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Xu S, Wei J, Liu Y, Zhang L, Duan M, Li J, Niu Z, Pu X, Huang M, Chen H, Zhou X, Xie J. PDGF-AA guides cell crosstalk between human dental pulp stem cells in vitro via the PDGFR-α/PI3K/Akt axis. Int Endod J 2024; 57:549-565. [PMID: 38332717 DOI: 10.1111/iej.14038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024]
Abstract
AIM To explore the influence of PDGF-AA on cell communication between human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) by characterizing gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and its potential biomechanical mechanism. METHODOLOGY Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure connexin family member expression in DPSCs. Cell migration and CCK-8 assays were utilized to examine the influence of PDGF-AA on DPSC migration and proliferation. A scrape loading/dye transfer assay was applied to evaluate GJIC triggered by PDGF-AA, a PI3K/Akt signalling pathway blocker (LY294002) and a PDGFR-α blocker (AG1296). Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to test the expression and distribution of the Cx43 and p-Akt proteins in DPSCs. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and immunofluorescence were used to observe the morphology of GJIC in DPSCs. RESULTS PDGF-AA promoted gap junction formation and intercellular communication between human dental pulp stem cells. PDGF-AA upregulates the expression of Cx43 to enhance gap junction formation and intercellular communication. PDGF-AA binds to PDGFR-α and activates PI3K/Akt signalling to regulate cell communication. CONCLUSIONS This research demonstrated that PDGF-AA can enhance Cx43-mediated GJIC in DPSCs via the PDGFR-α/PI3K/Akt axis, which provides new cues for dental pulp regeneration from the perspective of intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jieya Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Mengmeng Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiazhou Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhixing Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaohua Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Minglei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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He P, Dai M, Li Z, Wang X, Liu H, He Y, Jiang H. Effect of connexin 43 in LPS/IL-4-induced macrophage M1/M2 polarization: An observational study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37811. [PMID: 38608055 PMCID: PMC11018209 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) play important roles in inducing M1 and M2 macrophage polarization. Studies have shown that LPS can promote the polarization of macrophages to M1-type and produce many pro-inflammatory cytokines, while IL-4 can promote the polarization of macrophages to M2-type and produce many anti-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, Connexin 43 (Cx43) is widely expressed in macrophages and has various regulatory functions. However, whether Cx43 is involved in the regulation of macrophage M1/M2 polarization has not been fully studied. This study examined the role of Cx43 and M2 polarization markers using Western blot, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry. Cx43 overexpression was induced using Cx43 overexpressing lentivirus. The statistical software SPSS 20.0 (IBM Corp.) and GraphPad Prism 8.0 (GraphPad Software, La Jolla, CA, United States) were used to analyze the results. P values < .05 were considered to indicate statistically significant differences. Our results showed that LPS promotes the polarization of macrophages to M1-type, which is accompanied by an increase in Cx43 expression from 0 to 24 hours. Moreover, the application of the Cx43-specific blockers Gap19 and Gap26 reduces the expression of macrophage M1-type polarization markers. Thus, the expression of Cx43 increases first, and then, due to the initiation of intracellular autophagy during LPS-induced macrophage M1 polarization. Cx43 is degraded and the expression of Cx43 decreases from 24 hours to 48 hours. IL-4 decreases the expression of Cx43 from 24 hours to 48 hours and promotes the transformation of macrophages to M2-type. The application of Cx43 overexpression lentivirus leads to a reduction in the expression of M2 polarization markers. IL-4-induced M2 polarization of macrophages inhibits cell autophagy, reducing Cx43 degradation and leading to an increase in Cx43 from 24 hours to 48 hours. Thus, Cx43 expression in M2-type polarization experiences a reduction at first and then an increase from 24 hours to 48 hours. The direction of macrophage polarization can be controlled by regulating the expression of Cx43, thus providing a theoretical basis for treating atherosclerosis, tumors, and other diseases associated with macrophage polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengchen He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mianyang Central Hospital Affiliated to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
| | - Mingxing Dai
- Department of Rehabilitation Therapy, Mianyang Central Hospital Affiliated to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
| | - Zongpin Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mianyang Central Hospital Affiliated to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
| | - Xiaoyi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mianyang Central Hospital Affiliated to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
| | - Hongyuan Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Mianyang Central Hospital Affiliated to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
| | - Yixiao He
- Department of Pathology, Mianyang Central Hospital Affiliated to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
| | - Han Jiang
- Department of Rehabilitation Therapy, Mianyang Central Hospital Affiliated to University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Mianyang, China
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Liu M, He Q, Yuan Z, Chen N, Ren S, Du Q, Wang Y, Han S, Xu C, Lu L, Sun Z, Guan Y, Xie J, Guan Y, Ye L. HDAC3 promotes Sertoli cell maturation and maintains the blood-testis barrier dynamics. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23526. [PMID: 38430456 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301349rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Germ cell development depends on the capacity of somatic Sertoli cells to undergo differentiation into a mature state and establish a germ cell-specific blood-testis barrier (BTB). The BTB structure confers an immunological barrier for meiotic and postmeiotic germ cells, and its dynamic permeability facilitates a transient movement of preleptotene spermatocytes through BTB to enter meiosis. However, the regulatory factors involved in Sertoli cell maturation and how BTB dynamics coordinate germ cell development remain unclear. Here, we found a histone deacetylase HDAC3 abundantly expresses in Sertoli cells and localizes in both cytoplasm and nucleus. Sertoli cell-specific Hdac3 knockout in mice causes infertility with compromised integrity of blood-testis barrier, leading to germ cells unable to traverse through BTB and an accumulation of preleptotene spermatocytes in juvenile testis. Mechanistically, nuclear HDAC3 regulates the expression program of Sertoli cell maturation genes, and cytoplasmic HDAC3 forms a complex with the gap junction protein Connexin 43 to modulate the BTB integrity and dynamics through regulating the distribution of tight junction proteins. Our findings identify HDAC3 as a critical regulator in promoting Sertoli cell maturation and maintaining the homeostasis of the blood-testis barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengrou Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing He
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zihan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Niuniu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sen Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Du
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanfeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Shenglin Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Luyang Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zheng Sun
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yongjuan Guan
- College of Life Sciences, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yichun Guan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine and Offspring Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Carvalho TP, Toledo FAO, Bautista DFA, Silva MF, Oliveira JBS, Lima PA, Costa FB, Ribeiro NQ, Lee JY, Birbrair A, Paixão TA, Tsolis RM, Santos RL. Pericytes modulate endothelial inflammatory response during bacterial infection. mBio 2024; 15:e0325223. [PMID: 38289074 PMCID: PMC10936204 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.03252-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pericytes are located around blood vessels, in close contact with endothelial cells. We discovered that pericytes dampen pro-inflammatory endothelial cell responses. Endothelial cells co-cultured with pericytes had markedly reduced expression of adhesion molecules (PECAM-1 and ICAM-1) and proinflammatory cytokines (CCL-2 and IL-6) in response to bacterial stimuli (Brucella ovis, Listeria monocytogenes, or Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide). Pericyte-depleted mice intraperitoneally inoculated with either B. ovis, a stealthy pathogen that does not trigger detectable inflammation, or Listeria monocytogenes, developed peritonitis. Further, during Citrobacter rodentium infection, pericyte-depleted mice developed severe intestinal inflammation, which was not evident in control mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of pericytes required connexin 43, as either chemical inhibition or silencing of connexin 43 abrogated pericyte-mediated suppression of endothelial inflammatory responses. Our results define a mechanism by which pericytes modulate inflammation during infection, which shifts our understanding of pericyte biology: from a structural cell to a pro-active player in modulating inflammation. IMPORTANCE A previously unknown mechanism by which pericytes modulate inflammation was discovered. The absence of pericytes or blocking interaction between pericytes and endothelium through connexin 43 results in stronger inflammation, which shifts our understanding of pericyte biology, from a structural cell to a player in controlling inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thaynara P. Carvalho
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Frank A. O. Toledo
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Diego F. A. Bautista
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Monique F. Silva
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jefferson B. S. Oliveira
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Pâmela A. Lima
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Fabíola B. Costa
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Noelly Q. Ribeiro
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Jee-Yon Lee
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Alexander Birbrair
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Dermatology, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Tatiane A. Paixão
- Departamento de Patologia Geral, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Reneé M. Tsolis
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
| | - Renato L. Santos
- Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Escola de Veterinária, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, California, USA
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5
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Xu YR, Talukder M, Li CX, Zhao YX, Zhang C, Ge J, Li JL. Nano-selenium alleviates cadmium-induced neurotoxicity in cerebrum via inhibiting gap junction protein connexin 43 phosphorylation. Environ Toxicol 2024; 39:1163-1174. [PMID: 37860879 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) as a ubiquitous toxic heavy metal is reported to affect the nervous system. Selenium (Se) has been shown to have antagonistic effects against heavy metal toxicity. In addition, it shows potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, the purpose of this study was to determine the possible mechanism of brain injury after high Cd exposure and the mitigation of Nano-selenium (Nano-Se) against Cd-induced brain injury. In this study, the Cd-treated group showed a decrease in the number of neurons in brain tissue, swelling of the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, and the formation of autophagosomes. Nano-Se intervention restored Cd-caused alterations in neuronal morphology, endoplasmic reticulum, and mitochondrial structure, thereby reducing neuronal damage. Furthermore, we found that some differentially expressed genes were involved in cell junction and molecular functions. Subsequently, we selected eleven (11) related differentially expressed genes for verification. The qRT-PCR results revealed the same trend of results as determined by RNA-Seq. Our findings also showed that Nano-Se supplementation alleviated Cx43 phosphorylation induced by Cd exposure. Based on immunofluorescence colocalization it was demonstrated that higher expression of GFAP and lower expressions of Cx43 were restored by Nano-Se supplementation. In conclusion, the data presented in this study establish a direct association between the phosphorylation of Cx43 and the occurrence of autophagy and neuroinflammation. However, it is noteworthy that the introduction of Nano-Se supplementation has been observed to mitigate these alterations. These results elucidate the relieving effect of Nano-Se on Cd exposure-induced brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ru Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Milton Talukder
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Faculty of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Barishal, Bangladesh
| | - Chen-Xi Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Ying-Xin Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Cong Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Jing Ge
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
| | - Jin-Long Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Key Laboratory of the Provincial Education Department of Heilongjiang for Common Animal Disease Prevention and Treatment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P. R. China
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Tsuji Y, Ogata T, Mochizuki K, Tamura S, Morishita Y, Takamatsu T, Matoba S, Tanaka H. Myofibroblasts impair myocardial impulse propagation by heterocellular connexin43 gap-junctional coupling through micropores. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1352911. [PMID: 38465264 PMCID: PMC10920281 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1352911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Aim: Composite population of myofibroblasts (MFs) within myocardial tissue is known to alter impulse propagation, leading to arrhythmias. However, it remains unclear whether and how MFs alter their propagation patterns when contacting cardiomyocytes (CMs) without complex structural insertions in the myocardium. We attempted to unveil the effects of the one-sided, heterocellular CM-MF connection on the impulse propagation of CM monolayers without the spatial insertion of MFs as an electrical or mechanical obstacle. Methods and results: We evaluated fluo8-based spatiotemporal patterns in impulse propagation of neonatal rat CM monolayers cultured on the microporous membrane having 8-μm diameter pores with co-culture of MFs or CMs on the reverse membrane side (CM-MF model or CM-CM model, respectively). During consecutive pacing at 1 or 2 Hz, the CM monolayers exhibited forward impulse propagation from the pacing site with a slower conduction velocity (θ) and a larger coefficient of directional θ variation in the CM-MF model than that in the CM-CM model in a frequency-dependent manner (2 Hz >1 Hz). The localized placement of an MF cluster on the reverse side resulted in an abrupt segmental depression of the impulse propagation of the upper CM layer, causing a spatiotemporally non-uniform pattern. Dye transfer of the calcein loaded in the upper CM layer to the lower MF layer was attenuated by the gap-junction inhibitor heptanol. Immunocytochemistry identified definitive connexin 43 (Cx43) between the CMs and MFs in the membrane pores. MF-selective Cx43 knockdown in the MF layer improved both the velocity and uniformity of propagation in the CM monolayer. Conclusion: Heterocellular Cx43 gap junction coupling of CMs with MFs alters the spatiotemporal patterns of myocardial impulse propagation, even in the absence of spatially interjacent and mechanosensitive modulations by MFs. Moreover, MFs can promote pro-arrhythmogenic impulse propagation when in face-to-face contact with the myocardium that arises in the healing infarct border zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumika Tsuji
- Department of Pathology and Cell Regulation and, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takehiro Ogata
