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Yasarbas SS, Inal E, Yildirim MA, Dubrac S, Lamartine J, Mese G. Connexins in epidermal health and diseases: insights into their mutations, implications, and therapeutic solutions. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1346971. [PMID: 38827992 PMCID: PMC11140265 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1346971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, serves as a protective barrier against external factors. Epidermal differentiation, a tightly regulated process essential for epidermal homeostasis, epidermal barrier formation and skin integrity maintenance, is orchestrated by several players, including signaling molecules, calcium gradient and junctional complexes such as gap junctions (GJs). GJ proteins, known as connexins facilitate cell-to-cell communication between adjacent keratinocytes. Connexins can function as either hemichannels or GJs, depending on their interaction with other connexons from neighboring keratinocytes. These channels enable the transport of metabolites, cAMP, microRNAs, and ions, including Ca2+, across cell membranes. At least ten distinct connexins are expressed within the epidermis and mutations in at least five of them has been linked to various skin disorders. Connexin mutations may cause aberrant channel activity by altering their synthesis, their gating properties, their intracellular trafficking, and the assembly of hemichannels and GJ channels. In addition to mutations, connexin expression is dysregulated in other skin conditions including psoriasis, chronic wound and skin cancers, indicating the crucial role of connexins in skin homeostasis. Current treatment options for conditions with mutant or altered connexins are limited and primarily focus on symptom management. Several therapeutics, including non-peptide chemicals, antibodies, mimetic peptides and allele-specific small interfering RNAs are promising in treating connexin-related skin disorders. Since connexins play crucial roles in maintaining epidermal homeostasis as shown with linkage to a range of skin disorders and cancer, further investigations are warranted to decipher the molecular and cellular alterations within cells due to mutations or altered expression, leading to abnormal proliferation and differentiation. This would also help characterize the roles of each isoform in skin homeostasis, in addition to the development of innovative therapeutic interventions. This review highlights the critical functions of connexins in the epidermis and the association between connexins and skin disorders, and discusses potential therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Suheda Yasarbas
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
| | - Ece Inal
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
| | - M. Azra Yildirim
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
| | - Sandrine Dubrac
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jérôme Lamartine
- Skin Functional Integrity Group, Laboratory for Tissue Biology and Therapeutics Engineering (LBTI) CNRS UMR5305, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Gulistan Mese
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
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2
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Arteaga-Henriquez M, Ramos-Rodriguez D, Algarra-Sahuquillo J, Diaz-Flores-Estevez FM. Bart-Pumphrey syndrome and recurrent cholesteatoma: a casual association? Int J Dermatol 2023; 62:e243-e244. [PMID: 36331160 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.16474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Arteaga-Henriquez
- Department of Dermatology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain.,Department of Internal Medicine, Dermatology and Psychiatry, University of La Laguna, La Laguna, Spain
| | - Daniel Ramos-Rodriguez
- Department of Dermatology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Canarias, Tenerife, Spain
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Chen Y, Wang Z, Song Y, Chen N, Guo J, Liu W, Guo K, Ling X, Zhang L. 4-octyl itaconate improves the viability of D66H cells by regulating the KEAP1-NRF2-GCLC/HO-1 pathway. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:962-975. [PMID: 36916028 PMCID: PMC10064036 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
