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Bayraktar E, Lopez-Pigozzi D, Bortolozzi M. Calcium Regulation of Connexin Hemichannels. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6594. [PMID: 38928300 PMCID: PMC11204158 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126594] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Connexin hemichannels (HCs) expressed at the plasma membrane of mammalian cells are of paramount importance for intercellular communication. In physiological conditions, HCs can form gap junction (GJ) channels, providing a direct diffusive path between neighbouring cells. In addition, unpaired HCs provide conduits for the exchange of solutes between the cytoplasm and the extracellular milieu, including messenger molecules involved in paracrine signalling. The synergistic action of membrane potential and Ca2+ ions controls the gating of the large and relatively unselective pore of connexin HCs. The four orders of magnitude difference in gating sensitivity to the extracellular ([Ca2+]e) and the cytosolic ([Ca2+]c) Ca2+ concentrations suggests that at least two different Ca2+ sensors may exist. While [Ca2+]e acts as a spatial modulator of the HC opening, which is most likely dependent on the cell layer, compartment, and organ, [Ca2+]c triggers HC opening and the release of extracellular bursts of messenger molecules. Such molecules include ATP, cAMP, glutamate, NAD+, glutathione, D-serine, and prostaglandins. Lost or abnormal HC regulation by Ca2+ has been associated with several diseases, including deafness, keratitis ichthyosis, palmoplantar keratoderma, Charcot-Marie-Tooth neuropathy, oculodentodigital dysplasia, and congenital cataracts. The fact that both an increased and a decreased Ca2+ sensitivity has been linked to pathological conditions suggests that Ca2+ in healthy cells finely tunes the normal HC function. Overall, further investigation is needed to clarify the structural and chemical modifications of connexin HCs during [Ca2+]e and [Ca2+]c variations. A molecular model that accounts for changes in both Ca2+ and the transmembrane voltage will undoubtedly enhance our interpretation of the experimental results and pave the way for developing therapeutic compounds targeting specific HC dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erva Bayraktar
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Via Orus 2, 35129 Padova, Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy “G. Galilei”, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Diego Lopez-Pigozzi
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Via Orus 2, 35129 Padova, Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy “G. Galilei”, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Mario Bortolozzi
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), Via Orus 2, 35129 Padova, Italy
- Department of Physics and Astronomy “G. Galilei”, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 8, 35131 Padova, Italy
- Institute of Endocrinology and Oncology “Gaetano Salvatore” (IEOS-CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Napoli, Italy
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2
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Shao M, Yu H, Santhakumar V, Yu J. Antiepileptogenic and neuroprotective effect of mefloquine after experimental status epilepticus. Epilepsy Res 2023; 198:107257. [PMID: 37989006 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107257] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Acquired temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS) and hippocampal inhibitory neuron dysfunction is often refractory to current therapies. Gap junctional or electrical coupling between inhibitory neurons has been proposed to facilitate network synchrony and intercellular molecular exchange suggesting a role in both seizures and neurodegeneration. While gap junction blockers can limit acute seizures, whether blocking neuronal gap junctions can modify development of chronic epilepsy has not been examined. This study examined whether mefloquine, a selective blocker of Connexin 36 gap junctions which are well characterized in inhibitory neurons, can limit epileptogenesis and related cellular and behavioral pathology in a model of acquired TLE. A single, systemic dose of mefloquine administered early after pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) in rat reduced both development of SRS and behavioral co-morbidities. Immunostaining for interneuron subtypes identified that mefloquine treatment likely reduced delayed inhibitory neuronal loss after SE. Uniquely, parvalbumin expressing neurons in the hippocampal dentate gyrus appeared relatively resistant to early cell loss after SE. Functionally, whole cell patch clamp recordings revealed that mefloquine treatment preserved inhibitory synaptic drive to projection neurons one week and one month after SE. These results demonstrate that mefloquine, a drug already approved for malaria prophylaxis, is potentially antiepileptogenic and can protect against progressive interneuron loss and behavioral co-morbidities of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingting Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hang Yu
- Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Vijayalakshmi Santhakumar
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Jiandong Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China.
