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Sedovy MW, Leng X, Leaf MR, Iqbal F, Payne LB, Chappell JC, Johnstone SR. Connexin 43 across the Vasculature: Gap Junctions and Beyond. J Vasc Res 2022; 60:101-113. [PMID: 36513042 PMCID: PMC11073551 DOI: 10.1159/000527469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is essential to the function of the vasculature. Cx43 proteins form gap junctions that allow for the exchange of ions and molecules between vascular cells to facilitate cell-to-cell signaling and coordinate vasomotor activity. Cx43 also has intracellular signaling functions that influence vascular cell proliferation and migration. Cx43 is expressed in all vascular cell types, although its expression and function vary by vessel size and location. This includes expression in vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMC), endothelial cells (EC), and pericytes. Cx43 is thought to coordinate homocellular signaling within EC and vSMC. Cx43 gap junctions also function as conduits between different cell types (heterocellular signaling), between EC and vSMC at the myoendothelial junction, and between pericyte and EC in capillaries. Alterations in Cx43 expression, localization, and post-translational modification have been identified in vascular disease states, including atherosclerosis, hypertension, and diabetes. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of Cx43 localization and function in healthy and diseased blood vessels across all vascular beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan W. Sedovy
- The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Translational Biology, Medicine, And Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | - Xinyan Leng
- The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Melissa R. Leaf
- The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Farwah Iqbal
- The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Laura Beth Payne
- The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - John C. Chappell
- The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Scott R. Johnstone
- The Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, 4 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
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Quan M, Lv H, Liu Z, Li K, Zhang C, Shi L, Yang X, Lei P, Zhu Y, Ai D. MST1 Suppresses Disturbed Flow Induced Atherosclerosis. Circ Res 2022; 131:748-764. [PMID: 36164986 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.122.321322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis occurs mainly at arterial branching points exposed to disturbed blood flow. How MST1 (mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1), the primary kinase in the mechanosensitive Hippo pathway modulates disturbed flow induced endothelial cells (ECs) activation and atherosclerosis remains unclear. METHODS To assess the role of MST1 in vivo, mice with EC-specific Mst1 deficiency on ApoE-/- background (Mst1iECKOApoE-/-) were used in an atherosclerosis model generated by carotid artery ligation. Mass spectrometry, immunoprecipitation, proximity ligation assay, and dye uptake assay were used to identify the functional substrate of MST1. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells and human aortic endothelial cells were subjected to oscillatory shear stress that mimic disturbed flow in experiments conducted in vitro. RESULTS We found that the phosphorylation of endothelial MST1 was significantly inhibited in oscillatory shear stress-exposed regions of human and mouse arteries and ECs. Ectopic lenti-mediated overexpression of wild-type MST1, but not a kinase-deficient mutant of MST1, reversed disturbed flow-caused EC activation and atherosclerosis in EC-specific Mst1 deficiency on ApoE-/- background (Mst1iECKOApoE-/-). Inhibition of MST1 by oscillatory shear stress led to reduced phosphorylation of Cx43 (connexin 43) at Ser255, the Cx43 hemichannel open, EC activation, and atherosclerosis, which were blocked by TAT-GAP19, a Cx43 hemichannel inhibitory peptide. Mass spectrometry studies identified that Filamin B fueled the translocation of Cx43 to lipid rafts for further hemichannel open. Finally, lenti-mediated overexpression of the Cx43S255 mutant into glutamate to mimic phosphorylation blunted disturbed flow-induced EC activation, thereby inhibiting the atherogenesis in both ApoE-/- and Mst1 iECKOApoE-/- mice. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals that inhibition of the MST1-Cx43 axis is an essential driver of oscillatory shear stress-induced endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis, which provides a new therapeutic target for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixi Quan
- Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University (M.Q., H.L., D.A.), Tianjin Medical University, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (M.Q., H.L., Z.L., K.L., C.Z., Y.Z., D.A.), Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Huizhen Lv
- Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University (M.Q., H.L., D.A.), Tianjin Medical University, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (M.Q., H.L., Z.L., K.L., C.Z., Y.Z., D.A.), Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Zening Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (M.Q., H.L., Z.L., K.L., C.Z., Y.Z., D.A.), Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Kan Li
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (M.Q., H.L., Z.L., K.L., C.Z., Y.Z., D.A.), Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Chenghu Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (M.Q., H.L., Z.L., K.L., C.Z., Y.Z., D.A.), Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Lei Shi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (L.S.), Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - XinYu Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery (X.Y.), Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, China
| | - Ping Lei
- Department of Geriatrics (P.L.), Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (M.Q., H.L., Z.L., K.L., C.Z., Y.Z., D.A.), Tianjin Medical University, China
| | - Ding Ai
- Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, The Province and Ministry Co-sponsored Collaborative Innovation Center for Medical Epigenetics, State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Key Laboratory of Immune Microenvironment and Disease (Ministry of Education), The Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University (M.Q., H.L., D.A.), Tianjin Medical University, China.,Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology (M.Q., H.L., Z.L., K.L., C.Z., Y.Z., D.A.), Tianjin Medical University, China
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3
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Activation of Cx43 Hemichannels Induces the Generation of Ca 2+ Oscillations in White Adipocytes and Stimulates Lipolysis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158095. [PMID: 34360859 PMCID: PMC8347185 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to investigate the mechanisms of Ca2+ oscillation generation upon activation of connexin-43 and regulation of the lipolysis/lipogenesis balance in white adipocytes through vesicular ATP release. With fluorescence microscopy it was revealed that a decrease in the concentration of extracellular calcium ([Ca2+]ex) results in two types of Ca2+ responses in white adipocytes: Ca2+ oscillations and transient Ca2+ signals. It was found that activation of the connexin half-channels is involved in the generation of Ca2+ oscillations, since the blockers of the connexin hemichannels-carbenoxolone, octanol, proadifen and Gap26-as well as Cx43 gene knockdown led to complete suppression of these signals. The activation of Cx43 in response to the reduction of [Ca2+]ex was confirmed by TIRF microscopy. It was shown that in response to the activation of Cx43, ATP-containing vesicles were released from the adipocytes. This process was suppressed by knockdown of the Cx43 gene and by bafilomycin A1, an inhibitor of vacuolar ATPase. At the level of intracellular signaling, the generation of Ca2+ oscillations in white adipocytes in response to a decrease in [Ca2+]ex occurred due to the mobilization of the Ca2+ ions from the thapsigargin-sensitive Ca2+ pool of IP3R as a result of activation of the purinergic P2Y1 receptors and phosphoinositide signaling pathway. After activation of Cx43 and generation of the Ca2+ oscillations, changes in the expression levels of key genes and their encoding proteins involved in the regulation of lipolysis were observed in white adipocytes. This effect was accompanied by a decrease in the number of adipocytes containing lipid droplets, while inhibition or knockdown of Cx43 led to inhibition of lipolysis and accumulation of lipid droplets. In this study, we investigated the mechanism of Ca2+ oscillation generation in white adipocytes in response to a decrease in the concentration of Ca2+ ions in the external environment and established an interplay between periodic Ca2+ modes and the regulation of the lipolysis/lipogenesis balance.
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Okamoto T, Park EJ, Kawamoto E, Usuda H, Wada K, Taguchi A, Shimaoka M. Endothelial connexin-integrin crosstalk in vascular inflammation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166168. [PMID: 33991620 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases including blood vessel disorders represent a major cause of death globally. The essential roles played by local and systemic vascular inflammation in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases have been increasingly recognized. Vascular inflammation triggers the aberrant activation of endothelial cells, which leads to the functional and structural abnormalities in vascular vessels. In addition to humoral mediators such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, the alteration of physical and mechanical microenvironment - including vascular stiffness and shear stress - modify the gene expression profiles and metabolic profiles of endothelial cells via mechano-transduction pathways, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of vessel disorders. Notably, connexins and integrins crosstalk each other in response to the mechanical stress, and, thereby, play an important role in regulating the mechano-transduction of endothelial cells. Here, we provide an overview on how the inter-play between connexins and integrins in endothelial cells unfold during the mechano-transduction in vascular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Okamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo-city, Shimane 693-8501, Japan.
| | - Eun Jeong Park
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Eiji Kawamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Haruki Usuda
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo-city, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Koichiro Wada
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo-city, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Akihiko Taguchi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine Research, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, 2-2 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Motomu Shimaoka
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
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Rodjakovic D, Salm L, Beldi G. Function of Connexin-43 in Macrophages. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1412. [PMID: 33573367 PMCID: PMC7866802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have helped to increase the understanding of the function of Connexin-43 (Cx43) in macrophages (Mφ). The various roles of Cx43 in Mφs range from migration, antigen-presentation and some forms of intercellular communication to more delicate processes, such as electrochemical support in the propagation of the heartbeat, immunomodulatory regulation in the lungs and in macrophage-differentiation. Its relevance in pathophysiology becomes evident in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), tumours and HIV, in which aberrant functioning of Cx43 has been described. However, the involvement of Cx43 in other Mφ functions, such as phagocytosis and polarisation, and its involvement in other types of local and systemic inflammation, are still unclear and need further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Rodjakovic
- Department for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.R.); (L.S.)
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lilian Salm
- Department for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.R.); (L.S.)
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Guido Beldi
- Department for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland; (D.R.); (L.S.)
