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Pacilio S, Costa R, Papa V, Rodia MT, Gotti C, Pagnotta G, Cenacchi G, Focarete ML. Electrospun Poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) Scaffold Potentiates C2C12 Myoblast Bioactivity and Acts as a Stimulus for Cell Commitment in Skeletal Muscle Myogenesis. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10020239. [PMID: 36829733 PMCID: PMC9952728 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10020239] [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: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering combines a scaffold, cells and regulatory signals, reproducing a biomimetic extracellular matrix capable of supporting cell attachment and proliferation. We examined the role of an electrospun scaffold made of a biocompatible polymer during the myogenesis of skeletal muscle (SKM) as an alternative approach to tissue regeneration. The engineered nanostructure was obtained by electrospinning poly(L-lactide-co-ε-caprolactone) (PLCL) in the form of a 3D porous nanofibrous scaffold further coated with collagen. C2C12 were cultured on the PLCL scaffold, and cell morphology and differentiation pathways were thoroughly investigated. The functionalized PLCL scaffold recreated the SKM nanostructure and performed its biological functions, guiding myoblast morphogenesis and promoting cell differentiation until tissue formation. The scaffold enabled cell-cell interactions through the development of cellular adhesions that were fundamental during myoblast fusion and myotube formation. Expression of myogenic regulatory markers and muscle-specific proteins at different stages of myogenesis suggested that the PLCL scaffold enhanced myoblast differentiation within a shorter time frame. The functionalized PLCL scaffold impacts myoblast bioactivity and acts as a stimulus for cell commitment, surpassing traditional 2D cell culture techniques. We developed a screening model for tissue development and a device for tissue restoration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serafina Pacilio
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences DIBINEM, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
- Applied Biomedical Research Center—CRBA, IRCCS St. Orsola Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, INSTM UdR of Bologna, University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Costa
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences DIBINEM, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
- Applied Biomedical Research Center—CRBA, IRCCS St. Orsola Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Papa
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences DIBINEM, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Rodia
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences DIBINEM, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
- Applied Biomedical Research Center—CRBA, IRCCS St. Orsola Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
| | - Carlo Gotti
- Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research in Advanced Mechanics and Materials (CIRI-MAM), Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgia Pagnotta
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, INSTM UdR of Bologna, University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cenacchi
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences DIBINEM, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
- Applied Biomedical Research Center—CRBA, IRCCS St. Orsola Hospital, Alma Mater Studiorum—University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-051-2144514
| | - Maria Letizia Focarete
- Department of Chemistry “Giacomo Ciamician”, INSTM UdR of Bologna, University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy
- Health Sciences & Technologies (HST) CIRI, University of Bologna, Via Tolara di Sopra 41/E, 40064 Ozzano Emilia, Italy
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2
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Yamamoto K, Yamaoka N, Imaizumi Y, Nagashima T, Furutani T, Ito T, Okada Y, Honda H, Shimizu K. Development of a human neuromuscular tissue-on-a-chip model on a 24-well-plate-format compartmentalized microfluidic device. LAB ON A CHIP 2021; 21:1897-1907. [PMID: 34008665 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc00048a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Engineered three-dimensional models of neuromuscular tissues are promising for use in mimicking their disorder states in vitro. Although several models have been developed, it is still challenging to mimic the physically separated structures of motor neurons (MNs) and skeletal muscle (SkM) fibers in the motor units in vivo. In this study, we aimed to develop microdevices for precisely compartmentalized coculturing of MNs and engineered SkM tissues. The developed microdevices, which fit a well of 24 well plates, had a chamber for MNs and chamber for SkM tissues. The two chambers were connected by microtunnels for axons, permissive to axons but not to cell bodies. Human iPSC (hiPSC)-derived MN spheroids in one chamber elongated their axons into microtunnels, which reached the tissue-engineered human SkM in the SkM chamber, and formed functional neuromuscular junctions with the muscle fibers. The cocultured SkM tissues with MNs on the device contracted spontaneously in response to spontaneous firing of MNs. The addition of a neurotransmitter, glutamate, into the MN chamber induced contraction of the cocultured SkM tissues. Selective addition of tetrodotoxin or vecuronium bromide into either chamber induced SkM tissue relaxation, which could be explained by the inhibitory mechanisms. We also demonstrated the application of chemical or mechanical stimuli to the middle of the axons of cocultured tissues on the device. Thus, compartmentalized neuromuscular tissue models fabricated on the device could be used for phenotypic screening to evaluate the cellular type specific efficacy of drug candidates and would be a useful tool in fundamental research and drug development for neuromuscular disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuki Yamamoto
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Nao Yamaoka
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Yu Imaizumi
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Takunori Nagashima
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Taiki Furutani
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Takuji Ito
- Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yohei Okada
- Department of Neurology, Aichi Medical University School of Medicine, Nagakute, Aichi, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Honda
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
| | - Kazunori Shimizu
- Department of Biomolecular Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan.
