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Katturajan R, Evan Prince S. A role of connexin 43 on the drug-induced liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract toxicity with associated signaling pathways. Life Sci 2021; 280:119629. [PMID: 34004253 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Drug-induced organ toxicity/injury, especially in the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract, is a systematic disorder that causes oxidative stress formation and inflammation resulting in cell death and organ failure. Current therapies target reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and inhibit inflammatory factors in organ injury to restore the functions and temporary relief. Organ cell function and tissue homeostasis are maintained through gap junction intercellular communication, regulating connexin hemichannels. Mis-regulation of such connexin, especially connexin (Cx) 43, affects a comprehensive process, including cell differentiation, inflammation, and cell death. Aim to describe knowledge about the importance of connexin role and insights therapeutic targeting. Cx43 misregulation has been implicated in recent decades in various diseases. Moreover, in recent years there is increasing evidence that Cx43 is involved in the toxicity process, including hepatic, renal, and gastrointestinal disorders. Cx43 has the potential to initiate the immune system to cause cell death, which has been activated in the acceleration of apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy signaling pathway. So far, therapies targeting Cx43 have been under inspection and are subjected to clinical trial phases. This review elucidates the role of Cx43 in drug-induced vital organ injury, and recent reports compromise its function in the major signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Katturajan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Sabina Evan Prince
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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52
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Qin Y, Jiang X, Yang Q, Zhao J, Zhou Q, Zhou Y. The Functions, Methods, and Mobility of Mitochondrial Transfer Between Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:672781. [PMID: 34041035 PMCID: PMC8141658 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.672781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are vital organelles in cells, regulating energy metabolism and apoptosis. Mitochondrial transcellular transfer plays a crucial role during physiological and pathological conditions, such as rescuing recipient cells from bioenergetic deficit and tumorigenesis. Studies have shown several structures that conduct transcellular transfer of mitochondria, including tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), extracellular vesicles (EVs), and Cx43 gap junctions (GJs). The intra- and intercellular transfer of mitochondria is driven by a transport complex. Mitochondrial Rho small GTPase (MIRO) may be the adaptor that connects the transport complex with mitochondria, and myosin XIX is the motor protein of the transport complex, which participates in the transcellular transport of mitochondria through TNTs. In this review, the roles of TNTs, EVs, GJs, and related transport complexes in mitochondrial transcellular transfer are discussed in detail, as well as the formation mechanisms of TNTs and EVs. This review provides the basis for the development of potential clinical therapies targeting the structures of mitochondrial transcellular transfer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiming Qin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qi Yang
- Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaqi Zhao
- Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qiong Zhou
- Department of Neurology, Yiyang Central Hospital, Yiyang City, China
| | - Yanhong Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
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53
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Wang H, Tian Q, Zhang J, Liu H, Zhang J, Cao W, Zhang X, Li X, Wu L, Song M, Kong Y, Wang W, Wang Y. Blood transcriptome profiling as potential biomarkers of suboptimal health status: potential utility of novel biomarkers for predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine strategy. EPMA J 2021; 12:103-115. [PMID: 34194583 DOI: 10.1007/s13167-021-00238-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The early identification of Suboptimal Health Status (SHS) creates a window opportunity for the predictive, preventive, and personalized medicine (PPPM) in chronic diseases. Previous studies have observed the alterations in several mRNA levels in SHS individuals. As a promising "omics" technology offering comprehension of genome structure and function at RNA level, transcriptome profiling can provide innovative molecular biomarkers for the predictive identification and targeted prevention of SHS. To explore the potential biomarkers, biological functions, and signalling pathways involved in SHS, an RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq)-based transcriptome analysis was firstly conducted on buffy coat samples collected from 30 participants with SHS and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Transcriptome analysis identified a total of 46 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), in which 22 transcripts were significantly increased and 24 transcripts were decreased in the SHS group. A total of 23 transcripts were selected as candidate predictive biomarkers for SHS. Gene Ontology (GO) annotations and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis revealed that several biological processes were related to SHS, such as ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter and neurodegeneration. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis identified 10 hub genes related to SHS, including GJA1, TWIST2, KRT1, TUBB3, AMHR2, BMP10, MT3, BMPER, NTM, and TMEM98. A transcriptome predictive model can distinguish SHS individuals from the healthy controls with a sensitivity of 83.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 73.9-92.7%), a specificity of 90.0% (95% CI: 82.4-97.6%), and an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.938 (95% CI: 0.882-0.994). In the present study, we demonstrated that blood (buffy coat) samples appear to be a very promising and easily accessible biological material for the transcriptomic analyses focused on the objective identification of SHS by using our transcriptome predictive model. The pattern of particularly determined DEGs can be used as predictive transcriptomic biomarkers for the identification of SHS in an individual who may, subjectively, feel healthy, but at the level of subcellular mechanisms, the changes can provide early information about potential health problems in this person. Our findings also indicate the potential therapeutic targets in dealing with chronic diseases related to SHS, such as T2DM and CVD, and an early onset of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, as well as the findings suggest the targets for personalized interventions as promoted in PPPM. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13167-021-00238-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Center for Precision Health, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Qiuyue Tian
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongqi Liu
- Student Healthcare Center, Weifang University, Weifang, China
| | - Jinxia Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Weijie Cao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Center for Precision Health, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Sanbo Brain Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xingang Li
- Center for Precision Health, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Lijuan Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Manshu Song
- Center for Precision Health, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Yuanyuan Kong
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Evidence-Based Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Diseases, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Center for Precision Health, School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Youxin Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Sun XH, Xiao HM, Zhang M, Lin ZY, Yang Y, Chen R, Liu PQ, Huang KP, Huang HQ. USP9X deubiquitinates connexin43 to prevent high glucose-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in NRK-52E cells. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 188:114562. [PMID: 33857489 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays an important role in diabetic nephropathy (DN). Ubiquitin-specific protease 9X (USP9X/FAM) is closely linked to TGF-β and fibrosis signaling pathway. However, it remains unknown whether USP9X is involved in the process of EMT in DN. Our previous study has shown that connexin 43 (Cx43) activation attenuated the development of diabetic renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (RIF). Here, we showed that USP9X is a novel negative regulator of EMT and the potential mechanism is related to the deubiquitination and degradation of Cx43. To explore the potential regulatory mechanism of USP9X, the expression and activity of USP9X were studied by CRISPR/Cas9-based synergistic activation mediator (SAM) system, short hairpin RNAs, and selective inhibitor. The following findings were observed: (1) Expression of USP9X was down-regulated in the kidney tissue of db/db diabetic mice; (2) overexpression of USP9X suppressed high glucose (HG)-induced expressions of EMT markers and extra cellular matrix (ECM) in NRK-52E cells; (3) depletion of USP9X further aggravated EMT process and ECM production in NRK-52E cells; (4) USP9X deubiquitinated Cx43 and suppressed its degradation to regulate EMT process; (5) USP9X deubiquitinated Cx43 by directly binding to the C-terminal Tyr286 of Cx43. The current study determined the protective role of USP9X in the process of EMT and the molecular mechanism clarified that the protective effects of USP9X on DN were associated with the deubiquitination of Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hong Sun
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Hai-Ming Xiao
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Ze-Yuan Lin
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Pei-Qing Liu
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Kai-Peng Huang
- Phase I Clinical Trial Center, Guangzhou Eighth People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou 510060, China.
| | - He-Qing Huang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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55
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Rahbarghazi A, Siahkouhian M, Rahbarghazi R, Ahmadi M, Bolboli L, Mahdipour M, Haghighi L, Hassanpour M, Sokouti Nasimi F, Keyhanmanesh R. Melatonin and prolonged physical activity attenuated the detrimental effects of diabetic condition on murine cardiac tissue. Tissue Cell 2021; 69:101486. [PMID: 33453677 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2021.101486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In this study, the combined effects of four-week swimming training and melatonin were examined on the oxidative response, inflammation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis capacity of cardiac tissue in the mouse model of diabetes. The mice were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 10 per group) as follows: Control; Diabetic group; Diabetic + Melatonin group; Diabetic + Exercise group; and Diabetic + Exercise + Melatonin group. 50 mg/kg streptozotocin was intraperitoneally administrated. In melatonin-treated groups, melatonin was injected intraperitoneally at 3 mg/kg body weight for four weeks and twice weekly. Swimming exercises were performed for four weeks. We measured cardiac superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase enzymes, malondialdehyde, and total antioxidant capacity. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, Caspase‑3, Sirtuin1, and Connexin-43 was measured using real-time PCR analysis. The vascular density was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using CD31 and α-smooth muscle actin antibodies. The combination of melatonin and exercise elevated cardiac superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase coincided with the reduction of malondialdehyde and increase of total antioxidant capacity as compared to the diabetic mice (p < 0.05). In Diabetic + Exercise + Melatonin mice, tumor necrosis factor-α, Caspase‑3 was significantly down-regulated compared to the Diabetic group (p < 0.05). Melatonin and exercise suppressed the expression of Connexin-43 and Sirtuin1 in diabetic mice in comparison with the control mice (p < 0.05). H & E staining showed necrosis and focal hyperemia reduction in the Diabetic + Exercise + Melatonin group compared to the Diabetic group. Data showed a decrease of CD31+ and α-smooth muscle actin+ vessels in the Diabetic group as compared to the normal samples (p < 0.05). The number of CD31+ vessels, but not α-smooth muscle actin+ type, increased in the Diabetic + Exercise + Melatonin group compared to the Diabetic mice. These data demonstrated that exercise along with melatonin administration could diminish the detrimental effects of diabetes on cardiac tissue via using different mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Afshin Rahbarghazi
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Educational Science and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabil, Ardabil, Iran; Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Marefat Siahkouhian
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Educational Science and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabil, Ardabil, Iran.
| | - Reza Rahbarghazi
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Mahdi Ahmadi
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Lotfali Bolboli
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, Faculty of Educational Science and Psychology, University of Mohaghegh Ardabil, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahdipour
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leila Haghighi
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Hassanpour
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Rana Keyhanmanesh
- Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Drug Applied Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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56
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Involvement of amylin B-H2S-connexin 43 signaling pathway in vascular dysfunction and enhanced ischemia-reperfusion-induced myocardial injury in diabetic rats. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:224904. [PMID: 32436936 PMCID: PMC7280474 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20194154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the role of amylin, H2S, and connexin 43 in vascular dysfunction and enhanced ischemia–reperfusion (I/R)-induced myocardial injury in diabetic rats. A single dose of streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) was employed to induce diabetes mellitus. After 8 weeks, there was a significant decrease in the plasma levels of amylin, an increase in I/R injury to isolated hearts (increase in CK-MB and cardiac troponin release) on the Langendorff apparatus. Moreover, there was a significant impairment in vascular endothelium function as assessed by quantifying acetylcholine-induced relaxation in norepinephrine-precontracted mesenteric arteries. There was also a marked decrease in the expression of H2S and connexin 43 in the hearts following I/R injury in diabetic rats. Treatment with amylin agonist, pramlintide (100 and 200 µg/kg), and H2S donor, NaHS (10 and 20 μmol/kg) for 2 weeks improved the vascular endothelium function, abolished enhanced myocardial injury and restored the levels of H2S along with connexin 43 in diabetic animals. However, pramlintide and NaHS failed to produce these effects the presence of gap junction blocker, carbenoxolone (20 and 40 mg/kg). Carbenoxolone also abolished the myocardial levels of connexin 43 without affecting the plasma levels of amylin and myocardial levels of H2S. The decrease in the amylin levels with a consequent reduction in H2S and connexin 43 may contribute to inducing vascular dysfunction and enhancing I/R-induced myocardial injury in diabetic rats.
