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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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Yao J, Chen C, Sun Y, Lin Y, Tian Z, Liu X, Wang H, Long J, Yan Q, Lin M, Ai Q, Gao Y, Chen N, Yang Y, Yang S. Higenamine exerts antidepressant effect by improving the astrocytic gap junctions and inflammatory response. J Affect Disord 2024; 348:107-115. [PMID: 38101523 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.12.020] [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: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression is a refractory psychiatric disorder closely associated with dysfunction of the gap junctions (GJs) between astrocytes as well as neuroinflammation. Higenamine (Hig) is a potent cardiotonic ingredient in Fuzi (i.e., Aconitum carmichaeli Debx.) with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, which has a significant protective effect on damaged nerve cells and has great potential for the treatment of neuropsychiatric diseases. METHODS Rats were stimulated by chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) for 28 days while given Hig (5, 10, 20 mg/kg) and then analyzed behaviorally by the open field test, sucrose preference test, and forced swimming test. Changes in astrocyte GJs function and morphology were observed by dye transfer and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Expression and phosphorylation of connexin 43 (Cx43) were analyzed by Western blot. Also, considering the close relationship between depression and neuroinflammation, we determined the inflammatory response in serum with ELISA kits and analyzed the expression of inflammation-related proteins with Western blot. RESULTS Hig ameliorated CUS-induced depression-like behavior in rats. Hig administration improved gap junctional dysfunction in astrocytes, reduced gap junctional gaps and elevated the expression of Cx43 and decreased the phosphorylation of Cx43. Meanwhile, Hig administration was also able to attenuate the inflammatory response that occurs after CUS in rats. LIMITATIONS For the role of Cx43 in depression, we did not validate it more deeply in animal models with knockout Cx43. In addition, GJs dysfunction might be associated with the inflammatory response seen in depression, but this needs to be further investigated. CONCLUSIONS Hig ameliorates depression and exerts its antidepressant effect possibly by improving the dysfunctional GJs between astrocytes and the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Yao
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Cong Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Yuting Lin
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Zhifeng Tian
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Xinya Liu
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Huiqin Wang
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Junpeng Long
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Qian Yan
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Meiyu Lin
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Qidi Ai
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Biomedical Innovation Center, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Naihong 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.
| | - Yantao Yang
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China.
| | - Songwei Yang
- Hunan Engineering Technology Center of Standardization and Function of Chinese Herbal Decoction Pieces, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Research of TCM, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha 410208, China.
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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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Mezache L, Soltisz AM, Johnstone SR, Isakson BE, Veeraraghavan R. Vascular Endothelial Barrier Protection Prevents Atrial Fibrillation by Preserving Cardiac Nanostructure. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:2444-2458. [PMID: 38032579 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.10.013] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, is widely associated with inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and elevated levels of the vascular leak-inducing cytokine, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Mechanisms underlying AF are poorly understood and current treatments only manage this progressive disease, rather than arresting the underlying pathology. The authors previously identified edema-induced disruption of sodium channel (NaV1.5)-rich intercalated disk nanodomains as a novel mechanism for AF initiation secondary to acute inflammation. Therefore, we hypothesized that protecting the vascular barrier can prevent vascular leak-induced atrial arrhythmias. OBJECTIVES In this study the authors tested the hypothesis that protecting the vascular barrier can prevent vascular leak-induced atrial arrhythmias. They identified 2 molecular targets for vascular barrier protection, connexin43 (Cx43) hemichannels and pannexin-1 (Panx1) channels, which have been implicated in cytokine-induced vascular leak. METHODS The authors undertook in vivo electrocardiography, electron microscopy, and super-resolution light microscopy studies in mice acutely treated with a clinically relevant level of VEGF. RESULTS AF incidence was increased in untreated mice exposed to VEGF relative to vehicle control subjects. VEGF also increased the average number of AF episodes. VEGF shifted NaV1.5 signal to longer distances from Cx43 gap junctions, measured by a distance transformation-based spatial analysis of 3-dimensional confocal images of intercalated disks. Similar effects were observed with NaV1.5 localized near mechanical junctions composed of neural cadherin. Blocking connexin43 hemichannels (αCT11 peptide) or Panx1 channels (PxIL2P peptide) significantly reduced the duration of AF episodes compared with VEGF alone with no treatment. Concurrently, both peptide therapies preserved NaV1.5 distance from gap junctions to control levels and reduced mechanical junction-adjacent intermembrane distance in these hearts. Notably, similar antiarrhythmic efficacy was also achieved with clinically-relevant small-molecule inhibitors of Cx43 and Panx1. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight vascular barrier protection as an antiarrhythmic strategy following inflammation-induced vascular leak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Mezache
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrew M Soltisz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Scott R Johnstone
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Centre for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Brant E Isakson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Rengasayee Veeraraghavan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA; The Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
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Hu L, Liu Y, Dong P, Ye P. Protective effect of wuzibushen recipe on follicular development via regulating androgen receptor in polycystic ovary syndrome model rats. Gynecol Endocrinol 2023; 39:2190808. [PMID: 36963422 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2023.2190808] [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] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The study aimed to explore the role and mechanism of WZBS recipe on PCOS. METHODS PCOS model was established. After modeling, PCOS rats were intragastrically administered with Diane-35 or WZBS recipe (6.93 g/kg/d). Then, the ovarian and uterine morphology were observed, the estrous cycle was assessed. HE and oil red O staining were conducted for ovarian morphological analysis and counting ovarian follicle and corpora lutea number. Furthermore, the serum content of testosterone (T) and sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) were assessed by ELISA kits. The androgen receptor (AR), CX43 mRNA and protein expression were measured by q-PCR and Western blot. RESULTS WZBS recipe increased uterine implanted blastocysts, reduced cystic dilated follicles, and normalized estrous cycle in PCOS rats. Meanwhile, WZBS recipe alleviated ovarian injury, increased mature follicles and corpora lutea number in PCOS rats. Moreover, WZBS recipe decreased serum T content, AR expression and increased serum SHBG content, CX43 expression in PCOS rats. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals that WZBS recipe may attenuate PCOS by protecting follicular development via down-regulating AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanyawen Hu
