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Pun R, Cavanaugh AM, Aldrich E, Tran O, Rudd JC, Hansen LA, North BJ. PKCμ promotes keratinocyte cell migration through Cx43 phosphorylation-mediated suppression of intercellular communication. iScience 2024; 27:109033. [PMID: 38375220 PMCID: PMC10875573 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109033] [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: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Downregulation of intercellular communication through suppression of gap junctional conductance is necessary during wound healing. Connexin 43 (Cx43), a prominent gap junction protein in skin, is downregulated following wounding to restrict communication between keratinocytes. Previous studies found that PKCμ, a novel PKC isozyme, regulates efficient cutaneous wound healing. However, the molecular mechanism by which PKCμ regulates wound healing remains unknown. We have identified that PKCμ suppresses intercellular communication and enhances cell migration in an in vitro wound healing model by regulating Cx43 containing gap junctions. PKCμ can directly interact with and phosphorylate Cx43 at S368, which leads to Cx43 internalization and downregulation. Finally, utilizing phosphomimetic and non-phosphorylatable S368 substitutions and gap junction inhibitors, we confirmed that PKCμ regulates intercellular communication and in vitro wound healing by controlling Cx43-S368 phosphorylation. These results define PKCμ as a critical regulator of Cx43 phosphorylation to control cell migration and wound healing in keratinocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renju Pun
- Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | - Ann M. Cavanaugh
- Department of Biology, College of Arts and Sciences, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | - Emily Aldrich
- Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | - Olivia Tran
- Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | - Justin C. Rudd
- Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | - Laura A. Hansen
- Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
| | - Brian J. North
- Biomedical Sciences Department, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE 68178, USA
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Xiong X, Chen W, Chen C, Wu Q, He C. Analysis of the function and therapeutic strategy of connexin 43 from its subcellular localization. Biochimie 2024; 218:1-7. [PMID: 37611889 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2023.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) are a family of transmembrane proteins located in the plasma membrane of human cells, among which connexin 43 (Cx43) is abundantly expressed in various types of human cells. Cx43, encoded by the gap junction protein alpha 1 (GJA1) gene, assembles into a hexameric structure in the Golgi apparatus and translocates to the plasma membrane to form hemichannels (Hcs), which pair with those of the cells in contact with each other and form gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC). The role of Cx43 as a connexin localized at the plasma membrane to perform channel functions is well recognized in previous studies, but recent studies have found that it can also be localized in the nucleus, mitochondria, or present in extracellular vesicles (EVs) and tunneling nanotubes (TNTs). Cx43 in the nucleus is involved in gene transcription regulation, cytoskeleton formation, cell migration and adhesion. Cx43 in mitochondria is involved in mitochondrial respiration-related functions, and Cx43 in extracellular vesicles and tunneling nanotubes is involved in distant cellular information exchange. It is because of the diverse distribution of subcellular localization of Cx43 that it is possible to explore the corresponding functions by analyzing its localization. In this review, we summarize the important roles of Cx43 in disease development from the perspective of subcellular localization, and provide new ideas for Cx43 as a therapeutic target and the search for related pathological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinhai Xiong
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410003, China
| | - Wenjie Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410003, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410003, China; 926 Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, Kaiyuan, Yunnan, 661600, China.
| | - Qi Wu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, 410003, China
| | - Chaopeng He
- The Second Xiangya Hospital, Changsha, Hunan, 410011, China
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Costa E, Thrasivoulou C, Becker DL, Deprest JA, David AL, Chowdhury TT. Cx43 regulates mechanotransduction mechanisms in human preterm amniotic membrane defects. Prenat Diagn 2023; 43:1284-1295. [PMID: 37649228 DOI: 10.1002/pd.6429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The effects of mechanical stimulation in preterm amniotic membrane (AM) defects were explored. METHODS Preterm AM was collected from women undergoing planned preterm caesarean section (CS) due to fetal growth restriction or emergency CS after spontaneous preterm prelabour rupture of the membranes (sPPROM). AM explants near the cervix or placenta were subjected to trauma and/or mechanical stimulation with the Cx43 antisense. Markers for nuclear morphology (DAPI), myofibroblasts (αSMA), migration (Cx43), inflammation (PGE2 ) and repair (collagen, elastin and transforming growth factor β [TGFβ1 ]) were examined by confocal microscopy, second harmonic generation, qPCR and biochemical assays. RESULTS In preterm AM defects, myofibroblast nuclei were highly deformed and contractile and expressed αSMA and Cx43. Mechanical stimulation increased collagen fibre polarisation and the effects on matrix markers were dependent on tissue region, disease state, gestational age and the number of fetuses. PGE2 levels were broadly similar but reduced after co-treatment with Cx43 antisense in late sPPROM AM defects. TGFβ1 and Cx43 gene expression were significantly increased after trauma and mechanical stimulation but this response dependent on gestational age. CONCLUSION Mechanical stimulation affects Cx43 signalling and cell/collagen mechanics in preterm AM defects. Establishing how Cx43 regulates mechanosignalling could be an approach to repair tissue integrity after trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Costa
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - David L Becker
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jan A Deprest
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, Medical School Building, London, UK
| | - Anna L David
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Institute for Women's Health, University College London, Medical School Building, London, UK
| | - Tina T Chowdhury
- Centre for Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Xu C, Zhong W, Zhang H, Jiang J, Zhou H. Gap26 inhibited angiogenesis through the β-catenin-VE-cadherin-VEGFR2-Erk signaling pathway. Life Sci 2023:121836. [PMID: 37295713 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121836] [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: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the effect of connexin 43 (Cx43) on corneal neovascularization and its regulation of VEGFR2 on vascular endothelial cells. METHODS In vivo, we used mouse corneal suture model to induce corneal neovascularization and discovered the function of gap26 in corneal neovascularization. In vitro, the effect of gap26 on HUVEC was observed by cell proliferation, tube formation and scratch experiments. WB and PCR detected the changes in angiogenic protein and mRNA expression. Knockdown of key mRNA in neovascularization using siRNA confirmed that Cx43 regulates neovascularization through the β-catenin-VE-cadherin-VEGFR2-Erk signaling pathway. RESULTS In vivo, gap26 can reduce mouse corneal neovascularization. In vitro, we show that Cx43 expression is increased in the presence of VEGFA stimulation, and when we use gap26 to inhibit Cx43 can reduce vascular endothelial cell proliferation, tube formation and migration. We found that the expression of pVEGFR2 and pErk increased in response to VEGFA, while they decreased after using gap26. And the expression of β-catenin and VE-cadherin decreased in response to VEGFA, while they increased after using gap26. Furthermore, we found that Cx43 regulates angiogenesis through the β-catenin-VE-cadherin-VEGFR2-Erk pathway. CONCLUSIONS Gap26 can downregulate VEGFR2 phosphorylation by stabilizing the expression of β-catenin and VE-cadherin on the cell membrane, thereby inhibiting VEGFA-induced HUVECs proliferation, migration and tube formation and inhibiting corneal neovascularization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuyang Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Wei Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jinlan Jiang
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
| | - Hongyan Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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Kiełbowski K, Bakinowska E, Pawlik A. The Potential Role of Connexins in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032600. [PMID: 36768920 PMCID: PMC9916887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) are members of a protein family which enable extracellular and intercellular communication through hemichannels and gap junctions (GJ), respectively. Cx take part in transporting important cell-cell messengers such as 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), among others. Therefore, they play a significant role in regulating cell homeostasis, proliferation, and differentiation. Alterations in Cx distribution, degradation, and post-translational modifications have been correlated with cancers, as well as cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Depending on the isoform, Cx have been shown either to promote or suppress the development of atherosclerosis, a progressive inflammatory disease affecting large and medium-sized arteries. Cx might contribute to the progression of the disease by enhancing endothelial dysfunction, monocyte recruitment, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation, or by inhibiting VSMC autophagy. Inhibition or modulation of the expression of specific isoforms could suppress atherosclerotic plaque formation and diminish pro-inflammatory conditions. A better understanding of the complexity of atherosclerosis pathophysiology linked with Cx could result in developing novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to present the role of Cx in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and discusses whether they can become novel therapeutic targets.