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland
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Pan L, Ni H, Jin W, Su X. Inhibition of ERK or Akt ameliorates intimal hyperplasia via up-regulation of Cx37 and down-regulation of Cx43 in balloon injury rat model. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2020; 10:658-666. [PMID: 32968622 DOI: 10.21037/cdt-20-345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Connexins (Cxs) are reported to participate in atherosclerosis associated intimal hyperplasia (IH), while their function involved in the balloon injury (BI) induced IH and restenosis is less reported. Methods Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to not injured (NI) group and BI group, which were further administrated with ERK-inhibitor U0216 and Akt-inhibitor MIK2206. Western blot and RT-PCR were utilized to detect the expression of Cx30, Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43 at 6 hours, 24 hours, 7 days, and 14 days post-surgery. H&E staining and related intima area, media area, and luminal area measurement were applied to indicate neointima formation and IH. ERK and Akt phosphorylation levels and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunostaining were also detected. Results Among the four Cxs detected, Cx37 showed down-regulated, and Cx43 showed up-regulated temporal expression pattern in BI rats with confirmed neointima formation. Up-regulated p-ERK (P<0.01) and p-Akt (P<0.01) can be detected in BI rats compared with NI rats. Meanwhile, U0216 and MIK2206 can significantly reduce Cx43 expression and increase CX37 expression accompanied with reduced neointima formation and PCNA staining (P<0.05 or P<0.01) in BI rats. Conclusions ERK or Akt inhibition can alleviate BI-induced IH via up-regulation of Cx37 and down-regulation of Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lemen Pan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Haizhen Ni
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Wenxu Jin
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xiang Su
- Department of Vascular Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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7
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Abstract
Of the 21 members of the connexin family, 4 (Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and Cx45) are expressed in the endothelium and/or smooth muscle of intact blood vessels to a variable and dynamically regulated degree. Full-length connexins oligomerize and form channel structures connecting the cytosol of adjacent cells (gap junctions) or the cytosol with the extracellular space (hemichannels). The different connexins vary mainly with regard to length and sequence of their cytosolic COOH-terminal tails. These COOH-terminal parts, which in the case of Cx43 are also translated as independent short isoforms, are involved in various cellular signaling cascades and regulate cell functions. This review focuses on channel-dependent and -independent effects of connexins in vascular cells. Channels play an essential role in coordinating and synchronizing endothelial and smooth muscle activity and in their interplay, in the control of vasomotor actions of blood vessels including endothelial cell reactivity to agonist stimulation, nitric oxide-dependent dilation, and endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor-type responses. Further channel-dependent and -independent roles of connexins in blood vessel function range from basic processes of vascular remodeling and angiogenesis to vascular permeability and interactions with leukocytes with the vessel wall. Together, these connexin functions constitute an often underestimated basis for the enormous plasticity of vascular morphology and function enabling the required dynamic adaptation of the vascular system to varying tissue demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Pohl
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Biomedical Centre, Cardiovascular Physiology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany; and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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8
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Wang M, Wu Y, Yu Y, Fu Y, Yan H, Wang X, Li T, Peng W, Luo D. Rutaecarpine prevented ox-LDL-induced VSMCs dysfunction through inhibiting overexpression of connexin 43. Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 853:84-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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9
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Wen JY, Gao SS, Chen FL, Chen S, Wang M, Chen ZW. Role of CSE-Produced H 2S on Cerebrovascular Relaxation via RhoA-ROCK Inhibition and Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Mice. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:1565-1574. [PMID: 30406996 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of CSE-produced H2S on cerebrovascular relaxation and cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury was investigated using CSE knockout (CSE-/-) and wild-type (CSE+/+) mice. The relaxation of the cerebral basilar artery (BA) to CSE-produced H2S and its mechanism were detected. The results revealed that both NaHS, a donor of exogenous H2S, and ROCK inhibitor Y27632 could induce significant relaxation of the BA, but the relaxation of the BA to NaHS was significantly attenuated by Y27632. In addition, removal of endothelium could reduce the relaxation of the BA to Y27632; CSE knockout also significantly attenuated Y27632-induced BA relaxation with endothelium rather than without endothelium. By contrast, the contraction of the BA from CSE-/- mice to RhoA agonist LPA or U46619 was stronger than that from CSE+/+ mice. Furthermore, RhoA activity and ROCK protein expression remarkably increased in the BA vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) from CSE-/- mouse, which were inhibited by NaHS pretreatment. These findings revealed that the CSE-produced H2S induced cerebrovascular relaxation is generated from endothelial cells and the mechanism of vascular relaxation may relate to inhibition of RhoA-ROCK pathway. We next sought to confirm the protective effect of CSE-produced H2S on cerebral I/R injury produced by middle cerebral artery occlusion and bilateral common carotid artery occlusion in mice. We investigated the changes of neurological deficit, cerebral infarct, brain water content, LDH decrease, MDA increase as well as impairment of learning and memory function. The results showed that the cerebral injury became more grievous in CSE-/-mice than that in CSE+/+mice, which could be remarkably alleviated by NaHS pretreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Yue Wen
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Shan-Shan Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Fang-Lin Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Shuo Chen
- Department of Physiology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
| | - Mei Wang
- Department of pharmacy, Children’s Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215025, China
| | - Zhi-Wu Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230032, China
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Liao J, Hong T, Xu J, Zeng E, Tang B, Lai W. Expression of Connexin43 in Cerebral Arteries of Patients with Moyamoya Disease. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2018; 27:1107-1114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2017.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 10/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Abstract
Thirty years ago, Robert F. Furchgott concluded that nitric oxide, a compound traditionally known to be a toxic component of fuel exhaust, is in fact released from the endothelium, and in a paracrine fashion, induces relaxation of underlying vascular smooth muscle resulting in vasodilation. This discovery has helped pave the way for a more thorough understanding of vascular intercellular and intracellular communication that supports the process of regulating regional perfusion to match the local tissue oxygen demand. Vasoregulation is controlled not only by endothelial release of a diverse class of vasoactive compounds such as nitric oxide, arachidonic acid metabolites, and reactive oxygen species, but also by physical forces on the vascular wall and through electrotonic conduction through gap junctions. Although the endothelium is a critical source of vasoactive compounds, paracrine mediators can also be released from surrounding parenchyma such as perivascular fat, myocardium, and cells in the arterial adventitia to exert either local or remote vasomotor effects. The focus of this review will highlight the various means by which intercellular communication contributes to mechanisms of vasodilation. Paracrine signaling and parenchymal influences will be reviewed as well as regional vessel communication through gap junctions, connexons, and myoendothelial feedback. More recent modes of communication such as vesicular and microRNA signaling will also be discussed.
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Xu S, Yin M, Koroleva M, Mastrangelo MA, Zhang W, Bai P, Little PJ, Jin ZG. SIRT6 protects against endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis in mice. Aging (Albany NY) 2017; 8:1064-82. [PMID: 27249230 PMCID: PMC4931854 DOI: 10.18632/aging.100975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
SIRT6 is an important member of sirtuin family that represses inflammation, aging and DNA damage, three of which are causing factors for endothelial dysfunction. SIRT6 expression is decreased in atherosclerotic lesions from ApoE−/− mice and human patients. However, the role of SIRT6 in regulating vascular endothelial function and atherosclerosis is not well understood. Here we show that SIRT6 protects against endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis. Global and endothelium-specific SIRT6 knockout mice exhibited impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. Moreover, SIRT6+/− haploinsufficient mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD) also displayed impaired endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation. Importantly, SIRT6+/−;ApoE−/− mice after HFD feeding exhibited exacerbated atherosclerotic lesion development, concurrent with increased expression of the proinflammatory cytokine VCAM-1. Loss- and gain-of-SIRT6 function studies in cultured human endothelial cells (ECs) showed that SIRT6 attenuated monocyte adhesion to ECs. RNA-sequencing profiling revealed that SIRT6 overexpression decreased the expression of multiple atherosclerosis-related genes, including proatherogenic gene TNFSF4 (tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 4). Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays showed that SIRT6 decreased TNFSF4 gene expression by binding to and deacetylating H3K9 at TNFSF4 gene promoter. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that SIRT6 play a pivotal role in maintaining endothelial function and increased SIRT6 activity could be a new therapeutic strategy to combat atherosclerotic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suowen Xu
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Meimei Yin
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Marina Koroleva
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Michael A Mastrangelo
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
| | - Wenbo Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Peter Bai
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary.,MTA-DE Lendület Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism Research Group, Debrecen, Hungary.,Research Center for Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Peter J Little
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence (PACE), Woolloongabba QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Zheng Gen Jin
- Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY 14620, USA
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Leybaert L, Lampe PD, Dhein S, Kwak BR, Ferdinandy P, Beyer EC, Laird DW, Naus CC, Green CR, Schulz R. Connexins in Cardiovascular and Neurovascular Health and Disease: Pharmacological Implications. Pharmacol Rev 2017; 69:396-478. [PMID: 28931622 PMCID: PMC5612248 DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.012062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are ubiquitous channel forming proteins that assemble as plasma membrane hemichannels and as intercellular gap junction channels that directly connect cells. In the heart, gap junction channels electrically connect myocytes and specialized conductive tissues to coordinate the atrial and ventricular contraction/relaxation cycles and pump function. In blood vessels, these channels facilitate long-distance endothelial cell communication, synchronize smooth muscle cell contraction, and support endothelial-smooth muscle cell communication. In the central nervous system they form cellular syncytia and coordinate neural function. Gap junction channels are normally open and hemichannels are normally closed, but pathologic conditions may restrict gap junction communication and promote hemichannel opening, thereby disturbing a delicate cellular communication balance. Until recently, most connexin-targeting agents exhibited little specificity and several off-target effects. Recent work with peptide-based approaches has demonstrated improved specificity and opened avenues for a more rational approach toward independently modulating the function of gap junctions and hemichannels. We here review the role of connexins and their channels in cardiovascular and neurovascular health and disease, focusing on crucial regulatory aspects and identification of potential targets to modify their function. We conclude that peptide-based investigations have raised several new opportunities for interfering with connexins and their channels that may soon allow preservation of gap junction communication, inhibition of hemichannel opening, and mitigation of inflammatory signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Leybaert
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Paul D Lampe
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Stefan Dhein
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Peter Ferdinandy
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Eric C Beyer
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Dale W Laird
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Christian C Naus
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Colin R Green
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Rainer Schulz
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
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14