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57
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Van Campenhout R, Gomes AR, De Groof TW, Muyldermans S, Devoogdt N, Vinken M. Mechanisms Underlying Connexin Hemichannel Activation in Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073503. [PMID: 33800706 PMCID: PMC8036530 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions and connexin hemichannels mediate intercellular and extracellular communication, respectively. While gap junctions are seen as the “good guys” by controlling homeostasis, connexin hemichannels are considered as the “bad guys”, as their activation is associated with the onset and dissemination of disease. Open connexin hemichannels indeed mediate the transport of messengers between the cytosol and extracellular environment and, by doing so, fuel inflammation and cell death in a plethora of diseases. The present mini-review discusses the mechanisms involved in the activation of connexin hemichannels during pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raf Van Campenhout
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (R.V.C.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Ana Rita Gomes
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (R.V.C.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Timo W.M. De Groof
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (T.W.M.D.G.); (N.D.)
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050 Brussels, Belgium;
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Department of Medical Imaging, In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (T.W.M.D.G.); (N.D.)
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (R.V.C.); (A.R.G.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-2-4774587
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58
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Hirschhäuser C, Lissoni A, Görge PM, Lampe PD, Heger J, Schlüter KD, Leybaert L, Schulz R, Boengler K. Connexin 43 phosphorylation by casein kinase 1 is essential for the cardioprotection by ischemic preconditioning. Basic Res Cardiol 2021; 116:21. [PMID: 33751227 PMCID: PMC7985055 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-021-00861-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Myocardial connexin 43 (Cx43) forms gap junctions and hemichannels, and is also present within subsarcolemmal mitochondria. The protein is phosphorylated by several kinases including mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), protein kinase C (PKC), and casein kinase 1 (CK1). A reduction in Cx43 content abrogates myocardial infarct size reduction by ischemic preconditioning (IPC). The present study characterizes the contribution of Cx43 phosphorylation towards mitochondrial function, hemichannel activity, and the cardioprotection by IPC in wild-type (WT) mice and in mice in which Cx43-phosphorylation sites targeted by above kinases are mutated to non-phosphorylatable residues (Cx43MAPKmut, Cx43PKCmut, and Cx43CK1mut mice). The amount of Cx43 in the left ventricle and in mitochondria was reduced in all mutant strains compared to WT mice and Cx43 phosphorylation was altered at residues not directly targeted by the mutations. Whereas complex 1 respiration was reduced in all strains, complex 2 respiration was decreased in Cx43CK1mut mice only. In Cx43 epitope-mutated mice, formation of reactive oxygen species and opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore were not affected. The hemichannel open probability was reduced in Cx43PKCmut and Cx43CK1mut but not in Cx43MAPKmut cardiomyocytes. Infarct size in isolated saline-perfused hearts after ischemia/reperfusion (45 min/120 min) was comparable between genotypes and was significantly reduced by IPC (3 × 3 min ischemia/5 min reperfusion) in WT, Cx43MAPKmut, and Cx43PKCmut, but not in Cx43CK1mut mice, an effect independent from the amount of Cx43 and the probability of hemichannel opening. Taken together, our study shows that alterations of Cx43 phosphorylation affect specific cellular functions and highlights the importance of Cx43 phosphorylation by CK1 for IPC's cardioprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Hirschhäuser
- Institut für Physiologie, Justus-Liebig Universität Gießen, Aulweg 129, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alessio Lissoni
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Paul D Lampe
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Heger
- Institut für Physiologie, Justus-Liebig Universität Gießen, Aulweg 129, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Klaus-Dieter Schlüter
- Institut für Physiologie, Justus-Liebig Universität Gießen, Aulweg 129, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rainer Schulz
- Institut für Physiologie, Justus-Liebig Universität Gießen, Aulweg 129, 35392, Giessen, Germany
| | - Kerstin Boengler
- Institut für Physiologie, Justus-Liebig Universität Gießen, Aulweg 129, 35392, Giessen, Germany.
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59
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Natha CM, Vemulapalli V, Fiori MC, Chang CWT, Altenberg GA. Connexin hemichannel inhibitors with a focus on aminoglycosides. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166115. [PMID: 33711451 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 02/06/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Connexins are membrane proteins involved directly in cell-to-cell communication through the formation of gap-junctional channels. These channels result from the head-to-head docking of two hemichannels, one from each of two adjacent cells. Undocked hemichannels are also present at the plasma membrane where they mediate the efflux of molecules that participate in autocrine and paracrine signaling, but abnormal increase in hemichannel activity can lead to cell damage in disorders such as cardiac infarct, stroke, deafness, cataracts, and skin diseases. For this reason, connexin hemichannels have emerged as a valid therapeutic target. Know small molecule hemichannel inhibitors are not ideal leads for the development of better drugs for clinical use because they are not specific and/or have toxic effects. Newer inhibitors are more selective and include connexin mimetic peptides, anti-connexin antibodies and drugs that reduce connexin expression such as antisense oligonucleotides. Re-purposed drugs and their derivatives are also promising because of the significant experience with their clinical use. Among these, aminoglycoside antibiotics have been identified as inhibitors of connexin hemichannels that do not inhibit gap-junctional channels. In this review, we discuss connexin hemichannels and their inhibitors, with a focus on aminoglycoside antibiotics and derivatives of kanamycin A that inhibit connexin hemichannels, but do not have antibiotic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina M Natha
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, and Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Varun Vemulapalli
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, and Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Mariana C Fiori
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, and Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA
| | - Cheng-Wei T Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, UT, USA
| | - Guillermo A Altenberg
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, and Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, USA.
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60
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Advances in the development of connexin hemichannel inhibitors selective toward Cx43. Future Med Chem 2021; 13:379-392. [PMID: 33399487 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap-junction channels formed by two connexin hemichannels play diverse and pivotal roles in intercellular communication and regulation. Normally hemichannels at the plasma membrane participate in autocrine and paracrine signaling, but abnormal increase in their activity can lead or contribute to various diseases. Selective inhibitors toward connexin hemichannels are of great interest. Among more than 20 identified isoforms of connexins, connexin 43 (Cx43) attracts the most interest due to its prevalence and link to cell damage in many disorders or diseases. Traditional antibacterial kanamycin decorated with hydrophobic groups yields amphiphilic kanamycins that show low cytotoxicity and prominent inhibitory effect against Cx43. This review focuses on the development of amphiphilic kanamycins as connexin hemichannel inhibitors and their future perspective.
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61
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Andelova K, Egan Benova T, Szeiffova Bacova B, Sykora M, Prado NJ, Diez ER, Hlivak P, Tribulova N. Cardiac Connexin-43 Hemichannels and Pannexin1 Channels: Provocative Antiarrhythmic Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010260. [PMID: 33383853 PMCID: PMC7795512 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac connexin-43 (Cx43) creates gap junction channels (GJCs) at intercellular contacts and hemi-channels (HCs) at the peri-junctional plasma membrane and sarcolemmal caveolae/rafts compartments. GJCs are fundamental for the direct cardiac cell-to-cell transmission of electrical and molecular signals which ensures synchronous myocardial contraction. The HCs and structurally similar pannexin1 (Panx1) channels are active in stressful conditions. These channels are essential for paracrine and autocrine communication through the release of ions and signaling molecules to the extracellular environment, or for uptake from it. The HCs and Panx1 channel-opening profoundly affects intracellular ionic homeostasis and redox status and facilitates via purinergic signaling pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic processes. These conditions promote cardiac arrhythmogenesis due to the impairment of the GJCs and selective ion channel function. Crosstalk between GJCs and HCs/Panx1 channels could be crucial in the development of arrhythmogenic substrates, including fibrosis. Despite the knowledge gap in the regulation of these channels, current evidence indicates that HCs and Panx1 channel activation can enhance the risk of cardiac arrhythmias. It is extremely challenging to target HCs and Panx1 channels by inhibitory agents to hamper development of cardiac rhythm disorders. Progress in this field may contribute to novel therapeutic approaches for patients prone to develop atrial or ventricular fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarina Andelova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute for Heart Research, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.A.); (T.E.B.); (B.S.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Tamara Egan Benova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute for Heart Research, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.A.); (T.E.B.); (B.S.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Barbara Szeiffova Bacova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute for Heart Research, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.A.); (T.E.B.); (B.S.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Matus Sykora
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute for Heart Research, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.A.); (T.E.B.); (B.S.B.); (M.S.)
| | - Natalia Jorgelina Prado
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, M5500 Mendoza, Argentina; (N.J.P.); (E.R.D.)
| | - Emiliano Raul Diez
- Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, M5500 Mendoza, Argentina; (N.J.P.); (E.R.D.)
