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de Sousa JC, Santos SACS, Kurtenbach E. Multiple approaches for the evaluation of connexin-43 expression and function in macrophages. J Immunol Methods 2024; 533:113741. [PMID: 39111361 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2024.113741] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
Connexins are essential gap junction proteins that play pivotal roles in intercellular communication in various organs of mammals. Connexin-43 (Cx43) is expressed in various components of the immune system, and there is extensive evidence of its participation in inflammation responses. The involvement of Cx43 in macrophage functionality involves the purinergic signaling pathway. Macrophages contribute to defenses against inflammatory reactions such as bacterial sepsis and peritonitis. Several assays can identify the presence and activity of Cx43 in macrophages. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can measure the relative mRNA expression of Cx43, whereas western blotting can detect protein expression levels. Using immunofluorescence assays, it is possible to analyze the expression and observe the localization of Cx43 in cells or tissues. Moreover, connexin-mediated gap junction intercellular communication can be evaluated using functional assays such as microinjection of fluorescent dyes or scrape loading-dye transfer. The use of selective inhibitors contributes to this understanding and reinforces the role of connexins in various processes. Here, we discuss these methods to evaluate Cx43 and macrophage gap junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Júlia Costa de Sousa
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil.
| | | | - Eleonora Kurtenbach
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, 21941-902 Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
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Bertanza G, Abbà A, Alias C, Amatucci A, Binelli A, Castiglioni S, Fossati M, Cruzeiro C, Torre CD, Domini M, Feretti D, Gilioli G, Magni S, Mazzoleni G, Menghini M, Pedrazzani R, Schroeder P, Simonetto A, Steimberg N, Ventura V, Vezzoli S, Zerbini I. To spread or not to spread? Assessing the suitability of sewage sludge and other biogenic wastes for agriculture reuse. MethodsX 2024; 12:102599. [PMID: 38379723 PMCID: PMC10876616 DOI: 10.1016/j.mex.2024.102599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Sewage sludge (biosolids) management represents a worldwide issue. Due to its valuable properties, approximately one half of the EU production is recovered in agriculture. Nevertheless, growing attention is given to potential negative effects deriving from the presence of harmful pollutants. It is recognized that a (even very detailed) chemical characterization is not able to predict ecotoxicity of a mixture. However, this can be directly measured by bioassays. Actually, the choice of the most suitable tests is still under debate. This paper presents a multilevel characterization protocol of sewage sludge and other organic residues, based on bioassays and chemical-physical-microbiological analyses. The detailed description of the experimental procedure includes all the involved steps: the criteria for selecting the organic matrices to be tested and compared; the sample pre-treatment required before the analyses execution; the chemical, physical and microbiological characterisation; the bioassays, grouped in three classes (baseline toxicity; specific mode of action; reactive mode of action); data processing. The novelty of this paper lies in the integrated use of advanced tools, and is based on three pillars:•the direct ecosafety assessment of the matrices to be reused.•the adoption of innovative bioassays and analytical procedures.•the original criteria for data normalization and processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Bertanza
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Architettura, Territorio e Ambiente e di Matematica, Università degli Studi di Brescia. Via Branze 43, Brescia I-25123, Italy
- MISTRAL, Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca, Milano Bicocca e Verona “Modelli Integrati di Studio per la Tutela della Salute e la Prevenzione negli Ambienti di Vita e di Lavoro”, Università di Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandro Abbà
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Architettura, Territorio e Ambiente e di Matematica, Università degli Studi di Brescia. Via Branze 43, Brescia I-25123, Italy
| | - Carlotta Alias
- Dipartimento di Specialità Medico-Chirurgiche, Scienze Radiologiche e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia I-25123, Italy
| | - Achille Amatucci
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Architettura, Territorio e Ambiente e di Matematica, Università degli Studi di Brescia. Via Branze 43, Brescia I-25123, Italy
| | - Andrea Binelli
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, Milano I-20133, Italy
| | - Sara Castiglioni
- Dipartimento Ambiente e Salute, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, IRCCS. Via Mario Negri 2, Milano I-20156, Italy
| | - Marco Fossati
- Dipartimento Ambiente e Salute, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, IRCCS. Via Mario Negri 2, Milano I-20156, Italy
| | - Catarina Cruzeiro
- Helmholtz Zentrum München – Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, Neuherberg D-85764, Germany
| | - Camilla Della Torre
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, Milano I-20133, Italy
| | - Marta Domini
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Architettura, Territorio e Ambiente e di Matematica, Università degli Studi di Brescia. Via Branze 43, Brescia I-25123, Italy
| | - Donatella Feretti
- MISTRAL, Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca, Milano Bicocca e Verona “Modelli Integrati di Studio per la Tutela della Salute e la Prevenzione negli Ambienti di Vita e di Lavoro”, Università di Brescia, Italy
- Dipartimento di Specialità Medico-Chirurgiche, Scienze Radiologiche e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia I-25123, Italy
| | - Gianni Gilioli
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Architettura, Territorio e Ambiente e di Matematica, Università degli Studi di Brescia. Via Branze 43, Brescia I-25123, Italy
| | - Stefano Magni
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 26, Milano I-20133, Italy
| | - Giovanna Mazzoleni
- MISTRAL, Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca, Milano Bicocca e Verona “Modelli Integrati di Studio per la Tutela della Salute e la Prevenzione negli Ambienti di Vita e di Lavoro”, Università di Brescia, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Sperimentali, Università degli Studi di Brescia. Viale Europa 11, Brescia I-25123, Italy
| | - Michele Menghini
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Industriale, Università degli Studi di Brescia. Via Branze 38, Brescia I-25123, Italy
| | - Roberta Pedrazzani
- MISTRAL, Centro Interuniversitario di Ricerca, Milano Bicocca e Verona “Modelli Integrati di Studio per la Tutela della Salute e la Prevenzione negli Ambienti di Vita e di Lavoro”, Università di Brescia, Italy
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Industriale, Università degli Studi di Brescia. Via Branze 38, Brescia I-25123, Italy
| | - Peter Schroeder
- Helmholtz Zentrum München – Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Ingolstädter Landstraße 1, Neuherberg D-85764, Germany
| | - Anna Simonetto
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Architettura, Territorio e Ambiente e di Matematica, Università degli Studi di Brescia. Via Branze 43, Brescia I-25123, Italy
| | - Nathalie Steimberg
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Sperimentali, Università degli Studi di Brescia. Viale Europa 11, Brescia I-25123, Italy
| | - Vera Ventura
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Architettura, Territorio e Ambiente e di Matematica, Università degli Studi di Brescia. Via Branze 43, Brescia I-25123, Italy
| | - Simona Vezzoli
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Architettura, Territorio e Ambiente e di Matematica, Università degli Studi di Brescia. Via Branze 43, Brescia I-25123, Italy
| | - Ilaria Zerbini
- Dipartimento di Specialità Medico-Chirurgiche, Scienze Radiologiche e Sanità Pubblica, Università degli Studi di Brescia, Viale Europa 11, Brescia I-25123, Italy
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Hanafy MS, Cui Z. Connexin-Containing Vesicles for Drug Delivery. AAPS J 2024; 26:20. [PMID: 38267725 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00889-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Connexin is a transmembrane protein present on the cell membrane of most cell types. Connexins assemble into a hexameric hemichannel known as connexon that pairs with another hemichannel present on a neighboring cell to form gap junction that acts as a channel or pore for the transport of ions and small molecules between the cytoplasm of the two cells. Extracellular vesicles released from connexin-expressing cells could carry connexin hemichannels on their surface and couple with another connexin hemichannel on a distant recipient cell to allow the transfer of the intravesicular content directly into the cytoplasm. Connexin-containing vesicles can be potentially utilized for intracellular drug delivery. In this review, we introduced cell-derived, connexin-containing extracellular vesicles and cell-free connexin-containing liposomes, methods of preparing them, procedures to load cargos in them, factors regulating the connexin hemichannel activity, (potential) applications of connexin-containing vesicles in drug delivery, and finally the challenges and future directions in realizing the promises of this platform delivery system for (intracellular) drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud S Hanafy
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.
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Ismail FS, Faustmann PM, Förster E, Corvace F, Faustmann TJ. Tiagabine and zonisamide differentially regulate the glial properties in an astrocyte-microglia co-culture model of inflammation. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:3253-3267. [PMID: 37231170 PMCID: PMC10567966 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02538-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Due to the role of astrocytes and microglia in the pathophysiology of epilepsy and limited studies of antiseizure medication (ASM) effects on glial cells, we studied tiagabine (TGB) and zonisamide (ZNS) in an astrocyte-microglia co-culture model of inflammation. Different concentrations of ZNS (10, 20, 40, 100 µg/ml) or TGB (1, 10, 20, 50 µg/ml) were added to primary rat astrocytes co-cultures with 5-10% (M5, physiological conditions) or 30-40% (M30, pathological inflammatory conditions) microglia for 24 h, aiming to study glial viability, microglial activation, connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and gap-junctional coupling. ZNS led to the reduction of glial viability by only 100 µg/ml under physiological conditions. By contrast, TGB revealed toxic effects with a significant, concentration-dependent reduction of glial viability under physiological and pathological conditions. After the incubation of M30 co-cultures with 20 µg/ml TGB, the microglial activation was significantly decreased and resting microglia slightly increased, suggesting possible anti-inflammatory features of TGB under inflammatory conditions. Otherwise, ZNS caused no significant changes of microglial phenotypes. The gap-junctional coupling was significantly decreased after the incubation of M5 co-cultures with 20 and 50 µg/ml TGB, which can be related to its anti-epileptic activity under noninflammatory conditions. A significant decrease of Cx43 expression and cell-cell coupling was found after the incubation of M30 co-cultures with 10 µg/ml ZNS, suggesting additional anti-seizure effects of ZNS with the disruption of glial gap-junctional communication under inflammatory conditions. TGB and ZNS differentially regulated the glial properties. Developing novel ASMs targeting glial cells may have future potential as an "add-on" therapy to classical ASMs targeting neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatme Seval Ismail
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Pedro M Faustmann
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Eckart Förster
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Franco Corvace
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Timo Jendrik Faustmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Cao X, Cai L, Guo D, Zhang D, Zhou X, Xie J. Fibroblast growth factor 8 facilitates cell-cell communication in chondrocytes via p38-MAPK signaling. Tissue Cell 2023; 83:102155. [PMID: 37451010 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102155] [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: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is essential for regulating the development of the organism and sustaining the internal environmental homeostasis of multi-cellular tissue. Fibroblast growth factor 8 (FGF8), an indispensable regulator of the skeletal system, is implicated in regulating chondrocyte growth, differentiation, and disease occurrence. However, the influence of FGF8 on GJIC in chondrocytes is not yet known. The study aims to investigate the role of FGF8 on cell-cell communication in chondrocytes and its underlying biomechanism. We found that FGF8 facilitated cell-cell communication in living chondrocytes by the up-regulation of connexin43 (Cx43), the major fundamental component unit of gap junction channels in chondrocytes. FGF8 activated p38-MAPK signaling to increase the expression of Cx43 and promote the cell-cell communication. Inhibition of p38-MAPK signaling impaired the increase of Cx43 expression and cell-cell communication induced by FGF8, indicating the importance of p38-MAPK signaling. These results help to understand the role of FGF8 on cell communication and provide a potential cue for the treatment of cartilage diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Lang Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Daimo Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Demao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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Li Y, Chang HM, Sung YW, Zhu H, Leung PCK, Sun YP. Betacellulin regulates gap junction intercellular communication by inducing the phosphorylation of connexin 43 in human granulosa-lutein cells. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:103. [PMID: 37231448 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01185-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gap junction protein, connexin 43 (Cx43) is highly expressed in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells. The phosphorylation of certain amino acid residues in the Cx43 protein has been shown to be related to a decline in gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC), which subsequently affects oocyte meiotic resumption. As a member of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family, betacellulin (BTC) mediates luteinizing hormone (LH)-induced oocyte maturation and cumulus cell expansion in mammalian follicles. Whether BTC can regulate Cx43 phosphorylation, which further reduces Cx43-coupled GJIC activity in hGL cells remains to be determined. METHODS Immortalized human granulosa cells (SVOG cells) and primary human granulosa-lutein cells obtained from women undergoing in vitro fertilization in an academic research center were used as the study models. The expression levels of Cx43 and phosphorylated Cx43 were examined following cell incubation with BTC at different time points. Several kinase inhibitors (sotrastaurin, AG1478, and U0126) and small interfering RNAs targeting EGF receptor (EGFR) and receptor tyrosine-protein kinase 4 (ErbB4) were used to verify the specificity of the effects and to investigate the molecular mechanisms. Real-time-quantitative PCR and western blot analysis were used to detect the specific mRNA and protein levels, respectively. GJIC between SVOG cells were evaluated using a scrape loading and dye transfer assay. Results were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. RESULTS The results showed that BTC induced the rapid phosphorylation of Cx43 at serine368 without altering the expression of Cx43 in primary and immortalized hGL cells. Additionally, using a dual inhibition approach (kinase inhibitors and siRNA-based expression knockdown), we demonstrated that this effect was mainly mediated by the EGFR but not the ErbB4 receptor. Furthermore, using a protein kinase C (PKC) kinase assay and a scrape-loading and dye transfer assay, we revealed that PKC signaling is the downstream signaling pathway that mediates the increase in Cx43 phosphorylation and subsequent decrease in GJIC activity in response to BTC treatment in hGL cells. CONCLUSIONS BTC promptly induced the phosphorylation of connexin 43 at Ser368, leading to decreased GJIC activity in hGL cells. The BTC-induced cellular activities were most likely driven by the EGFR-mediated PKC-dependent signaling pathway. Our findings shed light on the detailed molecular mechanisms by which BTC regulates the process of oocyte meiotic resumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Li
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Room 317, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wen Sung
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Hua Zhu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Room 317, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Room 317, 950 West 28th Avenue, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 4H4, Canada.