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Panpan Dong
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ping Ye
- Department of Reproductive Immunology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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Yang S, Bi Y, Wei Y, Li W, Liu J, Mao T, Tang Y. Muscone attenuates susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in rats after myocardial infarction. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23458. [PMID: 37455625 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23458] [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: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Fibrosis and abnormal expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in the ventricle play vital roles in ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) after myocardial infarction (MI). Muscone, an active monomer of heart-protecting musk pill, has various biological activities, but its effect on susceptibility to VAs in rats with MI has not been determined. In the present study, we investigated the effects of muscone on ventricular inflammation, fibrosis, Cx43 expression, and the occurrence of VAs after MI. An MI model was established by ligating the proximal left anterior descending coronary artery. Then, the MI model rats were administered muscone (2 mg/kg/day) or vehicle (saline)via intragastric injection for 14 days. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography, and an in vivo electrophysiological study was performed on Day 14. Cardiac inflammation, fibrosis, and Cx43 expression were determined by histochemical analysis and western blot analysis. Our results indicated that muscone treatment significantly improved cardiac function and inhibited ventricular inflammation, fibrosis, and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat, and pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. Electrocardiogrphy and electrophysiology studies showed that muscone shortened the QRS interval, QT interval, QTc interval, and action potential duration; prolonged the effective refractory period; and reduced susceptibility to VAs in rats after MI. Furthermore, Cx43 expression in the BZ was increased by muscone treatment, and this change was coupled by inhibition of the NLRP3/IL-1β/p38 MAPK pathway. Taken together, our results demonstrated that muscone reduces susceptibility to VA, mainly by decreasing ventricular inflammation and fibrosis, and attenuates abnormal Cx43 expression by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation after myocardial infarction in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yingying Bi
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanzhao Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Cardiology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan Hospital of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangwen Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tuohua Mao
- Department of Endocrinology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanhong Tang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan University, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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Huang Y, Wei C, Li P, Shao Y, Wang M, Wang F, Niu G, Sun K, Zhang Q, Gou Z, Yan X. FGF21 protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting connexin 43 ubiquitination. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 208:748-758. [PMID: 37774805 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.09.033] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) regulates glycolipid metabolism and insulin homeostasis and acts as a cardioprotective factor by protecting against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, hypertension, and vascular dysfunction. FGF21 has been reported to prevent Doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity, and the related signaling pathway is worthy of further study. Connexin43 (Cx43) protein was reduced by Dox treatment, especially low phosphorylated form of Cx43. Thus the aim of study is to explore the protection effect of FGF21 on Dox induced cardiotoxicity by improving the expression of Cx43 and the involved signaling pathway. METHODS AND RESULTS FGF21 inhibited apoptosis in Dox-treated mice and cardiomyocytes. FGF21 increased the levels of connexin43 phosphorylated at serine (S) 282 (p-Cx43 S282) and total Cx43 to inhibit Dox-induced apoptosis. By RNA sequencing, we found that deubiquitinase monocyte chemoattractant protein-induced protein 1 (MCPIP1) expression was increased by FGF21. We further found that FGF21 induced the phosphorylation of fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 (Erk1/2), and Elk. Phosphorylated Elk translocated to the nucleus and increased the expression of MCPIP1. Then, MCPIP1 bound neural precursor cell expressed developmentally downregulated protein 4 (Nedd4), an E3 ubiquitination ligase, as shown by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP), and suppressed Cx43 ubiquitination and degradation, competitively inhibiting the binding of Cx43 with Nedd4. Thus Nedd4 could not bind and ubiquitinate Cx43, leading to the up-regulation of Cx43 and phosphorylation of Cx43 at S282. CONCLUSIONS FGF21 inhibited the effects of Dox on cardiomyocytes by elevating the phosphorylation of Cx43 at S282 and total Cx43 expression. This study suggests a previously unknown mechanism for the FGF21-mediated enhancement of cardiomyocyte survival and provides an effective approach to protect against the adverse cardiac effects of Dox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Huang
- Center for Cardiovascular Disease, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, PR China
| | - Chenchen Wei
- Center for Cardiovascular Disease, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, PR China
| | - Ping Li
- Center for Cardiovascular Disease, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, PR China
| | - Yaqing Shao
- Center for Cardiovascular Disease, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, PR China
| | - Min Wang
- Center for Cardiovascular Disease, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, PR China
| | - Feng Wang
- Center for Cardiovascular Disease, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, PR China; Department of Pharmacology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, PR China
| | - Guanghao Niu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital & Institute for Cardiovascular Science, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215000, PR China
| | - Kangyun Sun
- Center for Cardiovascular Disease, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, PR China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, PR China.
| | - Zhongshan Gou
- Center for Cardiovascular Disease, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, PR China.
| | - Xinxin Yan
- Center for Cardiovascular Disease, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, PR China; Department of Pharmacology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, PR China.