| | - Peter Hlivak
- Department of Arrhythmias and Pacing, National Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Pod Krásnou Hôrkou 1, 83348 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Narcis Tribulova
- Centre of Experimental Medicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute for Heart Research, 84104 Bratislava, Slovakia; (K.A.); (T.E.B.); (B.S.B.); (M.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-2-32295-423
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Wang J, Bai T, Wang N, Li H, Guo X. Neuroprotective potential of imatinib in global ischemia-reperfusion-induced cerebral injury: possible role of Janus-activated kinase 2/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 and connexin 43. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 24:11-18. [PMID: 31908570 PMCID: PMC6940502 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2020.24.1.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study was aimed to explore the neuroprotective role of imatinib in global ischemia-reperfusion-induced cerebral injury along with possible mechanisms. Global ischemia was induced in mice by bilateral carotid artery occlusion for 20 min, which was followed by reperfusion for 24 h by restoring the blood flow to the brain. The extent of cerebral injury was assessed after 24 h of global ischemia by measuring the locomotor activity (actophotometer test), motor coordination (inclined beam walking test), neurological severity score, learning and memory (object recognition test) and cerebral infarction (triphenyl tetrazolium chloride stain). Ischemia-reperfusion injury produced significant cerebral infarction, impaired the behavioral parameters and decreased the expression of connexin 43 and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT3) in the brain. A single dose administration of imatinib (20 and 40 mg/kg) attenuated ischemia-reperfusion-induced behavioral deficits and the extent of cerebral infarction along with the restoration of connexin 43 and p-STAT3 levels. However, administration of AG490, a selective Janus-activated kinase 2 (JAK2)/STAT3 inhibitor, abolished the neuroprotective actions of imatinib and decreased the expression of connexin 43 and p-STAT3. It is concluded that imatinib has the potential of attenuating global ischemia-reperfusion-induced cerebral injury, which may be possibly attributed to activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway along with the increase in the expression of connexin 43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieying Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710068, Shaanxi, China
| | - Taomin Bai
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710068, Shaanxi, China
| | - Nana Wang
- Central Laboratory, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710068, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongyan Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710068, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiangyang Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710068, Shaanxi, China.,Department of Neurology, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, Shaanxi, China
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Fo Y, Zhang C, Chen X, Liu X, Ye T, Guo Y, Qu C, Shi S, Yang B. Chronic sigma-1 receptor activation ameliorates ventricular remodeling and decreases susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias after myocardial infarction in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 889:173614. [PMID: 33010304 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to assess the effect of sigma-1 receptor (S1R) stimulation on ventricular remodeling and susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) after myocardial infarction (MI) in rats. Wild-type male rats were placed into one of the following four treatment groups. For four weeks, animals in the Sham group and MI group received intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of 0.9% saline (1 ml/kg/day); those in the MI + F group received fluvoxamine (FLV) (0.3 mg/kg/day); and those in the MI + F + BD group received FLV plus BD1047 (0.3 mg/kg/day). After that, the ventricular electrophysiological parameters were measured via the langendorff system. Ventricular fibrosis quantification was determined with Masson staining. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography. The protein levels of S1R, connexin (Cx)43, Cav1.2, Kv4.2, Kv4.3, tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), nerve growth factor (NGF), growth-associated protein 43 (GAP43) were detected by Western blot assays. Our results indicated that fluvoxamine significantly prolonged the ventricular effective refractory period (ERP), shortened action potential duration (APD), reduced susceptibility to VAs after MI. Masson staining showed a decrease in ventricular fibrosis in the MI + F group. Furthermore, the contents of Cx43, S1R, Cav1.2, Kv4.2, Kv4.3 were increased in the MI + F group compared with the MI group (all P < 0.05). The contents of TH, NGF, GAP43 were reduced in the MI + F group compared with the MI group. (all P < 0.05). However, BD1047 reduces all of these effects of FLV. The results suggest that S1R stimulation reduces susceptibility to VAs and improves cardiac function by improving myocardial fibrosis, lightning sympathetic remodeling, electrical remodeling, gap junction remodeling and upregulating S1R content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhong Fo
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Cui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Xiuhuan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Tianxin Ye
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Yan Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Chuan Qu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China
| | - Shaobo Shi
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
| | - Bo Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, PR China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, 430060, PR China.
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Perioperative Dexmedetomidine attenuates brain ischemia reperfusion injury possibly via up-regulation of astrocyte Connexin 43. BMC Anesthesiol 2020; 20:299. [PMID: 33287729 PMCID: PMC7722427 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-020-01211-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astrocyte Connexin 43 (Cx43) is essential for the trophic and protective support of neurons during brain ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury. It is believed that dexmedetomidine participates in Cx43-mediated effects. However, its mechanisms remained unclear. This study aims to address the relationship and regulation among them. METHODS Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were allocated to the 90-min right middle cerebral arterial occlusion with or without dexmedetomidine pretreatment (5 μg/kg). Neurological functions were evaluated and brain lesions, as well as inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α), were assessed. Ischemic penumbral cortex was harvested to determine the expression of astrocyte Cx43. Primary astrocytes were cultured to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on Cx43 after oxygen-glucose deprivation. RESULTS Dexmedetomidine pretreatment attenuated neurological injury, brain lesions and expression of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) after brain ischemia (P < 0.05). Astrocyte Cx43 was down-regulated by brain I/R injury, both in vivo and in vitro, which were reversed by dexmedetomidine (P < 0.05). This effect was mediated by the phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β. Further studies with LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor) or SB216763 (GSK-3β inhibitor) confirmed the effect of dexmedetomidine on astrocyte Cx43. CONCLUSIONS Perioperative dexmedetomidine administration attenuates neurological injury after brain I/R injury, possibly through up-regulation of astrocyte Cx43. Activation of PI3K-Akt-GSK-3β pathway might contribute to this protective effect.
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Ren L, Zhou X, Nasiri R, Fang J, Jiang X, Wang C, Qu M, Ling H, Chen Y, Xue Y, Hartel MC, Tebon P, Zhang S, Kim HJ, Yuan X, Shamloo A, Dokmeci MR, Li S, Khademhosseini A, Ahadian S, Sun W. Combined Effects of Electric Stimulation and Microgrooves in Cardiac Tissue-on-a-Chip for Drug Screening. SMALL METHODS 2020; 4:2000438. [PMID: 34423115 PMCID: PMC8372829 DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202000438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Animal models and traditional cell cultures are essential tools for drug development. However, these platforms can show striking discrepancies in efficacy and side effects when compared to human trials. These differences can lengthen the drug development process and even lead to drug withdrawal from the market. The establishment of preclinical drug screening platforms that have higher relevancy to physiological conditions is desirable to facilitate drug development. Here, a heart-on-a-chip platform, incorporating microgrooves and electrical pulse stimulations to recapitulate the well-aligned structure and synchronous beating of cardiomyocytes (CMs) for drug screening, is reported. Each chip is made with facile lithographic and laser-cutting processes that can be easily scaled up to high-throughput format. The maturation and phenotypic changes of CMs cultured on the heart-on-a-chip is validated and it can be treated with various drugs to evaluate cardiotoxicity and cardioprotective efficacy. The heart-on-a-chip can provide a high-throughput drug screening platform in preclinical drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Ren
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xingwu Zhou
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Rohollah Nasiri
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jun Fang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xing Jiang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Canran Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Moyuan Qu
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Haonan Ling
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yihang Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yumeng Xue
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Martin C Hartel
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Peyton Tebon
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Shiming Zhang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Han-Jun Kim
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xichen Yuan
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Amir Shamloo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sharif University of Technology, Tehran 11365, Iran
| | - Mehmet Remzi Dokmeci
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Song Li
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Ali Khademhosseini
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Samad Ahadian
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Wujin Sun
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Zhang Z, Yao W, Yuan D, Huang F, Liu Y, Luo G, Hei Z. Effects of Connexin 32-Mediated Lung Inflammation Resolution During Liver Ischemia Reperfusion. Dig Dis Sci 2020; 65:2914-2924. [PMID: 31900713 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-019-06020-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic ischemia reperfusion (HIR) leads to a lung inflammatory response and subsequent pulmonary barrier dysfunction. The gap junction communication protein connexin 32 (Cx32), which is widely expressed in the lungs, participates in intercellular signaling. This study determined whether the communication protein Cx32 could affect pulmonary inflammation caused by HIR. METHODS Mice were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 8/group): (i) Cx32+/+ sham group; (ii) Cx32+/+ HIR model group; (iii) Cx32-/- sham group; and (iv) Cx32-/- HIR model group. Twenty-four hours after surgery, lung tissues were collected for bright field microscopy, western blot (Cx32, JAK2, p-JAK2, STAT3, p-STAT3), and immunofluorescence (ZO-1, 8-OHDG) analyses. The collected bronchoalveolar fluid was tested for levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase 12 (MMP-12), and antitrypsin (α1-AT). Lung mmu-miR-26a/b expression was detected using a PCR assay. RESULTS Increased expression of Cx32 mRNA and protein was noted in the lungs after HIR. Cx32 deletion significantly aggravated pulmonary function from acute lung injury induced by HIR. In addition, Cx32 deletion decreased the protein level of ZO-1 (pulmonary function) and increased the level of the oxidative stress marker 8-OHDG in the lungs. Moreover, in the Cx32-/- HIR model group, the levels of IL-6 and MMP-12 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were significantly increased leading to activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, and decreased α1-AT levels. Furthermore, we found mmu-miR-26a/b was significantly downregulated in the Cx32-/- HIR model group. CONCLUSION HIR leads to acute lung inflammatory injury. Cx32 deletion aggravates hepatic-derived lung inflammation, partly through blocking the transferring of mmu-miR-26a/b and leading to IL-6-related JAK2/STAT3 pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Weifeng Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Dongdong Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Fei Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Gangjian Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China
| | - Ziqing Hei
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, China.