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3
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Zhang NN, Zhang Y, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Connexin 43: insights into candidate pathological mechanisms of depression and its implications in antidepressant therapy. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:2448-2461. [PMID: 35145238 PMCID: PMC9525669 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00861-2] [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: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD), a chronic and recurrent disease characterized by anhedonia, pessimism or even suicidal thought, remains a major chronic mental concern worldwide. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most abundant connexin expressed in astrocytes and forms the gap junction channels (GJCs) between astrocytes, the most abundant and functional glial cells in the brain. Astrocytes regulate neurons' synaptic strength and function by expressing receptors and regulating various neurotransmitters. Astrocyte dysfunction causes synaptic abnormalities, which are related to various mood disorders, e.g., depression. Increasing evidence suggests a crucial role of Cx43 in the pathogenesis of depression. Depression down-regulates Cx43 expression in humans and rats, and dysfunction of Cx43 also induces depressive behaviors in rats and mice. Recently Cx43 has received considerable critical attention and is highly implicated in the onset of depression. However, the pathological mechanisms of depression-like behavior associated with Cx43 still remain ambiguous. In this review we summarize the recent progress regarding the underlying mechanisms of Cx43 in the etiology of depression-like behaviors including gliotransmission, metabolic disorders, and neuroinflammation. We also discuss the effects of antidepressants (monoamine antidepressants and ketamine) on Cx43. The clarity of the candidate pathological mechanisms of depression-like behaviors associated with Cx43 and its potential pharmacological roles for antidepressants will benefit the exploration of a novel antidepressant target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning-Ning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China.
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4
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Connexins Signatures of the Neurovascular Unit and Their Physio-Pathological Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179510. [PMID: 36076908 PMCID: PMC9455936 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis is closely linked to the delicate balance of the microenvironment in which different cellular components of the neurovascular unit (NVU) coexist. Intercellular communication plays a pivotal role in exchanges of signaling molecules and mediators essential for survival functions, as well as in the removal of disturbing elements that can lead to related pathologies. The specific signatures of connexins (Cxs), proteins which form either gap junctions (GJs) or hemichannels (HCs), represent the biological substrate of the pathophysiological balance. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is undoubtedly one of the most important factors in glia–neuro–vascular crosstalk. Herein, Cxs signatures of every NVU component are highlighted and their critical influence on functional processes in healthy and pathological conditions of nervous microenvironment is reviewed.
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Pannexin1 channels regulate mechanically stimulated but not spontaneous adenosine release. Anal Bioanal Chem 2022; 414:3781-3789. [PMID: 35381855 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04047-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) is a rapid technique to measure neuromodulators, and using FSCV, two modes of rapid adenosine have been discovered. Spontaneous transients occur randomly in the brain, while mechanical stimulation also causes a rapid adenosine event. Pannexin1 channels are membrane channels that transport ions, including ATP, out of the cell where it is rapidly broken down into adenosine. Pannexin 1 channels (Panx1) have a flickering mode of rapid opening and are also mechanically stimulated. Here, we test the extent to which pannexin channels, specifically pannexin1 (Panx1) channels, are responsible for rapid adenosine events. Spontaneous adenosine release or mechanosensitive adenosine release were measured using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in hippocampal (CA1) brain slices. In global Panx1KO mice, there is no significant difference in the frequency or concentration of spontaneous adenosine release, indicating Panx1 is not a release mechanism for spontaneous adenosine. Spontaneous adenosine frequency decreased slightly after administration of a large (100 µM) dose of carbenoxolone, a nonspecific inhibitor of many pannexin and connexin channels, suggesting other hemichannels only play a small role at most. For mechanically stimulated adenosine release, the concentration of each adenosine event significantly decreased 30% in Panx1KO mice and the frequency of stimulations that evoked adenosine also decreased. The response was similar in WT mice with carbenoxolone. Thus, Panx1 is a release mechanism for mechanically stimulated adenosine release, but not the only mechanism. These results demonstrate that pannexin channels differentially regulate rapid adenosine release and could be targeted to differentially affect mechanically stimulated adenosine due to brain damage.
