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Mesnil M, Defamie N, Naus C, Sarrouilhe D. Brain Disorders and Chemical Pollutants: A Gap Junction Link? Biomolecules 2020; 11:biom11010051. [PMID: 33396565 PMCID: PMC7824109 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of brain pathologies has increased during last decades. Better diagnosis (autism spectrum disorders) and longer life expectancy (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease) partly explain this increase, while emerging data suggest pollutant exposures as a possible but still underestimated cause of major brain disorders. Taking into account that the brain parenchyma is rich in gap junctions and that most pollutants inhibit their function; brain disorders might be the consequence of gap-junctional alterations due to long-term exposures to pollutants. In this article, this hypothesis is addressed through three complementary aspects: (1) the gap-junctional organization and connexin expression in brain parenchyma and their function; (2) the effect of major pollutants (pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, heavy metals, airborne particles, etc.) on gap-junctional and connexin functions; (3) a description of the major brain disorders categorized as neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, epilepsy), neurobehavioral (migraines, major depressive disorders), neurodegenerative (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases) and cancers (glioma), in which both connexin dysfunction and pollutant involvement have been described. Based on these different aspects, the possible involvement of pollutant-inhibited gap junctions in brain disorders is discussed for prenatal and postnatal exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Mesnil
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Norah Defamie
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Christian Naus
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z3, Canada;
| | - Denis Sarrouilhe
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Humaine, Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, 6 rue de La Milétrie, bât D1, TSA 51115, 86073 Poitiers, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-5-49-45-43-58
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Chen R, Chen Y, Yuan Y, Zou X, Sun Q, Lin H, Chen X, Liu M, Deng Z, Yao Y, Guo D, Zhang Y. Cx43 and AKAP95 regulate G1/S conversion by competitively binding to cyclin E1/E2 in lung cancer cells. Thorac Cancer 2020; 11:1594-1602. [PMID: 32338437 PMCID: PMC7262948 DOI: 10.1111/1759-7714.13435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to overexpress or silence connexin 43 (Cx43) and A‐kinase anchoring protein 95 (AKAP95) in human A549 cells to explore their effects on cyclins and on G1/S conversion when the interrelationship of Cx43, AKAP95, and cyclin E1/E2 changes. Methods The study mainly used Western blot analysis and Co‐immuno precipitation to detect the target protein in Cx43/AKAP95 over expressed human A549 cells, and the relationship of proteins Cx43, AKAP95 and Cyclin E during G1‐S phase was explored with qualitative and quantitative analysis. Results The overexpression of Cx43 inhibited the expression of cyclin D1 and E1 by accelerating their degradation and reduced the Cdk2 activity that blocked the DNA transcription activity. However, the overexpression of AKAP95 increased the expression of cyclin D1 and E1 and inhibited their degradation, and enhanced the Cdk2 activity that promoted the DNA transcription activity. Cx43 and AKAP95 competitively bound to cyclin E1/E2, and the competitive binding affected the Cdk2 activity, Rb phosphorylation, DNA transcription activity, and G1/S conversion. Conclusions This study showed that the expression of ERK1/2, PKA, and PKB increased when BEAS‐2B cells were treated with PDGF‐BB, suggesting that ERK1/2, PKA, and PKB might be involved in the binding of AKAP95 with cyclin E, or the separation of AKAP95 from Cx43 from cyclin E1/E2. The specific mechanism underlying this process still needs further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renzhen Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yu Chen
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yangyang Yuan
- Henan provincial Clinical Research Center for Perinatal Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xuan Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qian Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Hongyan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiaoyi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Mingda Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zifeng Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Youliang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Dongbei Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yongxing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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Abstract
The eutherian connexins were characterized as protein constituents of gap junctions implicated in cell-cell communications between adjoining cells in multiple cell types, regulation of major physiological processes and disease pathogeneses. However, conventional connexin gene and protein classifications could be regarded as unsuitable in descriptions of comprehensive eutherian connexin gene data sets, due to ambiguities and inconsistencies in connexin gene and protein nomenclatures. Using eutherian comparative genomic analysis protocol and 35 public eutherian reference genomic sequence data sets, the present analysis attempted to update and revise comprehensive eutherian connexin gene data sets, and address and resolve major discrepancies in their descriptions. Among 631 potential coding sequences, the tests of reliability of eutherian public genomic sequences annotated, in aggregate, 349 connexin complete coding sequences. The most comprehensive curated eutherian connexin gene data set described 21 major gene clusters, 4 of which included evidence of differential gene expansions. For example, the present gene annotations initially described human CXNK1 gene and annotated 22 human connexin genes. Phylogenetic tree calculations and calculations of pairwise nucleotide sequence identity patterns proposed revised and updated phylogenetic classification of eutherian connexin genes. Therefore, the present study integrating gene annotations, phylogenetic analysis and protein molecular evolution analysis proposed new nomenclature of eutherian connexin genes and proteins.
