Metabolic coupling, ionic coupling and cell contacts

Correlative light and X-ray tomography jointly unveil the critical role of connexin43 channels on inflammation-induced cellular ultrastructural alterations

Non-junctional connexin43 (Cx43) plasma membrane hemichannels have been implicated in several inflammatory diseases, particularly playing a role in ATP release that triggers activation of the inflammasome. Therapies targeting the blocking of the hemichannels to prevent the pathological release or uptake of ions and signalling molecules through its pores are of therapeutic interest. To date, there is no close-to-native, high-definition documentation of the impact of Cx43 hemichannel-mediated inflammation on cellular ultrastructure, neither is there a robust account of the ultrastructural changes that occur following treatment with selective Cx43 hemichannel blockers such as Xentry-Gap19 (XG19). A combination of same-sample correlative high-resolution three-dimensional fluorescence microscopy and soft X-ray tomography at cryogenic temperatures, enabled in the identification of novel 3D molecular interactions within the cellular milieu when comparing behaviour in healthy states and during the early onset or late stages under inflammatory conditions. Notably, our findings suggest that XG19 blockage of connexin hemichannels under pro-inflammatory conditions may be crucial in preventing the direct degradation of connexosomes by lysosomes, without affecting connexin protein translation and trafficking. We also delineated fine and gross cellular phenotypes, characteristic of inflammatory insult or road-to-recovery from inflammation, where XG19 could indirectly prevent and reverse inflammatory cytokine-induced mitochondrial swelling and cellular hypertrophy through its action on Cx43 hemichannels. Our findings suggest that XG19 might have prophylactic and therapeutic effects on the inflammatory response, in line with functional studies.

The computational power of the human brain

At the end of the 20th century, analog systems in computer science have been widely replaced by digital systems due to their higher computing power. Nevertheless, the question keeps being intriguing until now: is the brain analog or digital? Initially, the latter has been favored, considering it as a Turing machine that works like a digital computer. However, more recently, digital and analog processes have been combined to implant human behavior in robots, endowing them with artificial intelligence (AI). Therefore, we think it is timely to compare mathematical models with the biology of computation in the brain. To this end, digital and analog processes clearly identified in cellular and molecular interactions in the Central Nervous System are highlighted. But above that, we try to pinpoint reasons distinguishing in silico computation from salient features of biological computation. First, genuinely analog information processing has been observed in electrical synapses and through gap junctions, the latter both in neurons and astrocytes. Apparently opposed to that, neuronal action potentials (APs) or spikes represent clearly digital events, like the yes/no or 1/0 of a Turing machine. However, spikes are rarely uniform, but can vary in amplitude and widths, which has significant, differential effects on transmitter release at the presynaptic terminal, where notwithstanding the quantal (vesicular) release itself is digital. Conversely, at the dendritic site of the postsynaptic neuron, there are numerous analog events of computation. Moreover, synaptic transmission of information is not only neuronal, but heavily influenced by astrocytes tightly ensheathing the majority of synapses in brain (tripartite synapse). At least at this point, LTP and LTD modifying synaptic plasticity and believed to induce short and long-term memory processes including consolidation (equivalent to RAM and ROM in electronic devices) have to be discussed. The present knowledge of how the brain stores and retrieves memories includes a variety of options (e.g., neuronal network oscillations, engram cells, astrocytic syncytium). Also epigenetic features play crucial roles in memory formation and its consolidation, which necessarily guides to molecular events like gene transcription and translation. In conclusion, brain computation is not only digital or analog, or a combination of both, but encompasses features in parallel, and of higher orders of complexity.

Spatial single-cell sequencing of meiosis I arrested oocytes indicates acquisition of maternal transcripts from the soma

Maternal RNAs are stored from minutes to decades in oocytes throughout meiosis I arrest in a transcriptionally quiescent state. Recent reports, however, propose a role for nascent transcription in arrested oocytes. Whether arrested oocytes launch nascent transcription in response to environmental or hormonal signals while maintaining the meiosis I arrest remains undetermined. We test this by integrating single-cell RNA sequencing, RNA velocity, and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization on C. elegans meiosis I arrested oocytes. We identify transcripts that increase as the arrested meiosis I oocyte ages, but rule out extracellular signaling through ERK MAPK and nascent transcription as a mechanism for this increase. We report transcript acquisition from neighboring somatic cells as a mechanism of transcript increase during meiosis I arrest. These analyses provide a deeper view at single-cell resolution of the RNA landscape of a meiosis I arrested oocyte and as it prepares for oocyte maturation and fertilization.

The pro- and anti-tumoral properties of gap junctions in cancer and their role in therapeutic strategies

Gap junctions (GJs), essential structures for cell-cell communication, are made of two hemichannels (commonly called connexons), one on each adjacent cell. Found in almost all cells, GJs play a pivotal role in many physiological and cellular processes, and have even been linked to the progression of diseases, such as cancer. Modulation of GJs is under investigation as a therapeutic strategy to kill tumor cells. Furthermore, GJs have also been studied for their key role in activating anti-cancer immunity and propagating radiation- and oxidative stress-induced cell death to neighboring cells, a process known as the bystander effect. While, gap junction (GJ)-based therapeutic strategies are being developed, one major challenge has been the paradoxical role of GJs in both tumor progression and suppression, based on GJ composition, cancer factors, and tumoral context. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of action, regulation, and the dual characteristics of GJs in cancer is critical for developing effective therapeutics. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of GJs structure, function, and paradoxical pro- and anti-tumoral role in cancer. We also discuss the treatment strategies to target these GJs properties for anti-cancer responses, via modulation of GJ function.

