Purinergic signaling in early inflammatory events of the foreign body response: modulating extracellular ATP as an enabling technology for engineered implants and tissues

Recombinant-Chemosynthetic Biosensors for Probing Cell Surface Signaling of Red Blood Cells and Other Cells

The complex signaling mechanisms in red blood cells (RBCs) enable them to adapt to physiological stresses such as exposure to low O2 levels, metabolic demands, oxidative stress, and shear stress. Since Ca2+ is a crucial determinant of RBC fate, various ion channels, pumps, and exchangers regulate the delicate balance of Ca2+ influx and efflux in RBCs. Elevated intracellular Ca2+ can activate processes such as membrane phospholipid scrambling and alter RBC deformability, which is essential for effective capillary transit. However, the dynamic information about Ca2+ regulation in RBCs is limited. Although static mapping and bioanalytical methods have been utilized, the absence of a nucleus and the presence of hemoglobin create challenges for real-time probing of RBC signaling, necessitating innovative approaches. This work introduces a synthetic chemistry-recombinant protein-based strategy to assemble sensors at genetically intact healthy human RBC surfaces for measuring dynamic signaling. Using this approach, we measured autocrine regulation of RBC Ca2+ influx in response to low O2 tension-induced ATP release. The study also explores the utilization of synthetic glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor mimics and sortagging for targeting sensors to the surfaces of primary as well as immortalized cells. This demonstrated the wide applicability of this approach to probe dynamic signaling in intact cells.

Polyphosphate Nanoparticles: Balancing Energy Requirements in Tissue Regeneration Processes

Nanoparticles of a particular, evolutionarily old inorganic polymer found across the biological kingdoms have attracted increasing interest in recent years not only because of their crucial role in metabolism but also their potential medical applicability: it is inorganic polyphosphate (polyP). This ubiquitous linear polymer is composed of 10-1000 phosphate residues linked by high-energy anhydride bonds. PolyP causes induction of gene activity, provides phosphate for bone mineralization, and serves as an energy supplier through enzymatic cleavage of its acid anhydride bonds and subsequent ATP formation. The biomedical breakthrough of polyP came with the development of a successful fabrication process, in depot form, as Ca- or Mg-polyP nanoparticles, or as the directly effective polymer, as soluble Na-polyP, for regenerative repair and healing processes, especially in tissue areas with insufficient blood supply. Physiologically, the platelets are the main vehicles for polyP nanoparticles in the circulating blood. To be biomedically active, these particles undergo coacervation. This review provides an overview of the properties of polyP and polyP nanoparticles for applications in the regeneration and repair of bone, cartilage, and skin. In addition to studies on animal models, the first successful proof-of-concept studies on humans for the healing of chronic wounds are outlined.

Regulatory T cell-derived exosome mediated macrophages polarization for osteogenic differentiation in fracture repair

Refractory fracture presents an intractable challenge in trauma treatment. Selective polarization of macrophages as well as the recruitment of osteogenic precursor cells play key roles in osteogenic differentiation during fracture healing. Here we constructed regulatory T cell (Treg)-derived exosomes (Treg-Exo) for the treatment of fracture. The obtained exosomes displayed a spheroid shape with a hydrated particle size of approximately 130 nm. With further purification using CD39 and CD73 antibody-modified microfluidic chips, CD39 and CD73 specifically expressing exosomes were obtained. This kind of Treg-Exo utilized the ectonucleotidases of CD39 and CD73 to catalyze the high level of ATP in the fracture area into adenosine. The generated adenosine further promoted the selective polarization of macrophages. When interacting with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs, osteogenic precursor cells), both Treg-Exo and Treg-Exo primed macrophages facilitated the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs. After administration in vivo, Treg-Exo effectively promoted fracture healing compared with conventional T cell-derived exosome. To further improve the delivery efficacy of exosomes and integrate multiple biological processes of fracture healing, an injectable hydrogel was fabricated to co-deliver Treg-Exo and stromal cell-derived factor 1 alpha (SDF-1α). With the dual effect of Treg-Exo for macrophage polarization and SDF-1α for MSC recruitment, the multifunctional hydrogel exerted a synergistic effect on fracture repair acceleration. This study provided a promising therapeutic candidate and synergistic strategy for the clinical treatment of fracture.