- Department of Pathology and Cell Regulation and, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kentaro Mochizuki
- Department of Pathology and Cell Regulation and, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shoko Tamura
- Department of Pathology and Cell Regulation and, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuma Morishita
- Department of Pathology and Cell Regulation and, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Takamatsu
- Department of Pathology and Cell Regulation and, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Medical Photonics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Satoaki Matoba
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Hideo Tanaka
- Department of Pathology and Cell Regulation and, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University of Advanced Science, Kyoto, Japan
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Sidell N, Rajakumar A. Retinoic Acid Action in Cumulus Cells: Implications for Oocyte Development and In Vitro Fertilization. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1709. [PMID: 38338985 PMCID: PMC10855907 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
In the field of human in vitro fertilization (IVF), selecting the best oocyte for freezing or embryo for transfer remains an important focus of clinical practice. Although several techniques are and have been used for this goal, results have generally not been favorable and/or are invasive such that damage to some embryos occurs, resulting in a reduced number of healthy births. Therefore, the search continues for non-invasive oocyte and embryo quality markers that signal the development of high-quality embryos. Multiple studies indicate the important positive effects of retinoic acid (RA) on oocyte maturation and function. We previously showed that a high follicular fluid (FF) RA concentration at the time of oocyte retrieval in IVF protocols was associated with oocytes, giving rise to the highest quality embryos, and that cumulus granulosa cells (CGCs) are the primary source of follicle RA synthesis. Data also demonstrated that connexin-43 (Cx43), the main connexin that forms gap junctions in CGCs, is regulated by RA and that RA induces a rapid increase in gap junction communication. Here, we hypothesize that CGC RA plays a causal role in oocyte competency through its action on Cx43 and, as such, may serve as a biomarker of oocyte competence. Multiple studies have demonstrated the requirement for Cx43 in CGCs for the normal progression of folliculogenesis, and that the increased expression of this connexin is linked to the improved developmental competence of the oocyte. The data have shown that RA can up-regulate gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in the cumulus-oocyte complex via a non-genomic mechanism that results in the dephosphorylation of Cx43 and enhanced GJIC. Recognizing the positive role played by gap junctions in CGCs in oocyte development and the regulation of Cx43 by RA, the findings have highlighted the possibility that CGC RA levels may serve as a non-invasive indicator for selecting high-quality oocytes for IVF procedures. In addition, the data suggest that the manipulation of Cx43 with retinoid compounds could provide new pharmacological approaches to improve IVF outcomes in cases of failed implantation, recurrent miscarriage, or in certain diseases that are characterized by reduced fecundity, such as endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil Sidell
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
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Baker KM, Abt M, Doud EH, Oblak AL, Yeh ES. Mapping the Anti-Cancer Activity of α-Connexin Carboxyl-Terminal (aCT1) Peptide in Resistant HER2+ Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:423. [PMID: 38275864 PMCID: PMC10814893 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a protein encoded by the GJA1 gene and is a component of cell membrane structures called gap junctions, which facilitate intercellular communication. Prior evidence indicates that elevated GJA1 expression in the HER2-positive (HER2+) subtype of breast cancer is associated with poor prognosis. Prior evidence also suggests that HER2+ breast cancers that have become refractory to HER2-targeted agents have a loss of Cx43 gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC). In this study, a Cx43-targeted agent called alpha-connexin carboxyl-terminal peptide (aCT1) is examined to determine whether GJIC can be rescued in refractory HER2+ breast cancer cells. A proposed mechanism of action for aCT1 is binding to the tight junction protein Zonal Occludens-1 (ZO-1). However, the true scope of activity for aCT1 has not been explored. In this study, mass spectrometry proteomic analysis is used to determine the breadth of aCT1-interacting proteins. The NanoString nCounter Breast Cancer 360 panel is also used to examine the effect of aCT1 on cancer signaling in HER2+ breast cancer cells. Findings from this study show a dynamic range of binding partners for aCT1, many of which regulate gene expression and RNA biology. nCounter analysis shows that a number of pathways are significantly impacted by aCT1, including upregulation of apoptotic factors, leading to the prediction and demonstration that aCT1 can boost the cell death effects of cisplatin and lapatinib in HER2+ breast cancer cells that have become resistant to HER2-targeted agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M. Baker
- Department of Biology, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Melissa Abt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Emma H. Doud
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Adrian L. Oblak
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Elizabeth S. Yeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
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Pendleton E, Ketner A, Ransick P, Ardekani D, Bodenstine T, Chandar N. Loss of Function of the Retinoblastoma Gene Affects Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication and Cell Fate in Osteoblasts. Biology (Basel) 2024; 13:39. [PMID: 38248470 PMCID: PMC10813623 DOI: 10.3390/biology13010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Loss of function of the Retinoblastoma gene (RB1) due to mutations is commonly seen in human osteosarcomas. One of the Rb1 gene functions is to facilitate cell fate from mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts and prevent adipocyte differentiations. In this study, we demonstrate that a stable reduction of Rb1 expression (RbKD) in murine osteoblasts causes them to express higher levels of PPAR-ɣ and other adipocyte-specific transcription factors while retaining high expression of osteoblast-specific transcription factors, Runx2/Cbfa1 and SP7/Osterix. Inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in osteoblasts is another mechanism that causes osteoblasts to transdifferentiate to adipocytes. We found that preosteoblasts exposed to osteoblast differentiating media (DP media) increased GJIC. RbKD cells showed reduced GJIC along with a reduction in expression of Cx43, the protein that mediates GJIC. Other membrane associated adhesion protein Cadherin 11 (Cad11) was also decreased. Since PPAR-ɣ is increased with Rb1 loss, we wondered if the reduction of this transcription factor would reverse the changes observed. Reduction of PPAR-ɣ in control osteoblasts slightly increased bone-specific expression and reduced adipocytic expression as expected along with an increase in Cad11 and Cx43 expression. GJIC remained high and was unaffected by a reduction in PPAR-ɣ in control cells. Knockdown of PPAR-ɣ in RbKD cells reduced adipocyte gene expression, while osteoblast-specific expression showed improvement. Cx43, Cad11 and GJIC remained unaffected by PPAR-ɣ reduction. Our observations suggest that increased PPAR-ɣ that happens with Rb1 loss only affects osteoblast-adipocyte-specific gene expression but does not completely reverse Cx43 gene expression or GJIC. Therefore, these effects may represent independent events triggered by Rb1loss and/or the differentiation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisha Pendleton
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (E.P.); (A.K.); (T.B.)
| | - Anthony Ketner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (E.P.); (A.K.); (T.B.)
| | - Phil Ransick
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (P.R.); (D.A.)
| | - Doug Ardekani
- Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, Midwestern University, 555 31st Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (P.R.); (D.A.)
| | - Thomas Bodenstine
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (E.P.); (A.K.); (T.B.)
| | - Nalini Chandar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, College of Graduate Studies, Midwestern University, Downers Grove, IL 60515, USA; (E.P.); (A.K.); (T.B.)
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10
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Ling X, Hou Y, Jia X, Lan Y, Wu X, Wu J, Jie W, Liu H, Huang S, Wan Z, Li T, Guo J, Liang T. Characterization of cardiac involvement in patients with LMNA splice-site mutation-related dilated cardiomyopathy and sudden cardiac death. Front Genet 2024; 14:1291411. [PMID: 38259623 PMCID: PMC10800368 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1291411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: LMNA splicing mutations occur in 9.1% of cases with cardiac involvement cases, but the phenotype and severity of disease they cause have not yet been systematically studied. The aim of this study was to understand the clinical and pathogenic characteristics of the LMNA splice-site mutation phenotype in patients with LMNA-related dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Methods and Results: First, we reported a novel family with LMNA-related DCM and SCD, and the clinical characteristics of all current patients with LMNA splicing mutations were further summarized through the ClinVar database. Seventeen families with a total of 134 individuals, containing a total of 15 LMNA splicing mutation sites, were enrolled. A total of 42 subjects (31.3%) had SCD. Compared without with the non-DCM group (n = 56), the patients within the DCM group (n = 78) presented a lower incidence of atrioventricular block (AVB) (p = 0.015) and a higher incidence rates of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia (p = 0.004),) and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) implantation (p = 0.005). Kaplan‒Meier survival analysis showed that the patients with pacemaker (PM) implantation had a significantly reduced the occurrence of SCD compared to patientswith those without PM implantation (log-rank p < 0.001), while there was no significant difference in ICD implantation between the two groups (log-rank p = 0.73). Second, we identified the family that we reported with a mutation in an LMNA c.513+1 G>A mutation in the reported family, and pathogenic prediction analysis showed that the mutation site was extremely harmful. Next, we conducted gene expression levels and cardiac pathological biopsy studies on the proband of this family. We found that the expression of normal LMNA mRNA from the proband was significantly downregulated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells than incompared with healthy individuals. Finally, we comprehensively summarized the pathological characteristics of LMNA-related DCM, including hypertrophy, atrophy, fibrosis, white blood cell infiltration, intercalated disc remodeling, and downregulation of desmin and connexin 43 (Cx43) expression. Discussion: Above all, Cardiaccardiac involvement in patients with LMNA splice-site mutation presented with a high rate of SCD. Implanting a pacemaker significantly reduced the SCD rate in non-DCM patients with AVB. The pathogenic characterization was not only haveinvolved suppressed the expression of the healthy LMNA allele, but was also associated with abnormal expression and distribution of desmin and Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuebin Ling
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Hainan Engineering Research Center for Biological Sample Resources of Major Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Yanjun Hou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xingyu Jia
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Hainan Engineering Research Center for Biological Sample Resources of Major Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Youling Lan
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Hainan Engineering Research Center for Biological Sample Resources of Major Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Xiaoping Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Hainan Engineering Research Center for Biological Sample Resources of Major Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Julan Wu
- Department of Pathology, Hainan Women and Children Medical Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Wei Jie
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Hainan Engineering Research Center for Biological Sample Resources of Major Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Hainan Engineering Research Center for Biological Sample Resources of Major Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Shan Huang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Hainan Engineering Research Center for Biological Sample Resources of Major Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Zhenling Wan
- Department of Pathology, Hainan Women and Children Medical Center, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Tianfa Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Hainan Engineering Research Center for Biological Sample Resources of Major Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Junli Guo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine and Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research and Hainan Engineering Research Center for Biological Sample Resources of Major Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Tiebiao Liang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, People’s Hospital of Wanning, Wanning, China
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Al-attar R, Jargstorf J, Romagnuolo R, Jouni M, Alibhai FJ, Lampe PD, Solan JL, Laflamme MA. Casein Kinase 1 Phosphomimetic Mutations Negatively Impact Connexin-43 Gap Junctions in Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiomyocytes. Biomolecules 2024; 14:61. [PMID: 38254663 PMCID: PMC10813327 DOI: 10.3390/biom14010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The transplantation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hPSC-CMs) has shown promise in preclinical models of myocardial infarction, but graft myocardium exhibits incomplete host-graft electromechanical integration and a propensity for pro-arrhythmic behavior. Perhaps contributing to this situation, hPSC-CM grafts show low expression of connexin 43 (Cx43), the major gap junction (GJ) protein, in ventricular myocardia. We hypothesized that Cx43 expression and function could be rescued by engineering Cx43 in hPSC-CMs with a series of phosphatase-resistant mutations at three casein kinase 1 phosphorylation sites (Cx43-S3E) that have been previously reported to stabilize Cx43 GJs and reduce arrhythmias in transgenic mice. However, contrary to our predictions, transgenic Cx43-S3E hPSC-CMs exhibited reduced Cx43 expression relative to wild-type cells, both at baseline and following ischemic challenge. Cx43-S3E hPSC-CMs showed correspondingly slower conduction velocities, increased automaticity, and differential expression of other connexin isoforms and various genes involved in cardiac excitation-contraction coupling. Cx43-S3E hPSC-CMs also had phosphorylation marks associated with Cx43 GJ internalization, a finding that may account for their impaired GJ localization. Taken collectively, our data indicate that the Cx43-S3E mutation behaves differently in hPSC-CMs than in adult mouse ventricular myocytes and that multiple biological factors likely need to be addressed synchronously to ensure proper Cx43 expression, localization, and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasha Al-attar
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (R.A.-a.); (J.J.); (R.R.); (M.J.); (F.J.A.)
| | - Joseph Jargstorf
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (R.A.-a.); (J.J.); (R.R.); (M.J.); (F.J.A.)
| | - Rocco Romagnuolo
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (R.A.-a.); (J.J.); (R.R.); (M.J.); (F.J.A.)
| | - Mariam Jouni
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (R.A.-a.); (J.J.); (R.R.); (M.J.); (F.J.A.)
| | - Faisal J. Alibhai
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (R.A.-a.); (J.J.); (R.R.); (M.J.); (F.J.A.)
| | - Paul D. Lampe
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (P.D.L.); (J.L.S.)
| | - Joell L. Solan
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA; (P.D.L.); (J.L.S.)
| | - Michael A. Laflamme
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada; (R.A.-a.); (J.J.); (R.R.); (M.J.); (F.J.A.)
- Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
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12
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Xiao M, Cao JG, Jiang XC, Wang CY, Gong J, Chen SY, Zhou YY, Zhao M. [Zuogui Pills improve testicular development of offspring rats exposed to prenatal stress via Cx43]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2024; 49:197-207. [PMID: 38403352 DOI: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20230811.705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
This study aims to reveal the mechanism of prenatal stress in affecting the testicular development of offspring rats and the intervention effects of Zuogui Pills via connexin 43(Cx43). Forty pregnant SD rats were randomized into a blank control group, a mo-del group, a high-dose(18.9 g·kg~(-1)) Zuogui Pills group, a low-dose(9.45 g·kg~(-1)) Zuogui Pills group, and a vitamin E(1.44 mg·kg~(-1)) group. The other groups except the blank control group was subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress for the modeling of prenatal stress. The model was evaluated by sucrose preference test, open field test, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) of the glucocorticoid level. ELISA was employed to measure the thyroxine 4(T4), testosterone(T), and follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH) levels to assess kidney deficiency. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was employed to evaluate the status of testicular germ cells. An automatic sperm analyzer was used to measure the sperm quality. Immunofluorescence double staining was employed to detect the expression of Cx43 and follicle-stimulating hormone receptor(FSHR) in the testes of offspring rats. The mRNA and protein levels of Cx43, FSHR, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K), and protein kinase B(Akt) were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot, respectively. Prenatal stress induced testicular development disorders in offspring rats. The HE staining results showed that on the day of birth, the model group had reduced seminiferous tubules in the testes, elevated FSH level in the serum, and lowered Cx43 level in the testicular tissue. Male offspring rats of 60 days old had reduced testicular spermatogenic function, decreased sperm quality, elevated FSH level and lowered T level in the serum, and down-regulated protein and mRNA levels of Cx43, FSHR, PI3K, and Akt in the testicular tissue. Zuogui Pills alleviated the abnormal development and dysfunction of testicles in the offspring rats caused by prenatal stress. In summary, Zuogui Pills may weaken the effects of prenatal stress on testicular development and spermatogenic function of offspring rats by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway to regulate Cx43 expression in the testicular tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xiao
- Laboratory Animal Center, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Ji-Gang Cao
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Xiao-Cui Jiang
- Laboratory Animal Center, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Chao-Yang Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Jian Gong
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Si-Yi Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Yan-Yan Zhou
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Min Zhao
- School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine Wuhan 430065, China
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13
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Zhao Y, Namei E, Yang B, Bao X, Sun W, Subudeng G, Cao G, Li H, Wang G. Cyclic AMP mediates ovine cumulus-oocyte gap junctional function via balancing connexin 43 expression and phosphorylation. Endocr Connect 2023; 12:e230337. [PMID: 37855365 PMCID: PMC10620458 DOI: 10.1530/ec-23-0337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Gap junction channels in cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) enable the transmission and communication of small molecular signals between adjacent cells, such as cAMP. However, the regulation of gap junction function (GJF) by cAMP and the underlying mechanisms involved are not fully clarified. This study investigated the effect of cAMP on connexin 43 (CX43) expression and GJF in ovine COCs using immunofluorescence, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), western blotting, and GJF detection. The CX43 was only found in the cumulus cells (CCs) side of ovine COC. The intra-oocyte cAMP showed a significant increase at 30 min, while the intra-CC cAMP exhibited two peaks at 10 min and 1 h during in vitro maturation (IVM). Phosphorylated CX43 protein exhibited an immediate increase at 10 min, and CX43 protein displayed two peaks at 10 min and 1 h during IVM. The duration of pre-IVM exposure to forskolin and IBMX significantly enhanced phosphorylated and total CX43, as well as Gja1 and Creb genes, for 10 min; these effects were counteracted by Rp-cAMP. Both pre-IVM with forskolin and IBMX for 1 h and the GJF and CX43/p-CX43 ratio were elevated. The closure of gap junction channels caused by phosphorylated CX43 to prevent cAMP outflow from oocytes in early IVM of COC. Cyclic AMP upregulated phosphorylated and total CX43 via genomic and non-genomic pathways, but its functional regulation was dependent on the balance of the two proteins. This study provides a new insight into the regulatory mechanism between cAMP and GJF, which would improve IVM in animal and clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufen Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Development Engineering of Autonomous Region Universities, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Erge Namei
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Development Engineering of Autonomous Region Universities, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Bingxue Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Development Engineering of Autonomous Region Universities, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Xiangnan Bao
- Inner Mongolia Saikexing Institute of Breeding and Reproductive Biotechnology in Domestic Animal, Hohhot, PR China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Dairy Industry, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Wei Sun
- Inner Mongolia Saikexing Institute of Breeding and Reproductive Biotechnology in Domestic Animal, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Gerile Subudeng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Development Engineering of Autonomous Region Universities, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Guifang Cao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Development Engineering of Autonomous Region Universities, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Haijun Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, PR China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Embryo and Development Engineering of Autonomous Region Universities, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, PR China
| | - Gui Wang
- Animal Genetic Breeding and Reproduction Research Center, Hetao College, Bayannur, PR China
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14
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Khromov T, Fischer L, Leha A, Bremmer F, Fischer A, Schliephake H, Rahat MA, Brockmeyer P. Combined Biomarker System Predicts Prognosis in Patients with Metastatic Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4924. [PMID: 37894290 PMCID: PMC10605069 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with poor patient prognosis. Metastasis is a complex process involving various proteins, tumor cell alterations, including changes attributable to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we investigate a combined protein marker system consisting of connexin 43 (Cx43), EMMPRIN (CD147), E-cadherin, and vimentin, with a focus on their roles in the invasive metastatic progression of OSCC and their potential utility in predicting prognosis. METHODS We conducted an immunohistochemical analysis to assess the protein expression profiles of Cx43, EMMPRIN, E-cadherin, and vimentin using tissue samples obtained from 24 OSCC patients. The metastatic process was mapped through different regions of interest (ROIs), including adjacent healthy oral mucosa (OM), center of primary OSCC, invasive front (IF), and local cervical lymph node metastases (LNM). The primary clinical endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Substantial changes in the expression profiles of the different marker proteins were observed among the different ROIs, with all p-values < 0.05, signifying statistical significance. Multivariable Cox regression analysis results showed a significant effect of increased EMMPRIN expression toward the IF on DFS (p = 0.019) and OS (p = 0.023). Furthermore, the combined predictive analysis showed a significant predictive value of the marker system for DFS (p = 0.0017) and OS (p = 0.00044). CONCLUSIONS The combined marker system exhibited a significant ability to predict patient prognosis. An increase in EMMPRIN expression toward the IF showed the strongest effect and could be an interesting new antimetastatic therapy approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Khromov
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (T.K.); (A.F.)
| | - Lucas Fischer
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
| | - Andreas Leha
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
| | - Felix Bremmer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
| | - Andreas Fischer
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (T.K.); (A.F.)
| | - Henning Schliephake
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
| | - Michal Amit Rahat
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa 3436212, Israel;
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Phillipp Brockmeyer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
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15
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Hoppock GA, Buettmann EG, Denisco JA, Goldscheitter GM, Condyles SN, Juhl OJ, Friedman MA, Zhang Y, Donahue HJ. Connexin 43 and cell culture substrate differentially regulate OCY454 osteocytic differentiation and signaling to primary bone cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C907-C920. [PMID: 37602413 PMCID: PMC10635658 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00220.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43), the predominate gap junction protein in bone, is essential for intercellular communication and skeletal homeostasis. Previous work suggests that osteocyte-specific deletion of Cx43 leads to increased bone formation and resorption; however, the cell-autonomous role of osteocytic Cx43 in promoting increased bone remodeling is unknown. Recent studies using three-dimensional (3D) culture substrates in OCY454 cells suggest that 3D cultures may offer increased bone remodeling factor expression and secretion, such as sclerostin and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL). In this study, we compared culturing OCY454 osteocytes on 3D Alvetex scaffolds with traditional 2D tissue culture, both with [wild-type (WT)] and without Cx43 (Cx43 KO). Conditioned media from OCY454 cell cultures were used to determine soluble signaling to differentiate primary bone marrow cells into osteoblasts and osteoclasts. OCY454 cells cultured on 3D portrayed a mature osteocytic phenotype, relative to cells on 2D, shown by increased osteocytic gene expression and reduced cell proliferation. In contrast, OCY454 differentiation based on these same markers was not affected by Cx43 deficiency in 3D. Interestingly, increased sclerostin secretion was found in 3D cultured WT cells compared with that of Cx43 KO cells. Conditioned media from Cx43 KO cells promoted increased osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis, with maximal effects from 3D cultured Cx43 KO cells. These results suggest that Cx43 deficiency promotes increased bone remodeling in a cell-autonomous manner with minimal changes in osteocyte differentiation. Finally, 3D cultures appear better suited to study mechanisms from Cx43-deficient OCY454 osteocytes in vitro due to their ability to promote osteocyte differentiation, limit proliferation, and increase bone remodeling factor secretion.NEW & NOTEWORTHY 3D cell culture of OCY454 cells promoted increased differentiation compared with traditional 2D culture. Although Cx43 deficiency did not affect OCY454 differentiation, it resulted in increased signaling, promoting osteoblastogenesis and osteoclastogenesis. Our results suggest that Cx43 deficiency promotes increased bone remodeling in a cell-autonomous manner with minimal changes in osteocyte differentiation. Also, 3D cultures appear better suited to study mechanisms in Cx43-deficient OCY454 osteocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel A Hoppock
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Evan G Buettmann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Joseph A Denisco
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Galen M Goldscheitter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Sebastian N Condyles
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Otto J Juhl
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Michael A Friedman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
| | - Henry J Donahue
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States
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16
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Cristovao B, Rodrigues L, Catarino S, Abreu M, Gonçalves T, Domingues N, Girao H. Cx43-mediated hyphal folding counteracts phagosome integrity loss during fungal infection. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0123823. [PMID: 37733471 PMCID: PMC10581180 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01238-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Phagolysosomes are crucial organelles during the elimination of pathogens by host cells. The maintenance of their membrane integrity is vital during stressful conditions, such as during Candida albicans infection. As the fungal hyphae grow, the phagolysosome membrane expands to ensure that the growing fungus remains entrapped. Additionally, actin structures surrounding the hyphae-containing phagosome were recently described to damage and constrain these pathogens inside the host vacuoles by inducing their folding. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the phagosome membrane adaptation during this extreme expansion process is still unclear. The main goal of this study was to unveil the interplay between phagosomal membrane integrity and folding capacity of C. albicans-infected macrophages. We show that components of the repair machinery are gradually recruited to the expanding phagolysosomal membrane and that their inhibition diminishes macrophage folding capacity. Through an analysis of an RNAseq data set of C. albicans-infected macrophages, we identified Cx43, a gap junction protein, as a putative player involved in the interplay between lysosomal homeostasis and actin-related processes. Our findings further reveal that Cx43 is recruited to expand phagosomes and potentiates the hyphal folding capacity of macrophages, promoting their survival. Additionally, we reveal that Cx43 can act as an anchor for complexes involved in Arp2-mediated actin nucleation during the assembly of actin rings around hyphae-containing phagosomes. Overall, this work brings new insights on the mechanisms by which macrophages cope with C. albicans infection ascribing to Cx43 a new noncanonical regulatory role in phagosome dynamics during pathogen phagocytosis. IMPORTANCE Invasive candidiasis is a life-threatening fungal infection that can become increasingly resistant to treatment. Thus, strategies to improve immune system efficiency, such as the macrophage response during the clearance of the fungal infection, are crucial to ameliorate the current therapies. Engulfed Candida albicans, one of the most common Candida species, is able to quickly transit from yeast-to-hypha form, which can elicit a phagosomal membrane injury and ultimately lead to macrophage death. Here, we extend the understanding of phagosome membrane homeostasis during the hypha expansion and folding process. We found that loss of phagosomal membrane integrity decreases the capacity of macrophages to fold the hyphae. Furthermore, through a bioinformatic analysis, we reveal a new window of opportunities to disclose the mechanisms underlying the hyphal constraining process. We identified Cx43 as a new weapon in the armamentarium to tackle infection by potentiating hyphal folding and promoting macrophage survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Cristovao
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lisa Rodrigues
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC-UC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Steve Catarino
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Monica Abreu
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC-UC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Neuza Domingues
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique Girao
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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17
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Sinha F, Schweda F, Maier LS, Wagner S. Impact of Impaired Kidney Function on Arrhythmia-Promoting Cardiac Ion Channel Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14198. [PMID: 37762501 PMCID: PMC10532292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular events and sudden cardiac death. Although arrhythmias are one of the most common causes of sudden cardiac death in CKD patients, the molecular mechanisms involved in the development of arrhythmias are still poorly understood. In this narrative review, therefore, we summarize the current knowledge on the regulation of cardiac ion channels that contribute to arrhythmia in CKD. We do this by first explaining the excitation-contraction coupling, outlining current translational research approaches, then explaining the main characteristics in CKD patients, such as abnormalities in electrolytes and pH, activation of the autonomic nervous system, and the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, as well as current evidence for proarrhythmic properties of uremic toxins. Finally, we discuss the substance class of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) on their potential to modify cardiac channel regulation in CKD and, therefore, as a treatment option for arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederick Sinha
- Department for Internal Medicine II, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (F.S.)
| | - Frank Schweda
- Institute of Physiology, University of Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany
| | - Lars S. Maier
- Department for Internal Medicine II, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (F.S.)
| | - Stefan Wagner
- Department for Internal Medicine II, University Medical Center Regensburg, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (F.S.)
