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Luo Y, Zheng S, Xiao W, Zhang H, Li Y. Pannexins in the musculoskeletal system: new targets for development and disease progression. Bone Res 2024; 12:26. [PMID: 38705887 PMCID: PMC11070431 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-024-00334-8] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
During cell differentiation, growth, and development, cells can respond to extracellular stimuli through communication channels. Pannexin (Panx) family and connexin (Cx) family are two important types of channel-forming proteins. Panx family contains three members (Panx1-3) and is expressed widely in bone, cartilage and muscle. Although there is no sequence homology between Panx family and Cx family, they exhibit similar configurations and functions. Similar to Cxs, the key roles of Panxs in the maintenance of physiological functions of the musculoskeletal system and disease progression were gradually revealed later. Here, we seek to elucidate the structure of Panxs and their roles in regulating processes such as osteogenesis, chondrogenesis, and muscle growth. We also focus on the comparison between Cx and Panx. As a new key target, Panxs expression imbalance and dysfunction in muscle and the therapeutic potentials of Panxs in joint diseases are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Luo
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xiangya Medicine School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Shengyuan Zheng
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xiangya Medicine School, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Wenfeng Xiao
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
| | - Hang Zhang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518055, China.
| | - Yusheng Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
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2
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Freeman E, Langlois S, Leyba MF, Ammar T, Léger Z, McMillan HJ, Renaud JM, Jasmin BJ, Cowan KN. Pannexin 1 dysregulation in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and its exacerbation of dystrophic features in mdx mice. Skelet Muscle 2024; 14:8. [PMID: 38671506 PMCID: PMC11046831 DOI: 10.1186/s13395-024-00340-8] [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: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is associated with impaired muscle regeneration, progressive muscle weakness, damage, and wasting. While the cause of DMD is an X-linked loss of function mutation in the gene encoding dystrophin, the exact mechanisms that perpetuate the disease progression are unknown. Our laboratory has demonstrated that pannexin 1 (Panx1 in rodents; PANX1 in humans) is critical for the development, strength, and regeneration of male skeletal muscle. In normal skeletal muscle, Panx1 is part of a multiprotein complex with dystrophin. We and others have previously shown that Panx1 levels and channel activity are dysregulated in various mouse models of DMD. METHODS We utilized myoblast cell lines derived from DMD patients to assess PANX1 expression and function. To investigate how Panx1 dysregulation contributes to DMD, we generated a dystrophic (mdx) mouse model that lacks Panx1 (Panx1-/-/mdx). In depth characterization of this model included histological analysis, as well as locomotor, and physiological tests such as muscle force and grip strength assessments. RESULTS Here, we demonstrate that PANX1 levels and channel function are reduced in patient-derived DMD myoblast cell lines. Panx1-/-/mdx mice have a significantly reduced lifespan, and decreased body weight due to lean mass loss. Their tibialis anterior were more affected than their soleus muscles and displayed reduced mass, myofiber loss, increased centrally nucleated myofibers, and a lower number of muscle stem cells compared to that of Panx1+/+/mdx mice. These detrimental effects were associated with muscle and locomotor functional impairments. In vitro, PANX1 overexpression in patient-derived DMD myoblasts improved their differentiation and fusion. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our findings suggest that PANX1/Panx1 dysregulation in DMD exacerbates several aspects of the disease. Moreover, our results suggest a potential therapeutic benefit to increasing PANX1 levels in dystrophic muscles.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/genetics
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/metabolism
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/pathology
- Muscular Dystrophy, Duchenne/physiopathology
- Connexins/genetics
- Connexins/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred mdx
- Muscle, Skeletal/metabolism
- Muscle, Skeletal/pathology
- Muscle, Skeletal/physiopathology
- Male
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Humans
- Mice
- Myoblasts/metabolism
- Cell Line
- Muscle Strength
- Disease Models, Animal
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Freeman
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Pediatric General Surgery, 401 Smyth Rd, Room 3360, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Langlois
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Ottawa, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Pediatric General Surgery, 401 Smyth Rd, Room 3360, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Marcos F Leyba
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Ottawa, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Pediatric General Surgery, 401 Smyth Rd, Room 3360, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Tarek Ammar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Zacharie Léger
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Pediatric General Surgery, 401 Smyth Rd, Room 3360, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Hugh J McMillan
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Pediatric General Surgery, 401 Smyth Rd, Room 3360, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada
| | - Jean-Marc Renaud
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Bernard J Jasmin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kyle N Cowan
- Department of Surgery, Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Ottawa, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Pediatric General Surgery, 401 Smyth Rd, Room 3360, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8L1, Canada.
