Beyond gap junctions: Connexin43 and bone cell signaling

Connexin43 (Cx43) is the most abundant gap junction protein expressed in bone cells and plays a central role in cell-to-cell communication in the skeleton. Findings of the last decade uncovered functions of Cx43 hemichannels expressed on unopposed plasma cell membranes as mediators of the communication between bone cells and their extracellular milieu. Additionally, through its cytoplasmic C-terminus domain, Cx43 serves as a scaffolding protein that associates with structural and signaling molecules leading to regulation of intracellular signaling, independent of channel activity. This perspective discusses the evidence demonstrating that via these diverse mechanisms Cx43 is a key component of the intracellular machinery responsible for signal transduction in bone in response to pharmacologic, hormonal and mechanical stimuli. This advance in the knowledge of the role of connexins increases our understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms that regulate bone cell function and provides new opportunities to treat bone diseases.

Functions of connexins and large pore channels on microglial cells: the gates to environment

Microglial cells are not only sensitive indicators for pathology of the central nervous system (CNS), they are a key factor for neurotoxicity and degeneration in many diseases. Neuronal damage leads to reactive gliosis and to activation of microglia including cytoarchitectonic changes accompanied by alterations in surface receptor and channel expression. In this context, the release of neuroactive soluble factors like pro-inflammatory cytokines can result in increased cellular motility and a higher grade of phagocytotic activity. Ligands including glutamate, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), cytokines, superoxide radicals and neurotrophins released by microglia have in turn effects on neuronal function and cell death. The current review focuses on large pore and hemichannel function in microglial cells under different conditions of activation and elucidates the role of these channels in cytokine release, as well as putative targets for clinical intervention in case of inflammatory processes. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Electrical Synapses.

Connexins and Cap-independent translation: role of internal ribosome entry sites

Cap-independent translation using an internal ribosome entry site instead of the 5'-Cap structure has been discovered in positive-sense RNA viruses and eukaryotic genomes including a subset of gap junction forming connexins genes. With a growing number of mutations found in human connexin genes and studies on genetically modified mouse models mechanisms highlighting the important role of gap junctional communication in multicellular organism it is obvious that mechanism need to be in place to preserve this critical property even under conditions when Cap-mediated translation is scrutinized. To ensure sustained gap junctional communication, rapid initiation of translation of preexisting connexin mRNAs is one possibility, and the presence of internal ribosome entry sites in gap junction genes comply with such a requirement. In this review, we will summarize past and recent findings to build a case for IRES mediated translation as an alternative regulatory pathway facilitating gap junctional communication. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Electrical Synapses.

The connexin43-dependent transcriptome during brain development: importance of genetic background

Use of null mutant mice is a powerful way to evaluate the role of specific proteins in brain function. Studies performed on knockout mice have revealed some unexpected roles of the gap junction proteins (connexins). Thus, analyses of gene expression in connexin43 (Cx43) null brains indicated that deletion of a single gene (Gja1) induced expression level change of numerous other genes located on all chromosomes and involved in a wide diversity of functional pathways. The significant overlap between alterations in gene expression level, control and coordination in Cx43 knockout and knockdown astrocytes raised the possibility that Gja1 represents a transcriptomic node of gene regulatory networks. However, conditional deletion of Gja1 in astrocytes of two mouse strains resulted in remarkably different phenotypes. In order to evaluate the influence of the genetic background on the transcriptome, we performed microarray studies on brains of GFAP-Cre:Cx43(f/f) C57Bl/6 and 129/SvEv mice. The surprisingly low number of Cx43 core genes (regulated in all Cx43 nulls regardless of strain) and the high number of differently regulated genes in the two Cx43 conditional knockouts indicate high influence of mouse strain on brain transcriptome. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Electrical Synapses.