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Abou-Mrad Z, Alomari SO, Bsat S, Moussalem CK, Alok K, El Houshiemy MN, Alomari AO, Minassian GB, Omeis IA. Role of connexins in spinal cord injury: An update. Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2020; 197:106102. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2020.106102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
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Yang K, Zhou Y, Zhou L, Yan F, Guan L, Liu H, Liu W. Synaptic Plasticity After Focal Cerebral Ischemia Was Attenuated by Gap26 but Enhanced by GAP-134. Front Neurol 2020; 11:888. [PMID: 32982919 PMCID: PMC7479336 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Synaptic plasticity is critical for neurorehabilitation after focal cerebral ischemia. Connexin 43 (Cx43), the main component of the gap junction, has been shown to be pivotal for synaptic plasticity. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of the Cx43 inhibitor (Gap26) and gap junction modifier (GAP-134) in neurorehabilitation and to study their contribution to synaptic plasticity after focal ischemia. Methods: Time course expression of both total and phosphorylated Cx43 (p-Cx43) were detected by western blotting at 3, 7, and 14 d after focal ischemia. Gap26 and GAP-134 were administered starting from 3 d post focal ischemia. Neurological performances were evaluated by balance beam walking test and Y-maze test at 1, 3, and 7 d. Golgi staining and transmission electron microscope (TEM) detection were conducted at 7 d for observing dendritic spine numbers and synaptic ultrastructure, respectively. Immunofluorescent staining was used at 7 d for detection of synaptic plasticity markers, including synaptophysin (SYN) and growth-associated protein-43 (GAP-43). Results: Expression levels of both total Cx43 and p-Cx43 were increased after focal cerebral ischemia, peaking at 7 d. Compared with the MCAO group, Gap26 worsened the neurological behavior and decreased the dendritic spine number while GAP-134 improved the neurobehavior and increased the number of dendritic spines. Moreover, Gap26 further destroyed the synaptic structure, concomitant with downregulated SYN and GAP-43, whereas GAP-134 alleviated synaptic destruction and upregulated SYN and GAP-43. Conclusion: These findings suggested that Cx43 or the gap junction was involved in synaptic plasticity, thereby promoting neural recovery after ischemic stroke. Treatments enhancing gap junctions may be potential promising therapeutic measures for neurorehabilitation after ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailing Yang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lequan Zhou
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fuman Yan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Guan
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haimei Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.,The Research Center of Basic Integrative Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Zheng L, Trease AJ, Katsurada K, Spagnol G, Li H, Shi W, Duan B, Patel KP, Sorgen PL. Inhibition of Pyk2 and Src activity improves Cx43 gap junction intercellular communication. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2020; 149:27-40. [PMID: 32956670 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2020.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Identification of proteins that interact with Cx43 has been instrumental in the understanding of gap junction (GJ) regulation. An in vitro phosphorylation screen identified that Protein tyrosine kinase 2 beta (Pyk2) phosphorylated purified Cx43CT and this led us to characterize the impact of this phosphorylation on Cx43 function. Mass spectrometry identified Pyk2 phosphorylates Cx43 residues Y247, Y265, Y267, and Y313. Western blot and immunofluorescence staining using HeLaCx43 cells, HEK 293 T cells, and neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) revealed Pyk2 can be activated by Src and active Pyk2 interacts with Cx43 at the plasma membrane. Overexpression of Pyk2 increases Cx43 phosphorylation and knock-down of Pyk2 decreases Cx43 phosphorylation, without affecting the level of active Src. In HeLaCx43 cells treated with PMA to activate Pyk2, a decrease in Cx43 GJ intercellular communication (GJIC) was observed when assayed by dye transfer. Moreover, PMA activation of Pyk2 could be inhibited by the small molecule PF4618433. This partially restored GJIC, and when paired with a Src inhibitor, returned GJIC to the no PMA control-level. The ability of Pyk2 and Src inhibitors to restore Cx43 function in the presence of PMA was also observed in NRVMs. Additionally, an animal model of myocardial infarction induced heart failure showed a higher level of active Pyk2 activity and increased interaction with Cx43 in ventricular myocytes. Src inhibitors have been used to reverse Cx43 remodeling and improve heart function after myocardial infarction; however, they alone could not fully restore proper Cx43 function. Our data suggest that Pyk2 may need to be inhibited, in addition to Src, to further (if not completely) reverse Cx43 remodeling and improve intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Andrew J Trease
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Kenichi Katsurada
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Gaelle Spagnol
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Hanjun Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Wen Shi
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine/Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Bin Duan
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine/Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Kaushik P Patel
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Paul L Sorgen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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Connexin Hemichannel Mimetic Peptide Attenuates Cortical Interneuron Loss and Perineuronal Net Disruption Following Cerebral Ischemia in Near-Term Fetal Sheep. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186475. [PMID: 32899855 PMCID: PMC7554896 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia is associated with disruption of cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons and their surrounding perineuronal nets, which may contribute to persisting neurological deficits. Blockade of connexin43 hemichannels using a mimetic peptide can alleviate seizures and injury after hypoxia-ischemia. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that connexin43 hemichannel blockade improves the integrity of cortical interneurons and perineuronal nets. Term-equivalent fetal sheep received 30 min of bilateral carotid artery occlusion, recovery for 90 min, followed by a 25-h intracerebroventricular infusion of vehicle or a mimetic peptide that blocks connexin hemichannels or by a sham ischemia + vehicle infusion. Brain tissues were stained for interneuronal markers or perineuronal nets. Cerebral ischemia was associated with loss of cortical interneurons and perineuronal nets. The mimetic peptide infusion reduced loss of glutamic acid decarboxylase-, calretinin-, and parvalbumin-expressing interneurons and perineuronal nets. The interneuron and perineuronal net densities were negatively correlated with total seizure burden after ischemia. These data suggest that the opening of connexin43 hemichannels after perinatal hypoxia-ischemia causes loss of cortical interneurons and perineuronal nets and that this exacerbates seizures. Connexin43 hemichannel blockade may be an effective strategy to attenuate seizures and may improve long-term neurological outcomes after perinatal hypoxia-ischemia.
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Russell JS, Griffith TA, Naghipour S, Vider J, Du Toit EF, Patel HH, Peart JN, Headrick JP. Dietary α-Linolenic Acid Counters Cardioprotective Dysfunction in Diabetic Mice: Unconventional PUFA Protection. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092679. [PMID: 32887376 PMCID: PMC7551050 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether dietary omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) confers cardiac benefit in cardiometabolic disorders is unclear. We test whether dietary -linolenic acid (ALA) enhances myocardial resistance to ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) and responses to ischemic preconditioning (IPC) in type 2 diabetes (T2D); and involvement of conventional PUFA-dependent mechanisms (caveolins/cavins, kinase signaling, mitochondrial function, and inflammation). Eight-week male C57Bl/6 mice received streptozotocin (75 mg/kg) and 21 weeks high-fat/high-carbohydrate feeding. Half received ALA over six weeks. Responses to I-R/IPC were assessed in perfused hearts. Localization and expression of caveolins/cavins, protein kinase B (AKT), and glycogen synthase kinase-3 β (GSK3β); mitochondrial function; and inflammatory mediators were assessed. ALA reduced circulating leptin, without affecting body weight, glycemic dysfunction, or cholesterol. While I-R tolerance was unaltered, paradoxical injury with IPC was reversed to cardioprotection with ALA. However, post-ischemic apoptosis (nucleosome content) appeared unchanged. Benefit was not associated with shifts in localization or expression of caveolins/cavins, p-AKT, p-GSK3β, or mitochondrial function. Despite mixed inflammatory mediator changes, tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) was markedly reduced. Data collectively reveal a novel impact of ALA on cardioprotective dysfunction in T2D mice, unrelated to caveolins/cavins, mitochondrial, or stress kinase modulation. Although evidence suggests inflammatory involvement, the basis of this "un-conventional" protection remains to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jake S. Russell
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University Gold Coast, Southport QLD 4217, Australia; (J.S.R.); (T.A.G.); (S.N.); (J.V.); (E.F.D.T.); (J.N.P.)
| | - Tia A. Griffith
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University Gold Coast, Southport QLD 4217, Australia; (J.S.R.); (T.A.G.); (S.N.); (J.V.); (E.F.D.T.); (J.N.P.)
| | - Saba Naghipour
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University Gold Coast, Southport QLD 4217, Australia; (J.S.R.); (T.A.G.); (S.N.); (J.V.); (E.F.D.T.); (J.N.P.)
| | - Jelena Vider
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University Gold Coast, Southport QLD 4217, Australia; (J.S.R.); (T.A.G.); (S.N.); (J.V.); (E.F.D.T.); (J.N.P.)
| | - Eugene F. Du Toit
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University Gold Coast, Southport QLD 4217, Australia; (J.S.R.); (T.A.G.); (S.N.); (J.V.); (E.F.D.T.); (J.N.P.)
| | - Hemal H. Patel
- VA San Diego Healthcare System and Department of Anesthesiology, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Jason N. Peart
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University Gold Coast, Southport QLD 4217, Australia; (J.S.R.); (T.A.G.); (S.N.); (J.V.); (E.F.D.T.); (J.N.P.)
| | - John P. Headrick
- School of Medical Science, Griffith University Gold Coast, Southport QLD 4217, Australia; (J.S.R.); (T.A.G.); (S.N.); (J.V.); (E.F.D.T.); (J.N.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-5552-8292
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Rusiecka OM, Montgomery J, Morel S, Batista-Almeida D, Van Campenhout R, Vinken M, Girao H, Kwak BR. Canonical and Non-Canonical Roles of Connexin43 in Cardioprotection. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10091225. [PMID: 32842488 PMCID: PMC7563275 DOI: 10.3390/biom10091225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the mid-20th century, ischemic heart disease has been the world’s leading cause of death. Developing effective clinical cardioprotection strategies would make a significant impact in improving both quality of life and longevity in the worldwide population. Both ex vivo and in vivo animal models of cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury are robustly used in research. Connexin43 (Cx43), the predominant gap junction channel-forming protein in cardiomyocytes, has emerged as a cardioprotective target. Cx43 posttranslational modifications as well as cellular distribution are altered during cardiac reperfusion injury, inducing phosphorylation states and localization detrimental to maintaining intercellular communication and cardiac conduction. Pre- (before ischemia) and post- (after ischemia but before reperfusion) conditioning can abrogate this injury process, preserving Cx43 and reducing cell death. Pre-/post-conditioning has been shown to largely rely on the presence of Cx43, including mitochondrial Cx43, which is implicated to play a major role in pre-conditioning. Posttranslational modifications of Cx43 after injury alter the protein interactome, inducing negative protein cascades and altering protein trafficking, which then causes further damage post-I/R injury. Recently, several peptides based on the Cx43 sequence have been found to successfully diminish cardiac injury in pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga M. Rusiecka
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (O.M.R.); (J.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Jade Montgomery
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (O.M.R.); (J.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Sandrine Morel
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (O.M.R.); (J.M.); (S.M.)
| | - Daniela Batista-Almeida
- Univ Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (D.B.-A.); (H.G.)
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (R.V.C.); (M.V.)
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (R.V.C.); (M.V.)
| | - Henrique Girao
- Univ Coimbra, Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (D.B.-A.); (H.G.)