Correlation between connexin 43 expression in circulating tumor cells and biological characteristics of breast cancer

Background

Connexin 43 (Cx43) has been closely linked to the occurrence and progression of breast cancer. Distant metastasis of breast cancer is aided by the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). However, the impact of Cx43 expression on CTCs and the extent of its role in the disease remain unclear.

Methods

We determined CTCs in 156 patients, who had breast cancer with a disease course of two or more years. We also measured the expression of Cx43 in the CTCs. The CTCs were detected in the blood of 139 of these patients. These 139 patients were divided into two groups: the Cx43 group and the non-Cx43 group based on their Cx43 expression.

Results

Overall, Cx43 expression was found in 83 of the 139 patients (59.7%, 83/139 cases). The two groups significantly differed in terms of the number of mixed biphenotypic type CTCs and the total number of CTCs (P < 0.05). There were significant correlations between Cx43 expression and Ki67 expression, tumor size, lymph node metastasis, and TNM stage (P < 0.05 for all). The data suggested that patients with Cx43 expression had a higher risk of distant metastasis and had later-stage disease. The difference in Cx43 expression between patients with and without epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her2) overexpression was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The difference in disease-free survival (DFS) between the two groups was statistically significant (P = 0.03), and the Cx43 group had a shorter duration of DFS. Univariate Cox regression analysis revealed that Cx43 expression, Her2 expression, and tumor size were significantly correlated with DFS (P = 0.03, 0.0023, and 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Cx43 expression in the CTCs of patients with breast cancer is a cancer-promoting factor.

Evaluation of a connexin-based peptide for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration

A critical target in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which forms the outer blood-retina barrier (BRB). RPE-barrier dysfunction might result from the disruption of intercellular tight junctions (TJs). A Connexin43 (Cx43)-based peptide, aCT1, has been shown to prevent VEGF-induced loss of transepithelial resistance, choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and RPE-cell damage via the stabilization of TJs. Here, we probe the relative efficacies of aCT1 alone, anti-VEGF alone, and aCT1 with anti-VEGF in treating AMD pathologies. aCT1 monotherapy administered as topical eye drops with and without a VEGF blocking antibody administered systemically was tested in a mouse model of laser-induced CNV. The CNV mouse is the standard neovascular AMD model, reproducing hallmarks of its pathology. CNV lesion size and fluid accumulation were assessed using optical coherence tomography. During the angiogenesis phase of CNV lesion development, single applications of anti-VEGF or aCT1 reduced lesion and fluid dome size equally. The combinatorial aCT1/anti-VEGF strategy demonstrated lack of additive effects in this model. These data suggest that TJ stabilization by aCT1 is effective in ameliorating RPE dysfunction in a model of AMD-like angiogenesis, and that this strategy is as effective as the current clinical standard of care, anti-VEGF therapy. Critically, aCT1 holds potential as a new neovascular AMD treatment that can be administered using eye drops, which is preferable to the intravitreal injections required for standard anti-VEGF therapy.

Cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel 6 is involved in extracellular ATP signaling and plant immunity

Extracellular ATP (eATP) is known to act as a danger signal in both plants and animals. In plants, eATP is recognized by the plasma membrane (PM)-localized receptor P2K1 (LecRK-I.9). Among the first measurable responses to eATP addition is a rapid rise in cytoplasmic free calcium levels ([Ca²⁺ ]_cyt ), which requires P2K1. However, the specific transporter/channel proteins that mediate this rise in [Ca²⁺ ]_cyt are unknown. Through a forward genetic screen, we identified an Arabidopsis ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS) mutant impaired in the [Ca²⁺ ]_cyt response to eATP. Positional cloning revealed that the mutation resided in the cngc6 gene, which encodes cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel 6 (CNGC6). Mutation of the CNGC6 gene led to a notable decrease in the PM inward Ca²⁺ current in response to eATP. eATP-induced mitogen-activated protein kinase activation and gene expression were also significantly lower in cngc6 mutant plants. In addition, cngc6 mutant plants were also more susceptible to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Taken together, our results indicate that CNGC6 plays a crucial role in mediating eATP-induced [Ca²⁺ ]_cyt signaling, as well as plant immunity.