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Badaoui M, Chanson M. Intercellular Communication in Airway Epithelial Cell Regeneration: Potential Roles of Connexins and Pannexins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16160. [PMID: 38003349 PMCID: PMC10671439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216160] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins and pannexins are transmembrane proteins that can form direct (gap junctions) or indirect (connexons, pannexons) intercellular communication channels. By propagating ions, metabolites, sugars, nucleotides, miRNAs, and/or second messengers, they participate in a variety of physiological functions, such as tissue homeostasis and host defense. There is solid evidence supporting a role for intercellular signaling in various pulmonary inflammatory diseases where alteration of connexin/pannexin channel functional expression occurs, thus leading to abnormal intercellular communication pathways and contributing to pathophysiological aspects, such as innate immune defense and remodeling. The integrity of the airway epithelium, which is the first line of defense against invading microbes, is established and maintained by a repair mechanism that involves processes such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Here, we briefly summarize current knowledge on the contribution of connexins and pannexins to necessary processes of tissue repair and speculate on their possible involvement in the shaping of the airway epithelium integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc Chanson
- Department of Cell Physiology & Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
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Van Campenhout R, Caufriez A, Tabernilla A, Maerten A, De Boever S, Sanz-Serrano J, Kadam P, Vinken M. Pannexin1 channels in the liver: an open enemy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1220405. [PMID: 37492223 PMCID: PMC10363690 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1220405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Pannexin1 proteins form communication channels at the cell plasma membrane surface, which allow the transfer of small molecules and ions between the intracellular compartment and extracellular environment. In this way, pannexin1 channels play an important role in various cellular processes and diseases. Indeed, a plethora of human pathologies is associated with the activation of pannexin1 channels. The present paper reviews and summarizes the structure, life cycle, regulation and (patho)physiological roles of pannexin1 channels, with a particular focus on the relevance of pannexin1 channels in liver diseases.
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Wakefield B, Penuela S. Potential Implications of Exercise Training on Pannexin Expression and Function. J Vasc Res 2022; 60:114-124. [PMID: 36366809 DOI: 10.1159/000527240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Pannexins (PANX1, 2, 3) are channel-forming glycoproteins that are expressed throughout the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal system. The canonical function of these proteins is to release nucleotides that act as purinergic signalling at the cell membrane or Ca2+ channels at the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. These two forms of signalling are essential for autocrine and paracrine signalling in health, and alterations in this signalling have been implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases. Many musculoskeletal and cardiovascular diseases are largely the result of a lack of physical activity which causes altered gene expression. Considering exercise training has been shown to alter a wide array of gene expression in musculoskeletal tissues, understanding the interaction between exercise training, gene function and expression in relevant diseases is warranted. With regards to pannexins, multiple publications have shown that exercise training can influence pannexin expression and may influence the significance of its function in certain diseases. This review further discusses the potential interaction between exercise training and pannexin biology in relevant tissues and disease models. We propose that exercise training in relevant animal and human models will provide a more comprehensive understanding of the implications of pannexin biology in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brent Wakefield
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Western's Bone and Joint Institute, The Dr. Sandy Kirkley Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Silvia Penuela
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- Western's Bone and Joint Institute, The Dr. Sandy Kirkley Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, University Hospital, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Division of Experimental Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Rusiecka OM, Tournier M, Molica F, Kwak BR. Pannexin1 channels-a potential therapeutic target in inflammation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1020826. [PMID: 36438559 PMCID: PMC9682086 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1020826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