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3
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Lin CY, Yoshida M, Li LT, Ikenaka A, Oshima S, Nakagawa K, Sakurai H, Matsui E, Nakahata T, Saito MK. iPSC-derived functional human neuromuscular junctions model the pathophysiology of neuromuscular diseases. JCI Insight 2019; 4:124299. [PMID: 31534050 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.124299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The control of voluntary skeletal muscle contraction relies on action potentials, which send signals from the motor neuron through the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Although dysfunction of the NMJ causes various neuromuscular diseases, a reliable in vitro system for disease modeling is currently unavailable. Here, we present a potentially novel 2-step, self-organizing approach for generating in vitro human NMJs from human induced pluripotent stem cells. Our simple and robust approach results in a complex NMJ structure that includes functional connectivity, recapitulating in vivo synapse formation. We used these in vitro NMJs to model the pathological features of spinal muscular atrophy, revealing the developmental and functional defects of NMJ formation and NMJ-dependent muscular contraction. Our differentiation system is therefore useful for investigating and understanding the physiology and pathology of human NMJs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuang-Yu Lin
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Michiko Yoshida
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Li-Tzu Li
- Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Akihiro Ikenaka
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shiori Oshima
- Sony Imaging Products & Solutions Inc., Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Hidetoshi Sakurai
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Eriko Matsui
- Sony Imaging Products & Solutions Inc., Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsutoshi Nakahata
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Megumu K Saito
- Department of Clinical Application, Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA), Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
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4
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McClure MJ, Ramey AN, Rashid M, Boyan BD, Schwartz Z. Integrin-α7 signaling regulates connexin 43, M-cadherin, and myoblast fusion. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2019; 316:C876-C887. [PMID: 30892939 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00282.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Regenerative medicine treatments for severe skeletal muscle injuries are limited, resulting in persistent functional deficits. Clinical options include neglecting the wound with the expectation that fibrosis will develop or using an autologous muscle graft with minimal functional improvement. A regenerative matrix can be used, but muscle fiber development on these matrices remains a challenge in vivo. Here, we explored the fundamental mechanisms that mediate cell-substrate signaling and its effect on cell-cell communication during myoblast fusion and tube formation to improve outcomes following implantation of matrices used to stimulate muscle regeneration. We previously reported that integrin-α7 was increased on anisotropic biomaterials, suggesting a role for α7β1 signaling in myoblast communication via connexin 43 and M-cadherin. Our results demonstrated that α7 silencing blocked expression of myogenic differentiation factor 1 (Myod), myogenin (Myog), myogenic factor 6 (Myf6), myosin heavy chain type 1 (Myh1), and transmembrane protein 8c (Tmem8c), indicating that myoblast fusion was inhibited. Expression of α5 and M-cadherin decreased but β1 and connexin 43 increased. We examined protein production and observed reduced extracellular-signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK) in α7-silenced cells that correlated with upregulation of connexin 43 and M-cadherin, suggesting a compensatory pathway. These results indicate that α7 signaling plays a critical role in ex vivo fusion and implicates a relationship with connexin 43 and M-cadherin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J McClure
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia
| | - Allison N Ramey
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia
| | - Mashaba Rashid
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia
| | - Barbara D Boyan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia.,Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology , Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zvi Schwartz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University , Richmond, Virginia.,Department of Periodontics, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio , San Antonio, Texas
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5
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Ishido M, Kasuga N. Characteristics of the Localization of Connexin 43 in Satellite Cells during Skeletal Muscle Regeneration In Vivo. Acta Histochem Cytochem 2015; 48:53-60. [PMID: 26019374 PMCID: PMC4427565 DOI: 10.1267/ahc.14056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