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18
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Pavic B, Ogorevc M, Boric K, Vukovic D, Saraga-Babic M, Mardesic S. Connexin 37, 40, 43 and Pannexin 1 Expression in the Gastric Mucosa of Patients with Systemic Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2487. [PMID: 37760928 PMCID: PMC10525958 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Although its pathogenesis is not fully understood, connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panx) could be involved in the process of fibrosis. We analyzed the protein expression of Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and Panx1 in the gastric mucosa of patients with SSc and healthy volunteers, using immunofluorescence staining. Protein levels of Cx37 were slightly increased, while the levels of Cx40 were significantly decreased in the lamina propria of the gastric mucosa of SSc patients compared to the controls. The changes were proportional to SSc severity, with the most prominent changes found in patients with severe diffuse cutaneous SSc. No differences in Cx43 or Panx1 levels were found between the analyzed groups of samples. The lack of changes in Cx43 expression, which has been previously associated with fibrosis, could be due to the weak expression of Cx43 in the gastric mucosa in general. Further studies on full-thickness gastric biopsies containing muscle layers and animal SSc models are needed to fully elucidate the role of Cxs and Panxs in SSc-associated fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berna Pavic
- Renal Unit, University Hospital of Split, Šoltanska 1, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Marin Ogorevc
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.O.); (M.S.-B.)
| | - Katarina Boric
- Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Split, Šoltanska 1, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Dubravka Vukovic
- Department of Dermatovenerology, University Hospital of Split, Šoltanska 1, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Mirna Saraga-Babic
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.O.); (M.S.-B.)
| | - Snjezana Mardesic
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.O.); (M.S.-B.)
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19
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Zhang J, Wu X, Liang Y, Kelly G, Burt JM, Zhang L, Wang T. Particulate matter increases connexin 43 expression and exacerbates endothelial barrier disruption. Am J Transl Res 2023; 15:5099-5109. [PMID: 37692924 PMCID: PMC10492082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Particulate Matter (PM) air pollution is known to exacerbate cardiopulmonary diseases. We previously demonstrated that PM mediates endothelial injury and barrier disruption by modulating the endothelial cytoskeleton and cell-cell junctions, but the effects of PM exposure on cell-cell communication and gap junction activity are still unknown. METHODS This study focused on the characterization of PM-regulated endothelial dysfunction through connexin 43 (Cx43), the most abundant gap junction protein expressed in lung endothelial cells (ECs), using cultured human lung endothelial cells and a well-characterized PM sample. RESULTS PM exposure induced a time-dependent increase of Cx43 in human lung ECs at both the mRNA and protein levels. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, significantly suppressed PM-induced Cx43 expression. Cx43 proteins on the plasma membrane and ER/Golgi apparatus were elevated in response to a PM challenge. In addition, PM induced gap junction activity, which was indicated by green fluorescence dye transfer between two adjacent ECs. Moreover, GAP27, a selective Cx43 channel inhibitor, attenuated PM-induced human lung EC barrier disruption, which was reflected by rescued trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TER) with an electric cell-substrate impedance sensing system. Moreover, knocking down Cx43 alleviated PM-induced myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS These results strongly suggest that Cx43 plays a key role in PM-mediated endothelial barrier disruption and signal transduction. Cx43 may be a therapeutic target in PM-mediated cardiopulmonary disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of ArizonaTuscon, AZ, USA
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Xiaomin Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of ArizonaTuscon, AZ, USA
| | - Ying Liang
- Department of Medicine, University of ArizonaTuscon, AZ, USA
| | - Gabriel Kelly
- Department of Medicine, University of ArizonaTuscon, AZ, USA
| | - Janis M Burt
- Department of Physiology, University of ArizonaTuscon, AZ, USA
| | - Liming Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of ArizonaTuscon, AZ, USA
- Center of Translational Science, Florida International University11350 SW Village Parkway, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA
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20
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Sun N, Cui WQ, Min XM, Zhang GM, Liu JZ, Wu HY. A new perspective on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and post-stroke depression. Eur J Neurosci 2023; 58:2961-2984. [PMID: 37518943 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Post-stroke depression, a common complication after stroke, severely affects the recovery and quality of life of patients with stroke. Owing to its complex mechanisms, post-stroke depression treatment remains highly challenging. Hippocampal synaptic plasticity is one of the key factors leading to post-stroke depression; however, the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Numerous studies have found that neurotrophic factors, protein kinases and neurotransmitters influence depressive behaviour by modulating hippocampal synaptic plasticity. This review further elaborates on the role of hippocampal synaptic plasticity in post-stroke depression by summarizing recent research and analysing possible molecular mechanisms. Evidence for the correlation between hippocampal mechanisms and post-stroke depression helps to better understand the pathological process of post-stroke depression and improve its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Sun
- First College of Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Wen-Qiang Cui
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Xiao-Man Min
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Guang-Ming Zhang
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jia-Zheng Liu
- College of Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Hong-Yun Wu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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21
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Park EH, Kim JM, Seong E, Lee E, Chang K, Choi Y. Effects of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Injection into Healed Myocardial Infarction Scar Border Zone on the Risk of Ventricular Tachycardia. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2141. [PMID: 37626638 PMCID: PMC10452743 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11082141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The scar border zone is a main source of reentry responsible for ischemic ventricular tachycardia (VT). We evaluated the effects of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) injection into the scar border zone on arrhythmic risks in a post-myocardial infarction (MI) animal model. Rabbit MI models were generated by left descending coronary artery ligation. Surviving rabbits after 4 weeks underwent left thoracotomy and autologous MSCs or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) was administered to scar border zones in two rabbits in each group. Another rabbit without MI underwent a sham procedure (control). An implantable loop recorder (ILR) was implanted in the left chest wall in all animals. Four weeks after cell injections, ventricular fibrillation was induced in 1/2 rabbit in the PBS group by electrophysiologic study, and no ventricular arrhythmia was induced in the MSC group or control. Spontaneous VT was not detected during ILR analysis in any animal for 4 weeks. Histologic examination showed restoration of connexin 43 (Cx43) expression in the MSC group, which was higher than in the PBS group and comparable to the control. In conclusion, MSC injections into the MI scar border zone did not increase the risk of VT and were associated with favorable Cx43 expression and arrangement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Hye Park
- Cardiovascular Research Institute for Intractable Disease, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (E.-H.P.); (J.-M.K.); (E.S.); (E.L.); (K.C.)
| | - Jin-Moo Kim
- Cardiovascular Research Institute for Intractable Disease, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (E.-H.P.); (J.-M.K.); (E.S.); (E.L.); (K.C.)
| | - EunHwa Seong
- Cardiovascular Research Institute for Intractable Disease, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (E.-H.P.); (J.-M.K.); (E.S.); (E.L.); (K.C.)
| | - Eunmi Lee
- Cardiovascular Research Institute for Intractable Disease, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (E.-H.P.); (J.-M.K.); (E.S.); (E.L.); (K.C.)
| | - Kiyuk Chang
- Cardiovascular Research Institute for Intractable Disease, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (E.-H.P.); (J.-M.K.); (E.S.); (E.L.); (K.C.)
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Choi
- Cardiovascular Research Institute for Intractable Disease, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea; (E.-H.P.); (J.-M.K.); (E.S.); (E.L.); (K.C.)
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Republic of Korea
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22
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Suades R, Vilella-Figuerola A, Padró T, Mirabet S, Badimon L. Red Blood Cells and Endothelium Derived Circulating Extracellular Vesicles in Health and Chronic Heart Failure: A Focus on Phosphatidylserine Dynamics in Vesiculation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11824. [PMID: 37511585 PMCID: PMC10380787 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating extracellular microvesicles (cEVs) are characterised by presenting surface antigens of parental cells. Since their biogenesis involves the translocation of phosphatidylserine (PS) from the inner to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane, exposed PS has been considered as a recognition hallmark of cEVs. However, not all cEVs externalise PS. In this study, we have phenotypically and quantitatively characterised cEVs by flow cytometry, paying special attention to the proportions of PS in chronic heart failure patients (cHF; n = 119) and a reference non-HF group (n = 21). PS--cEVs were predominantly found in both groups. Parental markers showed differential pattern depending on the PS exposure. Endothelium-derived and connexin 43-rich cEVs were mainly PS--cEVs and significantly increased in cHF. On the contrary, platelet-derived cEVs were mostly PS+ and were increased in the non-HF group. We observed similar levels of PS+- and PS--cEVs in non-HF subjects when analysing immune cell-derived Evs, but there was a subset-specific difference in cHF patients. Indeed, those cEVs carrying CD45+, CD29+, CD11b+, and CD15+ were mainly PS+-cEVs, while those carrying CD14+, CD3+, and CD56+ were mainly PS--cEVs. In conclusion, endothelial and red blood cells are stressed in cHF patients, as detected by a high shedding of cEVs. Despite PS+-cEVs and PS--cEVs representing two distinct cEV populations, their release and potential function as both biomarkers and shuttles for cell communication seem unrelated to their PS content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Suades
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC, Research Institute of Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB Sant Pau, 08049 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alba Vilella-Figuerola
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC, Research Institute of Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB Sant Pau, 08049 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Teresa Padró
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC, Research Institute of Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB Sant Pau, 08049 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Sonia Mirabet
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Cardiology Department, Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, 08025 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lina Badimon
- Cardiovascular Program ICCC, Research Institute of Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, IIB Sant Pau, 08049 Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Cardiovascular Research Chair, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), 08193 Barcelona, Spain
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23
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Chai H, Huang Q, Jiao Z, Wang S, Sun C, Geng D, Xu W. Osteocytes Exposed to Titanium Particles Inhibit Osteoblastic Cell Differentiation via Connexin 43. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10864. [PMID: 37446062 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Periprosthetic osteolysis (PPO) induced by wear particles is the most severe complication of total joint replacement; however, the mechanism behind PPO remains elusive. Previous studies have shown that osteocytes play important roles in wear-particle-induced osteolysis. In this study, we investigated the effects of connexin 43 (Cx43) on the regulation of osteocyte-to-osteoblast differentiation. We established an in vivo murine model of calvarial osteolysis induced by titanium (Ti) particles. The osteolysis characteristic and osteogenesis markers in the osteocyte-selective Cx43 (CKO)-deficient and wild-type (WT) mice were observed. The calvarial osteolysis induced by Ti particles was partially attenuated in CKO mice. The expression of β-catenin and osteogenesis markers increased significantly in CKO mice. In vitro, the osteocytic cell line MLO-Y4 was treated with Ti particles. The co-culturing of MLO-Y4 cells with MC3T3-E1 osteoblastic cells was used to observe the effects of Ti-treated osteocytes on osteoblast differentiation. When Cx43 of MLO-Y4 cells was silenced or overexpressed, β-catenin was detected. Additionally, co-immunoprecipitation detection of Cx43 and β-catenin binding in MLO-Y4 cells and MC3T3-E1 cells was performed. Finally, β-catenin expression in MC3T3-E1 cells and osteoblast differentiation were evaluated after 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid (18α-GA) was used to block the intercellular communication of Cx43 between MLO-Y4 and MC3T3-E1 cells. Ti particles increased Cx43 expression and decreased β-catenin expression in MLO-Y4 cells. The silencing of Cx43 increased the β-catenin expression, and the over-expression of Cx43 decreased the β-catenin expression. In the co-culture model, Ti treatment of MLO-Y4 cells inhibited the osteoblastic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and Cx43 silencing in MLO-Y4 cells attenuated the inhibitory effects on osteoblastic differentiation. With Cx43 silencing in the MLO-Y4 cells, the MC3T3-E1 cells, co-cultured alongside MLO-Y4, displayed decreased Cx43 expression, increased β-catenin expression, activation of Runx2, and promotion of osteoblastic differentiation in vitro co-culture. Finally, Cx43 expression was found to be negatively correlated to the activity of the Wnt signaling pathway, mostly through the Cx43 binding of β-catenin from its translocation to the nucleus. The results of our study suggest that Ti particles increased Cx43 expression in osteocytes and that osteocytes may participate in the regulation of osteoblast function via the Cx43 during PPO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Chai
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Qun Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Zixue Jiao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Shendong Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Chunguang Sun
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Dechun Geng
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215004, China
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24
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Zhang M, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Connexin 43 Phosphorylation: Implications in Multiple Diseases. Molecules 2023; 28:4914. [PMID: 37446576 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is most widely distributed in mammals, especially in the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Its phosphorylation state has been found to be regulated by the action of more than ten kinases and phosphatases, including mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signaling and regulating kinase signaling. In addition, the phosphorylation status of different phosphorylation sites affects its own synthesis and assembly and the function of the gap junctions (GJs) to varying degrees. The phosphorylation of Cx43 can affect the permeability, electrical conductivity, and gating properties of GJs, thereby having various effects on intercellular communication and affecting physiological or pathological processes in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, clarifying the relationship between Cx43 phosphorylation and specific disease processes will help us better understand the disease. Based on the above clinical and preclinical findings, we present in this review the functional significance of Cx43 phosphorylation in multiple diseases and discuss the potential of Cx43 as a drug target in Cx43-related disease pathophysiology, with an emphasis on the importance of connexin 43 as an emerging therapeutic target in cardiac and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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25