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
- Henan Provincial Obstetrical and Gynecological Diseases (Reproductive Medicine) Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.
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Tseng CC, Woolley TE, Jiang TX, Wu P, Maini PK, Widelitz RB, Chuong CM. Gap junctions in Turing-type periodic feather pattern formation. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.15.537019. [PMID: 37090608 PMCID: PMC10120740 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.15.537019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Periodic patterning requires coordinated cell-cell interactions at the tissue level. Turing showed, using mathematical modeling, how spatial patterns could arise from the reactions of a diffusive activator-inhibitor pair in an initially homogenous two-dimensional field. Most activators and inhibitors studied in biological systems are proteins, and the roles of cell-cell interaction, ions, bioelectricity, etc. are only now being identified. Gap junctions (GJs) mediate direct exchanges of ions or small molecules between cells, enabling rapid long-distance communications in a cell collective. They are therefore good candidates for propagating non-protein-based patterning signals that may act according to the Turing principles. Here, we explore the possible roles of GJs in Turing-type patterning using feather pattern formation as a model. We found seven of the twelve investigated GJ isoforms are highly dynamically expressed in the developing chicken skin. In ovo functional perturbations of the GJ isoform, connexin 30, by siRNA and the dominant-negative mutant applied before placode development led to disrupted primary feather bud formation, including patches of smooth skin and buds of irregular sizes. Later, after the primary feather arrays were laid out, inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication in the ex vivo skin explant culture allowed the emergence of new feather buds in temporal waves at specific spatial locations relative to the existing primary buds. The results suggest that gap junctional communication may facilitate the propagation of long-distance inhibitory signals. Thus, the removal of GJ activity would enable the emergence of new feather buds if the local environment is competent and the threshold to form buds is reached. We propose Turing-based computational simulations that can predict the appearance of these ectopic bud waves. Our models demonstrate how a Turing activator-inhibitor system can continue to generate patterns in the competent morphogenetic field when the level of intercellular communication at the tissue scale is modulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Chih Tseng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, U.S.A
- Current address: Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, U.S.A
| | - Thomas E. Woolley
- School of Mathematics, Cardiff University, Senghennydd Road, Cardiff, CF24 4AG, U.K
| | - Ting-Xin Jiang
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, U.S.A
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, U.S.A
| | - Philip K. Maini
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, Andrew Wiles Building, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Woodstock Road, Oxford OX2 6GG, U.K
| | - Randall B. Widelitz
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, U.S.A
| | - Cheng-Ming Chuong
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, U.S.A
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D'Amico D, Barone R, Di Felice V, Ances B, Prideaux B, Eugenin EA. Chronic brain damage in HIV-infected individuals under antiretroviral therapy is associated with viral reservoirs, sulfatide release, and compromised cell-to-cell communication. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:116. [PMID: 37016051 PMCID: PMC11071786 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04757-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023]
Abstract
HIV infection has become a chronic and manageable disease due to the effective use of antiretroviral therapies (ART); however, several chronic aging-related comorbidities, including cognitive impairment, remain a major public health issue. However, these mechanisms are unknown. Here, we identified that glial and myeloid viral reservoirs are associated with local myelin damage and the release of several myelin components, including the lipid sulfatide. Soluble sulfatide compromised gap junctional communication and calcium wave coordination, essential for proper cognition. We propose that soluble sulfatide could be a potential biomarker and contributor to white matter compromise observed in HIV-infected individuals even in the current ART era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela D'Amico
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Research Building 17, Fifth Floor, 11Th Street, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosario Barone
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valentina Di Felice
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience, and Advanced Diagnostics (BiND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Beau Ances
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Brendan Prideaux
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Research Building 17, Fifth Floor, 11Th Street, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
| | - Eliseo A Eugenin
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Research Building 17, Fifth Floor, 11Th Street, Galveston, TX, 77555, USA.
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Won DH, Hwang DB, Kim C, Kang M, Jeon Y, Park YI, Che JH, Yun JW. Genotoxic carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene inhibits gap junction intercellular communication through post-transcriptional and post-translational processing involved in connexin 43 stability. Food Chem Toxicol 2023; 174:113695. [PMID: 36863560 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2023.113695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is composed of connexin (Cx) and plays an important role in maintaining intracellular homeostasis. Loss of GJIC is involved in the early stages of cancer pathways of non-genotoxic carcinogens; however, the effect of genotoxic carcinogens, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), on GJIC function remains unclear. Therefore, we determined whether and how a representative PAH 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) suppresses GJIC in WB-F344 cells. First, DMBA significantly inhibited GJIC and dose-dependently reduced Cx43 protein and mRNA expression. In contrast, Cx43 promoter activity was upregulated after DMBA treatment via the induction of specificity protein 1 and hepatocyte nuclear factor 3β, indicating that the promoter-independent loss of Cx43 mRNA can be associated with the inhibition of mRNA stability, which was verified by actinomycin D assay. In addition to a decrease in mRNA stability involved in human antigen R, we also observed DMBA-induced acceleration of Cx43 protein degradation, which was closely related to the loss of GJIC through Cx43 phosphorylation via MAPK activation. In conclusion, the genotoxic carcinogen DMBA suppresses GJIC by inhibiting post-transcriptional and post-translational processing of Cx43. Our findings suggest that the GJIC assay is an efficient short-term screening test for predicting the carcinogenic potential of genotoxic carcinogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hoon Won
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, South Korea
| | - Da-Bin Hwang
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, South Korea
| | - Changuk Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, South Korea
| | - MinHwa Kang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Jeon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Il Park
- Department of Biotechnology, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, 14662, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Hwan Che
- Biomedical Center for Animal Resource and Development, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03080, South Korea
| | - Jun-Won Yun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Toxicology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
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10
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Du Y, Tong Y, Quan Y, Wang G, Cheng H, Gu S, Jiang JX. Protein kinase A activation alleviates cataract formation via increased gap junction intercellular communication. iScience 2023; 26:106114. [PMID: 36852280 PMCID: PMC9958365 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Here, we reported a potential, effective therapeutic mean for cataract prevention and treatment. Gap junction communication, an important mechanism in maintaining lens transparency, is increased by protein kinase A (PKA). We found that PKA activation reduced cataracts induced by oxidative stress, increased gap junctions/hemichannels in connexin (Cx) 50, Cx46 or Cx50 and Cx46 co-expressing cells, and decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. However, ROS reduction was shown in wild-type, Cx46 and Cx50 knockout, but not in Cx46/Cx50 double KO lens. In addition, PKA activation protects lens fiber cell death induced by oxidative stress via hemichannel-mediated glutathione transport. Connexin deletion increased lens opacity induced by oxidative stress associated with reduction of anti-oxidative stress gene expression. Together, our results suggest that PKA activation through increased connexin channels in lens fiber cell decreases ROS levels and cell death, leading to alleviated cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital; Second Clinical School, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, 730000, China
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Yuxin Tong
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Yumeng Quan
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Guangyan Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hongyun Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Sumin Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Jean X. Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
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11
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Bertanza G, Steimberg N, Pedrazzani R, Boniotti J, Ceretti E, Mazzoleni G, Menghini M, Urani C, Zerbini I, Feretti D. Wastewater toxicity removal: Integrated chemical and effect-based monitoring of full-scale conventional activated sludge and membrane bioreactor plants. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 851:158071. [PMID: 35988629 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The literature is currently lacking effect-based monitoring studies targeted at evaluating the performance of full-scale membrane bioreactor plants. In this research, a monitoring campaign was performed at a full-scale wastewater treatment facility with two parallel lines (traditional activated sludge and membrane bioreactor). Beside the standard parameters (COD, nitrogen, phosphorus, and metals), 6 polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, 29 insecticides, 2 herbicides, and 3 endocrine disrupting compounds were measured. A multi-tiered battery of bioassays complemented the investigation, targeting different toxic modes of action and employing various biological systems (uni/multicellular, prokaryotes/eukaryotes, trophic level occupation). A traffic light scoring approach was proposed to quickly visualize the impact of treatment on overall toxicity that occurred after the exposure to raw and concentrated wastewater. Analysis of the effluents of the CAS and MBR lines show very good performance of the two systems for removal of organic micropollutants and metals. The most noticeable differences between CAS and MBR occurred in the concentration of suspended solids; chemical analyses did not show major differences. On the other hand, bioassays demonstrated better performance for the MBR. Both treatment lines complied with the Italian law's "ecotoxicity standard for effluent discharge in surface water". Yet, residual biological activity was still detected, demonstrating the adequacy and sensitivity of the toxicological tools, which, by their inherent nature, allow the overall effects of complex mixtures to be taken into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Bertanza
- DICATAM-Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; MISTRAAL Interdepartmental Research Center - MISTRAL - Inter-University Research Center "Integrated Models for Prevention and Protection in Environmental and Occupational Health", DSCS, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Nathalie Steimberg
- MISTRAAL Interdepartmental Research Center - MISTRAL - Inter-University Research Center "Integrated Models for Prevention and Protection in Environmental and Occupational Health", DSCS, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; DSCS-Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Roberta Pedrazzani
- MISTRAAL Interdepartmental Research Center - MISTRAL - Inter-University Research Center "Integrated Models for Prevention and Protection in Environmental and Occupational Health", DSCS, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; DIMI-Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, I-25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Jennifer Boniotti
- DSCS-Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Ceretti
- DSMC-Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Mazzoleni
- MISTRAAL Interdepartmental Research Center - MISTRAL - Inter-University Research Center "Integrated Models for Prevention and Protection in Environmental and Occupational Health", DSCS, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; DSCS-Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Michele Menghini
- DIMI-Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, I-25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Chiara Urani
- MISTRAAL Interdepartmental Research Center - MISTRAL - Inter-University Research Center "Integrated Models for Prevention and Protection in Environmental and Occupational Health", DSCS, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; DISAT-Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan-Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, I-20126 Milano, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Zerbini
- DSMC-Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy.
| | - Donatella Feretti
- MISTRAAL Interdepartmental Research Center - MISTRAL - Inter-University Research Center "Integrated Models for Prevention and Protection in Environmental and Occupational Health", DSCS, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; DSMC-Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy.