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Chen L, Chen Z, Ge M, Tang O, Cheng Y, Zhou H, Shen Y, Qin F. Monocytic cell junction proteins serve important roles in atherosclerosis via the endoglin pathway. Mol Med Rep 2017; 16:6750-6756. [PMID: 28901429 PMCID: PMC5865831 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of atherosclerosis is recognized to be caused by multiple factors including pathogenesis in monocytes during inflammation. The current study provided evidence that monocytic junctions were significantly altered in patients with atherosclerosis, which suggested an association between cell junctions and atherosclerosis. Claudin‑1, occludin‑1 and ZO‑1 were significantly enhanced in atherosclerosis, indicating that the tight junction pathway was activated during the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In addition, the gene expression of 5 connexin members involved in the gap junction pathway were quantified, indicating that connexin 43 and 46 were significantly up‑regulated in atherosclerosis. Furthermore, inflammatory factors including endoglin and SMAD were observed, suggesting that immune regulative factors were down‑regulated in this pathway. Silicon‑based analysis additionally identified that connexins and tight junctions were altered in association with monocytic inflammation regulations, endoglin pathway. The results imply that reduced expression of the immune regulation pathway in monocytes is correlated with the generation of gap junctions and tight junctions which serve important roles in atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Zhongliang Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Menghua Ge
- Department of Cardiology, Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Oushan Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Yinhong Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Haoliang Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Yu Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
| | - Fengming Qin
- Department of Cardiology, Shaoxing Second Hospital, Shaoxing, Zhejiang 312000, P.R. China
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15
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Kavvadas P, Abed A, Poulain C, Authier F, Labéjof LP, Calmont A, Afieri C, Prakoura N, Dussaule JC, Chatziantoniou C, Chadjichristos CE. Decreased Expression of Connexin 43 Blunts the Progression of Experimental GN. J Am Soc Nephrol 2017; 28:2915-2930. [PMID: 28667079 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2016111211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
GN refers to a variety of renal pathologies that often progress to ESRD, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this progression remain incompletely characterized. Here, we determined whether dysregulated expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43, which has been observed in the progression of renal disease, contributes to GN progression. Immunostaining revealed de novo expression of connexin 43 in damaged glomeruli in patients with glomerular diseases as well as in mice after induction of experimental GN. Notably, 2 weeks after the induction of GN with nephrotoxic serum, mice with a heterozygous deletion of the connexin 43 gene (connexin 43+/-) had proteinuria, BUN, and serum creatinine levels significantly lower than those of wild-type animals. Additionally, the connexin 43+/- mice showed less crescent formation, tubular dilation, monocyte infiltration, and interstitial renal fibrosis. Treatment of cultured podocytes with connexin 43-specific blocking peptides attenuated TGF-β-induced cytoskeletal and morphologic changes and apoptosis as did treatment with the purinergic blocker suramin. Finally, therapeutic treatment of GN mice with connexin 43-specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotide improved functional and structural renal parameters. These findings suggest that crosstalk between connexin 43 and purinergic signaling contributes to podocyte damage in GN. Given that this protein is highly induced in individuals with glomerular diseases, connexin 43 may be a novel target for therapeutic treatment of GN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Kavvadas
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Ahmed Abed
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universites, University Pierre et Marie Curie University Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Coralie Poulain
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.,University René Descartes, Paris, France.,University Denis Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Florence Authier
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Lise-Paule Labéjof
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.,Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Amelie Calmont
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Carlo Afieri
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.,Unit of Nephrology Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy; and
| | - Niki Prakoura
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Claude Dussaule
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universites, University Pierre et Marie Curie University Paris 6, Paris, France.,Department of Physiology, Saint Antoine Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Christos Chatziantoniou
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universites, University Pierre et Marie Curie University Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Christos E Chadjichristos
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France; .,Sorbonne Universites, University Pierre et Marie Curie University Paris 6, Paris, France
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16
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Allagnat F, Dubuis C, Lambelet M, Le Gal L, Alonso F, Corpataux JM, Déglise S, Haefliger JA. Connexin37 reduces smooth muscle cell proliferation and intimal hyperplasia in a mouse model of carotid artery ligation. Cardiovasc Res 2017; 113:805-816. [PMID: 28449099 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvx079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Intimal hyperplasia (IH) is an abnormal response to vessel injury characterized by the dedifferentiation, migration, and proliferation of quiescent vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to form a neointima layer. Vascular connexins (Cx) are involved in the pathophysiology of various vascular diseases, and Cx43, the main Cx expressed in VSMC, has been shown to promote VSMC proliferation and IH. The aim of this study was to investigate the participation of another Cx, namely Cx37, in the formation of the neointima layer. METHODS AND RESULTS Wild-type (WT) and Cx37-deficient (Cx37-/-) C57BL/6J mice were subjected to carotid artery ligation (CAL), a model of vessel injury and IH. The neointima developed linearly in WT until 28 days post surgery. In contrast, the neointima layer was almost absent 14 days after surgery in Cx37-/- mice, and twice as more developed after 28 days compared to WT mice. This large neointima formation correlated with a two-fold increase in cell proliferation in the media and neointima regions between 14 and 28 days in Cx37-/- mice compared to WT mice. The CAL triggered Cx43 overexpression in the media and neointima layers of ligated carotids in WT mice, and selectively up-regulated Cx37 expression in the media layer, but not in the neointima layer. The de novo expression of Cx37 in human primary VSMC reduced cell proliferation and P-Akt levels, in association with lower Cx43 levels, whereas Cx43 overexpression increased P-Akt levels. CONCLUSION The presence of Cx37 in the media layer of injured arteries restrains VSMC proliferation and limits the development of IH, presumably by interfering with the pro-proliferative effect of Cx43 and the Akt pathway.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Animals
- Carotid Arteries/metabolism
- Carotid Arteries/pathology
- Carotid Arteries/surgery
- Carotid Artery Injuries/genetics
- Carotid Artery Injuries/metabolism
- Carotid Artery Injuries/pathology
- Carotid Stenosis/genetics
- Carotid Stenosis/metabolism
- Carotid Stenosis/pathology
- Cell Proliferation
- Cells, Cultured
- Connexin 43/metabolism
- Connexins/deficiency
- Connexins/genetics
- Connexins/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Humans
- Hyperplasia
- Ligation
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Neointima
- Phosphorylation
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Time Factors
- Gap Junction alpha-4 Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Allagnat
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Céline Dubuis
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martine Lambelet
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Loïc Le Gal
- Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, c/o Department of Physiology, Bugnon 7a, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florian Alonso
- Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, c/o Department of Physiology, Bugnon 7a, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Corpataux
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Déglise
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jacques-Antoine Haefliger
- Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, c/o Department of Physiology, Bugnon 7a, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
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17
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Tang M, Fang J. TNF‑α regulates apoptosis of human vascular smooth muscle cells through gap junctions. Mol Med Rep 2017; 15:1407-1411. [PMID: 28075455 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.6106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory cytokines are released by immune cells and are able to induce vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to undergo apoptosis, causing atherosclerotic plaque rupture. Changes in the expression levels of connexins (Cxs) have been demonstrated in VSMCs to be involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic progression. The present study examined the effect of tumor necrosis factor‑α (TNF‑α) on Cx43 expression levels and apoptosis in human VSMCs. Overexpression of Cx43 plasmids notably stimulated VSMC proliferation. TNF‑α directly inhibited Cx43 expression levels in a dose‑ and time‑dependent manner in VSMCs, however this was blocked by c‑Jun N‑terminal kinase inhibitor. TNF‑α also increased caspase‑3 activity and apoptosis of VSMCs through the inhibition of Cx43. These data suggested that TNF‑α induced the apoptosis of VMSCs and prompted the destabilization of atherosclerotic plaques by downregulating Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Tang
- Infusion Preparation Center of Pharmacy Department, Xianning Central Hospital & The First Clinical Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
| | - Jun Fang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Xianning Central Hospital & The First Clinical Hospital of Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning, Hubei 437100, P.R. China
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18
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Wang LJ, Liu WD, Zhang L, Ma KT, Zhao L, Shi WY, Zhang WW, Wang YZ, Li L, Si JQ. Enhanced expression of Cx43 and gap junction communication in vascular smooth muscle cells of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:4083-4090. [PMID: 27748857 PMCID: PMC5101886 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Niflumic acid (NFA) is a novel gap junction (GJ) inhibitor. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of NFA on GJ communication and the expression of connexin (Cx) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) of mesenteric arterioles of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). Whole-cell patch clamp recording demonstrated that NFA at 1×10–4 M significantly inhibited the inward current and its effect was reversible. The time for charging and discharging of cell membrane capacitance (Cinput) reduced from 9.73 to 0.48 ms (P<0.05; n=6). Pressure myograph measurement showed that NFA at 3×10-4 M fully neutralized the contraction caused by phenylephrine. The relaxation responses of normotensive control Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats were significantly higher, compared with those of the SHRs (P<0.05; n=6). Western blot and reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analyses showed that the mRNA and protein expression levels of Cx43 of the third-level branch of mesenteric arterioles of the SHRs and WKY rats were higher, compared with those of the first-level branch. The mRNA and protein expression levels of Cx43 of the primary and third-level branches of the mesenteric arterioles in the SHRs were higher, compared with those in the WKY rats (P<0.05; n=6). The mRNA levels of Cx43 in the mesenteric arterioles were significantly downregulated by NFA in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.01; n=6). The protein levels of Cx43 in primary cultured VSMCs isolated from the mesenteric arterioles were also significantly downregulated by NFA in a concentration-dependent manner (P<0.01; n=6). These results showed that the vasorelaxatory effects of GJ inhibitors were reduced in the SHRs, which was associated with a higher protein expression level of Cx43 in the mesenteric arterioles of the SHRs. NFA also relaxed the mesenteric arterioles by reducing the expression of Cx43, which decreased blood pressure. Therefore, regulation of the expression of GJs may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jie Wang
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Dong Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The People's Hospital of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830001, P.R. China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Ke-Tao Ma
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Yan Shi
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Wen Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Zi Wang
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Qiang Si
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
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19
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Phenotypic transformation of smooth muscle cells from porcine coronary arteries is associated with connexin 43. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:41-8. [PMID: 27175888 PMCID: PMC4918540 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the relevance of the gap junction protein connexin Cx43 in coronary artery smooth muscle cell (SMC) heterogeneity and coronary artery restenosis. SMCs were isolated from the coronary artery of 3‑month‑old pigs using enzymatic digestion. Two distinct SMC populations were isolated: Rhomboid (R) and spindle‑shaped (S) cells. S‑SMCs exhibited relatively lower rates of proliferation, exhibiting a classic ''hills‑and valleys'' growth pattern; R‑SMCs displayed increased proliferation rates, growing as mono‑ or multi‑layers. Immunofluorescent staining, polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to assess the expression of Cx40 and Cx43 in SMCs. For further evaluation, cultured SMCs were treated with 10 ng/ml platelet‑derived growth factor (PDGF)‑BB with or without the gap junction blocker 18α‑glycyrrhetinic acid. Stent‑induced restenosis was assessed in vivo. Different expression patterns were observed for Cx40 and Cx43 in R‑ and S‑SMCs. Cx40 was the most abundant Cx in S‑SMCs, whereas CX43 was identified at relatively higher levels than Cx40 in R‑SMCs. Notably, PDGF‑BB converted S‑SMCs to R‑SMCs, with increased Cx43 expression, while 18α‑glycyrrhetinic acid inhibited the PDGF‑BB‑induced phenotypic alterations in S‑SMCs. Additionally, restenosis was confirmed in pigs 1‑month subsequent to stent placement. R‑SMCs were the major cell population isolated from stent‑induced restenosis artery tissues, and exhibited markedly increased Cx43 expression, in accordance with the in vitro data described above. In conclusion, the phenotypic transformation of coronary artery SMCs is closely associated with Cx43, which is involved in restenosis. These observations provide a basis for the use of Cx43 as a novel target in restenosis prevention.