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van der Sande E, Haarman AEG, Quint WH, Tadema KCD, Meester-Smoor MA, Kamermans M, De Zeeuw CI, Klaver CCW, Winkelman BHJ, Iglesias AI. The Role of GJD2(Cx36) in Refractive Error Development. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2022; 63:5. [PMID: 35262731 PMCID: PMC8934558 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.63.3.5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Refractive errors are common eye disorders characterized by a mismatch between the focal power of the eye and its axial length. An increased axial length is a common cause of the refractive error myopia (nearsightedness). The substantial increase in myopia prevalence over the last decades has raised public health concerns because myopia can lead to severe ocular complications later in life. Genomewide association studies (GWAS) have made considerable contributions to the understanding of the genetic architecture of refractive errors. Among the hundreds of genetic variants identified, common variants near the gap junction delta-2 (GJD2) gene have consistently been reported as one of the top hits. GJD2 encodes the connexin 36 (Cx36) protein, which forms gap junction channels and is highly expressed in the neural retina. In this review, we provide current evidence that links GJD2(Cx36) to the development of myopia. We summarize the gap junctional communication in the eye and the specific role of GJD2(Cx36) in retinal processing of visual signals. Finally, we discuss the pathways involving dopamine and gap junction phosphorylation and coupling as potential mechanisms that may explain the role of GJD2(Cx36) in refractive error development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie van der Sande
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Royal Dutch Academy of Art & Science (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Annechien E. G. Haarman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wim H. Quint
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kirke C. D. Tadema
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Magda A. Meester-Smoor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten Kamermans
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Royal Dutch Academy of Art & Science (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Biomedical Physics and Biomedical Photonics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chris I. De Zeeuw
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Royal Dutch Academy of Art & Science (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline C. W. Klaver
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Beerend H. J. Winkelman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience (NIN), Royal Dutch Academy of Art & Science (KNAW), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neuroscience, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Adriana I. Iglesias
- Department of Ophthalmology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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7
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Larrañaga-Vera A, Marco-Bonilla M, Largo R, Herrero-Beaumont G, Mediero A, Cronstein B. ATP transporters in the joints. Purinergic Signal 2021; 17:591-605. [PMID: 34392490 PMCID: PMC8677878 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-021-09810-w] [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: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) plays a central role in a wide variety of joint diseases. ATP is generated intracellularly, and the concentration of the extracellular ATP pool is determined by the regulation of its transport out of the cell. A variety of ATP transporters have been described, with connexins and pannexins the most commonly cited. Both form intercellular channels, known as gap junctions, that facilitate the transport of various small molecules between cells and mediate cell-cell communication. Connexins and pannexins also form pores, or hemichannels, that are permeable to certain molecules, including ATP. All joint tissues express one or more connexins and pannexins, and their expression is altered in some pathological conditions, such as osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), indicating that they may be involved in the onset and progression of these pathologies. The aging of the global population, along with increases in the prevalence of obesity and metabolic dysfunction, is associated with a rising frequency of joint diseases along with the increased costs and burden of related illness. The modulation of connexins and pannexins represents an attractive therapeutic target in joint disease, but their complex regulation, their combination of gap-junction-dependent and -independent functions, and their interplay between gap junction and hemichannel formation are not yet fully elucidated. In this review, we try to shed light on the regulation of these proteins and their roles in ATP transport to the extracellular space in the context of joint disease, and specifically OA and RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ane Larrañaga-Vera
- Department of Medicine, Division of Translational Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Miguel Marco-Bonilla
- Bone and Joint Research Unit, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz UAM, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Largo
- Bone and Joint Research Unit, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz UAM, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Aránzazu Mediero
- Bone and Joint Research Unit, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz UAM, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Bruce Cronstein
- Department of Medicine, Division of Translational Medicine, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA
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8
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Talukdar S, Emdad L, Das SK, Fisher PB. GAP junctions: multifaceted regulators of neuronal differentiation. Tissue Barriers 2021; 10:1982349. [PMID: 34651545 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1982349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are intercellular membrane channels consisting of connexin proteins, which contribute to direct cytoplasmic exchange of small molecules, substrates and metabolites between adjacent cells. These channels play important roles in neuronal differentiation, maintenance, survival and function. Gap junctions regulate differentiation of neurons from embryonic, neural and induced pluripotent stem cells. In addition, they control transdifferentiation of neurons from mesenchymal stem cells. The expression and levels of several connexins correlate with cell cycle changes and different stages of neurogenesis. Connexins such as Cx36, Cx45, and Cx26, play a crucial role in neuronal function. Several connexin knockout mice display lethal or severely impaired phenotypes. Aberrations in connexin expression is frequently associated with various neurodegenerative disorders. Gap junctions also act as promising therapeutic targets for neuronal regenerative medicine, because of their role in neural stem cell integration, injury and remyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarmistha Talukdar
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.,Vcu Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Luni Emdad
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.,Vcu Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.,Vcu Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Swadesh K Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.,Vcu Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.,Vcu Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paul B Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.,Vcu Institute of Molecular Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.,Vcu Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
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9
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García-Rodríguez C, Bravo-Tobar ID, Duarte Y, Barrio LC, Sáez JC. Contribution of non-selective membrane channels and receptors in epilepsy. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 231:107980. [PMID: 34481811 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Overcoming refractory epilepsy's resistance to the combination of antiepileptic drugs (AED), mitigating side effects, and preventing sudden unexpected death in epilepsy are critical goals for therapy of this disorder. Current therapeutic strategies are based primarily on neurocentric mechanisms, overlooking the participation of astrocytes and microglia in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. This review is focused on a set of non-selective membrane channels (permeable to ions and small molecules), including channels and ionotropic receptors of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia, such as: the hemichannels formed by Cx43 and Panx1; the purinergic P2X7 receptors; the transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV1 and TRPV4) channels; calcium homeostasis modulators (CALHMs); transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels; transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) channels; voltage-dependent anion channels (VDACs) and volume-regulated anion channels (VRACs), which all have in common being activated by epileptic activity and the capacity to exacerbate seizure intensity. Specifically, we highlight evidence for the activation of these channels/receptors during epilepsy including neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, discuss signaling pathways and feedback mechanisms, and propose the functions of each of them in acute and chronic epilepsy. Studying the role of these non-selective membrane channels in epilepsy and identifying appropriate blockers for one or more of them could provide complementary therapies to better alleviate the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia García-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Neurociencia, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile.