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12
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Ismail FS, Faustmann PM, Kümmel ML, Förster E, Faustmann TJ, Corvace F. Brivaracetam exhibits mild pro-inflammatory features in an in vitro astrocyte-microglia co-culture model of inflammation. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:995861. [DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.995861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Implications of glia in the pathophysiology of epilepsy raise the question of how these cells besides neurons are responsive to antiseizure medications (ASMs). Understanding ASM effects on glia and glia-mediated inflammation may help to explore astrocytes and microglia as potential targets for alternative anti-epileptogenic therapies. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the new generation ASM brivaracetam (BRV) in an astrocyte-microglia co-culture model of inflammation. Primary rat astrocytes co-cultures containing 5%–10% (M5, “physiological” conditions) or 30%–40% (M30, “pathological inflammatory” conditions) of microglia were treated with different concentrations of BRV (0.5, 2, 10, and 20 μg/ml) for 24 h. Glial cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Microglial activation states were analyzed by immunocytochemistry and astroglial connexin 43 (Cx43) expression by Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. Gap-junctional coupling was studied via Scrape Loading. Incubation with high, overdose concentration (20 μg/ml) of BRV significantly reduced the glial cell viability under physiological conditions (p < 0.01: **). Treatment with BRV in therapeutic concentrations (0.5 and 2 μg/ml) reduced the resting microglia (p < 0.05: *) and increased the microglial activation under inflammatory conditions (p < 0.01: **). Astroglial Cx43 expression was not affected. The gap-junctional coupling significantly increased only by 0.5 μg/ml BRV under physiological conditions (p < 0.05: *). Our findings suggest mild pro-inflammatory, in vitro features of BRV with regard to microglia morphology. BRV showed no effects on Cx43 expression and only limited effects on gap-junctional coupling. Reduction of glial viability by overdose BRV indicates possible toxic effects.
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13
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Hua R, Gu S, Jiang JX. Connexin 43 Hemichannels Regulate Osteoblast to Osteocyte Differentiation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:892229. [PMID: 35693933 PMCID: PMC9184820 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.892229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the predominant connexin subtype expressed in osteocytes. Osteocytes, accounting for 90%–95% of total bone cells, function as orchestrators coordinating balanced activity between bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone-forming osteoblasts. In this study, two newly developed osteocytic cell lines, OCY454 and IDG-SW3, were used to determine the role of Cx43 gap junctions and hemichannels (HCs) in the regulation of osteoblast to osteocyte differentiation. We found that the Cx43 level was substantially increased during the differentiation of IDG-SW3 cells and is also much higher than that of OCY454 cells. We knocked down Cx43 expression using the lentiviral CRISPR/Cas9 approach and inhibition of Cx43 HCs using Cx43 (E2) antibody in IDG-SW3 cells. Cx43 knockdown (KD) or Cx43 HC inhibition decreased gene expression for osteoblast and osteocyte markers, including alkaline phosphatase, type I collagen, dentin matrix protein 1, sclerostin, and fibroblast growth factor 23, whereas increasing the osteoclastogenesis indicator and the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL)/osteoprotegerin (OPG) ratio at early and late differentiation stages. Moreover, mineralization was remarkably attenuated in differentiated Cx43-deficient IDG-SW3 cells compared to ROSA26 control. The conditioned medium collected from fully differentiated IDG-SW3 cells with Cx43 KD promoted osteoclastogenesis of RAW264.7 osteoclast precursors. Our results demonstrated that Cx43 HCs play critical roles in osteoblast to osteocyte differentiation process and regulate osteoclast differentiation via secreted factors.
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14
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Kono J, Ueda M, Sengiku A, Suadicani SO, Woo JT, Kobayashi T, Ogawa O, Negoro H. Flavonoid Nobiletin Attenuates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cystitis in Mice through Mechanisms That Involve Inhibition of IL-1β Induced Connexin 43 Upregulation and Gap Junction Communication in Urothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5037. [PMID: 35563427 PMCID: PMC9102543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder inflammatory diseases cause various urinary symptoms, such as urinary frequency and painful urination, that impair quality of life. In this study, we used a mouse model of cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced bladder inflammation and immortalized human urothelial (TRT-HU1) cells to explore the preventive potential of nobiletin (NOB), a polymethoxylated flavone enriched in citrus fruit peel, and investigate its mechanism of action in the bladder. Prophylaxis with PMF90 (60% NOB) attenuated the development of bladder inflammation and urinary symptoms in CYP-treated mice. PMF90 also reduced the upregulation of connexin 43 (Cx43), a major component of gap junction channels, in the bladder mucosa of CYP-treated mice. Stimulation of TRT-HU1 cells with the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β increased Cx43 mRNA and protein expression and enhanced gap junction coupling-responses that were prevented by pre-treatment with NOB. In urothelium-specific Cx43 knockout (uCx43KO) mice, macroscopic signs of bladder inflammation and changes in voiding behavior induced by CYP treatment were significantly attenuated when compared to controls. These findings indicate the participation of urothelial Cx43 in the development of bladder inflammation and urinary symptoms in CYP-treated mice and provide pre-clinical evidence for the preventive potential of NOB through its anti-inflammatory effects on IL-1β signaling and urothelial Cx43 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Kono
- Department of Urology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (J.K.); (M.U.); (A.S.); (T.K.); (O.O.)
| | - Masakatsu Ueda
- Department of Urology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (J.K.); (M.U.); (A.S.); (T.K.); (O.O.)
- Department of Urology, Shizuoka General Hospital, Shizuoka 420-8527, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sengiku
- Department of Urology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (J.K.); (M.U.); (A.S.); (T.K.); (O.O.)
- Sengiku Urology Clinic, Shiga 524-0045, Japan
| | - Sylvia O. Suadicani
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Je Tae Woo
- Department of Biological Chemistry, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University, Kasugai 487-8501, Japan;
| | - Takashi Kobayashi
- Department of Urology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (J.K.); (M.U.); (A.S.); (T.K.); (O.O.)
| | - Osamu Ogawa
- Department of Urology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (J.K.); (M.U.); (A.S.); (T.K.); (O.O.)
| | - Hiromitsu Negoro
- Department of Urology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (J.K.); (M.U.); (A.S.); (T.K.); (O.O.)
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
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15
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Trementozzi AN, Zhao C, Smyth H, Cui Z, Stachowiak JC. Gap Junction-Mediated Delivery of Polymeric Macromolecules. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:1566-1572. [PMID: 35263989 PMCID: PMC9157716 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c01459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Cellular delivery of therapeutic macromolecules such as proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids remains limited due to inefficient transport across the cellular plasma membrane. Gap junction channels, composed of connexin proteins, provide a mechanism for direct transfer of small molecules across membranes, and recent evidence suggests that the transfer of larger, polymer-like molecules such as microRNAs may be possible. Here, we report direct evidence of gap junction-mediated transfer of polymeric macromolecules. Specifically, we examined the transport of dextran chains with molecular weights ranging from 10 to 70 kDa. We found that dextran chains of up to 40 kDa can diffuse through at least five cell layers in a gap junction-dependent manner within a 30 min time frame. Further, we evaluated the ability of connectosomes, cell-derived vesicles containing functional connexin proteins, to be loaded with dextran chains. By opening connexon hemichannel pores within the membranes of connectosomes, we found that 10 kDa dextran was loaded into more than 90% of vesicles, with reduced levels of loading for dextran chains of larger molecular weight. Upon delivering 10 kDa dextran-loaded connectosomes to cells, we further found that connectosomes transferred these membrane-impermeable molecules to the cellular cytosol with dramatically improved efficiency in comparison to the delivery of free, unencapsulated dextran. Collectively, these results reveal that polymeric macromolecules can be delivered to cells via gap junctions, suggesting that the gap junction route may be useful for the delivery of polymeric therapeutic molecules, such as nucleic acids and peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea N Trementozzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Chi Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Hugh Smyth
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Jeanne C Stachowiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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16
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Wendremaire M, Lopez TE, Barrichon M, Zhang H, Hadi T, Ye XY, Neiers F, Bardou M, Sagot P, Garrido C, Lirussi F. Leptin-Induced HLA-G Inhibits Myometrial Contraction and Differentiation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11060954. [PMID: 35326405 PMCID: PMC8946078 DOI: 10.3390/cells11060954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity is associated with a wide spectrum of labour disorders, including preterm birth. Leptin, a pro-inflammatory adipokine and a key factor of obesity, is suspected to play a major role in these disorders. OB-R, its receptor, is expressed on macrophages and myocytes, two cell types critical for labour onset. Macrophages secrete reactive oxygen species/pro-inflammatory cytokines, responsible for myometrial differentiation while myocytes control uterine contractions. In this study, we assessed the effect of leptin on myometrial contraction and differentiation using our validated co-culture model of human primary macrophages and myocytes. We demonstrated that leptin had a different effect on myocytes and macrophages depending on the dose. A low leptin concentration induced a tocolytic effect by preventing myocytes’ contraction, differentiation, and macrophage-induced ROS production. Additionally, leptin led to an increase in HLA-G expression, suggesting that the tocolytic effect of leptin may be driven by HLA-G, a tolerogenic molecule. Finally, we observed that recombinant HLA-G also prevented LPS-induced ROS production by macrophages. Altogether, these data provide a putative molecular mechanism by which leptin may induce immune tolerance and therefore interfere with labour-associated mechanisms. Therefore, HLA-G represents a potential innovative therapeutic target in the pharmacological management of preterm labour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeva Wendremaire
- UMR 1231, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, INSERM, F-21000 Dijon, France; (M.W.); (T.E.L.); (M.B.); (H.Z.); (T.H.); (C.G.)
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France; (F.N.); (M.B.)
| | - Tatiana E. Lopez
- UMR 1231, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, INSERM, F-21000 Dijon, France; (M.W.); (T.E.L.); (M.B.); (H.Z.); (T.H.); (C.G.)
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France; (F.N.); (M.B.)
| | - Marina Barrichon
- UMR 1231, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, INSERM, F-21000 Dijon, France; (M.W.); (T.E.L.); (M.B.); (H.Z.); (T.H.); (C.G.)
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France; (F.N.); (M.B.)
| | - Hang Zhang
- UMR 1231, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, INSERM, F-21000 Dijon, France; (M.W.); (T.E.L.); (M.B.); (H.Z.); (T.H.); (C.G.)
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France; (F.N.); (M.B.)
- School of Basic Medical Science, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Tarik Hadi
- UMR 1231, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, INSERM, F-21000 Dijon, France; (M.W.); (T.E.L.); (M.B.); (H.Z.); (T.H.); (C.G.)
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France; (F.N.); (M.B.)
| | - Xiang-Yang Ye
- School of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 311121, China;
| | - Fabrice Neiers
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France; (F.N.); (M.B.)
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l’Alimentation, INRAE, CNRS, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Marc Bardou
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France; (F.N.); (M.B.)
- CIC 1432, INSERM, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Paul Sagot
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Dijon, F-21000 Dijon, France;
| | - Carmen Garrido
- UMR 1231, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, INSERM, F-21000 Dijon, France; (M.W.); (T.E.L.); (M.B.); (H.Z.); (T.H.); (C.G.)
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France; (F.N.); (M.B.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Georges François Leclerc, F-21000 Dijon, France
| | - Frédéric Lirussi
- UMR 1231, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, INSERM, F-21000 Dijon, France; (M.W.); (T.E.L.); (M.B.); (H.Z.); (T.H.); (C.G.)
- UFR des Sciences de Santé, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F-25000 Besançon, France; (F.N.); (M.B.)