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Zhou Z, Chai W, Liu Y, Zhou M, Zhang X. Connexins and angiogenesis: Functional aspects, pathogenesis, and emerging therapies (Review). Int J Mol Med 2022; 50:110. [PMID: 35762312 PMCID: PMC9256078 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) play key roles in cellular communication. By facilitating metabolite exchange or interfering with distinct signaling pathways, Cxs affect cell homeostasis, proliferation, and differentiation. Variations in the activity and expression of Cxs have been linked to numerous clinical conditions including carcinomas, cardiac disorders, and wound healing. Recent discoveries on the association between Cxs and angiogenesis have sparked interest in Cx-mediated angiogenesis due to its essential functions in tissue formation, wound repair, tumor growth, and metastasis. It is now widely recognized that understanding the association between Cxs and angiogenesis may aid in the development of new targeted therapies for angiogenic diseases. The aim of the present review was to provide a comprehensive overview of Cxs and Cx-mediated angiogenesis, with a focus on therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizi Zhou
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Wenxiang Chai
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Meng Zhou
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoming Zhang
- Department of Cardio‑Thoracic Surgery, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, P.R. China
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权 会, 徐 卫, 祁 宇, 李 清, 周 辉, 黄 婧. [Inhibition connexin 43 by mimetic peptide Gap27 mediates protective effects on 6-hydroxydopamine induced Parkinson's disease mouse model]. BEIJING DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY. HEALTH SCIENCES 2022; 54:421-426. [PMID: 35701117 PMCID: PMC9197703 DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167x.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore whether the using of mimetic peptide Gap27, a selective inhibitor of connexin 43 (Cx43), could block the death of dopamine neurons and influence the expression of Cx43 in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced Parkinson's disease mouse models. METHODS Eighteen C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, 6-OHDA group and 6-OHDA+Gap27 group, with 6 mice in each group. Bilateral substantia nigra stereotactic injection was performed. The control group was injected with ascorbate solution, 6-OHDA group was injected with 6-OHDA solution, and 6-OHDA+Gap27 group was injected with 6-OHDA and Gap27 mixed solution. Immuno-histochemical staining was used to detect the number of dopamine neurons, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of Cx43 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), immuno-fluorescence staining was used to detect the distribution of Cx43 protein, the contents of Cx43 protein and Cx43 phosphorylation at serine 368 (Cx43-ps368) in mouse midbrain were detected by Western blot. RESULTS After injection of 6-OHDA, numerous dopamine neurons in substantia nigra died as Cx43 content increased, Cx43-ps368 content decreased. Mixing Gap27 while injecting 6-OHDA could reduce the number of death dopamine neurons and weaken the changes of Cx43 and Cx43-ps368 content caused by 6-OHDA. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactive positive neurons in 6-OHDA group decreased to 27.7% ± 0.02% of the control group (P < 0.01); The number of TH immunoreactive positive neurons in 6-OHDA+Gap27 group was (1.64±0.16) times higher than that in 6-OHDA group (P < 0.05); The content of total Cx43 protein in 6-OHDA group was (1.44±0.07) times higher than that in 6-OHDA+Gap27 group (P < 0.05) while (1.68±0.07) times higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). In 6-OHDA group, the content of Cx43-ps368 protein and its proportion in total Cx43 protein were significantly lower than that in 6-OHDA+Gap27 group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION In 6-OHDA mouse models, mimetic peptide Gap27 played a protective role in reducing the damage to substantia nigra dopamine neurons, which was induced by 6-OHDA. The overexpression of Cx43 protein might have neurotoxicity to dopamine neuron. Meanwhile, decreasing Cx43 protein level and keeping Cx43-ps368 protein level may be the protective mechanisms of Gap27.
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Affiliation(s)
- 会会 权
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 卫星 徐
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 宇泽 祁
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 清如 李
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 辉 周
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 婧 黄
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
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Human Amniotic Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Fibroblasts Accelerate Wound Repair of Cystic Fibrosis Epithelium. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050756. [PMID: 35629422 PMCID: PMC9144497 DOI: 10.3390/life12050756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) airways are affected by a deranged repair of the damaged epithelium resulting in altered regeneration and differentiation. Previously, we showed that human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) corrected base defects of CF airway epithelial cells via connexin (CX)43-intercellular gap junction formation. In this scenario, it is unknown whether hAMSCs, or fibroblasts sharing some common characteristics with MSCs, can operate a faster repair of a damaged airway epithelium. A tip-based scratch assay was employed to study wound repair in monolayers of CFBE14o- cells (CFBE, homozygous for the F508del mutation). hAMSCs were either co-cultured with CFBE cells before the wound or added to the wounded monolayers. NIH-3T3 fibroblasts (CX43+) were added to wounded cells. HeLa cells (CX43-) were used as controls. γ-irradiation was optimized to block CFBE cell proliferation. A specific siRNA was employed to downregulate CX43 expression in CFBE cells. CFBE cells showed a delayed repair as compared with wt-CFTR cells (16HBE41o-). hAMSCs enhanced the wound repair rate of wounded CFBE cell monolayers, especially when added post wounding. hAMSCs and NIH-3T3 fibroblasts, but not HeLa cells, increased wound closure of irradiated CFBE monolayers. CX43 downregulation accelerated CFBE wound repair rate without affecting cell proliferation. We conclude that hAMSCs and fibroblasts enhance the repair of a wounded CF airway epithelium, likely through a CX43-mediated mechanism mainly involving cell migration.