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Zou Z, Yu J, Huang R, Yu J. Cx43-Delivered miR-181b Negatively Regulates Sirt1/FOXO3a Signalling Pathway-Mediated Apoptosis on Intestinal Injury in Sepsis. Digestion 2023; 104:370-380. [PMID: 37231890 DOI: 10.1159/000529102] [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: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gap junctions can transmit signals between cells, including miRNAs, leading to the amplification of adjacent cell damage. No previous study has addressed gap junctions and miRNAs in sepsis because the internal mechanism of sepsis-induced intestinal injury is complex. Therefore, we studied the relationship between connexin43 (Cx43) and miR-181b and provided a research direction for further study of sepsis. METHODS A mouse caecal ligation and puncture method was used to construct a mouse sepsis model. Firstly, damage to intestinal tissues at different time points was analysed. The levels of Cx43, miR-181b, Sirt1, and FOXO3a in intestinal tissues and the transcription and translation of the apoptosis-related genes Bim and puma, which are downstream of FOXO3a were analysed. Secondly, the effect of Cx43 levels on miR-181b and Sirt1/FOXO3a signalling pathway activity was explored by using the Cx43 inhibitor heptanol. Finally, luciferase assays were used to determine miR-181b binding to the predicted target sequence. RESULTS The results show that during sepsis, intestinal injury becomes increasingly worse with time, and the expression of Cx43 and miR-181b increase. In addition, we found that heptanol could significantly reduce intestinal injury. This finding indicates that inhibiting Cx43 regulates the transfer of miR-181b between adjacent cells, thereby reducing the activity of the Sirt1/FOXO3a signalling pathway and reducing the degree of intestinal injury during sepsis. CONCLUSIONS In sepsis, the enhancement of Cx43 gap junctions leads to an increase in miR-181b intercellular transfer, affects the downstream SIRT1/FOXO3a signalling pathway and causes cell and tissue damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowei Zou
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianyang Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Renli Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinlong Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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9
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Che J, DePalma TJ, Sivakumar H, Mezache LS, Tallman MM, Venere M, Swindle-Reilly K, Veeraraghavan R, Skardal A. αCT1 peptide sensitizes glioma cells to temozolomide in a glioblastoma organoid platform. Biotechnol Bioeng 2023; 120:1108-1119. [PMID: 36544242 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28313] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common form of brain cancer. Even with aggressive treatment, tumor recurrence is almost universal and patient prognosis is poor because many GBM cell subpopulations, especially the mesenchymal and glioma stem cell populations, are resistant to temozolomide (TMZ), the most commonly used chemotherapeutic in GBM. For this reason, there is an urgent need for the development of new therapies that can more effectively treat GBM. Several recent studies have indicated that high expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in GBM is associated with poor patient outcomes. It has been hypothesized that inhibition of the Cx43 hemichannels could prevent TMZ efflux and sensitize otherwise resistance cells to the treatment. In this study, we use a three-dimensional organoid model of GBM to demonstrate that combinatorial treatment with TMZ and αCT1, a Cx43 mimetic peptide, significantly improves treatment efficacy in certain populations of GBM. Confocal imaging was used to visualize changes in Cx43 expression in response to combinatorial treatment. These results indicate that Cx43 inhibition should be pursued further as an improved treatment for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Che
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Thomas J DePalma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Louisa S Mezache
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Miranda M Tallman
- Dorothy M. Davis Hearth and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Monica Venere
- The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Katelyn Swindle-Reilly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Rengasayee Veeraraghavan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Aleksander Skardal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University and Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Center for Cancer Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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10
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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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11
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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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12
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Lu YY, Lin FJ, Chen YC, Kao YH, Higa S, Chen SA, Chen YJ. Role of Endothelin-1 in Right Atrial Arrhythmogenesis in Rabbits with Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231910993. [PMID: 36232308 PMCID: PMC9569916 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231910993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial arrhythmias are considered prominent phenomena in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) resulting from atrial electrical and structural remodeling. Endothelin (ET)-1 levels correlate with PAH severity and are associated with atrial remodeling and arrhythmia. In this study, hemodynamic measurement, western blot analysis, and histopathology were performed in the control and monocrotaline (MCT, 60 mg/kg)-induced PAH rabbits. Conventional microelectrodes were used to simultaneously record the electrical activity in the isolated sinoatrial node (SAN) and right atrium (RA) tissue preparations before and after ET-1 (10 nM) or BQ-485 (an ET-A receptor antagonist, 100 nM) perfusion. MCT-treated rabbits showed an increased relative wall thickness in the pulmonary arterioles, mean cell width, cross-sectional area of RV myocytes, and higher right ventricular systolic pressure, which were deemed to have PAH. Compared to the control, the spontaneous beating rate of SAN–RA preparations was faster in the MCT-induced PAH group, which can be slowed down by ET-1. MCT-induced PAH rabbits had a higher incidence of sinoatrial conduction blocks, and ET-1 can induce atrial premature beats or short runs of intra-atrial reentrant tachycardia. BQ 485 administration can mitigate ET-1-induced RA arrhythmogenesis in MCT-induced PAH. The RA specimens from MCT-induced PAH rabbits had a smaller connexin 43 and larger ROCK1 and phosphorylated Akt than the control, and similar PKG and Akt to the control. In conclusion, ET-1 acts as a trigger factor to interact with the arrhythmogenic substrate to initiate and maintain atrial arrhythmias in PAH. ET-1/ET-A receptor/ROCK signaling may be a target for therapeutic interventions to treat PAH-induced atrial arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Yu Lu
- Division of Cardiology, Sijhih Cathay General Hospital, New Taipei City 22174, Taiwan
- School of Medicine, Fu-Jen Catholic University, New Taipei City 24257, Taiwan
| | - Fong-Jhih Lin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Chang Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 11490, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hsun Kao
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Education and Research, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan
| | - Satoshi Higa
- Cardiac Electrophysiology and Pacing Laboratory, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Makiminato Central Hospital, Okinawa 901-2131, Japan
| | - Shih-Ann Chen
- Heart Rhythm Center, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 11217, Taiwan
- Cardiovascular Center, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung 40705, Taiwan
- Department of Post-Baccalaureate Medicine, College of Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung 40227, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (S.-A.C.); (Y.-J.C.)
| | - Yi-Jen Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11042, Taiwan
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11696, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (S.-A.C.); (Y.-J.C.)
