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Yasarbas SS, Inal E, Yildirim MA, Dubrac S, Lamartine J, Mese G. Connexins in epidermal health and diseases: insights into their mutations, implications, and therapeutic solutions. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1346971. [PMID: 38827992 PMCID: PMC11140265 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1346971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, serves as a protective barrier against external factors. Epidermal differentiation, a tightly regulated process essential for epidermal homeostasis, epidermal barrier formation and skin integrity maintenance, is orchestrated by several players, including signaling molecules, calcium gradient and junctional complexes such as gap junctions (GJs). GJ proteins, known as connexins facilitate cell-to-cell communication between adjacent keratinocytes. Connexins can function as either hemichannels or GJs, depending on their interaction with other connexons from neighboring keratinocytes. These channels enable the transport of metabolites, cAMP, microRNAs, and ions, including Ca2+, across cell membranes. At least ten distinct connexins are expressed within the epidermis and mutations in at least five of them has been linked to various skin disorders. Connexin mutations may cause aberrant channel activity by altering their synthesis, their gating properties, their intracellular trafficking, and the assembly of hemichannels and GJ channels. In addition to mutations, connexin expression is dysregulated in other skin conditions including psoriasis, chronic wound and skin cancers, indicating the crucial role of connexins in skin homeostasis. Current treatment options for conditions with mutant or altered connexins are limited and primarily focus on symptom management. Several therapeutics, including non-peptide chemicals, antibodies, mimetic peptides and allele-specific small interfering RNAs are promising in treating connexin-related skin disorders. Since connexins play crucial roles in maintaining epidermal homeostasis as shown with linkage to a range of skin disorders and cancer, further investigations are warranted to decipher the molecular and cellular alterations within cells due to mutations or altered expression, leading to abnormal proliferation and differentiation. This would also help characterize the roles of each isoform in skin homeostasis, in addition to the development of innovative therapeutic interventions. This review highlights the critical functions of connexins in the epidermis and the association between connexins and skin disorders, and discusses potential therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Suheda Yasarbas
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
| | - Ece Inal
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
| | - M. Azra Yildirim
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
| | - Sandrine Dubrac
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jérôme Lamartine
- Skin Functional Integrity Group, Laboratory for Tissue Biology and Therapeutics Engineering (LBTI) CNRS UMR5305, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Gulistan Mese
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
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Sanchez‐Pupo RE, Finch GA, Johnston DE, Craig H, Abdo R, Barr K, Kerfoot S, Dagnino L, Penuela S. Global pannexin 1 deletion increases tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in the BRAF/Pten mouse melanoma model. Mol Oncol 2024; 18:969-987. [PMID: 38327091 PMCID: PMC10994229 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies for malignant melanoma seek to boost the anti-tumoral response of CD8+ T cells, but have a limited patient response rate, in part due to limited tumoral immune cell infiltration. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of the pannexin 1 (PANX1) channel-forming protein is known to decrease melanoma cell tumorigenic properties in vitro and ex vivo. Here, we crossed Panx1 knockout (Panx1-/-) mice with the inducible melanoma model BrafCA, PtenloxP, Tyr::CreERT2 (BPC). We found that deleting the Panx1 gene in mice does not reduce BRAF(V600E)/Pten-driven primary tumor formation or improve survival. However, tumors in BPC-Panx1-/- mice exhibited a significant increase in the infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes, with no changes in the expression of early T-cell activation marker CD69, lymphocyte activation gene 3 protein (LAG-3) checkpoint receptor, or programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) in tumors when compared to the BPC-Panx1+/+ genotype. Our results suggest that, although Panx1 deletion does not overturn the aggressive BRAF/Pten-driven melanoma progression in vivo, it does increase the infiltration of effector immune T-cell populations in the tumor microenvironment. We propose that PANX1-targeted therapy could be explored as a strategy to increase tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to boost anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Garth A. Finch
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | | | - Heather Craig
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - Rober Abdo
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - Kevin Barr
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - Steven Kerfoot
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - Lina Dagnino
- Department of Physiology and PharmacologyWestern UniversityLondonCanada
- Division of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
| | - Silvia Penuela
- Department of Anatomy and Cell BiologyWestern UniversityLondonCanada
- Division of Experimental Oncology, Department of Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and DentistryWestern UniversityLondonCanada