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Bedner P, Steinhäuser C. Role of Impaired Astrocyte Gap Junction Coupling in Epileptogenesis. Cells 2023; 12:1669. [PMID: 37371139 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The gap-junction-coupled astroglial network plays a central role in the regulation of neuronal activity and synchronisation, but its involvement in the pathogenesis of neuronal diseases is not yet understood. Here, we present the current state of knowledge about the impact of impaired glial coupling in the development and progression of epilepsy and discuss whether astrocytes represent alternative therapeutic targets. We focus mainly on temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE), which is the most common form of epilepsy in adults and is characterised by high therapy resistance. Functional data from TLE patients and corresponding experimental models point to a complete loss of astrocytic coupling, but preservation of the gap junction forming proteins connexin43 and connexin30 in hippocampal sclerosis. Several studies further indicate that astrocyte uncoupling is a causal event in the initiation of TLE, as it occurs very early in epileptogenesis, clearly preceding dysfunctional changes in neurons. However, more research is needed to fully understand the role of gap junction channels in epilepsy and to develop safe and effective therapeutic strategies targeting astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Bedner
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Steinhäuser
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
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Zong YJ, Liu XZ, Tu L, Sun Y. Cytomembrane Trafficking Pathways of Connexin 26, 30, and 43. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10349. [PMID: 37373495 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The connexin gene family is the most prevalent gene that contributes to hearing loss. Connexins 26 and 30, encoded by GJB2 and GJB6, respectively, are the most abundantly expressed connexins in the inner ear. Connexin 43, which is encoded by GJA1, appears to be widely expressed in various organs, including the heart, skin, the brain, and the inner ear. The mutations that arise in GJB2, GJB6, and GJA1 can all result in comprehensive or non-comprehensive genetic deafness in newborns. As it is predicted that connexins include at least 20 isoforms in humans, the biosynthesis, structural composition, and degradation of connexins must be precisely regulated so that the gap junctions can properly operate. Certain mutations result in connexins possessing a faulty subcellular localization, failing to transport to the cell membrane and preventing gap junction formation, ultimately leading to connexin dysfunction and hearing loss. In this review, we provide a discussion of the transport models for connexin 43, connexins 30 and 26, mutations affecting trafficking pathways of these connexins, the existing controversies in the trafficking pathways of connexins, and the molecules involved in connexin trafficking and their functions. This review can contribute to a new way of understanding the etiological principles of connexin mutations and finding therapeutic strategies for hereditary deafness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Jun Zong
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiao-Zhou Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Lei Tu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Oral and Maxillofacial Development and Regeneration, Wuhan 430022, China
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Kneitz H, Frings V, Kircher S, Goebeler M. Expression of Connexin 43 in Granular Cell Tumors of the Skin, Tongue and Esophagus. Dermatopathology (Basel) 2023; 10:184-192. [PMID: 37366801 DOI: 10.3390/dermatopathology10020026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Granular cell tumors (GCT) are rare neoplasms of Schwann cell origin occurring in the skin and in other organs. The etiopathogenesis of GCT is yet poorly understood. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most broadly expressed gap junction protein in humans, the tumoral role of which has been investigated in several types of tumors. Its role in GCT of the skin, oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract is as yet unknown. METHODS Herein, we present a study on the immunohistochemical expression of Cx43 in GCT of the skin (n = 15), tongue (n = 4) and esophagus (n = 3). Immunolabeling was scored positive (weak (+), moderate (++) or strong (+++)). RESULTS Cx43 was expressed by all cases of GCT of the skin, tongue and esophagus (22/22), showing moderate to strong staining. All tissue sections of GCT were characterized by a diffuse, cytoplasmic staining pattern of the tumor cells. None of those showed membranous or nuclear staining. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that Cx43 probably plays an important role in the development of this rare tumor entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hermann Kneitz
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Verena Frings
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kircher
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Goebeler
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
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Ma Y, Cao Y, Gao H, Tong R, Yi J, Zhang Z, Chen R, Pan Z. Sevoflurane Improves Ventricular Conduction by Exosomes Derived from Rat Cardiac Fibroblasts After Hypothermic Global Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Drug Des Devel Ther 2023; 17:1719-1732. [PMID: 37333963 PMCID: PMC10275581 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s408595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study investigated the effect of exosomes derived from sevoflurane-treated cardiac fibroblasts (Sev-CFs-Exo) on reperfusion arrhythmias (RA), ventricular conduction, and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). Methods Primary cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) were isolated from the hearts of neonatal rats and identified by morphology and immunofluorescence. Exosomes were isolated from CFs at passages 2-3 after they had been treated with 2.5% sevoflurane for an hour and cultivated for 24-48 hours. The control group was CFs that did not receive any treatment. The hypothermic global ischemia-reperfusion injury model was established using the Langendorff perfusion technique following injection with exosomes through the caudal vein. Multi-electrode array (MEA) mapping was used to investigate the changes in RA and ventricular conduction in isolated hearts. Western blots and immunofluorescence were used to examine the relative expression and location of connexin 43 (Cx43). In addition, the MIRI was evaluated with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride and Hematoxylin-Eosin staining. Results The primary CFs had a variety of morphologies, no spontaneous pulsation, and were vimentin-positive, which confirmed their successful isolation. Sev-CFs-Exo increased the heart rate (HR) at reperfusion for 15 minutes (T2) and 30 minutes (T3) and lowered the score and duration of RA and the time for restoration of heartbeat in reperfusion. Meanwhile, Sev-CFs-Exo increased conduction velocity (CV), decreased absolute inhomogeneity (P5-95) and inhomogeneity index (P5-95/P50) at T2 and T3, as well as promoted the recovery of HR, CV, P5-95 and P5-95/P50 after hypothermic global ischemia-reperfusion injury. Furthermore, Sev-CFs-Exo raised expression and reduced lateralization of Cx43, and improved myocardial infarct sizes and cellular necrosis. However, while cardiac fibroblast-derived exosomes (CFs-Exo) showed similar cardioprotective effects, the outcomes were not as significant. Conclusion Sevoflurane reduces the risk of RA and improves ventricular conduction and MIRI by CFs-Exo, and this may be driven by the expression and location of Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Ma
- School of Anesthesia, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ying Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second People’s Hospital of Guiyang, Guiyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Tong
- School of Anesthesia, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jing Yi
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhongwei Zhang
- School of Anesthesia, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Chen
- School of Anesthesia, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhijun Pan
- School of Anesthesia, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People’s Republic of China
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Wang T, Liu J, Hu C, Wei X, Han L, Zhu A, Wang R, Chen Z, Xia Z, Yao S, Mao W. Downregulation of cardiac PIASy inhibits Cx43 SUMOylation and ameliorates ventricular arrhythmias in a rat model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:1349-1357. [PMID: 37014755 PMCID: PMC10309519 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysfunction of the gap junction channel protein connexin 43 (Cx43) contributes to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced ventricular arrhythmias. Cx43 can be regulated by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) modification. Protein inhibitor of activated STAT Y (PIASy) is an E3 SUMO ligase for its target proteins. However, whether Cx43 is a target protein of PIASy and whether Cx43 SUMOylation plays a role in I/R-induced arrhythmias are largely unknown. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were infected with PIASy short hairpin ribonucleic acid (shRNA) using recombinant adeno-associated virus subtype 9 (rAAV9). Two weeks later, the rats were subjected to 45 min of left coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h reperfusion. Electrocardiogram was recorded to assess arrhythmias. Rat ventricular tissues were collected for molecular biological measurements. RESULTS Following 45 min of ischemia, QRS duration and QTc intervals statistically significantly increased, but these values decreased after transfecting PIASy shRNA. PIASy downregulation ameliorated ventricular arrhythmias induced by myocardial I/R, as evidenced by the decreased incidence of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, and reduced arrythmia score. In addition, myocardial I/R statistically significantly induced PIASy expression and Cx43 SUMOylation, accompanied by reduced Cx43 phosphorylation and plakophilin 2 (PKP2) expression. Moreover, PIASy downregulation remarkably reduced Cx43 SUMOylation, accompanied by increased Cx43 phosphorylation and PKP2 expression after I/R. CONCLUSION PIASy downregulation inhibited Cx43 SUMOylation and increased PKP2 expression, thereby improving ventricular arrhythmias in ischemic/reperfused rats heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Jinmin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Chenchen Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Linlin Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Afang Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Zhijun Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Zhengyuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shanglong Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Weike Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
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Huang SN, Pan YT, Zhou YP, Wang XZ, Mei MJ, Yang B, Li D, Zeng WB, Cheng S, Sun JY, Cheng H, Zhao F, Luo MH. Human Cytomegalovirus IE1 Impairs Neuronal Migration by Downregulating Connexin 43. J Virol 2023; 97:e0031323. [PMID: 37097169 PMCID: PMC10231247 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00313-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a leading cause of congenital birth defects. Though the underlying mechanisms remain poorly characterized, mouse models of congenital CMV infection have demonstrated that the neuronal migration process is damaged. In this study, we evaluated the effects of HCMV infection on connexin 43 (Cx43), a crucial adhesion molecule mediating neuronal migration. We show in multiple cellular models that HCMV infection downregulated Cx43 posttranslationally. Further analysis identified the immediate early protein IE1 as the viral protein responsible for the reduction of Cx43. IE1 was found to bind the Cx43 C terminus and promote Cx43 degradation through the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Deletion of the Cx43-binding site in IE1 rendered it incapable of inducing Cx43 degradation. We validated the IE1-induced loss of Cx43 in vivo by introducing IE1 into the fetal mouse brain. Noteworthily, ectopic IE1 expression induced cortical atrophy and neuronal migration defects. Several lines of evidence suggest that these damages result from decreased Cx43, and restoration of Cx43 levels partially rescued IE1-induced interruption of neuronal migration. Taken together, the results of our investigation reveal a novel mechanism of HCMV-induced neural maldevelopment and identify a potential intervention target. IMPORTANCE Congenital CMV (cCMV) infection causes neurological sequelae in newborns. Recent studies of cCMV pathogenesis in animal models reveal ventriculomegaly and cortical atrophy associated with impaired neural progenitor cell (NPC) proliferation and migration. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms underlying these NPC abnormalities. We show that Cx43, a critical adhesion molecule mediating NPC migration, is downregulated by HCMV infection in vitro and HCMV-IE1 in vivo. We provide evidence that IE1 interacts with the C terminus of Cx43 to promote its ubiquitination and consequent degradation through the proteasome. Moreover, we demonstrate that introducing IE1 into mouse fetal brains led to neuronal migration defects, which was associated with Cx43 reduction. Deletion of the Cx43-binding region in IE1 or ectopic expression of Cx43 rescued the IE1-induced migration defects in vivo. Our study provides insight into how cCMV infection impairs neuronal migration and reveals a target for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Nan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Ting Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yue-Peng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy of Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Xian-Zhang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Meng-Jie Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- The Joint Center of Translational Precision Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children Medical Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dong Li
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Bo Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuang Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Jin-Yan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Cheng
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Zhao
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Min-Hua Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance in Biological Systems, State Key Laboratory of Magnetic Resonance and Atomic and Molecular Physics, National Center for Magnetic Resonance in Wuhan, Wuhan Institute of Physics and Mathematics, Innovation Academy of Precision Measurement Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
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An X, Li G, Wang S, Xie T, Ren X, Zhao Y. Renoprotection by Inhibiting Connexin 43 Expression in a Mouse Model of Obesity-Related Renal Injury. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2023; 16:1415-1424. [PMID: 37220614 PMCID: PMC10200121 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s412546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Our previous study conducted in an obesity-related renal injury rat model have established a connection between increased connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and renal injury. In this study, we investigated whether inhibiting Cx43 expression could provide renoprotection in a mouse model of obesity-related renal injury. Methods Five-week-old C57BL/6J mice were fed with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish an obesity-related renal injury model, then they were treated with Cx43 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS) or scrambled oligodeoxynucleotide (SCR) by an implanted osmotic pump for 4 weeks. Finally, the glomerular filtration function, the histological change in the glomeruli, and the markers of podocyte injury (WT-1, Nephrin) and inflammatory infiltration of renal tissue (CD68, F4/80 and VCAM-1) were examined respectively. Results The results showed that inhibiting Cx43 expression by AS in this mouse model of obesity-related renal injury can effectively improve glomerular filtration function, alleviate glomerular expansion and podocyte injury, and attenuate the inflammatory infiltration of renal tissue. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that inhibiting Cx43 expression by AS could provide renoprotection for the mouse model of obesity-related renal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin An
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Nephrology, Xi’an Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, 710003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guohua Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianrun Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Ren
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongli Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, People’s Republic of China