As a novel nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activator, the itaconate has shown significant therapeutic potential for oxidative stress diseases. However, its role in Vohwinkel syndrome in relation to the gap junction protein beta 2 (GJB2) mutation is still unclear. This study aimed at investigating the effect of 4-octyl itaconate (OI) on HaCaT and D66H cells and clarify its potential mechanism in vitro. The optimal concentration and treatment time of OI on HaCaT cells and D66H cells were determined by CCK-8 and LDH experiments. The effect of OI on cell proliferation was detected by EdU staining and FACS analysis of PI, while the apoptosis was evaluated by TUNEL staining and FACS analysis of Annexin V. The ROS staining was performed, and the levels of SOD, MDA, GSH and GSH/GSSG were detected to evaluate the effect of OI on oxidative damage induced by D66H-type mutation. CO-IP, Western blot, immunofluorescence and qPCR analyses were employed to detect the activation of KEAP1-NRF2-GCLC/HO-1 pathway by OI. Finally, sh-NRF2 was used to confirm the activation of this pathway by OI. Results showed that OI could improve the cell viability decreased by GJB2 gene mutation by regulating the balance between cell growth and apoptosis induced by oxidative damage. Furthermore, this alleviation process was regulated by the KEAP1-NRF2-HO-1/GCLC pathway. In conclusion, OI could improve the viability of HaCaT and D66H cells via regulating the KEAP1-NRF2-GCLC/HO-1 pathway, which provided a wide spectrum of potential targets for effective therapeutic treatments of Vohwinkel syndrome in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanrui Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhenying Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yali Song
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Nan Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wenmin Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Keying Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xia Ling
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of Dermatology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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4
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Connexin Mutations and Hereditary Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084255. [PMID: 35457072 PMCID: PMC9027513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Inherited diseases caused by connexin mutations are found in multiple organs and include hereditary deafness, congenital cataract, congenital heart diseases, hereditary skin diseases, and X-linked Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT1X). A large number of knockout and knock-in animal models have been used to study the pathology and pathogenesis of diseases of different organs. Because the structures of different connexins are highly homologous and the functions of gap junctions formed by these connexins are similar, connexin-related hereditary diseases may share the same pathogenic mechanism. Here, we analyze the similarities and differences of the pathology and pathogenesis in animal models and find that connexin mutations in gap junction genes expressed in the ear, eye, heart, skin, and peripheral nerves can affect cellular proliferation and differentiation of corresponding organs. Additionally, some dominant mutations (e.g., Cx43 p.Gly60Ser, Cx32 p.Arg75Trp, Cx32 p.Asn175Asp, and Cx32 p.Arg142Trp) are identified as gain-of-function variants in vivo, which may play a vital role in the onset of dominant inherited diseases. Specifically, patients with these dominant mutations receive no benefits from gene therapy. Finally, the complete loss of gap junctional function or altered channel function including permeability (ions, adenosine triphosphate (ATP), Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), Ca2+, glucose, miRNA) and electric activity are also identified in vivo or in vitro.
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Lee TL, Lin PH, Chen PL, Hong JB, Wu CC. Hereditary Hearing Impairment with Cutaneous Abnormalities. Genes (Basel) 2020; 12:43. [PMID: 33396879 PMCID: PMC7823799 DOI: 10.3390/genes12010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Syndromic hereditary hearing impairment (HHI) is a clinically and etiologically diverse condition that has a profound influence on affected individuals and their families. As cutaneous findings are more apparent than hearing-related symptoms to clinicians and, more importantly, to caregivers of affected infants and young individuals, establishing a correlation map of skin manifestations and their underlying genetic causes is key to early identification and diagnosis of syndromic HHI. In this article, we performed a comprehensive PubMed database search on syndromic HHI with cutaneous abnormalities, and reviewed a total of 260 relevant publications. Our in-depth analyses revealed that the cutaneous manifestations associated with HHI could be classified into three categories: pigment, hyperkeratosis/nail, and connective tissue disorders, with each category involving distinct molecular pathogenesis mechanisms. This outline could help clinicians and researchers build a clear atlas regarding the phenotypic features and pathogenetic mechanisms of syndromic HHI with cutaneous abnormalities, and facilitate clinical and molecular diagnoses of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tung-Lin Lee
- Department of Medical Education, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City 100, Taiwan;
| | - Pei-Hsuan Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 11556, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei City 100, Taiwan;
| | - Pei-Lung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei City 100, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei City 100, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10041, Taiwan