Connexins in the Heart: Regulation, Function and Involvement in Cardiac Disease

Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that play a key role in cardiac physiology. Gap junctional channels put into contact the cytoplasms of connected cardiomyocytes, allowing the existence of electrical coupling. However, in addition to this fundamental role, connexins are also involved in cardiomyocyte death and survival. Thus, chemical coupling through gap junctions plays a key role in the spreading of injury between connected cells. Moreover, in addition to their involvement in cell-to-cell communication, mounting evidence indicates that connexins have additional gap junction-independent functions. Opening of unopposed hemichannels, located at the lateral surface of cardiomyocytes, may compromise cell homeostasis and may be involved in ischemia/reperfusion injury. In addition, connexins located at non-canonical cell structures, including mitochondria and the nucleus, have been demonstrated to be involved in cardioprotection and in regulation of cell growth and differentiation. In this review, we will provide, first, an overview on connexin biology, including their synthesis and degradation, their regulation and their interactions. Then, we will conduct an in-depth examination of the role of connexins in cardiac pathophysiology, including new findings regarding their involvement in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiac fibrosis, gene transcription or signaling regulation.

Lens Connexin Channels Show Differential Permeability to Signaling Molecules

Gap junction channels mediate the direct intercellular passage of small ions as well as larger solutes such as second messengers. A family of proteins called connexins make up the subunits of gap junction channels in chordate animals. Each individual connexin forms channels that exhibit distinct permeability to molecules that influence cellular signaling, such as calcium ions, cyclic nucleotides, or inositol phosphates. In this review, we examine the permeability of connexin channels containing Cx43, Cx46, and Cx50 to signaling molecules and attempt to relate the observed differences in permeability to possible in vivo consequences that were revealed by studies of transgenic animals where these connexin genes have been manipulated. Taken together, these data suggest that differences in the permeability of individual connexin channels to larger solutes like 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP₃) could play a role in regulating epithelial cell division, differentiation, and homeostasis in organs like the ocular lens.

Connexin43 and connexin50 channels exhibit different permeability to the second messenger inositol triphosphate

Gap junction channels made of different connexins have distinct permeability to second messengers, which could affect many cell processes, including lens epithelial cell division. Here, we have compared the permeability of IP₃ and Ca²⁺ through channels made from two connexins, Cx43 and Cx50, that are highly expressed in vertebrate lens epithelial cells. Solute transfer was measured while simultaneously monitoring junctional conductance via dual whole-cell/perforated patch clamp. HeLa cells expressing Cx43 or Cx50 were loaded with Fluo-8, and IP₃ or Ca²⁺ were delivered via patch pipette to one cell of a pair, or to a monolayer while fluorescence intensity changes were recorded. Cx43 channels were permeable to IP₃ and Ca²⁺. Conversely, Cx50 channels were impermeable to IP₃, while exhibiting high permeation of Ca²⁺. Reduced Cx50 permeability to IP₃ could play a role in regulating cell division and homeostasis in the lens.

Metabolic cooperation in the ovarian follicle

Granulosa cells (GCs) are somatic cells essential for establishing and maintaining bi-directional communication with the oocytes. This connection has a profound importance for the delivery of energy substrates, structural components and ions to the maturing oocyte through gap junctions. Cumulus cells, group of closely associated GCs, surround the oocyte and can diminished the effect of harmful environmental insults. Both GCs and oocytes prefer different energy substrates in their cellular metabolism: GCs are more glycolytic, whereas oocytes rely more on oxidative phosphorylation pathway. The interconnection of these cells is emphasized by the fact that GCs supply oocytes with intermediates produced in glycolysis. The number of GCs surrounding the oocyte and their age affect the energy status of oocytes. This review summarises available studies collaboration of cellular types in the ovarian follicle from the point of view of energy metabolism, signaling and protection of toxic insults. A deeper knowledge of the underlying mechanisms is crucial for better methods to prevent and treat infertility and to improve the technology of in vitro fertilization.

Domain-specific distribution of gap junctions defines cellular coupling to establish a vascular relay in the retina

In the retina, diverse functions of neuronal gap junctions (GJs) have been established. However, the distribution and function of vascular GJs are less clear. Here in the mouse retina whole mounts, we combined structural immunohistochemical analysis and a functional assessment of cellular coupling with a GJ-permeable tracer Neurobiotin to determine distribution patterns of three major vascular connexins. We found that Cx43 was expressed in punctate fashion on astroglia, surrounding all types of blood vessels and in continuous string-like structures along endothelial cell contacts in specialized regions of the vascular tree. Specifically, these Cx43-positive strings originated at the finest capillaries and extended toward the feeding artery. As this structural arrangement promoted strong and exclusive coupling of pericytes and endothelial cells along the corresponding branch, we termed this region a "vascular relay." Cx40 expression was found predominantly along the endothelial cell contacts of the primary arteries and did not overlap with Cx43-positive strings. At their occupied territories, Cx43 and Cx40 clustered with tight junctions and, to a lesser extent, with adhesion contacts, both key elements of the blood-retina barrier. Finally, Cx37 puncta were associated with the entire surface of both mural and endothelial cells across all regions of the vascular tree. This combinatorial analysis of vascular connexins and identification of the vascular relay region will serve as a structural foundation for future studies of neurovascular signaling in health and disease.

Lens Connexin Channels Have Differential Permeability to the Second Messenger cAMP

Purpose

Gap junction channels exhibit connexin specific biophysical properties, including the selective intercellular passage of larger solutes, such as second messengers. Here, we have examined the cyclic nucleotide permeability of the lens connexins, which could influence events like epithelial cell division and differentiation.

Methods

We compared the cAMP permeability through channels composed of Cx43, Cx46, or Cx50 using simultaneous measurements of junctional conductance and intercellular transfer. For cAMP detection, the recipient cells were transfected with a cAMP sensor gene, the cyclic nucleotide-modulated channel from sea urchin sperm (SpIH). cAMP was introduced via patch pipette into the cell of the pair that did not express SpIH. SpIH-derived currents were recorded from the other cell of a pair that expressed SpIH. cAMP permeability was also directly visualized in transfected cells using a chemically modified fluorescent form of the molecule.

