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Tauchi M, Oshita K, Urschel K, Furtmair R, Kühn C, Stumpfe FM, Botos B, Achenbach S, Dietel B. The Involvement of Cx43 in JNK1/2-Mediated Endothelial Mechanotransduction and Human Plaque Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021174. [PMID: 36674690 PMCID: PMC9863493 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Atherosclerotic lesions preferentially develop at bifurcations, characterized by non-uniform shear stress (SS). The aim of this study was to investigate SS-induced endothelial activation, focusing on stress-regulated mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and downstream signaling, and its relation to gap junction proteins, Connexins (Cxs). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to flow ("mechanical stimulation") and stimulated with TNF-α ("inflammatory stimulation"). Phosphorylated levels of MAPKs (c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1/2), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), and p38 kinase (p38K)) were quantified by flow cytometry, showing the activation of JNK1/2 and ERK. THP-1 cell adhesion under non-uniform SS was suppressed by the inhibition of JNK1/2, not of ERK. Immunofluorescence staining and quantitative real-time PCR demonstrated an induction of c-Jun and c-Fos and of Cx43 in endothelial cells by non-uniform SS, and the latter was abolished by JNK1/2 inhibition. Furthermore, plaque inflammation was analyzed in human carotid plaques (n = 40) using immunohistochemistry and quanti-gene RNA-assays, revealing elevated Cx43+ cell counts in vulnerable compared to stable plaques. Cx43+ cell burden in the plaque shoulder correlated with intraplaque neovascularization and lipid core size, while an inverse correlation was observed with fibrous cap thickness. Our results constitute the first report that JNK1/2 mediates Cx43 mechanoinduction in endothelial cells by atheroprone shear stress and that Cx43 is expressed in human carotid plaques. The correlation of Cx43+ cell counts with markers of plaque vulnerability implies its contribution to plaque progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miyuki Tauchi
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Cognitive and Molecular Research Institute of Brain Diseases, Kurume University, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Kensuke Oshita
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Kurume University, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Katharina Urschel
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Roman Furtmair
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Constanze Kühn
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Florian M. Stumpfe
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Balazs Botos
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Hospital of Nürnberg-Süd, 90471 Nürnberg, Germany
| | - Stephan Achenbach
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Dietel
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, Erlangen University Hospital, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Gingrich J, Pu Y, Upham BL, Hulse M, Pearl S, Martin D, Avery A, Veiga-Lopez A. Bisphenol S enhances gap junction intercellular communication in ovarian theca cells. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128304. [PMID: 33155548 PMCID: PMC7726030 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is necessary for ovarian function, and it is temporospatially regulated during follicular development and ovulation. At outermost layer of the antral follicle, theca cells provide structural, steroidogenic, and vascular support. Inter- and extra-thecal GJIC is required for intrafollicular trafficking of signaling molecules. Because GJIC can be altered by hormones and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), we tested if any of five common EDCs (bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and triphenyltin chloride (TPT)) can interfere with theca cell GJIC. Since most chemicals are reported to repress GJIC, we hypothesized that all chemicals tested, within environmentally relevant human exposure concentrations, will inhibit theca cell GJICs. To evaluate this hypothesis, we used a scrape loading/dye transfer assay. BPS, but no other chemical tested, enhanced GJIC in a dose- and time-dependent manner in ovine primary theca cells. A signal-protein inhibitor approach was used to explore the GJIC-modulatory pathways involved. Phospholipase C and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors significantly attenuated BPS-induced enhanced GJIC. Human theca cells were used to evaluate translational relevance of these findings. Human primary theca cells had a ∼40% increase in GJIC in response to BPS, which was attenuated with a MAPK inhibitor, suggestive of a conserved mechanism. Upregulation of GJIC could result in hyperplasia of the theca cell layer or prevent ovulation by holding the oocyte in meiotic arrest. Further studies are necessary to understand in vitro to in vivo translatability of these findings on follicle development and fertility outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Gingrich
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Yong Pu
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Brad L Upham
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Madeline Hulse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sparrow Health System, Lansing, MI, 48912, USA
| | - Sarah Pearl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sparrow Health System, Lansing, MI, 48912, USA
| | - Denny Martin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sparrow Health System, Lansing, MI, 48912, USA
| | - Anita Avery
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sparrow Health System, Lansing, MI, 48912, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Almudena Veiga-Lopez
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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Kim HJ, Kim MJ, Mostafa MN, Park JH, Choi HS, Kim YS, Choi EK. RhoA/ROCK Regulates Prion Pathogenesis by Controlling Connexin 43 Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041255. [PMID: 32070020 PMCID: PMC7072953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrapie infection, which converts cellular prion protein (PrPC) into the pathological and infectious isoform (PrPSc), leads to neuronal cell death, glial cell activation and PrPSc accumulation. Previous studies reported that PrPC regulates RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) signaling and that connexin 43 (Cx43) expression is upregulated in in vitro and in vivo prion-infected models. However, whether there is a link between RhoA/ROCK and Cx43 in prion disease pathogenesis is uncertain. Here, we investigated the role of RhoA/ROCK signaling and Cx43 in prion diseases using in vitro and in vivo models. Scrapie infection induced RhoA activation, accompanied by increased phosphorylation of LIM kinase 1/2 (LIMK1/2) at Thr508/Thr505 and cofilin at Ser3 and reduced phosphorylation of RhoA at Ser188 in hippocampal neuronal cells and brains of mice. Scrapie infection-induced RhoA activation also resulted in PrPSc accumulation followed by a reduction in the interaction between RhoA and p190RhoGAP (a GTPase-activating protein). Interestingly, scrapie infection significantly enhanced the interaction between RhoA and Cx43. Moreover, RhoA and Cx43 colocalization was more visible in both the membrane and cytoplasm of scrapie-infected hippocampal neuronal cells than in controls. Finally, RhoA and ROCK inhibition reduced PrPSc accumulation and the RhoA/Cx43 interaction, leading to decreased Cx43 hemichannel activity in scrapie-infected hippocampal neuronal cells. These findings suggest that RhoA/ROCK regulates Cx43 activity, which may have an important role in the pathogenesis of prion disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Jun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (M.-J.K.); (M.N.M.); (J.-H.P.); (H.-S.C.); (Y.-S.K.)
| | - Mo-Jong Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (M.-J.K.); (M.N.M.); (J.-H.P.); (H.-S.C.); (Y.-S.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, Korea
| | - Mohd Najib Mostafa
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (M.-J.K.); (M.N.M.); (J.-H.P.); (H.-S.C.); (Y.-S.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Park
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (M.-J.K.); (M.N.M.); (J.-H.P.); (H.-S.C.); (Y.-S.K.)
| | - Hong-Seok Choi
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (M.-J.K.); (M.N.M.); (J.-H.P.); (H.-S.C.); (Y.-S.K.)
| | - Yong-Sun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (M.-J.K.); (M.N.M.); (J.-H.P.); (H.-S.C.); (Y.-S.K.)
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, Korea
| | - Eun-Kyoung Choi
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (M.-J.K.); (M.N.M.); (J.-H.P.); (H.-S.C.); (Y.-S.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-380-1893; Fax: +82-31-388-3427
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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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