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Marsh A, Casey-Green K, Probert F, Withall D, Mitchell DA, Dilly SJ, James S, Dimitri W, Ladwa SR, Taylor PC, Singer DRJ. Simvastatin Sodium Salt and Fluvastatin Interact with Human Gap Junction Gamma-3 Protein. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0148266. [PMID: 26863535 PMCID: PMC4749215 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0148266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Finding pleiomorphic targets for drugs allows new indications or warnings for treatment to be identified. As test of concept, we applied a new chemical genomics approach to uncover additional targets for the widely prescribed lipid-lowering pro-drug simvastatin. We used mRNA extracted from internal mammary artery from patients undergoing coronary artery surgery to prepare a viral cardiovascular protein library, using T7 bacteriophage. We then studied interactions of clones of the bacteriophage, each expressing a different cardiovascular polypeptide, with surface-bound simvastatin in 96-well plates. To maximise likelihood of identifying meaningful interactions between simvastatin and vascular peptides, we used a validated photo-immobilisation method to apply a series of different chemical linkers to bind simvastatin so as to present multiple orientations of its constituent components to potential targets. Three rounds of biopanning identified consistent interaction with the clone expressing part of the gene GJC3, which maps to Homo sapiens chromosome 7, and codes for gap junction gamma-3 protein, also known as connexin 30.2/31.3 (mouse connexin Cx29). Further analysis indicated the binding site to be for the N-terminal domain putatively ‘regulating’ connexin hemichannel and gap junction pores. Using immunohistochemistry we found connexin 30.2/31.3 to be present in samples of artery similar to those used to prepare the bacteriophage library. Surface plasmon resonance revealed that a 25 amino acid synthetic peptide representing the discovered N-terminus did not interact with simvastatin lactone, but did bind to the hydrolysed HMG CoA inhibitor, simvastatin acid. This interaction was also seen for fluvastatin. The gap junction blockers carbenoxolone and flufenamic acid also interacted with the same peptide providing insight into potential site of binding. These findings raise key questions about the functional significance of GJC3 transcripts in the vasculature and other tissues, and this connexin’s role in therapeutic and adverse effects of statins in a range of disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Marsh
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AM); (DRJS)
| | | | - Fay Probert
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - David Withall
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel A. Mitchell
- Division of Metabolic and Vascular Health, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, United Kingdom
| | - Suzanne J. Dilly
- Tangent Reprofiling Ltd, c/o SEEK, Central Point, 45 Beech Street, London, EC2Y 8AD, United Kingdom
| | - Sean James
- University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX, United Kingdom
| | - Wade Dimitri
- University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX, United Kingdom
| | - Sweta R. Ladwa
- Tangent Reprofiling Ltd, c/o SEEK, Central Point, 45 Beech Street, London, EC2Y 8AD, United Kingdom
| | - Paul C. Taylor
- Department of Chemistry, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, United Kingdom
| | - Donald R. J. Singer
- University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire, Clifford Bridge Road, Coventry CV2 2DX, United Kingdom
- Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine, 11 Chandos St, London W1G 9EB, United Kingdom
- Division of Metabolic and Vascular Health, Clinical Sciences Research Laboratories, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV2 2DX, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (AM); (DRJS)
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Longchamp A, Allagnat F, Alonso F, Kuppler C, Dubuis C, Ozaki CK, Mitchell JR, Berceli S, Corpataux JM, Déglise S, Haefliger JA. Connexin43 Inhibition Prevents Human Vein Grafts Intimal Hyperplasia. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138847. [PMID: 26398895 PMCID: PMC4580578 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Venous bypass grafts often fail following arterial implantation due to excessive smooth muscle cells (VSMC) proliferation and consequent intimal hyperplasia (IH). Intercellular communication mediated by Connexins (Cx) regulates differentiation, growth and proliferation in various cell types. Microarray analysis of vein grafts in a model of bilateral rabbit jugular vein graft revealed Cx43 as an early upregulated gene. Additional experiments conducted using an ex-vivo human saphenous veins perfusion system (EVPS) confirmed that Cx43 was rapidly increased in human veins subjected ex-vivo to arterial hemodynamics. Cx43 knock-down by RNA interference, or adenoviral-mediated overexpression, respectively inhibited or stimulated the proliferation of primary human VSMC in vitro. Furthermore, Cx blockade with carbenoxolone or the specific Cx43 inhibitory peptide 43gap26 prevented the burst in myointimal proliferation and IH formation in human saphenous veins. Our data demonstrated that Cx43 controls proliferation and the formation of IH after arterial engraftment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alban Longchamp
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Florent Allagnat
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florian Alonso
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christopher Kuppler
- Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Céline Dubuis
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Charles-Keith Ozaki
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - James R. Mitchell
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Scott Berceli
- Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jean-Marc Corpataux
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Déglise
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jacques-Antoine Haefliger
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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HAN XIAOJIAN, HE DAN, XU LIANGJING, CHEN MIN, WANG YIQI, FENG JIUGENG, WEI MINJUN, HONG TAO, JIANG LIPING. Knockdown of connexin 43 attenuates balloon injury-induced vascular restenosis through the inhibition of the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. Int J Mol Med 2015; 36:1361-8. [DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Meens MJ, Kwak BR, Duffy HS. Role of connexins and pannexins in cardiovascular physiology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2779-92. [PMID: 26091747 PMCID: PMC11113959 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1959-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Connexins and pannexins form connexons, pannexons and membrane channels, which are critically involved in many aspects of cardiovascular physiology. For that reason, a vast number of studies have addressed the role of connexins and pannexins in the arterial and venous systems as well as in the heart. Moreover, a role for connexins in lymphatics has recently also been suggested. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge regarding the involvement of connexins and pannexins in cardiovascular physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlijn J. Meens
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Specializations-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Brenda R. Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
- Department of Medical Specializations-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Hu W, Wang M, Yin H, Yao C, He Q, Yin L, Zhang C, Li W, Chang G, Wang S. MicroRNA-1298 is regulated by DNA methylation and affects vascular smooth muscle cell function by targeting connexin 43. Cardiovasc Res 2015; 107:534-45. [PMID: 26025955 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvv160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 05/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Growing evidence links microRNA to the process of peripheral vascular disease. Recently, we have found that microRNA-1298(miR-1298) is one of the most significantly down-regulated microRNAs in human arteries with arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) of the lower extremities. However, little is known regarding its role in the process of ASO. The present study aimed to investigate the expression, regulatory mechanisms, and functions of miR-1298 in the process of ASO. METHODS AND RESULTS Using quantitative reverse-transcription PCR and in situ hybridization assays, miR-1298 was observed predominantly expressed in the vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) and was significantly down-regulated in ASO compared with normal arteries. Pyrosequencing analysis revealed that the miR-1298 DNA upstream of CpG sites were hypermethylated in ASO compared with normal arteries. Next, the luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR-1298 down-regulation is related with upstream DNA CpG site hypermethylation. Introducing a miR-1298 mimic into cultured VSMCs significantly attenuated cell proliferation and migration. Connexin 43 (Cx43) was validated to be a functional target of miR-1298 that was involved in the miR-1298-mediated cellular effects. Finally, lentivirus-mediated delivery of miR-1298 and its target Cx43 into a rat carotid balloon injury model indicated that re-overexpression of miR-1298 significantly decreased neointimal formation by targeting connexin 43. CONCLUSION Our data demonstrate a specific role of the upstream DNA methylation/miR-1298/Cx43 pathway in regulating VSMC function and suggest that modulation of miR-1298 levels may offer a novel therapeutic approach for ASO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Hu
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The Guangdong Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, The Vascular Surgical Disease Research Center of Guangdong Province, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhong Shan Er Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Mian Wang
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The Guangdong Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, The Vascular Surgical Disease Research Center of Guangdong Province, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhong Shan Er Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Henghui Yin
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The Guangdong Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, The Vascular Surgical Disease Research Center of Guangdong Province, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhong Shan Er Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Chen Yao
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The Guangdong Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, The Vascular Surgical Disease Research Center of Guangdong Province, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhong Shan Er Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Qiong He
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Leping Yin
- Division of Vascular Surgery, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunxiang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, USA
| | - Wen Li
- Laboratory of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangqi Chang
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The Guangdong Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, The Vascular Surgical Disease Research Center of Guangdong Province, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhong Shan Er Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Shenming Wang
- Division of Vascular Surgery, The Guangdong Engineering Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Vascular Diseases, The Vascular Surgical Disease Research Center of Guangdong Province, First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, 58 Zhong Shan Er Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
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25
