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Cao N, Liu X, Hou Y, Deng Y, Xin Y, Xin X, Xiang X, Liu X, Yu W. 18-α-glycyrrhetinic acid alleviates oxidative damage in periodontal tissue by modulating the interaction of Cx43 and JNK/NF-κB pathways. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1221053. [PMID: 37538174 PMCID: PMC10394238 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1221053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease in which oxidative stress is one of the key pathogenic factors. Connexin43 (Cx43) is the most critical and widely distributed connexin isoform. When the organism undergoes a severe and sustained stress response, Cx43-mediated gap junctions (GJs) are believed to underlie the biology of tissue injury exacerbation and amplification. Notably, 18-α-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is a classical pharmacological inhibitor of GJs and has antioxidant potential. However, the regulatory role of GA in the redox signaling of periodontal tissues and the potential mechanisms of Cx43 in the pathogenesis of periodontitis remain uncertain. Methods: In this study, we evaluated the effects and mechanisms of GA in alleviating oxidative damage of periodontal tissues and cells by constructing an H2O2-induced oxidative stress model in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs) and a periodontitis model in rats. Results: Cellular experiments showed that GA effectively attenuated H2O2-induced oxidative damage in hPDLCs by inhibiting the expression and function of Cx43. In addition, pretreatment of hPDLCs with either GA or SP600125 (a JNK inhibitor) inhibited the Cx43/JNK/NF-κB pathway, restored cell viability, and reduced apoptosis. Animal experiment results showed that GA intervention reduced alveolar bone resorption and periodontal tissue destruction, inhibited osteoclast differentiation, improved mitochondrial structural abnormalities and dysfunction in periodontal tissue, and decreased oxidative stress levels and apoptosis in rats with periodontitis. Conclusion: Overall, our findings suggest that the Cx43/JNK/NF-κB pathway may play a vital role to promote periodontitis progression, while GA reduces oxidative stress and apoptosis by inhibiting the interaction of Cx43 and JNK/NF-κB pathways, thus alleviating oxidative damage in the periodontal tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niuben Cao
- Department of Periodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiaomeng Liu
- Department of Periodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yubo Hou
- Department of Periodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Periodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yu Xin
- Department of Periodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xirui Xin
- Department of Periodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinchen Xiang
- Department of Periodontics, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xinchan Liu
- Department of Dental Implantology, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Weixian Yu
- Department of Geriatric Stomatology, Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Changchun, China
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2
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Yu F, Yan L, Sun J, Zhao Y, Yuan Y, Gu J, Bian J, Zou H, Liu Z. Gap junction intercellular communication mediates cadmium-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes via the Fas/FasL pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2022; 37:2692-2702. [PMID: 35920667 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As a common environmental pollutant, cadmium (Cd) causes damage to many organs of the body. Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) represents one of the most important routes of rapid signaling between cells. However, the mechanisms underlying GJIC's role in hepatotoxicity induced by Cd remain unknown. We established a Cd poisoning model in vitro by co-culturing Cd-exposed and unexposed hepatocytes and found that 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a GJIC inhibitor, can effectively reduce the apoptosis rate of healthy cells co-cultured with apoptotic cells treated with Cd. We also found that anti-FasL antibody had the same effect. However, in mono-cultured cells, GA treatment in combination with Cd was found to aggravate the damage induced by Cd exposure, increase the level of oxidative stress and protein expression of HO-1, decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential, incur more serious morphological damage to mitochondria than Cd treatment alone. Moreover, compared with Cd-only exposure, GA and Cd co-treatment further increased the expression levels of the apoptosis-related proteins Fas, FasL, FADD and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2, inhibited the protein expression of ASK1 and Daxx. We also found that the protein expression of Daxx in siFADD + Cd hepatocytes was significantly higher than in Cd-treated cells. Thus, our study suggests that gap junction inhibition may play a dual role in Cd-induced cell damage by inhibiting the transmission of death signals from damaged cells to healthy cells but also aggravating the transmission of death signals between damaged cells, and that the Fas/FasL-mediated death receptor pathway may play an important role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Yu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, School of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Coinnovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Lianqi Yan
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China
- Department of Orthopedics, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Subei People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Sun
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, School of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Coinnovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yumeng Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, School of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Coinnovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, School of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Coinnovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhong Gu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, School of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Coinnovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianchun Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, School of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Coinnovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, School of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Coinnovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, School of Horticulture and Plant Protection, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
- Jiangsu Coinnovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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3
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Leroy K, Vilas-Boas V, Gijbels E, Vanderborght B, Devisscher L, Cogliati B, Van Den Bossche B, Colle I, Vinken M. Expression of connexins and pannexins in diseased human liver. EXCLI JOURNAL 2022; 21:1111-1129. [PMID: 36381643 PMCID: PMC9650699 DOI: 10.17179/excli2022-5163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Connexin proteins can form hexameric hemichannels and gap junctions that mediate paracrine and direct intercellular communication, respectively. Gap junction activity is crucial for the maintenance of hepatic homeostasis, while connexin hemichannels become particularly active in liver disease, such as hepatitis, fibrosis, cholestasis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. Channels consisting of connexin-like proteins named pannexins have been directly linked to liver inflammation and cell death. The goal of the present study was to characterize the expression and subcellular localization of connexins and pannexins in liver of patients suffering from various chronic and neoplastic liver diseases. Specifically, real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry analyses were performed on human liver biopsies. It was found that pannexin1 and pannexin2 gene expression are correlated to a certain degree, as is pannexin1 protein expression with connexin32 and connexin43 protein expression. Furthermore, this study is the first to detect pannexin3 in human patient liver biopsies via both immunoblot and immunohistochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Leroy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vânia Vilas-Boas
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Eva Gijbels
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bart Vanderborght
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Universiteit Gent, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Lindsey Devisscher
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Gut-Liver Immunopharmacology Unit, Universiteit Gent, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Gent, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Bert Van Den Bossche
