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Phosphorylation-Dependent Intra-Domain Interaction of the Cx37 Carboxyl-Terminus Controls Cell Survival. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11020188. [PMID: 30736283 PMCID: PMC6406260 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11020188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Differential phosphorylation of the carboxyl-terminus of connexin 37 (Cx37-CT) regulates phenotypic switching between cell growth phenotypes (cell death, cell cycle arrest, proliferation). The specific phosphorylation events in the Cx37-CT that are necessary for these growth regulatory effects are currently unknown. Through the combined use of deletion and site specific (de)phospho-mimetic Cx37-CT mutants, our data suggest a phosphorylation-dependent interaction between the mid-tail (aa 273⁻317) and end-tail (aa 318⁻333) portions of the Cx37-CT that regulates cell survival. As detected by mass spectrometry, Cx37 was phosphorylated at serines 275, 321, and 328; phosphomimetic mutations of these sites resulted in cell death when expressed in rat insulinoma cells. Alanine substitution at S328, but not at S275 or S321, also triggered cell death. Cx37-S275D uniquely induced the death of only low density, non-contact forming cells, but neither hemichannel open probability nor channel conductance distinguished death-inducing mutants. As channel function is necessary for cell death, together the data suggest that the phosphorylation state of the Cx37-CT controls an intra-domain interaction within the CT that modifies channel function and induces cell death.
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152
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Henrique D, Schweisguth F. Mechanisms of Notch signaling: a simple logic deployed in time and space. Development 2019; 146:146/3/dev172148. [PMID: 30709911 DOI: 10.1242/dev.172148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Most cells in our body communicate during development and throughout life via Notch receptors and their ligands. Notch receptors relay information from the cell surface to the genome via a very simple mechanism, yet Notch plays multiple roles in development and disease. Recent studies suggest that this versatility in Notch function may not necessarily arise from complex and context-dependent integration of Notch signaling with other developmental signals, but instead arises, in part, from signaling dynamics. Here, we review recent findings on the core Notch signaling mechanism and discuss how spatial-temporal dynamics contribute to Notch signaling output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domingos Henrique
- Instituto de Histologia e Biologia do Desenvolvimento and Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Egaz Moniz, 1649-028 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - François Schweisguth
- Institut Pasteur, Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, F-75015 Paris, France .,CNRS, UMR3738, F-75015 Paris, France
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153
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LaFoya B, Munroe JA, Albig AR. A comparison of resveratrol and other polyphenolic compounds on Notch activation and endothelial cell activity. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0210607. [PMID: 30653610 PMCID: PMC6336259 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0210607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Resveratrol is a polyphenolic compound produced by plants which makes its way into the human diet through plant-based foods. It has been shown to provide many health benefits, helping to ward of age-related diseases and promoting cardiovascular health. Additionally, resveratrol is a potent activator of the Notch signaling pathway. While resveratrol receives the most attention as a polyphenolic nutraceutical, other compounds with similar structures may be more potent regulators of specific cellular processes. Here, we compare resveratrol, apigenin, chrysin, genistein, luteolin, myricetin, piceatannol, pterostilbene, and quercetin for their ability to regulate Notch signaling. In addition, we compare the ability of these polyphenolic compounds to regulate endothelial cell viability, proliferation, and migration. Out of these compounds we found that resveratrol is the best activator of Notch signaling, however, other similar compounds are also capable of stimulating Notch. We also discovered that several of these polyphenols were able to inhibit endothelial cell proliferation. Finally, we found that many of these polyphenols are potent inhibitors of endothelial migration during wound healing assays. These findings provide the first side-by-side comparison of the regulation of Notch signaling, and endothelial cell proliferation and migration, by nine polyphenolic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce LaFoya
- Biomolecular Sciences PhD Program, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Jordan A. Munroe
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, United States of America
| | - Allan R. Albig
- Biomolecular Sciences PhD Program, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, United States of America
- Department of Biological Sciences, Boise State University, Boise, Idaho, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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154
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Min E, Schwartz MA. Translocating transcription factors in fluid shear stress-mediated vascular remodeling and disease. Exp Cell Res 2019; 376:92-97. [PMID: 30633880 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2019.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Endothelial cells are exposed to fluid shear stress profiles that vary in magnitude, pulsatility, and directionality due to regional variations in blood vessel structure. Laminar flow at physiological levels is atheroprotective; multidirectional or reversing low (disturbed) flow promotes inflammation and disease; and high or low laminar flow promote outward or inward remodeling, respectively. However, our understanding of how endothelial cells discern these different flow profiles and regulate gene expression accordingly is limited. This article reviews recent studies that identify the TGFβ/Smad, Notch, Yap/Taz, and Wnt/β-catenin pathways as important mediators of flow profile- and magnitude-dependent signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Min
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, United States; Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, United States
| | - Martin A Schwartz
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, United States; Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, United States; Department of Medicine (Cardiology), United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, United States.