Connexin and pannexin hemichannels in inflammatory responses of glia and neurons

Mammals express ∼20 different connexins, the main gap junction forming proteins in mammals, and 3 pannexins, homologs of innexins, the main gap junction forming proteins in invertebrates. In both classes of gap junction, each channel is formed by two hemichannels, one contributed by each of the coupled cells. There is now general, if not universal, agreement that hemichannels of both classes can open in response to various physiological and pathological stimuli when they are not apposed to another hemichannels and face the external milieu. Connexin (and likely pannexin) hemichannel permeability is consistent with that of the cell-cell channels and open hemichannels can be a release site for relatively large molecules such as ATP and glutamate, which can serve as transmitters between cells. Here we describe three experimental paradigms in which connexin and pannexin hemichannel signaling occurs. (1) In cultures of spinal astrocytes FGF-1 causes the release of ATP, and ATP causes opening of pannexin hemichannels, which then release further ATP. Subsequently, several hours later, connexin hemichannels are also opened by an unknown mechanism. Release of ATP appears to become self sustaining through action of P2X7 receptors to open pannexin hemichannels and then connexin hemichannels, both of which are ATP permeable. (2) Spinal cord injury by dropping a small weight on the exposed cord is followed by release of ATP in the region surrounding the primary lesion. This release is greatly reduced in a mouse in which Cx43 is knocked down in the astrocytes. Application of FGF-1 causes a similar release of ATP in the uninjured spinal cord, and an inhibitor of the FGF-1 receptor, PD173074, inhibits both FGF-1 and injury-induced release. Reduction in ATP release is associated with reduced inflammation and less secondary expansion of the lesion. (3) Cortical astrocytes in culture are permeabilized by hypoxia, and this effect is increased by high or zero glucose. The mechanism of permeabilization is opening of Cx43 hemichannels, which can lead to cell death. Activated microglia secrete TNF-α and IL-1β, which open connexin hemichannels in astrocytes. Astrocytes release ATP and glutamate which can kill neurons in co-culture through activation of neuronal pannexin hemichannels. These studies implicate two kinds of gap junction hemichannel in inflammatory responses and cell death. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Electrical Synapses.

RhoA GTPase switch controls Cx43-hemichannel activity through the contractile system

ATP-dependent paracrine signaling, mediated via the release of ATP through plasma membrane-embedded hemichannels of the connexin family, coordinates a synchronized response between neighboring cells. Connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannels that are present in the plasma membrane need to be tightly regulated to ensure cell viability. In monolayers of bovine corneal endothelial cells (BCEC),Cx43-mediated ATP release is strongly inhibited when the cells are treated with inflammatory mediators, in particular thrombin and histamine. In this study we investigated the involvement of RhoA activation in the inhibition of hemichannel-mediated ATP release in BCEC. We found that RhoA activation occurs rapidly and transiently upon thrombin treatment of BCEC. The RhoA activity correlated with the onset of actomyosin contractility that is involved in the inhibition of Cx43 hemichannels. RhoA activation and inhibition of Cx43-hemichannel activity were both prevented by pre-treatment of the cells with C3-toxin as well as knock down of RhoA by siRNA. These findings provide evidence that RhoA activation is a key player in thrombin-induced inhibition of Cx43-hemichannel activity. This study demonstrates that RhoA GTPase activity is involved in the acute inhibition of ATP-dependent paracrine signaling, mediated by Cx43 hemichannels, in response to the inflammatory mediator thrombin. Therefore, RhoA appears to be an important molecular switch that controls Cx43 hemichannel openings and hemichannel-mediated ATP-dependent paracrine intercellular communication under (patho)physiological conditions of stress.