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis Campus Aalst, Merestraat 80, 9300 Aalst, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Colle
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis Campus Aalst, Merestraat 80, 9300 Aalst, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium,*To whom correspondence should be addressed: Mathieu Vinken, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; Tel.: +3224774587, E-mail:
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4
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Van Campenhout R, Leroy K, Cooreman A, Tabernilla A, Cogliati B, Kadam P, Vinken M. Connexin-Based Channels in the Liver. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:4147-4163. [PMID: 35950654 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c220007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Connexin proteins oligomerize in hexameric structures called connexin hemichannels, which then dock to form gap junctions. Gap junctions direct cell-cell communication by allowing the exchange of small molecules and ions between neighboring cells. In this way, hepatic gap junctions support liver homeostasis. Besides serving as building blocks for gap junctions, connexin hemichannels provide a pathway between the intracellular and the extracellular environment. The activation of connexin hemichannels is associated with acute and chronic liver pathologies. This article discusses the role of gap junctions and connexin hemichannels in the liver. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:1-17, 2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raf Van Campenhout
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Department of Pathology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Prashant Kadam
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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5
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Leroy K, Silva Costa CJ, Pieters A, dos Santos Rodrigues B, Van Campenhout R, Cooreman A, Tabernilla A, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Expression and Functionality of Connexin-Based Channels in Human Liver Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12187. [PMID: 34830068 PMCID: PMC8623148 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer cell lines are frequently used in vitro tools to test candidate anti-cancer agents as well as to elucidate mechanisms of liver carcinogenesis. Among such mechanisms is cellular communication mediated by connexin-based gap junctions. The present study investigated changes in connexin expression and gap junction functionality in liver cancer in vitro. For this purpose, seven human liver cancer cell lines, as well as primary human hepatocytes, were subjected to connexin and gap junction analysis at the transcriptional, translational and activity level. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed enhanced expression of connexin43 in the majority of liver cancer cell lines at the expense of connexin32 and connexin26. Some of these changes were paralleled at the protein level, as evidenced by immunoblot analysis and in situ immunocytochemistry. Gap junctional intercellular communication, assessed by the scrape loading/dye transfer assay, was generally low in all liver cancer cell lines. Collectively, these results provide a full scenario of modifications in hepatocyte connexin production and gap junction activity in cultured liver cancer cell lines. The findings may be valuable for the selection of neoplastic hepatocytes for future mechanistic investigation and testing of anti-cancer drugs that target connexins and their channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Leroy
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Cícero Júlio Silva Costa
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (C.J.S.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Alanah Pieters
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Bruna dos Santos Rodrigues
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (C.J.S.C.); (B.C.)
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (B.d.S.R.); (R.V.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.)
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Leroy K, Pieters A, Cooreman A, Van Campenhout R, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Connexin-Based Channel Activity Is Not Specifically Altered by Hepatocarcinogenic Chemicals. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:11724. [PMID: 34769157 PMCID: PMC8584159 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin-based channels play key roles in cellular communication and can be affected by deleterious chemicals. In this study, the effects of various genotoxic carcinogenic compounds, non-genotoxic carcinogenic compounds and non-carcinogenic compounds on the expression and functionality of connexin-based channels, both gap junctions and connexin hemichannels, were investigated in human hepatoma HepaRG cell cultures. Expression of connexin26, connexin32, and connexin43 was evaluated by means of real-time reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis, immunoblot analysis and in situ immunostaining. Gap junction functionality was assessed via a scrape loading/dye transfer assay. Opening of connexin hemichannels was monitored by measuring extracellular release of adenosine triphosphate. It was found that both genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogenic compounds negatively affect connexin32 expression. However, no specific effects related to chemical type were observed at gap junction or connexin hemichannel functionality level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Leroy
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Alanah Pieters
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, Cidade Universitária, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Entity of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.C.); (R.V.C.)
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7
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Hu X, Duan T, Xiong Y, He Z, Wei W, Cao Z. Intercellular transmission of chronic ER stress: a new mechanism of metabolic diseases. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2021; 53:1109-1111. [PMID: 34159349 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmab081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Hu
- Department of Biochemistry, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Tingting Duan
- Department of Biochemistry, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yuqing Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Zhijie He
- Department of Biochemistry, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Wenjie Wei
- Department of Biochemistry, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Zhaohui Cao
- Department of Biochemistry, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
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8
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Katturajan R, Evan Prince S. A role of connexin 43 on the drug-induced liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract toxicity with associated signaling pathways. Life Sci 2021; 280:119629. [PMID: 34004253 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Drug-induced organ toxicity/injury, especially in the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal tract, is a systematic disorder that causes oxidative stress formation and inflammation resulting in cell death and organ failure. Current therapies target reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging and inhibit inflammatory factors in organ injury to restore the functions and temporary relief. Organ cell function and tissue homeostasis are maintained through gap junction intercellular communication, regulating connexin hemichannels. Mis-regulation of such connexin, especially connexin (Cx) 43, affects a comprehensive process, including cell differentiation, inflammation, and cell death. Aim to describe knowledge about the importance of connexin role and insights therapeutic targeting. Cx43 misregulation has been implicated in recent decades in various diseases. Moreover, in recent years there is increasing evidence that Cx43 is involved in the toxicity process, including hepatic, renal, and gastrointestinal disorders. Cx43 has the potential to initiate the immune system to cause cell death, which has been activated in the acceleration of apoptosis, necroptosis, and autophagy signaling pathway. So far, therapies targeting Cx43 have been under inspection and are subjected to clinical trial phases. This review elucidates the role of Cx43 in drug-induced vital organ injury, and recent reports compromise its function in the major signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramkumar Katturajan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Sabina Evan Prince
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, VIT, Vellore, Tamil Nadu, India.