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Han XJ, Chen M, Hong T, Zhu LY, He D, Feng JG, Jiang LP. Lentivirus-mediated RNAi knockdown of the gap junction protein, Cx43, attenuates the development of vascular restenosis following balloon injury. Int J Mol Med 2015; 35:885-92. [PMID: 25625334 PMCID: PMC4356439 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 01/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Percutaneous coronary intervention [PCI or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA)] has been developed into a mature interventional treatment for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. However, the long-term therapeutic effect is compromised by the high incidence of vascular restenosis following angioplasty, and the underlying mechanisms of vascular restenosis have not yet been fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the role of the gap junction (GJ) protein, connexin 43 (Cx43), in the development of vascular restenosis. To establish vascular restenosis, rat carotid arteries were subjected to balloon angioplasty injury. At 0, 7, 14 and 2 days following balloon injury, the arteries were removed, and the intimal/medial area of the vessels was measured to evaluate the degree of restenosis. We found that the intimal area gradually increased following balloon injury. Intimal hyperplasia and restenosis were particularly evident at 14 and 28 days after injury. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of Cx43 was temporarily decreased at 7 days, and subsequently increased at 14 and 28 days following balloon injury, as shown by RT-PCR and western blot analysis. To determine the involvement of Cx43 in vascular restenosis, the lentivirus vector expressing shRNA targeting Cx43, Cx43-RNAi-LV, was used to silence Cx43 in the rat carotid arteries. The knockdown of Cx43 effectively attenuated the development of intimal hyperplasia and vascular restenosis following balloon injury. Thus, our data indicate the vital role of the GJ protein, Cx43, in the development of vascular restenosis, and provide new insight into the pathogenesis of vascular reste-nosis. Cx43 may prove to be a novel potential pharmacological target for the prevention of vascular restenosis following PCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jian Han
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Min Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Ling-Yu Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Dan He
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Jiu-Geng Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Li-Ping Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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26
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Vitarelli A, Martino F, Capotosto L, Martino E, Colantoni C, Ashurov R, Ricci S, Conde Y, Maramao F, Vitarelli M, De Chiara S, Zanoni C. Early myocardial deformation changes in hypercholesterolemic and obese children and adolescents: a 2D and 3D speckle tracking echocardiography study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2014; 93:e71. [PMID: 25211047 PMCID: PMC4616267 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000000071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dyslipidemia and obesity are considered strong risk factors for premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and increased morbidity and mortality and may have a negative impact on myocardial function.Our purpose was to assess the presence of early myocardial deformation abnormalities in dyslipidemic children free from other cardiovascular risk factors, using 2-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) and 3-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE).We studied 80 consecutive nonselected patients (6-18 years of age) with hypercholesterolemia (low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol levels >95th percentile for age and sex). Forty of them had normal weight and 40 were obese (body mass index >95th percentile for age and sex). Forty healthy age-matched children were selected as controls. Left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal, circumferential, and radial strains were calculated by 2DSTE and 3DSTE. Global area strain (GAS) was calculated by 3DSTE as percentage of variation in surface area defined by the longitudinal and circumferential strain vectors. Right ventricular (RV) global and free-wall longitudinal strain and LV and RV diastolic strain rate parameters were obtained. Data analysis was performed offline.LV global longitudinal strain and GAS were lower in normal-weight and obese dyslipidemic children compared with normal controls and reduced in obese patients compared with normal-weight dyslipidemic children. LV early diastolic strain rate was lower compared with normals. RV global and free-wall longitudinal strain was significantly reduced in obese patients when compared with the control group. A significant inverse correlation was found between LV strain, LDL cholesterol levels, and body mass index.2DSTE and 3DSTE show LV longitudinal strain and GAS changes in dyslipidemic children and adolescents free from other cardiovascular risk factors or structural cardiac abnormalities. Obesity causes an additive adverse effect on LV strain parameters and RV strain impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Vitarelli
- Department of Cardiology (AV, LC, RA, YC, FaM); Department of Pediatrics (FrM, EM, CC, CZ); and Department of Medicine (SR, MV, SDC), Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Molica F, Meens MJP, Morel S, Kwak BR. Mutations in cardiovascular connexin genes. Biol Cell 2014; 106:269-93. [PMID: 24966059 DOI: 10.1111/boc.201400038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) form a family of transmembrane proteins comprising 21 members in humans. Cxs differ in their expression patterns, biophysical properties and ability to combine into homomeric or heteromeric gap junction channels between neighbouring cells. The permeation of ions and small metabolites through gap junction channels or hemichannels confers a crucial role to these proteins in intercellular communication and in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Among others, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45 and Cx47 are found in heart, blood and lymphatic vessels. Mutations or polymorphisms in the genes coding for these Cxs have not only been implicated in cardiovascular pathologies but also in a variety of other disorders. While mutations in Cx43 are mostly linked to oculodentodigital dysplasia, Cx47 mutations are associated with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease and lymphoedema. Cx40 mutations are principally linked to atrial fibrillation. Mutations in Cx37 have not yet been described, but polymorphisms in the Cx37 gene have been implicated in the development of arterial disease. This review addresses current knowledge on gene mutations in cardiovascular Cxs systematically and links them to alterations in channel properties and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Molica
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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28
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You T, Fan Y, Li Q, Gao Y, Yang Y, Zhao Z, Wang C. Increased SSeCKS expression in rat hepatic stellate cells upon activation in vitro and in vivo. Inflammation 2014; 36:1415-23. [PMID: 23925424 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-013-9681-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent reports suggest that src suppressed c kinase substrates (SSeCKS) are early inflammatory response protein. However, there is only scarce knowledge on the functional role of SSeCKS in liver under conditions of acute inflammation. In the present study, we investigated SSeCKS expression in liver after administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in rats and in isolated primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) upon activation on a plastic dish. We found that SSeCKS mRNA was hardly detectable in healthy liver tissue and further increased in carbon tetrachloride-mediated acute liver failure. SSeCKS protein expression was mainly found in hepatic stellate cells. In vitro, SSeCKS expression in activated rat HSCs was dramatically increased. The upregulation of SSeCKS protein expression in rat HSCs during activation in vitro and in vivo suggested the possibility of SSeCKS, an important part of function of the activated HSCs, perhaps through modulation of liver regeneration or formation of liver fibrosis after various injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiangeng You
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, People's Republic of China
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29
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Ran F, Liu C, Liu Z, Shang T, Zhou M, Qiao T. Preventive effects of basic fibroblast growth factor on vascular restenosis after balloon angioplasty. Exp Ther Med 2014; 7:1193-1196. [PMID: 24940410 PMCID: PMC3991498 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2014.1562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether chronic administration of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) following angioplasty in a dog model of atherosclerotic iliac stenosis may restore endothelium function and prevent restenosis (RS). In total, 40 dogs with atherosclerotic stenosis of the right iliac arteries were used in the study. A total of 20 dogs underwent histological examination of the lumen areas prior to (n=10) and immediately following angioplasty (n=10). Intravenous bFGF was administered to 10 dogs (bFGF group) and an additional 10 dogs received vehicle injection (control group). Animals in the two groups were sacrificed 42 days following surgery for in vitro analysis of vascular reactivity and morphometric assessment of the histological cross-sectional areas. The bFGF group exhibited significantly greater maximal endothelium-dependent acetylcholine-induced relaxation (Emax, 43±9%) when compared with the control group (Emax, 8±6%; P<0.05). In addition, the maximal endothelium-independent response of the bFGF group to sodium nitroprusside (Emax, 90±2%) was greater than that of the control group (Emax, 60±2%; P<0.05). Six weeks following angioplasty, the lumen area in the bFGF group (2.01±0.78 mm2) was greater compared with the control group (1.0±0.10%). The lumen area decreased by 58% between immediately after angioplasty and the control group six weeks following angioplasty. Therefore, the results of the present study indicated that administration of bFGF may not only restore endothelium-dependent and -independent relaxation, but also prevent RS in dogs that have undergone angioplasty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Ran
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Changjian Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Tao Shang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
| | - Tong Qiao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, P.R. China
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30
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Abed A, Toubas J, Kavvadas P, Authier F, Cathelin D, Alfieri C, Boffa JJ, Dussaule JC, Chatziantoniou C, Chadjichristos CE. Targeting connexin 43 protects against the progression of experimental chronic kidney disease in mice. Kidney Int 2014; 86:768-79. [PMID: 24850151 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2014.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Excessive recruitment of monocytes and progression of fibrosis are hallmarks of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recently we reported that the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) was upregulated in the kidney during experimental nephropathy. To investigate the role of Cx43 in the progression of CKD, we interbred RenTg mice, a genetic model of hypertension-induced CKD, with Cx43+/- mice. The renal cortex of 5-month-old RenTgCx43+/- mice showed a marked decrease of cell adhesion markers leading to reduced monocyte infiltration and interstitial renal fibrosis compared with their littermates. In addition, functional and histological parameters such as albuminuria and glomerulosclerosis were ameliorated in RenTgCx43+/- mice. Interestingly, treatment with Cx43 antisense produced remarkable improvement of renal function and structure in 1-year-old RenTg mice. Similar results were found in Cx43+/- or wild-type mice treated with Cx43 antisense after obstructive nephropathy. Furthermore, in these mice, Cx43 antisense attenuated E-cadherin downregulation and phosphorylation of the transcription factor Sp1 by the ERK pathway resulting in decreased transcription of type I collagen gene. Interestingly, Cx43-specific blocking peptide inhibited monocyte adhesion in activated endothelium and profibrotic pathways in tubular cells. Cx43 was highly increased in biopsies of patients with CKD. Thus, Cx43 may represent a new therapeutic target against the progression of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abed
- 1] INSERM UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France [2] Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Julie Toubas
- 1] INSERM UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France [2] Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Jean-Jacques Boffa
- 1] INSERM UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France [2] Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France [3] Department of Nephrology, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Claude Dussaule
- 1] INSERM UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France [2] Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France [3] Department of Physiology, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Christos Chatziantoniou
- 1] INSERM UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France [2] Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Christos E Chadjichristos
- 1] INSERM UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France [2] Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France
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31