Results

cAMP transfer was observed for homotypic Cx43 channels over a wide range of junctional conductance. Homotypic Cx46 channels also transferred cAMP, but permeability was reduced compared with Cx43. In contrast, homotypic Cx50 channels exhibited extremely low permeability to cAMP, when compared with either Cx43, or Cx46.

Conclusions

These data show that channels made from Cx43 and Cx46 result in the intercellular delivery of cAMP in sufficient quantity to activate cyclic nucleotide-modulated channels. The data also suggest that the greatly reduced cAMP permeability of Cx50 channels could play a role in the regulation of cell division in the lens.

Dispelling myths about connexins, pannexins and P2X7 in hypoxic-ischemic central nervous system

In membrane physiology, as in other fields, myths or speculations may be repeated so often and so widely that they are perceived as facts. To some extent, this has occurred with regard to gap junctions, hemichannels, pannexin channels and P2X7 (ionotropic receptors), especially concerning the interpretation of the individual role of these channels in hypoxic-ischemic CNS since these channels may be closed by the same pharmacological blockers. Significance of existing controversial data are highlighted and contradictory views from different groups are critically discussed herein.

Electrical coupling and its channels

Harris explores the development of our current understanding of electrical coupling between cells and the channels that mediate it, highlighting the contributions of the Journal of General Physiology.

As the physiology of synapses began to be explored in the 1950s, it became clear that electrical communication between neurons could not always be explained by chemical transmission. Instead, careful studies pointed to a direct intercellular pathway of current flow and to the anatomical structure that was (eventually) called the gap junction. The mechanism of intercellular current flow was simple compared with chemical transmission, but the consequences of electrical signaling in excitable tissues were not. With the recognition that channels were a means of passive ion movement across membranes, the character and behavior of gap junction channels came under scrutiny. It became evident that these gated channels mediated intercellular transfer of small molecules as well as atomic ions, thereby mediating chemical, as well as electrical, signaling. Members of the responsible protein family in vertebrates—connexins—were cloned and their channels studied by many of the increasingly biophysical techniques that were being applied to other channels. As described here, much of the evolution of the field, from electrical coupling to channel structure–function, has appeared in the pages of the Journal of General Physiology.

Electrical synapses in mammalian CNS: Past eras, present focus and future directions

Gap junctions provide the basis for electrical synapses between neurons. Early studies in well-defined circuits in lower vertebrates laid the foundation for understanding various properties conferred by electrical synaptic transmission. Knowledge surrounding electrical synapses in mammalian systems unfolded first with evidence indicating the presence of gap junctions between neurons in various brain regions, but with little appreciation of their functional roles. Beginning at about the turn of this century, new approaches were applied to scrutinize electrical synapses, revealing the prevalence of neuronal gap junctions, the connexin protein composition of many of those junctions, and the myriad diverse neural systems in which they occur in the mammalian CNS. Subsequent progress indicated that electrical synapses constitute key elements in synaptic circuitry, govern the collective activity of ensembles of electrically coupled neurons, and in part orchestrate the synchronized neuronal network activity and rhythmic oscillations that underlie fundamental integrative processes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Gap Junction Proteins edited by Jean Claude Herve.

A structural and functional comparison of gap junction channels composed of connexins and innexins

Methods such as electron microscopy and electrophysiology led to the understanding that gap junctions were dense arrays of channels connecting the intracellular environments within almost all animal tissues. The characteristics of gap junctions were remarkably similar in preparations from phylogenetically diverse animals such as cnidarians and chordates. Although few studies directly compared them, minor differences were noted between gap junctions of vertebrates and invertebrates. For instance, a slightly wider gap was noted between cells of invertebrates and the spacing between invertebrate channels was generally greater. Connexins were identified as the structural component of vertebrate junctions in the 1980s and innexins as the structural component of pre-chordate junctions in the 1990s. Despite a lack of similarity in gene sequence, connexins and innexins are remarkably similar. Innexins and connexins have the same membrane topology and form intercellular channels that play a variety of tissue- and temporally specific roles. Both protein types oligomerize to form large aqueous channels that allow the passage of ions and small metabolites and are regulated by factors such as pH, calcium, and voltage. Much more is currently known about the structure, function, and structure-function relationships of connexins. However, the innexin field is expanding. Greater knowledge of innexin channels will permit more detailed comparisons with their connexin-based counterparts, and provide insight into the ubiquitous yet specific roles of gap junctions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 522-547, 2017.

Gap junctions and cancer: communicating for 50 years

Fifty years ago, tumour cells were found to lack electrical coupling, leading to the hypothesis that loss of direct intercellular communication is commonly associated with cancer onset and progression. Subsequent studies linked this phenomenon to gap junctions composed of connexin proteins. Although many studies support the notion that connexins are tumour suppressors, recent evidence suggests that, in some tumour types, they may facilitate specific stages of tumour progression through both junctional and non-junctional signalling pathways. This Timeline article highlights the milestones connecting gap junctions to cancer, and underscores important unanswered questions, controversies and therapeutic opportunities in the field.

Filling the gap: adding super-resolution to array tomography for correlated ultrastructural and molecular identification of electrical synapses at the C. elegans connectome

Correlating molecular labeling at the ultrastructural level with high confidence remains challenging. Array tomography (AT) allows for a combination of fluorescence and electron microscopy (EM) to visualize subcellular protein localization on serial EM sections. Here, we describe an application for AT that combines near-native tissue preservation via high-pressure freezing and freeze substitution with super-resolution light microscopy and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis on the same section. We established protocols that combine SEM with structured illumination microscopy (SIM) and direct stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (dSTORM). We devised a method for easy, precise, and unbiased correlation of EM images and super-resolution imaging data using endogenous cellular landmarks and freely available image processing software. We demonstrate that these methods allow us to identify and label gap junctions in Caenorhabditis elegans with precision and confidence, and imaging of even smaller structures is feasible. With the emergence of connectomics, these methods will allow us to fill in the gap-acquiring the correlated ultrastructural and molecular identity of electrical synapses.