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9
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Kamali K, Schmelzle M, Kamali C, Brunnbauer P, Splith K, Leder A, Berndt N, Hillebrandt KH, Raschzok N, Feldbrügge L, Felsenstein M, Gaßner J, Ritschl P, Lurje G, Schöning W, Benzing C, Pratschke J, Krenzien F. Sensing Acute Cellular Rejection in Liver Transplant Patients Using Liver-Derived Extracellular Particles: A Prospective, Observational Study. Front Immunol 2021; 12:647900. [PMID: 34025656 PMCID: PMC8131523 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.647900] [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: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute cellular rejection (ACR) after liver transplantation (LT) goes along with allograft dysfunction, which is diagnosed by liver biopsy and concomitant histological analysis, representing the gold standard in clinical practice. Yet, liver biopsies are invasive, costly, time-intensive and require expert knowledge. Herein we present substantial evidence that blood plasma residing peripheral liver-derived extracellular particles (EP) could be employed to diagnose ACR non-invasively. In vitro experiments showed organ-specific EP release from primary human hepatocytes under immunological stress. Secondly, analysis of consecutive LT patients (n=11) revealed significant heightened EP concentrations days before ACR. By conducting a diagnostic accuracy study (n = 69, DRKS00011631), we explored the viability of using EP as a liquid biopsy for diagnosing ACR following LT. Consequently, novel EP populations in samples were identified using visualization of t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (viSNE) and self-organizing maps (FlowSOM) algorithms. As a result, the ASGR1+CD130+Annexin V+ EP subpopulation exhibited the highest accuracy for predicting ACR (area under the curve: 0.80, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70-0.90), with diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of 100% (95% CI, 81.67-100.0%) and 68.5% (95% CI, 55.3-79.3%), respectively. In summary, this new EP subpopulation presented the highest diagnostic accuracy for detecting ACR in LT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaan Kamali
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Moritz Schmelzle
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Can Kamali
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Brunnbauer
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katrin Splith
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Annekatrin Leder
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nadja Berndt
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Karl-Herbert Hillebrandt
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Nathanael Raschzok
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Linda Feldbrügge
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthäus Felsenstein
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Joseph Gaßner
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Paul Ritschl
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg Lurje
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Wenzel Schöning
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Benzing
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Johann Pratschke
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Krenzien
- Department of Surgery, Charité - Universitätsmedizin, Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
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10
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Tirosh A, Tuncman G, Calay ES, Rathaus M, Ron I, Tirosh A, Yalcin A, Lee YG, Livne R, Ron S, Minsky N, Arruda AP, Hotamisligil GS. Intercellular Transmission of Hepatic ER Stress in Obesity Disrupts Systemic Metabolism. Cell Metab 2021; 33:319-333.e6. [PMID: 33340456 PMCID: PMC7858244 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) has a pathophysiological role in obesity-associated insulin resistance. Yet, the coordinated tissue response to ERS remains unclear. Increased connexin 43 (Cx43)-mediated intercellular communication has been implicated in tissue-adaptive and -maladaptive response to various chronic stresses. Here, we demonstrate that in hepatocytes, ERS results in increased Cx43 expression and cell-cell coupling. Co-culture of ER-stressed "donor" cells resulted in intercellular transmission of ERS and dysfunction to ERS-naive "recipient" cells ("bystander response"), which could be prevented by genetic or pharmacologic suppression of Cx43. Hepatocytes from obese mice were able to transmit ERS to hepatocytes from lean mice, and mice lacking liver Cx43 were protected from diet-induced ERS, insulin resistance, and hepatosteatosis. Taken together, our results indicate that in obesity, the increased Cx43-mediated cell-cell coupling allows intercellular propagation of ERS. This novel maladaptive response to over-nutrition exacerbates the tissue ERS burden, promoting hepatosteatosis and impairing whole-body glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Tirosh
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Gurol Tuncman
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ediz S Calay
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Moran Rathaus
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Idit Ron
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amit Tirosh
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Abdullah Yalcin
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Medical School, Department of Medical Biology, 09100 Aydin, Turkey
| | - Yankun G Lee
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rinat Livne
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sophie Ron
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Neri Minsky
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ana Paula Arruda
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gökhan S Hotamisligil
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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11
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Yang YM, Seki E. Global Spread of a Local Fire: Transmission of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress via Connexin 43. Cell Metab 2021; 33:229-230. [PMID: 33535096 PMCID: PMC8407036 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2021.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is essential in the development of obesity, insulin resistance, and hepatosteatosis. In the latest issue of Cell Metabolism, Tirosh et al. (2020) demonstrate that intracellular ER stress can be transmitted to neighboring hepatocytes via connexin 43, thus propagating ER stress and promoting hepatosteatosis and insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoon Mee Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon 24341, South Korea
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA.