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13
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权 会, 徐 卫, 祁 宇, 李 清, 周 辉, 黄 婧. [Inhibition connexin 43 by mimetic peptide Gap27 mediates protective effects on 6-hydroxydopamine induced Parkinson's disease mouse model]. Beijing Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2022; 54:421-426. [PMID: 35701117 PMCID: PMC9197703 DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167x.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore whether the using of mimetic peptide Gap27, a selective inhibitor of connexin 43 (Cx43), could block the death of dopamine neurons and influence the expression of Cx43 in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced Parkinson's disease mouse models. METHODS Eighteen C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, 6-OHDA group and 6-OHDA+Gap27 group, with 6 mice in each group. Bilateral substantia nigra stereotactic injection was performed. The control group was injected with ascorbate solution, 6-OHDA group was injected with 6-OHDA solution, and 6-OHDA+Gap27 group was injected with 6-OHDA and Gap27 mixed solution. Immuno-histochemical staining was used to detect the number of dopamine neurons, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of Cx43 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), immuno-fluorescence staining was used to detect the distribution of Cx43 protein, the contents of Cx43 protein and Cx43 phosphorylation at serine 368 (Cx43-ps368) in mouse midbrain were detected by Western blot. RESULTS After injection of 6-OHDA, numerous dopamine neurons in substantia nigra died as Cx43 content increased, Cx43-ps368 content decreased. Mixing Gap27 while injecting 6-OHDA could reduce the number of death dopamine neurons and weaken the changes of Cx43 and Cx43-ps368 content caused by 6-OHDA. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactive positive neurons in 6-OHDA group decreased to 27.7% ± 0.02% of the control group (P < 0.01); The number of TH immunoreactive positive neurons in 6-OHDA+Gap27 group was (1.64±0.16) times higher than that in 6-OHDA group (P < 0.05); The content of total Cx43 protein in 6-OHDA group was (1.44±0.07) times higher than that in 6-OHDA+Gap27 group (P < 0.05) while (1.68±0.07) times higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). In 6-OHDA group, the content of Cx43-ps368 protein and its proportion in total Cx43 protein were significantly lower than that in 6-OHDA+Gap27 group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION In 6-OHDA mouse models, mimetic peptide Gap27 played a protective role in reducing the damage to substantia nigra dopamine neurons, which was induced by 6-OHDA. The overexpression of Cx43 protein might have neurotoxicity to dopamine neuron. Meanwhile, decreasing Cx43 protein level and keeping Cx43-ps368 protein level may be the protective mechanisms of Gap27.
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Affiliation(s)
- 会会 权
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 卫星 徐
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 宇泽 祁
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 清如 李
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 辉 周
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 婧 黄
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
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Chen X, Zhang J, Han L. Study on the Mechanism and Oxidative Stress of Compound Danshen on the Degradation of Cx43 and Improvement of Myocardial Apoptosis in ICM Rats. J Healthc Eng 2022; 2022:6850425. [PMID: 35449842 PMCID: PMC9018180 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6850425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In order to investigate the mechanism by which Salvia miltiorrhiza degrades connexin 43 (Cx43) and improves myocardial cell apoptosis and oxidative stress in rats with myocardial ischemia (ICM), male SD rats of pure grade are selected (32 rats), adaptively bred for 1 week, and then bred in SPF medium. They are randomly divided into a normal group, a model group, a low-dose Danshen group, and a high-dose group, with 8 rats in each group. HE staining and immunohistochemistry are performed. Serum samples are detected using kits according to instructions, including nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1); malondialdehyde (MDA), ELISA for superoxide dismutase (SOD), and vascular cell adhesion molecules (VCAM-1); western blot for detection of cardiac Cx43 protein expression; immunohistochemistry to detect Cx43 expression; and detection of myocardial ischemia. For ICM rats, the application of high-dose compound Salvia miltiorrhiza can effectively prevent the degradation of Cx43 protein, improve the apoptosis of myocardial cells in rats, and have a certain protective effect on ischemic myocardium in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- XingHua Chen
- Beijing ShijiTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100038 Beijing, China
| | - JiZhuo Zhang
- Beijing ShijiTan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100038 Beijing, China
| | - Lu Han
- Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100020 Beijing, China
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15
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Strauss RE, Mezache L, Veeraraghavan R, Gourdie RG. The Cx43 Carboxyl-Terminal Mimetic Peptide αCT1 Protects Endothelial Barrier Function in a ZO1 Binding-Competent Manner. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1192. [PMID: 34439858 PMCID: PMC8393261 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cx43 carboxyl-terminus (CT) mimetic peptide, αCT1, originally designed to bind to Zonula Occludens 1 (ZO1) and thereby inhibit Cx43/ZO1 interaction, was used as a tool to probe the role of Cx43/ZO1 association in regulation of epithelial/endothelial barrier function. Using both in vitro and ex vivo methods of barrier function measurement, including Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS), a TRITC-dextran Transwell permeability assay, and a FITC-dextran cardiovascular leakage protocol involving Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts, αCT1 was found to protect the endothelium from thrombin-induced breakdown in cell-cell contacts. Barrier protection was accompanied by significant remodeling of the F-actin cytoskeleton, characterized by a redistribution of F-actin away from the cytoplasmic and nuclear regions of the cell, towards the endothelial cell periphery, in association with alterations in cellular chiral orientation distribution. In line with observations of increased cortical F-actin, αCT1 upregulated cell-cell border localization of endothelial VE-cadherin, the tight junction protein Zonula Occludens 1 (ZO1), and the Gap Junction Protein (GJ) Connexin43 (Cx43). A ZO1 binding-incompetent variant of αCT1, αCT1-I, indicated that these effects on barrier function and barrier-associated proteins, were likely associated with Cx43 CT sequences retaining ability to interact with ZO1. These results implicate the Cx43 CT and its interaction with ZO1, in the regulation of endothelial barrier function, while revealing the therapeutic potential of αCT1 in the treatment of vascular edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy E. Strauss
- Virginia Tech, Translational Biology Medicine and Health (TBMH) Program, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Louisa Mezache
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, 460 Medical Center Dr., Rm 415A, IBMR, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (L.M.); (R.V.)