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Morel S. Multiple roles of connexins in atherosclerosis- and restenosis-induced vascular remodelling. J Vasc Res 2014; 51:149-61. [PMID: 24853725 DOI: 10.1159/000362122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 03/01/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is the initial step in atherosclerotic plaque development in large- and medium-sized arteries. This progressive disease, which starts during childhood, is characterized by the accumulation of lipids, macrophages, neutrophils, T lymphocytes and smooth muscle cells in the intima of the vessels. Erosion and rupture of the atherosclerotic plaque may induce myocardial infarction and cerebrovascular accidents, which are responsible for a large percentage of sudden deaths. The most common treatment for atherosclerosis is angioplasty and stent implantation, but these surgical interventions favour a vascular reaction called restenosis and the associated de-endothelialization increases the risk of thrombosis. This review provides an overview of the role of connexins, a large family of transmembrane proteins, in vascular remodelling associated with atherosclerosis and restenosis. The connexins expressed in the vascular wall are Cx37, Cx40, Cx43 and Cx45; their expressions vary with vascular territory and species. Connexins form hemichannels or gap junction channels, allowing the exchange of ions and small metabolites between the cytosol and extracellular space or between neighbouring cells, respectively. Connexins have important roles in vascular physiology; they support radial and longitudinal cell-to-cell communication in the vascular wall, and significant changes in their expression patterns have been described during atherosclerosis and restenosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Morel
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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32
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Morel S, Chanson M, Nguyen TD, Glass AM, Richani Sarieddine MZ, Meens MJ, Burnier L, Kwak BR, Taffet SM. Titration of the gap junction protein Connexin43 reduces atherogenesis. Thromb Haemost 2014; 112:390-401. [PMID: 24828015 DOI: 10.1160/th13-09-0773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitous reduction of the gap junction protein Connexin43 (Cx43) in mice provides beneficial effects on progression and composition of atherosclerotic lesions. Cx43 is expressed in multiple atheroma-associated cells but its function in each cell type is not known. To examine specifically the role of Cx43 in immune cells, we have lethally irradiated low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice and reconstituted with Cx43+/+, Cx43+/- or Cx43-/- haematopoietic fetal liver cells. Progression of atherosclerosis was significantly lower in aortic roots of Cx43+/- chimeras compared with Cx43+/+ and Cx43-/- chimeras, and their plaques contained significantly less neutrophils. The relative proportion of circulating leukocytes was similar between the three groups. Interestingly, the chemoattraction of neutrophils, which did not express Cx43, was reduced in response to supernatant secreted by Cx43+/- macrophages in comparison with the ones of Cx43+/+ and Cx43-/- macrophages. Cx43+/- macrophages did not differ from Cx43+/+ and Cx43-/- macrophages in terms of M1/M2 polarisation but show modified gene expression for a variety chemokines and complement components. In conclusion, titration of Cx43 expression in bone marrow-derived macrophages reduces atherosclerotic plaque formation and chemoattraction of neutrophils to the lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - B R Kwak
- Brenda R. Kwak, PhD, Dept. of Pathology and Immunology, Dept of Internal Medicine - Cardiology, University of Geneva, CMU, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland, Tel.: +41 22 379 57 37, Fax: +41 22 379 57 46, E-mail:
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33
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Billaud M, Lohman AW, Johnstone SR, Biwer LA, Mutchler S, Isakson BE. Regulation of cellular communication by signaling microdomains in the blood vessel wall. Pharmacol Rev 2014; 66:513-69. [PMID: 24671377 DOI: 10.1124/pr.112.007351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
It has become increasingly clear that the accumulation of proteins in specific regions of the plasma membrane can facilitate cellular communication. These regions, termed signaling microdomains, are found throughout the blood vessel wall where cellular communication, both within and between cell types, must be tightly regulated to maintain proper vascular function. We will define a cellular signaling microdomain and apply this definition to the plethora of means by which cellular communication has been hypothesized to occur in the blood vessel wall. To that end, we make a case for three broad areas of cellular communication where signaling microdomains could play an important role: 1) paracrine release of free radicals and gaseous molecules such as nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species; 2) role of ion channels including gap junctions and potassium channels, especially those associated with the endothelium-derived hyperpolarization mediated signaling, and lastly, 3) mechanism of exocytosis that has considerable oversight by signaling microdomains, especially those associated with the release of von Willebrand factor. When summed, we believe that it is clear that the organization and regulation of signaling microdomains is an essential component to vessel wall function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Billaud
- Dept. of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, PO Box 801394, Charlottesville, VA 22902.
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34
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Shi Y, Hou X, Zhang X, Wang Y, Chen Y, Zou J. Inhibition of oxidized-phospholipid-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation by resveratrol is associated with reducing Cx43 phosphorylation. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2013; 61:10534-10541. [PMID: 24079413 DOI: 10.1021/jf4036723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Abnormal proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is an important factor during the progression of atherosclerosis. In this study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol on atherosclerosis-associated proliferation of VSMCs. We utilized an oxidized phospholipid, 1-palmitoyl-2-oxovaleroyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylcholine (POVPC) to induce abnormal proliferation of VSMCs. Our results showed the treatments with resveratrol dose-dependently abolished POVPC-induced VSMC proliferation, as evidenced by the decreased [(3)H]thymidine incorporated into VSMCs and reduced percentage of 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU)-positive VSMCs. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated that resveratrol inhibited POVPC-induced increase in the S phase cell population and DNA synthesis. Our study further indicated that POVPC-induced VSMC proliferation was associated with a significant increase in the phosphorylation of Cx43, which was a consequence of activation of MAPK signaling. Interestingly, treatment with resveratrol abolished POVPC-induced phosphorylation of Cx43 as a result of inhibiting activation of Src, MEK, and ERK1/2. Our results provided a novel mechanism by which resveratrol may contribute to cardiovascular protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Shi
- Department of Cardiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, School of Medicine, Qingdao University , Qingdao, Shandong, China
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35
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandrine Morel
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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36
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Yi S, Chen Y, Wen L, Yang L, Cui G. Expression of connexin 32 and connexin 43 in acute myeloid leukemia and their roles in proliferation. Oncol Lett 2012; 4:1003-1007. [PMID: 23162640 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2012.884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2012] [Accepted: 08/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs), a conserved family of trans-membrane proteins, function in the organization of cell-cell communicatin via gap junctions in multicellular organisms. However, the role of Cxs in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the relationship between cell proliferation and expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and connexin 32 (Cx32) mRNA and proteins in acute myeloid leukemia in vitro. Proliferation was observed using a growth curve and the rate of proliferation was detected by MTT assay in the acute myeloid leukemia cell lines OCI-AML3 and OCIM2. Cell cycle and cell proliferation index were assessed by flow cytometry analysis. The mRNA expression of the gap junction genes Cx43 and Cx32 was detected by RT-PCR. The expression of Cx43 and Cx32 proteins in the cell lines was analyzed by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. The doubling time of OCI-AML3 and OCIM2 was 48 h and 36 h, respectively. In OCIM2, the percentage of cells in the S phase fraction was 59.47±9.6%, and the proliferation rate was 78.12±8.9%; however, in OCI-AML3, the percentage of cells in the S phase was 24.95±5.8%, and the proliferation rate was 35.21±6.7%. At the mRNA level, both cell lines expressed Cx43 and Cx32, and there was no significant difference in the expression of Cx43 and Cx32 mRNA in the two cell lines. At the protein level, there was a significant difference in the expression of Cx43, but not of Cx32. The proliferation ability of OCIM2 was higher than OCI-AML3, and OCIM2 exhibited higher Cx43 western blot and fluorescence intensities compared with OCI-AML3. The results suggest that a higher expression of Cx43 in AML cells may play a significant role in the proliferation ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Yi
- Department of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, P.R. China
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37
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Johnstone SR, Kroncke BM, Straub AC, Best AK, Dunn CA, Mitchell LA, Peskova Y, Nakamoto RK, Koval M, Lo CW, Lampe PD, Columbus L, Isakson BE. MAPK phosphorylation of connexin 43 promotes binding of cyclin E and smooth muscle cell proliferation. Circ Res 2012; 111:201-11. [PMID: 22652908 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.112.272302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Dedifferentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) leading to a proliferative cell phenotype significantly contributes to the development of atherosclerosis. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation of proteins including connexin 43 (Cx43) has been associated with VSMC proliferation in atherosclerosis. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether MAPK phosphorylation of Cx43 is directly involved in VSMC proliferation. METHODS AND RESULTS We show in vivo that MAPK-phosphorylated Cx43 forms complexes with the cell cycle control proteins cyclin E and cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) in carotids of apolipoprotein-E receptor null (ApoE(-/-)) mice and in C57Bl/6 mice treated with platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF). We tested the involvement of Cx43 MAPK phosphorylation in vitro using constructs for full-length Cx43 (Cx43) or the Cx43 C-terminus (Cx43(CT)) and produced null phosphorylation Ser>Ala (Cx43(MK4A)/Cx43(CTMK4A)) and phospho-mimetic Ser>Asp (Cx43(MK4D)/Cx43(CTMK4D)) mutations. Coimmunoprecipitation studies in primary VSMC isolated from Cx43 wild-type (Cx43(+/+)) and Cx43 null (Cx43(-/-)) mice and analytic size exclusion studies of purified proteins identify that interactions between cyclin E and Cx43 requires Cx43 MAPK phosphorylation. We further demonstrate that Cx43 MAPK phosphorylation is required for PDGF-mediated VSMC proliferation. Finally, using a novel knock-in mouse containing Cx43-MK4A mutation, we show in vivo that interactions between Cx43 and cyclin E are lost and VSMC proliferation does not occur after treatment of carotids with PDGF and that neointima formation is significantly reduced in carotids after injury. CONCLUSIONS We identify MAPK-phosphorylated Cx43 as a novel interacting partner of cyclin E in VSMC and show that this interaction is critical for VSMC proliferation. This novel interaction may be important in the development of atherosclerotic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott R Johnstone
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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38
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Abstract
Cell-to-cell interactions via gap junctional communication and connexon hemichannels are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. Gap junctions are highly specialized transmembrane structures that are formed by connexon hemichannels, which are further assembled from proteins called “connexins.” In this paper, we discuss current knowledge about connexins in diabetes. We also discuss mechanisms of connexin influence and the role of individual connexins in various tissues and how these are affected in diabetes. Connexins may be a future target by both genetic and pharmacological approaches to develop treatments for the treatment of diabetes and its complications.