IL-17-induced Act1-mediated signaling is critical for cuprizone-induced demyelination

Cuprizone inhibits mitochondrial function and induces demyelination in the corpus callosum, which resembles pattern III lesions in multiple sclerosis patients. However, the molecular and cellular mechanism by which cuprizone induces demyelination remains unclear. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) secreted by T helper 17 cells and γδT cells are essential in the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. In this study, we examined the importance of IL-17 signaling in cuprizone-induced demyelination. We found that mice deficient in IL-17A, IL-17 receptor C (IL-17RC), and adaptor protein Act1 (of IL-17R) all had reduced demyelination accompanied by lessened microglial and polydendrocyte cellular reactivity compared with that in wild-type mice in response to cuprizone feeding, demonstrating the essential role of IL-17-induced Act1-mediated signaling in cuprizone-induced demyelination. Importantly, specific deletion of Act1 in astrocytes reduced the severity of tissue injury in this model, indicating the critical role of CNS resident cells in the pathogenesis of cuprizone-induced demyelination. In cuprizone-fed mice, IL-17 was produced by CNS CD3(+) T cells, suggesting a source of IL-17 in CNS upon cuprizone treatment.

Targeting Cx43 and N-cadherin, which are abnormally upregulated in venous leg ulcers, influences migration, adhesion and activation of Rho GTPases

Background

Venous leg ulcers can be very hard to heal and represent a significant medical need with no effective therapeutic treatment currently available.

Principal Findings

In wound edge biopsies from human venous leg ulcers we found a striking upregulation of dermal N-cadherin, Zonula Occludens-1 and the gap junction protein Connexin43 (Cx43) compared to intact skin, and in stark contrast to the down-regulation of Cx43 expression seen in acute, healing wounds. We targeted the expression of these proteins in 3T3 fibroblasts to evaluate their role in venous leg ulcers healing. Knockdown of Cx43 and N-cadherin, but not Zonula Occludens-1, accelerated cell migration in a scratch wound-healing assay. Reducing Cx43 increased Golgi reorientation, whilst decreasing cell adhesion and proliferation. Furthermore, Connexin43 and N-cadherin knockdown led to profound effects on fibroblast cytoskeletal dynamics after scratch-wounding. The cells exhibited longer lamelipodial protrusions lacking the F-actin belt seen at the leading edge in wounded control cells. This phenotype was accompanied by augmented activation of Rac-1 and RhoA GTPases, as revealed by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer and pull down experiments.

Conclusions

Cx43 and N-cadherin are potential therapeutic targets in the promotion of healing of venous leg ulcers, by acting at least in part through distinct contributions of cell adhesion, migration, proliferation and cytoskeletal dynamics.

Remodeling of mechanical junctions and of microtubule-associated proteins accompany cardiac connexin43 lateralization

BACKGROUND

Desmosomes and adherens junctions provide mechanical continuity between cardiac cells, whereas gap junctions allow for cell-cell electrical/metabolic coupling. These structures reside at the cardiac intercalated disc (ID). Also at the ID is the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) complex. Functional interactions between desmosomes, gap junctions, and VGSC have been demonstrated. Separate studies show, under various conditions, reduced presence of gap junctions at the ID and redistribution of connexin43 (Cx43) to plaques oriented parallel to fiber direction (gap junction "lateralization").

OBJECTIVE

To determine the mechanisms of Cx43 lateralization, and the fate of desmosomal and sodium channel molecules in the setting of Cx43 remodeling.

METHODS

Adult sheep were subjected to right ventricular pressure overload (pulmonary hypertension). Tissue was analyzed by quantitative confocal microscopy and by transmission electron microscopy. Ionic currents were measured using conventional patch clamp.

RESULT

Quantitative confocal microscopy demonstrated lateralization of immunoreactive junctional molecules. Desmosomes and gap junctions in lateral membranes were demonstrable by electron microscopy. Cx43/desmosomal remodeling was accompanied by lateralization of 2 microtubule-associated proteins relevant for Cx43 trafficking: EB1 and kinesin protein Kif5b. In contrast, molecules of the VGSC failed to reorganize in plaques discernable by confocal microscopy. Patch-clamp studies demonstrated change in amplitude and kinetics of sodium current and a small reduction in electrical coupling between cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Cx43 lateralization is part of a complex remodeling that includes mechanical and gap junctions but may exclude components of the VGSC. We speculate that lateralization results from redirectionality of microtubule-mediated forward trafficking. Remodeling of junctional complexes may preserve electrical synchrony under conditions that disrupt ID integrity.