- Plateforme PACE, Laboratoire de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire Besançon, F-25000 Besançon, France
- Correspondence:
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17
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Corvace F, Faustmann TJ, Faustmann PM, Ismail FS. Anti-inflammatory properties of lacosamide in an astrocyte-microglia co-culture model of inflammation. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 915:174696. [PMID: 34902360 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Understanding the effects of antiepileptic drugs on glial cells and glia-mediated inflammation is a new approach to future treatment of epilepsy. Little is known about direct effects of the antiepileptic drug lacosamide (LCM) on glial cells. Therefore, we aimed to study the LCM effects on glial viability, microglial activation, expression of gap-junctional (GJ) protein Cx43 as well as intercellular communication in an in vitro astrocyte-microglia co-culture model of inflammation. METHODS Primary rat astrocytes co-cultures containing 5% (M5, "physiological" conditions) or 30% (M30, "pathological inflammatory" conditions) of microglia were treated with different concentrations of LCM [5, 15, 30, and 90 μg/ml] for 24 h. Glial cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Immunocytochemistry was performed to analyze the microglial activation state. Western blot analysis was used to quantify the astroglial Cx43 expression. The GJ cell communication was studied via Scrape Loading. RESULTS A concentration-dependent incubation with LCM did not affect the glial cell viability both under physiological and pathological conditions. LCM induced a significant concentration-dependent decrease of activated microglia with parallel increase of ramified microglia under pathological inflammatory conditions. This correlated with an increase in astroglial Cx43 expression. Nevertheless, the functional coupling via GJs was significantly reduced after incubation with LCM. CONCLUSION LCM has not shown effects on the glial cell viability. The reduced GJ coupling by LCM could be related to its anti-epileptic activity. The anti-inflammatory glial features of LCM with inhibition of microglial activation under inflammatory conditions support beneficial role in epilepsy associated with neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Corvace
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Timo Jendrik Faustmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Pedro M Faustmann
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany; International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Fatme Seval Ismail
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Knappschaftskrankenhaus Bochum, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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18
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Beckmann A, Recktenwald J, Ferdinand A, Grißmer A, Meier C. First Responders to Hyperosmotic Stress in Murine Astrocytes: Connexin 43 Gap Junctions Are Subject to an Immediate Ultrastructural Reorganization. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121307. [PMID: 34943223 PMCID: PMC8698406 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Gap junctions are intercellular channels that provide the means for direct transport of small molecules, ions, and water between connected cells. With these functions, gap junctions are essential for the maintenance of astrocytic homeostasis and of particular importance in the context of pathophysiological disbalances. These include the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome or the pathology after brain trauma. We demonstrate that short-term hyperosmolarity reduces intercellular communication via gap junctions. These functional changes coincide with the transformation of gap junction ultrastructure as evidenced by freeze-fracture replica immunolabeling and transmission electron microscopy. The hyperosmolarity-induced immediate changes in the ultrastructural assembly of connexons, the protein constituents of gap junction channels, have not been described in astrocytes before and are revealing the coherence of structure and function in gap junctions. Phosphorylation of Connexin 43, the main gap junction protein in astrocytes, at amino acid 368 (Serine) might link the two. Abstract In a short-term model of hyperosmotic stress, primary murine astrocytes were stimulated with a hyperosmolar sucrose solution for five minutes. Astrocytic gap junctions, which are mainly composed of Connexin (Cx) 43, displayed immediate ultrastructural changes, demonstrated by freeze–fracture replica immunogold labeling: their area, perimeter, and distance of intramembrane particles increased, whereas particle numbers per area decreased. Ultrastructural changes were, however, not accompanied by changes in Cx43 mRNA expression. In contrast, transcription of the gap junction regulator zonula occludens (ZO) protein 1 significantly increased, whereas its protein expression was unaffected. Phosphorylation of Serine (S) 368 of the Cx43 C–terminus has previously been associated with gap junction disassembly and reduction in gap junction communication. Hyperosmolar sucrose treatment led to enhanced phosphorylation of Cx43S368 and was accompanied by inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication, demonstrated by a scrape loading-dye transfer assay. Taken together, Cx43 gap junctions are fast reacting elements in response to hyperosmolar challenges and can therefore be considered as one of the first responders to hyperosmolarity. In this process, phosphorylation of Cx43S368 was associated with disassembly of gap junctions and inhibition of their function. Thus, modulation of the gap junction assembly might represent a target in the treatment of brain edema or trauma.
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Wendremaire M, Hadi T, Pezze M, Barrichon M, Lopez T, Neiers F, Sagot P, Garrido C, Lirussi F. Macrophage-induced reactive oxygen species promote myometrial contraction and labor-associated mechanisms†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:1326-1339. [PMID: 32167534 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioaa032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
At labor, the myometrium is infiltrated by a massive influx of macrophages that secrete high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines inducing the expression of specific labor-associated markers. However, the interactions between myocytes and macrophages and the role of macrophages in the myometrium at labor remain to be elucidated. In this work, we studied the role of myometrium-infiltrated macrophages and their interaction with myocytes in lipopolysaccharide-induced preterm labor. A co-culture model of human primary myometrial cells and macrophages was developed and validated. Collagen lattices were used to evaluate myocyte contraction. Differentiation steps were assessed by (i) phalloidin and vinculin staining for cytoskeleton reorganization, (ii) gap junction protein alpha 1 expression and scrape loading/dye transfer with Lucifer Yellow for gap junction intercellular communication, and (iii) calcium imaging for cell excitability. We demonstrated that macrophages favored lipopolysaccharide-induced contraction and early differentiation of myometrial cells. Transwell assays showed that previous activation of macrophages by lipopolysaccharide was essential for this differentiation and that macrophage/myocyte interactions involved macrophage release of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The effects of macrophage-released ROS in myometrial cell transactivation were mimicked by H2O2, suggesting that superoxide anion is a major intermediate messenger in macrophage/myocyte crosstalk during labor. These novel findings provide the foundation for innovative approaches to managing preterm labor, specifically the use of antioxidants to inhibit the initial stages of labor before the contractile phenotype has been acquired. In addition, the co-culture model developed by our team could be used in future research to decipher pathophysiological signaling pathways or screen/develop new tocolytics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maeva Wendremaire
- Institut National de la Santéc et de la Recherche Médicale, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, Dijon, France.,Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, Dijon, France.,Laboratoire de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, CHU Dijon-Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Tarik Hadi
- Institut National de la Santéc et de la Recherche Médicale, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, Dijon, France.,Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, Dijon, France.,Department of Cardiac Surgery, NYU Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Maria Pezze
- Institut National de la Santéc et de la Recherche Médicale, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, Dijon, France.,Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, Dijon, France
| | - Marina Barrichon
- Institut National de la Santéc et de la Recherche Médicale, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, Dijon, France.,Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, Dijon, France
| | - Tatiana Lopez
- Institut National de la Santéc et de la Recherche Médicale, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, Dijon, France.,Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, Dijon, France
| | - Fabrice Neiers
- Centre des Sciences du Goût et de l'Alimentation, INRA, CNRS, Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Paul Sagot
- Service de Gynécologie-Obstétrique, CHU Dijon-Bourgogne, Dijon, France
| | - Carmen Garrido
- Institut National de la Santéc et de la Recherche Médicale, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, Dijon, France.,Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, Dijon, France.,Centre Georges François Leclerc, Dijon, France
| | - Frédéric Lirussi
- Institut National de la Santéc et de la Recherche Médicale, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, Dijon, France.,Université de Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Lipides Nutrition Cancer, Dijon, France.,Laboratoire de Pharmacologie-Toxicologie, CHU Dijon-Bourgogne, Dijon, France
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Jindal S, Chockalingam S, Ghosh SS, Packirisamy G. Connexin and gap junctions: perspectives from biology to nanotechnology based therapeutics. Transl Res 2021; 235:144-167. [PMID: 33582245 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The concept of gap junctions and their role in intercellular communication has been known for around 50 years. Considerable progress has been made in understanding the fundamental biology of connexins in mediating gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and their role in various cellular processes including pathological conditions. However, this understanding has not led to development of advanced therapeutics utilizing GJIC. Inadequacies in strategies that target specific connexin protein in the affected tissue, with minimal or no collateral damage, are the primary reason for the lack of development of efficient therapeutic models. Herein, nanotechnology has a role to play, giving plenty of scope to circumvent these problems and develop more efficient connexin based therapeutics. AsODN, antisense oligodeoxynucleotides; BMPs, bone morphogenetic proteins; BMSCs, bone marrow stem cells; BG, bioglass; Cx, Connexin; CxRE, connexin-responsive elements; CoCr NPs, cobalt-chromium nanoparticles; cGAMP, cyclic guanosine monophosphate-adenosine monophosphate; cAMP, cyclic adenosine monophosphate; ERK1/2, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2; EMT, epithelial-mesenchymal transition; EPA, eicosapentaenoic acids; FGFR1, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1; FRAP, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching; 5-FU, 5-fluorouracil; GJ, gap junction; GJIC, gap junctional intercellular communication; HGPRTase, hypoxanthine phosphoribosyltransferase; HSV-TK, herpes virus thymidine kinase; HSA, human serum albumin; HA, hyaluronic acid; HDAC, histone deacetylase; IRI, ischemia reperfusion injury; IL-6, interleukin-6; IL-8, interleukin-8; IONPs, iron-oxide nanoparticles; JNK, c-Jun N-terminal kinase; LAMP, local activation of molecular fluorescent probe; MSCs, mesenchymal stem cells; MMP, matrix metalloproteinase; MI, myocardial infarction; MAPK, mitogen-activated protein kinase; NF-κB, nuclear factor kappa B; NO, nitric oxide; PKC, protein kinase C; QDs, quantum dots; ROI, region of interest; RGO, reduced graphene oxide; siRNA, small interfering RNA; TGF-β1, transforming growth factor-β1; TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor-α; UCN, upconversion nanoparticles; VEGF, vascular endothelial growth factor. In this review, we discuss briefly the role of connexins and gap junctions in various physiological and pathological processes, with special emphasis on cancer. We further discuss the application of nanotechnology and tissue engineering in developing treatments for various connexin based disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shlok Jindal
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India
| | - S Chockalingam
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology Warangal, Warangal, Telangana, India
| | - Siddhartha Sankar Ghosh
- Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, Guwahati, Assam, India
| | - Gopinath Packirisamy
- Nanobiotechnology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India; Centre for Nanotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee, Roorkee, Uttarakhand, India.
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Applicability of Scrape Loading-Dye Transfer Assay for Non-Genotoxic Carcinogen Testing. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168977. [PMID: 34445682 PMCID: PMC8396440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is recognized as one of the key hallmarks for identifying non-genotoxic carcinogens (NGTxC). Currently, there is a demand for in vitro assays addressing the gap junction hallmark, which would have the potential to eventually become an integral part of an integrated approach to the testing and assessment (IATA) of NGTxC. The scrape loading-dye transfer (SL-DT) technique is a simple assay for the functional evaluation of GJIC in various in vitro cultured mammalian cells and represents an interesting candidate assay. Out of the various techniques for evaluating GJIC, the SL-DT assay has been used frequently to assess the effects of various chemicals on GJIC in toxicological and tumor promotion research. In this review, we systematically searched the existing literature to gather papers assessing GJIC using the SL-DT assay in a rat liver epithelial cell line, WB-F344, after treating with chemicals, especially environmental and food toxicants, drugs, reproductive-, cardio- and neuro-toxicants and chemical tumor promoters. We discuss findings derived from the SL-DT assay with the known knowledge about the tumor-promoting activity and carcinogenicity of the assessed chemicals to evaluate the predictive capacity of the SL-DT assay in terms of its sensitivity, specificity and accuracy for identifying carcinogens. These data represent important information with respect to the applicability of the SL-DT assay for the testing of NGTxC within the IATA framework.