Exchange of chemical signals between cardiac cells. Fundamental role on cell communication and metabolic cooperation

The exchange of chemical signals between cardiac cells and its relevance for cell communication and metabolic cooperation was reviewed. The role of gap junctions on the transfer of chemical information was discussed as well as the different factors involved in its regulation including changes in cell volume, high glucose, activation of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system including the intracrine effect of renin and angiotensin II on chemical coupling and cardiac energetics. Finally, the possible role of epigenetic changes of the renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) on the expression of components of the RAAS was discussed. The evidence available leads to the conception of the heart as a metabolic syncytium in which glucose as well nucleotides and hormones can flow from cell-to-cell though gap junctions, providing a new vision of how alterations in metabolic cooperation can induce cardiac diseases. These findings represent a stimulus for future research in this important area of cardiac physiology and pathology.

Intracellular angiotensin II disrupts chemical communication and impairs metabolic cooperation between cardiac myocytes

The influence of intracellular angiotensin II (Ang II) on the process of chemical communication and metabolic cooperation between cardiac cells is discussed. Emphasis is given to the influence of pathological conditions like heart failure, myocardial ischemia or hyperglycemia on the activation of the intracrine renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) and its consequence for the metabolic cooperation between heart cells. Furthermore, the influence of high glucose on the process of chemical communication was described as well as its implication for the failing and diabetic heart. The major conclusion is that the activation of the intracrine renin angiotensin induced by heart failure, hyperglycemia, aldosterone or myocardial ischemia generates metabolic imbalance in the heart with serious consequences for the cardiac function.

Molecular layer interneurons of the cerebellum: developmental and morphological aspects

During the past 25 years, our knowledge on the development of basket and stellate cells (molecular layer interneurons [MLIs]) has completely changed, not only regarding their origin from the ventricular zone, corresponding to the primitive cerebellar neuroepithelium, instead of the external granular layer, but above all by providing an almost complete account of the genetic regulations (transcription factors and other genes) involved in their differentiation and synaptogenesis. Moreover, it has been shown that MLIs' precursors (dividing neuroblasts) and not young postmitotic neurons, as in other germinal neuroepithelia, leave the germinative zone and migrate all along a complex and lengthy path throughout the presumptive cerebellar white matter, which provides suitable niches exerting epigenetic influences on their ultimate neuronal identities. Recent studies carried out on the anatomical-functional properties of adult MLIs emphasize the importance of these interneurons in regulating PC inhibition, and point out the crucial role played by electrical synaptic transmission between MLIs as well as ephaptic interactions between them and Purkinje cells at the pinceaux level, in the regulation of this inhibition.

Aldosterone Disrupts the Intercellular Flow of Glucose in Cardiac Muscle

The activation of the renin-angiotensin system is known to impair intercellular communication in the heart, but the role of aldosterone on the process of chemical communication and particularly the intercellular diffusion of glucose between cardiomyocytes is not known. This problem was investigated in cell pairs isolated from the left ventricle of adult Wistar Kyoto rats. For this, fluorescent glucose was dialyzed into one cell of the pair using the whole cell clamp technique, and its diffusion from cell-to-cell through gap junctions was followed by measuring the fluorescence intensity in the dialyzed as well as in non-dialyzed cell as a function of time. The results indicated that (1) in cell pairs exposed to aldosterone (100 nM) for 24 h, the intercellular flow of glucose through gap junctions was disrupted; (2) although the mechanism by which aldosterone disrupts the cell-to-cell flow of glucose is multifactorial, two major factors are involved: oxidative stress and PKC activation; (3) the effect of aldosterone was significantly reduced by spironolactone (100 nM); and (4) calculation of gap junction permeability (Pj) indicated an average values of 0.3 ± 0.001 × 10(-4) cm/s (n = 31) (four animals) for controls and 24 ± 0.03 × 10(-6) cm/s (n = 34) (four animals) (P < 0.05) for cell pairs exposed to aldosterone (100 nM) for 24 h. Bis-1 (10(-9)M), which is a selective PKC inhibitor, added to the aldosterone solution, improved the value of Pj to 0.21 ± 0.001 × 10(-4) cm/s (n = 24) (P < 0.05), whereas spironolactone (100 nM) added to aldosterone solution, reduced significantly the effect of the hormone on junctional permeability to glucose.

Intracellular Renin Disrupts Chemical Communication between Heart Cells. Pathophysiological Implications

HighlightsIntracellular renin disrupts chemical communication in the heartAngiotensinogen enhances the effect of reninIntracellular enalaprilat reduces significantly the effect of reninIntracellular renin increases the inward calcium currentHarmful versus beneficial effect during myocardial infarction The influence of intracellular renin on the process of chemical communication between cardiac cells was investigated in cell pairs isolated from the left ventricle of adult Wistar Kyoto rats. The enzyme together with Lucifer yellow CH was dialyzed into one cell of the pair using the whole cell clamp technique. The diffusion of the dye in the dialyzed and in non-dialyzed cell was followed by measuring the intensity of fluorescence in both cells as a function of time. The results indicated that; (1) under normal conditions, Lucifer Yellow flows from cell to cell through gap junctions; (2) the intracellular dialysis of renin (100 nM) disrupts chemical communication - an effect enhanced by simultaneous administration of angiotensinogen (100 nM); (3) enalaprilat (10(-9) M) administered to the cytosol together with renin reduced drastically the uncoupling action of the enzyme; (4) aliskiren (10(-8) M) inhibited the effect of renin on chemical communication; (5) the possible role of intracellular renin independently of angiotensin II (Ang II) was evaluated including the increase of the inward calcium current elicited by the enzyme and the possible role of oxidative stress on the disruption of cell communication; (6) the possible harmful versus the beneficial effect of intracellular renin during myocardial infarction was discussed; (7) the present results indicate that intracellular renin due to internalization or in situ synthesis causes a severe impairment of chemical communication in the heart resulting in derangement of metabolic cooperation with serious consequences for heart function.