Connexin gene transfer preserves conduction velocity and prevents atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Several lines of evidence have suggested that maintenance of atrial fibrillation (AF) depends on reentrant mechanisms. Maintenance of reentry necessitates a sufficiently short refractory period and/or delayed conduction, and AF has been associated with both alterations. Fibrosis, cellular dysfunction, and gap junction protein alterations occur in AF and cause conduction delay. We performed this study to test the hypothesis that gap junction protein overexpression would improve conduction and prevent AF.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty Yorkshire swine were randomized into 2 groups (sinus rhythm and AF), and each group into 3 subgroups: sham-operated control, gene therapy with adenovirus expressing connexin (Cx) 40, and gene therapy with adenovirus expressing Cx43 (n=5 per subgroup). All animals had epicardial gene painting; the AF group had burst atrial pacing. All animals underwent terminal study 7 days after gene transfer. Sinus rhythm animals had strong transgene expression but no atrial conduction changes. In AF animals, controls had reduced and lateralized Cx43 expression, and Cx43 gene transfer restored expression and cellular location to sinus rhythm control levels. In the AF group, both Cx40 and Cx43 gene transfer improved conduction and reduced AF relative to controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Connexin gene therapy preserved atrial conduction and prevented AF.

[Remodeling of cardiac gap junctions and arrhythmias]

In the heart, gap junctions mediate electrical and chemical coupling between adjacent cardiomyocytes, forming the cell-to-cell pathways for orderly spread of the wave of electrical excitation responsible for a functional syncytium. Three principal connexins are expressed in cardiomyocytes, connexin 43 (CX43), CX40, and CX45. CX43 predominates in ventricular muscle cells. Most of the gap junctions, assembled from CX43, are located at the intercalated discs, often with larger junctional plaques at the disc periphery. The gap junctions are rarely distributed to the sides of the cardiomyocyte. The ischemia-reperfusion, cardiac hypertrophy, heart failure, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes mellitus induce gap junction remodeling. The gap junction remodeling induced by above-mentioned diseases shows similar characteristics, including down-regulation of CX43, reduction in gap junction plaque size, increased heterogeneity and lateralization of gap junction distribution, and dephosphorylation of CX43. The elevated angiotensin II concentration in local myocardium may play an important role in the gap junction remodeling. The down-regulation of CX43 and lateralization of gap junction distribution alter anisotropic spread of the impulse of ventricular myocardium. The dephosphorylation of CX43 not only reduces electrical conductance, but also decreases permeability of chemicals between cardiomyocytes. The lateralization of gap junctions may increase the number of hemichannels formed by CX43. The opening of hemichannels induces ATP efflux and Na(+) influx, which forms a delayed after-depolarization. The gap junction remodeling in pathological condition produces arrhythmia substrate in the ventricles. In this review, the current knowledge on the relationship between the remodeling of cardiac gap junctions and arrhythmias were summarized.

Connexin43 regulates sodium current; ankyrin-G modulates gap junctions: the intercalated disc exchanger

Intercalated disc structures have conventionally been considered to be independent. Recent work shows that molecules initially thought of as belonging to one complex can actually affect another. Here, I focus on the cross-talk between connexin43 (Cx43, 'the gap junction protein') and the sodium channel complex and, conversely, on ankyrin-G (AnkG, a 'component of the sodium channel complex') and gap junctions. I speculate as to the possibility that one molecule affects the function of the other by regulating its trafficking into the intercalated disc.

eNOS activation and NO function: pregnancy adaptive programming of capacitative entry responses alters nitric oxide (NO) output in vascular endothelium--new insights into eNOS regulation through adaptive cell signaling