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Homo Sapiens (Hsa)-microRNA (miR)-6727-5p Contributes to the Impact of High-Density Lipoproteins on Fibroblast Wound Healing In Vitro. MEMBRANES 2022; 12:membranes12020154. [PMID: 35207076 PMCID: PMC8876102 DOI: 10.3390/membranes12020154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Chronic, non-healing wounds are a significant cause of global morbidity and mortality, and strategies to improve delayed wound closure represent an unmet clinical need. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) can enhance wound healing, but exploitation of this finding is challenging due to the complexity and instability of these heterogeneous lipoproteins. The responsiveness of primary human neonatal keratinocytes, and neonatal and human dermal fibroblasts (HDF) to HDL was confirmed by cholesterol efflux, but promotion of ‘scrape’ wound healing occurred only in primary human neonatal (HDFn) and adult fibroblasts (HDFa). Treatment of human fibroblasts with HDL induced multiple changes in the expression of small non-coding microRNA sequences, determined by microchip array, including hsa-miR-6727-5p. Intriguingly, levels of hsa-miR-6727-5p increased in HDFn, but decreased in HDFa, after exposure to HDL. Delivery of a hsa-miR-6727-5p mimic elicited repression of different target genes in HDFn (ZNF584) and HDFa (EDEM3, KRAS), and promoted wound closure in HDFn. By contrast, a hsa-miR-6727-5p inhibitor promoted wound closure in HDFa. We conclude that HDL treatment exerts distinct effects on the expression of hsa-miR-6727-5p in neonatal and adult fibroblasts, and that this is a sequence which plays differential roles in wound healing in these cell types, but cannot replicate the myriad effects of HDL.
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Cliff CL, Williams BM, Chadjichristos CE, Mouritzen U, Squires PE, Hills CE. Connexin 43: A Target for the Treatment of Inflammation in Secondary Complications of the Kidney and Eye in Diabetes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:600. [PMID: 35054783 PMCID: PMC8776095 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Of increasing prevalence, diabetes is characterised by elevated blood glucose and chronic inflammation that precedes the onset of multiple secondary complications, including those of the kidney and the eye. As the leading cause of end stage renal disease and blindness in the working population, more than ever is there a demand to develop clinical interventions which can both delay and prevent disease progression. Connexins are membrane bound proteins that can form pores (hemichannels) in the cell membrane. Gated by cellular stress and injury, they open under pathophysiological conditions and in doing so release 'danger signals' including adenosine triphosphate into the extracellular environment. Linked to sterile inflammation via activation of the nod-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, targeting aberrant hemichannel activity and the release of these danger signals has met with favourable outcomes in multiple models of disease, including secondary complications of diabetes. In this review, we provide a comprehensive update on those studies which document a role for aberrant connexin hemichannel activity in the pathogenesis of both diabetic eye and kidney disease, ahead of evaluating the efficacy of blocking connexin-43 specific hemichannels in these target tissues on tissue health and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsy L. Cliff
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
| | - Bethany M. Williams
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
| | - Christos E. Chadjichristos
- National Institutes for Health and Medical Research, UMR-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, 4 Rue de la Chine, 75020 Paris, France;
| | - Ulrik Mouritzen
- Ciana Therapeutics, Ole Maaloes Vej 3, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark;
| | - Paul E. Squires
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
| | - Claire E. Hills
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life, Sciences University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7DL, UK; (C.L.C.); (B.M.W.); (P.E.S.)
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Tran RDH, Morris TA, Gonzalez D, Hetta AHSHA, Grosberg A. Quantitative Evaluation of Cardiac Cell Interactions and Responses to Cyclic Strain. Cells 2021; 10:3199. [PMID: 34831422 PMCID: PMC8625419 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The heart has a dynamic mechanical environment contributed by its unique cellular composition and the resultant complex tissue structure. In pathological heart tissue, both the mechanics and cell composition can change and influence each other. As a result, the interplay between the cell phenotype and mechanical stimulation needs to be considered to understand the biophysical cell interactions and organization in healthy and diseased myocardium. In this work, we hypothesized that the overall tissue organization is controlled by varying densities of cardiomyocytes and fibroblasts in the heart. In order to test this hypothesis, we utilized a combination of mechanical strain, co-cultures of different cell types, and inhibitory drugs that block intercellular junction formation. To accomplish this, an image analysis pipeline was developed to automatically measure cell type-specific organization relative to the stretch direction. The results indicated that cardiac cell type-specific densities influence the overall organization of heart tissue such that it is possible to model healthy and fibrotic heart tissue in vitro. This study provides insight into how to mimic the dynamic mechanical environment of the heart in engineered tissue as well as providing valuable information about the process of cardiac remodeling and repair in diseased hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Duc Hien Tran
- Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617-2700, USA; (R.D.H.T.); (T.A.M.); (D.G.); (A.H.S.H.A.H.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Tessa Altair Morris
- Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617-2700, USA; (R.D.H.T.); (T.A.M.); (D.G.); (A.H.S.H.A.H.)