For myogenesis, new myotubes are formed by the fusion of differentiated myoblasts. In the sequence of events for myotube formation, intercellular communication through gap junctions composed of connexin 43 (Cx43) plays critical roles in regulating the alignment and fusion of myoblasts in advances of myotube formation in vitro. On the other hand, the relationship between the expression patterns of Cx43 and the process of myotube formation in satellite cells during muscle regeneration in vivo remains poorly understood. The present study investigated the relationship between Cx43 and satellite cells in muscle regeneration in vivo. The expression of Cx43 was detected in skeletal muscles on day 1 post-muscle injury, but not in control muscles. Interestingly, the expression of Cx43 was not localized on the inside of the basement membrane of myofibers in the regenerating muscles. Moreover, although the clusters of differentiated satellite cells, which represent a more advanced stage of myotube formation, were observed on the inside of the basement membrane of myofibers in regenerating muscles, the expression of Cx43 was not localized in the clusters of these satellite cells. Therefore, in the present study, it was suggested that Cx43 may not directly contribute to muscle regeneration via satellite cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minenori Ishido
- Section for Health-related Physical Education, Division of Human Sciences, Faculty of Engineering, Osaka Institute of Technology
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6
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Tonkin RS, Mao Y, O'Carroll SJ, Nicholson LFB, Green CR, Gorrie CA, Moalem-Taylor G. Gap junction proteins and their role in spinal cord injury. Front Mol Neurosci 2015; 7:102. [PMID: 25610368 PMCID: PMC4285056 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2014.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Accepted: 12/12/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are specialized intercellular communication channels that are formed by two hexameric connexin hemichannels, one provided by each of the two adjacent cells. Gap junctions and hemichannels play an important role in regulating cellular metabolism, signaling, and functions in both normal and pathological conditions. Following spinal cord injury (SCI), there is damage and disturbance to the neuronal elements of the spinal cord including severing of axon tracts and rapid cell death. The initial mechanical disruption is followed by multiple secondary cascades that cause further tissue loss and dysfunction. Recent studies have implicated connexin proteins as playing a critical role in the secondary phase of SCI by propagating death signals through extensive glial networks. In this review, we bring together past and current studies to outline the distribution, changes and roles of various connexins found in neurons and glial cells, before and in response to SCI. We discuss the contribution of pathologically activated connexin proteins, in particular connexin 43, to functional recovery and neuropathic pain, as well as providing an update on potential connexin specific pharmacological agents to treat SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan S Tonkin
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Yilin Mao
- School of Medical and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Simon J O'Carroll
- Department of Anatomy with Radiology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Louise F B Nicholson
- Department of Anatomy with Radiology and Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Colin R Green
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Catherine A Gorrie
- School of Medical and Molecular Bioscience, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gila Moalem-Taylor
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
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7
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Kolanowski T, Rozwadowska N, Malcher A, Szymczyk E, Kasprzak J, Mietkiewski T, Kurpisz M. In vitro and in vivo characteristics of connexin 43-modified human skeletal myoblasts as candidates for prospective stem cell therapy for the failing heart. Int J Cardiol 2014; 173:55-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijcard.2014.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 09/26/2013] [Accepted: 02/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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8
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Okamoto T, Akita N, Kawamoto E, Hayashi T, Suzuki K, Shimaoka M. Endothelial connexin32 enhances angiogenesis by positively regulating tube formation and cell migration. Exp Cell Res 2014; 321:133-41. [PMID: 24333598 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2013.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Revised: 11/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The gap junction proteins connexin32 (Cx32), Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43 are expressed in endothelial cells, and regulate vascular functions involving inflammation, vasculogenesis and vascular remodeling. Aberrant Cxs expression promotes the development of atherosclerosis which is modulated by angiogenesis; however the role played by endothelial Cxs in angiogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we determined the effects of endothelial Cxs, particularly Cx32, on angiogenesis. EA.hy926 cells that had been transfected to overexpress Cx32 significantly increased capillary length and the number on branches compared to Cx-transfectant cells over-expressing Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43 or mock-treated cells. Treatment via