Fast structural responses of gap junction membrane domains to AB5 toxins

Gap junctions (GJs) represent connexin-rich membrane domains that connect interiors of adjoining cells in mammalian tissues. How fast GJs can respond to bacterial pathogens has not been known previously. Using Bessel beam plane illumination and confocal spinning disk microscopy, we found fast (~500 ms) formation of connexin-depleted regions (CDRs) inside GJ plaques between cells exposed to AB5 toxins. CDR formation appears as a fast redistribution of connexin channels within GJ plaques with minor changes in outline or geometry. CDR formation does not depend on membrane trafficking or submembrane cytoskeleton and has no effect on GJ conductance. However, CDR responses depend on membrane lipids, can be modified by cholesterol-clustering agents and extracellular K(+) ion concentration, and influence cAMP signaling. The CDR response of GJ plaques to bacterial toxins is a phenomenon observed for all tested connexin isoforms. Through signaling, the CDR response may enable cells to sense exposure to AB5 toxins. CDR formation may reflect lipid-phase separation events in the biological membrane of the GJ plaque, leading to increased connexin packing and lipid reorganization. Our data demonstrate very fast dynamics (in the millisecond-to-second range) within GJ plaques, which previously were considered to be relatively stable, long-lived structures.

The current challenges to efficient immature oocyte cryopreservation

Oocyte cryopreservation represents an important tool for assisted reproductive technology. It offers the opportunity to preserve fertility in women at risk of loss of the ovarian function for various pathologies. It also represents a treatment alternative for couples that cannot benefit from embryo cryopreservation because of moral, religious, or legal constrains. On the other hand, in vitro oocyte maturation has a range of applications. It can be applied in patients with a contraindication to ovarian stimulation to prevent ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome or to eliminate the risk of stimulation of hormone-sensitive tumours in cancer patients. However, while mature oocyte cryopreservation has found wide-spread application and oocyte in vitro maturation has a place for the treatment of specific clinical conditions, data on the efficiency of freezing of immature or in vitro matured oocytes are poorer. In this review we will focus on the combination of oocyte in vitro maturation with oocyte cryopreservation with particular emphasis on the biological implications of the cryopreservation of immature or in vitro matured oocytes. The two cryopreservation approaches, slow freezing and vitrification, will be discussed in relation to possible cryodamage occurring to subcellular structures of the oocyte and the functional interaction between oocyte and cumulus cells.

Connexin45 regulates endothelial-induced mesenchymal cell differentiation toward a mural cell phenotype

OBJECTIVE

The focus of this study was to investigate the role of connexin (Cx) 45 in endothelial-induced mural cell differentiation.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We created mural cell precursors that stably express only Cx45 in Cx43-deficient mesenchymal cells (ReCx45), and used our in vitro model of blood vessel assembly to assess the capacity of this Cx to support endothelial-induced mural cell differentiation. Lucifer Yellow dye injection and dual whole-cell patch clamping revealed that functional gap junctions exhibiting properties of Cx45-containing channels formed among ReCx45 transfectants, and between ReCx45 and endothelial cells. Heterocellular Cx45-containing gap junction channels enabled transforming growth factor-β activation and promoted the upregulation of mural cell-specific proteins in the mesenchymal precursors.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies reveal a critical role for Cx45 in the regulation of endothelial-induced mural cell differentiation, which is consistent with the phenotype of Cx45-deficient embryos that exhibit dysregulated transforming growth factor-β and lack mural cell development.

Age-dependent carcinogenic susceptibility in rat liver is related to potential of gap junctional intercellular communication

Connexin 32 (Cx32) is a major gap junction protein in the liver. The authors previously demonstrated that transgenic rats carrying a dominant negative mutant of Cx32 (Cx32ΔTg) have much decreased capacity for gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and increased susceptibility to diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis as compared to littermate wild-type (wt) rats. To evaluate the age-dependent susceptibility to DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis and alteration of GJIC function, male Cx32ΔTg and wt rats at 10, 30, or 85 weeks old were given a single intraperitoneal administration of DEN (40 mg/rat) and sacrificed 12 weeks later. The number and area of glutathione S-transferase placental form (GST-P)-positive preneoplastic foci were significantly increased in the liver of 10- and 30-wk-old Cx32ΔTg rats compared with age-matched wt. However, in the 85-wk-old rats, both Cx32ΔTg and wt rats had similarly large number and area of GST-P-positive foci, and the difference was not significant. Interestingly, function of hepatic GJIC was reduced and protein and mRNA expression of Cx32 were decreased with aging in wt rats. These results suggest that a decline of hepatic intercellular communication through gap junction results in increased susceptibility to DEN-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in aged rats.