In pregnancy, vascular nitric oxide (NO) production is increased in the systemic and more so in the uterine vasculature, thereby supporting maximal perfusion of the uterus. This high level of functionality is matched in the umbilical vein, and in corresponding disease states such as pre-eclampsia, reduced vascular responses are seen in both uterine artery and umbilical vein. In any endothelial cell, NO actually produced by endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) is determined by the maximum capacity of the cell (eNOS expression levels), eNOS phosphorylation state, and the intracellular [Ca(2+)](i) concentration in response to circulating hormones or physical forces. Herein, we discuss how pregnancy-specific reprogramming of NO output is determined as much by pregnancy adaptation of [Ca(2+)](i) signaling responses as it is by eNOS expression and phosphorylation. By examining the changes in [Ca(2+)](i) signaling responses from human hand vein endothelial cells, uterine artery endothelial cells, and human umbilical vein endothelial cells in (where appropriate) nonpregnant, normal pregnant, and pathological pregnant (pre-eclamptic) state, it is clear that pregnancy adaptation of NO output occurs at the level of sustained phase 'capacitative entry' [Ca(2+)](i) response, and the adapted response is lacking in pre-eclamptic pregnancies. Moreover, gap junction function is an essential permissive regulator of the capacitative response and impairment of NO output results from any inhibitor of gap junction function, or capacitative entry using TRPC channels. Identifying these [Ca(2+)](i) signaling mechanisms underlying normal pregnancy adaptation of NO output not only provides novel targets for future treatment of diseases of pregnancy but may also apply to other common forms of hypertension.

Regulation of connexin 43 by basic fibroblast growth factor in the bladder: transcriptional and behavioral implications

PURPOSE

Basic fibroblast growth factor is a candidate causative factor of detrusor overactivity in bladder outlet obstruction cases through up-regulation of the gap junction protein connexin 43. We addressed the transcriptional and behavioral implications of this axis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cx43 and Cx45 mRNA expression was assessed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in the bladder of a rat bladder outlet obstruction model and in cultured rat bladder smooth muscle cells with and without basic fibroblast growth factor treatment. Involvement of the extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2-activator protein-1 pathway was evaluated by immunofluorescence study and a promoter-reporter assay in bladder smooth muscle cells. The effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on micturition behavior was measured in unrestrained rats under a 12-hour light/dark cycle using a controlled release system from gelatin hydrogels fixed on the bladder. The expression of extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 and connexin 43 protein was assessed by Western blotting of rat bladder protein.

RESULTS

Cx43 but not Cx45 mRNA expression was increased in the bladder of the obstruction model and in bladder smooth muscle cells treated with basic fibroblast growth factor. The mitogen-activated and extracellular signal-regulated kinase kinase inhibitor PD98059 blocked the stimulatory effect of basic fibroblast growth factor on connexin 43 protein expression and promoter activity, which was also decreased by mutation or deletion of an activator protein-1 cis-element of the connexin 43 promoter. In vivo application of basic fibroblast growth factor on the bladder increased urinary frequency during the latter half of the dark phase, ie the late active phase of rats (F = 5.1, 2-way ANOVA p <0.05). The expression of phospho-extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 and connexin 43 protein was increased in the bladder.

CONCLUSIONS

The extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2-activator protein-1-connexin 43 axis could be a potential therapeutic target for increased urinary frequency.

Atrial tachycardia/fibrillation in the connexin 43 G60S mutant (Oculodentodigital dysplasia) mouse

Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia seen in general practice, can be promoted by conduction slowing. Cardiac impulse conduction depends on gap junction channels, which are composed of connexins (Cxs). While atrial Cx40 and Cx43 are equally expressed, AF studies have primarily focused on Cx40 reductions. The G60S Cx43 mutant (Cx43(G60S/+)) mouse model of Oculodentodigital dysplasia has a 60% reduction in Cx43 in the atria. Cx43(G60S/+) mice were compared with Cx40-deficient (Cx40(-/-)) mice to determine the role of Cxs in atrial tachycardia/fibrillation (AT/F). Intracardiac electrophysiological studies were done in 6-mo-old male C57BL/6 Cx43(G60S/+) mutant, littermate (Cx43(+/+)), Cx40(-/-), and C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) mice. AT/F induction used an extra stimulus during sinus rhythm, programmed electrical stimulation, or burst pacing (1-ms pulses, 50-Hz, 400-ms train) in the absence and presence of carbachol (CCh). Atrial effective refractory periods did not differ between strains. Cx43(G60S/+) mice were more susceptible to induction of sustained AT/F (duration >2 min, 9 of 12; maximum >35 min) compared with Cx43(+/+) mice (3 of 11; χ(2) = 5.24; P = 0.02). CCh enhanced sustained AT/F susceptibility in WT (from 1 of 12 without, to 7 of 10 with CCh; χ(2) = 8.98; P < 0.01) but not in Cx40(-/-) mice (1 of 13 without vs. 2 of 9 with CCh; χ(2) = 0.95; P = NS). The pattern of epicardial recordings during AT/F in Cx43(G60S/+) mice was left preceding right, with left atrial fractionated activation patterns consistent with clinical observations of AF. In conclusions, while Cx43(G60S/+) mice had severe AT/F, Cx40(-/-) mice were resistant to CCh-induced AT/F.