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3
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Ranjan P, Colin K, Dutta RK, Verma SK. Challenges and future scope of exosomes in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. J Physiol 2023; 601:4873-4893. [PMID: 36398654 PMCID: PMC10192497 DOI: 10.1113/jp282053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes are nanosized vesicles that carry biologically diverse molecules for intercellular communication. Researchers have been trying to engineer exosomes for therapeutic purposes by using different approaches to deliver biologically active molecules to the various target cells efficiently. Recent technological advances may allow the biodistribution and pharmacokinetics of exosomes to be modified to meet scientific needs with respect to specific diseases. However, it is essential to determine an exosome's optimal dosage and potential side effects before its clinical use. Significant breakthroughs have been made in recent decades concerning exosome labelling and imaging techniques. These tools provide in situ monitoring of exosome biodistribution and pharmacokinetics and pinpoint targetability. However, because exosomes are nanometres in size and vary significantly in contents, a deeper understanding is required to ensure accurate monitoring before they can be applied in clinical settings. Different research groups have established different approaches to elucidate the roles of exosomes and visualize their spatial properties. This review covers current and emerging strategies for in vivo and in vitro exosome imaging and tracking for potential studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prabhat Ranjan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL-35233
| | - Karen Colin
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL-35233
- UAB School of Health Professions, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Roshan Kumar Dutta
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL-35233
| | - Suresh Kumar Verma
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Disease, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL-35233
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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Melwani PK, Pandey BN. Tunneling nanotubes: The intercellular conduits contributing to cancer pathogenesis and its therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:189028. [PMID: 37993000 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.189028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are intercellular conduits which meet the communication needs of non-adjacent cells situated in the same tissue but at distances up to a few hundred microns. TNTs are unique type of membrane protrusion which contain F-actin and freely hover over substratum in the extracellular space to connect the distant cells. TNTs, known to form through actin remodeling mechanisms, are intercellular bridges that connect cytoplasm of two cells, and facilitate the transfer of organelles, molecules, and pathogens among the cells. In tumor microenvironment, TNTs act as communication channel among cancer, normal, and immune cells to facilitate the transfer of calcium waves, mitochondria, lysosomes, and proteins, which in turn contribute to the survival, metastasis, and chemo-resistance in cancer cells. Recently, TNTs were shown to mediate the transfer of nanoparticles, drugs, and viruses between cells, suggesting that TNTs could be exploited as a potential route for delivery of anti-cancer agents and oncolytic viruses to the target cells. The present review discusses the emerging concepts and role of TNTs in the context of chemo- and radio-resistance with implications in the cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Kamal Melwani
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India
| | - Badri Narain Pandey
- Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 400094, India.
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Salmonella as a Promising Curative Tool against Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14102100. [PMID: 36297535 PMCID: PMC9609134 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14102100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacteria-mediated cancer therapy has become a topic of interest under the broad umbrella of oncotherapy. Among many bacterial species, Salmonella remains at the forefront due to its ability to localize and proliferate inside tumor microenvironments and often suppress tumor growth. Salmonella Typhimurium is one of the most promising mediators, with engineering plasticity and cancer specificity. It can be used to deliver toxins that induce cell death in cancer cells specifically, and also as a cancer-specific instrument for immunotherapy by delivering tumor antigens and exposing the tumor environment to the host immune system. Salmonella can be used to deliver prodrug converting enzymes unambiguously against cancer. Though positive responses in Salmonella-mediated cancer treatments are still at a preliminary level, they have paved the way for developing combinatorial therapy with conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery, and can be used synergistically to combat multi-drug resistant and higher-stage cancers. With this background, Salmonella-mediated cancer therapy was approved for clinical trials by U.S. Food and Drug Administration, but the results were not satisfactory and more pre-clinical investigation is needed. This review summarizes the recent advancements in Salmonella-mediated oncotherapy in the fight against cancer. The present article emphasizes the demand for Salmonella mutants with high stringency toward cancer and with amenable elements of safety by virulence deletions.