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12
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Cooreman A, Van Campenhout R, Crespo Yanguas S, Gijbels E, Leroy K, Pieters A, Tabernilla A, Van Brantegem P, Annaert P, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Cholestasis Differentially Affects Liver Connexins. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6534. [PMID: 32906817 PMCID: PMC7116118 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are goal keepers of tissue homeostasis, including in the liver. As a result, they are frequently involved in disease. The current study was set up to investigate the effects of cholestatic disease on the production of connexin26, connexin32 and connexin43 in the liver. For this purpose, bile duct ligation, a well-known trigger of cholestatic liver injury, was applied to mice. In parallel, human hepatoma HepaRG cell cultures were exposed to cholestatic drugs and bile acids. Samples from both the in vivo and in vitro settings were subsequently subjected to assessment of mRNA and protein quantities as well as to in situ immunostaining. While the outcome of cholestasis on connexin26 and connexin43 varied among experimental settings, a more generalized repressing effect was seen for connexin32. This has also been observed in many other liver pathologies and could suggest a role for connexin32 as a robust biomarker of liver disease and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Cooreman
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Eva Gijbels
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Alanah Pieters
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Pieter Van Brantegem
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (P.V.B.); (P.A.)
| | - Pieter Annaert
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (P.V.B.); (P.A.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
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13
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Leroy K, Pieters A, Tabernilla A, Cooreman A, Van Campenhout R, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Targeting gap junctional intercellular communication by hepatocarcinogenic compounds. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART B, CRITICAL REVIEWS 2020; 23:255-275. [PMID: 32568623 DOI: 10.1080/10937404.2020.1781010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions in liver, as in other organs, play a critical role in tissue homeostasis. Inherently, these cellular constituents are major targets for systemic toxicity and diseases, including cancer. This review provides an overview of chemicals that compromise liver gap junctions, in particular biological toxins, organic solvents, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, peroxides, metals and phthalates. The focus in this review is placed upon the mechanistic scenarios that underlie these adverse effects. Further, the potential use of gap junctional activity as an in vitro biomarker to identify non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogenic chemicals is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat Leroy
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Alanah Pieters
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Cidade Universitária , São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , Brussels, Belgium
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14
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A robust bacterial assay for high-throughput screening of human 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase inhibitors. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14145. [PMID: 31578365 PMCID: PMC6775094 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50533-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT1) and alkaptonuria (AKU) are inherited metabolic disorders caused by defective enzymes involved in tyrosine catabolism. Nitisinone, an ex-herbicide and member of the β-triketone family, is therapeutically applied to prevent accumulation of toxic metabolites in patients by inhibiting the enzyme 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPD). Here, we developed a colorimetric bacterial whole-cell screening system that allows quantifying the inhibitory effects of human HPD inhibitors in a high-throughput and a robust fashion. The principle of our screening system is based on the degradation of tyrosine through 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate into homogentisate by human HPD expressed in E. coli and subsequent production of a soluble melanin-like pigment. With the aim to optimise the assay, we tested different E. coli strains, expression and reaction temperatures, and time-points for supplementing the substrate. We found that in our assay the addition of prototypical β-triketone HPD inhibitors decreases pigment production in a dose-dependent manner with increasing inhibitor concentrations. In addition, plate uniformity, signal variability and spatial uniformity assessment showed that we have developed a robust high-throughput screening assay that is simple to use, cost-effective and enables identification and evaluation of novel therapeutic human HPD inhibitors for the treatment of tyrosine-related metabolic disorders.
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15
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Yang L, Dong C, Tian L, Ji X, Yang L, Li L. Gadolinium Chloride Restores the Function of the Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication between Hepatocytes in a Liver Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E3748. [PMID: 31370360 PMCID: PMC6695937 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gadolinium chloride (GdCl3) has been reported to attenuate liver injury caused by a variety of toxicants. Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is thought to be essential in controlling liver homeostasis and pathology. Here we evaluate the effects of GdCl3 on functional GJIC and connexin expression in mouse models and primary hepatocytes. METHODS Mice were administered GdCl3 intraperitoneally the day before a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) injection or bile duct ligation (BDL) operation. Primary hepatocytes were treated with CCl4 or lipopolysaccharides (LPS), with or without GdCl3. A scrape loading/dye transfer assay was performed to assess the GJIC function. The expression of connexins was examined by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blot and immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS CCl4 treatment or the BDL operation led to the dysfunction of GJIC and a down-regulation of Cx32 and Cx26 in injured liver. GdCl3 administration restored GJIC function between hepatocytes by facilitating the transfer of fluorescent dye from one cell into adjacent cells via GJIC, and markedly prevented the decrease of Cx32 and Cx26 in injured liver. In primary hepatocytes, CCl4 or LPS treatment induced an obvious decline of Cx32 and Cx26, whereas GdCl3 pretreatment prevented the down-regulation of connexins. In vivo GdCl3 protected hepatocytes and attenuated the liver inflammation and fibrosis in liver injury mouse models. CONCLUSION GdCl3 administration protects functional GJIC between hepatocytes, and prevents the decrease of connexin proteins at mRNA and protein levels during liver injury, leading to the alleviation of chronic liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Chengbin Dong
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Xiaofang Ji
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Liying Li
- Department of Cell Biology, Municipal Laboratory for Liver Protection and Regulation of Regeneration, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China.
