgado M, Sáez JC. Skeletal Muscle Atrophy Induced by Diabetes Is Mediated by Non-Selective Channels and Prevented by Boldine. Biomolecules 2023; 13:708. [PMID: 37189454 PMCID: PMC10136059 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with diabetes mellitus present a skeletal muscle myopathy characterized by atrophy. However, the mechanism underlying this muscular alteration remains elusive, which makes it difficult to design a rational treatment that could avoid the negative consequences in muscles due to diabetes. In the present work, the atrophy of skeletal myofibers from streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats was prevented with boldine, suggesting that non-selective channels inhibited by this alkaloid are involved in this process, as has previously shown for other muscular pathologies. Accordingly, we found a relevant increase in sarcolemma permeability of skeletal myofibers of diabetic animals in vivo and in vitro due to de novo expression of functional connexin hemichannels (Cx HCs) containing connexins (Cxs) 39, 43, and 45. These cells also expressed P2X7 receptors, and their inhibition in vitro drastically reduced sarcolemma permeability, suggesting their participation in the activation of Cx HCs. Notably, sarcolemma permeability of skeletal myofibers was prevented by boldine treatment that blocks Cx43 and Cx45 HCs, and now we demonstrated that it also blocks P2X7 receptors. In addition, the skeletal muscle alterations described above were not observed in diabetic mice with myofibers deficient in Cx43/Cx45 expression. Moreover, murine myofibers cultured for 24 h in high glucose presented a drastic increase in sarcolemma permeability and levels of NLRP3, a molecular member of the inflammasome, a response that was also prevented by boldine, suggesting that, in addition to the systemic inflammatory response found in diabetes, high glucose can promote the expression of functional Cx HCs and activation of the inflammasome in skeletal myofibers. Therefore, Cx43 and Cx45 HCs play a critical role in myofiber degeneration, and boldine could be considered a potential therapeutic agent to treat muscular complications due to diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A. Cea
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Av. Llano Subercaseaux 2801, San Miguel, Santiago 8910060, Chile
| | - Walter Vásquez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Romina Hernández-Salinas
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610000, Chile
| | - Alejandra Z. Vielma
- Escuela de Odontología, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7610000, Chile
| | - Mario Castillo-Ruiz
- Escuela de Química y Farmacia, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370149, Chile
- Departamento de Ciencias Químicas y Biológicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Bernardo O’Higgins, Santiago 8370854, Chile
| | - Victoria Velarde
- Instituto de Fisiología, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Magdiel Salgado
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Pasaje Harrington 287, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
| | - Juan C. Sáez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Pasaje Harrington 287, Playa Ancha, Valparaíso 2340000, Chile
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Vega JL, Gutiérrez C, Rojas M, Güiza J, Sáez JC. Contribution of large-pore channels to inflammation induced by microorganisms. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 10:1094362. [PMID: 36699007 PMCID: PMC9868820 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1094362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasma membrane ionic channels selectively permeate potassium, sodium, calcium, and chloride ions. However, large-pore channels are permeable to ions and small molecules such as ATP and glutamate, among others. Large-pore channels are structures formed by several protein families with little or no evolutionary linkages including connexins (Cxs), pannexins (Panxs), innexin (Inxs), unnexins (Unxs), calcium homeostasis modulator (CALHMs), and Leucine-rich repeat-containing 8 (LRRC8) proteins. Large-pore channels are key players in inflammatory cell response, guiding the activation of inflammasomes, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1ß), and the release of adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP), which is considered a danger signal. This review summarizes our current understanding of large-pore channels and their contribution to inflammation induced by microorganisms, virulence factors or their toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- José L. Vega
- Laboratory of Gap Junctions Proteins and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile,Centro de Investigación en Inmunología y Biotecnología Biomédica de Antofagasta (CIIBBA), Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile,Centro de Fisiología y Medicina de Altura (FIMEDALT), Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile,*Correspondence: José L. Vega,
| | - Camila Gutiérrez
- Laboratory of Gap Junctions Proteins and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Mauro Rojas
- Laboratory of Gap Junctions Proteins and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Juan Güiza