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39
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WNT3A induces a contractile and secretory phenotype in cultured vascular smooth muscle cells that is associated with increased gap junction communication. J Transl Med 2012; 92:246-55. [PMID: 22105568 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2011.164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests a role for Wnt signaling in vascular wound repair and remodeling events. Despite this, very little is known about the effect of Wnt ligands on the structure and function of vascular cells. In this study, we treated vascular smooth muscle cells with 250 ng/ml of recombinant Wnt3a for 72 h and observed changes in the cell phenotype. Our data suggest Wnt3a completely alters the phenotype of vascular smooth muscle cells. The Wnt3a-treated cells appeared larger and had increased formation of stress fibers. These cells also had increased expression of the smooth muscle contractile proteins, calponin and smooth muscle α-actin, and contracted a collagen lattice faster than control cells. The Wnt3a-treated smooth muscle cells displayed increased extracellular matrix synthesis, as measured by collagen I and III mRNA expression, along with increased expression of MMP2 and MMP9, but decreased TIMP2 levels. The Wnt3a-induced change in cell phenotype was associated with increased expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43. Consistent with this, Wnt3a-treated smooth muscle cells displayed enhanced intercellular communication, as measured by the scrape-loading dye transfer technique. The canonical Wnt antagonist, dickkopf-related protein 1, completely reversed the contractile protein and connexin 43 expression seen in the Wnt3a-treated cells, suggesting these changes were dependent on canonical Wnt signaling. Collectively, this data suggest Wnt3a promotes a contractile and secretory phenotype in vascular smooth muscle cells that is associated with increased gap junction communication.
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40
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Guo RW, Yang LX, Li MQ, Pan XH, Liu B, Deng YL. Stim1- and Orai1-mediated store-operated calcium entry is critical for angiotensin II-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation. Cardiovasc Res 2011; 93:360-70. [PMID: 22108917 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvr307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Despite the fact that angiotensin (Ang) II is a critical regulator of the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), the effect of Ang II on VSMC proliferation has remained unclear. In this study, we determined whether Stim1- and Orai1-mediated store-operated calcium (Ca(2+)) entry (SOCE) plays a critical role in Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation and Ang II-accelerated neointimal growth after balloon injury of rat carotid arteries. METHODS AND RESULTS Knockdown of Stim1 and Orai1, putative calcium sensors/modulators, suppressed Ang II-mediated Ca(2+) entry and cell proliferation in synthetic VSMCs. Stim1 and Orai1 short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) decreased neointimal growth induced by Ang II in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries. Ang II significantly increased the expression of Stim1 and Orai1 in neointima. In addition, our results showed that receptor subtype-1 (AT1) significantly contributed to Ang II-induced Ca(2+) entry and proliferation of synthetic VSMCs. However, we found that transient receptor potential canonical 1 (Trpc1) had no effect on Ang II-induced SOCE or cell proliferation of synthetic VSMCs. CONCLUSIONS We show for the first time that Stim1- and Orai1-mediated SOCE may be critical for Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation. This provides important information with respect to targeting cardiovascular diseases under the enhanced renin-Ang system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-wei Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Kunming General Hospital of Chengdu Military Area, Yunnan 650032, China
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41
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Toubas J, Beck S, Pageaud AL, Huby AC, Mael-Ainin M, Dussaule JC, Chatziantoniou C, Chadjichristos CE. Alteration of connexin expression is an early signal for chronic kidney disease. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2011; 301:F24-32. [PMID: 21429966 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00255.2010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease is promoted by a variety of factors that induce chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Inflammation and excessive scaring have been recently associated with disruptions of the gap junction-mediated intercellular communication. Nevertheless, little is known about alterations of the expression of gap junction proteins such as connexin (Cx) 43 and 37 in chronic renal disease. In this study, we investigated the expression of these two Cxs in the hypertensive RenTg mice, the anti-glomerular basement membrane glomerulonephritis, and the unilateral ureteral obstruction models, all leading to the development of chronic kidney disease in mice. Expression of Cx43 was almost negligible in the renal cortex of control mice. In contrast, Cx43 was markedly increased in the endothelium of peritubular and glomerular capillaries of the 3-mo-old RenTg mice, in the glomeruli of mice suffering from glomerulonephritis, and in the tubules after obstructive nephropathy. The Cx43 expression pattern was paralleled closely by that of the adhesion markers such as vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 as well as the inflammatory biomarker monocyte chemoattractant protein-1. In contrast, Cx37 that was abundantly expressed in the renal cortex of healthy mice was markedly decreased in the three experimental models. Interestingly, Cx43+/- mice showed restricted expression of VCAM-1 after 2 wk of obstructive nephropathy. These findings suggest the importance of Cxs as markers of chronic renal disease and indicate that these proteins may participate in the inflammatory process during the development of this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Toubas
- INSERM UMR S702, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, 4 rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France
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42
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Arishiro K, Hoshiga M, Ishihara T, Kondo K, Hanafusa T. Connexin 43 expression is associated with vascular activation in human radial artery. Int J Cardiol 2010; 145:270-272. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2009.09.479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2009] [Accepted: 09/10/2009] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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43
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Vinken M, Decrock E, De Vuyst E, Ponsaerts R, D'hondt C, Bultynck G, Ceelen L, Vanhaecke T, Leybaert L, Rogiers V. Connexins: sensors and regulators of cell cycling. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2010; 1815:13-25. [PMID: 20801193 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2010.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2010] [Revised: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is nowadays well established that gap junctions are critical gatekeepers of cell proliferation, by controlling the intercellular exchange of essential growth regulators. In recent years, however, it has become clear that the picture is not as simple as originally anticipated, as structural precursors of gap junctions can affect cell cycling by performing actions not related to gap junctional intercellular communication. Indeed, connexin hemichannels also foresee a pathway for cell growth communication, albeit between the intracellular compartment and the extracellular environment, while connexin proteins as such can directly or indirectly influence the production of cell cycle regulators independently of their channel activities. Furthermore, a novel set of connexin-like proteins, the pannexins, have lately joined in as regulators of the cell proliferation process, which they can affect as either single units or as channel entities. In the current paper, these multifaceted aspects of connexin-related signalling in cell cycling are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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44
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Zhang Y, Wang H, Kovacs A, Kanter EM, Yamada KA. Reduced expression of Cx43 attenuates ventricular remodeling after myocardial infarction via impaired TGF-beta signaling. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2009; 298:H477-87. [PMID: 19966054 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00806.2009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In addition to mediating cell-to-cell electrical coupling, gap junctions are important in tissue repair, wound healing, and scar formation. The expression and distribution of connexin43 (Cx43), the major gap junction protein expressed in the heart, are altered substantially after myocardial infarction (MI); however, the effects of Cx43 remodeling on wound healing and the attendant ventricular dysfunction are incompletely understood. Cx43-deficient and wild-type mice were subjected to proximal ligation of the anterior descending coronary artery and followed for 6 days or 4 wk to test the hypothesis that reduced expression of Cx43 influences wound healing, fibrosis, and ventricular remodeling after MI. We quantified the progression of infarct healing by measuring neutrophil expression, collagen content, and myofibroblast expression. We found significantly reduced transformation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts at 6 days and significantly reduced collagen deposition both in the infarct at 6 days and at 4 wk in the noninfarcted region of Cx43-deficient mice. As expected, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta, a profibrotic cytokine, was dramatically upregulated in MI hearts, but its phosphorylated comediator (pSmad) was significantly downregulated in the nuclei of Cx43-deficient hearts post-MI, suggesting that downstream signaling of TGF-beta is diminished substantially in Cx43-deficient hearts. This diminution in profibrotic TGF-beta signaling resulted in the attenuation of adverse structural remodeling as assessed by echocardiography. These findings suggest that efforts to enhance the expression of Cx43 to maintain intercellular coupling or reduce susceptibility to arrhythmias should be met with caution until the role of Cx43 in infarct healing is fully understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Cardiovascular Division, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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45