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16
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Hernández-Guerra M, Hadjihambi A, Jalan R. Gap junctions in liver disease: Implications for pathogenesis and therapy. J Hepatol 2019; 70:759-772. [PMID: 30599172 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the normal liver, cells interact closely through gap junctions. By providing a pathway for the trafficking of low molecular mass molecules, these channels contribute to tissue homeostasis and maintenance of hepatic function. Thus, dysfunction of gap junctions affects a wide variety of liver processes, such as differentiation, cell death, inflammation and fibrosis. In fact, dysfunctional gap junctions have been implicated, for more than a decade, in cholestatic disease, hepatic cancer and cirrhosis. Additionally, in recent years there is an increasing body of evidence that these channels are also involved in other relevant and prevalent liver pathological processes, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, acute liver injury and portal hypertension. In parallel to these new clinical implications the available data include controversial observations. Thus, a comprehensive overview is required to better understand the functional complexity of these pores. This paper will review the most recent knowledge concerning gap junction dysfunction, with a special focus on the role of these channels in the pathogenesis of relevant clinical entities and on potential therapeutic targets that are amenable to modification by drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rajiv Jalan
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Medical School, London, UK
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17
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Cooreman A, Van Campenhout R, Ballet S, Annaert P, Van Den Bossche B, Colle I, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Connexin and Pannexin (Hemi)Channels: Emerging Targets in the Treatment of Liver Disease. Hepatology 2019; 69:1317-1323. [PMID: 30300925 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Connexin proteins are the building blocks of hemichannels, which dock further between adjacent cells to form gap junctions. Gap junctions control the intercellular exchange of critical homeostasis regulators. By doing so, gap junctions control virtually all aspects of the hepatic life cycle. In the last decade, it has become clear that connexin hemichannels also provide a pathway for cellular communication on their own independent of their role as structural precursors of gap junctions, namely between the cytosol of an individual cell and its extracellular environment. In contrast to gap junctions, connexin hemichannels become particularly active in liver disease by facilitating inflammation and cell death. This equally holds true for cellular channels composed of pannexins, being connexin-like proteins recently identified in the liver that gather in structures reminiscent of hemichannels. This paper gives an overview of the involvement of connexin-based and pannexin-based channels in noncancerous liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Cooreman
- Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pieter Annaert
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bert Van Den Bossche
- Department of Abdominal Surgery and Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis Campus Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Colle
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis Campus Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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18
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Genetic ablation of pannexin1 counteracts liver fibrosis in a chemical, but not in a surgical mouse model. Arch Toxicol 2018; 92:2607-2627. [PMID: 29987408 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-018-2255-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the final common pathway for almost all causes of chronic liver injury. This chronic disease is characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components mainly due to transdifferentiation of quiescent hepatic stellate cell into myofibroblasts-like cells, which in turn is driven by cell death and inflammation. In the last few years, paracrine signaling through pannexin1 channels has emerged as a key player in the latter processes. The current study was set up to investigate the role of pannexin1 signaling in liver fibrosis. Wild-type and whole body pannexin1 knock-out mice were treated with carbon tetrachloride or subjected to bile duct ligation. Evaluation of the effects of pannexin1 deletion was based on a number of clinically relevant read-outs, including markers of liver damage, histopathological analysis, oxidative stress, inflammation and regenerative capacity. In parallel, to elucidate the molecular pathways affected by pannexin1 deletion as well as to mechanistically anchor the clinical observations, whole transcriptome analysis of liver tissue was performed. While pannexin1 knock-out mice treated with carbon tetrachloride displayed reduced collagen content, hepatic stellate cell activation, inflammation and hepatic regeneration, bile duct ligated counterparts showed increased hepatocellular injury and antioxidant enzyme activity with a predominant immune response. Gene expression profiling revealed a downregulation of fibrotic and immune responses in pannexin1 knock-out mice treated with carbon tetrachloride, whereas bile duct ligated pannexin1-deficient animals showed a pronounced inflammatory profile. This study shows for the first time an etiology-dependent role for pannexin1 signaling in experimental liver fibrosis.
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19
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Abstract
Although a plethora of signaling pathways are known to drive the activation of hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis, the involvement of connexin-based communication in this process remains elusive. Connexin43 expression is enhanced in activated hepatic stellate cells and constitutes the molecular building stone of hemichannels and gap junctions. While gap junctions support intercellular communication, and hence the maintenance of liver homeostasis, hemichannels provide a circuit for extracellular communication and are typically opened by pathological stimuli, such as oxidative stress and inflammation. The present study was set up to investigate the effects of inhibition of connexin43-based hemichannels and gap junctions on liver fibrosis in mice. Liver fibrosis was induced by administration of thioacetamide to Balb/c mice for eight weeks. Thereafter, mice were treated for two weeks with TAT-Gap19, a specific connexin43 hemichannel inhibitor, or carbenoxolone, a general hemichannel and gap junction inhibitor. Subsequently, histopathological analysis was performed and markers of hepatic damage and functionality, oxidative stress, hepatic stellate cell activation and inflammation were evaluated. Connexin43 hemichannel specificity of TAT-Gap19 was confirmed in vitro by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis and the measurement of extracellular release of adenosine-5′-triphosphate. Upon administration to animals, both TAT-Gap19 and carbenoxolone lowered the degree of liver fibrosis accompanied by superoxide dismutase overactivation and reduced production of inflammatory proteins, respectively. These results support a role of connexin-based signaling in the resolution of liver fibrosis, and simultaneously demonstrate the therapeutic potential of TAT-Gap19 and carbenoxolone in the treatment of this type of chronic liver disease.