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155
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Abstract
Purpose of review The formation of a hierarchical vascular network is a complex process that requires precise temporal and spatial integration of several signaling pathways. Amongst those, Notch has emerged as a key regulator of multiple steps that expand from endothelial sprouting to arterial specification and remains relevant in the adult. This review aims to summarize major concepts and rising hypotheses on the role of Notch signaling in the endothelium. Recent findings A wealth of new information has helped to clarify how Notch signaling cooperates with other pathways to orchestrate vascular morphogenesis, branching, and function. Endothelial vascular endothelial growth factor, C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 2 have been highlighted as key regulators of the pathway. Furthermore, blood flow forces during vascular development induce Notch1 signaling to suppress endothelial cell proliferation, enhance barrier function, and promote arterial specification. Importantly, Notch1 has been recently recognized as an endothelial mechanosensor that is highly responsive to the level of shear stress to enable differential Notch activation in distinct regions of the vessel wall and suppress inflammation. Summary Although it is well accepted that the Notch signaling pathway is essential for vascular morphogenesis, its contributions to the homeostasis of adult endothelium were uncovered only recently. Furthermore, its exquisite regulation by flow and impressive interface with multiple signaling pathways indicates that Notch is at the center of a highly interactive web that integrates both physical and chemical signals to ensure vascular stability.
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156
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Farber G, Parks MM, Lustgarten Guahmich N, Zhang Y, Monette S, Blanchard SC, Di Lorenzo A, Blobel CP. ADAM10 controls the differentiation of the coronary arterial endothelium. Angiogenesis 2018; 22:237-250. [PMID: 30446855 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-018-9653-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The coronary vasculature is crucial for normal heart function, yet much remains to be learned about its development, especially the maturation of coronary arterial endothelium. Here, we show that endothelial inactivation of ADAM10, a key regulator of Notch signaling, leads to defects in coronary arterial differentiation, as evidenced by dysregulated genes related to Notch signaling and arterial identity. Moreover, transcriptome analysis indicated reduced EGFR signaling in A10ΔEC coronary endothelium. Further analysis revealed that A10ΔEC mice have enlarged dysfunctional hearts with abnormal myocardial compaction, and increased expression of venous and immature endothelium markers. These findings provide the first evidence for a potential role for endothelial ADAM10 in cardioprotective homeostatic EGFR signaling and implicate ADAM10/Notch signaling in coronary arterial cell specification, which is vital for normal heart development and function. The ADAM10/Notch signaling pathway thus emerges as a potential therapeutic target for improving the regenerative capacity and maturation of the coronary vasculature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Farber
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Matthew M Parks
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Yi Zhang
- Center for Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sébastien Monette
- Laboratory of Comparative Pathology, Hospital for Special Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, The Rockefeller University, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Scott C Blanchard
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Tri-Institutional Training Program in Chemical Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Annarita Di Lorenzo
- Center for Vascular Biology, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Carl P Blobel
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA. .,Arthritis and Tissue Degeneration Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, S-Building, Room 702, 535 East 70th Street, New York, NY, 10021, USA. .,Institute for Advanced Study, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany.
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157
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Baeyens N. Fluid shear stress sensing in vascular homeostasis and remodeling: Towards the development of innovative pharmacological approaches to treat vascular dysfunction. Biochem Pharmacol 2018; 158:185-191. [PMID: 30365948 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2018.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Blood circulation, facilitating gas exchange and nutrient transportation, is a quintessential feature of life in vertebrates. Any disruption to blood flow, may it be by blockade or traumatic rupture, irrevocably leads to tissue infarction or death. Therefore, it is not surprising that hemostasis and vascular adaptation measures have been evolutionarily selected to mitigate the adverse consequences of altered circulation. Blood vessels can be broadly categorized as arteries, veins, or capillaries, based on their structure, hemodynamics, and gas exchange. However, all of them share one property: they are lined with an epithelial sheet called the endothelium, which typically lies on a basement membrane. This endothelium is the primary interface between the flowing blood and the rest of the body, and it has highly specialized molecular mechanisms to detect and respond to changes in blood perfusion. The purpose of this commentary will be to highlight some of the recent developments in the research on blood flow sensing, vascular remodeling, and homeostasis and to discuss the development of innovative pharmaceutical approaches targeting mechanosensing mechanisms to prolong patient survival and improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Baeyens
- Laboratoire de physiologie et pharmacologie, Faculté de Médecine, Université libre de Bruxelles, ULB, Belgium.