Transcriptome characterization uncovers the molecular response of hematopoietic cells to ionizing radiation

Ionizing radiation causes rapid and acute suppression of hematopoietic cells that manifests as the hematopoietic syndrome. However, the roles of molecules and regulatory pathways induced in vivo by irradiation of different hematopoietic cells have not been completely elaborated. Using a strategy that combined different microarray bioinformatics tools, we identified gene networks that might be involved in the early response of hematopoietic cells radiation response in vivo. The grouping of similar time-ordered gene expression profiles using quality threshold clustering enabled the successful identification of common binding sites for 56 transcription factors that may be involved in the regulation of the early radiation response. We also identified novel genes that are responsive to the transformation-related protein 53; all of these genes were biologically validated in p53-transgenic null mice. Extension of the analysis to purified bone marrow cells including highly purified long-term hematopoietic stem cells, combined with functional classification, provided evidence of gene expression modifications that were largely unknown in this primitive population. Our methodology proved particularly useful for analyzing the transcriptional regulation of the complex ionizing radiation response of hematopoietic cells. Our data may help to elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in tissue radiosensitivity and to identify potential targets for improving treatment in radiation emergencies.

Reversal of rotenone-induced dysfunction of astrocytic connexin43 by opening mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channels

Growing evidence suggests that the astrocytic gap junctions (GJs), mainly formed by connexin 43 (Cx43), play an important role in physiological maintenance and various central nervous system (CNS) pathological conditions. However, little is known about the role of Cx43 in Parkinson's disease (PD). In this article, we report that rotenone, a classic neurotoxin for PD, could inhibit expression of astrocytic Cx43 and gap junction permeability. ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel openers, iptakalim (IPT) and diazoxide (DZ), exerted protective effect on rotenone-induced dysfunction of Cx43 and astrocyte apoptosis, which was reversed by selective mitochondrial K(ATP) (mitoK(ATP)) channel blocker 5-hydroxydecanoate (5-HD). Taken together, our findings reveal that rotenone-induced dysfunction of astrocytic Cx43 may be involved in the pathology of PD. Moreover, opening mitoK(ATP) channels in astrocytes can reverse rotenone-induced dysfunction of astrocytic Cx43 and therefore protect against toxicity of rotenone on astrocytes.

Connexin 43 hemichannel regulates H9c2 cell proliferation by modulating intracellular ATP and [Ca2+]