| | - Iván D Bravo-Tobar
- Instituto de Neurociencia, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Yorley Duarte
- Center for Bioinformatics and Integrative Biology, Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis C Barrio
- Hospital Ramon y Cajal-IRYCIS, Centro de Tecnología Biomédica de la Universidad Politécnica, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Instituto de Neurociencia, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Universidad de Valparaíso, Chile.
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Prieto-Villalobos J, Alvear TF, Liberona A, Lucero CM, Martínez-Araya CJ, Balmazabal J, Inostroza CA, Ramírez G, Gómez GI, Orellana JA. Astroglial Hemichannels and Pannexons: The Hidden Link between Maternal Inflammation and Neurological Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179503. [PMID: 34502412 PMCID: PMC8430734 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal inflammation during pregnancy causes later-in-life alterations of the offspring’s brain structure and function. These abnormalities increase the risk of developing several psychiatric and neurological disorders, including schizophrenia, intellectual disability, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorder, microcephaly, and cerebral palsy. Here, we discuss how astrocytes might contribute to postnatal brain dysfunction following maternal inflammation, focusing on the signaling mediated by two families of plasma membrane channels: hemi-channels and pannexons. [Ca2+]i imbalance linked to the opening of astrocytic hemichannels and pannexons could disturb essential functions that sustain astrocytic survival and astrocyte-to-neuron support, including energy and redox homeostasis, uptake of K+ and glutamate, and the delivery of neurotrophic factors and energy-rich metabolites. Both phenomena could make neurons more susceptible to the harmful effect of prenatal inflammation and the experience of a second immune challenge during adulthood. On the other hand, maternal inflammation could cause excitotoxicity by producing the release of high amounts of gliotransmitters via astrocytic hemichannels/pannexons, eliciting further neuronal damage. Understanding how hemichannels and pannexons participate in maternal inflammation-induced brain abnormalities could be critical for developing pharmacological therapies against neurological disorders observed in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Prieto-Villalobos
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (J.P.-V.); (T.F.A.); (A.L.); (C.J.M.-A.); (J.B.); (C.A.I.); (G.R.)
| | - Tanhia F. Alvear
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (J.P.-V.); (T.F.A.); (A.L.); (C.J.M.-A.); (J.B.); (C.A.I.); (G.R.)
| | - Andrés Liberona
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (J.P.-V.); (T.F.A.); (A.L.); (C.J.M.-A.); (J.B.); (C.A.I.); (G.R.)
| | - Claudia M. Lucero
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile; (C.M.L.); (G.I.G.)
| | - Claudio J. Martínez-Araya
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (J.P.-V.); (T.F.A.); (A.L.); (C.J.M.-A.); (J.B.); (C.A.I.); (G.R.)
| | - Javiera Balmazabal
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (J.P.-V.); (T.F.A.); (A.L.); (C.J.M.-A.); (J.B.); (C.A.I.); (G.R.)
| | - Carla A. Inostroza
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (J.P.-V.); (T.F.A.); (A.L.); (C.J.M.-A.); (J.B.); (C.A.I.); (G.R.)
| | - Gigliola Ramírez
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (J.P.-V.); (T.F.A.); (A.L.); (C.J.M.-A.); (J.B.); (C.A.I.); (G.R.)
| | - Gonzalo I. Gómez
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile; (C.M.L.); (G.I.G.)