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20
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Willebrords J, Cogliati B, Pereira IVA, da Silva TC, Crespo Yanguas S, Maes M, Govoni VM, Lima A, Felisbino DA, Decrock E, Nogueira MS, de Castro IA, Leclercq I, Leybaert L, Rodrigues RM, Vinken M. Inhibition of connexin hemichannels alleviates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8268. [PMID: 28811572 PMCID: PMC5557827 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08583-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
While gap junctions mediate intercellular communication and support liver homeostasis, connexin hemichannels are preferentially opened by pathological stimuli, including inflammation and oxidative stress. The latter are essential features of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In this study, it was investigated whether connexin32 and connexin43 hemichannels play a role in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Mice were fed a choline-deficient high-fat diet or normal diet for 8 weeks. Thereafter, TAT-Gap24 or TAT-Gap19, specific inhibitors of hemichannels composed of connexin32 and connexin43, respectively, were administered for 2 weeks. Subsequently, histopathological examination was carried out and various indicators of inflammation, liver damage and oxidative stress were tested. In addition, whole transcriptome microarray analysis of liver tissue was performed. Channel specificity of TAT-Gap24 and TAT-Gap19 was examined in vitro by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis and measurement of extracellular release of adenosine triphosphate. TAT-Gap24 and TAT-Gap19 were shown to be hemichannel-specific in cultured primary hepatocytes. Diet-fed animals treated with TAT-Gap24 or TAT-Gap19 displayed decreased amounts of liver lipids and inflammatory markers, and augmented levels of superoxide dismutase, which was supported by the microarray results. These findings show the involvement of connexin32 and connexin43 hemichannels in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and, simultaneously, suggest a role as potential drug targets in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabel Veloso Alves Pereira
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veronica Mollica Govoni
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andressa Lima
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniele Aparecida Felisbino
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elke Decrock
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marina Sayuri Nogueira
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Inar Alves de Castro
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabelle Leclercq
- Laboratory of hepatogastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 53, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Robim Marcelino Rodrigues
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
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21
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Maes M, Crespo Yanguas S, Willebrords J, Weemhoff JL, da Silva TC, Decrock E, Lebofsky M, Pereira IVA, Leybaert L, Farhood A, Jaeschke H, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Connexin hemichannel inhibition reduces acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice. Toxicol Lett 2017; 278:30-37. [PMID: 28687253 PMCID: PMC5800489 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2017.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 07/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Historically, connexin hemichannels have been considered as structural precursors of gap junctions. However, accumulating evidence points to independent roles for connexin hemichannels in cellular signaling by connecting the intracellular compartment with the extracellular environment. Unlike gap junctions, connexin hemichannels seem to be mainly activated in pathological processes. The present study was set up to test the potential involvement of hemichannels composed of connexin32 and connexin43 in acute hepatotoxicity induced by acetaminophen. Prior to this, in vitro testing was performed to confirm the specificity and efficacy of TAT-Gap24 and TAT-Gap19 in blocking connexin32 and connexin43 hemichannels, respectively. Subsequently, mice were overdosed with acetaminophen followed by treatment with TAT-Gap24 or TAT-Gap19 or a combination of both after 1.5h. Sampling was performed 3, 6, 24 and 48h following acetaminophen administration. Evaluation of the effects of connexin hemichannel inhibition was based on a series of clinically relevant read-outs, measurement of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress. Subsequent treatment of acetaminophen-overdosed mice with TAT-Gap19 only marginally affected liver injury. In contrast, a significant reduction in serum alanine aminotransferase activity was found upon administration of TAT-Gap24 to intoxicated animals. Furthermore, co-treatment of acetaminophen-overdosed mice with both peptides revealed an additive effect as even lower serum alanine aminotransferase activity was observed. Blocking of connexin32 or connexin43 hemichannels individually was found to decrease serum quantities of pro-inflammatory cytokines, while no effects were observed on the occurrence of hepatic oxidative stress. This study shows for the first time a role for connexin hemichannels in acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - James L Weemhoff
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, United States.
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Elke Decrock
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Margitta Lebofsky
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, United States.
| | - Isabel Veloso Alves Pereira
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Anwar Farhood
- Department of Pathology, St. David's North Austin Medical Center, Austin, United States.
| | - Hartmut Jaeschke
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, United States.
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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22
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Valdebenito S, Barreto A, Eugenin EA. The role of connexin and pannexin containing channels in the innate and acquired immune response. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1860:154-165. [PMID: 28559189 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Connexin (Cx) and pannexin (Panx) containing channels - gap junctions (GJs) and hemichannels (HCs) - are present in virtually all cells and tissues. Currently, the role of these channels under physiological conditions is well defined. However, their role in the immune response and pathological conditions has only recently been explored. Data from several laboratories demonstrates that infectious agents, including HIV, have evolved to take advantage of GJs and HCs to improve viral/bacterial replication, enhance inflammation, and help spread toxicity into neighboring areas. In the current review, we discuss the role of Cx and Panx containing channels in immune activation and the pathogenesis of several infectious diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Gap Junction Proteins edited by Jean Claude Herve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Valdebenito
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), Newark, NJ, USA; Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Andrea Barreto
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), Newark, NJ, USA; Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Eliseo A Eugenin
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), Newark, NJ, USA; Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers the State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.