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158
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Park JK, Lee TW, Do EK, Moon HJ, Kim JH. Role of Notch1 in the arterial specification and angiogenic potential of mouse embryonic stem cell-derived endothelial cells. Stem Cell Res Ther 2018; 9:197. [PMID: 30021650 PMCID: PMC6052544 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-018-0945-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endothelial cells have been shown to mediate angiogenesis in ischemic injury sites and contribute to the repair of damaged tissues. However, the treatment of ischemic disease requires a significant number of endothelial cells, which are difficult to isolate from patients. Embryonic stem cells have been considered a potential source of therapeutic cells due to their unlimited self-renewal and pluripotent properties. With regard to vascular development, Notch1 has been established as a key regulator of the specification of arterial endothelial cells. Methods Using a doxycycline-induced expression system of the intracellular domain of Notch1, we explored the role of Notch1 in the differentiation of embryonic stem cells to arterial endothelial cells. The therapeutic effect of the arterial endothelial cells was investigated in a murine hindlimb ischemia model. The blood perfusion rate in the ischemic limb was determined by laser Doppler perfusion imaging, and vasculogenesis was quantified using immunocytochemistry. Results Induced expression of the intracellular domain of Notch1 increased the levels of endothelial markers, such as CD31 and VE-cadherin, in differentiated endothelial cells. Induction of intracellular domain of Notch1 stimulated expression of the arterial-type endothelial cell markers (Nrp1 and Ephrin B2), but not the venous-type endothelial cell markers (Nrp2 and Coup-TFII). In addition, overexpression of intracellular domain of Notch1 resulted in increased expression of CXCR4, a chemokine receptor involved in vascular development. Induction of intracellular domain of Notch1 increased endothelial tube formation and migration of differentiated endothelial cells. Intramuscular administration of Notch1-induced arterial endothelial cells was more effective than administration of the control endothelial cells in restoring the blood flow in an ischemic hindlimb mouse model. Transplantation of Notch1-induced arterial endothelial cells augmented the number of blood vessels and incorporation of endothelial cells into newly formed blood vessels. Conclusions These results suggest that Notch1 promotes endothelial maturation and arterial specification during the differentiation of embryonic stem cells to endothelial cells and increases the angiogenic potential of endothelial cells. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-018-0945-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae Kyung Park
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, 50612, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Wook Lee
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, 50612, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Kyoung Do
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, 50612, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Ji Moon
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, 50612, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Ho Kim
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, 50612, Gyeongsangnam-do, Republic of Korea. .,Research Institute of Convergence Biomedical Science and Technology, Pusan National University Yangsan Hospital, Yangsan, 50612, Republic of Korea.