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Brenda R. Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (O.M.R.); (J.M.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Liang Z, Wang X, Hao Y, Qiu L, Lou Y, Zhang Y, Ma D, Feng J. The Multifaceted Role of Astrocyte Connexin 43 in Ischemic Stroke Through Forming Hemichannels and Gap Junctions. Front Neurol 2020; 11:703. [PMID: 32849190 PMCID: PMC7411525 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.00703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a multi-factorial cerebrovascular disease with high worldwide morbidity and mortality. In the past few years, multiple studies have revealed the underlying mechanism of ischemia/reperfusion injury, including calcium overload, amino acid toxicity, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Connexin 43 (Cx43), the predominant connexin protein in astrocytes, has been recently proven to display non-substitutable roles in the pathology of ischemic stroke development and progression through forming gap junctions and hemichannels. Under normal conditions, astrocytic Cx43 could be found in hemichannels or in the coupling with other hemichannels on astrocytes, neurons, or oligodendrocytes to form the neuro-glial syncytium, which is involved in metabolites exchange between communicated cells, thus maintaining the homeostasis of the CNS environment. In ischemic stroke, the phosphorylation of Cx43 might cause the degradation of gap junctions and the opening of hemichannels, contributing to the release of inflammatory mediators. However, the remaining gap junctions could facilitate the exchange of protective and harmful metabolites between healthy and injured cells, protecting the injured cells to some extent or damaging the healthy cells depending on the balance of the exchange of protective and harmful metabolites. In this study, we review the changes in astrocytic Cx43 expression and distribution as well as the influence of these changes on the function of astrocytes and other cells in the CNS, providing new insight into the pathology of ischemic stroke injury; we also discuss the potential of astrocytic Cx43 as a target for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Liang
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yulei Hao
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lin Qiu
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yingyue Lou
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yaoting Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Di Ma
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jiachun Feng
- Department of Neurology and Neuroscience Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Ke J, Zhu C, Zhang Y, Zhang W. Anti-Arrhythmic Effects of Linalool via Cx43 Expression in a Rat Model of Myocardial Infarction. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:926. [PMID: 32670059 PMCID: PMC7329979 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lavender is a traditional therapy for different heart symptoms including palpitation, which comprises an important symptom of cardiac arrhythmias. This experiment was designed to evaluate the antiarrhythmic effects of linalool using an experimental model of arrhythmia following myocardial infarction in rats. The underlying electrophysiological mechanism through cardiac connexin 43 (Cx43) expression was also investigated. METHODS Fifty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five equal groups. The first group was considered as the normal control group; MI was induced by ligation of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) in the second group. The other three groups received metoprolol (100 mg/kg/day) or linalool (50 or 100 mg/kg/day) for seven days before LAD ligation. The arrhythmia score, isolated myocyte resting potential, histological changes, and cardiac Cx43 expression levels were evaluated. RESULTS In the MI group, there was a significant increase in the arrhythmia score but a marked decrease in resting membrane potential relative to the control; these changes were prevented by the administration of metoprolol or linalool. The histological changes were also minimized in the groups treated with these substances compared to the untreated MI group. The western blot and real-time PCR results showed that the protein expression of Cx43 in the infarct zone of the rat hearts was significantly higher in the MI groups receiving metoprolol or linalool compared with the untreated MI group. CONCLUSION Linalool was shown to be able to dose-dependently decrease the incidence of arrhythmias in a rat model of myocardial infarction. We propose that the key mechanism behind this antiarrhythmic effect is probably the prevention of decreased Cx43 expression following MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlin Ke
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Canzhan Zhu
- Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | | | - Wenlong Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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75
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Subedi YP, Kjellgren A, Roberts P, Montgomery H, Thackeray N, Fiori MC, Altenberg GA, Chang CWT. Amphiphilic aminoglycosides with increased selectivity for inhibition of connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannels. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 203:112602. [PMID: 32679454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Gap junction channels formed by the association of connexin hemichannels play a crucial role in intercellular communication. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is expressed in a variety of tissues and organs, including heart and brain, and abnormal sustained opening of undocked "free" hemichannels contributes to the cell damage in cardiac infarcts and stroke. Selective inhibitors of Cx43 hemichannels for clinical use are then desirable. Here, we synthesized and tested new aminoglycosides for their connexin inhibitory activity towards Cx26 and Cx43 hemichannels. The lead compounds displayed enhanced Cx43/Cx26 selectivity for hemichannel inhibition when compared to the parent kanamycin A and other commercially available aminoglycosides. These lead compounds are not cytotoxic to mammalian cells and show promise for the treatment of ischemic damage of the heart, brain, and kidneys. We identified a new compound as a promising lead based on its good selectivity for Cx43 hemichannels inhibition and the simplicity and affordability of its production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagya P Subedi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, 0300, Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322-0300, USA
| | - Abbey Kjellgren
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, And Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430-6551, USA
| | - Paul Roberts
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, 0300, Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322-0300, USA
| | - Heath Montgomery
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, 0300, Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322-0300, USA
| | - Noah Thackeray
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, 0300, Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322-0300, USA
| | - Mariana C Fiori
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, And Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430-6551, USA
| | - Guillermo A Altenberg
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, And Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, 79430-6551, USA
| | - Cheng-Wei T Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, 0300, Old Main Hill, Logan, UT, 84322-0300, USA.
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76
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Hausenloy DJ, Schulz R, Girao H, Kwak BR, De Stefani D, Rizzuto R, Bernardi P, Di Lisa F. Mitochondrial ion channels as targets for cardioprotection. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:7102-7114. [PMID: 32490600 PMCID: PMC7339171 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the heart failure (HF) that often result remain the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. As such, new therapeutic targets need to be discovered to protect the myocardium against acute ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in order to reduce myocardial infarct (MI) size, preserve left ventricular function and prevent the onset of HF. Mitochondrial dysfunction during acute I/R injury is a critical determinant of cell death following AMI, and therefore, ion channels in the inner mitochondrial membrane, which are known to influence cell death and survival, provide potential therapeutic targets for cardioprotection. In this article, we review the role of mitochondrial ion channels, which are known to modulate susceptibility to acute myocardial I/R injury, and we explore their potential roles as therapeutic targets for reducing MI size and preventing HF following AMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek J. Hausenloy
- Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders ProgramDuke‐National University of Singapore Medical SchoolSingaporeSingapore
- National Heart Research Institute SingaporeNational Heart CentreSingaporeSingapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- The Hatter Cardiovascular InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Cardiovascular Research CenterCollege of Medical and Health SciencesAsia UniversityTaichung CityTaiwan
| | - Rainer Schulz
- Institute of PhysiologyJustus‐Liebig University GiessenGiessenGermany
| | - Henrique Girao
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of MedicineUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB)University of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of CoimbraCACCCoimbraPortugal
| | - Brenda R. Kwak
- Department of Pathology and ImmunologyUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Diego De Stefani
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Rosario Rizzuto
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Paolo Bernardi
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- CNR Neuroscience InstitutePadovaItaly
| | - Fabio Di Lisa
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- CNR Neuroscience InstitutePadovaItaly
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Fiori MC, Cuello LG, Altenberg GA. A Simple Assay to Evaluate the Function of Human Connexin Hemichannels Expressed in Escherichia coli that Can Be Used for Drug Discovery and Mutant Analysis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 87:e68. [PMID: 31756040 DOI: 10.1002/cpph.68] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Abnormally increased activity of connexin hemichannels contributes to cell damage in many disorders, including deafness, stroke, and cardiac infarct, and therefore hemichannels constitute a potentially important therapeutic target. Unfortunately, the available hemichannel inhibitors are not specific and most are toxic. The absence of a simple and cost-effective screening assay has made the discovery of hemichannel inhibitors difficult. Here, we present an optimized assay where human connexins are expressed in genetically modified Escherichia coli cells deficient in potassium uptake (LB2003 cells). These cells cannot grow in low-potassium medium, and hemichannel function is assayed by the reversion of the no-growth phenotype. Since functional hemichannels are permeable to potassium, they allow for its uptake and cell growth. The simple reading of bacterial growth in low-potassium medium distinguishes functional hemichannels (growth) from those inhibited (no growth). This assay is simple, robust, inexpensive, and reliable, and is easily scaled to high-throughput multiwell platforms. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of competent LB2003 cells resistant to kanamycin Basic Protocol 2: Growth complementation assay Support Protocol: Evaluation of cytotoxic effects of potential connexin hemichannel inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana C Fiori
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics and Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Luis G Cuello
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics and Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
| | - Guillermo A Altenberg
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics and Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas
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Chen X, Liang H, Xi Z, Yang Y, Shan H, Wang B, Zhong Z, Xu C, Yang GY, Sun Q, Sun Y, Bian L. BM-MSC Transplantation Alleviates Intracerebral Hemorrhage-Induced Brain Injury, Promotes Astrocytes Vimentin Expression, and Enhances Astrocytes Antioxidation via the Cx43/Nrf2/HO-1 Axis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:302. [PMID: 32457903 PMCID: PMC7227447 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a particularly severe form of stroke, and reactive astrogliosis is a common response following injury to the central nervous system (CNS). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are reported to promote neurogenesis and alleviate the late side effects in injured brain regions. Gap junctions (Gjs) are abundant in the brain, where the richest connexin (Cx) is Cx43, most prominently expressed in astrocytes. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an essential transcription factor regulating antioxidant reactions. Here, we aimed to explore whether bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) could alleviate brain injury and protect astrocytes from apoptosis, by regulating Cx43 and Nrf2. We validated the effect of BM-MSC transplantation in an ICH model in vivo and in vitro and detected changes using immunofluorescence, as well as protein and mRNA expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin (VIM), Cx43, Nrf2, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Our results showed that BM-MSC transplantation attenuated brain injury after ICH and upregulated VIM expression in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, Cx43 upregulation and Nrf2 nuclear translocation were observed in astrocytes cocultured with BM-MSC. Knockdown of Cx43 by siRNA restrained Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Cx43 and Nrf2 had a connection as determined by immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation. We demonstrated that astrocytes undergo astroglial-mesenchymal phenotype switching and have anti-apoptotic abilities after BM-MSC transplantation, where Cx43 upregulation triggers Nrf2 nuclear translocation and promotes its phase II enzyme expression. The Cx43/Nrf2 interaction of astrocytes after BM-MSC transplantation may provide an important therapeutic target in the management of ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaibin Liang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyu Xi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huimin Shan
- Neuroscience and Neuroengineering Center, Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baofeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Canxin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Yuan Yang
- Neuroscience and Neuroengineering Center, Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingfang Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhao Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liuguan Bian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Feng J, Thangaveloo M, Ong YS, Chong SJ, Joethy JV, Becker DL. Connexin 43 upregulation in burns promotes burn conversion through spread of apoptotic death signals. Burns 2020; 46:1389-1397. [PMID: 32362363 DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2020.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2019] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Burn wounds continue to worsen after initial injury in a process known as burn conversion, which lasts about 3-5 days. It causes burn wounds to enlarge and deepen, leading to greater morbidity. Apoptosis is one of the factors contributing to the conversion of the zone of stasis into the zone of coagulation. Suppression of apoptosis has been associated with reducing burn conversion. Connexin 43 (Cx43) gap junctions facilitate the spread of apoptotic signals from dying cells to healthy neighbouring cells in injured tissues through the bystander effect. OBJECTIVES The study is to understand the role of Cx43 in burn conversion. METHODS In our study, 15 burn tissue samples were arranged into three groups as early (beginning of burn conversion), intermediate (extensive burn conversion) and late (established burn conversion) burns. RESULTS We found a striking increase in the amount of Cx43 protein expressed in the dermal fibroblasts (identified with heat shock protein 47 (HSP47) staining) in the zone of stasis in early and intermediate burns. These dermal fibroblasts also express high levels of cleaved-Caspase 3 indicating on-going apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that elevation of Cx43 may play an active role in burn conversion spreading apoptosis in the early and intermediate burn wound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Feng
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore.