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Wang QH, Zhang S, Qin LM, Zhang WJ, Liu FH, Xu JQ, Ma YF, Teng KD. Yimu San improves obstetric ability of pregnant mice by increasing serum oxytocin levels and connexin 43 expression in uterine smooth muscle. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2017; 18:986-993. [PMID: 29119736 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1600289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged farrowing remains one of the critical challenges in intensive pig farming. This study aims to explore the effects and mechanism of Yimu San (YMS), a Chinese veterinary medicine micro mist, on delivery ability with mouse models. Thirty-two pregnant mice were randomly divided into a control group and low-YMS, med-YMS, and high-YMS groups. The labor process time and stillbirth rate were recorded, the levels of serum oxytocin and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) were measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Contractility measurements of the isolated uterus and the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in uterine smooth muscle were evaluated. The results showed that compared with the control group, the birth process time and stillbirth rate in the med-YMS and high-YMS groups were remarkably lower. The in vitro uterine contractions, levels of oxytocin, PGE2, and Cx43 in the med-YMS and high-YMS groups were significantly higher than those in the control group. The differences of the above measurements between the low-YMS group and the control group were not obvious. It can be speculated that YMS could significantly promote labor in pregnant mice by enhancing the levels of oxytocin, Cx43, and PGE2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi-Huan Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Li-Meng Qin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Feng-Hua Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Beijing University of Agriculture, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Jian-Qin Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yun-Fei Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Ke-Dao Teng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
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Flores AF, Varela-Vazquez A, Mayan MD, Fonseca E. Expression of connexin 43 in the human hair follicle: emphasis on the connexin 43 protein levels in the bulge and through the keratinization process. J Cutan Pathol 2017; 45:8-15. [DOI: 10.1111/cup.13050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Angel Fernandez Flores
- Department of Cellular Pathology; Hospital El Bierzo; Ponferrada Spain
- Department of Cellular Pathology; Hospital de la Reina; Ponferrada Spain
- CellCOM-SB Group, Institute for Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC); University of A Coruña (UDC); A Coruña Spain
| | - Adrian Varela-Vazquez
- CellCOM-SB Group, Institute for Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC); University of A Coruña (UDC); A Coruña Spain
| | - Maria D. Mayan
- CellCOM-SB Group, Institute for Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC); University of A Coruña (UDC); A Coruña Spain
| | - Eduardo Fonseca
- CellCOM-SB Group, Institute for Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC); University of A Coruña (UDC); A Coruña Spain
- Department of Dermatology; University Hospital of A Coruña; A Coruña Spain
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Abstract
Connexins and pannexins share very similar structures and functions; they also exhibit overlapping expression in many stages of neuronal development. Here, we review evidence implicating connexin- and pannexin-mediated communication in the regulation of the birth and development of neurons, specifically Cx26, Cx30, Cx32, Cx36, Cx43, Cx45, Panx1, and Panx2. We begin by dissecting the involvement of these proteins in the generation and development of new neurons in the embryonic, postnatal, and adult brain. Next we briefly outline common mechanisms employed by both pannexins and connexins in these roles, including modulation of purinergic receptor signalling and signalling nexus functions. Throughout this review we highlight developing themes as well as important gaps in knowledge to be bridged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leigh Anne Swayne
- />Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Medical Sciences Building Rm 224, 3800 Finnerty Rd, Victoria, BC V8P5C2 Canada
| | - Steffany A. L. Bennett
- />Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Neural Regeneration Laboratory, Ottawa Institute of Systems Biology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
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Abstract
Gap junctions facilitate direct cytoplasmic communication between neighboring cells, facilitating the transfer of small molecular weight molecules involved in cell signaling and metabolism. Gap junction channels are formed by the joining of two hemichannels from adjacent cells, each composed of six oligomeric protein subunits called connexins. Of paramount importance to CNS homeostasis are astrocyte networks formed by gap junctions, which play a critical role in maintaining the homeostatic regulation of extracellular pH, K+, and glutamate levels. Inflammation is a hallmark of several diseases afflicting the CNS. Within the past several years, the number of publications reporting effects of cytokines and pathogenic stimuli on glial gap junction communication has increased dramatically. The purpose of this review is to discuss recent observations characterizing the consequences of inflammatory stimuli on homocellular gap junction coupling in astrocytes and microglia as well as changes in connexin expression during various CNS inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tammy Kielian
- Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA.