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Tian L, Long F, Hao Y, Li B, Li Y, Tang Y, Li J, Zhao Q, Chen J, Liu M. A Cancer Associated Fibroblasts-Related Six-Gene Panel for Anti-PD-1 Therapy in Melanoma Driven by Weighted Correlation Network Analysis and Supervised Machine Learning. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:880326. [PMID: 35479936 PMCID: PMC9035939 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.880326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer with a poor prognosis and mortality. Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy (e.g., anti-PD-1 therapy) has opened a new horizon in melanoma treatment, but some patients present a non-responsive state. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) make up the majority of stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and have an important impact on the response to immunotherapy. There is still a lack of identification of CAFs-related predictors for anti-PD-1 therapy, although the establishment of immunotherapy biomarkers is well underway. This study aims to explore the potential CAFs-related gene panel for predicting the response to anti-PD-1 therapy in melanoma patients and elucidating their potential effect on TME. Methods Three gene expression datasets from melanoma patients without anti-PD-1 treatment, in a total of 87 samples, were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) as the discovery sets (GSE91061) and validation sets (GSE78220 and GSE122220). The CAFs-related module genes were identified from the discovery sets by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA). Concurrently, we utilized differential gene analysis on the discovery set to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Then, CAFs-related key genes were screened with the intersection of CAFs-related module genes and DEGs, succeeded by supervised machine learning-based identification. As a consequence of expression analysis, gene set enrichment analysis, survival analysis, staging analysis, TME analysis, and correlation analysis, the multidimensional systematic characterizations of the key genes were uncovered. The diagnostic performance of the CAFs-related gene panel was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves in the validation sets. Eventually, the CAFs-related gene panel was verified by the expression from the single-cell analysis. Results The six-gene panel associated with CAFs were finally identified for predicting the response to anti-PD-1 therapy, including CDK14, SYNPO2, TCF4, GJA1, CPXM1, and TFPI. The multigene panel demonstrated excellent combined diagnostic performance with the area under the curve of ROC reaching 90.5 and 75.4% ~100% in the discovery and validation sets, respectively. Conclusion Confirmed by clinical treatment outcomes, the identified CAFs-related genes can be used as a promising biomarker panel for prediction to anti-PD-1 therapy response, which may serve as new immunotherapeutic targets to improve survival outcomes of melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Tian
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fei Long
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Youjin Hao
- Cell Biology and Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Li
- Cell Biology and Bioinformatics, College of Life Sciences, Chongqing Normal University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yinghong Li
- Key Laboratory on Big Data for Bio Intelligence, Chongqing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Juan Chen
| | - Mingwei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics, College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Mingwei Liu
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Nardin C, Peres C, Putti S, Orsini T, Colussi C, Mazzarda F, Raspa M, Scavizzi F, Salvatore AM, Chiani F, Tettey-Matey A, Kuang Y, Yang G, Retamal MA, Mammano F. Connexin Hemichannel Activation by S-Nitrosoglutathione Synergizes Strongly with Photodynamic Therapy Potentiating Anti-Tumor Bystander Killing. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205062. [PMID: 34680212 PMCID: PMC8533914 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Bystander effects depend on direct cell-cell communication and/or paracrine signaling mediated by the release of soluble factors into the extracellular environment and may greatly influence therapy outcome. Although the limited data available suggest a role for intercellular gap junction channels, far less is known about the role of connexin hemichannels. Here, we investigated bystander effects induced by photodynamic therapy in syngeneic murine melanoma models in vivo. We determined that (i) photoactivation of a photosensitizer triggered calcium-dependent cell death pathways in both irradiated and bystander tumor cells; (ii) hemichannel activity and adenosine triphosphate release were key factors for the induction of bystander cell death; and (iii) bystander cell killing and antitumor response elicited by photodynamic therapy were greatly enhanced by combination treatment with S-nitrosoglutathione, which promoted hemichannel opening in these experimental conditions. Therefore, these findings in a preclinical model have important translational potential. Abstract In this study, we used B16-F10 cells grown in the dorsal skinfold chamber (DSC) preparation that allowed us to gain optical access to the processes triggered by photodynamic therapy (PDT). Partial irradiation of a photosensitized melanoma triggered cell death in non-irradiated tumor cells. Multiphoton intravital microscopy with genetically encoded fluorescence indicators revealed that bystander cell death was mediated by paracrine signaling due to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) release from connexin (Cx) hemichannels (HCs). Intercellular calcium (Ca2+) waves propagated from irradiated to bystander cells promoting intracellular Ca2+ transfer from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to mitochondria and rapid activation of apoptotic pathways. Combination treatment with S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO), an endogenous nitric oxide (NO) donor that biases HCs towards the open state, greatly potentiated anti-tumor bystander killing via enhanced Ca2+ signaling, leading to a significant reduction of post-irradiation tumor mass. Our results demonstrate that HCs can be exploited to dramatically increase cytotoxic bystander effects and reveal a previously unappreciated role for HCs in tumor eradication promoted by PDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Nardin
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)-CNR, 00015 Rome, Italy; (C.N.); (C.P.); (S.P.); (T.O.); (F.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.M.S.); (F.C.); (A.T.-M.)