intracellular transfer of anti-Cx32 antibody suppressed tube formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) compared to controls. In vitro wound healing assays revealed that Cx32-transfectant cells significantly increased the repaired area while anti-Cx32 antibody-treated HUVECs reduced it. Ex vivo aorta ring assays and in vivo matrigel plaque assays showed that Cx32-deficient mice impaired both vascular sprouting from the aorta and cell migration into the implanted matrigel. Therefore endothelial Cx32 facilitates tube formation, wound healing, vascular sprouting, and cell migration. Our results suggest that endothelial Cx32 positively regulates angiogenesis by enhancing endothelial cell tube formation and cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Okamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Akita
- Faculty of Medical Engineering, Suzuka University of Medical Science, 1001-1 Kishioka-cho, Suzuka-city, Mie 510-0293, Japan
| | - Eiji Kawamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Emergency and Critical Care Center, Mie University Hospital, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu 514-8507, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Hayashi
- Department of Biochemistry, Mie Prefecture College of Nursing, 1-1-1 Yumegaoka, Tsu-city, Mie 514-0116, Japan
| | - Koji Suzuki
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, 3500-3 Minamitamagaki-cho, Suzuka City 513-8679, Japan
| | - Motomu Shimaoka
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
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9
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Eom YW, Lee JE, Yang MS, Jang IK, Kim HE, Lee DH, Kim YJ, Park WJ, Kong JH, Shim KY, Lee JI, Kim HS. Effective myotube formation in human adipose tissue-derived stem cells expressing dystrophin and myosin heavy chain by cellular fusion with mouse C2C12 myoblasts. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2011; 408:167-73. [PMID: 21473854 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2011.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2011] [Accepted: 04/01/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Stem cell therapy for muscular dystrophies requires stem cells that are able to participate in the formation of new muscle fibers. However, the differentiation steps that are the most critical for this process are not clear. We investigated the myogenic phases of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (hASCs) step by step and the capability of myotube formation according to the differentiation phase by cellular fusion with mouse myoblast C2C12 cells. In hASCs treated with 5-azacytidine and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) for 1 day, the early differentiation step to express MyoD and myogenin was induced by FGF-2 treatment for 6 days. Dystrophin and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) expression was induced by hASC conditioned medium in the late differentiation step. Myotubes were observed only in hASCs undergoing the late differentiation step by cellular fusion with C2C12 cells. In contrast, hASCs that were normal or in the early stage were not involved in myotube formation. Our results indicate that stem cells expressing dystrophin and MyHC are more suitable for myotube formation by co-culture with myoblasts than normal or early differentiated stem cells expressing MyoD and myogenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Woo Eom
- Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering Center, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei Univ., Wonju, South Korea
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10
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Vinken M, Decrock E, De Vuyst E, Ponsaerts R, D'hondt C, Bultynck G, Ceelen L, Vanhaecke T, Leybaert L, Rogiers V. Connexins: sensors and regulators of cell cycling. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2010; 1815:13-25. [PMID: 20801193 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2010.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2010] [Revised: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is nowadays well established that gap junctions are critical gatekeepers of cell proliferation, by controlling the intercellular exchange of essential growth regulators. In recent years, however, it has become clear that the picture is not as simple as originally anticipated, as structural precursors of gap junctions can affect cell cycling by performing actions not related to gap junctional intercellular communication. Indeed, connexin hemichannels also foresee a pathway for cell growth communication, albeit between the intracellular compartment and the extracellular environment, while connexin proteins as such can directly or indirectly influence the production of cell cycle regulators independently of their channel activities. Furthermore, a novel set of connexin-like proteins, the pannexins, have lately joined in as regulators of the cell proliferation process, which they can affect as either single units or as channel entities. In the current paper, these multifaceted aspects of connexin-related signalling in cell cycling are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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11
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Du WJ, Li JK, Du WJ, Li JK, Wang QY, Hou JB, Yu B. Lithium Chloride Regulates Connexin43 in Skeletal Myoblasts In Vitro: Possible Involvement in Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009; 15:261-71. [DOI: 10.1080/15419060802198587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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12