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159
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160
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Su T, Stanley G, Sinha R, D'Amato G, Das S, Rhee S, Chang AH, Poduri A, Raftrey B, Dinh TT, Roper WA, Li G, Quinn KE, Caron KM, Wu S, Miquerol L, Butcher EC, Weissman I, Quake S, Red-Horse K. Single-cell analysis of early progenitor cells that build coronary arteries. Nature 2018; 559:356-362. [PMID: 29973725 PMCID: PMC6053322 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0288-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Arteries and veins are specified by antagonistic transcriptional programs. However, during development and regeneration, new arteries can arise from pre-existing veins through a poorly understood process of cell fate conversion. Here, using single-cell RNA sequencing and mouse genetics, we show that vein cells of the developing heart undergo an early cell fate switch to create a pre-artery population that subsequently builds coronary arteries. Vein cells underwent a gradual and simultaneous switch from venous to arterial fate before a subset of cells crossed a transcriptional threshold into the pre-artery state. Before the onset of coronary blood flow, pre-artery cells appeared in the immature vessel plexus, expressed mature artery markers, and decreased cell cycling. The vein-specifying transcription factor COUP-TF2 (also known as NR2F2) prevented plexus cells from overcoming the pre-artery threshold by inducing cell cycle genes. Thus, vein-derived coronary arteries are built by pre-artery cells that can differentiate independently of blood flow upon the release of inhibition mediated by COUP-TF2 and cell cycle factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianying Su
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Geoff Stanley
- Program in Biophysics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Rahul Sinha
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gaetano D'Amato
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Soumya Das
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Siyeon Rhee
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Andrew H Chang
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Aruna Poduri
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Brian Raftrey
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Thanh Theresa Dinh
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System and The Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Walter A Roper
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System and The Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Guang Li
- Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kelsey E Quinn
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kathleen M Caron
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sean Wu
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lucile Miquerol
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS UMR 7288, IBDM, Marseille, France
| | - Eugene C Butcher
- Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System and The Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, Palo Alto, CA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Irving Weissman
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Stephen Quake
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
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161
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Wan L, Song H, Chen X, Zhang Y, Yue Q, Pan P, Su J, Elzatahry AA, Deng Y. A Magnetic-Field Guided Interface Coassembly Approach to Magnetic Mesoporous Silica Nanochains for Osteoclast-Targeted Inhibition and Heterogeneous Nanocatalysis. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1707515. [PMID: 29733478 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201707515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2017] [Revised: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
1D core-shell magnetic materials with mesopores in shell are highly desired for biocatalysis, magnetic bioseparation, and bioenrichment and biosensing because of their unique microstructure and morphology. In this study, 1D magnetic mesoporous silica nanochains (Fe3 O4 @nSiO2 @mSiO2 nanochain, Magn-MSNCs named as FDUcs-17C) are facilely synthesized via a novel magnetic-field-guided interface coassembly approach in two steps. Fe3 O4 particles are coated with nonporous silica in a magnetic field to form 1D Fe3 O4 @nSiO2 nanochains. A further interface coassembly of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and silica source in water/n-hexane biliquid system leads to 1D Magn-MSNCs with core-shell-shell structure, uniform diameter (≈310 nm), large and perpendicular mesopores (7.3 nm), high surface area (317 m2 g-1 ), and high magnetization (34.9 emu g-1 ). Under a rotating magnetic field, the nanochains with loaded zoledronate (a medication for treating bone diseases) in the mesopores, show an interesting suppression effect of osteoclasts differentiation, due to their 1D nanostructure that provides a shearing force in dynamic magnetic field to induce sufficient and effective reactions in cells. Moreover, by loading Au nanoparticles in the mesopores, the 1D Fe3 O4 @nSiO2 @mSiO2 -Au nanochains can service as a catalytically active magnetic nanostirrer for hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol with high catalytic performance and good magnetic recyclability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Wan
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, iChEM, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hongyuan Song
- Department of Orthopaedics Trauma, Department of Ophthalmology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics Trauma, Department of Ophthalmology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, iChEM, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Qin Yue
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, iChEM, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Panpan Pan
- Department of Orthopaedics Trauma, Department of Ophthalmology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jiacan Su
- Department of Orthopaedics Trauma, Department of Ophthalmology, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Ahmed A Elzatahry
- Materials Science and Technology Program, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University, Doha, 2713, Qatar
| | - Yonghui Deng
- Department of Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, iChEM, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200433, China
- State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200050, China
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162
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Johnson RD, Camelliti P. Role of Non-Myocyte Gap Junctions and Connexin Hemichannels in Cardiovascular Health and Disease: Novel Therapeutic Targets? Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19030866. [PMID: 29543751 PMCID: PMC5877727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The heart is a complex organ composed of multiple cell types, including cardiomyocytes and different non-myocyte populations, all working closely together to determine the hearts properties and maintain normal cardiac function. Connexins are abundantly expressed proteins that form plasma membrane hemichannels and gap junctions between cells. Gap junctions are intracellular channels that allow for communication between cells, and in the heart they play a crucial role in cardiac conduction by coupling adjacent cardiomyocytes. Connexins are expressed in both cardiomyocytes and non-myocytes, including cardiac fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Non-myocytes are the largest population of cells in the heart, and therefore it is important to consider what roles connexins, hemichannels, and gap junctions play in these cell types. The aim of this review is to provide insight into connexin-based signalling in non-myocytes during health and disease, and highlight how targeting these proteins could lead to the development of novel therapies. We conclude that connexins in non-myocytes contribute to arrhythmias and adverse ventricular remodelling following myocardial infarction, and are associated with the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, therapeutic interventions targeting these connexins represent an exciting new research avenue with great potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Johnson
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - Patrizia Camelliti
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
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