| | - Rengasayee Veeraraghavan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, 460 Medical Center Dr., Rm 415A, IBMR, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (L.M.); (R.V.)
- The Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Robert G. Gourdie
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
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16
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Rhett JM, Wang H, Bainbridge H, Song L, Yost MJ. Connexin-Based Therapeutics and Tissue Engineering Approaches to the Amelioration of Chronic Pancreatitis and Type I Diabetes: Construction and Characterization of a Novel Prevascularized Bioartificial Pancreas. J Diabetes Res 2015; 2016:7262680. [PMID: 26788521 PMCID: PMC4691620 DOI: 10.1155/2016/7262680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation is a cutting-edge technique to treat chronic pancreatitis and postoperative diabetes. A major obstacle has been low islet cell survival due largely to the innate inflammatory response. Connexin43 (Cx43) channels play a key role in early inflammation and have proven to be viable therapeutic targets. Even if cell death due to early inflammation is avoided, insufficient vascularization is a primary obstacle to maintaining the viability of implanted cells. We have invented technologies targeting the inflammatory response and poor vascularization: a Cx43 mimetic peptide that inhibits inflammation and a novel prevascularized tissue engineered construct. We combined these technologies with isolated islets to create a prevascularized bioartificial pancreas that is resistant to the innate inflammatory response. Immunoconfocal microscopy showed that constructs containing islets express insulin and possess a vascular network similar to constructs without islets. Glucose stimulated islet-containing constructs displayed reduced insulin secretion compared to islets alone. However, labeling for insulin post-glucose stimulation revealed that the constructs expressed abundant levels of insulin. This discrepancy was found to be due to the expression of insulin degrading enzyme. These results suggest that the prevascularized bioartificial pancreas is potentially a tool for improving long-term islet cell survival in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Matthew Rhett
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Hongjun Wang
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Heather Bainbridge
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Lili Song
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Michael J. Yost
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Piao H, Sato A, Nozawa Y, Sun W, Morioka T, Oite T. Effects of connexin-mimetic peptides on perfusion pressure in response to phenylephrine in isolated, perfused rat kidneys. Clin Exp Nephrol 2011; 15:203-11. [PMID: 21153751 DOI: 10.1007/s10157-010-0382-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gap junction intercellular communication plays a fundamental role in various tissues and organs. Gap junctions transfer ions and molecules between adjacent cells and are formed by connexins (Cx). It is supposed that vascular conducted responses, which most likely spread through gap junctions in vascular beds, regulate microcirculatory blood flow and maintain vascular resistance. This study provides functional evidence supporting the critical role of gap junctions in a physiological setting and in phenylephrine (PE)-induced vasoconstriction using an ex vivo kidney perfusion technique. METHODS Using the isolated, perfused kidney model, infusion of gap junction inhibitors and PE, we examined the local effect of gap junction communication. Additionally, gap junction proteins Cx37, Cx40 and Cx43 were detected by immunofluorescence. RESULTS First, changes in the perfusion pressure were analyzed by infusing the nonselective gap junction uncoupler, 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid (18α-GA), and specific connexin-mimetic peptide inhibitors, (37,43)Gap27, (40)Gap27 and (43)Gap26. Administration of 18α-GA and (43)Gap26 significantly elevated perfusion pressure while infusion of (40)Gap27 and (37,43)Gap27 had no effect. Second, we examined the effect of infusing gap junction inhibitors on PE-induced vasoconstriction. Infusion of 18α-GA and (40)Gap27 significantly suppressed the increase in perfusion pressure induced by PE, while (43)Gap26 and (37,43)Gap27 had no effect. Third, we confirmed by immunofluorescence that Cx37, Cx40 and Cx43 were found in the endothelial cells of interstitial microvessels and that Cx40 was localized in glomerular mesangial cells as well as in smooth muscle cells of the juxtaglomerular area. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that Cx43 plays a pivotal role in regulating renal vascular resistance and that Cx40 attenuates PE-induced vasoconstriction. These results provide new evidence that gap junctions may control renal circulation and vascular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honglan Piao
- Department of Cellular Physiology, Institute of Nephrology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi-dori, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
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Ming J, Xu J, Li T, Zhang Y, Yang GM, Liu LM. [Relationship between Cx40/43 regulating the intracellular Ca2+ concentration of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) and endothelium-dependent vascular contractive response of superior mesenteric artery in rats]. Zhonghua Shao Shang Za Zhi 2009; 25:31-5. [PMID: 19588758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship between intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) mediated by connexin 40/43( Cx40/43) of VSMC and endothelium-dependent vascular contractive response of superior mesenteric arteries (SMA) in hemorrhagic shock rats. METHODS Third to fifth passage culture of vascular endothelial cells (VEC) and VSMC from SD rats were used as study subject, the changes in contractive response of SMA and VSMC against hypoxia were observed. The expression of Cx40/43 in SMA,VEC,VSMC were blocked by Cx40/43 ASODN, then the effect of Cx40/43 on contractive response of hypoxic SMA and [Ca2+]i of VSMC were observed. RESULTS The contractive responses of SMA and VSMC after hypoxia were first increased, then decreased. Hypoxia induced calcium overload in VSMC [(82 +/- 4)% in normal control group, (115 +/- 8)% in hypoxia group at 30 min, (133 +/- 13)% in hypoxia group at 2 h]. Cx40 ASODN increased [Ca2+]i in VSMC and contractive response of SMA towards myricetin, while that of Cx43 ASODN showed opposite tendency. CONCLUSIONS Cx40/43 can regulate the SMA endothelium-dependent vascular contractive response through [Ca2+]i of VSMC after hemorrhagic shock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ming