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Jiang L, Huang H, Qian Y, Li Y, Chen X, Di N, Yang D. miR-130b regulates gap junctional intercellular communication through connexin 43 in granulosa cells from patients with polycystic ovary syndrome. Mol Hum Reprod 2021; 26:576-584. [PMID: 32559300 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gaaa044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that negatively regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally. We explored whether connexin 43 (Cx43) was differently expressed in luteinized granulosa cells from women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared with luteinized granulosa cells from women with a normal menstrual cycle, and whether certain miRNAs regulate the Cx43 level and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). The miRNA profile was investigated in ovarian cortex tissues from five women with PCOS and five women without PCOS using a miRNA microarray. The levels of miR-130b and Cx43 mRNA were measured using real-time PCR in human luteinized granulosa cells from 20 women with PCOS and 25 women without PCOS. Protein and mRNA expression analysis and luciferase assays were conducted to confirm the substrate of miR-130b. PCOS ovarian cortex showed differential expression of miRNAs compared with non-PCOS ovarian cortex. Furthermore, miR-130b levels were increased in PCOS ovarian cortex and in luteinized granulosa cells compared with those in women with normal menstrual cycles, whereas the level of Cx43 mRNA, the identified target of miR-130b, was decreased in granulosa cells from patients with PCOS. Overexpression of miR-130b in a granulosa cell line resulted in reduced Cx43 protein levels and inhibited GJIC using scrape loading and dye transfer assay. Meanwhile, inhibition of miR-130b increased the Cx43 level. In conclusion, miR-130b was increased in PCOS granulosa cells, where it targets Cx43 to affect GJIC. The results of the present study suggested that miR-130b, via post-transcriptional regulation of Cx43, is involved in the pathophysiology of PCOS, which provides new insight into the pathological mechanism of PCOS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiamen University Affiliated Women and Children Hospital, Xiamen, China
| | - Yifan Qian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Di
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongzi Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Wang Y, Su Y, Yu G, Wang X, Chen X, Yu B, Cheng Y, Li R, Sáez JC, Yi C, Xiao L, Niu J. Reduced Oligodendrocyte Precursor Cell Impairs Astrocytic Development in Early Life Stress. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:e2101181. [PMID: 34155833 PMCID: PMC8373108 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202101181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Astrocyte maldevelopment is implicated in various neuropsychiatric diseases associated with early life stress. However, the underlying astrocytopathy mechanism, which can result in the psychiatric symptoms, remains unclear. In this study, it is shown that a reduced oligodendrocyte precursor cell (OPC) population accompanies hindered hippocampal astrocytic development in an improved parental isolation mouse model, and that the loss of OPCs suppresses astrocytic network formation and activity. It is further demonstrated that OPC-derived Wnt ligands, in particular Wnt7b, are required for Wnt/β-catenin pathway-mediated astrocytic development and subsequent effects related to neuronal function. In addition, focal replenishment of Wnt7a/b is sufficient to rescue astrocytic maldevelopment. These results elucidate a Wnt-paracrine-dependent but myelin-independent role of OPCs in regulating astrocytic development, which provides a unique insight into the astrocytopathy mechanism in early life stress, and can be implicated in the pathogenesis of human early life stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxin Wang
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyChongqing Key Laboratory of NeurobiologyBrain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education CommissionThird Military Medical UniversityChongqing400038China
| | - Yixun Su
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyChongqing Key Laboratory of NeurobiologyBrain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education CommissionThird Military Medical UniversityChongqing400038China
- Research CentreSeventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518107China
| | - Guangdan Yu
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyChongqing Key Laboratory of NeurobiologyBrain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education CommissionThird Military Medical UniversityChongqing400038China
| | - Xiaorui Wang
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyChongqing Key Laboratory of NeurobiologyBrain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education CommissionThird Military Medical UniversityChongqing400038China
| | - Xiaoying Chen
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyChongqing Key Laboratory of NeurobiologyBrain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education CommissionThird Military Medical UniversityChongqing400038China
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyChongqing Key Laboratory of NeurobiologyBrain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education CommissionThird Military Medical UniversityChongqing400038China
- Department of Neurosurgery2nd affiliated HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqing400038China
| | - Yijun Cheng
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyChongqing Key Laboratory of NeurobiologyBrain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education CommissionThird Military Medical UniversityChongqing400038China
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyChongqing Key Laboratory of NeurobiologyBrain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education CommissionThird Military Medical UniversityChongqing400038China
| | - Juan C. Sáez
- Instituto de NeurocienciaCentro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de ValparaísoValparaíso2381850Chile
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research CentreSeventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat‐sen UniversityShenzhen518107China
| | - Lan Xiao
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyChongqing Key Laboratory of NeurobiologyBrain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education CommissionThird Military Medical UniversityChongqing400038China
- Department of Neurosurgery2nd affiliated HospitalThird Military Medical UniversityChongqing400038China
| | - Jianqin Niu
- Department of Histology and EmbryologyChongqing Key Laboratory of NeurobiologyBrain and Intelligence Research Key Laboratory of Chongqing Education CommissionThird Military Medical UniversityChongqing400038China
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Coutinho FP, Green CR, Acosta ML, Rupenthal ID. Xentry-Gap19 inhibits Connexin43 hemichannel opening especially during hypoxic injury. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 10:751-765. [PMID: 32318976 PMCID: PMC7223318 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-020-00763-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxic injury results in cell death, tissue damage and activation of inflammatory pathways. This is mediated by pathological Connexin43 (Cx43) hemichannel (HC) opening resulting in osmotic and ionic imbalances as well as cytokine production perpetuating the inflammatory environment. Gap19 is an intracellularly acting Cx43 mimetic peptide that blocks HC opening and thus promotes cell survival. However, native Gap19, which must enter the cell in order to function, exhibits low cell permeability. In this study, Gap19 was conjugated to the cell-penetrating peptide, Xentry, to investigate if cellular uptake could be improved while maintaining peptide function. Cellular uptake of Xentry-Gap19 (XG19) was much greater than that of native Gap19 even under normal cell culture conditions. Peptide function was maintained post uptake as shown by reduced ethidium homodimer influx and ATP release due to Cx43 HC block. While XG19 blocked pathologic HC opening though, normal gap junction communication required for cell repair and survival mechanisms was not affected as shown in a dye scrape-load assay. Under hypoxic conditions, increased expression of Syndecan-4, a plasma membrane proteoglycan targeted by Xentry, enabled even greater XG19 uptake leading to higher inhibition of ATP release and greater cell survival. This suggests that XG19, which is targeted specifically to hypoxic cells, can efficiently and safely block Cx43 HC and could therefore be a novel treatment for hypoxic and inflammatory diseases. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Frazer P Coutinho
- Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Colin R Green
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Monica L Acosta
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ilva D Rupenthal
- Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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Bertanza G, Boniotti J, Ceretti E, Feretti D, Mazzoleni G, Menghini M, Pedrazzani R, Steimberg N, Urani C, Viola GCV, Zerbini I, Ziliani E. Environmental Footprint of Wastewater Treatment: A Step Forward in the Use of Toxicological Tools. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18136827. [PMID: 34202094 PMCID: PMC8297069 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18136827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
The assessment of the actual impact of discharged wastewater on the whole ecosystem and, in turn, on human health requires the execution of bioassays. In effect, based on the chemical characterization alone, the synergistic/antagonistic effect of mixtures of pollutants is hardly estimable. The aim of this work was to evaluate the applicability of a battery of bioassays and to suggest a smart procedure for results representation. Two real wastewater treatment plants were submitted to analytical campaigns. Several baseline toxicity assays were conducted, together with tests for the determination of endocrine activity, genetic toxicity and carcinogenicity of wastewater. A “traffic light” model was adopted for an easy-to-understand visualization of the results. Although the legal prescriptions of chemical parameters are fully complied with, bioassays show that a certain biological activity still residues in the treated effluents. Moreover, influent and effluent responses are not always appreciably different. Some tests employing human cells were revealed to be only partially adequate for environmental applications. An interesting and helpful development of the present approach would consist in the estimation of biological equivalents of toxicity, as shown for the estrogenic compound 17-β-estradiol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Bertanza
- DICATAM—Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.B.); (M.M.)
- MISTRAAL Interdepartmental University Research Center—MISTRAL—Integrated Study Models for the Protection of Health and Prevention in Life and Work Environments, DSCS, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.F.); (G.M.); (N.S.); (C.U.)
| | - Jennifer Boniotti
- DSCS—Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Elisabetta Ceretti
- DSMC—Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.C.); (G.C.V.V.); (I.Z.)
| | - Donatella Feretti
- MISTRAAL Interdepartmental University Research Center—MISTRAL—Integrated Study Models for the Protection of Health and Prevention in Life and Work Environments, DSCS, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.F.); (G.M.); (N.S.); (C.U.)
- DSMC—Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.C.); (G.C.V.V.); (I.Z.)
| | - Giovanna Mazzoleni
- MISTRAAL Interdepartmental University Research Center—MISTRAL—Integrated Study Models for the Protection of Health and Prevention in Life and Work Environments, DSCS, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.F.); (G.M.); (N.S.); (C.U.)
- DSCS—Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Michele Menghini
- DICATAM—Department of Civil, Environmental, Architectural Engineering and Mathematics, University of Brescia, Via Branze 43, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; (G.B.); (M.M.)
| | - Roberta Pedrazzani
- MISTRAAL Interdepartmental University Research Center—MISTRAL—Integrated Study Models for the Protection of Health and Prevention in Life and Work Environments, DSCS, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.F.); (G.M.); (N.S.); (C.U.)
- DIMI—Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Brescia, Via Branze 38, I-25123 Brescia, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-030-3715505; Fax: +39-030-3702448
| | - Nathalie Steimberg
- MISTRAAL Interdepartmental University Research Center—MISTRAL—Integrated Study Models for the Protection of Health and Prevention in Life and Work Environments, DSCS, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.F.); (G.M.); (N.S.); (C.U.)
- DSCS—Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Chiara Urani
- MISTRAAL Interdepartmental University Research Center—MISTRAL—Integrated Study Models for the Protection of Health and Prevention in Life and Work Environments, DSCS, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; (D.F.); (G.M.); (N.S.); (C.U.)
- DISAT—Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Milan—Bicocca, Piazza della Scienza 1, I-20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Gaia Claudia Viviana Viola
- DSMC—Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.C.); (G.C.V.V.); (I.Z.)
| | - Ilaria Zerbini
- DSMC—Department of Medical and Surgical Specialities, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, I-25123 Brescia, Italy; (E.C.); (G.C.V.V.); (I.Z.)
| | - Emanuele Ziliani
- DICAr—Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture, University of Pavia, Via Ferrata 1, I-27100 Pavia, Italy;
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Ogazon del Toro A, Jimenez L, Serrano Rubi M, Castillo A, Hinojosa L, Martinez Rendon J, Cereijido M, Ponce A. Prostaglandin E2 Enhances Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication in Clonal Epithelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5813. [PMID: 34071686 PMCID: PMC8198183 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostaglandins are a group of lipids that produce diverse physiological and pathological effects. Among them, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) stands out for the wide variety of functions in which it participates. To date, there is little information about the influence of PGE2 on gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in any type of tissue, including epithelia. In this work, we set out to determine whether PGE2 influences GJIC in epithelial cells (MDCK cells). To this end, we performed dye (Lucifer yellow) transfer assays to compare GJIC of MDCK cells treated with PGE2 and untreated cells. Our results indicated that (1) PGE2 induces a statistically significant increase in GJIC from 100 nM and from 15 min after its addition to the medium, (2) such effect does not require the synthesis of new mRNA or proteins subunits but rather trafficking of subunits already synthesized, and (3) such effect is mediated by the E2 receptor, which, in turn, triggers a signaling pathway that includes activation of adenylyl cyclase and protein kinase A (PKA). These results widen the knowledge regarding modulation of gap junctional intercellular communication by prostaglandins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Arturo Ponce
- Department of Physiology, Biophysics and Neurosciences, CINVESTAV-IPN, CDMX, México C.P. 07360, Mexico; (A.O.d.T.); (L.J.); (M.S.R.); (A.C.); (L.H.); (J.M.R.); (M.C.)
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27
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Sugita J, Fujiu K, Nakayama Y, Matsubara T, Matsuda J, Oshima T, Liu Y, Maru Y, Hasumi E, Kojima T, Seno H, Asano K, Ishijima A, Tomii N, Yamazaki M, Kudo F, Sakuma I, Nagai R, Manabe I, Komuro I. Cardiac macrophages prevent sudden death during heart stress. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1910. [PMID: 33771995 PMCID: PMC7997915 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22178-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias are a primary contributor to sudden cardiac death, a major unmet medical need. Because right ventricular (RV) dysfunction increases the risk for sudden cardiac death, we examined responses to RV stress in mice. Among immune cells accumulated in the RV after pressure overload-induced by pulmonary artery banding, interfering with macrophages caused sudden death from severe arrhythmias. We show that cardiac macrophages crucially maintain cardiac impulse conduction by facilitating myocardial intercellular communication through gap junctions. Amphiregulin (AREG) produced by cardiac macrophages is a key mediator that controls connexin 43 phosphorylation and translocation in cardiomyocytes. Deletion of Areg from macrophages led to disorganization of gap junctions and, in turn, lethal arrhythmias during acute stresses, including RV pressure overload and β-adrenergic receptor stimulation. These results suggest that AREG from cardiac resident macrophages is a critical regulator of cardiac impulse conduction and may be a useful therapeutic target for the prevention of sudden death.
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MESH Headings
- Amphiregulin/metabolism
- Amphiregulin/physiology
- Animals
- Animals, Newborn
- Arrhythmias, Cardiac/complications
- Cells, Cultured
- Death, Sudden, Cardiac/etiology
- Death, Sudden, Cardiac/prevention & control
- Female
- Gap Junctions/physiology
- HeLa Cells
- Humans
- Macrophages/metabolism
- Macrophages/physiology
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Myocardium/cytology
- Myocardium/metabolism
- Myocytes, Cardiac/cytology
- Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism
- Myocytes, Cardiac/physiology
- Receptors, Adrenergic, beta/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Sugita
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Katsuhito Fujiu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
- Department of Advanced Cardiology, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan.