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Condorelli DF, Trovato-Salinaro A, Mudò G, Mirone MB, Belluardo N. Cellular expression of connexins in the rat brain: neuronal localization, effects of kainate-induced seizures and expression in apoptotic neuronal cells. Eur J Neurosci 2003; 18:1807-27. [PMID: 14622215 DOI: 10.1046/j.1460-9568.2003.02910.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The identification of connexins (Cxs) expressed in neuronal cells represents a crucial step for understanding the direct communication between neurons and between neuron and glia. In the present work, using a double-labelling method combining in situ hybridization for Cx mRNAs with immunohistochemical detection for neuronal markers, we provide evidence that, among cerebral connexins (Cx26, Cx32, Cx36, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45 and Cx47), only Cx45 and Cx36 mRNAs are localized in neuronal cells in both developing and adult rat brain. In order to establish whether connexin expression is influenced in vivo by abnormal neuronal activity, we examined the short-term effects of kainate-induced seizures. The results revealed an unexpected expression of Cx26 and Cx45 mRNA in neuronal cells undergoing apoptotic cell death in the CA3-CA4, in the hilus of the hippocampus and in other brain regions involved in seizure-induced lesion. However, the expression of Cx26 and Cx45 mRNAs was not associated with detectable expression of corresponding proteins as evaluated by immunohistochemistry with specific antibodies. Moreover, in the same brain regions Cx32 and Cx43 were up-regulated in non-neruronal cells whereas the neuronal Cx36 was down-regulated. Taken together the present results provide novel information regarding the specific subpopulation of neurons expressing Cx45 and raise the question of the meaning of connexin mRNA expression in the neuronal apoptotic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele F Condorelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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Gustincich S, Batalov S, Beisel KW, Bono H, Carninci P, Fletcher CF, Grimmond S, Hirokawa N, Jarvis ED, Jegla T, Kawasawa Y, LeMieux J, Miki H, Raviola E, Teasdale RD, Tominaga N, Yagi K, Zimmer A, Hayashizaki Y, Okazaki Y. Analysis of the mouse transcriptome for genes involved in the function of the nervous system. Genome Res 2003; 13:1395-401. [PMID: 12819138 PMCID: PMC403671 DOI: 10.1101/gr.1135303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
We analyzed the mouse Representative Transcript and Protein Set for molecules involved in brain function. We found full-length cDNAs of many known brain genes and discovered new members of known brain gene families, including Family 3 G-protein coupled receptors, voltage-gated channels, and connexins. We also identified previously unknown candidates for secreted neuroactive molecules. The existence of a large number of unique brain ESTs suggests an additional molecular complexity that remains to be explored.A list of genes containing CAG stretches in the coding region represents a first step in the potential identification of candidates for hereditary neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Gustincich
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA.
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Abstract
Gap junction channels are low resistance pathways allowing an action potential to propagate from one cell to the neighboring. Moreover, small molecules (<1000 Da) may pass the channel providing a possibility for metabolic coupling, growth and differentiation control of a cell by its surrounding. Antiarrhythmic peptides can enhance the conductivity of the channels while other peptides, angiotensin or extracellular loop peptides, reduce intercellular communication. On the other hand, peptides like angiotensin II or endothelin-1 can increase expression of certain gap junction channel proteins and, thereby, may affect intercellular coupling chronically. Thus, intercellular communication can be controlled using peptide drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Dhein
- Clinic for Cardiac Surgery, Heart Center, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany.
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Condorelli DF, Mudò G, Trovato-Salinaro A, Mirone MB, Amato G, Belluardo N. Connexin-30 mRNA is up-regulated in astrocytes and expressed in apoptotic neuronal cells of rat brain following kainate-induced seizures. Mol Cell Neurosci 2002; 21:94-113. [PMID: 12359154 DOI: 10.1006/mcne.2002.1155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial connexins (Cxs) make an extensively interconnected functional syncytium created by a network of gap junctions between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Among Cxs expressed in the brain, Cx30 is expressed in grey matter astrocytes, as shown at the protein level by immunoistochemistry. In the present study we aimed to perform a detailed study of the regional distribution of Cx30 mRNA in the adult and postnatal developing rat brain, analyzing its expression by in situ hybridization, and determining its cell type localization by double labeling. Recently, it has been suggested that neuronal activity may control the level of intercellular communication between astrocytes through gap junctions channels. Thus, a second aim of the present study was to investigate the short-term effects of kainate-induced seizures on Cx30 expression. The results showed that, in basal condition, Cx30 was expressed only in grey matter astrocytes with distinct regional patterns in developing and adult brain. Kainate treatment induced strong and region-specific changes of astroglial Cx30 mRNA levels and expression of Cx30 mRNA in neuronal cells undergoing cell death, suggesting a direct or indirect involvement of this connexin in the neuronal apoptotic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- D F Condorelli
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Section of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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