| | - Moogaambikai Thangaveloo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, Nanyang Technological University 11, Mandalay Road, 308232 Singapore
| | - Yee Siang Ong
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Si Jack Chong
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - Janna-Vale Joethy
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
| | - David L Becker
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Clinical Sciences Building, Nanyang Technological University 11, Mandalay Road, 308232 Singapore; Skin Research Institute Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11, Mandalay Road, 308232 Singapore
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Lucero CM, Andrade DC, Toledo C, Díaz HS, Pereyra KV, Diaz-Jara E, Schwarz KG, Marcus NJ, Retamal MA, Quintanilla RA, Del Rio R. Cardiac remodeling and arrhythmogenesis are ameliorated by administration of Cx43 mimetic peptide Gap27 in heart failure rats. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6878. [PMID: 32327677 PMCID: PMC7181683 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63336-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in connexins and specifically in 43 isoform (Cx43) in the heart have been associated with a high incidence of arrhythmogenesis and sudden death in several cardiac diseases. We propose to determine salutary effect of Cx43 mimetic peptide Gap27 in the progression of heart failure. High-output heart failure was induced by volume overload using the arterio-venous fistula model (AV-Shunt) in adult male rats. Four weeks after AV-Shunt surgery, the Cx43 mimetic peptide Gap27 or scrambled peptide, were administered via osmotic minipumps (AV-ShuntGap27 or AV-ShuntScr) for 4 weeks. Cardiac volumes, arrhythmias, function and remodeling were determined at 8 weeks after AV-Shunt surgeries. At 8th week, AV-ShuntGap27 showed a marked decrease in the progression of cardiac deterioration and showed a significant improvement in cardiac functions measured by intraventricular pressure-volume loops. Furthermore, AV-ShuntGap27 showed less cardiac arrhythmogenesis and cardiac hypertrophy index compared to AV-ShuntScr. Gap27 treatment results in no change Cx43 expression in the heart of AV-Shunt rats. Our results strongly suggest that Cx43 play a pivotal role in the progression of cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmogenesis in high-output heart failure; furthermore, support the use of Cx43 mimetic peptide Gap27 as an effective therapeutic tool to reduce the progression of cardiac dysfunction in high-output heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Lucero
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - David C Andrade
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Centro de Investigación en Fisiología del Ejercicio, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camilo Toledo
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hugo S Díaz
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Katherin V Pereyra
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Esteban Diaz-Jara
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karla G Schwarz
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Noah J Marcus
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, USA
| | - Mauricio A Retamal
- Universidad del Desarrollo, Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Clínica Alemana Facultad de Medicina, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Rodrigo Del Rio
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE-UC), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Centro de Excelencia de Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile.
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81
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Nouet J, Himelman E, Lahey KC, Zhao Q, Fraidenraich D. Connexin-43 reduction prevents muscle defects in a mouse model of manifesting Duchenne muscular dystrophy female carriers. Sci Rep 2020; 10:5683. [PMID: 32231219 PMCID: PMC7105483 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-62844-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a severe X-linked neuromuscular disorder that affects males. However, 8% of female carriers are symptomatic and underrepresented in research due to the lack of animal models. We generated a symptomatic mouse model of DMD carriers via injection of mdx (murine DMD) embryonic stem cells (ESCs) into wild-type (WT) blastocysts (mdx/WT chimera). mdx/WT chimeras developed cardiomyopathic features and dystrophic skeletal muscle phenotypes including elevated mononuclear invasion, central nucleation, fibrosis and declined forelimb grip strength. The disease was accompanied by connexin-43 (Cx43) aberrantly enhanced in both cardiac and skeletal muscles and remodeled in the heart. Genetic reduction of Cx43-copy number in mdx/WT-Cx43(+/-) chimeras protected them from both cardiac and skeletal muscle fiber damage. In dystrophic skeletal muscle, Cx43 expression was not seen in the fibers but in adjacent F4/80+ mononuclear cells. Ethidium Bromide uptake in purified F4/80+/CD11b+ mdx macrophages revealed functional activity of Cx43, which was inhibited by administration of Gap19 peptide mimetic, a Cx43 hemichannel-specific inhibitor. Thus, we suggest that Cx43 reduction in symptomatic DMD carrier mice leads to prevention of Cx43 remodeling in the heart and prevention of aberrant Cx43 hemichannel activity in the skeletal muscle macrophages neighboring Cx43 non-expressing fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Nouet
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Eric Himelman
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Kevin C Lahey
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Qingshi Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Diego Fraidenraich
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
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82
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Boengler K, Schlüter KD, Schermuly RT, Schulz R. Cardioprotection in right heart failure. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:5413-5431. [PMID: 31995639 PMCID: PMC7680005 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischaemic and pharmacological conditioning of the left ventricle is mediated by the activation of signalling cascades, which finally converge at the mitochondria and reduce ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Whereas the molecular mechanisms of conditioning in the left ventricle are well characterized, cardioprotection of the right ventricle is principally feasible but less established. Similar to what is known for the left ventricle, a dysregulation in signalling pathways seems to play a role in I/R injury of the healthy and failing right ventricle and in the ability/inability of the right ventricle to respond to a conditioning stimulus. The maintenance of mitochondrial function seems to be crucial in both ventricles to reduce I/R injury. As far as currently known, similar molecular mechanisms mediate ischaemic and pharmacological preconditioning in the left and right ventricles. However, the two ventricles seem to respond differently towards exercise‐induced preconditioning. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed issue on Risk factors, comorbidities, and comedications in cardioprotection. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v177.23/issuetoc
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Boengler
- Institute of Physiology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | | | - Rainer Schulz
- Institute of Physiology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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83
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Ma JW, Ji DD, Li QQ, Zhang T, Luo L. Inhibition of connexin 43 attenuates oxidative stress and apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. BMC Pulm Med 2020; 20:19. [PMID: 31964358 PMCID: PMC6975083 DOI: 10.1186/s12890-019-1036-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies demonstrated an important role for connexin 43 (Cx43) in the regulation of apoptosis by influencing mitochondrial functions. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between Cx43 and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). METHODS Western blot was performed to determine mitochondrial Cx43 (MtCx43) protein level and phosphorylation (p-MtCx43). Gap19, a selective Cx43 inhibitor, was used to examine the effects of Cx43 on LPS-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in HUVECs. Expression of regulatory genes associated with oxidative stress was examined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. RESULTS LPS stimulation resulted in increased levels of MtCx43 and p-MtCx43. Interestingly, Gap19 antagonized the upregulation of glutathione S-transferase Zeta 1 (GSTZ1) and cytochrome b alpha beta (CYBB), and the downregulation of antioxidant 1 (ATOX1), glutathione synthetase (GSS) and heme oxygenase 1 (HMOX1) induced by LPS or Cx43 overexpression. Moreover, the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptosis elicited by LPS or Cx43 overexpression were reduced following treatment with Gap19. CONCLUSIONS Selective inhibition of Cx43 hemichannels protects HUVECs from LPS-induced apoptosis and this may be via a reduction in oxidative stress production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Wei Ma
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Dan-Dan Ji
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Qian-Qian Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214002, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Wuxi Matemity and Child Health Care Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214002, China.
| | - Liang Luo
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi No.2 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, 214002, China.
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84
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Lissoni A, Hulpiau P, Martins-Marques T, Wang N, Bultynck G, Schulz R, Witschas K, Girao H, De Smet M, Leybaert L. RyR2 regulates Cx43 hemichannel intracellular Ca2+-dependent activation in cardiomyocytes. Cardiovasc Res 2019; 117:123-136. [PMID: 31841141 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvz340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Connexin-based gap junctions are crucial for electrical communication in the heart; they are each composed of two docked hemichannels (HCs), supplied as unpaired channels via the sarcolemma. When open, an unpaired HC forms a large pore, high-conductance and Ca2+-permeable membrane shunt pathway that may disturb cardiomyocyte function. HCs composed of connexin 43 (Cx43), a major cardiac connexin, can be opened by electrical stimulation but only by very positive membrane potentials. Here, we investigated the activation of Cx43 HCs in murine ventricular cardiomyocytes voltage-clamped at -70 mV. METHODS AND RESULTS Using whole-cell patch-clamp, co-immunoprecipitation, western blot analysis, immunocytochemistry, proximity ligation assays, and protein docking studies, we found that stimulation of ryanodine receptors (RyRs) triggered unitary currents with a single-channel conductance of ∼220 pS, which were strongly reduced by Cx43 knockdown. Recordings under Ca2+-clamp conditions showed that both RyR activation and intracellular Ca2+ elevation were necessary for HC opening. Proximity ligation studies indicated close Cx43-RyR2 apposition (<40 nm), and both proteins co-immunoprecipitated indicating physical interaction. Molecular modelling suggested a strongly conserved RyR-mimicking peptide sequence (RyRHCIp), which inhibited RyR/Ca2+ HC activation but not voltage-triggered activation. The peptide also slowed down action potential repolarization. Interestingly, alterations in the concerned RyR sequence are known to be associated with primary familial hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrate that Cx43 HCs are intimately linked to RyRs, allowing them to open at negative diastolic membrane potential in response to RyR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Lissoni
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences-Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Paco Hulpiau
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, HOWEST University of Applied Sciences (Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen), Bruges, Belgium
| | - Tânia Martins-Marques
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences-Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Geert Bultynck
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signaling, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rainer Schulz
- Institut für Physiologie, JustusLiebig Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katja Witschas
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences-Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Henrique Girao
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-354 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maarten De Smet
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences-Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences-Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
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85
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NCX activity generates spontaneous Ca 2+ oscillations in the astrocytic leaflet microdomain. Cell Calcium 2019; 86:102137. [PMID: 31838438 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2019.102137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 12/01/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The synergy between synaptic Glu release and astrocytic Glu-Na+ symport is essential to the signalling function of the tripartite synapse. Here we used kinetic data of astrocytic Glu transporters (EAAT) and the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger (NCX) to simulate Glu release, Glu uptake and subsequent Na+ and Ca2+ dynamics in the astrocytic leaflet microdomain following single release event. Model simulations show that Glu-Na+ symport differently affect intracellular [Na+] in synapses with different extent of astrocytic coverage. Surprisingly, NCX activity alone has been shown to generate markedly stable, spontaneous Ca2+ oscillation in the astrocytic leaflet. These on-going oscillations appear when NCX operates either in the forward or reverse direction. We conjecture that intrinsic NCX activity may play a prominent role in the generation of astrocytic Ca2+ oscillations.