- PRESTO, Japan Science and Technology Agency, 4-1-8 Honcho Kawaguchi, Saitama, 332-0012, Japan.
| | - Yukiteru Nakayama
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Takumi Matsubara
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Jun Matsuda
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Oshima
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yuxiang Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Yujin Maru
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Eriko Hasumi
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Toshiya Kojima
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Seno
- Medical Device Development and Regulation Research Center, Department of Bioengineering/Department of Precision Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Keisuke Asano
- Medical Device Development and Regulation Research Center, Department of Bioengineering/Department of Precision Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Ayumu Ishijima
- Medical Device Development and Regulation Research Center, Department of Bioengineering/Department of Precision Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Naoki Tomii
- Medical Device Development and Regulation Research Center, Department of Bioengineering/Department of Precision Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Yamazaki
- Medical Device Development and Regulation Research Center, Department of Bioengineering/Department of Precision Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Fujimi Kudo
- Department of Disease Biology and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan
| | - Ichiro Sakuma
- Medical Device Development and Regulation Research Center, Department of Bioengineering/Department of Precision Engineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8656, Japan
| | - Ryozo Nagai
- Jichi Medical University, 3311-1 Yakushiji, Shimotsuke-shi, Tochigi-ken, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan
| | - Ichiro Manabe
- Department of Disease Biology and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, 1-8-1 Inohana, Chuo-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba, 260-8670, Japan.
| | - Issei Komuro
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, the University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8655, Japan
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28
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A Cellular Assay for the Identification and Characterization of Connexin Gap Junction Modulators. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031417. [PMID: 33572565 PMCID: PMC7866863 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin gap junctions (Cx GJs) enable the passage of small molecules and ions between cells and are therefore important for cell-to-cell communication. Their dysfunction is associated with diseases, and small molecules acting as modulators of GJs may therefore be useful as therapeutic drugs. To identify GJ modulators, suitable assays are needed that allow compound screening. In the present study, we established a novel assay utilizing HeLa cells recombinantly expressing Cx43. Donor cells additionally expressing the Gs protein-coupled adenosine A2A receptor, and biosensor cells expressing a cAMP-sensitive GloSensor luciferase were established. Adenosine A2A receptor activation in the donor cells using a selective agonist results in intracellular cAMP production. The negatively charged cAMP migrates via the Cx43 gap junctions to the biosensor cells and can there be measured by the cAMP-dependent luminescence signal. Cx43 GJ modulators can be expected to impact the transfer of cAMP from the donor to the biosensor cells, since cAMP transit is only possible via GJs. The new assay was validated by testing the standard GJ inhibitor carbenoxolon, which showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of the signal and an IC50 value that was consistent with previously reported values. The assay was demonstrated to be suitable for high-throughput screening.
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29
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Zou H, Yuan J, Zhang Y, Wang T, Chen Y, Yuan Y, Bian J, Liu Z. Gap Junction Intercellular Communication Negatively Regulates Cadmium-Induced Autophagy and Inhibition of Autophagic Flux in Buffalo Rat Liver 3A Cells. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:596046. [PMID: 33390984 PMCID: PMC7774522 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.596046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium is an important environmental pollutant that poses a serious threat to the health of humans and animals. A large number of studies have shown that the liver is one of the important target organs of cadmium. Stimulation of cells can lead to rapid changes in gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and autophagy. Previous studies have shown that cadmium can inhibit GJIC and induce autophagy. In order to understand the dynamic changes of GJIC and autophagy in the process of cadmium-induced hepatotoxic injury and the effects of GJIC on autophagy, a time-gradient model of cadmium cytotoxicity was established. The results showed that within 24 h of cadmium exposure, 5 μmol/L cadmium inhibited GJIC by down regulating the expression levels of connexin 43 (Cx43) and disturbing the localization of Cx43 in Buffalo rat liver 3A (BRL 3A) cells. In addition, cadmium induced autophagy and then inhibited autophagic flux in the later stage. During this process, inhibiting of GJIC could exacerbate the cytotoxic damage of cadmium and induce autophagy, but further blocked autophagic flux, promoting GJIC in order to obtain the opposite results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Junzhao Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tao Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yan Chen
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Jianchun Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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30
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Kim D, Lewis CS, Sarthy VP, Roy S. High-Glucose-Induced Rab20 Upregulation Disrupts Gap Junction Intercellular Communication and Promotes Apoptosis in Retinal Endothelial and Müller Cells: Implications for Diabetic Retinopathy. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9113710. [PMID: 33227912 PMCID: PMC7699280 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9113710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
To investigate whether high glucose (HG) alters Rab20 expression and compromises gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and cell survival, retinal cells were studied for altered intracellular trafficking of connexin 43 (Cx43). Retinal endothelial cells (RRECs) and retinal Müller cells (rMCs) were grown in normal (N; 5 mM glucose) or HG (30 mM glucose) medium for seven days. In parallel, cells grown in HG medium were transfected with either Rab20 siRNA or scrambled siRNA as a control. Rab20 and Cx43 expression and their localization and distribution were assessed using Western Blot and immunostaining, respectively. Changes in GJIC activity were assessed using scrape load dye transfer, and apoptosis was identified using differential dye staining assay. In RRECs or rMCs grown in HG medium, Rab20 expression was significantly increased concomitant with a decreased number of Cx43 plaques. Importantly, a significant increase in the number of Cx43 plaques and GJIC activity was observed in cells transfected with Rab20 siRNA. Additionally, Rab20 downregulation inhibited HG-induced apoptosis in RRECs and rMCs. Results indicate HG-mediated Rab20 upregulation decreases Cx43 localization at the cell surface, resulting in compromised GJIC activity. Reducing Rab20 expression could be a useful strategy in preventing HG-induced vascular and Müller cell death associated with diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongjoon Kim
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (D.K.); (C.S.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Casey Stottrup Lewis
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (D.K.); (C.S.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Vijay P. Sarthy
- Department of Ophthalmology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Sayon Roy
- Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA; (D.K.); (C.S.L.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-617-358-6801
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31
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Brózman O, Novák J, Bauer AK, Babica P. Airborne PAHs inhibit gap junctional intercellular communication and activate MAPKs in human bronchial epithelial cell line. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 79:103422. [PMID: 32492535 PMCID: PMC7486243 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2020.103422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Inhalation exposures to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been associated with various adverse health effects, including chronic lung diseases and cancer. Using human bronchial epithelial cell line HBE1, we investigated the effects of structurally different PAHs on tissue homeostatic processes, namely gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and MAPKs activity. Rapid (<1 h) and sustained (up to 24 h) inhibition of GJIC was induced by low/middle molecular weight (MW) PAHs, particularly by those with a bay- or bay-like region (1- and 9-methylanthracene, fluoranthene), but also by fluorene and pyrene. In contrast, linear low MW (anthracene, 2-methylanthracene) or higher MW (chrysene) PAHs did not affect GJIC. Fluoranthene, 1- and 9-methylanthracene induced strong and sustained activation of MAPK ERK1/2, whereas MAPK p38 was activated rather nonspecifically by all tested PAHs. Low/middle MW PAHs can disrupt tissue homeostasis in human airway epithelium via structure-dependent nongenotoxic mechanisms, which can contribute to their human health hazards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Brózman
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiří Novák
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic.
| | - Alison K Bauer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA.
| | - Pavel Babica
- RECETOX, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno 62500, Czech Republic.
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32
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Choi EJ, Palacios-Prado N, Sáez JC, Lee J. Identification of Cx45 as a Major Component of GJs in HeLa Cells. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10101389. [PMID: 33003547 PMCID: PMC7650549 DOI: 10.3390/biom10101389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) are intercellular channels that connect adjacent cells electrically and metabolically. The iodide-yellow fluorescent protein (I-YFP) gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) assay is a recently developed method with high sensitivity. HeLa cells have been widely used as GJ-deficient cells for GJ-related research. Herein, we present evidence showing that HeLa cells have functional GJs comprising connexin (Cx) 45 using the I-YFP GJ assay and CRISPR/Cas9 system. We conducted the I-YFP GJIC assay in HeLa cells, which revealed a weak level of GJIC that could not be detected by the Lucifer yellow scrape-loading assay. The mRNA expression of GJB5 (Cx31.1), GJA1 (Cx43), and GJC1 (Cx45) was detected in HeLa cells by RT-PCR analysis. Knocking out GJC1 (Cx45) abolished GJIC, as analyzed by the I-YFP assay and dual whole-cell patch-clamp assay. These results suggest that HeLa cells express Cx45-based GJs and that the I-YFP GJIC assay can be used for cells with weak GJIC, such as Cx45-expressing HeLa cells. Further, GJC1 (Cx45)-knockout HeLa cells are more suitable as a GJ-null cell model for transfection experiments than wild-type HeLa cells. This experimental design was successfully applied to knock out Cx43 expression and GJIC in A549 lung cancer cells and can thus be used to identify major Cxs in other cell types and to establish GJ assay systems for different Cxs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Ju Choi
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Korea;
| | - Nicolás Palacios-Prado
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 6513677, Chile; (N.P.-P.); (J.C.S.)
| | - Juan C. Sáez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 6513677, Chile; (N.P.-P.); (J.C.S.)
- Instituto de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360103, Chile
| | - Jinu Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Yonsei Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Yonsei University, Incheon 21983, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-32-749-4161
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33
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Trementozzi AN, Hufnagel S, Xu H, Hanafy MS, Rosero Castro F, Smyth HDC, Cui Z, Stachowiak JC. Gap Junction Liposomes for Efficient Delivery of Chemotherapeutics to Solid Tumors. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2020; 6:4851-4857. [PMID: 33455217 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.0c01047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapeutic delivery is limited by inefficient transport across cellular membranes. Here, we harness the cellular gap junction network to release therapeutic cargos directly into the cytosol. Specifically, cell-derived vesicles, termed connectosomes, contain gap junction transmembrane proteins that open a direct passageway to the cellular interior. Connectosomes were previously shown to substantially improve chemotherapeutic delivery in vitro. Here, we test connectosomes in vivo, using a murine breast tumor model. We demonstrate that connectosomes improve chemotherapeutic delivery to cellular targets within tumors by up to 16-fold, compared to conventional drug-loaded liposomes, suggesting an efficient alternative pathway for intracellular delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea N Trementozzi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Stephanie Hufnagel
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Haiyue Xu
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Mahmoud S Hanafy
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Felipe Rosero Castro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Hugh D C Smyth
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
| | - Jeanne C Stachowiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712, United States
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34
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Structure-Dependent Effects of Phthalates on Intercellular and Intracellular Communication in Liver Oval Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176069. [PMID: 32842520 PMCID: PMC7504421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans are exposed to phthalates released from plastics, cosmetics, or food on a daily basis. Phthalates have low acute liver toxicity, but their chronic exposures could induce molecular and cellular effects linked to adverse health outcomes, such as liver tumor promotion or chronic liver diseases. The alternation of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and MAPK-Erk1/2 pathways in liver progenitor or oval cells can disrupt liver tissue homeostatic mechanisms and affect the development and severity of these adverse outcomes. Our study with 20 different phthalates revealed their structurally dependent effects on liver GJIC and MAPK-Erk1/2 signaling in rat liver WB-F344 cell line with characteristics of liver oval cells. The phthalates with a medium-length side chain (3–6 C) were the most potent dysregulators of GJIC and activators of MAPK-Erk1/2. The effects occurred rapidly, suggesting the activation of non-genomic (non-transcriptional) mechanisms directly by the parental compounds. Short-chain phthalates (1–2 C) did not dysregulate GJIC even after longer exposures and did not activate MAPK-Erk1/2. Longer chain (≥7 C) phthalates, such as DEHP or DINP, moderately activated MAPK-Erk1/2, but inhibited GJIC only after prolonged exposures (>12 h), suggesting that GJIC dysregulation occurs via genomic mechanisms, or (bio)transformation. Overall, medium-chain phthalates rapidly affected the key tissue homeostatic mechanisms in the liver oval cell population via non-genomic pathways, which might contribute to the development of chronic liver toxicity and diseases.