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Daniela Gonzalez
- Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617-2700, USA; (R.D.H.T.); (T.A.M.); (D.G.); (A.H.S.H.A.H.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Ali Hatem Salaheldin Hassan Ahmed Hetta
- Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617-2700, USA; (R.D.H.T.); (T.A.M.); (D.G.); (A.H.S.H.A.H.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
| | - Anna Grosberg
- Edwards Lifesciences Center for Advanced Cardiovascular Technology, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617-2700, USA; (R.D.H.T.); (T.A.M.); (D.G.); (A.H.S.H.A.H.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
- Center for Complex Biological Systems, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
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Wang Y, Wang J, Hao Z, Yang H, Li Y, Tan M, Liu L, Feng S, Mei L, Qian B. Inhibition of gap junction communication between cells can induce apoptosis of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle in guinea pigs. Andrologia 2021; 54:e14287. [PMID: 34755909 DOI: 10.1111/and.14287] [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: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of gap junction (GJ) on apoptosis of smooth muscle. Forty adult male guinea pigs were randomly divided into four groups with 10 guinea pigs in each group. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) and Gap27 were injected at the root of the corpus cavernosum. Two weeks later, the corpus cavernosum tissue was taken to be tested. The expression of Cx43 and α-SMC protein was detected by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. The content of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle was detected by Masson trichrome staining. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining and Western blotting. The results showed that Gap27 did not affect Cx43 but decreased the expression of smooth muscle. The results of TUNEL staining and detection of apoptosis-related proteins showed that apoptosis was induced by Gap27. In addition, we found that corpus cavernosum injection of AAV could induce obvious apoptosis. In this study, we examined the effect of inhibition of gap junction on smooth muscle, and suggested that the decrease of gap junction function may be a potential mechanism of smooth muscle apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Wang
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Jingshen Wang
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Zhiqiang Hao
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Heng Yang
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Yongle Li
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Minghui Tan
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Lixin Liu
- The People's Hospital of Yudu county, Ganzhou, China
| | - Shiming Feng
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Liang Mei
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
| | - Biao Qian
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of the Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, China.,Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, China
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13
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Yuan D, Zou Z, Li X, Cheng N, Guo N, Sun G, Liu D. A new side-effect of sufentanil: increased monocyte-endothelial adhesion. BMC Anesthesiol 2021; 21:267. [PMID: 34732147 PMCID: PMC8565079 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-021-01487-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Opioids have been identified by the World Health Organization to be 'indispensable for the relief of pain and suffering'. Side-effects, such as nausea, vomiting, postoperative delirium, and effects on breathing, of opioids have been well investigated; however, the influence of opioids on monocyte-endothelial adherence has never been reported. Therefore, we explored the effects of representative opioids, fentanyl, sufentanil, and remifentanil, on monocyte-endothelial adherence and the underlying mechanisms. METHODS We built a cell adhesion model with U937 monocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Two kinds of connexin43 (Cx43) channel inhibitors, 18-α-GA and Gap 27, were used to alter Cx43 channel function in U937 monocytes and HUVECs, respectively, to determine the effects of Cx43 channels on U937-HUVEC adhesion. Subsequently, the effects of fentanyl, sufentanil and remifentanil on Cx43 channel function and U937-HUVEC adhesion were explored. RESULTS When fentanyl, sufentanil and remifentanil acted on monocytes or endothelial cells, their effects on monocyte-endothelial adherence differed. When acting on U937 monocytes, sufentanil significantly increased U937-HUVEC adhesion which was associated with reduced release of ATP from Cx43 channels, while fentanyl and remifentanil did not have these influences. Although sufentanil could also inhibit Cx43 channel function in HUVECs, it had no effect on ATP release from HUVECs or U937-HUVECs adhesion. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrated that sufentanil application increases monocyte-endothelial adherence which was associated with reduced release of ATP from Cx43 channels in monocytes. This side-effect of sufentanil should be considered seriously by clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The third affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen university, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Zhaowei Zou
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianlong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The third affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen university, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Nan Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The third affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen university, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Na Guo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The third affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen university, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Guoliang Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, The third affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen university, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Dezhao Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The third affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen university, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.
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14
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King DR, Sedovy MW, Leng X, Xue J, Lamouille S, Koval M, Isakson BE, Johnstone SR. Mechanisms of Connexin Regulating Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910186. [PMID: 34638526 PMCID: PMC8507914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJ) and connexins play integral roles in cellular physiology and have been found to be involved in multiple pathophysiological states from cancer to cardiovascular disease. Studies over the last 60 years have demonstrated the utility of altering GJ signaling pathways in experimental models, which has led to them being attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. A number of different mechanisms have been proposed to regulate GJ signaling, including channel blocking, enhancing channel open state, and disrupting protein-protein interactions. The primary mechanism for this has been through the design of numerous peptides as therapeutics, that are either currently in early development or are in various stages of clinical trials. Despite over 25 years of research into connexin targeting peptides, the overall mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. In this overview, we discuss published connexin targeting peptides, their reported mechanisms of action, and the potential for these molecules in the treatment of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Ryan King
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Meghan W. Sedovy
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Xinyan Leng
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Jianxiang Xue
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (J.X.); (B.E.I.)
| | - Samy Lamouille
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Michael Koval
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Brant E. Isakson
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (J.X.); (B.E.I.)
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Scott R. Johnstone
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
- Correspondence:
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15
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Retamal MA, Fernandez-Olivares A, Stehberg J. Over-activated hemichannels: A possible therapeutic target for human diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166232. [PMID: 34363932 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In our body, all the cells are constantly sharing chemical and electrical information with other cells. This intercellular communication allows them to respond in a concerted way to changes in the extracellular milieu. Connexins are transmembrane proteins that have the particularity of forming two types of channels; hemichannels and gap junction channels. Under normal conditions, hemichannels allow the controlled release of signaling molecules to the extracellular milieu. However, under certain pathological conditions, over-activated hemichannels can induce and/or exacerbate symptoms. In the last decade, great efforts have been put into developing new tools that can modulate these over-activated hemichannels. Small molecules, antibodies and mimetic peptides have shown a potential for the treatment of human diseases. In this review, we summarize recent findings in the field of hemichannel modulation via specific tools, and how these tools could improve patient outcome in certain pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio A Retamal
- Universidad del Desarrollo, Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Santiago, Chile; Universidad del Desarrollo, Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Santiago, Chile.
| | | | - Jimmy Stehberg
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de medicina y Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
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16
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Hudson L, Begg M, Wright B, Cheek T, Jahoda CAB, Reynolds NJ. Dominant effect of gap junction communication in wound-induced calcium-wave, NFAT activation and wound closure in keratinocytes. J Cell Physiol 2021; 236:8171-8183. [PMID: 34180060 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Wounding induces a calcium wave and disrupts the calcium gradient across the epidermis but mechanisms mediating calcium and downstream signalling, and longer-term wound healing responses are incompletely understood. As expected, live-cell confocal imaging of Fluo-4-loaded normal human keratinocytes showed an immediate increase in [Ca2+ ]i at the wound edge that spread as a calcium wave (8.3 µm/s) away from the wound edge with gradually diminishing rate of rise and amplitude. The amplitude and area under the curve of [Ca2+ ]i flux was increased in high (1.2 mM) [Ca2+ ]o media. 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid (18αGA), a gap-junction inhibitor or hexokinase, an ATP scavenger, blocked the wound-induced calcium wave, dependent in part on [Ca2+ ]o . Wounding in a high [Ca2+ ]o increased nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) but not NFkB activation, assessed by dual-luciferase receptor assays compared to unwounded cells. Treatment with 18αGA or the store-operated channel blocker GSK-7975A inhibited wound-induced NFAT activation, whereas treatment with hexokinase did not. Real-time cell migration analysis, measuring wound closure rates over 24 h, revealed that 18αGA essentially blocked wound closure whereas hexokinase and GSK-7975A showed relatively minimal effects. Together these data indicate that while both gap-junction communication and ATP release from damaged cells are important in regulating the wound-induced calcium wave, long-term transcriptional and functional responses are dominantly regulated by gap-junction communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Hudson
- Institute of Translational and Clinical Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Malcolm Begg
- Medicines Research Centre, GlaxoSmithKline, London, UK
| | - Blythe Wright
- Institute of Translational and Clinical Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Tim Cheek
- Biosciences Institute, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | - Nick J Reynolds
- Institute of Translational and Clinical Medicine, Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.,Department of Dermatology, Royal Victoria Infirmary and NIHR Newcastle Biomedical Research Centre, Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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17
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O’Shaughnessy EM, Duffy W, Garcia-Vega L, Hussey K, Burden AD, Zamiri M, Martin PE. Dysregulation of Connexin Expression Plays a Pivotal Role in Psoriasis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116060. [PMID: 34199748 PMCID: PMC8200029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting 2–3% of the population, is characterised by epidermal hyperplasia, a sustained pro-inflammatory immune response and is primarily a T-cell driven disease. Previous work determined that Connexin26 is upregulated in psoriatic tissue. This study extends these findings. Methods: Biopsies spanning psoriatic plaque (PP) and non-involved tissue (PN) were compared to normal controls (NN). RNA was isolated and subject to real-time PCR to determine gene expression profiles, including GJB2/CX26, GJB6/CX30 and GJA1/CX43. Protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Keratinocytes and fibroblasts were isolated and used in 3D organotypic models. The pro-inflammatory status of fibroblasts and 3D cultures was assessed via ELISA and RnD cytokine arrays in the presence or absence of the connexin channel blocker Gap27. Results: Connexin26 expression is dramatically enhanced at both transcriptional and translational level in PP and PN tissue compared to NN (>100x). In contrast, CX43 gene expression is not affected, but the protein is post-translationally modified and accumulates in psoriatic tissue. Fibroblasts isolated from psoriatic patients had a higher inflammatory index than normal fibroblasts and drove normal keratinocytes to adopt a “psoriatic phenotype” in a 3D-organotypic model. Exposure of normal fibroblasts to the pro-inflammatory mediator peptidoglycan, isolated from Staphylococcus aureus enhanced cytokine release, an event protected by Gap27. Conclusion: dysregulation of the connexin26:43 expression profile in psoriatic tissue contributes to an imbalance of cellular events. Inhibition of connexin signalling reduces pro-inflammatory events and may hold therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M. O’Shaughnessy
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; (E.M.O.); (L.G.-V.)