- Laboratory of Gap Junctions Proteins and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Juan C. Sáez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso (CINV), Instituto de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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Ducharme JB, McKenna ZJ, Deyhle MR. Exercise mitigates the Toll of muscle atrophy: A narrative review of the effects of exercise on Toll-like receptor-4 in leukocytes and skeletal muscle. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 322:C581-C589. [PMID: 35171696 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00005.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Conditions characterized by muscle wasting such as cachexia and sarcopenia are devastating at the individual level, and they place a profound burden on public health. Evidence suggests that inflammation is likely a mechanistic contributor to the pathogenesis of these conditions. One specific molecule, lipopolysaccharide, has gained attention due to its role in initiating inflammation. Toll-like receptor-4 is the primary receptor for lipopolysaccharide and has been shown to be implicit in the downstream proinflammatory response associated with lipopolysaccharide. Importantly, Toll-like receptor-4 is expressed on various cell types throughout the human body such as leukocytes and skeletal muscle fibers and may have site-specific effects that contribute to muscle wasting conditions based on the location in which activation occurs. Accordingly, reducing proinflammatory signaling at these locations may be an effective strategy at mitigating muscle wasting. Regular exercise training is believed to elicit anti-inflammatory adaptations, but the mechanisms by which this occurs are yet to be fully understood. Understanding the mechanisms by which Toll-like receptor-4 activation contributes to muscle wasting and how exercise affects this, may allow for the development of a non-pharmacological therapeutic intervention. Therefore, in this review, we summarize the current understanding of the lipopolysaccharide/Toll-like receptor-4 axis in leukocytes and skeletal muscle fibers on the pathogenesis of muscle wasting conditions and we critically examine the current evidence regarding the effects of exercise on this axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy B Ducharme
- Department of Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Zachary J McKenna
- Department of Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
| | - Michael R Deyhle
- Department of Health, Exercise, and Sport Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, United States
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Graham ZA. Mini-review: Local and downstream responses to the neuromuscular junction: Potential roles for integrins, connexins and ephrins in altering muscle characteristics and function. Neurosci Lett 2022; 768:136359. [PMID: 34813913 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle develops in a manner directly related to its innervating motor neuron. The formation of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a well-described process that is coordinated to allow for efficient communication between the central nervous system and muscle for muscle contraction and movement. Some of the major mediators of NMJ formation, like muscle-specific kinase, agrin and laminin, have been thoroughly described but there are other important proteins that have an integral role in muscle health that have also been associated with proper NMJ integrity and fiber health and function. This mini-review focuses on integrins, connexin hemichannels and ephrins and their relationship with the NMJin regulating muscle health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Graham
- Birmingham VA Medical Center, Birmingham, AL, United States; Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.
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Retamal MA, Fernandez-Olivares A, Stehberg J. Over-activated hemichannels: A possible therapeutic target for human diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166232. [PMID: 34363932 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In our body, all the cells are constantly sharing chemical and electrical information with other cells. This intercellular communication allows them to respond in a concerted way to changes in the extracellular milieu. Connexins are transmembrane proteins that have the particularity of forming two types of channels; hemichannels and gap junction channels. Under normal conditions, hemichannels allow the controlled release of signaling molecules to the extracellular milieu. However, under certain pathological conditions, over-activated hemichannels can induce and/or exacerbate symptoms. In the last decade, great efforts have been put into developing new tools that can modulate these over-activated hemichannels. Small molecules, antibodies and mimetic peptides have shown a potential for the treatment of human diseases. In this review, we summarize recent findings in the field of hemichannel modulation via specific tools, and how these tools could improve patient outcome in certain pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio A Retamal
- Universidad del Desarrollo, Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Santiago, Chile; Universidad del Desarrollo, Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Santiago, Chile.