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86
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Myocardial Adaptation in Pseudohypoxia: Signaling and Regulation of mPTP via Mitochondrial Connexin 43 and Cardiolipin. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111449. [PMID: 31744200 PMCID: PMC6912244 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapies intended to mitigate cardiovascular complications cannot be applied in practice without detailed knowledge of molecular mechanisms. Mitochondria, as the end-effector of cardioprotection, represent one of the possible therapeutic approaches. The present review provides an overview of factors affecting the regulation processes of mitochondria at the level of mitochondrial permeability transition pores (mPTP) resulting in comprehensive myocardial protection. The regulation of mPTP seems to be an important part of the mechanisms for maintaining the energy equilibrium of the heart under pathological conditions. Mitochondrial connexin 43 is involved in the regulation process by inhibition of mPTP opening. These individual cardioprotective mechanisms can be interconnected in the process of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation resulting in the maintenance of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. In this context, the degree of mitochondrial membrane fluidity appears to be a key factor in the preservation of ATP synthase rotation required for ATP formation. Moreover, changes in the composition of the cardiolipin’s structure in the mitochondrial membrane can significantly affect the energy system under unfavorable conditions. This review aims to elucidate functional and structural changes of cardiac mitochondria subjected to preconditioning, with an emphasis on signaling pathways leading to mitochondrial energy maintenance during partial oxygen deprivation.
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87
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Oleaga C, Jalilvand G, Legters G, Martin C, Ekman G, McAleer CW, Long CJ, Hickman JJ. A human in vitro platform for the evaluation of pharmacology strategies in cardiac ischemia. APL Bioeng 2019; 3:036103. [PMID: 31431939 PMCID: PMC6692160 DOI: 10.1063/1.5089237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac ischemic events increase the risk for arrhythmia, heart attack, heart failure, and death and are the leading mortality condition globally. Reperfusion therapy is the first line of treatment for this condition, and although it significantly reduces mortality, cardiac ischemia remains a significant threat. New therapeutic strategies are under investigation to improve the ischemia survival rate; however, the current preclinical models to validate these fail to predict the human outcome. We report the development of a functional human cardiac in vitro system for the study of conduction velocity under ischemic conditions. The system is a bioMEMs platform formed by human iPSC derived cardiomyocytes patterned on microelectrode arrays and maintained in serum-free conditions. Electrical activity changes of conduction velocity, beat frequency, and QT interval (the QT-interval measures the period from onset of depolarization to the completion of repolarization) or action potential length can be evaluated over time and under the stress of ischemia. The optimized protocol induces >80% reduction in conduction velocity, after a 4 h depletion period, and a partial recovery after 72 h of oxygen and nutrient reintroduction. The sensitivity of the platform for pharmacological interventions was challenged with a gap junction modulator (ZP1609), known to prevent or delay the depression of conduction velocity induced by ischemic metabolic stress. ZP1609 significantly improved the drastic drop in conduction velocity and enabled a greater recovery. This model represents a new preclinical platform for studying cardiac ischemia with human cells, which does not rely on biomarker analysis and has the potential for screening novel cardioprotective drugs with readouts that are closer to the measured clinical parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlota Oleaga
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, USA
| | - Golareh Jalilvand
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, USA
| | - Gregg Legters
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, USA
| | - Candace Martin
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, USA
| | - Gail Ekman
- NanoScience Technology Center, University of Central Florida, 12424 Research Parkway Suite 400, Orlando, Florida 32826, USA
| | | | | | - James J. Hickman
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:. Tel.: +1 407-823-1925
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88
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Xue J, Yan X, Yang Y, Chen M, Wu L, Gou Z, Sun Z, Talabieke S, Zheng Y, Luo D. Connexin 43 dephosphorylation contributes to arrhythmias and cardiomyocyte apoptosis in ischemia/reperfusion hearts. Basic Res Cardiol 2019; 114:40. [DOI: 10.1007/s00395-019-0748-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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89
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Tahrir FG, Gordon J, Feldman AM, Cheung J, Khalili K, Ahooyi TM. Evidence for the impact of BAG3 on electrophysiological activity of primary culture of neonatal cardiomyocytes. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:18371-18381. [PMID: 30932190 PMCID: PMC6830737 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Homeostasis of proteins involved in contractility of individual cardiomyocytes and those coupling adjacent cells is of critical importance as any abnormalities in cardiac electrical conduction may result in cardiac irregular activity and heart failure. Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) is a stress-induced protein whose role in stabilizing myofibril proteins as well as protein quality control pathways, especially in the cardiac tissue, has captured much attention. Mutations of BAG3 have been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiac complications such as dilated cardiomyopathy. In this study, we have used an in vitro model of neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes to investigate potential impacts of BAG3 on electrophysiological activity by employing the microelectrode array (MEA) technology. Our MEA data showed that BAG3 plays an important role in the cardiac signal generation as reduced levels of BAG3 led to lower signal frequency and amplitude. Our analysis also revealed that BAG3 is essential to the signal propagation throughout the myocardium, as the MEA data-based conduction velocity, connectivity degree, activation time, and synchrony were adversely affected by BAG3 knockdown. Moreover, BAG3 deficiency was demonstrated to be connected with the emergence of independently beating clusters of cardiomyocytes. On the other hand, BAG3 overexpression improved the activity of cardiomyocytes in terms of electrical signal amplitude and connectivity degree. Overall, by providing more in-depth analyses and characterization of electrophysiological parameters, this study reveals that BAG3 is of critical importance for electrical activity of neonatal cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh G. Tahrir
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neurovirology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Jennifer Gordon
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neurovirology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Arthur M. Feldman
- Department of Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Joseph Cheung
- Department of Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Center for Translational Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Kamel Khalili
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neurovirology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Taha Mohseni Ahooyi
- Department of Neuroscience, Center for Neurovirology, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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90
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Yao J, Ke J, Zhou Z, Tan G, Yin Y, Liu M, Chen J, Wu W. Combination of HGF and IGF-1 promotes connexin 43 expression and improves ventricular arrhythmia after myocardial infarction through activating the MAPK/ERK and MAPK/p38 signaling pathways in a rat model. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2019; 9:346-354. [PMID: 31555539 DOI: 10.21037/cdt.2019.07.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background In this study, we hypothesized that the combination of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) alters the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and results in a reduced frequency of induced ventricular arrhythmia in rats after myocardial infarction (MI) and explored the preliminary mechanisms involved. Methods Cardiomyocytes were cultured in vitro in medium with PBS, HGF, IGF-1, GFs (HGF + IGF-1), HGF + p38 inhibitor, HGF + ERK inhibitor, IGF-1 + p38 inhibitor or IGF-1 + ERK inhibitor. The expression of Cx43 was tested by real-time PCR and Western blotting after 48 hours. MI was induced in 48 male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomly divided into four groups and received an injection of PBS, HGF, IGF-1 or GFs into the infarct border zone two weeks after MI. Six weeks after injection, the expression levels of Cx43 and programmed stimulation-induced ventricular arrhythmias were examined. Results In vitro, the expression of Cx43 mRNA and the Cx43 protein in cardiomyocytes was higher in the HGF, IGF-1, and GFs groups than in the PBS group. GFs had a combinatorial effect on the Cx43 mRNA level but not on the Cx43 protein level. There was a significant reduction in Cx43 mRNA and Cx43 protein levels in the IGF-1 + p38 inhibitor group and IGF-1 + ERK inhibitor group compared to the IGF-1 group. In vivo, programmed stimulation significantly decreased the frequency of ventricular arrhythmia in the GFs, HGF and IGF-1 groups, and this effect was accompanied by increased immunohistochemical staining for Cx43, myocardial Cx43 protein levels and Cx43 mRNA levels in the infarct border zone of the left ventricle compared with those in the PBS group. The combinatorial effect of GFs on Cx43 expression was only observed at the mRNA level. Conclusions Both HGF and IGF-1 enhanced the expression of Cx43 and improved induced ventricular arrhythmia in rats with MI. Both synergistic and antagonistic effects of HGF and IGF-1 were not observed. In addition, IGF-1 may function through the MAPK/p38 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways to regulate Cx43 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jierong Yao
- Department of Interventional Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China.,Department of Cardiology, Shantou Central Hospital, Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shantou 515000, China
| | - Jianting Ke
- Nephrology Department, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Zhijuan Zhou
- Department of Interventional Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Guangyi Tan
- Department of Cardiology, Nanhai People's Hospital Affiliated to Southern Medical University, Foshan 528000, China
| | - Yuelan Yin
- Department of Interventional Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Mao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Interventional Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China.,Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Interventional Cardiovascular Medicine, Center for Interventional Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
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91
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Sufieva DA, Kirik OV, Korzhevskii DE. Astrocyte Markers in the Tanycytes of the Third Brain Ventricle in Postnatal Development and Aging in Rats. Russ J Dev Biol 2019. [DOI: 10.1134/s1062360419030068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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92
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Lu Q, Li W, Li Z, Chen Z, Fu W, Jiang Q, Ding S. Effect of autophagy on cardiomyocyte membrane Cx43 acute remodeling in rats with ischemia-reperfusion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2019; 12:2639-2645. [PMID: 31934092 PMCID: PMC6949570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To investigate the impact of autophagy on cardiomyocyte membrane connexin 43 (Cx43) expression, distribution, and phosphorylation in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MI/RI). METHODS Twenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into a sham operation group, a chloroquine (CQ) + sham operation group, an I/R group, and a CQ + I/R group. The MI/RI model was established by reversible ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery to induce ischemia for 30 min and reperfusion for 2 h. The left ventricular infarct size was measured by TTC (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) and Evans blue double staining. Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) content was detected by automatic biochemical analyzer. Autophagy related gene Beclin1, Cx43, and p-Cx43 protein expressions were tested by western blot. Cx43 and p-Cx43 distributions in ventricular myocardium were observed by immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS Compared with the I/R group, the left ventricular infarct size, serum cTnI content, reperfusion arrhythmia severity, and in vivo induced ventricular fibrillation threshold, and Beclin-1 protein expression were significantly reduced in CQ + I/R group (P < 0.05). Compared with the SH group, Beclin-1 protein expression was significantly enhanced, while Cx43 and p-Cx43 levels were obviously downregulated in the I/R group. Beclin-1 protein declined, whereas Cx43 and p-Cx43 levels enhanced in CQ + I/R group compared with the I/R group. CONCLUSION Autophagy may reduce myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and malignant arrhythmia by improving the acute remodeling of myocardial cell membrane Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Lu
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLAWuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wandong Li
- Southern Medical UniversityGuangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhigang Li
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLAWuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhinan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLAWuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenbo Fu
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLAWuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qijun Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLAWuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Shifang Ding
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command of PLAWuhan, Hubei, China
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93
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Wang A, Xu C. The role of connexin43 in neuropathic pain induced by spinal cord injury. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2019; 51:555-561. [PMID: 31056639 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmz038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is caused by the damage or dysfunction of the nervous system. In many neuropathic pain models, there is an increase in the number of gap junction (GJ) channels, especially the upregulation of the expression of connexin43 (Cx43), leading to the secretion of various types of cytokines and involvement in the formation of neuropathic pain. GJs are widely distributed in mammalian organs and tissues, and Cx43 is the most abundant connexin (Cx) in mammals. Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell type in the central nervous system (CNS), which mainly express Cx43. More importantly, GJs play an important role in regulating cell metabolism, signaling, and function. Many existing literatures showed that Cx43 plays an important role in the nervous system, especially in the CNS under normal and pathological conditions. However, many internal mechanisms have not yet been thoroughly explored. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of the role and association of Cx and pannexin channels in neuropathic pain, especially after spinal cord injury, as well as some of our own insights and thoughts which suggest that Cx43 may become an emerging therapeutic target for future neuropathic pain, bringing new hope to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anhui Wang
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Changshui Xu
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Autonomic Nervous Function and Disease, Nanchang, China
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94
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Abstract
The molecular mechanisms regulating sympathetic innervation of the heart during embryogenesis and its importance for cardiac development and function remain to be fully elucidated. We generated mice in which conditional knockout (CKO) of the Hif1a gene encoding the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) is mediated by an Islet1-Cre transgene expressed in the cardiac outflow tract, right ventricle and atrium, pharyngeal mesoderm, peripheral neurons, and hindlimbs. These Hif1aCKO mice demonstrate significantly decreased perinatal survival and impaired left ventricular function. The absence of HIF-1α impaired the survival and proliferation of preganglionic and postganglionic neurons of the sympathetic system, respectively. These defects resulted in hypoplasia of the sympathetic ganglion chain and decreased sympathetic innervation of the Hif1aCKO heart, which was associated with decreased cardiac contractility. The number of chromaffin cells in the adrenal medulla was also decreased, indicating a broad dependence on HIF-1α for development of the sympathetic nervous system.