Semi-automatic counting of connexin 32s immunolocalized in cultured fetal rat hepatocytes using image processing

Connexin 32s (Cx32s) were immunolocalized in fetal rat hepatocytes and their distribution was determined qualitatively. We used image analysis using a quantitative index (QI) of Cx32 (QI Cx32) defined as the area of Cx32s/number of cells in cultured fetal rat hepatocytes. Hepatocytes from livers of fetal rats were separated by collagenase digestion and low centrifugation on gestational day 17. Cells were cultured for 3 days in dexamethasone (DEX)-supplemented medium (Dex0). The medium was replaced with fresh medium and cells were continuously cultured for 3 days with DEX or epidermal growth factor supplemented medium (Dex3 or EGF3). After culture termination, cells were fixed and stained using the fluorescein-labeled antibody method for Cx32s and diaminophenylindole staining for nuclei. Thirty pairs of histological images for Cx32s and nuclei, 180 images in total, were obtained from each condition. The QI Cx32 significantly increased from 284.1 ± 102.0 (mean and SD, n=26) of Dex0 to 428.9 ± 101.0 of Dex3 (n=28) (P<0.05, Kruskal-Wallis test, then Steel-Dwass test). The increase of QI Cx32 was compatible with the morphological observations. The image analysis processing time after preparation for 180 images was reduced from 8h needed for manual operations to 1 min using ImageJ software with our macro routine.

Mechanisms of ATP release and signalling in the blood vessel wall

The nucleotide adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) has classically been considered the cell's primary energy currency. Importantly, a novel role for ATP as an extracellular autocrine and/or paracrine signalling molecule has evolved over the past century and extensive work has been conducted to characterize the ATP-sensitive purinergic receptors expressed on almost all cell types in the body. Extracellular ATP elicits potent effects on vascular cells to regulate blood vessel tone but can also be involved in vascular pathologies such as atherosclerosis. While the effects of purinergic signalling in the vasculature have been well documented, the mechanism(s) mediating the regulated release of ATP from cells in the blood vessel wall and circulation are now a key target of investigation. The aim of this review is to examine the current proposed mechanisms of ATP release from vascular cells, with a special emphasis on the transporters and channels involved in ATP release from vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, circulating red blood cells, and perivascular sympathetic nerves, including vesicular exocytosis, plasma membrane F(1)/F(0)-ATP synthase, ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, connexin hemichannels, and pannexin channels.

Synchronized ATP oscillations have a critical role in prechondrogenic condensation during chondrogenesis

The skeletal elements of embryonic limb are prefigured by prechondrogenic condensation in which secreted molecules such as adhesion molecules and extracellular matrix have crucial roles. However, how the secreted molecules are controlled to organize the condensation remains unclear. In this study, we examined metabolic regulation of secretion in prechondrogenic condensation, using bioluminescent monitoring systems. We here report on ATP oscillations in the early step of chondrogenesis. The ATP oscillations depended on both glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration, and their synchronization among cells were achieved via gap junctions. In addition, the ATP oscillations were driven by Ca(2+) oscillations and led to oscillatory secretion in chondrogenesis. Blockade of the ATP oscillations prevented cellular condensation. Furthermore, the degree of cellular condensation increased with the frequency of ATP oscillations. We conclude that ATP oscillations have a critical role in prechondrogenic condensation by inducing oscillatory secretion.

Human connexin30.2/31.3 (GJC3) does not form functional gap junction channels but causes enhanced ATP release in HeLa cells

Gap junctional intercellular communication has numerous functions, each of which meets the particular needs of organs, tissues, or groups of cells. Connexins (CXs) are homologous four-transmembrane-domain proteins that are the major components of gap junctions. CX30.2/CX31.3 (GJC3) is a relatively new member of the CX protein family. Until now, however, the functional characteristics of CX30.2/CX31.3 have been unclear. To elucidate the properties of CX30.2/CX31.3 channels, their subcellular localization in HeLa cells, their effectiveness in dye transfer, and function on channels were investigated. In the immunofluorescent assay, cells that express CX30.2/CX31.3-GFP exhibited continuous fluorescence along the apposed cell membranes, rather than punctated fluorescence in contacting membranes between two cells. Surprisingly, dyes that can be capable of being permeated by CX26 GJ, according to a scrape loading dye transfer assay in previous studies, are impermeated by CX30.2/CX31.3 GJ, suggesting a difference between the characteristics of CX30.2/CX31.3 GJ and CX26 GJ. Furthermore, a significant amount of ATP was released from the HeLa cells that stably expressed CX30.2/CX31.3, in a medium with low calcium ion concentration, suggesting a hemichannel-based function for CX30.2/CX31.3. Based on these findings, we suggest that CX30.2/CX31.3 shares functional properties with pannexin (hemi) channels rather than gap junction channels of other CXs.

A novel missense mutation in the connexin30 causes nonsyndromic hearing loss

Dysfunctional gap junctions caused by GJB2 (CX26) and GJB6 (CX30) mutations are implicated in nearly half of nonsyndromic hearing loss cases. A recent study identified a heterozygous mutation, c.119C>T (p.A40V), in the GJB6 gene of patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss. However, the functional role of the mutation in hearing loss remains unclear. In this study, analyses of cell biology indicated that a p.A40V missense mutation of CX30 causes CX30 protein accumulation in the Golgi body rather than in the cytoplasmic membrane. The tet-on protein expression system was used for further study of mutant proteins in CX30 and CX30A40V co-expressions and in CX26 and CX30A40V co-expressions. The p.A40V missense mutation exerted a dominant negative effect on both normal CX30 and CX26, which impaired gap junction formation. Moreover, computer-assisted modeling suggested that this p.A40V mutation affects the intra molecular interaction in the hydrophobic core of Trp44, which significantly alters the efficiency of gap junction formation. These findings suggest that the p.A40V mutation in CX30 causes autosomal-dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss. These data provide a novel molecular explanation for the role of GJB6 in hearing loss.