- The Second Department of Research Institute of Surgery, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, the Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, China
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Sorensen CM, Salomonsson M, Braunstein TH, Nielsen MS, Holstein-Rathlou NH. Connexin mimetic peptides fail to inhibit vascular conducted calcium responses in renal arterioles. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2008; 295:R840-7. [PMID: 18614765 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00491.2007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Vascular conducted responses are believed to play a central role in controlling the microcirculatory blood flow. The responses most likely spread through gap junctions in the vascular wall. At present, four different connexins (Cx) have been detected in the renal vasculature, but their role in transmission of conducted vasoconstrictor signals in the preglomerular arterioles is unknown. Connexin mimetic peptides were previously reported to target and inhibit specific connexins. We, therefore, investigated whether conducted vasoconstriction in isolated renal arterioles could be blocked by the use of mimetic peptides directed against one or more connexins. Preglomerular resistance vessels were microdissected from kidneys of Sprague-Dawley rats and loaded with fura 2. The vessels were stimulated locally by applying electrical current through a micropipette, and the conducted calcium response was measured 500 mum from the site of stimulation. Application of connexin mimetic peptides directed against Cx40, 37/43, 45, or a cocktail with equimolar amounts of each, did not inhibit the propagated response, whereas the nonselective gap junction uncoupler carbenoxolone completely abolished the propagated response. However, the connexin mimetic peptides were able to reduce dye coupling between rat aorta endothelial cells shown to express primarily Cx40. In conclusion, we did not observe any attenuating effects on conducted calcium responses in isolated rat interlobular arteries when exposed to connexin mimetic peptides directed against Cx40, 37/43, or 45. Further studies are needed to determine whether conducted vasoconstriction is mediated via previously undescribed pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Mehlin Sorensen
- Univ. of Copenhagen, Dept. of Biomedical Sciences, The Panum Institute, Bldg. 10.5, Blegdamsvej 3, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark.
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Abdelmohsen K, Stuhlmann D, Daubrawa F, Klotz LO. Dicumarol is a potent reversible inhibitor of gap junctional intercellular communication. Arch Biochem Biophys 2005; 434:241-7. [PMID: 15639223 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2004.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2004] [Revised: 10/27/2004] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Dicumarol [3,3'-methylene-bis(4-hydroxycoumarin)] is a potent inhibitor of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase-1. Exposure of rat liver epithelial cells or of human skin fibroblasts to dicumarol resulted in a rapid and complete inhibition of connexin-43-dependent gap junctional intercellular communication (GJC). GJC was restored within 60min following removal of dicumarol. The concentration of dicumarol required for half maximal inhibition of GJC was 3muM, making dicumarol about 10-fold more effective in blocking GJC than 1-octanol and flufenamic acid, known inhibitors of GJC. Warfarin, a related coumarin derivative, also attenuated GJC, yet very high concentrations of 5-10mM were required. Dicumarol-induced downregulation of GJC was found not to be due to an interference with pathways enhancing the phosphorylation of connexin-43, such as epidermal growth factor receptor and extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathways. Rather, inhibition of GJC by dicumarol was paralleled by a reversible loss of a phosphorylated form ("P2") of connexin-43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kotb Abdelmohsen
- Institut für Biochemie und Molekularbiologie I, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Abstract
The gap junction gene connexin 43 (Cx43) showed tumor-suppressing effects on various tumor cell lines. We have previously demonstrated that Cx43 inhibited expression of S phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2), the human F-box protein that regulates the ubiquitination of p27. Cx43 did not alter the mRNA level of SKP2, but it promoted the degradation of the Skp2 proteins (Zhang, Y. W., Nakayama, K., Nakayama K. I., and Morita, I. (2003) Cancer Res. 63, 1623-1630). In this study, we showed that the specific gap junction inhibitor 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid did not influence the inhibitory effect of Cx43 on Skp2 expression. Further, the deletion mutation analyses demonstrated that the C-terminal domain of Cx43 that did not form gap junctions was sufficient to inhibit expression of Skp2, whereas the N-terminal domain that formed the gap junctions did not show such an effect. Like the full-length Cx43, the C-terminal domain also increased the protein instability of Skp2, whereas the N terminus did not. Moreover, the C-terminal domain was as effective as the full-length Cx43 in inhibiting cell proliferation; however, the N-terminal domain did not show any inhibitory effect on cell proliferation. Therefore, these data revealed a gap junction-independent pathway for Cx43 to inhibit tumor growth by suppressing the Skp2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- You-Wei Zhang