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23
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Maes M, McGill MR, da Silva TC, Abels C, Lebofsky M, Weemhoff JL, Tiburcio T, Veloso Alves Pereira I, Willebrords J, Crespo Yanguas S, Farhood A, Beschin A, Van Ginderachter JA, Penuela S, Jaeschke H, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Inhibition of pannexin1 channels alleviates acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Arch Toxicol 2017; 91:2245-2261. [PMID: 27826632 PMCID: PMC5654513 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1885-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Pannexins constitute a relatively new family of transmembrane proteins that form channels linking the cytoplasmic compartment with the extracellular environment. The presence of pannexin1 in the liver has been documented previously, where it underlies inflammatory responses, such as those occurring upon ischemia-reperfusion injury. In the present study, we investigated whether pannexin1 plays a role in acute drug-induced liver toxicity. Hepatic expression of pannexin1 was characterized in a mouse model of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Subsequently, mice were overdosed with acetaminophen followed by treatment with the pannexin1 channel inhibitor 10Panx1. Sampling was performed 1, 3, 6, 24 and 48 h after acetaminophen administration. Evaluation of the effects of pannexin1 channel inhibition was based on a number of clinically relevant readouts, including protein adduct formation, measurement of aminotransferase activity and histopathological examination of liver tissue as well as on a series of markers of inflammation, oxidative stress and regeneration. Although no significant differences were found in histopathological analysis, pannexin1 channel inhibition reduced serum levels of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase. This was paralleled by a reduced amount of neutrophils recruited to the liver. Furthermore, alterations in the oxidized status were noticed with upregulation of glutathione levels upon suppression of pannexin1 channel opening. Concomitant promotion of regenerative activity was detected as judged on increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein quantities in 10Panx1-treated mice. Pannexin1 channels are important actors in liver injury triggered by acetaminophen. Inhibition of pannexin1 channel opening could represent a novel approach for the treatment of drug-induced hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mitchell R McGill
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chloé Abels
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Inflammation Research Center, Ghent, Belgium
- Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Margitta Lebofsky
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - James L Weemhoff
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Taynã Tiburcio
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabel Veloso Alves Pereira
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Anwar Farhood
- Department of Pathology, St. David's North Austin Medical Center, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Alain Beschin
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Inflammation Research Center, Ghent, Belgium
- Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jo A Van Ginderachter
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, VIB Inflammation Research Center, Ghent, Belgium
- Lab of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Silvia Penuela
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | - Hartmut Jaeschke
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Pleinlaan 2, 1050, Brussels, Belgium.
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24
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Wong P, Laxton V, Srivastava S, Chan YWF, Tse G. The role of gap junctions in inflammatory and neoplastic disorders (Review). Int J Mol Med 2017; 39:498-506. [PMID: 28098880 PMCID: PMC5360388 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.2859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are intercellular channels made of connexin proteins, mediating both electrical and biochemical signals between cells. The ability of gap junction proteins to regulate immune responses, cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis and carcinogenesis makes them attractive therapeutic targets for treating inflammatory and neoplastic disorders in different organ systems. Alterations in gap junction profile and expression levels are observed in hyperproliferative skin disorders, lymphatic vessel diseases, inflammatory lung diseases, liver injury and neoplastic disorders. It is now recognized that the therapeutic effects mediated by traditional pharmacological agents are dependent upon gap junction communication and may even act by influencing gap junction expression or function. Novel strategies for modulating the function or expression of connexins, such as the use of synthetic mimetic peptides and siRNA technology are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Wong
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
| | - Victoria Laxton
- Intensive Care Department, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust, London SW3 6NP
| | | | - Yin Wah Fiona Chan
- School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1AG, UK
| | - Gary Tse
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics
- Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, P.R. China
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25
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Ramachandran A, Jaeschke H. Mechanisms of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity and their translation to the human pathophysiology. J Clin Transl Res 2017; 3:157-169. [PMID: 28670625 PMCID: PMC5489132 DOI: 10.18053/jctres.03.2017s1.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the most common cause of acute liver failure in the United States and mechanisms of liver injury induced by APAP overdose have been the focus of extensive investigation. Studies in the mouse model, which closely reproduces the human condition, have shown that hepatotoxicity is initiated by formation of a reactive metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI), which depletes cellular glutathione and forms protein adducts on mitochondrial proteins. This leads to mitochondrial oxidative and nitrosative stress, accompanied by activation of c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and its translocation to the mitochondria. This then amplifies the mitochondrial oxidant stress, resulting in translocation of Bax and dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1) to the mitochondria, which induces mitochondrial fission, and ultimately induction of the mitochondrial membrane permeability transition (MPT). The induction of MPT triggers release of intermembrane proteins such as apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) and endonuclease G into the cytosol and their translocation to the nucleus, causing nuclear DNA fragmentation and activation of regulated necrosis. Though these cascades of events were primarily identified in the mouse model, studies on human hepatocytes and analysis of circulating biomarkers from patients after APAP overdose, indicate that a number of mechanistic events are identical in mice and humans. Circulating biomarkers also seem to be useful in predicting the course of liver injury after APAP overdose in humans and hold promise for significant clinical use in the near future. Relevance for patients: This review focuses on the mechanisms behind APAP-induced hepatotoxicity and the relevance of these to the human pathophysiology. Current investigations on various biomarkers which may be useful in clinical management of APAP overdose patients are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup Ramachandran