| | - William Duffy
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Crosshouse, Kilmarnock KA2 0BE, UK; (W.D.); (M.Z.)
| | - Laura Garcia-Vega
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; (E.M.O.); (L.G.-V.)
| | - Keith Hussey
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK;
| | - A. David Burden
- Institute of Infection Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK;
| | - Mozheh Zamiri
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Crosshouse, Kilmarnock KA2 0BE, UK; (W.D.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Dermatology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
| | - Patricia E. Martin
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; (E.M.O.); (L.G.-V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-141-331-3726
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18
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Marsh SR, Williams ZJ, Pridham KJ, Gourdie RG. Peptidic Connexin43 Therapeutics in Cardiac Reparative Medicine. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:52. [PMID: 34063001 PMCID: PMC8147937 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8050052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin (Cx43)-formed channels have been linked to cardiac arrhythmias and diseases of the heart associated with myocardial tissue loss and fibrosis. These pathologies include ischemic heart disease, ischemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A number of Cx43 mimetic peptides have been reported as therapeutic candidates for targeting disease processes linked to Cx43, including some that have advanced to clinical testing in humans. These peptides include Cx43 sequences based on the extracellular loop domains (e.g., Gap26, Gap 27, and Peptide5), cytoplasmic-loop domain (Gap19 and L2), and cytoplasmic carboxyl-terminal domain (e.g., JM2, Cx43tat, CycliCX, and the alphaCT family of peptides) of this transmembrane protein. Additionally, RYYN peptides binding to the Cx43 carboxyl-terminus have been described. In this review, we survey preclinical and clinical data available on short mimetic peptides based on, or directly targeting, Cx43, with focus on their potential for treating heart disease. We also discuss problems that have caused reluctance within the pharmaceutical industry to translate peptidic therapeutics to the clinic, even when supporting preclinical data is strong. These issues include those associated with the administration, stability in vivo, and tissue penetration of peptide-based therapeutics. Finally, we discuss novel drug delivery technologies including nanoparticles, exosomes, and other nanovesicular carriers that could transform the clinical and commercial viability of Cx43-targeting peptides in treatment of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other indications requiring oral or parenteral administration. Some of these newly emerging approaches to drug delivery may provide a path to overcoming pitfalls associated with the drugging of peptide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer R. Marsh
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Zachary J. Williams
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Translational Biology Medicine and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Kevin J. Pridham
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Robert G. Gourdie
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Translational Biology Medicine and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
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19
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Yang ZJ, Zhang LL, Bi QC, Gan LJ, Wei MJ, Hong T, Tan RJ, Lan XM, Liu LH, Han XJ, Jiang LP. Exosomal connexin 43 regulates the resistance of glioma cells to temozolomide. Oncol Rep 2021; 45:44. [PMID: 33649836 PMCID: PMC7934218 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.7995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive brain tumor and it is characterized by a high mortality rate. Temozolomide (TMZ) is an effective chemotherapy drug for glioblastoma, but the resistance to TMZ has come to represent a major clinical problem, and its underlying mechanism has yet to be elucidated. In the present study, the role of exosomal connexin 43 (Cx43) in the resistance of glioma cells to TMZ and cell migration was investigated. First, higher expression levels of Cx43 were detected in TMZ‑resistant U251 (U251r) cells compared with those in TMZ‑sensitive (U251s) cells. Exosomes from U251s or U251r cells (sExo and rExo, respectively) were isolated. It was found that the expression of Cx43 in rExo was notably higher compared with that in sExo, whereas treatment with rExo increased the expression of Cx43 in U251s cells. Additionally, exosomes stained with dioctadecyloxacarbocyanine (Dio) were used to visualized exosome uptake by glioma cells. It was observed that the uptake of Dio‑stained rExo in U251s cells was more prominent compared with that of Dio‑stained sExo, while 37,43Gap27, a gap junction mimetic peptide directed against Cx43, alleviated the rExo uptake by cells. Moreover, rExo increased the IC50 of U251s to TMZ, colony formation and Bcl‑2 expression, but decreased Bax and cleaved caspase‑3 expression in U251s cells. 37,43Gap27 efficiently inhibited these effects of rExo on U251s cells. Finally, the results of the wound healing and Transwell assays revealed that rExo significantly enhanced the migration of U251s cells, whereas 37,43Gap27 significantly attenuated rExo‑induced cell migration. Taken together, these results indicate the crucial role of exosomal Cx43 in chemotherapy resistance and migration of glioma cells, and suggest that Cx43 may hold promise as a therapeutic target for glioblastoma in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang-Jian Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Le-Ling Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Qiu-Chen Bi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Li-Jun Gan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Min-Jun Wei
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Ren-Jie Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xue-Mei Lan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Li-Hua Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Jian Han
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening of Jiangxi Province, 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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20
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Wan L, Jiang D, Correa-Gallegos D, Ramesh P, Zhao J, Ye H, Zhu S, Wannemacher J, Volz T, Rinkevich Y. Connexin43 gap junction drives fascia mobilization and repair of deep skin wounds. Matrix Biol 2021; 97:58-71. [PMID: 33508427 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Deep and voluminous skin wounds are repaired with scars, by mobilization of fibroblasts and extracellular matrix from fascia, deep below the skin. The molecular trigger of this novel repair mechanism is incompletely understood. Here we reveal that the gap junction alpha-1 protein (Connexin43, Cx43) is the key to patch repair of deep wounds. By combining full-thickness wound models with fibroblast lineage specific transgenic lines, we show Cx43 expression is substantially upregulated in specialized fibroblasts of the fascia deep beneath the skin that are responsible for scar formation. Using live imaging of fascia fibroblasts and fate tracing of the fascia extracellular matrix we show that Cx43 inhibition disrupts calcium oscillations in cultured fibroblasts and that this inhibits collective migration of fascia EPFs necessary to mobilize fascia matrix into open wounds. Cell-cell communication through Cx43 thus mediates matrix movement and scar formation, and is necessary for patch repair of voluminous wounds. These mechanistic findings have broad clinical implications toward treating fibrosis, aggravated scarring and impaired wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wan
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Dongsheng Jiang
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Donovan Correa-Gallegos
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Pushkar Ramesh
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Jiakuan Zhao
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Haifeng Ye
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Shaohua Zhu
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Juliane Wannemacher
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Volz
- Technical University of Munich, School of Medicine, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuval Rinkevich
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Lung Biology and Disease, Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Munich, Germany; Helmholtz Zentrum München, Institute of Regenerative Biology and Medicine, Munich, Germany.