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10041, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Bon Hong
- Graduate Institute of Medical Genomics and Proteomics, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei City 100, Taiwan
- Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei City 100, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Chi Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 11556, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei City 100, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Genetics, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 10041, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, National Taiwan University Biomedical Park Hospital, Hsinchu City 300, Taiwan
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6
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Xie MX, Yang WP, Luo HJ, Ismail F, Hao YY, Yang JQ. G59S mutation in the GJB2 gene in a Chinese family with classic Vohwinkel syndrome. J Dermatol 2019; 46:154-157. [PMID: 30565282 DOI: 10.1111/1346-8138.14727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Vohwinkel syndrome (VS) is a rare autosomal dominant condition, also known as mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma accompanied by sensorineural deafness. The LOR and GJB2 genes are reported to be responsible for VS. The GJB2 gene encodes connexin 26, a component of intercellular gap junctions expressed in various tissues. We report the case of a 31-year-old Chinese woman with classic VS characterized by sensorineural deafness and mutilating palmoplantar keratoderma. Further genetic studies demonstrated a nucleotide change (c.175G>A) in the GJB2 gene, leading to an amino acid alteration (G59S). This identical missense mutation (G59S) has also been reported in a patient with Bart-Pumphrey syndrome. Together with our findings and previous studies, we conclude that the identical mutation (G59S) in the GJB2 gene contributes to various manifestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Xing Xie
- Department of Dermatology, Changxing Hospital, Huzhou, China
| | - Wei-Ping Yang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | - Hao-Jie Luo
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | - Ferina Ismail
- Department of Dermatology, The Royal London Hospital, London, UK
| | - Yang-Yang Hao
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Yang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
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7
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Guerra L, Castori M, Didona B, Castiglia D, Zambruno G. Hereditary palmoplantar keratodermas. Part II: syndromic palmoplantar keratodermas - Diagnostic algorithm and principles of therapy. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2018; 32:899-925. [DOI: 10.1111/jdv.14834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- L. Guerra
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology; Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | - M. Castori
- Division of Medical Genetics; Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza-IRCCS; San Giovanni Rotondo Italy
| | - B. Didona
- Rare Skin Disease Center; Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | - D. Castiglia
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cell Biology; Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata-IRCCS; Rome Italy
| | - G. Zambruno
- Genetic and Rare Diseases Research Area and Dermatology Unit; Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital-IRCCS; Rome Italy
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8
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García IE, Prado P, Pupo A, Jara O, Rojas-Gómez D, Mujica P, Flores-Muñoz C, González-Casanova J, Soto-Riveros C, Pinto BI, Retamal MA, González C, Martínez AD. Connexinopathies: a structural and functional glimpse. BMC Cell Biol 2016; 17 Suppl 1:17. [PMID: 27228968 PMCID: PMC4896260 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-016-0092-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in human connexin (Cx) genes have been related to diseases, which we termed connexinopathies. Such hereditary disorders include nonsyndromic or syndromic deafness (Cx26, Cx30), Charcot Marie Tooth disease (Cx32), occulodentodigital dysplasia and cardiopathies (Cx43), and cataracts (Cx46, Cx50). Despite the clinical phenotypes of connexinopathies have been well documented, their pathogenic molecular determinants remain elusive. The purpose of this work is to identify common/uncommon patterns in channels function among Cx mutations linked to human diseases. To this end, we compiled and discussed the effect of mutations associated to Cx26, Cx32, Cx43, and Cx50 over gap junction channels and hemichannels, highlighting the function of the structural channel domains in which mutations are located and their possible role affecting oligomerization, gating and perm/selectivity processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac E García
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Pavel Prado