| | - Juan A. Orellana
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (J.P.-V.); (T.F.A.); (A.L.); (C.J.M.-A.); (J.B.); (C.A.I.); (G.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-23548105
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11
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Connexins in the Heart: Regulation, Function and Involvement in Cardiac Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094413. [PMID: 33922534 PMCID: PMC8122935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that play a key role in cardiac physiology. Gap junctional channels put into contact the cytoplasms of connected cardiomyocytes, allowing the existence of electrical coupling. However, in addition to this fundamental role, connexins are also involved in cardiomyocyte death and survival. Thus, chemical coupling through gap junctions plays a key role in the spreading of injury between connected cells. Moreover, in addition to their involvement in cell-to-cell communication, mounting evidence indicates that connexins have additional gap junction-independent functions. Opening of unopposed hemichannels, located at the lateral surface of cardiomyocytes, may compromise cell homeostasis and may be involved in ischemia/reperfusion injury. In addition, connexins located at non-canonical cell structures, including mitochondria and the nucleus, have been demonstrated to be involved in cardioprotection and in regulation of cell growth and differentiation. In this review, we will provide, first, an overview on connexin biology, including their synthesis and degradation, their regulation and their interactions. Then, we will conduct an in-depth examination of the role of connexins in cardiac pathophysiology, including new findings regarding their involvement in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiac fibrosis, gene transcription or signaling regulation.
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González-Casanova J, Schmachtenberg O, Martínez AD, Sanchez HA, Harcha PA, Rojas-Gomez D. An Update on Connexin Gap Junction and Hemichannels in Diabetic Retinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063194. [PMID: 33801118 PMCID: PMC8004116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the main causes of vision loss in the working age population. It is characterized by a progressive deterioration of the retinal microvasculature, caused by long-term metabolic alterations inherent to diabetes, leading to a progressive loss of retinal integrity and function. The mammalian retina presents an orderly layered structure that executes initial but complex visual processing and analysis. Gap junction channels (GJC) forming electrical synapses are present in each retinal layer and contribute to the communication between different cell types. In addition, connexin hemichannels (HCs) have emerged as relevant players that influence diverse physiological and pathological processes in the retina. This article highlights the impact of diabetic conditions on GJC and HCs physiology and their involvement in DR pathogenesis. Microvascular damage and concomitant loss of endothelial cells and pericytes are related to alterations in gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and decreased connexin 43 (Cx43) expression. On the other hand, it has been shown that the expression and activity of HCs are upregulated in DR, becoming a key element in the establishment of proinflammatory conditions that emerge during hyperglycemia. Hence, novel connexin HCs blockers or drugs to enhance GJIC are promising tools for the development of pharmacological interventions for diabetic retinopathy, and initial in vitro and in vivo studies have shown favorable results in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge González-Casanova
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile;
| | - Oliver Schmachtenberg
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile;
| | - Agustín D. Martínez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile; (A.D.M.); (H.A.S.); (P.A.H.)
| | - Helmuth A. Sanchez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile; (A.D.M.); (H.A.S.); (P.A.H.)
| | - Paloma A. Harcha
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile; (A.D.M.); (H.A.S.); (P.A.H.)
| | - Diana Rojas-Gomez
- Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-2-26618559
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Mesnil M, Defamie N, Naus C, Sarrouilhe D. Brain Disorders and Chemical Pollutants: A Gap Junction Link? Biomolecules 2020; 11:biom11010051. [PMID: 33396565 PMCID: PMC7824109 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of brain pathologies has increased during last decades. Better diagnosis (autism spectrum disorders) and longer life expectancy (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease) partly explain this increase, while emerging data suggest pollutant exposures as a possible but still underestimated cause of major brain disorders. Taking into account that the brain parenchyma is rich in gap junctions and that most pollutants inhibit their function; brain disorders might be the consequence of gap-junctional alterations due to long-term exposures to pollutants. In this article, this hypothesis is addressed through three complementary aspects: (1) the gap-junctional organization and connexin expression in brain parenchyma and their function; (2) the effect of major pollutants (pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, heavy metals, airborne particles, etc.) on gap-junctional and connexin functions; (3) a description of the major brain disorders categorized as neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, epilepsy), neurobehavioral (migraines, major depressive disorders), neurodegenerative (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases) and cancers (glioma), in which both connexin dysfunction and pollutant involvement have been described. Based on these different aspects, the possible involvement of pollutant-inhibited gap junctions in brain disorders is discussed for prenatal and postnatal exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Mesnil