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Garcia-Vega L, O’Shaughnessy EM, Albuloushi A, Martin PE. Connexins and the Epithelial Tissue Barrier: A Focus on Connexin 26. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10010059. [PMID: 33466954 PMCID: PMC7829877 DOI: 10.3390/biology10010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Tissues that face the external environment are known as ‘epithelial tissue’ and form barriers between different body compartments. This includes the outer layer of the skin, linings of the intestine and airways that project into the lumen connecting with the external environment, and the cornea of the eye. These tissues do not have a direct blood supply and are dependent on exchange of regulatory molecules between cells to ensure co-ordination of tissue events. Proteins known as connexins form channels linking cells directly and permit exchange of small regulatory signals. A range of environmental stimuli can dysregulate the level of connexin proteins and or protein function within the epithelia, leading to pathologies including non-healing wounds. Mutations in these proteins are linked with hearing loss, skin and eye disorders of differing severity. As such, connexins emerge as prime therapeutic targets with several agents currently in clinical trials. This review outlines the role of connexins in epithelial tissue and how their dysregulation contributes to pathological pathways. Abstract Epithelial tissue responds rapidly to environmental triggers and is constantly renewed. This tissue is also highly accessible for therapeutic targeting. This review highlights the role of connexin mediated communication in avascular epithelial tissue. These proteins form communication conduits with the extracellular space (hemichannels) and between neighboring cells (gap junctions). Regulated exchange of small metabolites less than 1kDa aide the co-ordination of cellular activities and in spatial communication compartments segregating tissue networks. Dysregulation of connexin expression and function has profound impact on physiological processes in epithelial tissue including wound healing. Connexin 26, one of the smallest connexins, is expressed in diverse epithelial tissue and mutations in this protein are associated with hearing loss, skin and eye conditions of differing severity. The functional consequences of dysregulated connexin activity is discussed and the development of connexin targeted therapeutic strategies highlighted.
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McNair AJ, Wilson KS, Martin PE, Welsh DJ, Dempsie Y. Connexin 43 plays a role in proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial fibroblasts in response to hypoxia. Pulm Circ 2020; 10:2045894020937134. [PMID: 32670564 PMCID: PMC7338651 DOI: 10.1177/2045894020937134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a disease associated with vasoconstriction and remodelling of the pulmonary vasculature. Pulmonary artery fibroblasts (PAFs) play an important role in hypoxic-induced remodelling. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is involved in cellular communication and regulation of the pulmonary vasculature. Using both in vitro and in vivo models of PH, the aims of this study were to (i) investigate the role of Cx43 in hypoxic-induced proliferation and migration of rat PAFs (rPAFs) and rat pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (rPASMCs) and (ii) determine whether Cx43 expression is dysregulated in the rat sugen5416/hypoxic model of PH. The role of Cx43 in hypoxic-induced proliferation and migration was investigated using Gap27 (a pharmacological inhibitor of Cx43) or genetic knockdown of Cx43 using siRNA. Cx43 protein expression was increased by hypoxia in rPAFs but not rPASMCs. Hypoxic exposure, in the presence of serum, resulted in an increase in proliferation of rPAFs but not rPASMCs. Hypoxic exposure caused migration of rPAFs but not rPASMCs. Phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and ERK1/2 were increased by hypoxia in rPAFs. The effects of hypoxia on proliferation, migration and MAPK phosphorylation in rPAFs were attenuated in the presence of Gap27 or Cx43 siRNA. Cx43 protein expression was increased in sugen5416/hypoxic rat lung; this increased expression was not observed in sugen5416/hypoxic rats treated with the MAPK pathway inhibitor GS-444217. In conclusion, Cx43 is involved in the proliferation and migration of rPAFs in response to hypoxia via the MAPK signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J McNair
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Kathryn S Wilson
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Patricia E Martin
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - David J Welsh
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.,Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Yvonne Dempsie
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Science, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
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23
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Nugent L, Ofori-Frimpong B, Martin PE, Green CR, Wright CS. Cx31.1 expression is modulated in HaCaT cells exposed to UV-induced damage and scrape-wounding. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:911-920. [PMID: 32592185 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Connexin31.1 (Cx31.1) is a gap junction protein associated with apoptosis. In the skin, apoptosis is modulated by diabetes. A HaCaT skin model investigated whether normal (NGI) and high glucose and insulin (HGI; diabetic) conditions altered Cx31.1 expression, and if these were apoptosis linked. Cx31.1 was found in HaCaT and HeLa Ohio cells, with HaCaT Cx31.1 protein increased in HGI conditions, and around apoptotic cells. HeLa Cx31.1 channels were noncommunicative. Post scrape-wounding, Cx31.1 increased at wound edges. Caspase 3/7 in scrape-wounds media (containing cells) elevated in HGI. UV exposure raised Cx31.1, and caspase 3/7, in NGI and HGI. UV reduced cell viability in NGI cells, although not significantly in HGI. Cx31.1 is modulated during HaCaT cell wound closure, and associated with 'diabetic' conditions. Cx31.1 expression matched apoptosis levels, higher in HGI cultures. Cx31.1 is noncommunicating, modulated after wounding, linked to apoptosis, and may be associated with tissue turn-over around diabetic wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Nugent
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Boatemaa Ofori-Frimpong
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Patricia E Martin
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Colin R Green
- Department of Opthamology, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Catherine S Wright
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
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24
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García-Vega L, O'Shaughnessy EM, Jan A, Bartholomew C, Martin PE. Connexin 26 and 43 play a role in regulating proinflammatory events in the epidermis. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:15594-15606. [PMID: 30710344 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of Connexin (CX) expression and function is associated with a range of chronic inflammatory conditions including psoriasis and nonhealing wounds. To mimic a proinflammatory environment, HaCaT cells, a model human keratinocyte cell line, were challenged with 10 µg/ml peptidoglycan (PGN) isolated from Staphylococcus aureus for 15 min to 24 hr in the presence or absence of CX blockers and/or following CX26, CX43, PANX1 and TLR2 small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown (KD). Expression levels of IL-6, IL-8, CX26, CX43, PANX1, TLR2 and Ki67 were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis and/or immunocytochemistry. Nuclear factor kappa β (NF-κβ) was blocked with BAY 11-7082, CX-channel function was determined by adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) release assays. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay monitored IL6 release following PGN challenge in the presence or absence of siRNA or blockers of CX or purinergic signalling. Exposure to PGN induced IL-6, IL-8, CX26 and TLR2 gene expression but it did not influence CX43, PANX1 or Ki67 messenger RNA expression levels. CX43 protein levels were reduced following 24 hr PGN exposure. PGN-induced CX26 and IL-6 expression were also aborted by TLR2-KD and inhibition of NF-κβ. ATP and IL-6 release were stimulated following 15 min and 1-24 hr challenge with PGN, respectively. Release of both agents was inhibited by coincubation with CX-channel blockers, CX26-, CX43- and TLR2-KD. The IL-6 response was also reduced by purinergic blockers. CX-signalling plays a role in the innate immune response in the epidermis. PGN is detected by TLR2, which via NF-κβ, directly activates CX26 and IL-6 expression. CX43 and CX26 maintain proinflammatory signalling by permitting ATP release, however, PANX1 does not participate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura García-Vega