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Shao H, Chen B, Tao M. Skeletal myogenesis by human primordial germ cell-derived progenitors. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 378:750-4. [PMID: 19071088 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.11.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2008] [Accepted: 11/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
We have isolated and cultured human primordial germ cells (PGCs) from early embryos. The PGCs expressed embryonic germ (EG) cell-specific surface markers, including Oct4 and Nanos. We derived a cell population from these PGCs that we termed embryoid body-derived (EBD) cells. EBD cells can be extensively expanded in vitro for more than 50 passages and express lineage markers from all three primary germ layers. The myogenic potential of the EBD cells was examined both in vitro and in vivo.In vitro, the EBD cells can be induced to form multinucleated myotubes, which express late skeletal muscle-specific markers, including MHC and dystrophin, when exposed to human galectin-1. In vivo, the EBD cells gave rise to all the myogenic lineages, including the skeletal muscle stem cells known as satellite cells. Strikingly, these cells were able to partially restore degenerated muscles in the SCID/mdx mouse, an animal model of the Duchenne's muscular dystrophy. These results indicate the EBD cells may be a promising source of myogenic stem cells for cell-based therapies for muscle degenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfang Shao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, the 6th People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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13
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Cronin M, Anderson PN, Cook JE, Green CR, Becker DL. Blocking connexin43 expression reduces inflammation and improves functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Mol Cell Neurosci 2008; 39:152-60. [PMID: 18617007 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2008.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2008] [Revised: 06/01/2008] [Accepted: 06/04/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
After traumatic CNS injury, a cascade of secondary events expands the initial lesion. The gap-junction protein connexin43 (Cx43), which is transiently up-regulated, has been implicated in the spread of 'bystander' damage. We have used an antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (asODN) to suppress Cx43 up-regulation in two rat models of spinal cord injury. Within 24 h of compression injury, rats treated with Cx43-asODN scored higher than sense-ODN and vehicle-treated controls on behavioural tests of locomotion. Their spinal cords showed less swelling and tissue disruption, less up-regulation of astrocytic GFAP, and less extravasation of fluorescently-labelled bovine serum albumin and neutrophils. The locomotor improvement was sustained over at least 4 weeks. Following partial spinal cord transection, Cx43-asODN treatment reduced GFAP immunoreactivity, neutrophil recruitment, and the activity of OX42(+) microglia in and around the lesion site. Cx43 has many potential roles in the pathophysiology of CNS injury and may be a valuable target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Cronin
- Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
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14
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Yamanouchi K, Yada E, Ishiguro N, Nishihara M. 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid induces phenotypic changes of skeletal muscle cells to enter adipogenesis. Cell Physiol Biochem 2007; 20:781-90. [PMID: 17982260 DOI: 10.1159/000110438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/09/2007] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of connexins is implicated in proliferation and differentiation of cells. In skeletal muscle cells, connexin43 (Cx43) has been identified as the major connexin, and gap-junctional communication mediated by connexins has been shown to be required for their myogenic differentiation. In addition, inhibition of connexin function has been shown to induce transdifferentiation of osteoblasts to an adipocytic phenotype. In the present study, we examined whether the inhibition of connexin function could induce phenotypic changes in skeletal muscle cells. Treatment of skeletal muscle cells with an inhibitor of connexin function, 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid (AGRA), resulted in a reduction in the number of MyoD-positive cells and complete inhibition of myotube formation, concomitantly with an increase in the number of C/EBPalpha-positive cells. AGRA-treated cells cultured in adipogenic differentiation medium could give rise to mature adipocytes that express both PPARgamma and C/EBPalpha. The presence of AGRA during adipogenic differentiation did not inhibit adipogenesis of skeletal muscle cells. AGRA treatment did not affect Cx43 expression in skeletal muscle cells but reduced its phosphorylation. These results indicate that inhibition of connexin function induces phenotypic changes of skeletal muscle cells to enter adipogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keitaro Yamanouchi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi, Tokyo, Japan.