| | - Chiara Peres
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)-CNR, 00015 Rome, Italy; (C.N.); (C.P.); (S.P.); (T.O.); (F.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.M.S.); (F.C.); (A.T.-M.)
| | - Sabrina Putti
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)-CNR, 00015 Rome, Italy; (C.N.); (C.P.); (S.P.); (T.O.); (F.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.M.S.); (F.C.); (A.T.-M.)
| | - Tiziana Orsini
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)-CNR, 00015 Rome, Italy; (C.N.); (C.P.); (S.P.); (T.O.); (F.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.M.S.); (F.C.); (A.T.-M.)
| | - Claudia Colussi
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science “A. Ruberti” (IASI)-CNR, 00168 Rome, Italy;
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Mazzarda
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)-CNR, 00015 Rome, Italy; (C.N.); (C.P.); (S.P.); (T.O.); (F.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.M.S.); (F.C.); (A.T.-M.)
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA
| | - Marcello Raspa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)-CNR, 00015 Rome, Italy; (C.N.); (C.P.); (S.P.); (T.O.); (F.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.M.S.); (F.C.); (A.T.-M.)
| | - Ferdinando Scavizzi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)-CNR, 00015 Rome, Italy; (C.N.); (C.P.); (S.P.); (T.O.); (F.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.M.S.); (F.C.); (A.T.-M.)
| | - Anna Maria Salvatore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)-CNR, 00015 Rome, Italy; (C.N.); (C.P.); (S.P.); (T.O.); (F.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.M.S.); (F.C.); (A.T.-M.)
| | - Francesco Chiani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)-CNR, 00015 Rome, Italy; (C.N.); (C.P.); (S.P.); (T.O.); (F.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.M.S.); (F.C.); (A.T.-M.)
| | - Abraham Tettey-Matey
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)-CNR, 00015 Rome, Italy; (C.N.); (C.P.); (S.P.); (T.O.); (F.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.M.S.); (F.C.); (A.T.-M.)
| | - Yuanyuan Kuang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; (Y.K.); (G.Y.)
| | - Guang Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China; (Y.K.); (G.Y.)
| | - Mauricio A. Retamal
- Universidad del Desarrollo, Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Santiago 7780272, Chile;
| | - Fabio Mammano
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC)-CNR, 00015 Rome, Italy; (C.N.); (C.P.); (S.P.); (T.O.); (F.M.); (M.R.); (F.S.); (A.M.S.); (F.C.); (A.T.-M.)