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35
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Kenmochi H, Yamasaki T, Koizumi S, Sameshima T, Namba H. Nicotine does not affect stem cell properties requisite for suicide gene therapy against glioma. Neurol Res 2020; 42:818-827. [PMID: 32588772 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2020.1782123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Glioblastoma is one of the most lethal tumors in adult central nervous system with a median survival of a year and half and effective therapeutic strategy is urgently needed. For that reason, stem cell-based suicide gene therapies have attracted much interest because of potent tumor tropism of stem cells and bystander effect. In this current clinical situation, stem cells are promising delivery tool of suicide genes for glioma therapy. Since habitual cigarette smoking still prevails worldwide, we investigated the effect of nicotine on stem cell tropism toward glioma and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) function between glioma and stem cells, both of which are important for suicide gene therapies. Methods: Mouse induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neural stem cells (iPS-NSCs) and human dental pulp mesenchymal stem cells (DPSCs) were used. The effect of nicotine on tumor tropism to glioma-conditioned medium (CM) at a non-cytotoxic concentration was assessed with Matrigel invasion assay. Nicotine effect on GJIC was assessed with the scrape loading/dye transfer (SL/DT) assay for co-culture of glioma and stem cells and the parachute assay among glioma cells using high-content analysis. Results: Tumor tropism of iPS-NSCs toward GL261-CM and DPSCs toward U251-CM was not affected by nicotine (0.1 and 1 µM). Nicotine at the concentrations equivalent to habitual smoking (1 µM) did not affect GJIC of iPS-NSC/GL261 and DPSC/U251 and GJIC among each glioma cells. Conclusions: The study demonstrated that non-cytotoxic concentrations of nicotine did not significantly change the stem cell properties requisite for stem cell-based suicide gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Kenmochi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine , Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Yamasaki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine , Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Koizumi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine , Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tetsuro Sameshima
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine , Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hiroki Namba
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine , Higashi-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan
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36
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Moore KB, Mitchell CK, Lin YP, Lee YH, Shihabeddin E, O'Brien J. Localized Calcium Signaling and the Control of Coupling at Cx36 Gap Junctions. eNeuro 2020; 7:ENEURO.0445-19.2020. [PMID: 32179580 PMCID: PMC7168262 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0445-19.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2019] [Revised: 01/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
A variety of electrical synapses are capable of activity-dependent plasticity, including both activity-dependent potentiation and activity-dependent depression. In several types of neurons, activity-dependent electrical synapse plasticity depends on changes in the local Ca2+ environment. To enable study of local Ca2+ signaling that regulates plasticity, we developed a GCaMP Ca2+ biosensor fused to the electrical synapse protein Connexin 36 (Cx36). Cx36-GCaMP transfected into mammalian cell cultures formed gap junctions at cell-cell boundaries and supported Neurobiotin tracer coupling that was regulated by protein kinase A signaling in the same way as Cx36. Cx36-GCaMP gap junctions robustly reported local Ca2+ increases in response to addition of a Ca2+ ionophore with increases in fluorescence that recovered during washout. Recovery was strongly dependent on Na+-Ca2+ exchange activity. In cells transfected with NMDA receptor subunits, Cx36-GCaMP revealed transient and concentration-dependent increases in local Ca2+ on brief application of glutamate. In HeLa cells, glutamate application increased Cx36-GCaMP tracer coupling through a mechanism that depended in part on Ca2+, calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) activity. This potentiation of coupling did not require exogenous expression of glutamate receptors, but could be accomplished by endogenously expressed glutamate receptors with pharmacological characteristics reminiscent of NMDA and kainate receptors. Analysis of RNA Sequencing data from HeLa cells confirmed expression of NMDA receptor subunits NR1, NR2C, and NR3B. In summary, Cx36-GCaMP is an effective tool to measure changes in the Ca2+ microenvironment around Cx36 gap junctions. Furthermore, HeLa cells can serve as a model system to study glutamate receptor-driven potentiation of electrical synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith B Moore
- Richard S. Ruiz, M.D. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Cheryl K Mitchell
- Richard S. Ruiz, M.D. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Ya-Ping Lin
- Richard S. Ruiz, M.D. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Yuan-Hao Lee
- Richard S. Ruiz, M.D. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Eyad Shihabeddin
- Richard S. Ruiz, M.D. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030
- The MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030
| | - John O'Brien
- Richard S. Ruiz, M.D. Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030
- The MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX 77030
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Dydowiczová A, Brózman O, Babica P, Sovadinová I. Improved multiparametric scrape loading-dye transfer assay for a simultaneous high-throughput analysis of gap junctional intercellular communication, cell density and viability. Sci Rep 2020; 10:730. [PMID: 31959888 PMCID: PMC6971000 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57536-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is a vital cellular process required for maintenance of tissue homeostasis. In vitro assessment of GJIC represents valuable phenotypic endpoint that could be effectively utilized as an integral component in modern toxicity testing, drug screening or biomedical in vitro research. However, currently available methods for quantifying GJIC with higher-throughputs typically require specialized equipment, proprietary software and/or genetically engineered cell models. To overcome these limitations, we present here an innovative adaptation of traditional, fluorescence microscopy-based scrape loading-dye transfer (SL-DT) assay, which has been optimized to simultaneously evaluate GJIC, cell density and viability. This multiparametric method was demonstrated to be suitable for various multiwell microplate formats, which facilitates an automatized image acquisition. The assay workflow is further assisted by an open source-based software tools for batch image processing, analysis and evaluation of GJIC, cell density and viability. Our results suggest that this approach provides a simple, fast, versatile and cost effective way for in vitro high-throughput assessment of GJIC and other related phenotypic cellular events, which could be included into in vitro screening and assessment of pharmacologically and toxicologically relevant compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Dydowiczová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 5, CZ-62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Brózman
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 5, CZ-62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Babica
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 5, CZ-62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Sovadinová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 5, CZ-62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Wang J, Li G, Li Y, Zhao Y, Manthari RK, Wang J. The Effects of Fluoride on the Gap-Junctional Intercellular Communication of Rats' Osteoblast. Biol Trace Elem Res 2020; 193:195-203. [PMID: 30887282 DOI: 10.1007/s12011-019-01692-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The gap junction protein plays an important role in the bone formation and alteration of these proteins leading to cause bone development. Aim to determine the effects of different concentration of fluoride on gap-junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) related genes and proteins in the rats' osteoblast cells. We treated the osteoblast cells with various concentrations (0, 0.01, 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 mM) NaF for 24 and 72 h. We used the scrape loading and dye transfer technique to research the intracellular connectivity. Moreover, the mRNA expression levels of connexin 43 (Cx43), connexin45 (Cx45), collagen I, and osteocalcin (OCN) were analyzed by qRT-PCR, the protein expression levels of connexin43 (Cx43) were analyzed by western blotting and immunofluorescence. Our results suggested that the osteoblast proliferations were decreased in the 0.5 and 1 mM NaF groups, after 24 and 72 treatments. The scrape loading and dye transfer experiment showed that the GJIC were increased in the 0.01 mM NaF group and decreased in the 0.5 and 1 mM NaF groups. In addition, the mRNA expressions of Cx43, Cx45, and OCN, and the protein expressions of Cx43 were increased in the 0.01 mM NaF group and decreased in the 0.5 and 1 mM NaF groups. In summary, these results suggest that the low concentration NaF is good for the GJIC, but the high concentration NaF damages the GJIC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Guangsheng Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Yanyan Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Yangfei Zhao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Ram Kumar Manthari
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China
| | - Jundong Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Jinzhong, Shanxi, China.
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Ecological Animal Science and Environmental Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, 030801, Shanxi, China.
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Novel Techniques to Study the Bone-Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1225:1-18. [PMID: 32030644 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-35727-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many cancers commonly metastasize to bone. After entering the bone, cancer cells can interact with surrounding stromal cells, which ultimately influences metastasis progression. Extracellular vesicles, direct cell contact and gap junctions, and cytokines are all mechanisms of intercellular communication that have been observed to occur in the bone microenvironment. These methods of cellular crosstalk can occur between cancer cells and a variety of stromal cells, with each interaction having a different impact on cancer progression. Communication between cancer cells and bone-resident cells has previously been implicated in processes such as cancer cell trafficking and arrest in bone, cancer cell dormancy, cancer cell reactivation, and proliferation. In this chapter we review innovative techniques and model systems that can be used to study bidirectional crosstalk between cancer cells and stromal cells in the bone, with an emphasis specifically on bone-metastatic breast cancer. Investigating how metastatic cancer cells interact with, and are influenced by, the bone microenvironment is crucial to better understanding of the progression of bone metastasis.
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Methodological Protocol for Assessing the Environmental Footprint by Means of Ecotoxicological Tools: Wastewater Treatment Plants as an Example Case. METHODS IN PHARMACOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-0150-1_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Chen Z, Sun X, Chen Q, Lan T, Huang K, Xiao H, Lin Z, Yang Y, Liu P, Huang H. Connexin32 ameliorates renal fibrosis in diabetic mice by promoting K48-linked NADPH oxidase 4 polyubiquitination and degradation. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:145-160. [PMID: 31465542 PMCID: PMC6976783 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nox4 is the major isoform of NADPH oxidase found in the kidney and contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. However, the molecular mechanisms of increased Nox4 expression induced by hyperglycaemia remain to be elucidated. Here, the role of the connexin32-Nox4 signalling axis in diabetic nephropathy and its related mechanisms were investigated. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Diabetes was induced in mice by low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) combined with a high-fat diet. Effects of connexin32 on Nox4 expression and on renal function and fibrosis in STZ-induced diabetic mice were investigated using adenovirus-overexpressing connexin32 and connexin32-deficient mice. Interactions between connexin32 and Nox4 were analysed by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays. KEY RESULTS Connexin32 was down-regulated in the kidneys of STZ-induced diabetic mice. Overexpression of connexin32 reduced expression of Nox4 and improved renal function and fibrosis in diabetic mice, whereas connexin32 deficiency had opposite effects. Down-regulation of fibronectin expression by connexin32 was not dependent on gap junctional intercellular communication involving connexin32. Connexin32 interacted with Nox4 and reduced the generation of hydrogen peroxide, leading to the down-regulation of fibronectin expression. Mechanistically, connexin32 decreased Nox4 expression by promoting its K48-linked polyubiquitination. Interestingly, Smurf1 overexpression inhibited K48-linked polyubiquitination of Nox4. Furthermore, connexin32 interacted with Smurf1 and inhibited its expression. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Connexin32 ameliorated renal fibrosis in diabetic mice by promoting K48-linked Nox4 polyubiquitination and degradation via inhibition of Smurf1 expression. Targeting the connexin32-Nox4 signalling axis may contribute to the development of novel treatments for diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiquan Chen
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Pharmacology, School of PharmacyGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and EvaluationSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaohong Sun
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and EvaluationSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qiuhong Chen
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Tian Lan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of PharmacyGuangdong Pharmaceutical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Kaipeng Huang
- Guangzhou Eighth People's HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Haiming Xiao
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zeyuan Lin
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yan Yang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Peiqing Liu
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Heqing Huang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and EvaluationSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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Esseltine JL, Brooks CR, Edwards NA, Subasri M, Sampson J, Séguin C, Betts DH, Laird DW. Dynamic regulation of connexins in stem cell pluripotency. Stem Cells 2019; 38:52-66. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.3092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Esseltine
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine; Memorial University of Newfoundland; St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador Canada
| | - Courtney R. Brooks
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Nicole A. Edwards
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Mathushan Subasri
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Jacinda Sampson
- Department of Neurology; Stanford University Medical Center; Palo Alto California
| | - Cheryle Séguin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Dean H. Betts
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Dale W. Laird
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
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da Silva B, Irving BK, Polson ES, Droop A, Griffiths HBS, Mathew RK, Stead LF, Marrison J, Williams C, Williams J, Short SC, Scarcia M, O'Toole PJ, Allison SJ, Mavria G, Wurdak H. Chemically induced neurite-like outgrowth reveals a multicellular network function in patient-derived glioblastoma cells. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.228452. [PMID: 31515278 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.228452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor stem cells and malignant multicellular networks have been separately implicated in the therapeutic resistance of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most aggressive type of brain cancer in adults. Here, we show that small-molecule inhibition of RHO-associated serine/threonine kinase proteins (ROCKi) significantly promoted the outgrowth of neurite-like cell projections in cultures of heterogeneous patient-derived GBM stem-like cells. These projections formed de novo-induced cellular network (iNet) 'webs', which regressed after withdrawal of ROCKi. Connected cells within the iNet web exhibited long range Ca2+ signal transmission, and significant lysosomal and mitochondrial trafficking. In contrast to their less-connected vehicle control counterparts, iNet cells remained viable and proliferative after high-dose radiation. These findings demonstrate a link between ROCKi-regulated cell projection dynamics and the formation of radiation-resistant multicellular networks. Our study identifies means to reversibly induce iNet webs ex vivo, and may thereby accelerate future studies into the biology of GBM cellular networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Euan S Polson