Novel mutations in the connexin43 (GJA1) and GJA1 pseudogene may contribute to nonsyndromic hearing loss

Connexins (CXs), a large family of membrane proteins, are key components of gap junction channels. Among a cohort of patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss, we have recently identified three novel missense mutations in the GJA1 gene and GJA1 pseudogene (rhoGJA1) as likely being causally related to hearing loss. However, the functional alteration of CX43 caused by the mutations of GJA1 and rhoGJA1 gene remains unclear. This study compares the intracellular distribution and assembly of three CX43 mutants expressed in HeLa cells with their wild-type (WT) counterparts and the effects of the mutant proteins on those cells. Localization assay of WT CX43 reveals a typical punctuate fluorescence pattern of a gap junction channel between neighboring expression cells. Additionally, immunoblotting analysis of the transfectants confirms the production of mutant proteins, in which their distributions along appositional membranes are determined using immunofluorescent staining procedures. Furthermore, dye transfer assay results demonstrate that gap junctional intercellular communication is less in HeLa cells carrying mutant GJA1 or rhoGJA1 gene than in WT-expressing cells. The results of this study suggest that the three mutations in GJA1 or rhoGJA1 that we previously reported result in at least partial loss of normal functions carried out by CX43, which may form a basis for the mechanism contributing to hearing loss in patients.

Gap junction dysfunction reduces acetaminophen hepatotoxicity with impact on apoptotic signaling and connexin 43 protein induction in rat

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used antipyretic and analgesic agent. However, overdosing and sometimes even a recommended dose can lead to serious and conceivably fatal liver toxicity. Therefore, it is important to clarify understand mechanisms of hepatotoxicity induced by APAP. Gap junctions, formed by connexin, have important roles in maintenance of tissue homeostasis and control of cell growth and differentiation. In the liver, Cx32 is a major gap junction protein whose expression is known to gradually decrease with chronic liver disease progression. In the present study, acute hepatotoxic effects of APAP were found to be reduced in Cx32 dominant negative transgenic rats lacking normal gap junctional intercellular communication in the liver. In littermate wild-type rats, the injured centrilobular hepatocytes were positive for TUNEL staining and featured elevated expre ssion of cleaved caspase-3 and Cx43, which is not expressed in normal hepatocytes. These results suggest that APAP hepatotoxicity involves apoptosis, and induction of Cx43 expression may play an important role in the apoptotic signaling. Moreover, gap junctional functions of Cx32 can play important roles in removing damaged hepatocytes by apoptosis for liver tissue homeostasis.

Cytosine deaminase-producing human mesenchymal stem cells mediate an antitumor effect in a mouse xenograft model

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Stem cell transplantation offers potential gene therapy for brain tumors. However, this approach has received little attention as a treatment for gastrointestinal tumors. In the present study, we explored the possibility of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) producing cytosine deaminase (CD), followed by systemic 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) administration, showing an antitumor effect on a mouse gastric cancer xenograft.

METHODS

We first explored the ability of hMSC, coated with fluorescent dye, to migrate to human gastric cancer MKN45 cells in vitro and in vivo. We then used hMSC in which a gene expressed the prodrug-activating enzyme CD, which can convert the prodrug 5-FC into the cytotoxic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and further investigated the potential of these cells to deliver the CD gene and to reduce tumor growth in nude mice. The migratory capacity of hMSC was confirmed by an in vitro migration assay, as well as in an in vivo model of nude mice bearing subcutaneous tumors of MKN45 cells when hMSC were injected.

RESULTS

The migration ability of hMSC towards MKN45 cells was confirmed by migration assay. Effective conversion of 5-FC to 5-FU by hMSC transfected with the CD gene (CD-hMSC) showed therapeutic anticancer potential in a MKN45 cell co-culture system, as confirmed by thin layer chromatography. Nude mice bearing MKN45 tumors were intravenously injected with CD-hMSC, followed by systemic 5-FC treatment (500 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. Tumor volumes and weights of mice injected with CD-hMSC decreased significantly after treatment with 5-FC. However, the 5-FC-treated group without CD-hMSC injection showed neither a decrease in tumor volume nor bodyweight loss.

CONCLUSION

The CD-hMSC system showed anticancer therapeutic potential, and minimized the side-effects of 5-FU.

Protective effects of the cumulus-corona radiata complex during vitrification of horse oocytes

Vitrifying oocytes is a potentially valuable means of preserving the female germ line, but significantly compromises oocyte developmental competence. This study examined the hypothesis that the cumulus complex protects the oocyte during vitrification. Vitrified-warmed immature cumulus oocyte complexes (COCs) were labelled with a plasma membrane impermeant DNA marker (ethidium homodimer-1) to examine the percentage and location of dead cumulus cells, and to investigate the effect of the proportion of dead cells (+1,+2 or +3) on the success of in vitro maturation (IVM). Further, oocytes were labelled for connexin-43 or injected with Lucifer yellow dye to determine whether the integrity of the gap junctions between an oocyte and its cumulus was compromised by vitrification. Finally, the effect of denuding immature and mature oocytes on their ability to withstand vitrification was examined. Cryopreserving immature COCs increased the number of dead cumulus cells (13 vs 2.6% for controls; P<0.05). However, an increased proportion of dead cumulus cells did not affect post-warming maturation rates (∼30% MII) presumably because dead cells were located at the periphery of the cumulus mass and cumulus-oocyte gap junction communication was not disrupted. Moreover, cumulus removal prior to IVM or vitrification indicated that while the cumulus does protect immature oocytes during vitrification it does so by mechanisms other than support during maturation. Cumulus presence was also found to protect mature equine oocytes against vitrification-induced damage since cumulus-enclosed MII oocytes preserved their meiotic spindle quality better during vitrification than denuded oocytes (38.1 vs 3.1% normal spindles; P<0.05).