Hyperinflammation and airway surface liquid dehydration in cystic fibrosis: purinergic system as therapeutic target

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

The exacerbate inflammatory response contributes to the progressive loss of lung function in cystic fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease that affects the osmotic balance of mucus and mucociliary clearance, resulting in a microenvironment that favors infection and inflammation. The purinergic system, an extracellular signaling pathway characterized by nucleotides, enzymes and receptors, may have a protective role in the disease, through its action in airway surface liquid (ASL) and anti-inflammatory response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To make up this review, studies covering topics of CF, inflammation, ASL and purinergic system were selected from the main medical databases, such as Pubmed and ScienceDirect.

CONCLUSION

We propose several ways to modulate the purinergic system as a potential therapy for CF, like inhibition of P2X7, activation of P2Y2, A2A and A2B receptors and blocking of adenosine deaminase. Among them, we postulate that the most suitable strategy is to block the action of adenosine deaminase, which culminates in the increase of Ado levels that presents anti-inflammatory actions and improves mucociliary clearance. Furthermore, it is possible to maintain the physiological levels of ATP to control the hydration of ASL. These therapies could correct the main mechanisms that contribute to the progression of CF.

Mechanisms of ATP Release by Inflammatory Cells

Extracellular nucleotides (e.g., ATP, ADP, UTP, UDP) released by inflammatory cells interact with specific purinergic P2 type receptors to modulate their recruitment and activation. The focus of this review is on stimuli and mechanisms of extracellular nucleotide release and its consequences during inflammation. Necrosis leads to non-specific release of nucleotides, whereas specific release mechanisms include vesicular exocytosis and channel-mediated release via connexin or pannexin hemichannels. These release mechanisms allow stimulated inflammatory cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, and endothelial cells to fine-tune autocrine/paracrine responses during acute and chronic inflammation. Key effector functions of inflammatory cells are therefore regulated by purinergic signaling in acute and chronic diseases, making extracellular nucleotide release a promising target for the development of new therapies.

The Potential for Connexin Hemichannels to Drive Breast Cancer Progression through Regulation of the Inflammatory Response

Over the past few decades, connexin hemichannels have become recognized as major players in modulating the inflammatory response. Chronic inflammation is documented to promote tumorigenesis and is a critical component of tumor progression. Furthermore, inflammation is strongly linked to angiogenesis, immunotolerance, invasiveness, metastasis, and resistance in breast cancers. In this review, the literature on the role of connexin hemichannels in inflammation is summarized, and the potential role for hemichannel-mediated inflammation in driving breast cancer progression is discussed. Lastly, the potential for connexin-based therapeutics to modulate the inflammatory component of the tumor microenvironment as an avenue for the treatment of breast cancer is also discussed.

Connexin 43 Hemichannels Regulate the Expression of Wound Healing-Associated Genes in Human Gingival Fibroblasts

Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most ubiquitous connexin in various cells, and presents as hemichannels (HCs) and gap junctions (GJs) on the cell membrane. We have recently shown that Cx43 abundance was strongly reduced in fibroblasts of human gingival wounds, and blocking Cx43 function in cultured human gingival fibroblasts (GFBLs) strongly regulated the expression of wound healing-related genes. However, it is not known whether these responses involved Cx43 HCs or GJs. Here we show that Cx43 assembled into distinct GJ and HC plaques in GFBLs both in vivo and in vitro. Specific blockage of Cx43 HC function by TAT-Gap19, a Cx43 mimetic peptide, significantly upregulated the expression of several MMPs, TGF-β signaling molecules, Tenascin-C, and VEGF-A, while pro-fibrotic molecules, including several extracellular matrix proteins and myofibroblast and cell contractility-related molecules, were significantly downregulated. These changes were linked with TAT-Gap19-induced suppression of ATP signaling and activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Collectively, our data suggest that reduced Cx43 HC function could promote fast and scarless gingival wound healing. Thus, selective suppression of Cx43 HCs may provide a novel target to modulate wound healing.