| | | | - Jimmy Stehberg
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de medicina y Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
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Güiza J, Arriagada J, Rodríguez L, Gutiérrez C, Duarte Y, Sáez JC, Vega JL. Anti-parasitic drugs modulate the non-selective channels formed by connexins or pannexins. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166188. [PMID: 34102257 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The proteins connexins, innexins, and pannexins are the subunits of non-selective channels present in the cell membrane in vertebrates (connexins and pannexins) and invertebrates (innexins). These channels allow the transfer of ions and molecules across the cell membrane or, and in many cases, between the cytoplasm of neighboring cells. These channels participate in various physiological processes, particularly under pathophysiological conditions, such as bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Interestingly, some anti-parasitic drugs also block connexin- or pannexin-formed channels. Their effects on host channels permeable to molecules that favor parasitic infection can further explain the anti-parasitic effects of some of these compounds. In this review, the effects of drugs with known anti-parasitic activity that modulate non-selective channels formed by connexins or pannexins are discussed. Previous studies that have reported the presence of these proteins in worms, ectoparasites, and protozoa that cause parasitic infections have also been reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Güiza
- Laboratory of Gap Junction and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Javiera Arriagada
- Laboratory of Gap Junction and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Luis Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Gap Junction and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Camila Gutiérrez
- Laboratory of Gap Junction and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Yorley Duarte
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andrés Bello, Av. República 330, Santiago 8370146, Chile
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - José L Vega
- Laboratory of Gap Junction and Parasitic Diseases (GaPaL), Instituto Antofagasta, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile.
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Blockade of Hemichannels Normalizes the Differentiation Fate of Myoblasts and Features of Skeletal Muscles from Dysferlin-Deficient Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176025. [PMID: 32825681 PMCID: PMC7503700 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysferlinopathies are muscle dystrophies caused by mutations in the gene encoding dysferlin, a relevant protein for membrane repair and trafficking. These diseases are untreatable, possibly due to the poor knowledge of relevant molecular targets. Previously, we have shown that human myofibers from patient biopsies as well as myotubes derived from immortalized human myoblasts carrying a mutated form of dysferlin express connexin proteins, but their relevance in myoblasts fate and function remained unknown. In the present work, we found that numerous myoblasts bearing a mutated dysferlin when induced to acquire myogenic commitment express PPARγ, revealing adipogenic instead of myogenic commitment. These cell cultures presented many mononucleated cells with fat accumulation and within 48 h of differentiation formed fewer multinucleated cells. In contrast, dysferlin deficient myoblasts treated with boldine, a connexin hemichannels blocker, neither expressed PPARγ, nor accumulated fat and formed similar amount of multinucleated cells as wild type precursor cells. We recently demonstrated that myofibers of skeletal muscles from blAJ mice (an animal model of dysferlinopathies) express three connexins (Cx39, Cx43, and Cx45) that form functional hemichannels (HCs) in the sarcolemma. In symptomatic blAJ mice, we now show that eight-week treatment with a daily dose of boldine showed a progressive recovery of motor activity reaching normality. At the end of this treatment, skeletal muscles were comparable to those of wild type mice and presented normal CK activity in serum. Myofibers of boldine-treated blAJ mice also showed strong dysferlin-like immunoreactivity. These findings reveal that muscle dysfunction results from a pathophysiologic mechanism triggered by mutated dysferlin and downstream connexin hemichannels expressed de novo lead to a drastic reduction of myogenesis and favor muscle damage. Thus, boldine could represent a therapeutic opportunity to treat dysfernilopathies.
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Vitamin E Blocks Connexin Hemichannels and Prevents Deleterious Effects of Glucocorticoid Treatment on Skeletal Muscles. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21114094. [PMID: 32521774 PMCID: PMC7312599 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21114094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are frequently used as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents. However, high doses and/or prolonged use induce undesired secondary effects such as muscular atrophy. Recently, de novo expression of connexin43 and connexin45 hemichannels (Cx43 HCs and Cx45 HCs, respectively) has been proposed to play a critical role in the mechanism underlying myofiber atrophy induced by dexamethasone (Dex: a synthetic glucocorticoid), but their involvement in specific muscle changes promoted by Dex remains poorly understood. Moreover, treatments that could prevent the undesired effects of glucocorticoids on skeletal muscles remain unknown. In the present work, a 7-day Dex treatment in adult mice was found to induce weight loss and skeletal muscle changes including expression of functional Cx43/Cx45 HCs, elevated atrogin immunoreactivity, atrophy, oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. All these undesired effects were absent in muscles of mice simultaneously treated with Dex and vitamin E (VitE). Moreover, VitE was found to rapidly inhibit the activity of Cx HCs in freshly isolated myofibers of Dex treated mice. Exposure to alkaline pH induced free radical generation only in HeLa cells expressing Cx43 or Cx45 where Ca2+ was present in the extracellular milieu, response that was prevented by VitE. Besides, VitE and two other anti-oxidant compounds, Tempol and Resveratrol, were found to inhibit Cx43 HCs in HeLa cells transfectants. Thus, we propose that in addition to their intrinsic anti-oxidant potency, some antioxidants could be used to reduce expression and/or opening of Cx HCs and consequently reduce the undesired effect of glucocorticoids on skeletal muscles.