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Genet N, Genet G, Chavkin NW, Paila U, Fang JS, Vasavada HH, Goldberg JS, Acharya BR, Bhatt NS, Baker K, McDonnell SP, Huba M, Sankaranarayanan D, Ma GZM, Eichmann A, Thomas JL, Ffrench-Constant C, Hirschi KK. Connexin 43-mediated neurovascular interactions regulate neurogenesis in the adult brain subventricular zone. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112371. [PMID: 37043357 PMCID: PMC10564973 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The subventricular zone (SVZ) is the largest neural stem cell (NSC) niche in the adult brain; herein, the blood-brain barrier is leaky, allowing direct interactions between NSCs and endothelial cells (ECs). Mechanisms by which direct NSC-EC interactions in the adult SVZ control NSC behavior are unclear. We found that Cx43 is highly expressed by SVZ NSCs and ECs, and its deletion in either leads to increased NSC proliferation and neuroblast generation, suggesting that Cx43-mediated NSC-EC interactions maintain NSC quiescence. This is further supported by single-cell RNA sequencing and in vitro studies showing that ECs control NSC proliferation by regulating expression of genes associated with NSC quiescence and/or activation in a Cx43-dependent manner. Cx43 mediates these effects in a channel-independent manner involving its cytoplasmic tail and ERK activation. Such insights inform adult NSC regulation and maintenance aimed at stem cell therapies for neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiisha Genet
- Department of Cell Biology, Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Departments of Medicine and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
| | - Gael Genet
- Department of Cell Biology, Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Nicholas W Chavkin
- Department of Cell Biology, Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Umadevi Paila
- Department of Cell Biology, Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Jennifer S Fang
- Departments of Medicine and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Hema H Vasavada
- Department of Cell Biology, Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Departments of Medicine and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Joshua S Goldberg
- Departments of Medicine and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Bipul R Acharya
- Department of Cell Biology, Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Neha S Bhatt
- Departments of Medicine and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Kasey Baker
- Departments of Medicine and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Departments of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Stephanie P McDonnell
- Department of Cell Biology, Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Mahalia Huba
- Department of Cell Biology, Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Danya Sankaranarayanan
- Department of Cell Biology, Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Gerry Z M Ma
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Anne Eichmann
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Jean-Leon Thomas
- Departments of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Charles Ffrench-Constant
- MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - Karen K Hirschi
- Department of Cell Biology, Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Departments of Medicine and Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA; Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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Zhao D, Wu J, Acosta FM, Xu H, Jiang JX. Connexin 43 hemichannels and prostaglandin E 2 release in anabolic function of the skeletal tissue to mechanical stimulation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1151838. [PMID: 37123401 PMCID: PMC10133519 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1151838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Bone adapts to changes in the physical environment by modulating remodeling through bone resorption and formation to maintain optimal bone mass. As the most abundant connexin subtype in bone tissue, connexin 43 (Cx43)-forming hemichannels are highly responsive to mechanical stimulation by permitting the exchange of small molecules (<1.2 kDa) between bone cells and the extracellular environment. Upon mechanical stimulation, Cx43 hemichannels facilitate the release of prostaglandins E2 (PGE2), a vital bone anabolic factor from osteocytes. Although most bone cells are involved in mechanosensing, osteocytes are the principal mechanosensitive cells, and PGE2 biosynthesis is greatly enhanced by mechanical stimulation. Mechanical stimulation-induced PGE2 released from osteocytic Cx43 hemichannels acts as autocrine effects that promote β-catenin nuclear accumulation, Cx43 expression, gap junction function, and protects osteocytes against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in cultured osteocytes. In vivo, Cx43 hemichannels with PGE2 release promote bone formation and anabolism in response to mechanical loading. This review summarizes current in vitro and in vivo understanding of Cx43 hemichannels and extracellular PGE2 release, and their roles in bone function and mechanical responses. Cx43 hemichannels could be a significant potential new therapeutic target for treating bone loss and osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dezhi Zhao
- School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, United States
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jiawei Wu
- School of Medicine, Northwest University, Xi’an, China
| | - Francisca M. Acosta
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Huiyun Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jean X. Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, United States
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Cheung G, Chever O, Rollenhagen A, Quenech'du N, Ezan P, Lübke JHR, Rouach N. Astroglial Connexin 43 Regulates Synaptic Vesicle Release at Hippocampal Synapses. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081133. [PMID: 37190042 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43, an astroglial gap junction protein, is enriched in perisynaptic astroglial processes and plays major roles in synaptic transmission. We have previously found that astroglial Cx43 controls synaptic glutamate levels and allows for activity-dependent glutamine release to sustain physiological synaptic transmissions and cognitiogns. However, whether Cx43 is important for the release of synaptic vesicles, which is a critical component of synaptic efficacy, remains unanswered. Here, using transgenic mice with a glial conditional knockout of Cx43 (Cx43-/-), we investigate whether and how astrocytes regulate the release of synaptic vesicles from hippocampal synapses. We report that CA1 pyramidal neurons and their synapses develop normally in the absence of astroglial Cx43. However, a significant impairment in synaptic vesicle distribution and release dynamics were observed. In particular, the FM1-43 assays performed using two-photon live imaging and combined with multi-electrode array stimulation in acute hippocampal slices, revealed a slower rate of synaptic vesicle release in Cx43-/- mice. Furthermore, paired-pulse recordings showed that synaptic vesicle release probability was also reduced and is dependent on glutamine supply via Cx43 hemichannel (HC). Taken together, we have uncovered a role for Cx43 in regulating presynaptic functions by controlling the rate and probability of synaptic vesicle release. Our findings further highlight the significance of astroglial Cx43 in synaptic transmission and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giselle Cheung
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Oana Chever
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Astrid Rollenhagen
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine INM-10, Research Center Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany
- Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance Translational Brain Medicine, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Nicole Quenech'du
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Pascal Ezan
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, 75231 Paris, France
| | - Joachim H R Lübke
- Institute for Neuroscience and Medicine INM-10, Research Center Jülich, 52428 Jülich, Germany
- Jülich-Aachen Research Alliance Translational Brain Medicine, 52056 Aachen, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Rheinisch-Westfaelische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, 52056 Aachen, Germany
| | - Nathalie Rouach
- Neuroglial Interactions in Cerebral Physiology and Pathologies, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS, INSERM, Labex Memolife, Université PSL, 75231 Paris, France
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Puts R, Khaffaf A, Shaka M, Zhang H, Raum K. Focused Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (FLIPUS) Mitigates Apoptosis of MLO-Y4 Osteocyte-like Cells. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10030387. [PMID: 36978778 PMCID: PMC10045139 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10030387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Long cytoplasmic processes of osteocytes orchestrate bone activity by integration of biochemical and mechanical signals and regulate load-induced bone adaptation. Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound (LIPUS) is a clinically used technique for fracture healing that delivers mechanical impulses to the damaged bone tissue in a non-invasive and non-ionizing manner. The mechanism of action of LIPUS is still controversially discussed in the scientific community. In this study, the effect of focused LIPUS (FLIPUS) on the survival of starved MLO-Y4 osteocytes was investigated in vitro. Osteocytes stimulated for 10 min with FLIPUS exhibited extended dendrites, which formed frequent connections to neighboring cells and spanned longer distances. The sonicated cells displayed thick actin bundles and experienced increase in expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) proteins, especially on their dendrites, and E11 glycoprotein, which is responsible for the elongation of cellular cytoplasmic processes. After stimulation, expression of cell growth and survival genes as well as genes related to cell-cell communication was augmented. In addition, cell viability was improved after the sonication, and a decrease in ATP release in the medium was observed. In summary, FLIPUS mitigated apoptosis of starved osteocytes, which is likely related to the formation of the extensive dendritic network that ensured cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Puts
- Center for Biomedicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH) Center for Regenerative Therapies, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Aseel Khaffaf
- Center for Biomedicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Shaka
- Center for Biomedicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Hui Zhang
- Center for Biomedicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
| | - Kay Raum
- Center for Biomedicine, Charité-Universitätsmedizin, 12203 Berlin, Germany
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Book SA, Moore AC, Tourigny MSG, Barr K, Willmore KE. Discordant Growth of Nasal Cartilage and Bone Contributes to Phenotypic Variability of the Skull in a Mouse Model. Dev Dyn 2023. [PMID: 36880689 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously determined a non-linear relationship between connexin 43 (Cx43) function and craniofacial phenotypic variation in the mutant mouse model G60S/+, and that this variation was driven by nasal bone deviation. While non-linearities in the genotype-phenotype map appear to be common, few studies have looked at the developmental processes that underlie this non-linearity. Here we investigated the potential tissue-level developmental determinants of the variation in nasal bone phenotype in G60S/+ mice through post-natal development. RESULTS The deviated nasal bone phenotype arises by post-natal day 21 and becomes more severe by three months in G60S/+ mice. Measures of nasal bone remodeling including the number of osteoclasts, mineralizing surface, mineral apposition rate and bone formation rate are significantly greater in G60S/+ mice compared to wildtype mice at two months, but these differences do not correspond with nasal bone deviation. The degree of nasal bone deviation does significantly and negatively correlate with the ratio between nasal bone and cartilaginous nasal septum length. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that the mean phenotypic changes observed between G60S/+ and wildtype mice are due to reduced bone growth, but the increased phenotypic variation found within mutant mice is due to discordant growth between nasal cartilage and bone. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shae A Book
- School of Medicine, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Alyssa C Moore
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Madeline S G Tourigny
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Barr
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Katherine E Willmore
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Liu Y, Yu M, Wu Y, Wu F, Feng X, Zhao H. Myeloperoxidase in the pericardial fluid improves the performance of prediction rules for postoperative atrial fibrillation. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2023; 165:1064-1077.e8. [PMID: 34275621 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2021.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES After surgery, inflammation is a prominent factor influencing postoperative atrial fibrillation. Myeloperoxidase is a major contributor to inflammatory responses after surgical tissue damage. We evaluated whether myeloperoxidase is associated with postoperative atrial fibrillation clinically and in an animal model. METHODS This prospective cohort study included patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting. Myeloperoxidase concentrations in blood and pericardial fluid were determined at baseline and 6, 12, and 18 hours after coronary artery bypass grafting. Myeloperoxidase activity in blood, pericardial fluid, and atrium were also evaluated in a canine coronary artery bypass grafting model. Electrophysiologic, histologic, and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed to explore underlying mechanisms. RESULTS Postoperative atrial fibrillation occurred in 45 of 137 patients (32.8%). Patients with postoperative atrial fibrillation had significantly higher serum and pericardial myeloperoxidase levels. Individual clinical and surgical factors had moderate predictive value (area under the curve, 0.760) for postoperative atrial fibrillation. Discrimination improved remarkably when myeloperoxidase was combined with other parameters (area under the curve, 0.901). Pericardial myeloperoxidase at 6 hours postoperatively was the strongest independent predictor of postoperative atrial fibrillation (odds ratio, 19.215). The rate of postoperative atrial fibrillation increased exponentially across pericardial myeloperoxidase grades. Compared with controls, coronary artery bypass grafting-treated dogs showed higher atrial fibrillation vulnerability and maintenance, shorter atrial effective refractory period, attenuated connexin 43 expression, and increased myocardial and pericardial myeloperoxidase activity. Connexin 43 expression and atrial effective refractory period were strongly negatively correlated with myocardial and pericardial myeloperoxidase activity. CONCLUSIONS Myeloperoxidase is linked to postoperative atrial fibrillation, and the ability to predict postoperative atrial fibrillation was remarkably improved by adding pericardial myeloperoxidase. Myeloperoxidase-related atrial structural and electrical remodeling is a physiologic substrate for this arrhythmia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisi Liu
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Meng Yu
- Fuwai Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen, P.R. China
| | - Ying Wu
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China.
| | - Fangqin Wu
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xinwei Feng
- Capital Medical University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Haibo Zhao
- Beijing Chao-yang Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
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Jiang H, Zhang Y, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Connexin 43: An Interface Connecting Neuroinflammation to Depression. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041820. [PMID: 36838809 PMCID: PMC9961786 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading chronic mental illness worldwide, characterized by anhedonia, pessimism and even suicidal thoughts. Connexin 43 (Cx43), mainly distributed in astrocytes of the brain, is by far the most widely and ubiquitously expressed connexin in almost all vital organs. Cx43 forms gap junction channels in the brain, which mediate energy exchange and effectively maintain physiological homeostasis. Increasing evidence suggests the crucial role of Cx43 in the pathogenesis of MDD. Neuroinflammation is one of the most common pathological features of the central nervous system dysfunctions. Inflammatory factors are abnormally elevated in patients with depression and are closely related to nearly all links of depression. After activating the inflammatory pathway in the brain, the release and uptake of glutamate and adenosine triphosphate, through Cx43 in the synaptic cleft, would be affected. In this review, we have summarized the association between Cx43 and neuroinflammation, the cornerstones linking inflammation and depression, and Cx43 abnormalities in depression. We also discuss the significant association of Cx43 in inflammation and depression, which will help to explore new antidepressant drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-Z.W.); (N.-H.C.); Tel.: +86-10-6316-5182 (Z.-Z.W.); +86-10-63165177 (N.-H.C.)