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Norah Defamie
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Christian Naus
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z3, Canada;
| | - Denis Sarrouilhe
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Humaine, Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, 6 rue de La Milétrie, bât D1, TSA 51115, 86073 Poitiers, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-5-49-45-43-58
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Connexin Hemichannel Mimetic Peptide Attenuates Cortical Interneuron Loss and Perineuronal Net Disruption Following Cerebral Ischemia in Near-Term Fetal Sheep. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21186475. [PMID: 32899855 PMCID: PMC7554896 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal hypoxia-ischemia is associated with disruption of cortical gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons and their surrounding perineuronal nets, which may contribute to persisting neurological deficits. Blockade of connexin43 hemichannels using a mimetic peptide can alleviate seizures and injury after hypoxia-ischemia. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that connexin43 hemichannel blockade improves the integrity of cortical interneurons and perineuronal nets. Term-equivalent fetal sheep received 30 min of bilateral carotid artery occlusion, recovery for 90 min, followed by a 25-h intracerebroventricular infusion of vehicle or a mimetic peptide that blocks connexin hemichannels or by a sham ischemia + vehicle infusion. Brain tissues were stained for interneuronal markers or perineuronal nets. Cerebral ischemia was associated with loss of cortical interneurons and perineuronal nets. The mimetic peptide infusion reduced loss of glutamic acid decarboxylase-, calretinin-, and parvalbumin-expressing interneurons and perineuronal nets. The interneuron and perineuronal net densities were negatively correlated with total seizure burden after ischemia. These data suggest that the opening of connexin43 hemichannels after perinatal hypoxia-ischemia causes loss of cortical interneurons and perineuronal nets and that this exacerbates seizures. Connexin43 hemichannel blockade may be an effective strategy to attenuate seizures and may improve long-term neurological outcomes after perinatal hypoxia-ischemia.
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Cymer M, Brzezniakiewicz-Janus K, Bujko K, Thapa A, Ratajczak J, Anusz K, Tracz M, Jackowska-Tracz A, Ratajczak MZ, Adamiak M. Pannexin-1 channel "fuels" by releasing ATP from bone marrow cells a state of sterile inflammation required for optimal mobilization and homing of hematopoietic stem cells. Purinergic Signal 2020; 16:313-325. [PMID: 32533388 PMCID: PMC7524928 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-020-09706-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
An efficient harvest of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) after pharmacological mobilization from the bone marrow (BM) into peripheral blood (PB) and subsequent proper homing and engraftment of these cells are crucial for clinical outcomes from hematopoietic transplants. Since extracellular adenosine triphosphate (eATP) plays an important role in both processes as an activator of sterile inflammation in the bone marrow microenvironment, we focused on the role of Pannexin-1 channel in the secretion of ATP to trigger both egress of HSPCs out of BM into PB as well as in reverse process that is their homing to BM niches after transplantation into myeloablated recipient. We employed a specific blocking peptide against Pannexin-1 channel and noticed decreased mobilization efficiency of HSPCs as well as other types of BM-residing stem cells including mesenchymal stroma cells (MSCs), endothelial progenitors (EPCs), and very small embryonic-like stem cells (VSELs). To explain better a role of Pannexin-1, we report that eATP activated Nlrp3 inflammasome in Gr-1+ and CD11b+ cells enriched for granulocytes and monocytes. This led to release of danger-associated molecular pattern molecules (DAMPs) and mitochondrial DNA (miDNA) that activate complement cascade (ComC) required for optimal egress of HSPCs from BM. On the other hand, Pannexin-1 channel blockage in transplant recipient mice leads to a defect in homing and engraftment of HSPCs. Based on this, Pannexin-1 channel as a source of eATP plays an important role in HSPCs trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Cymer
- Center for Preclinical Studies and Technology, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Kamila Bujko
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Arjun Thapa
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Janina Ratajczak
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Krzysztof Anusz
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michał Tracz
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Jackowska-Tracz
- Institute of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Hygiene and Public Health Protection, Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mariusz Z Ratajczak
- Center for Preclinical Studies and Technology, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091, Warsaw, Poland
- Stem Cell Institute at James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Mateusz Adamiak
- Center for Preclinical Studies and Technology, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, ul. Żwirki i Wigury 61, 02-091, Warsaw, Poland.