Mechanism of action of the anti-inflammatory connexin43 mimetic peptide JM2

Connexin-based therapeutics have shown the potential for therapeutic efficacy in improving wound healing. Our previous work demonstrated that the connexin43 (Cx43) mimetic peptide juxtamembrane 2 (JM2) reduced the acute inflammatory response to a submuscular implant model by inhibiting purinergic signaling. Given the prospective application in improving tissue-engineered construct tolerance that these results indicated, we sought to determine the mechanism of action for JM2 in the present study. Using confocal microscopy, a gap-FRAP cell communication assay, and an ethidium bromide uptake assay of hemichannel function we found that the peptide reduced cell surface Cx43 levels, Cx43 gap junction (GJ) size, GJ communication, and hemichannel activity. JM2 is based on the sequence of the Cx43 microtubule binding domain, and microtubules have a confirmed role in intracellular trafficking of Cx43 vesicles. Therefore, we tested the effect of JM2 on Cx43-microtubule interaction and microtubule polymerization. We found that JM2 enhanced Cx43-microtubule interaction and that microtubule polymerization was significantly enhanced. Taken together, these data suggest that JM2 inhibits trafficking of Cx43 to the cell surface by promoting irrelevant microtubule polymerization and thereby reduces the number of hemichannels in the plasma membrane available to participate in proinflammatory purinergic signaling. Importantly, this work indicates that JM2 may have therapeutic value in the treatment of proliferative diseases such as cancer. We conclude that the targeted action of JM2 on Cx43 channels may improve the tolerance of implanted tissue-engineered constructs against the innate inflammatory response.

A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating a Cx43-Mimetic Peptide in Cutaneous Scarring

The transmembrane protein Cx43 has key roles in fibrogenic processes including inflammatory signaling and extracellular matrix composition. aCT1 is a Cx43 mimetic peptide that in preclinical studies accelerated wound closure, decreased inflammation and granulation tissue area, and normalized mechanical properties after cutaneous injury. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of aCT1 in the reduction of scar formation in human incisional wounds. In a prospective, multicenter, within-participant controlled trial, patients with bilateral incisional wounds (≥10 mm) after laparoscopic surgery were randomized to receive acute treatment (immediately after wounding and 24 hours later) with an aCT1 gel formulation plus conventional standard of care protocols, involving moisture-retentive occlusive dressing, or standard of care alone. The primary efficacy endpoint was average scarring score using visual analog scales evaluating incision appearance and healing progress over 9 months. There was no significant difference in scar appearance between aCT1- or control-treated incisions after 1 month. At month 9, aCT1-treated incisions showed a 47% improvement in scar scores over controls (Vancouver Scar Scale; P = 0.0045), a significantly higher Global Assessment Scale score (P = 0.0009), and improvements in scar pigmentation, thickness, surface roughness, and mechanical suppleness. Adverse events were similar in both groups. aCT1 has potential to improve scarring outcome after surgery.

P2X ion channel receptors and inflammation

Neuroinflammation limits tissue damage in response to pathogens or injury and promotes repair. There are two stages of inflammation, initiation and resolution. P2X receptors are gaining attention in relation to immunology and inflammation. The P2X7 receptor in particular appears to be an essential immunomodulatory receptor, although P2X1 and P2X4 receptors also appear to be involved. ATP released from damaged or infected cells causes inflammation by release of inflammatory cytokines via P2X7 receptors and acts as a danger signal by occupying upregulated P2X receptors on immune cells to increase immune responses. The purinergic involvement in inflammation is being explored for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Synthesis of 2-arylated thiadiazolopyrimidones by Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling: a new class of nucleotide pyrophosphatase (NPPs) inhibitors

Over expression of nucleotide pyrophosphatase (NPPs) activity is associated with chondrocalcinosis, osteoarthritis, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, allergies and cancer metastasis.

Connexin-Based Therapeutics and Tissue Engineering Approaches to the Amelioration of Chronic Pancreatitis and Type I Diabetes: Construction and Characterization of a Novel Prevascularized Bioartificial Pancreas

Total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation is a cutting-edge technique to treat chronic pancreatitis and postoperative diabetes. A major obstacle has been low islet cell survival due largely to the innate inflammatory response. Connexin43 (Cx43) channels play a key role in early inflammation and have proven to be viable therapeutic targets. Even if cell death due to early inflammation is avoided, insufficient vascularization is a primary obstacle to maintaining the viability of implanted cells. We have invented technologies targeting the inflammatory response and poor vascularization: a Cx43 mimetic peptide that inhibits inflammation and a novel prevascularized tissue engineered construct. We combined these technologies with isolated islets to create a prevascularized bioartificial pancreas that is resistant to the innate inflammatory response. Immunoconfocal microscopy showed that constructs containing islets express insulin and possess a vascular network similar to constructs without islets. Glucose stimulated islet-containing constructs displayed reduced insulin secretion compared to islets alone. However, labeling for insulin post-glucose stimulation revealed that the constructs expressed abundant levels of insulin. This discrepancy was found to be due to the expression of insulin degrading enzyme. These results suggest that the prevascularized bioartificial pancreas is potentially a tool for improving long-term islet cell survival in vivo.