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-Z.W.); (N.-H.C.); Tel.: +86-10-6316-5182 (Z.-Z.W.); +86-10-63165177 (N.-H.C.)
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Sykora M, Kratky V, Kopkan L, Tribulova N, Szeiffova Bacova B. Anti-Fibrotic Potential of Angiotensin (1-7) in Hemodynamically Overloaded Rat Heart. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24. [PMID: 36834901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly dynamic structure controlling the proper functioning of heart muscle. ECM remodeling with enhanced collagen deposition due to hemodynamic overload impairs cardiomyocyte adhesion and electrical coupling that contributes to cardiac mechanical dysfunction and arrhythmias. We aimed to explore ECM and connexin-43 (Cx43) signaling pathways in hemodynamically overloaded rat heart as well as the possible implication of angiotensin (1-7) (Ang (1-7)) to prevent/attenuate adverse myocardial remodeling. Male 8-week-old, normotensive Hannover Spraque-Dawley rats (HSD), hypertensive (mRen-2)27 transgenic rats (TGR) and Ang (1-7) transgenic rats (TGR(A1-7)3292) underwent aortocaval fistula (ACF) to produce volume overload. Five weeks later, biometric and heart tissue analyses were performed. Cardiac hypertrophy in response to volume overload was significantly less pronounced in TGR(A1-7)3292 compared to HSD rats. Moreover, a marker of fibrosis hydroxyproline was increased in both ventricles of volume-overloaded TGR while it was reduced in the Ang (1-7) right heart ventricle. The protein level and activity of MMP-2 were reduced in both ventricles of volume-overloaded TGR/TGR(A1-7)3292 compared to HSD. SMAD2/3 protein levels were decreased in the right ventricle of TGR(A1-7)3292 compared to HSD/TGR in response to volume overload. In parallel, Cx43 and pCx43 implicated in electrical coupling were increased in TGR(A1-7)3292 versus HSD/TGR. It can be concluded that Ang (1-7) exhibits cardio-protective and anti-fibrotic potential in conditions of cardiac volume overload.
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40
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Sukhacheva TV, Serov RA, Malenkov DA, Berseneva MI, Bokeria LA. [Morphology of the myocardium of the interventricular septum in children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy]. Arkh Patol 2023; 85:5-15. [PMID: 38010634 DOI: 10.17116/patol2023850615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To carry out a comparative analysis of the morphology of the interventricular septum (IVS) myocardium in children with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and without cardiovascular pathology. MATERIAL AND METHODS A study of myocardial biopsies of the IVS in children with HCM (n=18, 1.2-17 years) and children without cardiovascular pathology (n=11, 1-16 years) was carried out. The volume of interstitial tissue in the IVS myocardium was determined, a morphometric study of the size of cardiomyocytes (CMCs), the myofibrillogenesis level and the ploidy of CMCs was carried out, the ultrastructure of the CMCs was studied, and the localization of the gap junction protein, connexin43 (Cx43), was revealed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The proportion of interstitial tissue in the myocardium of children with HCM was 9-10% and did not differ from its proportion in the myocardium of children in the control group. The diameter of the CMCs of the IVS in children with HCM reached the limit of ontogenetic growth and exceeded the parameters of the control group (average 18.9±5.7 µm vs 9.3±4.4 µm). CMCs ploidy in children with HCM was 2 times higher than CMCs ploidy in control patients (5.3c vs 2.7c). In the myocardium of children with HCM, the assembly of myofibrils most actively occurred in small CMCs. At the ultrastructural level, signs of immaturity of the contractile apparatus and intercalated discs of the CMC in HCM were demonstrated. In the myocardium of children with HCM, Cx43-containing gap junctions were more often located on the lateral surfaces of the CMC than in the myocardium of the control group. CONCLUSION In children with HCM, a morphological picture of an increase in the size of the CMCs and their ploidy during accelerated ontogenetic development was demonstrated in combination with ultrastructural signs of immaturity of the contractile apparatus and intercalated discs and the lack of growth of interstitial tissue of the IVS myocardium compared with patients in the control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- T V Sukhacheva
- A.N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| | - R A Serov
- A.N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| | - D A Malenkov
- A.N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| | - M I Berseneva
- A.N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Moscow, Russia
| | - L A Bokeria
- A.N. Bakulev National Medical Research Center of Cardiovascular Surgery, Moscow, Russia
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Xie W, Gao S, Yang Y, Li H, Zhou J, Chen M, Yang S, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Meng X, Xie S, Liu M, Li D, Chen Y, Zhou J. CYLD deubiquitinates plakoglobin to promote Cx43 membrane targeting and gap junction assembly in the heart. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111864. [PMID: 36577382 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
During heart maturation, gap junctions assemble into hemichannels and polarize to the intercalated disc at cell borders to mediate electrical impulse conduction. However, the molecular mechanism underpinning cardiac gap junction assembly remains elusive. Herein, we demonstrate an important role for the deubiquitinating enzyme cylindromatosis (CYLD) in this process. Depletion of CYLD in mice impairs the formation of cardiac gap junctions, accelerates cardiac fibrosis, and increases heart failure. Mechanistically, CYLD interacts with plakoglobin and removes lysine 63-linked polyubiquitin chains from plakoglobin. The deubiquitination of plakoglobin enhances its interaction with the desmoplakin/end-binding protein 1 complex localized at the microtubule plus end, thereby promoting microtubule-dependent transport of connexin 43 (Cx43), a key component of gap junctions, to the cell membrane. These findings establish CYLD as a critical player in regulating gap junction assembly and have important implications in heart development and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xie
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Siqi Gao
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yunfan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
| | - Hongjie Li
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Junyan Zhou
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Mingzhen Chen
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Song Yang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yijun Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiaoqian Meng
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Songbo Xie
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Min Liu
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Dengwen Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China; Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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Yuan J, Huang X, Zhao Y, Gu J, Yuan Y, Liu Z, Zou H, Bian J. Rat Hepatocytes Mitigate Cadmium Toxicity by Forming Annular Gap Junctions and Degrading Them via Endosome-Lysosome Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415607. [PMID: 36555247 PMCID: PMC9778680 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) plays a critical role in gap junction communication in rat hepatocytes. However, those located between hepatocytes are easily internalized following exposure to poisons. Herein, we investigated the potential of buffalo rat liver 3A (BRL 3A) cells to generate annular gap junctions (AGJs) proficient at alleviating cadmium (Cd) cytotoxic injury through degradation via an endosome-lysosome pathway. Our results showed that Cd-induced damage of liver microtubules promoted Cx43 internalization and increased Cx43 phosphorylation at Ser373 site. Furthermore, we established that Cd induced AGJs generation in BRL 3A cells, and AGJs were subsequently degraded through the endosome-lysosome pathway. Overall, our results suggested that Cx43 internalization and the generation of AGJs were cellular protective mechanisms to alleviate Cd toxicity in rat hepatocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junzhao Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Xiaoqian Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yumeng Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jianhong Gu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence: (H.Z.); (J.B.)
| | - Jianchun Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence: (H.Z.); (J.B.)
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43
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He X, Wang DH. [Correlation between Connexin 43 Mutation and Skin Diseases]. Zhongguo Yi Xue Ke Xue Yuan Xue Bao 2022; 44:1095-1101. [PMID: 36373638 DOI: 10.3881/j.issn.1000-503x.14404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Connexin(Cx) plays an important role in ensuring the material exchange and information transmission between cells and maintaining the stability of the skin barrier.The gene mutations and even the abnormal expression levels of Cx can cause a variety of diseases,which will seriously affect the quality of life of patients.The human body carries 21 genes encoding connexins,the mutations of which are associated with at least 14 clinical concomitant diseases.The existence of Cx43 with wide distribution has been reported in most organs and tissues.Moreover,Cx43 is a key regulatory node in important physiological and pathological processes such as wound healing,skin keratinization,and skin tumor development.This review focuses on the recent research achievements of the role of Cx43(GJA1) gene in the skin barrier,the skin diseases associated with GJA1 gene mutations,and the potential pathogenic mechanisms.It is expected to provide reference for the prevention and treatment of Cx43 clinical complications and the related research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi He
- Department of Dermatology,Affiliated Hospital of China University of Mining and Technology,Xuzhou,Jiangsu 221002,China
| | - Da-Hua Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology,Affiliated Hospital of China University of Mining and Technology,Xuzhou,Jiangsu 221002,China
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Williams BM, Cliff CL, Demirel I, Squires PE, Hills CE. Blocking connexin 43 hemichannel-mediated ATP release reduces communication within and between tubular epithelial cells and medullary fibroblasts in a model of diabetic nephropathy. Diabet Med 2022; 39:e14963. [PMID: 36256487 PMCID: PMC9828766 DOI: 10.1111/dme.14963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fibrosis of renal tubules is the final common pathway in diabetic nephropathy and develops in the face of tubular injury and fibroblast activation. Aberrant connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannel activity has been linked to this damage under euglycaemic conditions, however, its role in glycaemic injury is unknown. This study investigated the effect of a Cx43 blocker (Tonabersat) on hemichannel activity and cell-cell interactions within and between tubular epithelial cells and fibroblasts in an in vitro model of diabetic nephropathy. METHODS Human kidney (HK2) proximal tubule epithelial cells and medullary fibroblasts (TK173) were treated in low (5 mM) or high (25 mM) glucose ± transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ1) ± Tonabersat in high glucose. Carboxyfluorescein dye uptake and ATPlite luminescence assessed changes in hemichannel-mediated ATP release, while immunoblotting determined protein expression. Co-incubation with the ATP-diphosphohydrolase apyrase or a P2X7R inhibitor (A438079) assessed ATP-P2X7R signalling. Indirect co-culture with conditioned media from the alternate cell type evaluated paracrine-mediated heterotypic interactions. RESULTS Tonabersat partially negated glucose/TGFβ1-induced increases in Cx43 hemichannel-mediated ATP release and downstream changes in adherens junction and extracellular matrix (ECM) protein expression in HK2 and TK173 cells. Apyrase and A438079 highlighted the role for ATP-P2X7R in driving changes in protein expression in TK173 fibroblasts. Indirect co-culture studies suggest that epithelial cell secretome increases Tonabersat-sensitive hemichannel-mediated dye uptake in fibroblasts and downstream protein expression. CONCLUSION Tonabersat-sensitive hemichannel-mediated ATP release enhances TGFβ1-driven heterotypic cell-cell interaction and favours myofibroblast activation. The data supports the potential benefit of Cx43 inhibition in reducing tubulointerstitial fibrosis in late-stage diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Isak Demirel
- School of Medical SciencesÖrebro UniversityÖrebroSweden
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Santo SGE, da Silva TC, Vinken M, Cogliati B, Barbisan LF, Romualdo GR. The Implications of Connexin 43 Deficiency during the Early Stages of Chemically Induced Mouse Colon Carcinogenesis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11122368. [PMID: 36552579 PMCID: PMC9774636 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11122368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), associated with an increased intake of processed red meats, saturated fats, and simple carbohydrates accompanied by low dietary fiber, fruits, and vegetables consumption, presents a high epidemiological burden. Connexin43 (Cx43) protein, which forms gap junctions or hemichannels, has tumor suppressor or oncogenic activities in a cancer type- and stage-dependent manner. Cx43 expression varies during colon carcinogenesis, and its functional role is not fully understood. Thus, we evaluated the implications of Cx43 heterologous deletion (Cx43+/-) during the early stages of a chemically induced model of colon carcinogenesis. Female C57BL/6J mice (wild-type or Cx43+/-) were submitted to a colon carcinogenesis model induced by 1,2 dimethylhydrazine (DMH). Mice were euthanized eight hours (week 7) or 30 weeks (week 37) after the last DMH administration to evaluate subacute colon toxicity outcomes or the burden of (pre)neoplastic lesions, respectively. At week 7, Cx43 deficiency inferred no alterations in the DMH-induced increase in systemic (peripheral blood), in situ (colonocytes) DNA damage, and apoptosis in the colonocytes. At week 30, Cx43+/- mice presented an increase in preneoplastic aberrant crypt foci (ACF) multiplicity, while no alterations were observed in colorectal adenoma (CRA) occurrence, multiplicity, volume, proliferation, growth, and β-catenin immunoexpression. Similarly, an in silico analysis of human CRA showed decreased mRNA expression of Cx43 with no correlation with proliferation, apoptosis, and β-catenin markers. These findings indicate the discrete role of Cx43 in the early stages of chemically induced mouse colon carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Gomes Espírito Santo