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Amaury Pupo
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Oscar Jara
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Diana Rojas-Gómez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Paula Mujica
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Carolina Flores-Muñoz
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Jorge González-Casanova
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Carolina Soto-Riveros
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Bernardo I Pinto
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Mauricio A Retamal
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos González
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Agustín D Martínez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
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de Zwart-Storm EA, Martin PE, van Steensel MAM. Gap junction diseases of the skin: novel insights from new mutations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1586/edm.09.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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10
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Williams P, Memon A, Sinha T, Fryer A. Connecting with connexins. Australas J Dermatol 2013; 54:287-9. [PMID: 23808595 DOI: 10.1111/ajd.12070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2012] [Accepted: 02/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We describe a case of an 18-year-old woman with congenital sensorineural deafness who presented to the dermatology clinic with asymptomatic thickening of the skin over the palmar aspect of her hands and feet. An examination revealed palmoplantar keratoderma of the palms and soles of the feet with no pseudoainhum. Her father wore a hearing aid and his deafness had been thought to be acquired. Mutation analysis of the connexin 26 gene revealed that she carried a paternally inherited mutation, p.Asp46Glu and a maternally inherited M34T variant. The p.Asp46Glu mutation has been described in a family exhibiting non-syndromic autosomal dominant deafness. Although the M34T variant has been described as a non-pathogenic variant or with a very mild phenotype only, its combination with the p.Asp46Glu mutation may account for her mild cutaneous phenotype with later clinical presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penelope Williams
- Department of Dermatology, Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen Hospital NHS Trust, Southport, UK
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11
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Avshalumova L, Fabrikant J, Koriakos A. Overview of skin diseases linked to connexin gene mutations. Int J Dermatol 2013; 53:192-205. [DOI: 10.1111/ijd.12062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jordan Fabrikant
- Texas Division; Department of Dermatology; Larkin Community Hospital; Miami FL USA
| | - Angie Koriakos
- Department of Dermatology; University of North Texas Health Science Center/Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine; Houston TX USA
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Iossa S, Marciano E, Franzé A. GJB2 Gene Mutations in Syndromic Skin Diseases with Sensorineural Hearing Loss. Curr Genomics 2012; 12:475-785. [PMID: 22547955 PMCID: PMC3219843 DOI: 10.2174/138920211797904098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2011] [Revised: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The GJB2 gene is located on chromosome 13q12 and it encodes the connexin 26, a transmembrane protein involved in cell-cell attachment of almost all tissues. GJB2 mutations cause autosomal recessive (DFNB1) and sometimes dominant (DFNA3) non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that connexins are involved in regulation of growth and differentiation of epidermis and, in fact, GJB2 mutations have also been identified in syndromic disorders with hearing loss associated with various skin disease phenotypes. GJB2 mutations associated with skin disease are, in general, transmitted with a dominant inheritance pattern. Nonsyndromic deafness is caused prevalently by a loss-of-function, while literature evidences suggest for syndromic deafness a mechanism based on gain-of-function. The spectrum of skin manifestations associated with some mutations seems to have a very high phenotypic variability. Why some mutations can lead to widely varying cutaneous manifestations is poorly understood and in particular, the reason why the skin disease-deafness phenotypes differ from each other thus remains unclear. This review provides an overview of recent findings concerning pathogenesis of syndromic deafness imputable to GJB2 mutations with an emphasis on relevant clinical genotype-phenotype correlations. After describing connexin 26 fundamental characteristics, the most relevant and recent information about its known mutations involved in the syndromic forms causing hearing loss and skin problems are summarized. The possible effects of the mutations on channel expression and function are discussed.