Altered connexin 43 expression underlies age-dependent decrease of regulatory T cell suppressor function in nonobese diabetic mice

Type 1 diabetes is one of the most extensively studied autoimmune diseases, but the cellular and molecular mechanisms leading to T cell-mediated destruction of insulin-producing β cells are still not well understood. In this study, we show that regulatory T cells (T(regs)) in NOD mice undergo age-dependent loss of suppressor functions exacerbated by the decreased ability of activated effector T cells to upregulate Foxp3 and generate T(regs) in the peripheral organs. This age-dependent loss is associated with reduced intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions, which is caused by impaired upregulation and decreased expression of connexin 43. Regulatory functions can be corrected, even in T cells isolated from aged, diabetic mice, by a synergistic activity of retinoic acid, TGF-β, and IL-2, which enhance connexin 43 and Foxp3 expression in T(regs) and restore the ability of conventional CD4(+) T cells to upregulate Foxp3 and generate peripherally derived T(regs). Moreover, we demonstrate that suppression mediated by T(regs) from diabetic mice is enhanced by a novel reagent, which facilitates gap junction aggregation. In summary, our report identifies gap junction-mediated intercellular communication as an important component of the T(reg) suppression mechanism compromised in NOD mice and suggests how T(reg) mediated immune regulation can be improved.

Inhibition of connexin 43 hemichannel-mediated ATP release attenuates early inflammation during the foreign body response

BACKGROUND

In the last 50 years, the use of medical implants has increased dramatically. Failure of implanted devices and biomaterials is a significant source of morbidity and increasing healthcare expenditures. An important cause of implant failure is the host inflammatory response. Recent evidence implicates extracellular ATP as an important inflammatory signaling molecule. A major pathway for release of cytoplasmic ATP into the extracellular space is through connexin hemichannels, which are the unpaired constituents of gap junction intercellular channels. Blockade of hemichannels of the connexin 43 (Cx43) isoform has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve healing. We have developed a Cx43 mimetic peptide (JM2) that targets the microtubule-binding domain of Cx43. The following report investigates the role of the Cx43 microtubule-binding domain in extracellular ATP release by Cx43 hemichannels and how this impacts early inflammatory events of the foreign body reaction.

METHODS

In vitro Cx43 hemichannel-mediated ATP release by cultured human microvascular endothelial cells subjected to hypocalcemic and normocalcemic conditions was measured after application of JM2 and the known hemichannel blocker, flufenamic acid. A submuscular silicone implant model was used to investigate in vivo ATP signaling during the early foreign body response. Implants were coated with control pluronic vehicle or pluronic carrying JM2, ATP, JM2+ATP, or known hemichannel blockers and harvested at 24 h for analysis.

RESULTS

JM2 significantly inhibited connexin hemichannel-mediated ATP release from cultured endothelial cells. Importantly, the early inflammatory response to submuscular silicone implants was inhibited by JM2. The reduction in inflammation by JM2 was reversed by the addition of exogenous ATP to the pluronic vehicle.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate that ATP released through Cx43 hemichannels into the vasculature is an important signal driving the early inflammatory response to implanted devices. A vital aspect of this work is that it demonstrates that targeted molecular therapeutics, such as JM2, provide the capacity to regulate inflammation in a clinically relevant system.

Cardiac to cancer: connecting connexins to clinical opportunity

Gap junctions and their connexin components are indispensable in mediating the cellular coordination required for tissue and organ homeostasis. The critical nature of their existence mandates a connection to disease while at the same time offering therapeutic potential. Therapeutic intervention may be offered through the pharmacological and molecular disruption of the pathways involved in connexin biosynthesis, gap junction assembly, stabilization, or degradation. Chemical inhibitors aimed at closing connexin channels, peptide mimetics corresponding to short connexin sequences, and gene therapy approaches have been incredibly useful molecular tools in deciphering the complexities associated with connexin biology. Recently, therapeutic potential in targeting connexins has evolved from basic research in cell-based models to clinical opportunity in the form of human trials. Clinical promise is particularly evident with regards to targeting connexin43 in the context of wound healing. The following review is aimed at highlighting novel advances where the pharmacological manipulation of connexin biology has proven beneficial in animals or humans.