Connexin 43 (Cx43), known to be the main protein building blocks of gap junctions and hemichannels in mammalian heart, plays an important role in cardiocytes proliferation. Gap junctional intercellular communication has been suggested to be necessary for cellular proliferation and differentiation. However, the effect of Cx43 hemichannel on cardiocytes proliferation and the mechanism remain unclear. In this study, rat heart cell line H9c2 was used. The Cx43 location, the proliferation rate and hemichannel activity of H9c2 cells and Wnt-3a(+)-H9c2 cells were investigated and the changes of intracellular ATP and [Ca(2+)] were determined. Results showed that the inhibited hemichannel induced by 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) evoked intracellular ATP and [Ca(2+)] increase and enhanced H9c2 cell proliferation. Wnt-3a(+)-H9c2 cells displayed enhanced hemichannel activity and proliferation rate. Inhibited hemichannel of Wnt-3a(+)-H9c2 cells induced by 18beta-GA decreased intracellular ATP, increased [Ca(2+)], and enhanced the proliferation of H9c2 cells. This study validated the role of hemichannel in H9c2 cell proliferation regulation, and showed a mechanism involved in the regulation of H9c2 cell proliferation. The proliferation could be enhanced by Cx43 hemichannel-mediated ATP release accompanying intracellular [Ca(2+)] change. However, different changes of ATP were observed in Wnt-3a(+)-H9c2 cells. These findings provided new insights into the molecular mechanisms of proliferation regulation in H9c2 cells and the effect of Wnt-3a on intracellular ATP.

Regulation of renin release by connexin 43 in As 4.1 cell line

Gap junction channels facilitate chemical and electrical communication between adjacent cells. Gap junction protein, connexin (Cx), is expressed in the endothelial cells of vessels, glomerulus, and renin-secreting cells of the kidney. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of Cx in renin release using Cx-overexpressing As 4.1 cells. The adenovirus-induced Cx overexpression was conducted by using recombinant adenovirus containing the cDNA encoding Cx37, Cx40, Cx43 (Ad-Cx), and beta-galactosidase (Ad-beta-gal). In 40-overexpressing cells, basal renin release increased in a time-dependent manner but it was significantly lower than that in Ad-beta-gal-treated cells. In Cx37- and Cx43-overexpressing cells, basal renin release was increased in a time-dependent manner, which was not different from control cells. 18-beta glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a gap junction blocker, stimulated renin release dose-dependently and increased intracellular Ca(2+) in both Cx43-overexpressing cells and control cells. However, no significant differences were observed. An increase in renin release by 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoic acid 8-(diethylamino)-octyl ester, a putative antagonist of Ca(2+) release from intracellular sequestration sites, was also similar between two groups. These results suggest that Cx43 may unlikely alter the regulation of renin release and intracellular Ca(2+) by gap junction blocker in As 4.1 cells.

Effects of substitution of Cx43 by Cx32 on myocardial energy metabolism, tolerance to ischaemia and preconditioning protection

Connexin 43 (Cx43) plays an important role in cardioprotective signalling by mechanisms at least in part independent of gap junctional communication. To investigate whether this role is related to specific properties of this connexin isoform, we used a knock-in mouse model in which the coding region of Cx43 is replaced by that of Cx32. Homozygous Cx43KI32 mice showed reduced cell-to-cell Lucifer Yellow transfer (P < 0.01), but QRS duration and left ventricular fractional shortening (echocardiography) were similar to those in wild-type animals. NMR spectroscopy detected reduced ATP and increased lactate content in myocardium from homozygous Cx43KI32 animals (P < 0.05). Despite this, isolated homozygous Cx43KI32 hearts showed smaller infarcts after ischaemia-reperfusion (40 min/60 min) as compared to hearts from heterozygous and wild-type animals (13 and 31% reduction, respectively, P < 0.05). Cardiac myocytes isolated from Cx43KI32 mouse hearts also showed a reduced rate of cell death after simulated ischaemia-reperfusion. In a separate series of experiments, both ischaemic (4 cycles of 3.5 min of ischaemia and 5 min of reperfusion) and pharmacological (50 micromol l(-1) diazoxide, 10 min) preconditioning reduced infarct size in hearts from wild-type mice (by 24.84 and 26.63%, respectively, P < 0.05), but only ischaemic preconditioning was effective in hearts from heterozygous animals and both preconditioning strategies failed to protect Cx43KI32 homozygous hearts. These results demonstrate that Cx43 has an important and previously unknown modulatory effect in myocardial energy metabolism and tolerance to ischaemia, and plays a critical role in preconditioning protection, by mechanisms that are specific for this connexin isoform.