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13
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Scott CA, Tattersall D, O'Toole EA, Kelsell DP. Connexins in epidermal homeostasis and skin disease. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1818:1952-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Revised: 08/30/2011] [Accepted: 09/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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14
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Xu J, Nicholson BJ. The role of connexins in ear and skin physiology - functional insights from disease-associated mutations. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1828:167-78. [PMID: 22796187 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.06.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2012] [Revised: 06/23/2012] [Accepted: 06/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Defects in several different connexins have been associated with several different diseases. The most common of these is deafness, where a few mutations in connexin (Cx) 26 have been found to contribute to over 50% of the incidence of non-syndromic deafness in different human populations. Other mutations in Cx26 or Cx30 have also been associated with various skin phenotypes linked to deafness (palmoplanta keratoderma, Bart-Pumphrey syndrome, Vohwinkel syndrome, keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome, etc.). The large array of disease mutants offers unique opportunities to gain insights into the underlying function of gap junction proteins and their channels in the normal and pathogenic physiologies of the cochlea and epidermis. This review focuses on those mutants where the impact on channel function has been assessed, and correlated with the disease phenotype, or organ function in knock-out mouse models. These approaches have provided evidence supporting a role of gap junctions and hemichannels in K(+) removal and recycling in the ear, as well as possible roles for nutrient passage, in the cochlea. In contrast, increases in hemichannel opening leading to increased cell death, were associated with several keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness syndrome skin disease/hearing mutants. In addition to providing clues for therapeutic strategies, these findings allow us to better understand the specific functions of connexin channels that are important for normal tissue function. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The communicating junctions, roles and dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Xu
- Department of Physiology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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15
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Bazazzadegan N, Sheffield AM, Sobhani M, Kahrizi K, Meyer NC, Van Camp G, Hilgert N, Abedini SS, Habibi F, Daneshi A, Nishimura C, Avenarius MR, Farhadi M, Smith RJH, Najmabadi H. Two Iranian families with a novel mutation in GJB2 causing autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss. Am J Med Genet A 2011; 155A:1202-11. [PMID: 21484990 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.33209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2008] [Accepted: 10/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in GJB2, encoding connexin 26 (Cx26), cause both autosomal dominant and autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL) at the DFNA3 and DFNB1 loci, respectively. Most of the over 100 described GJB2 mutations cause ARNSHL. Only a minority has been associated with autosomal dominant hearing loss. In this study, we present two families with autosomal dominant nonsyndromic hearing loss caused by a novel mutation in GJB2 (p.Asp46Asn). Both families were ascertained from the same village in northern Iran consistent with a founder effect. This finding implicates the D46N missense mutation in Cx26 as a common cause of deafness in this part of Iran mandating mutation screening of GJB2 for D46N in all persons with hearing loss who originate from this geographic region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloofar Bazazzadegan
- Genetics Research Center, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Chang EH, Pezzulo AA, Zabner J. Do cell junction protein mutations cause an airway phenotype in mice or humans? Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2011; 45:202-20. [PMID: 21297078 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2010-0498tr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell junction proteins connect epithelial cells to each other and to the basement membrane. Genetic mutations of these proteins can cause alterations in some epithelia leading to varied phenotypes such as deafness, renal disease, skin disorders, and cancer. This review examines if genetic mutations in these proteins affect the function of lung airway epithelia. We review cell junction proteins with examples of disease mutation phenotypes in humans and in mouse knockout models. We also review which of these genes are expressed in airway epithelium by microarray expression profiling and immunocytochemistry. Last, we present a comprehensive literature review to find the lung phenotype when cell junction and adhesion genes are mutated or subject to targeted deletion. We found that in murine models, targeted deletion of cell junction and adhesion genes rarely result in a lung phenotype. Moreover, mutations in these genes in humans have no obvious lung phenotype. Our research suggests that simply because a cell junction or adhesion protein is expressed in an organ does not imply that it will exhibit a drastic phenotype when mutated. One explanation is that because a functioning lung is critical to survival, redundancy in the system is expected. Therefore mutations in a single gene might be compensated by a related function of a similar gene product. Further studies in human and animal models will help us understand the overlap in the function of cell junction gene products. Finally, it is possible that the human lung phenotype is subtle and has not yet been described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene H Chang
- Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, USA
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17
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Abstract
Gap junctions allow the exchange of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells through intercellular channels formed by connexin proteins, which can also form functional hemichannels in nonjunctional membranes. Mutations in connexin genes cause a variety of human diseases. For example, mutations in GJB2, the gene encoding connexin-26 (Cx26), are not only a major cause of nonsyndromic deafness, but also cause syndromic deafness associated with skin disorders such as palmoplantar keratoderma, keratitis-ichthyosis deafness syndrome, Vohwinkel syndrome, hystrix-ichthyosis deafness syndrome and Bart-Pumphrey syndrome. The most common mutation in the Cx26 gene linked to nonsyndromic deafness is 35DeltaG, a frameshift mutation leading to an early stop codon. The large number of deaf individuals homozygous for 35DeltaG do not develop skin disease. Similarly, there is abundant experimental evidence to suggest that other Cx26 loss-of-function mutations cause deafness, but not skin disease. By contrast, Cx26 mutations that cause both skin diseases and deafness are all single amino acid changes. Since nonsyndromic deafness is predominantly a loss-of-function disorder, it follows that the syndromic mutants must show an alteration, or gain, of function to cause skin disease. Here, we summarise the functional consequences and clinical phenotypes resulting from Cx26 mutations that cause deafness and skin disease.