An exaggerated inflammatory response is the hallmark of a plethora of disorders. ATP is a central signaling molecule that orchestrates the initiation and resolution of the inflammatory response by enhancing activation of the inflammasome, leukocyte recruitment and activation of T cells. ATP can be released from cells through pannexin (Panx) channels, a family of glycoproteins consisting of three members, Panx1, Panx2, and Panx3. Panx1 is ubiquitously expressed and forms heptameric channels in the plasma membrane mediating paracrine and autocrine signaling. Besides their involvement in the inflammatory response, Panx1 channels have been shown to contribute to different modes of cell death (i.e., pyroptosis, necrosis and apoptosis). Both genetic ablation and pharmacological inhibition of Panx1 channels decrease inflammation in vivo and contribute to a better outcome in several animal models of inflammatory disease involving various organs, including the brain, lung, kidney and heart. Up to date, several molecules have been identified to inhibit Panx1 channels, for instance probenecid (Pbn), mefloquine (Mfq), flufenamic acid (FFA), carbenoxolone (Cbx) or mimetic peptides like 10Panx1. Unfortunately, the vast majority of these compounds lack specificity and/or serum stability, which limits their application. The recent availability of detailed structural information on the Panx1 channel from cryo-electron microscopy studies may open up innovative approaches to acquire new classes of synthetic Panx1 channel blockers with high target specificity. Selective inhibition of Panx1 channels may not only limit acute inflammatory responses but may also prove useful in chronic inflammatory diseases, thereby improving human health. Here, we reviewed the current knowledge on the role of Panx1 in the initiation and resolution of the inflammatory response, we summarized the effects of Panx1 inhibition in inflammatory pathologies and recapitulate current Panx1 channel pharmacology with an outlook towards future approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga M. Rusiecka
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Centre for Inflammation Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Malaury Tournier
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Centre for Inflammation Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Filippo Molica
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Centre for Inflammation Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Brenda R. Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Geneva Centre for Inflammation Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Freeman E, Langlois S, Scott K, Ravel-Chapuis A, Jasmin BJ, Cowan KN. Sex-dependent role of Pannexin 1 in regulating skeletal muscle and satellite cell function. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3944-3959. [PMID: 35938715 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The development and regeneration of skeletal muscle are mediated by satellite cells (SCs), which ensure the efficient formation of myofibers while repopulating the niche that allows muscle repair following injuries. Pannexin 1 (Panx1) channels are expressed in SCs and their levels increase during differentiation in vitro, as well as during skeletal muscle development and regeneration in vivo. Panx1 has recently been shown to regulate muscle regeneration by promoting bleb-based myoblast migration and fusion. While skeletal muscle is largely influenced in a sex-specific way, the sex-dependent roles of Panx1 in regulating skeletal muscle and SC function remain to be investigated. Here, using global Panx1 knockout (KO) mice, we demonstrate that Panx1 loss reduces muscle fiber size and strength, decreases SC number, and alters early SC differentiation and myoblast fusion in male, but not in female mice. Interestingly, while both male and female Panx1 KO mice display an increase in the number of regenerating fibers following acute injury, the newly formed fibers in male Panx1 KO mice are smaller. Overall, our results demonstrate that Panx1 plays a significant role in regulating muscle development, regeneration, and SC number and function in male mice and reveal distinct sex-dependent functions of Panx1 in skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Freeman
- Molecular Biomedicine Program, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stéphanie Langlois
- Molecular Biomedicine Program, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaylee Scott
- Molecular Biomedicine Program, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aymeric Ravel-Chapuis
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bernard J Jasmin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Neuromuscular Disease, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kyle N Cowan
- Molecular Biomedicine Program, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Quercetin induces pannexin 1 expression via an alternative transcript with a translationally active 5' leader in rhabdomyosarcoma. Oncogenesis 2022; 11:9. [PMID: 35194046 PMCID: PMC8864035 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-022-00384-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is a deadly cancer of skeletal muscle origin. Pannexin 1 (PANX1) is down-regulated in RMS and increasing its levels drastically inhibits RMS progression. PANX1 upregulation thus represents a prospective new treatment strategy for this malignancy. However, the mechanisms regulating PANX1 expression, in RMS and other contexts, remain largely unknown. Here we show that both RMS and normal skeletal muscle express a comparable amount of PANX1 mRNAs, but surprisingly the canonical 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR) or 5′ leader of the transcript is completely lost in RMS. We uncover that quercetin, a natural plant flavonoid, increases PANX1 protein levels in RMS by inducing re-expression of a 5′ leader-containing PANX1 transcript variant that is efficiently translated. This particular PANX1 mRNA variant is also present in differentiated human skeletal muscle myoblasts (HSMM) that highly express PANX1. Mechanistically, abolishing ETV4 transcription factor binding sites in the PANX1 promoter significantly reduced the luciferase reporter activities and PANX1 5′ UTR levels, and both quercetin treatment in RMS cells and induction of differentiation in HSMM enriched the binding of ETV4 to its consensus element in the PANX1 promoter. Notably, quercetin treatment promoted RMS differentiation in a PANX1-dependent manner. Further showing its therapeutic potential, quercetin treatment prevented RMS in vitro tumor formation while inducing complete regression of established spheroids. Collectively, our results demonstrate the tumor-suppressive effects of quercetin in RMS and present a hitherto undescribed mechanism of PANX1 regulation via ETV4-mediated transcription of a translationally functional 5′ leader-containing PANX1 mRNA.
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