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95
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Gap Junction Channels of Innexins and Connexins: Relations and Computational Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20102476. [PMID: 31109150 PMCID: PMC6566657 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20102476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Revised: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junction (GJ) channels in invertebrates have been used to understand cell-to-cell communication in vertebrates. GJs are a common form of intercellular communication channels which connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. Dysregulation and structural alteration of the gap junction-mediated communication have been proven to be associated with a myriad of symptoms and tissue-specific pathologies. Animal models relying on the invertebrate nervous system have exposed a relationship between GJs and the formation of electrical synapses during embryogenesis and adulthood. The modulation of GJs as a therapeutic and clinical tool may eventually provide an alternative for treating tissue formation-related diseases and cell propagation. This review concerns the similarities between Hirudo medicinalis innexins and human connexins from nucleotide and protein sequence level perspectives. It also sets forth evidence of computational techniques applied to the study of proteins, sequences, and molecular dynamics. Furthermore, we propose machine learning techniques as a method that could be used to study protein structure, gap junction inhibition, metabolism, and drug development.
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96
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Hernández-Guerra M, Hadjihambi A, Jalan R. Gap junctions in liver disease: Implications for pathogenesis and therapy. J Hepatol 2019; 70:759-772. [PMID: 30599172 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the normal liver, cells interact closely through gap junctions. By providing a pathway for the trafficking of low molecular mass molecules, these channels contribute to tissue homeostasis and maintenance of hepatic function. Thus, dysfunction of gap junctions affects a wide variety of liver processes, such as differentiation, cell death, inflammation and fibrosis. In fact, dysfunctional gap junctions have been implicated, for more than a decade, in cholestatic disease, hepatic cancer and cirrhosis. Additionally, in recent years there is an increasing body of evidence that these channels are also involved in other relevant and prevalent liver pathological processes, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, acute liver injury and portal hypertension. In parallel to these new clinical implications the available data include controversial observations. Thus, a comprehensive overview is required to better understand the functional complexity of these pores. This paper will review the most recent knowledge concerning gap junction dysfunction, with a special focus on the role of these channels in the pathogenesis of relevant clinical entities and on potential therapeutic targets that are amenable to modification by drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rajiv Jalan
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Medical School, London, UK
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97
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Wang Q, Li ZX, Li YJ, He ZG, Chen YL, Feng MH, Li SY, Wu DZ, Xiang HB. Identification of lncRNA and mRNA expression profiles in rat spinal cords at various time‑points following cardiac ischemia/reperfusion. Int J Mol Med 2019; 43:2361-2375. [PMID: 30942426 PMCID: PMC6488167 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2019.4151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of the expression patterns of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and mRNAs in the spinal cord under normal and cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) conditions is essential for understanding the genetic mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of cardiac I/R injury. The present study used high-throughput RNA sequencing to investigate differential gene and lncRNA expression patterns in the spinal cords of rats during I/R-induced cardiac injury. Male Sprague Dawley rats were assigned to the following groups: i) Control; ii) 2 h (2 h post-reperfusion); and iii) 0.5 h (0.5 h post-reperfusion). Further mRNA/lncRNA microarray analysis revealed that the expression profiles of lncRNA and mRNA in the spinal cords differed markedly between the control and 2 h groups, and in total 7,980 differentially expressed (>2-fold) lncRNAs (234 upregulated, 7,746 downregulated) and 3,428 mRNAs (767 upregulated, 2,661 downregulated) were identified. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed to determine the expression patterns of several lncRNAs. The results indicated that the expression levels of lncRNA NONRATT025386 were significantly upregulated in the 2 and 0.5 h groups when compared with those in the control group, whereas the expression levels of NONRATT016113, NONRATT018298 and NONRATT018300 were elevated in the 2 h group compared with those in the control group; however, there was no statistically significant difference between the 0.5 h and control groups. Furthermore, the expression of lncRNA NONRATT002188 was significantly downregulated in the 0.5 and 2 h groups when compared with the control group. The present study determined the expression pattern of lncRNAs and mRNAs in rat spinal cords during cardiac I/R. It was suggested that lncRNAs and mRNAs from spinal cords may be novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of I/R-induced cardiac injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Xiao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Juan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Gang He
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Le Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Quanzhou Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Mao-Hui Feng
- Department of Oncology, Wuhan Peritoneal Cancer Clinical Medical Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors and Hubei Cancer Clinical Study Center, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Shun-Yuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Quanzhou Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian 362000, P.R. China
| | - Duo-Zhi Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, People's Hospital of Hainan Province, Haikou, Hainan 570311, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Bing Xiang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
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98
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Freitas-Andrade M, Wang N, Bechberger JF, De Bock M, Lampe PD, Leybaert L, Naus CC. Targeting MAPK phosphorylation of Connexin43 provides neuroprotection in stroke. J Exp Med 2019; 216:916-935. [PMID: 30872361 PMCID: PMC6446879 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20171452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study demonstrates that astrocytic connexin43 gap junction hemichannels are largely controlled by four C-terminal tail–located serine residues and provides mechanistic insight on how phosphorylation of these residues affects recovery from stroke. Connexin43 (Cx43) function is influenced by kinases that phosphorylate specific serine sites located near its C-terminus. Stroke is a powerful inducer of kinase activity, but its effect on Cx43 is unknown. We investigated the impact of wild-type (WT) and knock-in Cx43 with serine to alanine mutations at the protein kinase C (PKC) site Cx43S368A, the casein kinase 1 (CK1) sites Cx43S325A/328Y/330A, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) sites Cx43S255/262/279/282A (MK4) on a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) stroke model. We demonstrate that MK4 transgenic animals exhibit a significant decrease in infarct volume that was associated with improvement in behavioral performance. An increase in astrocyte reactivity with a concomitant decrease in microglial reactivity was observed in MK4 mice. In contrast to WT, MK4 astrocytes displayed reduced Cx43 hemichannel activity. Pharmacological blockade of Cx43 hemichannels with TAT-Gap19 also significantly decreased infarct volume in WT animals. This study provides novel molecular insights and charts new avenues for therapeutic intervention associated with Cx43 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moises Freitas-Andrade
- Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nan Wang
- Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - John F Bechberger
- Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marijke De Bock
- Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paul D Lampe
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian C Naus
- Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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99
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Giaume C, Sáez JC, Song W, Leybaert L, Naus CC. Connexins and pannexins in Alzheimer’s disease. Neurosci Lett 2019; 695:100-105. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 08/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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100
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Sciuto KJ, Deng SW, Moreno A, Zaitsev AV. Chronology of critical events in neonatal rat ventricular myocytes occurring during reperfusion after simulated ischemia. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0212076. [PMID: 30730997 PMCID: PMC6366697 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0212076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
While an ischemic insult poses a lethal danger to myocardial cells, a significant proportion of cardiac myocytes remain viable throughout the ischemic episode and die, paradoxically, only after the blood flow is reinstated. Despite decades of research, the actual chronology of critical events leading to cardiomyocyte death during the reperfusion phase remains poorly understood. Arguably, identification of the pivotal event in this setting is necessary to design effective strategies aimed at salvaging the myocardium after an ischemic attack. Here we used neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) subjected to 20–30 min of simulated ischemia followed by 1 hour of “reperfusion”. Using different combinations of spectrally-compatible fluorescent indicators, we analyzed the relative timing of the following events: (1) abnormal increase in cytoplasmic [Ca2+] (TCaCy); (2) abnormal increase in mitochondrial [Ca2+] (TCaMi); (3) loss of mitochondrial inner membrane potential (ΔΨm) indicating mitochondrial permeability transitions (TMPT); (4) sacrolemmal permeabilization (SP) to the normally impermeable small fluorophore TO-PRO3 (TSP). In additional experiments we also analyzed the timing of abnormal uptake of Zn2+ into the cytoplasm (TZnCy) relative to TCaCy and TSP. We focused on those NRVMs which survived anoxia, as evidenced by at least 50% recovery of ΔΨm and the absence of detectable SP. In these cells, we found a consistent sequence of critical events in the order, from first to last, of TCaCy, TCaMi, TMPT, TSP. After detecting TCaCy and TCaMi, abrupt switches between 1.1 mM and nominally zero [Ca2+] in the perfusate quickly propagated to the cytoplasmic and mitochondrial [Ca2+]. Depletion of the sarcoplasmic reticulum with ryanodine (5 μM)/thapsigargin (1 μM) accelerated all events without changing their order. In the presence of ZnCl2 (10–30 μM) in the perfusate we found a consistent timing sequence TCaCy < TZn ≤ TSP. In some cells ZnCl2 interfered with Ca2+ uptake, causing “steps” or “gaps” in the [Ca2+]Cy curve, a phenomenon never observed in the absence of ZnCl2. Together, these findings suggest an evolving permeabilization of NRVM’s sarcolemma during reoxygenation, in which the expansion of the pore size determines the timing of critical events, including TMPT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie J. Sciuto
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Steven W. Deng
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Alonso Moreno
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Alexey V. Zaitsev
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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