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Sáez JC, Vargas AA, Hernández DE, Ortiz FC, Giaume C, Orellana JA. Permeation of Molecules through Astroglial Connexin 43 Hemichannels Is Modulated by Cytokines with Parameters Depending on the Permeant Species. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113970. [PMID: 32492823 PMCID: PMC7312936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies indicate that connexin hemichannels do not act as freely permeable non-selective pores, but they select permeants in an isoform-specific manner with cooperative, competitive and saturable kinetics. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the treatment with a mixture of IL-1β plus TNF-α, a well-known pro-inflammatory condition that activates astroglial connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannels, could alter their permeability to molecules. We found that IL-1β plus TNF-α left-shifted the dye uptake rate vs. dye concentration relationship for Etd and 2-NBDG, but the opposite took place for DAPI or YO-PRO-1, whereas no alterations were observed for Prd. The latter modifications were accompanied of changes in Kd (Etd, DAPI, YO-PRO-1 or 2-NBDG) and Hill coefficients (Etd and YO-PRO-1), but not in alterations of Vmax. We speculate that IL-1β plus TNF-α may distinctively affect the binding sites to permeants in astroglial Cx43 hemichannels rather than their number in the cell surface. Alternatively, IL-1β plus TNF-α could induce the production of endogenous permeants that may favor or compete for in the pore-lining residues of Cx43 hemichannels. Future studies shall elucidate whether the differential ionic/molecule permeation of Cx43 hemichannels in astrocytes could impact their communication with neurons in the normal and inflamed nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C. Sáez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (J.C.S.); (D.E.H.)
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2381850, Chile
| | - Aníbal A. Vargas
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de O′Higgins, Rancagua 2820000, Chile;
| | - Diego E. Hernández
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (J.C.S.); (D.E.H.)
| | - Fernando C. Ortiz
- Mechanisms on Myelin Formation and Repair Laboratory, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile;
| | - Christian Giaume
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB), College de France, CNRS, INSERM, PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Juan A. Orellana
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-2-968399128
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Myofibers deficient in connexins 43 and 45 expression protect mice from skeletal muscle and systemic dysfunction promoted by a dysferlin mutation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165800. [PMID: 32305450 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Dysferlinopathy is a genetic human disease caused by mutations in the gene that encodes the dysferlin protein (DYSF). Dysferlin is believed to play a relevant role in cell membrane repair. However, in dysferlin-deficient (blAJ) mice (a model of dysferlinopathies) the recovery of the membrane resealing function by means of the expression of a mini-dysferlin does not arrest progressive muscular damage, suggesting the participation of other unknown pathogenic mechanisms. Here, we show that proteins called connexins 39, 43 and 45 (Cx39, Cx43 and Cx45, respectively) are expressed by blAJ myofibers and form functional hemichannels (Cx HCs) in the sarcolemma. At rest, Cx HCs increased the sarcolemma permeability to small molecules and the intracellular Ca2+ signal. In addition, skeletal muscles of blAJ mice showed lipid accumulation and lack of dysferlin immunoreactivity. As sign of extensive damage and atrophy, muscles of blAJ mice presented elevated numbers of myofibers with internal nuclei, increased number of myofibers with reduced cross-sectional area and elevated creatine kinase activity in serum. In agreement with the extense muscle damage, mice also showed significantly low motor performance. We generated blAJ mice with myofibers deficient in Cx43 and Cx45 expression and found that all above muscle and systemic alterations were absent, indicating that these two Cxs play a critical role in a novel pathogenic mechanism of dysfernolophaties, which is discussed herein. Therefore, Cx HCs could constitute an attractive target for pharmacologic treatment of dyferlinopathies.
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