Gap junctions sensitize cancer cells to proteasome inhibitor MG132-induced apoptosis

Proteasome inhibition is a promising approach for cancer therapy. However, the mechanisms involved have not been fully elucidated. Gap junctions play important roles in the regulation of tumor cell phenotypes and mediation of the bystander effect in cancer therapy. Because the degradation of gap junction proteins involves the proteasome, we speculated that altered gap junctions might contribute to the antitumor activities of proteasome inhibition. Incubation of Hepa-1c1c7 cells with the proteasome inhibitor MG132 elevated the levels of gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) and promoted gap junctional intercellular communication. This was associated with a marked accumulation of ubiquitylated Cx43 and a significantly decreased rate of Cx43 degradation. The elevated Cx43 contributed to MG132-induced cell apoptosis. This is shown by the observations that: (i) overexpression of Cx43 in the gap junction-deficient LLC-PK1 cells rendered them vulnerable to MG132-elicited cell injury; (ii) fibroblasts derived from Cx43-null mice were more resistant to MG-132 compared with Cx43 wild-type control; and (iii) the gap junction inhibitor flufenamic acid significantly attenuated cell damage caused by MG132 in Hepa-1c1c7 cells. Further studies demonstrated that MG132 activates endoplasmic reticulum stress. Exposure of cells to the endoplasmic reticulum stress inducers thapsigargin and tunicamycin also led to cell apoptosis, which was modulated by Cx43 levels in a way similar to MG132. These results suggested that elevated Cx43 sensitizes cells to MG132-induced cell apoptosis. Regulation of gap junctions could be an important mechanism behind the antitumor activities of proteasome inhibitors.

Connexin43 plays an important role in lung development

OBJECTIVES

Connexin43 (Cx43) is one of the proteins associated with gap junction. Connexin43 knockout mice die after birth owing to hypoplastic lungs. The purpose of this study was to analyze the hypoplastic lung of Cx43 knockout mice to clarify the role of the Cx43 during lung development.

METHODS

Adult hetero Cx43 mice were mated. Newborn mice were divided into the following groups: wild, hetero, and knockout. Total RNA was extracted from the right lung, and the left lung was fixed for immunohistochemical staining. The mRNA expression of surfactant protein C, aquaporin-5, and alpha-smooth muscle actin were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. H&E and immunohistochemical staining for those markers were performed.

RESULTS

The mRNA expression of aquaporin-5, surfactant protein C, and alpha-smooth muscle actin was significantly lower in knockout mice than that in the wild and hetero mice. H&E staining in the knockout mice showed narrow airspaces and thicker interalveolar septae. Immunohistochemical staining in all markers showed the formation of alveoli to be delayed in the knockout mice.

CONCLUSION

Based on these findings, Cx43 is closely related to alveolar and vascular formation during lung development.

The role of connexin40 in atrial fibrillation

Connexin40 (Cx40) is a major gap-junction protein in the atrial myocardium. In the heart, gap junctions are responsible for cell-to-cell conduction of the action potential. In several cardiac diseases, the expression of connexins is changed and is associated with increased propensity for arrhythmias. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia in man with a diverse clinical presentation, different underlying mechanisms, and difficult treatment. The vulnerability to arrhythmias of the heart is determined by the combined presence of an arrhythmogenic substrate and initiating triggers. The arrhythmogenic substrate is formed by reduced effective refractory period, enhanced spatial dispersion of refractoriness, or abnormal atrial impulse conduction. Initiating triggers of AF most frequently originate from firing foci in the pulmonary veins and/or superior caval vein. Prolonged episodes of AF result in electrical and structural remodelling that favours the reoccurrence or perpetuation of AF. This electrical remodelling embodies changes in Cx40 expression and distribution, both in the atrial myocardium itself and in the thoracic veins. In addition, Cx40 gene mutations or polymorphisms give an inherited predisposition to AF. This review focuses on the role of Cx40 in AF, showing that abnormal Cx40 expression is correlated with both trigger formation from the thoracic veins as well as enhanced vulnerability of the atrial myocardium to AF.