- Department of Physics and Astronomy “G. Galilei”, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Orellana VP, Tittarelli A, Retamal MA. Connexins in melanoma: Potential role of Cx46 in its aggressiveness. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2021; 34:853-868. [PMID: 33140904 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer, and in metastatic advanced states, it is completely refractory to chemotherapy. Therefore, it is relevant to understand the molecular bases that rule their aggressiveness. Connexins (Cxs) are proteins that under normal physiological conditions participate in intercellular communication, via the exchange of signaling molecules between the cytoplasm and extracellular milieu and the exchange of ions/second messengers between the cytoplasm of contacting cells. These proteins have shown important roles in cancer progression, chemo- and radiotherapy resistance, and metastasis. Accordingly, Cx26 and Cx43 seem to play important roles in melanoma progression and metastasis. On the other hand, Cx46 is typically expressed in the eye lens, where it seems to be associated with oxidative stress protection in fiber lens cells. However, in the last decade, Cx46 expression has been associated with breast and brain cancers, due to its role in potentiation of both extracellular vesicle release and cancer stem cell-like properties. In this review, we analyzed a potential role of Cx46 as a new biomarker and therapeutic target in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana P Orellana
- Universidad del Desarrollo. Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Clinica Alemana Facultad de Medicina, Santiago, Chile
- Universidad del Desarrollo. Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Clínica Alemana Facultad de Medicina, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrés Tittarelli
- Programa Institucional de Fomento a la Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación (PIDi), Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana (UTEM), Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio A Retamal
- Universidad del Desarrollo. Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Clinica Alemana Facultad de Medicina, Santiago, Chile
- Universidad del Desarrollo. Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Clínica Alemana Facultad de Medicina, Santiago, Chile
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Laird DW, Penuela S. Pannexin biology and emerging linkages to cancer. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:1119-1131. [PMID: 34389277 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Pannexins are a family of glycoproteins that comprises three members, PANX1, PANX2, and PANX3. The widely expressed and interrogated PANX1 forms heptameric membrane channels that primarily serve to connect the cytoplasm to the extracellular milieu by being selectively permeable to small signaling molecules when activated. Apart from notable exceptions, PANX1 in many tumor cells appears to facilitate tumor growth and metastasis, suggesting that pannexin-blocking therapeutics may have utility in cancer. Attenuation of PANX1 function must also consider the fact that PANX1 is found in stromal cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME), including immune cells. This review highlights the key discoveries of the past 5 years that suggest pannexins facilitate, or in some cases inhibit, tumor cell growth and metastasis via direct protein interactions and through the regulated efflux of signaling molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale W Laird
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, and Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
| | - Silvia Penuela
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada; Department of Oncology, Divisions of Experimental Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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10
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Sato A, da Fonseca IIM, Nagamine MK, de Toledo GF, Olio R, Hernandez-Blazquez FJ, Yano T, Yeh ES, Dagli MLZ. Effects of Alpha-Connexin Carboxyl-Terminal Peptide (aCT1) and Bowman-Birk Protease Inhibitor (BBI) on Canine Oral Mucosal Melanoma (OMM) Cells. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:670451. [PMID: 34179163 PMCID: PMC8222509 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.670451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral mucosal melanomas (OMM) are aggressive cancers in dogs, and are good models for human OMM. Gap junctions are composed of connexin units, which may have altered expression patterns and/or subcellular localization in cancer cells. Cell-to-cell communication by gap junctions is often impaired in cancer cells, including in melanomas. Meanwhile, the upregulated expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) inhibits melanoma progression. The α-connexin carboxyl-terminal (aCT1) peptide reportedly maintains Cx43 expression and cell-cell communication in human mammary cells and increases the communication activity through gap junctions in functional assays, therefore causing decreased cell proliferation. The Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor (BBI), a component of soybeans, induces Cx43 expression in several tumor cells as a trypsin–chymotrypsin inhibition function, with antineoplastic effects. This study investigated the effect of aCT1 peptide and BBI treatment, alone or in combination, on TLM1 canine melanoma cell viability. Cell viability after treatment with aCT1, the reverse sequence peptide (R-pep), and/or BBI for 5 days was analyzed by PrestoBlue assay. Immunofluorescence was used to observe Cx43 localization and expression. aCT1 (200 μM) alone did not significantly decrease cell viability in TLM1 cells, whereas BBI (400 μg/ml) alone significantly decreased the TLM1 viability. Combined treatment with both aCT1 (200 μM) and BBI (400 μg/ml) significantly decreased cell viability in TLM1 cells. Cx43 expression, as identified by immunostainings in TLM1 cells, was increased in the cell membrane after the combination treatment with BBI and aCT1. This dual treatment can be combined to achieve the anticancer activity, possibly by increasing Cx 43 expression and affecting Cx43 migration to the cell membrane. In conclusion, a treatment strategy targeting Cx43 with BBI and aCT1 may possibly lead to new effective therapies for canine OMM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayami Sato