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Nemoto-Hasebe I, Akiyama M, Kudo S, Ishiko A, Tanaka A, Arita K, Shimizu H. Novel mutation p.Gly59Arg inGJB6encoding connexin 30 underlies palmoplantar keratoderma with pseudoainhum, knuckle pads and hearing loss. Br J Dermatol 2009; 161:452-5. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2133.2009.09137.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Connexin mutations in Brazilian patients with skin disorders with or without hearing loss. Am J Med Genet A 2009; 149A:681-4. [DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.32765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Abstract
Tight junctions, gap junctions, adherens junctions, and desmosomes represent intricate structural intercellular channels and bridges that are present in several tissues, including epidermis. Clues to the important function of these units in epithelial cell biology have been gleaned from a variety of studies including naturally occurring and engineered mutations, animal models and other in vitro experiments. In this review, we focus on mutations that have been detected in human diseases. These observations provide intriguing insight into the biological complexities of cell-cell contact and intercellular communication as well as demonstrating the spectrum of inherited human diseases that are associated with mutations in genes encoding the component proteins. Over the last decade or so, human gene mutations have been reported in four tight junction proteins (claudin 1, 14, 16, and zona occludens 2), nine gap junction proteins (connexin 26, 30, 30.3, 31, 32, 40, 43, 46, and 50), one adherens junction protein (P-cadherin) and eight components of desmosomes (plakophilin (PKP) 1 and 2, desmoplakin, plakoglobin--which is also present in adherens junctions, desmoglein (DSG) 1, 2, 4, and corneodesmosin). These discoveries have often highlighted novel or unusual phenotypes, including abnormal skin barrier function, alterations in epidermal differentiation, and developmental anomalies of various ectodermal appendages, especially hair, as well as a range of extracutaneous pathologies. However, this review focuses mainly on inherited disorders of junctions that have an abnormal skin phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joey E Lai-Cheong
- King's College London, The Guy's, King's College and St Thomas' School of Medicine, Genetic Skin Disease Group, Division of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, St John's Institute of Dermatology, London, UK
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Apps SA, Rankin WA, Kurmis AP. Connexin 26 mutations in autosomal recessive deafness disorders: a review. Int J Audiol 2007; 46:75-81. [PMID: 17365058 DOI: 10.1080/14992020600582190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This review explores the association between GJB2 gene mutations, encoding connexin 26 (Cx26), and nonsyndromic hearing loss. Connexins are proteins that form intracellular membrane channels and regulate ion movement between contiguous fluid spaces. A family of autosomal gene mutations has been identified that lead to abnormal connexin expression within the inner ear that are associated with hearing loss. The exact mechanism by which this link is elicited remains unclear. We aim to highlight the clinically underestimated prevalence of GJB2 gene mutations, to explore the influential role of ethnic diversity in mutation frequency, and to provide a framework for hearing specialists in considering the differential diagnosis of nonsyndromic hearing loss. By linking an observed phenotype associated with abnormal Cx26 expression to the current understanding of the biological and genetic basis underlying it will allow a more accurate clinical description of associated hearing loss, and therefore enable more effective patient management and genetic counselling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey A Apps
- School of Speech Pathology and Audiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
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Akiyama M, Sakai K, Arita K, Nomura Y, Ito K, Kodama K, McMillan JR, Kobayashi K, Sawamura D, Shimizu H. A novel GJB2 mutation p.Asn54His in a patient with palmoplantar keratoderma, sensorineural hearing loss and knuckle pads. J Invest Dermatol 2007; 127:1540-3. [PMID: 17255958 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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