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Kocovic DM, Limaye PV, Colburn LCH, Singh MB, Milosevic MM, Tadic J, Petronijevic M, Vrzic-Petronijevic S, Andjus PR, Antic SD. Cadmium versus Lanthanum Effects on Spontaneous Electrical Activity and Expression of Connexin Isoforms Cx26, Cx36, and Cx45 in the Human Fetal Cortex. Cereb Cortex 2020; 30:1244-1259. [PMID: 31408166 PMCID: PMC7132928 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Electrical activity is important for brain development. In brain slices, human subplate neurons exhibit spontaneous electrical activity that is highly sensitive to lanthanum. Based on the results of pharmacological experiments in human fetal tissue, we hypothesized that hemichannel-forming connexin (Cx) isoforms 26, 36, and 45 would be expressed on neurons in the subplate (SP) zone. RNA sequencing of dissected human cortical mantles at ages of 17-23 gestational weeks revealed that Cx45 has the highest expression, followed by Cx36 and Cx26. The levels of Cx and pannexin expression between male and female fetal cortices were not significantly different. Immunohistochemical analysis detected Cx45- and Cx26-expressing neurons in the upper segment of the SP zone. Cx45 was present on the cell bodies of human SP neurons, while Cx26 was found on both cell bodies and dendrites. Cx45, Cx36, and Cx26 were strongly expressed in the cortical plate, where newborn migrating neurons line up to form cortical layers. New information about the expression of 3 "neuronal" Cx isoforms in each cortical layer/zone (e.g., SP, cortical plate) and pharmacological data with cadmium and lanthanum may improve our understanding of the cellular mechanisms underlying neuronal development in human fetuses and potential vulnerabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dusica M Kocovic
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Pallavi V Limaye
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Lauren C H Colburn
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Mandakini B Singh
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Milena M Milosevic
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
| | - Jasmina Tadic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | | | | | - Pavle R Andjus
- Faculty of Biology, University of Belgrade, Belgrade 11000, Serbia
| | - Srdjan D Antic
- Institute for Systems Genomics, Stem Cell Institute, Department of Neuroscience, UConn Health, Farmington, CT 06030, USA
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Synaptic Pruning by Microglia in Epilepsy. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8122170. [PMID: 31818018 PMCID: PMC6947403 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8122170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural and functional collapse of the balance between excitatory (E) and inhibitory (I) synapses, i.e., synaptic E/I balance, underlies the pathogeneses of various central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In epilepsy, the synaptic E/I balance tips toward excitation; thus, most of the existing epileptic remedies have focused on how to directly suppress the activity of neurons. However, because as many as 30% of patients with epilepsy are drug resistant, the discovery of new therapeutic targets is strongly desired. Recently, the roles of glial cells in epilepsy have gained attention because glial cells manipulate synaptic structures and functions in addition to supporting neuronal survival and growth. Among glial cells, microglia, which are brain-resident immune cells, have been shown to mediate inflammation, neuronal death and aberrant neurogenesis after epileptic seizures. However, few studies have investigated the involvement of synaptic pruning—one of the most important roles of microglia—in the epileptic brain. In this review, we propose and discuss the hypothesis that synaptic pruning by microglia is enhanced in the epileptic brain, drawing upon the findings of previous studies. We further discuss the possibility that aberrant synaptic pruning by microglia induces synaptic E/I imbalance, promoting the development and aggravation of epilepsy.
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Sarrouilhe D, Mesnil M, Dejean C. Targeting Gap Junctions: New Insights into the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:3775-3791. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180327103530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background:Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a multifactorial chronic and debilitating mood disease with high lifetime prevalence and associated with excess mortality. Treatments for this disease are not effective in all patients showing the need to find new therapeutic targets.Objective:This review aims to update our knowledge on the involvement of astroglial gap junctions and hemichannels in MDD and to show how they have become potential targets for the treatment of this pathology.Methods:The method applied in this review includes a systematic compilation of the relevant literature.Results and Conclusion:The use of rodent models of depression, gene analysis of hippocampal tissues of MDD patients and post-mortem studies on the brains from MDD patients suggest that astrocytic gap junction dysfunction may be a part of MDD etiologies. Chronic antidepressant treatments of rats, rat cultured cortical astrocytes and human astrocytoma cell lines support the hypothesis that the up-regulation of gap junctional coupling between astrocytes could be an underlying mechanism for the therapeutic effect of antidepressants. However, two recent functional studies suggest that connexin43 hemichannel activity is a part of several antidepressants’ mode of action and that astrocyte gap junctional intercellular communication and hemichannels exert different effects on antidepressant drug response. Even if they emerge as new therapeutic targets for new and more active treatments, further studies are needed to decipher the sophisticated and respective role of astrocytic gap junctions and hemichannels in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Sarrouilhe
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Humaine, Faculte de Medecine et Pharmacie, Universite de Poitiers, 6 rue de la Miletrie, Bat D1, TSA 51115, 86073 Poitiers, Cedex 9, France