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Song M, Yu X, Cui X, Zhu G, Zhao G, Chen J, Huang L. Blockade of Connexin 43 Hemichannels Reduces Neointima Formation After Vascular Injury by Inhibiting Proliferation and Phenotypic Modulation of Smooth Muscle Cells. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2009; 234:1192-200. [PMID: 19596827 DOI: 10.3181/0902-rm-80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins 43 (Cx43) plays a key role in neointimal formation after vascular injury, but the mechanism still needs to be further explored. We hypothesized that the gap junction-dependent function of Cx43 to mediate intercellular communication has a crucial role in the development and progression of vascular diseases. The effect of intercellular communication mediated by Cx43 hemichannels on neointimal formation after vascular injury was investigated. Cx43 was overexpressed or knockdown in rat vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) by transfection pcDNA-Cx43 plasmid or small interfering RNA (siRNA) against Cx43 (siCx43). SMC proliferation and marker genes expression after Cx43 alteration and blockade of the Cx43 hemichannel were analyzed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and RT-PCR. The effect of carbenoxolone on neointimal formation was investigated in carotid artery injured rat model. We demonstrated that overexpression of Cx43 promoted SMC proliferation, meanwhile, mRNA expression level of smooth muscle α-actin and calponin, which were important markers of SMC in a contractile state, were down-regulated in smooth muscle. Knockdown of Cx43 inhibited SMC proliferation but increased SMC marker genes expression level. Carbenoxolone (50 μM) improved SMC contractile differentiation and inhibited its proliferation. Our data showed that carbenoxolone reduced neointimal formation after carotid artery injury. In summary, blockade of intercellular communication via Cx43 hemichannels reduces neointimal formation after vascular injury by inhibiting proliferation and phenotypic modulation of SMCs.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Carbenoxolone/pharmacology
- Carotid Artery Injuries/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Coloring Agents/metabolism
- Connexin 43/genetics
- Connexin 43/metabolism
- Endothelium, Vascular/metabolism
- Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Indirect
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/cytology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Peptides/pharmacology
- RNA, Small Interfering/metabolism
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Tetrazolium Salts/metabolism
- Thiazoles/metabolism
- Transfection
- Tunica Intima/drug effects
- Tunica Intima/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- MingBao Song
- Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases of PLA, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, People's Republic of China
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46
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Derouette JP, Wong C, Burnier L, Morel S, Sutter E, Galan K, Brisset AC, Roth I, Chadjichristos CE, Kwak BR. Molecular role of Cx37 in advanced atherosclerosis: a micro-array study. Atherosclerosis 2009; 206:69-76. [PMID: 19345950 DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2009.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2008] [Revised: 01/30/2009] [Accepted: 02/06/2009] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Recently, we showed that connexin37 (Cx37) protects against early atherosclerotic lesion development by regulating monocyte adhesion. The expression of this gap junction protein is altered in mouse and human atherosclerotic lesions; it is increased in macrophages newly recruited to the lesions and disappears from the endothelium of advanced plaques. To obtain more insight into the molecular role of Cx37 in advanced atherosclerosis, we used micro-array analysis for gene expression profiling in aortas of ApoE(-/-) and Cx37(-/-)ApoE(-/-) mice before and after 18 weeks of cholesterol-rich diet. Out of >15,000 genes, 106 genes were significantly differentially expressed in young mice before diet (P-value of <0.05, fold change of >0.7 or <-0.7, and intensity value >2.2 times background). Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) revealed differences in genes involved in cell-to-cell signaling and interaction, cellular compromise and nutritional disease. In addition, we identified 100 genes that were significantly perturbed after the cholesterol-rich diet. Similar to the analysis on 10-week-old mice, IPA revealed differences in genes involved in cell-to-cell signaling and interaction as well as to immuno-inflammatory disease. Furthermore, we found important changes in genes involved in vascular calcification and matrix degradation, some of which were confirmed at protein level by (immuno-)histochemistry. In conclusion, we suggest that Cx37 deficiency alters the global differential gene expression profiles in young mice towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype, which are then further influenced in advanced atherosclerosis. The results provide new insights into the significance of Cx37 in plaque calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Derouette
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 64 avenue de la Roseraie, Geneva, Switzerland
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Gilleron J, Carette D, Durand P, Pointis G, Segretain D. Connexin 43 a potential regulator of cell proliferation and apoptosis within the seminiferous epithelium. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2009; 41:1381-90. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2008.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2008] [Revised: 11/24/2008] [Accepted: 12/09/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Morel S, Burnier L, Kwak BR. Connexins participate in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. Semin Immunopathol 2009; 31:49-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s00281-009-0147-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2009] [Accepted: 04/07/2009] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Derouette JP, Desplantez T, Wong CW, Roth I, Kwak BR, Weingart R. Functional differences between human Cx37 polymorphic hemichannels. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2009; 46:499-507. [PMID: 19166859 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2008.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2008] [Revised: 12/02/2008] [Accepted: 12/21/2008] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A polymorphism in the human Cx37 gene (C1019T), resulting in a non-conservative amino acid change in the regulatory C-terminus of the Cx37 protein (P319S), has been proposed as a prognostic marker for atherosclerosis. We have recently demonstrated that Cx37 hemichannels control the initiation of atherosclerotic plaque development by regulating ATP-dependent monocyte adhesion in atherosclerosis-susceptible apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. In this study, we have measured the electrical properties of Cx37 hemichannels (HCs) and gap junction channels (GJCs) with voltage-clamp methods. To this end, we have transfected hCx37-P319, hCx37-S319 or empty pIRES-eGFP vector cDNA into communication-deficient HeLa cells. In clones expressing similar levels of Cx37, exposure of single cells to low-Ca(2+) solution induced a voltage-sensitive HC current. The analysis yielded a bell-shaped function g(hc)=f(V(m)) (g(hc): normalized conductance at steady state; V(m): membrane potential) with a maximum around V(m)=-30 mV. The peak g(hc) of Cx37-P319 was 3-fold larger than that of Cx37-S319 HCs. Experiments on cell pairs revealed that Cx37-P319 GJCs exhibited a 1.5-fold larger unitary conductance than Cx37-S319 GJCs. Hence, the larger peak g(hc) of the former may reflect a larger conductance of their HCs. Using the same clones, we found that Cx37-P319 cells released more ATP and were less adhesive than Cx37-S319 cells. The reduction in adhesiveness of Cx37-expressing cells was prevented by extracellular apyrase. We conclude that the differences in biophysical properties between polymorphic HCs may be responsible for inequality in ATP release between Cx37-P319 and Cx37-S319 cells, which results in differential cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Paul Derouette
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Ruohonen ST, Abe K, Kero M, Toukola L, Ruohonen S, Röyttä M, Koulu M, Pesonen U, Zukowska Z, Savontaus E. Sympathetic nervous system-targeted neuropeptide Y overexpression in mice enhances neointimal formation in response to vascular injury. Peptides 2009; 30:715-20. [PMID: 19135490 PMCID: PMC2914533 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2008.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2008] [Revised: 12/08/2008] [Accepted: 12/08/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Sympathetic neurotransmitter neuropeptide Y (NPY) is associated with vascular remodelling, neointimal hyperplasia and atherosclerosis in experimental animal models and clinical studies. In order to study the role of sympathetic nerve-produced NPY in vascular diseases, transgenic mouse model overexpressing NPY in central and peripheral noradrenergic neurons under the dopamine-beta-hydroxylase (DBH) promoter was recently created (OE-NPY(DBH) mouse). This study aimed to examine the effect of NPY overexpression on arterial neointimal hyperplasia in an experimental model of vascular injury. Transgenic OE-NPY(DBH) mice and wildtype control mice of two different inbred strains (C57BL/6 and FVB/n) underwent a femoral artery surgery with a transluminar injury by a 0.38-mm guide wire insertion. Arteries were harvested 4 weeks from the surgery, and they were stained for basic morphology. Both strains of OE-NPY(DBH) mice, as compared with wildtype control mice, showed on average 50% greater formation of the neointima (P<0.01) and an increase in the medial area (P=0.05). The results suggest that moderately increased neuronal NPY causes the arteries to be more susceptible to femoral artery thickening after endothelial injury. The OE-NPY(DBH) mouse provides a novel tool to explore the role of NPY in the development of vascular disease related to metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suvi T. Ruohonen
- Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Therapeutics, University of Turku, Finland
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Drug Discovery Graduate School, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Ken Abe
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mia Kero
- Department of Pathology, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Toukola
- Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Therapeutics, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Saku Ruohonen
- Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Therapeutics, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Matias Röyttä
- Department of Pathology, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Markku Koulu
- Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Therapeutics, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Ullamari Pesonen
- Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Therapeutics, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Zofia Zukowska
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Eriika Savontaus
- Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Therapeutics, University of Turku, Finland
- Clinical Pharmacology, TYKSLAB, Health Care District of Southwest Finland, Finland
- Corresponding author at: Department of Pharmacology, Drug Development and Therapeutics, University of Turku, FIN-20014 Turku, Finland. Tel.: +358 2 3337362; fax: +358 2 3337216
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