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luís Fernando Barbisan
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Ribeiro Romualdo
- Department of Pathology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-687, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Botucatu Medical School, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18618-689, São Paulo, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-1438800469
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Jiménez-Dinamarca I, Reyes-Lizana R, Lemunao-Inostroza Y, Cárdenas K, Castro-Lazo R, Peña F, Lucero CM, Prieto-Villalobos J, Retamal MA, Orellana JA, Stehberg J. GABAergic Regulation of Astroglial Gliotransmission through Cx43 Hemichannels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13625. [PMID: 36362410 PMCID: PMC9656947 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. It is produced by interneurons and recycled by astrocytes. In neurons, GABA activates the influx of Cl- via the GABAA receptor or efflux or K+ via the GABAB receptor, inducing hyperpolarization and synaptic inhibition. In astrocytes, the activation of both GABAA and GABAB receptors induces an increase in intracellular Ca2+ and the release of glutamate and ATP. Connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannels are among the main Ca2+-dependent cellular mechanisms for the astroglial release of glutamate and ATP. However, no study has evaluated the effect of GABA on astroglial Cx43 hemichannel activity and Cx43 hemichannel-mediated gliotransmission. Here we assessed the effects of GABA on Cx43 hemichannel activity in DI NCT1 rat astrocytes and hippocampal brain slices. We found that GABA induces a Ca2+-dependent increase in Cx43 hemichannel activity in astrocytes mediated by the GABAA receptor, as it was blunted by the GABAA receptor antagonist bicuculline but unaffected by GABAB receptor antagonist CGP55845. Moreover, GABA induced the Cx43 hemichannel-dependent release of glutamate and ATP, which was also prevented by bicuculline, but unaffected by CGP. Gliotransmission in response to GABA was also unaffected by pannexin 1 channel blockade. These results are discussed in terms of the possible role of astroglial Cx43 hemichannel-mediated glutamate and ATP release in regulating the excitatory/inhibitory balance in the brain and their possible contribution to psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivanka Jiménez-Dinamarca
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Rachel Reyes-Lizana
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Yordan Lemunao-Inostroza
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Kevin Cárdenas
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Raimundo Castro-Lazo
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
| | - Francisca Peña
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Desarrollo–Clínica Alemana, Santiago 7780272, Chile
| | - Claudia M. Lucero
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Juan Prieto-Villalobos
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Mauricio Antonio Retamal
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Desarrollo–Clínica Alemana, Santiago 7780272, Chile
| | - Juan Andrés Orellana
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile
| | - Jimmy Stehberg
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370186, Chile
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de Souza GO, Chaves FM, Silva JN, Pedroso JAB, Metzger M, Frazão R, Donato J. Gap junctions regulate the activity of AgRP neurons and diet-induced obesity in male mice. J Endocrinol 2022; 255:75-90. [PMID: 35993424 DOI: 10.1530/joe-22-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies indicated an important role of connexins, gap junction proteins, in the regulation of metabolism. However, most of these studies focused on the glial expression of connexins, whereas the actions of connexins in neurons are still poorly investigated. Thus, the present study had the objective to investigate the possible involvement of gap junctions, and in particular connexin 43 (CX43), for the central regulation of energy homeostasis. Initially, we demonstrated that hypothalamic CX43 expression was suppressed in fasted mice. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings, we showed that pharmacological blockade of gap junctions induced hyperpolarization and decreased the frequency of action potentials in 50-70% of agouti-related protein (AgRP)-expressing neurons, depending on the blocker used (carbenoxolone disodium, TAT-Gap19 or Gap 26). When recordings were performed with a biocytin-filled pipette, this intercellular tracer was detected in surrounding cells. Then, an AgRP-specific CX43 knockout (AgRPΔCX43) mouse was generated. AgRPΔCX43 mice exhibited no differences in body weight, adiposity, food intake, energy expenditure and glucose homeostasis. Metabolic responses to 24 h fasting or during refeeding were also not altered in AgRPΔCX43 mice. However, AgRPΔCX43 male, but not female mice, exhibited a partial protection against high-fat diet-induced obesity, even though no significant changes in energy intake or expenditure were detected. In summary, our findings indicate that gap junctions regulate the activity of AgRP neurons, and AgRP-specific CX43 ablation is sufficient to mildly prevent diet-induced obesity specifically in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel O de Souza
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M Chaves
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Josiane N Silva
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - João A B Pedroso
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Martin Metzger
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Frazão
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Departamento de Fisiologia e Biofisica, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Li S, Armstrong N, Zhao H, Cruz-Cosme R, Yang H, Zhong C, Fu W, Wang W, Yang D, Xia N, Cheng T, Tang Q. Zika Virus Infection Downregulates Connexin 43, Disrupts the Cardiomyocyte Gap Junctions and Induces Heart Diseases in A129 Mice. J Virol 2022;:e0137322. [PMID: 36226984 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01373-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) is transmitted mostly via mosquito bites and no vaccine is available, so it may reemerge. We and others previously demonstrated that neonatal infection of ZIKV results in heart failure and can be fatal. Animal models implicated ZIKV involvement in viral heart diseases. It is unknown whether and how ZIKV causes heart failure in adults. Herein, we studied the effects of ZIKV infection on the heart function of adult A129 mice. First, we found that ZIKV productively infects the rat-, mouse-, or human-originated heart cell lines and caused ubiquitination-mediated degradation of and distortive effects on connexin 43 (Cx43) protein that is important for communications between cardiomyocytes. Second, ZIKV infection caused 100% death of the A129 mice with decreasing body weight, worsening health score, shrugging fur, and paralysis. The viral replication was detected in multiple organs. In searching for the viral effects on heart of the A129 mice, we found that ZIKV infection resulted in the increase of cardiac muscle enzymes, implicating a viral acute myocardial injury. ZIKV-caused heart injury was also demonstrated by electrocardiogram (ECG) showing widened and fragmented QRS waves, prolonged PR interval, and slower heart rate. The intercalated disc (ICD) between two cardiomyocytes was destroyed, as shown by the electronic microscopy, and the Cx43 distribution in the ICDs was less organized in the ZIKV-infected mice compared to that in the phosphate-buffered saline (PBS)-treated mice. Consistently, ZIKV productively infected the heart of A129 mice and decreased Cx43 protein. Therefore, we demonstrated that ZIKV infection caused heart failure, which might lead to fatal sequelae in ZIKV-infected A129 mice. IMPORTANCE Zika virus (ZIKV) is a teratogen causing devastating sequelae to the newborns who suffer a congenital ZIKV infection while it brings about only mild symptoms to the health-competent older children or adults. Mouse models have played an important role in mechanistic and pathogenic studies of ZIKV. In this study, we employed 3 to 4 week-old A129 mice for ZIKV infection. RT-qPCR assays discovered that ZIKV replicated in multiple organs, including the heart. As a result of ZIKV infection, the A129 mice experienced weight loss, health score worsening, paralysis, and deaths. We revealed that the ZIKV infection caused abnormal electrocardiogram presentations, increased cardiac muscle enzymes, downregulated Cx43, and destroyed the gap junction and the intercalated disc between the cardiomyocytes, implicating that ZIKV may cause an acute myocardial injury in A129 mice. Therefore, our data imply that ZIKV infection may jeopardize the immunocompromised population with a severe clinical consequence, such as heart defect.
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Wen S, Unuma K, Funakoshi T, Aki T, Uemura K. Contraction Band Necrosis with Dephosphorylated Connexin 43 in Rat Myocardium after Daily Cocaine Administration. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911978. [PMID: 36233284 PMCID: PMC9570416 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Contraction band necrosis (CBN) is a common abnormality found in the myocardium of cocaine abusers, but is rarely reported in experimental models of cocaine abuse. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is essential for cardiac intercellular communication and the propagation of CBN. Under stress or injury, cardiac Cx43 is dephosphorylated, which is related to cardiomyocyte dysfunction and pathogenesis, whereas adiponectin exerts beneficial effects in the myocardium. In this study, we explore the effects of cocaine on cardiac Cx43 in vivo. Rats were administered cocaine via the tail vein at 20 mg/kg/day for 14 days, and showed widespread CBN, microfocal myocarditis and myocardial fibrosis, corresponding to a dysfunction of cardiac mitochondria under increased oxidative stress. The increase in dephosphorylated cardiac Cx43 and its negative correlation with the myocardial distribution of CBN after cocaine administration were determined. In addition, apoptosis and necroptosis, as well as increased adiponectin levels, were observed in the myocardium after cocaine exposure. Accordingly, we found altered profiles of cardiac Cx43, CBN and its negative correlation with dephosphorylated cardiac Cx43, and the possible involvement of adiponectin in the myocardium after 14 days of cocaine administration. The latter might play a protective role in the cardiotoxicity of cocaine. The current findings would be beneficial for establishing novel therapeutic strategies in cocaine-induced cardiac consequences.
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Su XL, Wang SH, Komal S, Cui LG, Ni RC, Zhang LR, Han SN. The caspase-1 inhibitor VX765 upregulates connexin 43 expression and improves cell-cell communication after myocardial infarction via suppressing the IL-1β/p38 MAPK pathway. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2289-2301. [PMID: 35132192 PMCID: PMC9433445 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00845-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most important protein in the gap junction channel between cardiomyocytes. Abnormalities of Cx43 change the conduction velocity and direction of cardiomyocytes, leading to reentry and conduction block of the myocardium, thereby causing arrhythmia. It has been shown that IL-1β reduces the expression of Cx43 in astrocytes and cardiomyocytes in vitro. However, whether caspase-1 and IL-1β affect connexin 43 after myocardial infarction (MI) is uncertain. In this study we investigated the effects of VX765, a caspase-1 inhibitor, on the expression of Cx43 and cell-to-cell communication after MI. Rats were treated with VX765 (16 mg/kg, i.v.) 1 h before the left anterior descending artery (LAD) ligation, and then once daily for 7 days. The ischemic heart was collected for histochemical analysis and Western blot analysis. We showed that VX765 treatment significantly decreased the infarct area, and alleviated cardiac dysfunction and remodeling by suppressing the NLRP3 inflammasome/caspase-1/IL-1β expression in the heart after MI. In addition, VX765 treatment markedly raised Cx43 levels in the heart after MI. In vitro experiments were conducted in rat cardiac myocytes (RCMs) stimulated with the supernatant from LPS/ATP-treated rat cardiac fibroblasts (RCFs). Pretreatment of the RCFs with VX765 (25 μM) reversed the downregulation of Cx43 expression in RCMs and significantly improved intercellular communication detected using a scrape-loading/dye transfer assay. We revealed that VX765 suppressed the activation of p38 MAPK signaling in the heart tissue after MI as well as in RCMs stimulated with the supernatant from LPS/ATP-treated RCFs. Taken together, these data show that the caspase-1 inhibitor VX765 upregulates Cx43 expression and improves cell-to-cell communication in rat heart after MI via suppressing the IL-1β/p38 MAPK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue-Ling Su
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Shu-Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Sumra Komal
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Liu-Gen Cui
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Rui-Cong Ni
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China
| | - Li-Rong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
| | - Sheng-Na Han
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, China.
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