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Abstract
The progress in discerning the structure and function of cells and tissues in health and disease has been achieved to a large extent by the continued development of new reagents for histochemistry, the improvement of existing techniques and new imaging techniques. This review will highlight some advancements made in these fields.
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Gorbe A, Krenacs T, Cook JE, Becker DL. Myoblast proliferation and syncytial fusion both depend on connexin43 function in transfected skeletal muscle primary cultures. Exp Cell Res 2007; 313:1135-48. [PMID: 17331498 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2007.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2006] [Revised: 11/03/2006] [Accepted: 01/04/2007] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Muscles are formed by fusion of individual postmitotic myoblasts to form multinucleated syncytial myotubes. The process requires a well-coordinated transition from proliferation, through migratory alignment and cycle exit, to breakdown of apposed membranes. Connexin43 protein and cell-cycle inhibitor levels are correlated, and gap junction blockers can delay muscle regeneration, so a coordinating role for gap junctions has been proposed. Here, wild-type and dominant-negative connexin43 variants (wtCx43, dnCx43) were introduced into rat myoblasts in primary culture through pIRES-eGFP constructs that made transfected cells fluoresce. GFP-positive cells and vitally-stained nuclei were counted on successive days to reveal differences in proliferation, and myotubes were counted to reveal differences in fusion. Individual transfected cells were injected with Cascade Blue, which permeates gap junctions, mixed with FITC-dextran, which requires cytoplasmic continuity to enter neighbouring cells. Myoblasts transfected with wtCx43 showed more gap-junctional coupling than GFP-only controls, began fusion sooner as judged by the incidence of cytoplasmic coupling, and formed more myotubes. Myoblasts transfected with dnCx43 remained proliferative for longer than either GFP-only or wtCx43 myoblasts, showed less coupling, and underwent little fusion into myotubes. These results highlight the critical role of gap-junctional coupling in myotube formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniko Gorbe
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Taatjes DJ, Zuber C, Roth J. The histochemistry and cell biology vade mecum: a review of 2005–2006. Histochem Cell Biol 2006; 126:743-88. [PMID: 17149649 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-006-0253-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/03/2006] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The procurement of new knowledge and understanding in the ever expanding discipline of cell biology continues to advance at a breakneck pace. The progress in discerning the physiology of cells and tissues in health and disease has been driven to a large extent by the continued development of new probes and imaging techniques. The recent introduction of semi-conductor quantum dots as stable, specific markers for both fluorescence light microscopy and electron microscopy, as well as a virtual treasure-trove of new fluorescent proteins, has in conjunction with newly introduced spectral imaging systems, opened vistas into the seemingly unlimited possibilities for experimental design. Although it oftentimes proves difficult to predict what the future will hold with respect to advances in disciplines such as cell biology and histochemistry, it is facile to look back on what has already occurred. In this spirit, this review will highlight some advancements made in these areas in the past 2 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J Taatjes
- Department of Pathology, Microscopy Imaging Center, College of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
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