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Erin M O'Shaughnessy
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Afnan Jan
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Chris Bartholomew
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Patricia E Martin
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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Kim EM, Bae YM, Choi MH, Hong ST. Connexin 43 plays an important role in the transformation of cholangiocytes with Clonochis sinensis excretory-secretory protein and N-nitrosodimethylamine. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2019; 13:e0006843. [PMID: 30943209 PMCID: PMC6464552 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0006843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Clonorchis sinensis is a group I bio-carcinogen responsible for cholangiocarcinoma (CHCA) in humans. However, the mechanism by which C. sinensis promotes carcinogenesis is unclear. Methodology Using the human cholangiocyte line H69, we investigated cell proliferation and gap junction protein expression after stimulation with the hepatotoxin N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and/or excretory-secretory products (ESP) of C. sinensis, which induce inflammation. NDMA and ESP treatment increased proliferation by 146% and the proportion of cells in the G2/M phase by 37%. Moreover, the expression of the cell proliferation-related proteins E2F1, Ki-67, and cancer related protein cytokeratin 19 and Cox-2 increased in response to combined treatment with NDMA and ESP. The gap-junction proteins connexin (Cx) 43 and Cx26 increased. In contrast, Cx32 expression decreased in cells treated with NDMA and ESP. Silencing of Cx43 reduced cell proliferation and significantly suppressed Cx26 and Cox-2 expression. Conclusions These results suggest that Cx43 is an important factor in CHCA induced by C. sinensis ESP and NDMA and further investigations targeting this pathway may allow prevention of this deadly disease. Clonorchis sinensis, a human fluke, resides in the liver of humans and is commonly found in the common bile duct and gall bladder. This parasite is the main cause of cholangiocarcinoma, also called bile duct cancer, in humans. Of note, the excretory-secretory products (ESP) of C. sinensis are known to cause inflammation in the biliary epithelium, which may ultimately result in neoplasms via production of reactive oxygen species and subsequent DNA damage. Together with N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), a potent hepatotoxin that can cause fibrosis and tumors in the liver, ESP led to an increase in the growth and proliferation of cholangiocytes. Our results showed that examination of changes in the expression of gap junction proteins, which are related to tumorigenesis, showed that connexin 43 was upregulated with ESPs from C. sinensis and NDMA. Together, our results suggest that exposure to C. sinensis, in addition to low levels of carcinogen could promote carcinogenesis in the bile duct epithelium via uncontrolled cell-to-cell communication. Moreover, silencing of Cx43 reduced cancer related protein. Therefore, Cx 43 can serve as a potential target for developing a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of cholangiocarcinoma in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Min Kim
- Department of Environmental Medical Biology and Arthropods of Medical Importance Resource Research Bank, Institute of Tropical Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Mee Bae
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Ho Choi
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Tae Hong
- Department of Parasitology and Tropical Medicine and Institute of Endemic Diseases, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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26
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An Overview of the Focus of the International Gap Junction Conference 2017 and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092823. [PMID: 30231591 PMCID: PMC6164644 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This Special Issue relates to the 18th biannual International Gap Junction Conference (IGJC2017), held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow, U.K., from the 29 July⁻2 August 2017 [...].
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27
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Regulation of connexin 43 expression in human gingival fibroblasts. Exp Cell Res 2018; 371:238-249. [PMID: 30118696 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Abundance of connexin 43 (Cx43), a transmembrane protein that forms hemichannels (HCs) and gap junctions (GJs), is dynamically regulated in human gingival fibroblasts (GFBLs) during wound healing. This may be important for fast and scarless gingival wound healing as Cx43 is involved in key cell functions important during this process. Our aim was to uncover the factors that regulate Cx43 expression and abundance in GFBLs. We hypothesized that cytokines and growth factors released during wound healing coordinately regulate Cx43 abundance in GFBLs. RESULTS TGF-β1, -β2, -β3, PGE2 and IL-1β significantly upregulated, while TNF-α and IFN-γ downregulated Cx43 in cultured GFBLs. TGF-β1, -β2, -β3, IL-1β and IFN-γ modulated Cx43 abundance at both mRNA and protein levels, while TNF-α and PGE2 regulated only Cx43 protein abundance, suggesting involvement of distinct transcriptional/post-transcriptional and translational/post-translational mechanisms, respectively. TGF-β1-induced upregulation of Cx43 was mediated by TGFβRI (ALK5) and SMAD2/3 signaling, and this was potently suppressed by PGE2, IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ that inhibited SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. CONCLUSION Regulation of Cx43 abundance in GFBLs involves transcriptional/post-transcriptional and translational/post-translational mechanisms that are distinctly modulated by an interplay between TGF-β isoforms and PGE2, IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ.
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28
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The potential of human induced pluripotent stem cells for modelling diabetic wound healing in vitro. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:1629-1643. [PMID: 30108152 DOI: 10.1042/cs20171483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Impaired wound healing and ulceration caused by diabetes mellitus, is a significant healthcare burden, markedly impairs quality of life for patients, and is the major cause of amputation worldwide. Current experimental approaches used to investigate the complex wound healing process often involve cultures of fibroblasts and/or keratinocytes in vitro, which can be limited in terms of complexity and capacity, or utilisation of rodent models in which the mechanisms of wound repair differ substantively from that in humans. However, advances in tissue engineering, and the discovery of strategies to reprogramme adult somatic cells to pluripotency, has led to the possibility of developing models of human skin on a large scale. Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from tissues donated by diabetic patients allows the (epi)genetic background of this disease to be studied, and the ability to differentiate iPSCs to multiple cell types found within skin may facilitate the development of more complex skin models; these advances offer key opportunities for improving modelling of wound healing in diabetes, and the development of effective therapeutics for treatment of chronic wounds.