Myofibroblast communication is controlled by intercellular mechanical coupling

Neoformation of intercellular adherens junctions accompanies the differentiation of fibroblasts into contractile myofibroblasts, a key event during development of fibrosis and in wound healing. We have previously shown that intercellular mechanical coupling of stress fibres via adherens junctions improves contraction of collagen gels by myofibroblasts. By assessing spontaneous intracellular Ca2+ oscillations, we here test whether adherens junctions mechanically coordinate myofibroblast activities. Periodic Ca2+ oscillations are synchronised between physically contacting myofibroblasts and become desynchronised upon dissociation of adherens junctions with function-blocking peptides. Similar uncoupling is obtained by inhibiting myofibroblast contraction using myosin inhibitors and by blocking mechanosensitive ion channels using Gd3+ and GSMTx4. By contrast, gap junction uncouplers do not affect myofibroblast coordination. We propose the following model of mechanical coupling for myofibroblasts: individual cell contraction is transmitted via adherens junctions and leads to the opening of mechanosensitive ion channels in adjacent cells. The resulting Ca2+ influx induces a contraction that can feed back on the first cell and/or stimulate other contacting cells. This mechanism could improve the remodelling of cell-dense tissue by coordinating the activity of myofibroblasts.

Phospholipase C-delta extends intercellular signalling range and responses to injury-released growth factors in non-excitable cells

OBJECTIVES

Intercellular communication in non-excitable cells is restricted to a limited range close to the signal source. Here, we have examined whether modification of the intracellular microenvironment could prolong the spatial proposition of signal generation and could increase cell proliferation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Mathematical models and experimental studies of endothelial repair after controlled mechanical injury were used. The models predict the diffusion range of injury-released growth factors and identify important parameters involved in a signalling regenerative mode. Transfected human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to validate model results, by examining intercellular calcium signalling range, cell proliferation and wound healing rate.

RESULTS

The models predict that growth factors have a limited capacity of extracellular diffusion and that intercellular signals are specially sensitive to cell phospholipase C-delta (PLCdelta) levels. As basal PLCdelta levels are increased by transfection, a significantly increased intercellular calcium range, enhanced cell proliferation, and faster wound healing rate were observed.

CONCLUSION

Our in silico and in vitro studies demonstrated that non-excitable endothelial cells respond to stimuli in a complex manner, in which intercellular communication is controlled by physicochemical properties of the stimulus and by the cell microenvironment. Such findings may have profound implications for our understanding of the tight nature of autocrine cell growth control, compensation to stress states and response to altered microenvironment, under pathological conditions.

Gap junction communication influences intercellular protein distribution in the lens

Lens transparency and high refractive index presumably depend on the appropriate arrangement and distribution of lens proteins among lens fiber cells. Intercellular gap junction channels formed by alpha3 and alpha8 connexins are known to transport small molecules, ions and water, but not proteins, in the lens. Mosaic expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the lens is a useful marker for monitoring macromolecule distribution between fiber cells and for constructing three-dimensional images of living lens cells. In alpha3(-/-) alpha8(-/-) double knockout (DKO) lenses, three-dimensional images of GFP-positive cells demonstrate the changes of epithelial cell surfaces and insufficient elongation of inner fiber cells. Uniform distribution of GFP between inner lens fiber cells is observed in both wild-type and alpha3(-/-) lenses. In contrast, uniform GFP distribution is slightly delayed in alpha8(-/-) lenses and is abolished in DKO lenses. Without endogenous wild-type alpha3 and alpha8 connexins, knock-in alpha3 connexin (expressed under the alpha8 gene promoter) restores the uniform distribution of GFP protein in the lens. Thus, the presence of either alpha3 or alpha8 connexins seems sufficient to support the uniform distribution of GFP between differentiated lens fiber cells. Although the mechanism that drives GFP transport between fiber cells remains unknown, this work reveals that gap junction communication plays a novel role in the regulation of intercellular protein distribution in the lens.

Connexin36 vs. connexin32, "miniature" neuronal gap junctions, and limited electrotonic coupling in rodent suprachiasmatic nucleus

Suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) neurons generate circadian rhythms, and these neurons normally exhibit loosely-synchronized action potentials. Although electrotonic coupling has long been proposed to mediate this neuronal synchrony, ultrastructural studies have failed to detect gap junctions between SCN neurons. Nevertheless, it has been proposed that neuronal gap junctions exist in the SCN; that they consist of connexin32 or, alternatively, connexin36; and that connexin36 knockout eliminates neuronal coupling between SCN neurons and disrupts circadian rhythms. We used confocal immunofluorescence microscopy and freeze-fracture replica immunogold labeling to examine the distributions of connexin30, connexin32, connexin36, and connexin43 in rat and mouse SCN and used whole-cell recordings to re-assess electrotonic and tracer coupling. Connexin32-immunofluorescent puncta were essentially absent in SCN but connexin36 was relatively abundant. Fifteen neuronal gap junctions were identified ultrastructurally, all of which contained connexin36 but not connexin32, whereas nearby oligodendrocyte gap junctions contained connexin32. In adult SCN, one neuronal gap junction was >600 connexons, whereas 75% were smaller than 50 connexons, which may be below the limit of detectability by fluorescence microscopy and thin-section electron microscopy. Whole-cell recordings in hypothalamic slices revealed tracer coupling with neurobiotin in <5% of SCN neurons, and paired recordings (>40 pairs) did not reveal obvious electrotonic coupling or synchronized action potentials, consistent with few neurons possessing large gap junctions. However, most neurons had partial spikes or spikelets (often <1 mV), which remained after QX-314 [N-(2,6-dimethylphenylcarbamoylmethyl)triethylammonium bromide] had blocked sodium-mediated action potentials within the recorded neuron, consistent with spikelet transmission via small gap junctions. Thus, a few "miniature" gap junctions on most SCN neurons appear to mediate weak electrotonic coupling between limited numbers of neuron pairs, thus accounting for frequent detection of partial spikes and hypothetically providing the basis for "loose" electrical or metabolic synchronization of electrical activity commonly observed in SCN neuronal populations during circadian rhythms.