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Hartmut Jaeschke
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology & Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
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26
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Abstract
Being critical mediators of liver homeostasis, connexins and their channels are frequently involved in liver toxicity. In the current paper, specific attention is paid to actions of hepatotoxic drugs on these communicative structures. In a first part, an overview is provided on the structural, regulatory and functional properties of connexin-based channels in the liver. In the second part, documented effects of acetaminophen, hypolipidemic drugs, phenobarbital and methapyriline on connexin signaling are discussed. Furthermore, the relevance of this subject for the fields of clinical and in vitro toxicology is demonstrated. Relevance for patients: The role of connexin signaling in drug-induced hepatotoxicity may be of high clinical relevance, as it offers perspectives for the therapeutic treatment of such insults by interfering with connexin channel opening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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27
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Willebrords J, Crespo Yanguas S, Maes M, Decrock E, Wang N, Leybaert L, Kwak BR, Green CR, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Connexins and their channels in inflammation. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 51:413-439. [PMID: 27387655 PMCID: PMC5584657 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2016.1204980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation may be caused by a variety of factors and is a hallmark of a plethora of acute and chronic diseases. The purpose of inflammation is to eliminate the initial cell injury trigger, to clear out dead cells from damaged tissue and to initiate tissue regeneration. Despite the wealth of knowledge regarding the involvement of cellular communication in inflammation, studies on the role of connexin-based channels in this process have only begun to emerge in the last few years. In this paper, a state-of-the-art overview of the effects of inflammation on connexin signaling is provided. Vice versa, the involvement of connexins and their channels in inflammation will be discussed by relying on studies that use a variety of experimental tools, such as genetically modified animals, small interfering RNA and connexin-based channel blockers. A better understanding of the importance of connexin signaling in inflammation may open up towards clinical perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and
Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels,
Belgium; Joost Willebrords: + Tel: 32 2 477 45 87, Michaël Maes: Tel: +32 2
477 45 87, Sara Crespo Yanguas: Tel: +32 2 477 45 87
| | - Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and
Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels,
Belgium; Joost Willebrords: + Tel: 32 2 477 45 87, Michaël Maes: Tel: +32 2
477 45 87, Sara Crespo Yanguas: Tel: +32 2 477 45 87
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and
Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels,
Belgium; Joost Willebrords: + Tel: 32 2 477 45 87, Michaël Maes: Tel: +32 2
477 45 87, Sara Crespo Yanguas: Tel: +32 2 477 45 87
| | - Elke Decrock
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Ghent
University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Elke Decrock: Tel: +32 9 332 39
73, Nan Wang: Tel: +32 9 332 39 38, Luc Leybaert: Tel: +32 9 332 33 66
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Ghent
University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Elke Decrock: Tel: +32 9 332 39
73, Nan Wang: Tel: +32 9 332 39 38, Luc Leybaert: Tel: +32 9 332 33 66
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Ghent
University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Elke Decrock: Tel: +32 9 332 39
73, Nan Wang: Tel: +32 9 332 39 38, Luc Leybaert: Tel: +32 9 332 33 66
| | - Brenda R. Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology and Division of Cardiology,
University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Brenda R.
Kwak: Tel: +41 22 379 57 37
| | - Colin R. Green
- Department of Ophthalmology and New Zealand National Eye Centre,
University of Auckland, New Zealand; Colin R. Green: Tel: +64 9 923 61 35
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal
Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87,
05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil; Bruno Cogliati: Tel: +55 11 30 91 12 00
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and
Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels,
Belgium; Joost Willebrords: + Tel: 32 2 477 45 87, Michaël Maes: Tel: +32 2
477 45 87, Sara Crespo Yanguas: Tel: +32 2 477 45 87
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28
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Crespo Yanguas S, Willebrords J, Maes M, da Silva TC, Veloso Alves Pereira I, Cogliati B, Zaidan Dagli ML, Vinken M. Connexins and pannexins in liver damage. EXCLI JOURNAL 2016; 15:177-86. [PMID: 27065778 PMCID: PMC4822047 DOI: 10.17179/excli2016-119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Connexins and pannexins are key players in the control of cellular communication and thus in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Inherent to this function these proteins are frequently involved in pathological processes. The present paper reviews the role of connexins and pannexins in liver toxicity and disease. As they act both as sensors and effectors in these deleterious events connexins and pannexins could represent a set of novel clinical diagnostic biomarkers and drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Isabel Veloso Alves Pereira
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Maria Lucia Zaidan Dagli
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, São Paulo SP CEP 05508-900, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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29
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Willebrords J, Maes M, Yanguas SC, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Detection of Connexins in Liver Cells Using Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis and Immunoblot Analysis. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1437:37-53. [PMID: 27207285 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-3664-9_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Since connexin expression is partly regulated at the protein level, immunoblot analysis represents a frequently addressed technique in the connexin research field. The present chapter describes the setup of an immunoblot procedure, including protein extraction and quantification from biological samples, gel electrophoresis, protein transfer, and immunoblotting, which is optimized for analysis of connexins in liver tissue. In essence, proteins are separated on a polyacrylamide gel using sodium dodecyl sulfate followed by transfer of proteins on a nitrocellulose membrane. The latter allows specific detection of connexins with antibodies combined with revelation through enhanced chemiluminescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarkbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Brussel, Belgium.
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarkbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarkbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Brussel, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarkbeeklaan 103, 1090, Jette, Brussel, Belgium
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