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29
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Htet M, Nally JE, Shaw A, Foote BE, Martin PE, Dempsie Y. Connexin 43 Plays a Role in Pulmonary Vascular Reactivity in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1891. [PMID: 29954114 PMCID: PMC6073802 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic condition characterized by vascular remodeling and increased vaso-reactivity. PAH is more common in females than in males (~3:1). Connexin (Cx)43 has been shown to be involved in cellular communication within the pulmonary vasculature. Therefore, we investigated the role of Cx43 in pulmonary vascular reactivity using Cx43 heterozygous (Cx43+/−) mice and 37,43Gap27, which is a pharmacological inhibitor of Cx37 and Cx43. Contraction and relaxation responses were studied in intra-lobar pulmonary arteries (IPAs) derived from normoxic mice and hypoxic mice using wire myography. IPAs from male Cx43+/− mice displayed a small but significant increase in the contractile response to endothelin-1 (but not 5-hydroxytryptamine) under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. There was no difference in the contractile response to endothelin-1 (ET-1) or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in IPAs derived from female Cx43+/−mice compared to wildtype mice. Relaxation responses to methacholine (MCh) were attenuated in IPAs from male and female Cx43+/− mice or by pre-incubation of IPAs with 37,43Gap27. Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) fully inhibited MCh-induced relaxation. In conclusion, Cx43 is involved in nitric oxide (NO)-induced pulmonary vascular relaxation and plays a gender-specific and agonist-specific role in pulmonary vascular contractility. Therefore, reduced Cx43 signaling may contribute to pulmonary vascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myo Htet
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Jane E Nally
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Andrew Shaw
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Bradley E Foote
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Patricia E Martin
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Yvonne Dempsie
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
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Montgomery J, Ghatnekar GS, Grek CL, Moyer KE, Gourdie RG. Connexin 43-Based Therapeutics for Dermal Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061778. [PMID: 29914066 PMCID: PMC6032231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The most ubiquitous gap junction protein within the body, connexin 43 (Cx43), is a target of interest for modulating the dermal wound healing response. Observational studies found associations between Cx43 at the wound edge and poor healing response, and subsequent studies utilizing local knockdown of Cx43 found improvements in wound closure rate and final scar appearance. Further preclinical work conducted using Cx43-based peptide therapeutics, including alpha connexin carboxyl terminus 1 (αCT1), a peptide mimetic of the Cx43 carboxyl terminus, reported similar improvements in wound healing and scar formation. Clinical trials and further study into the mode of action have since been conducted on αCT1, and Phase III testing for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers is currently underway. Therapeutics targeting connexin activity show promise in beneficially modulating the human body’s natural healing response for improved patient outcomes across a variety of injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Montgomery
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | | | | | - Kurtis E Moyer
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
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31
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Chanson M, Watanabe M, O'Shaughnessy EM, Zoso A, Martin PE. Connexin Communication Compartments and Wound Repair in Epithelial Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051354. [PMID: 29751558 PMCID: PMC5983803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial tissues line the lumen of tracts and ducts connecting to the external environment. They are critical in forming an interface between the internal and external environment and, following assault from environmental factors and pathogens, they must rapidly repair to maintain cellular homeostasis. These tissue networks, that range from a single cell layer, such as in airway epithelium, to highly stratified and differentiated epithelial surfaces, such as the epidermis, are held together by a junctional nexus of proteins including adherens, tight and gap junctions, often forming unique and localised communication compartments activated for localised tissue repair. This review focuses on the dynamic changes that occur in connexins, the constituent proteins of the intercellular gap junction channel, during wound-healing processes and in localised inflammation, with an emphasis on the lung and skin. Current developments in targeting connexins as corrective therapies to improve wound closure and resolve localised inflammation are also discussed. Finally, we consider the emergence of the zebrafish as a concerted whole-animal model to study, visualise and track the events of wound repair and regeneration in real-time living model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Chanson
- Department of Pediatrics and Cell Physiology & Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Masakatsu Watanabe
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Erin M O'Shaughnessy
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Alice Zoso
- Department of Pediatrics and Cell Physiology & Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Patricia E Martin
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
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32
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Cotter ML, Boitano S, Vagner J, Burt JM. Lipidated connexin mimetic peptides potently inhibit gap junction-mediated Ca 2+-wave propagation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2018; 315:C141-C154. [PMID: 29631365 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00156.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Connexin (Cx) mimetic peptides (e.g., Gap27: SRPTEKTIFII; Peptide5: VDCFLSRPTEKT) reversibly inhibit hemichannel (HCh) and gap junction channel (GJCh) function in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (HCh: ~5 µM, <1 h; GJCh: ~100 µM, > 1 h). We hypothesized that addition of a hexadecyl tail to SRPTEKT (SRPTEKT- Hdc) would improve its ability to concentrate in the plasma membrane and consequently increase its inhibitory efficacy. We show that SRPTEKT- Hdc inhibited intercellular Ca2+-wave propagation in Cx43-expressing MDCK and rabbit tracheal epithelial cells in a time (61-75 min)- and concentration (IC50: 66 pM)-dependent manner, a concentration efficacy five orders of magnitude lower than observed for the nonlipidated Gap27. HCh-mediated dye uptake was inhibited by SRPTEKT- Hdc with similar efficacy. Following peptide washout, HCh-mediated dye uptake was restored to control levels, whereas Ca2+-wave propagation was only partially restored. Scrambled and reverse sequence lipidated peptides had no detectable inhibitory effect on Ca2+-wave propagation or dye uptake. Cx43 expression was unchanged by SRPTEKT- Hdc incubation; however, Triton-insoluble Cx43 was reduced by SRPTEKT- Hdc exposure and reversed following washout. In summary, our results show that SRPTEKT- Hdc blocked HCh function and intercellular Ca2+ signaling at concentrations that minimally affected dye coupling. Selective inhibition of intercellular Ca2+ signaling, likely indicative of channel conformation-specific SRPTEKT- Hdc binding, could contribute significantly to the protective effects of these mimetic peptides in settings of injury. Our data also demonstrate that lipidation represents a paradigm for development of highly potent, efficacious, and selective mimetic peptide inhibitors of hemichannel and gap junction channel-mediated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura L Cotter
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Scott Boitano
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona.,Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona.,Bio5 Collaborative Research Institute, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Josef Vagner
- Bio5 Collaborative Research Institute, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Janis M Burt
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
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