- Department of Cellular Physiological Chemistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 113-8549, Japan.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to define the role of cell-cell coupling as an independent determinant of infarct size following coronary occlusion. BACKGROUND Electrical uncoupling induced by acute ischemia enhances arrhythmogenesis, but it may also protect the heart by limiting intercellular spread of chemical mediators of injury. METHODS The left anterior descending coronary artery was ligated in wild-type (Cx43(+/+)) mice and Cx43-deficient (Cx43(+/-)) mice that are heterozygous for a null allele in the gene encoding the major gap junction channel protein, connexin43 (Cx43). Ventricular remodeling and infarct size were compared in both groups. RESULTS Echocardiography at 1 and 10 weeks after infarction showed that left ventricular end-diastolic volume and mass increased and ejection fraction decreased in proportion to infarct size in both Cx43(+/-) and Cx43(+/+) hearts. However, infarct size measured histologically in healing infarcts (eight days after infarction) was 29% smaller in Cx43(+/-) hearts (17 +/- 14% of total left ventricular area, n = 30) than in Cx43(+/+) hearts (24 +/- 15%, n = 23; p = 0.037). Fully healed infarcts were smaller than healing infarcts, owing to resorption of necrotic tissue and maturation of scar, but infarct size at 10 weeks after coronary occlusion was still smaller (by 50%) in Cx43(+/-) hearts (6 +/- 5%, n = 9) compared with Cx43(+/+) hearts (12 +/- 7%, n = 17; p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS Cx43-deficient mice develop smaller infarcts than wild-type mice following coronary ligation. New therapies designed to decrease the risk of arrhythmias by enhancing intercellular communication could lead to larger infarcts caused by persistent coronary occlusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeto Kanno
- Department of Surgery, Center for Cardiovascular Research, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Fernstrom MJ, Koffler LD, Abou-Rjaily G, Boucher PD, Shewach DS, Ruch RJ. Neoplastic reversal of human ovarian carcinoma cells transfected with connexin43. Exp Mol Pathol 2002; 73:54-60. [PMID: 12127054 DOI: 10.1006/exmp.2002.2436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctional intercellular communication and expression of gap junction proteins (connexins) are decreased frequently in neoplastic cells including human ovarian carcinoma cells. In order to test the hypothesis that these changes contribute to the neoplastic phenotype of ovarian carcinoma cells, we transfected human ovarian carcinoma SKOV-3 cells with connexin43. Stable, connexin43-expressing transfectants were characterized for cell proliferation in vitro in normal, low-serum, and serum-free culture medium, for tumorigenicity in nude mice, and for sensitivity to adriamycin in vitro. Transfected clones expressed higher levels of connexin43 and gap junctional intercellular communication, reduced proliferation and greater dependence upon serum for growth in vitro, decreased tumor formation, increased sensitivity to adriamycin, and reduced expression of p-glycoprotein. These data suggest that gap junctional intercellular communication and/or connexin43 expression suppresses the neoplastic phenotype of ovarian carcinoma cells and their downregulation is involved in neoplastic transformation of ovarian epithelial cells. The increased sensitivity to adriamycin and elevated expression of p-glycoprotein by the transfected cells also suggest that gap junctional intercellular communication and connexin43 expression are involved in drug sensitivity and might be manipulated to enhance the clinical response.
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Chaytor AT, Evans WH, Griffith TM. Central role of heterocellular gap junctional communication in endothelium-dependent relaxations of rabbit arteries. J Physiol 1998; 508 ( Pt 2):561-73. [PMID: 9508817 PMCID: PMC2230883 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7793.1998.561bq.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 230] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
1. The contribution of gap junctions to endothelium-dependent relaxation was investigated in isolated rabbit conduit artery preparations pre-constricted by 10 microM phenylephrine (PhE). 2. Acetylcholine (ACh) relaxed the thoracic aorta by approximately 60 % and the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) by approximately 90 %. A peptide possessing sequence homology with extracellular loop 2 of connexin 43 (Gap 27, 300 microM) inhibited relaxation by approximately 40 % in both artery types. Gap 27 also attenuated the endothelium-dependent component of the relaxation induced by ATP in thoracic aorta but did not modify force development in response to PhE. 3. NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 300 microM), an inhibitor of NO synthase, attenuated ACh-induced relaxation by approximately 90 % in the aorta but only by approximately 40 % in SMA (P < 0.05). Residual L-NAME-insensitive relaxations were almost abolished by 300 microM Gap 27 in aorta and inhibited in a concentration-dependent fashion in SMA (approximately 50 % at 100 microM and approximately 80 % at 10 mM). Gap 27 similarly attenuated the endothelium-dependent component of L-NAME-insensitive relaxations to ATP in aorta. 4. Responses to cyclopiazonic acid, which stimulates endothelium-dependent relaxation through a receptor-independent mechanism, were also attenuated by Gap 27, whereas this peptide exerted no effect on the NO-mediated relaxation induced by sodium nitroprusside in preparations denuded of endothelium. 5. ACh-induced relaxation of 'sandwich' mounts of aorta or SMA were unaffected by Gap 27 but completely abolished by L-NAME. 6. We conclude that direct heterocellular communication between the endothelium and smooth muscle contributes to endothelium-dependent relaxations evoked by both receptor-dependent and -independent mechanisms. The inhibitory effects of Gap 27 peptide do not involve homocellular communication within the vessel wall or modulation of NO release or action.