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Institute of Life Innovation Studies, Toyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Márcia Kazumi Nagamine
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rennan Olio
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Tomohiro Yano
- Institute of Life Innovation Studies, Toyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Elizabeth Shinmay Yeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Maria Lucia Zaidan Dagli
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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11
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Marsh SR, Williams ZJ, Pridham KJ, Gourdie RG. Peptidic Connexin43 Therapeutics in Cardiac Reparative Medicine. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:52. [PMID: 34063001 PMCID: PMC8147937 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8050052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin (Cx43)-formed channels have been linked to cardiac arrhythmias and diseases of the heart associated with myocardial tissue loss and fibrosis. These pathologies include ischemic heart disease, ischemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A number of Cx43 mimetic peptides have been reported as therapeutic candidates for targeting disease processes linked to Cx43, including some that have advanced to clinical testing in humans. These peptides include Cx43 sequences based on the extracellular loop domains (e.g., Gap26, Gap 27, and Peptide5), cytoplasmic-loop domain (Gap19 and L2), and cytoplasmic carboxyl-terminal domain (e.g., JM2, Cx43tat, CycliCX, and the alphaCT family of peptides) of this transmembrane protein. Additionally, RYYN peptides binding to the Cx43 carboxyl-terminus have been described. In this review, we survey preclinical and clinical data available on short mimetic peptides based on, or directly targeting, Cx43, with focus on their potential for treating heart disease. We also discuss problems that have caused reluctance within the pharmaceutical industry to translate peptidic therapeutics to the clinic, even when supporting preclinical data is strong. These issues include those associated with the administration, stability in vivo, and tissue penetration of peptide-based therapeutics. Finally, we discuss novel drug delivery technologies including nanoparticles, exosomes, and other nanovesicular carriers that could transform the clinical and commercial viability of Cx43-targeting peptides in treatment of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other indications requiring oral or parenteral administration. Some of these newly emerging approaches to drug delivery may provide a path to overcoming pitfalls associated with the drugging of peptide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer R. Marsh
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Zachary J. Williams
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Translational Biology Medicine and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Kevin J. Pridham
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Robert G. Gourdie
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Translational Biology Medicine and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
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12
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Mulkearns-Hubert EE, Reizes O, Lathia JD. Connexins in Cancer: Jekyll or Hyde? Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1654. [PMID: 33321749 PMCID: PMC7764653 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression, localization, and function of connexins, the protein subunits that comprise gap junctions, are often altered in cancer. In addition to cell-cell coupling through gap junction channels, connexins also form hemichannels that allow communication between the cell and the extracellular space and perform non-junctional intracellular activities. Historically, connexins have been considered tumor suppressors; however, they can also serve tumor-promoting functions in some contexts. Here, we review the literature surrounding connexins in cancer cells in terms of specific connexin functions and propose that connexins function upstream of most, if not all, of the hallmarks of cancer. The development of advanced connexin targeting approaches remains an opportunity for the field to further interrogate the role of connexins in cancer phenotypes, particularly through the use of in vivo models. More specific modulators of connexin function will both help elucidate the functions of connexins in cancer and advance connexin-specific therapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Mulkearns-Hubert
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College, Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Justin D. Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College, Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
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Smart JA, Oleksak JE, Hartsough EJ. Cell Adhesion Molecules in Plasticity and Metastasis. Mol Cancer Res 2020; 19:25-37. [PMID: 33004622 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-0595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prior to metastasis, modern therapeutics and surgical intervention can provide a favorable long-term survival for patients diagnosed with many types of cancers. However, prognosis is poor for patients with metastasized disease. Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, yet in situ and localized, thin melanomas can be biopsied with little to no postsurgical follow-up. However, patients with metastatic melanoma require significant clinical involvement and have a 5-year survival of only 34% to 52%, largely dependent on the site of colonization. Melanoma metastasis is a multi-step process requiring dynamic changes in cell surface proteins regulating adhesiveness to the extracellular matrix (ECM), stroma, and other cancer cells in varied tumor microenvironments. Here we will highlight recent literature to underscore how cell adhesion molecules (CAM) contribute to melanoma disease progression and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica A Smart
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Julia E Oleksak
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Professional Studies, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Edward J Hartsough
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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