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Alastair Droop
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Leeds Institute for Data Analytics, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Hollie B S Griffiths
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Ryan K Mathew
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leeds General Infirmary, Leeds, LS1 3EX, UK
| | - Lucy F Stead
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Joanne Marrison
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Courtney Williams
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | | | - Susan C Short
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | | | - Peter J O'Toole
- Department of Biology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - Simon J Allison
- School of Applied Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, HD1 3DH, UK
| | - Georgia Mavria
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Heiko Wurdak
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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Chen TC, Neupane M, Chien SJ, Chuang FR, Crawford RB, Kaminski NE, Chang CC. Characterization of Adult Canine Kidney Epithelial Stem Cells That Give Rise to Dome-Forming Tubular Cells. Stem Cells Dev 2019; 28:1424-1433. [PMID: 31495275 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2019.0049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Dome formation can occur in cultured tubular epithelial cells originating from various tissues, including the mammary gland and the kidney. The isolation and characterization of normal kidney epithelial stem cells that give rise to dome-forming tubular cells have never been reported. We attempted to isolate and characterize canine kidney epithelial stem cells using a simple cell culture method that we have previously used to isolate other adult human stem cells. Dome-forming kidney epithelial cells were derived from dissociated adult canine kidney tissues that were cultured in a modified keratinocyte serum-free medium supplemented with N-acetyl-l-cysteine, l-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, nicotinamide, and fetal bovine serum. These cells exhibited high self-renewal capacity in long-term culture (growth for >13 months and 30 cumulative population doublings) and exhibited characteristics of stem cells, including (1) deficiency in gap junctional intercellular communication, (2) anchorage-independent growth, (3) expression of stem cell markers octamer-binding transcription factor 4 and SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 2, (4) expression of cell surface markers CD24 and CD133, and (5) multipotent differentiation into osteoblasts, adipocytes, chondrocytes, and dome-forming tubular cells. Most of these characteristics are shared by the well-known canine renal tubule-derived immortalized Madin-Darby Canine Kidney cell line. Furthermore, the putative canine kidney stem cells developed in this study formed budding tubule-like organoids on Matrigel and required high cell density (>4,000 cells/cm2) for sustained growth and confluency for dome formation. The signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) phosphorylation inhibitor, AG490, inhibited colony-forming efficiency and dome formation, whereas lipopolysaccharide, an activator of STAT3, increased colony-forming efficiency in a dose-dependent manner. These results are consistent with the hypothesis that high cell density induces STAT3 expression, which promotes both stem cell self-renewal and differentiation into tubular cells. Our novel cell culture method should be useful for the future development of normal human kidney stem cells for clinical applications and for studying mechanisms of nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Te-Chuan Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Manish Neupane
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Shao-Ju Chien
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Rong Chuang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Robert B Crawford
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Norbert E Kaminski
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
| | - Chia-Cheng Chang
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan
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45
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Read CC, Dyce PW. All‐trans retinoic acid exposure increases connexin 43 expression in cumulus cells and improves embryo development in bovine oocytes. Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 86:1865-1873. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Casey C. Read
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of AgricultureAuburn University Auburn Alabama
| | - Paul W. Dyce
- Department of Animal Sciences, College of AgricultureAuburn University Auburn Alabama
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Lindemann A, Patel AA, Silver NL, Tang L, Liu Z, Wang L, Tanaka N, Rao X, Takahashi H, Maduka NK, Zhao M, Chen TC, Liu W, Gao M, Wang J, Frank SJ, Hittelman WN, Mills GB, Myers JN, Osman AA. COTI-2, A Novel Thiosemicarbazone Derivative, Exhibits Antitumor Activity in HNSCC through p53-dependent and -independent Mechanisms. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:5650-5662. [PMID: 31308060 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-0096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE TP53 mutations are highly prevalent in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and associated with increased resistance to conventional treatment primarily consisting of chemotherapy and radiation. Restoration of wild-type p53 function in TP53-mutant cancer cells represents an attractive therapeutic approach and has been explored in recent years. In this study, the efficacy of a putative p53 reactivator called COTI-2 was evaluated in HNSCC cell lines with different TP53 status.Experimental Design: Clonogenic survival assays and an orthotopic mouse model of oral cancer were used to examine in vitro and in vivo sensitivity of HNSCC cell lines with either wild-type, null, or mutant TP53 to COTI-2 alone, and in combination with cisplatin and/or radiation. Western blotting, cell cycle, live-cell imaging, RNA sequencing, reverse-phase protein array, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and apoptosis analyses were performed to dissect molecular mechanisms. RESULTS COTI-2 decreased clonogenic survival of HNSCC cells and potentiated response to cisplatin and/or radiation in vitro and in vivo irrespective of TP53 status. Mechanistically, COTI-2 normalized wild-type p53 target gene expression and restored DNA-binding properties to the p53-mutant protein in HNSCC. In addition, COTI-2 induced DNA damage and replication stress responses leading to apoptosis and/or senescence. Furthermore, COTI-2 lead to activation of AMPK and inhibition of the mTOR pathways in vitro in HNSCC cells. CONCLUSIONS COTI-2 inhibits tumor growth in vitro and in vivo in HNSCC likely through p53-dependent and p53-independent mechanisms. Combination of COTI-2 with cisplatin or radiation may be highly relevant in treating patients with HNSCC harboring TP53 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Lindemann
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Ameeta A Patel
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Natalie L Silver
- Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Lin Tang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Zhiyi Liu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Noriaki Tanaka
- Department of Dentistry and Oral Surgery, Osaka Police Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Xiayu Rao
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Hideaki Takahashi
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Nakachi K Maduka
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Mei Zhao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Tseng-Cheng Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - WeiWei Liu
- Department of Oral Surgery, School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Meng Gao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Steven J Frank
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Walter N Hittelman
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer, Houston, Texas
| | - Gordon B Mills
- Oregon Health & Science University, Knight Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon
| | - Jeffrey N Myers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
| | - Abdullah A Osman
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas.
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47
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Connexins and Gap Junctions in Cancer of the Urinary Tract. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050704. [PMID: 31121877 PMCID: PMC6563010 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on connexins and nexus or gap junctions in the genesis, progression, and therapy of carcinomas of the human urinary tract. Some decades ago, the idea was born that gap junctional intercellular communication might prevent both the onset and the progression of cancer. Later evidence indicated that, on the contrary, synthesis and the presence of connexins as a prerequisite for gap junctional intercellular communication might promote the occurrence of cancer and metastases. The research history of urinary bladder cancer is a good example of the development of scientific perception. So far, the role of gap junctional intercellular communication in carcinogenesis and cancer progression, as well as in therapeutical approaches, remains unclear.
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Shetty S, Kumar R, Bharati S. Mito-TEMPO, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, prevents N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in mice. Free Radic Biol Med 2019; 136:76-86. [PMID: 30946961 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2019.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Revised: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction play a significant role in hepatocarcinogenesis. Mitochondria are source organelle as well as target for free radicals. The oxidative damage to mitochondria can be prevented by mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, mito-TEMPO. However, its efficacy in prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma has not been investigated so far. METHODS Murine model of hepatocarcinogenesis was developed by intraperitoneal administration of N-nitrosodiethylamine to male BALB/c mice. Mito-TEMPO was administered intraperitoneally at weekly intervals, till the completion of the study. The tumours were histopathologically analysed and anti-cancer efficacy of mito-TEMPO was evaluated in terms of survival index, tumour incidence, tumour multiplicity and tumour dielectric parameters. The antioxidant defence status and molecular composition of tumours were assessed. Gap junctions and gap-junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) were studied using ELISA, IHC and Lucifer yellow assay. RESULTS Mito-TEMPO treatment increased survival of animals by 30%, decreased tumour incidence (25%) and tumour multiplicity (39%). The dielectric parameters of tumours in Mito-TEMPO group were indicative of retarded carcinogenesis. Mito-TEMPO administration normalized mean saturation levels in phospholipids and improved glycogen content of the hepatic tissue. Gap junctions and GJIC which were severely impaired in hepatocarcinogenesis, improved after mito-TEMPO treatment. CONCLUSION Mito-TEMPO was effective in combating hepatocarcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Shetty
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India
| | - Sanjay Bharati
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, School of Allied Health Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, 576104, Karnataka, India.
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Bazzoun D, Adissu HA, Wang L, Urazaev A, Tenvooren I, Fostok SF, Chittiboyina S, Sturgis J, Hodges K, Chandramouly G, Vidi PA, Talhouk RS, Lelièvre SA. Connexin 43 maintains tissue polarity and regulates mitotic spindle orientation in the breast epithelium. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.223313. [PMID: 30992345 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.223313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell communication is essential for tissue homeostasis, but its contribution to disease prevention remains to be understood. We demonstrate the involvement of connexin 43 (Cx43, also known as GJA1) and related gap junction in epithelial homeostasis, illustrated by polarity-mediated cell cycle entry and mitotic spindle orientation (MSO). Cx43 localization is restricted to the apicolateral membrane of phenotypically normal breast luminal epithelial cells in 3D culture and in vivo Chemically induced blockade of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC), as well as the absence of Cx43, disrupt the apicolateral distribution of polarity determinant tight junction marker ZO-1 (also known as TJP1) and lead to random MSO and cell multilayering. Induced expression of Cx43 in cells that normally lack this protein reestablishes polarity and proper MSO in 3D culture. Cx43-directed MSO implicates PI3K-aPKC signaling, and Cx43 co-precipitates with signaling node proteins β-catenin (CTNNB1) and ZO-2 (also known as TJP2) in the polarized epithelium. The distribution of Cx43 is altered by pro-inflammatory breast cancer risk factors such as leptin and high-fat diet, as shown in cell culture and on tissue biopsy sections. The control of polarity-mediated quiescence and MSO may contribute to the tumor-suppressive role of Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Bazzoun
- Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.,Biology Department, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - H A Adissu
- Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - L Wang
- Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - A Urazaev
- Department of Biological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - I Tenvooren
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - S F Fostok
- Biology Department, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - S Chittiboyina
- Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - J Sturgis
- Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - K Hodges
- Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - G Chandramouly
- Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - P-A Vidi
- Department of Cancer Biology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - R S Talhouk
- Biology Department, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut, 11-0236 Beirut, Lebanon
| | - S A Lelièvre
- Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA .,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
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50
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Liang J, Chen P, Li C, Li D, Wang J, Xue R, Zhang S, Ruan J, Zhang X. IL-22 Down-Regulates Cx43 Expression and Decreases Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication by Activating the JNK Pathway in Psoriasis. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 139:400-411. [PMID: 30171832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The roles of IL-22 in the pathomechanisms of psoriasis have been well demonstrated. Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is widely known for its involvement in multiple biological and pathological processes such as growth-related events, cell differentiation, and inflammation. Here, we show that IL-22 significantly decreased GJIC and down-regulated Cx43 expression in HaCaT cells. Cx43 overexpression markedly inhibited the proliferation of and increased GJIC in HaCaT cells, but the silencing of Cx43 exerted the opposite effects. Additionally, Cx43 overexpression effectively rescued the IL-22-induced decrease in GJIC in HaCaT cells. The IL-22-induced down-regulation of Cx43 expression and decrease in GJIC can be significantly blocked by the JNK inhibitor SP600125 and by the overexpression of IL-22RA2 (which specifically binds to IL-22 and inhibits its activity), but not by the NF-κB inhibitor BAY11-7082, in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, the IL-22-induced down-regulation of Cx43 expression mediated by the JNK signaling pathway was confirmed in a mouse model of IL-22-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis. Similarly, Cx43 expression was significantly lower in the lesional skin than in the nonlesional skin of patients with psoriasis. These results suggest that IL-22 decreases GJIC by activating the JNK signaling pathway, which down-regulates Cx43 expression; this process is a possible pathomechanism of keratinocyte hyperproliferation in psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Liang
- Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Pingjiao Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Changxing Li
- Department of Dermatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jianqin Wang
- Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Rujun Xue
- Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Sanquan Zhang
- Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbo Ruan
- Department of Dermatology, Jinan University Medical School Affiliated Hospital of Dongguan, Dongguan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xibao Zhang
- Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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