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MESH Headings
- Acetylcholine/pharmacology
- Adenosine Triphosphate/pharmacology
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/drug effects
- Aorta, Thoracic/innervation
- Aorta, Thoracic/physiology
- Cell Communication/drug effects
- Cell Communication/physiology
- Connexin 43/pharmacology
- Endothelium, Vascular/drug effects
- Endothelium, Vascular/innervation
- Endothelium, Vascular/physiology
- Enzyme Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Gap Junctions/drug effects
- Gap Junctions/physiology
- In Vitro Techniques
- Indoles/pharmacology
- Male
- Mesenteric Artery, Superior/drug effects
- Mesenteric Artery, Superior/innervation
- Mesenteric Artery, Superior/physiology
- Muscle Relaxation/drug effects
- Muscle Relaxation/physiology
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/innervation
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiology
- NG-Nitroarginine Methyl Ester/pharmacology
- Nitric Oxide Synthase/antagonists & inhibitors
- Phenylephrine/pharmacology
- Rabbits
- Vasoconstrictor Agents/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Chaytor
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Cardiovascular Sciences Research Group, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff CF4 4XN, UK
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Chaytor AT, Evans WH, Griffith TM. Peptides homologous to extracellular loop motifs of connexin 43 reversibly abolish rhythmic contractile activity in rabbit arteries. J Physiol 1997; 503 ( Pt 1):99-110. [PMID: 9288678 PMCID: PMC1159890 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7793.1997.099bi.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
1. Phenylephrine (10 microM) evoked rises in tension in isolated rings of endothelium-denuded rabbit superior mesenteric artery. These increases consisted of a tonic component with superimposed rhythmic activity, the frequency of which generally remained constant over time but whose amplitude exhibited cycle-to-cycle variability. 2. The amplitude, but not the frequency, of the rhythmic activity was affected by a series of short peptides possessing sequence homology with extracellular loops 1 and 2 of connexin 43 (Cx43). Oscillatory behaviour was abolished at concentrations of 100-300 microM (IC50 of 20-30 microM), without change in average tone. No synergy was evident between peptides corresponding to the extracellular loops, and cytoplasmic loop peptides were biologically inactive. 3. The putative gap junction inhibitor heptanol mimicked the action of the extracellular loop peptides and abolished rhythmic activity at concentrations of 100-300 microM without effects on frequency. However, in marked contrast to the peptides, heptanol completely inhibited the contraction evoked by phenylephrine (IC50, 283 +/- 28 microM). 4. The presence of mRNA encoding Cx32, Cx40 and Cx43 was detected in the rabbit superior mesenteric artery by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Western blot analysis showed that Cx43 was the major connexin in the endothelium-denuded vessel wall. 5. We conclude that intercellular communication between vascular smooth muscle cells via gap junctions is essential for synchronized rhythmic activity in isolated arterial tissue, whereas tonic force development appears to be independent of cell-cell coupling. The molecular specificity of the peptide probes employed in the study suggests that the smooth muscle relaxant effects of heptanol may be non-specific and unrelated to inhibition of gap junctional communication.
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MESH Headings
- Alcohols/pharmacology
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Connexin 43/biosynthesis
- Connexin 43/chemistry
- Connexin 43/pharmacology
- Connexins/biosynthesis
- Endothelium, Vascular/physiology
- Gap Junctions/drug effects
- Gap Junctions/physiology
- Heptanol
- In Vitro Techniques
- Lung/metabolism
- Male
- Mesenteric Artery, Superior/metabolism
- Mesenteric Artery, Superior/physiology
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Muscle Contraction/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/physiology
- Myocardium/metabolism
- Oscillometry
- Peptide Fragments/chemistry
- Peptide Fragments/pharmacology
- Phenylephrine/pharmacology
- Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Protein Structure, Secondary
- RNA, Messenger/analysis
- Rabbits
- Time Factors
- Transcription, Genetic
- Gap Junction beta-1 Protein
- Gap Junction alpha-5 Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- A T Chaytor
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Heath Park, Cardiff, UK
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Chen SC, Pelletier DB, Ao P, Boynton AL. Connexin43 reverses the phenotype of transformed cells and alters their expression of cyclin/cyclin-dependent kinases. Cell Growth Differ 1995; 6:681-90. [PMID: 7669722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Communication between adjacent cells through gap junctions is believed to be involved in the regulation of cell proliferation. This stems in part from the observation that transfection and overexpression of connexin (cx) 32 or cx43 genes into neoplastic cells lead to normalization of growth and decrease their tumorigenicity. The molecular mechanism(s) responsible for this phenomenon has not been characterized. We transfected the rat cx43 gene into a phenotypically transformed dog kidney epithelial cell line, TRMP, and were successful in restoring gap junctional communication as measured by dye coupling. In addition, cx43-transfected clones reverted to a flat morphology and were sensitive to density-dependent inhibition of proliferation with their G1 and S phase duration almost doubled. These cx43-induced effects were coupled with a decreased expression of specific cell cycle regulatory genes critical to cell cycle progression in nonneoplastic cells including cyclin A, D1, D2, and the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK) 5 and CDK6. The protein levels of cyclin E, CDK2, and CDK4 were not affected. These results suggest that overexpression of cx43 and the formation of gap junctions with the establishment of gap junctional communication can affect the phenotype of transformed cells and alter specific gene expressions involved in cell cycle regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S C Chen
- Cell and Molecular Biology Department, Pacific Northwest Research Foundation, Seattle, Washington 98122, USA
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