| | - Marc Mesnil
- STIM, ERL 7003, CNRS-Universite de Poitiers, Pole Biologie Sante, Bat B36, TSA 51106, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, 86073 Poitiers, Cedex 9, France
| | - Catherine Dejean
- Service Pharmacie, Pavillon Janet, Centre Hospitalier Henri Laborit, 370 avenue Jacques Coeur, 86021 Poitiers Cedex, France
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Telkes I, Kóbor P, Orbán J, Kovács-Öller T, Völgyi B, Buzás P. Connexin-36 distribution and layer-specific topography in the cat retina. Brain Struct Funct 2019; 224:2183-2197. [PMID: 31172263 PMCID: PMC6591202 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-019-01876-y] [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: 10/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Connexin-36 (Cx36) is the major constituent of mammalian retinal gap junctions positioned in key signal pathways. Here, we examined the laminar and large-scale topographical distribution of Cx36 punctate immunolabels in the retina of the cat, a classical model of the mammalian visual system. Calretinin-immunoreactive (CaR-IR) cell populations served to outline the nuclear and plexiform layers and to stain specific neuronal populations. CaR-IR cells included horizontal cells in the outer retina, numerous amacrine cells, and scattered cells in the ganglion cell layer. Cx36-IR plaques were found among horizontal cell dendrites albeit without systematic colocalization of the two labels. Diffuse Cx36 immunoreactivity was found in the cytoplasm of AII amacrine cells, but no colocalization of Cx36 plaques was observed with either the perikarya or the long varicose dendrites of the CaR-IR non-AII amacrine cells. Cx36 puncta were seen throughout the entire inner plexiform layer showing their highest density in the ON sublamina. The densities of AII amacrine cell bodies and Cx36 plaques in the ON sublamina were strongly correlated across a wide range of eccentricities suggesting their anatomical association. However, the high number of plaques per AII cell suggests that a considerable fraction of Cx36 gap junctions in the ON sublamina is formed by other cell types than AII amacrine cells drawing attention to extensive but less studied electrically coupled networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ildikó Telkes
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Péter Kóbor
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - József Orbán
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Department of Biophysics, Medical School, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Tamás Kovács-Öller
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, MTA-PTE NAP-2, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Béla Völgyi
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Department of Experimental Zoology and Neurobiology, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Retinal Electrical Synapses Research Group, MTA-PTE NAP-2, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary
| | - Péter Buzás
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, University of Pécs, Szigeti út 12, Pécs, 7624, Hungary.
- Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary.
- Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, Pécs, 7624, Hungary.
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Kobayakawa Y, Masaki K, Yamasaki R, Shiraishi W, Hayashida S, Hayashi S, Okamoto K, Matsushita T, Kira JI. Downregulation of Neuronal and Dendritic Connexin36-Made Electrical Synapses Without Glutamatergic Axon Terminals in Spinal Anterior Horn Cells From the Early Stage of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:894. [PMID: 30546295 PMCID: PMC6279874 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin36 (Cx36) forms gap junctions between neurons, which are called electrical synapses, enabling adjacent neurons to communicate directly. The participation of chemical synapses in neurodegeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has long been indicated, but it remains unclear whether electrical synapses are involved in the pathogenesis of ALS. We performed extensive immunopathological analyses using mutant superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1G93A) transgenic mice and their littermates to investigate whether Cx36-made electrical synapses are affected in motor neuron diseases. We found that in the lamina IX of the lumbar spinal cord from wild type mice, about half of the Cx36 puncta existed independently of chemical synapse markers, while the rest coexisted with chemical synapse markers, such as vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), which is a glutamatergic axon terminal marker, and/or glutamate decarboxylase 65 (GAD65), which is a GABAergic axon terminal marker. Cx36 single or Cx36/GAD65 double positive puncta, but not VGLUT1-containing puncta, were preferentially decreased on neuronal and dendritic surfaces of the anterior horn cells in the early stage of SOD1G93A ALS mice. Moreover, in five human autopsied sporadic ALS cases with bulbar or upper limb onset, Cx36 immunoreactivity was diminished in the proximal dendrites and neuropils of well-preserved large motor neurons in the lumbar anterior horns. These findings suggest that downregulation of neuronal and dendritic Cx36 in the spinal anterior horns commonly occurs from the early stage of hereditary and sporadic ALS. Cx36-made electrical synapses without glutamatergic signaling appear to be more vulnerable than other chemical synapses and electrical synapses with glutamatergic signaling in the early stage of motor neuron degeneration, suggesting involvement of Cx36-made electrical synapses in the pathogenesis of human ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Kobayakawa
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Katsuhisa Masaki
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Ryo Yamasaki
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Wataru Shiraishi
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shotaro Hayashida
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shintaro Hayashi
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Koichi Okamoto
- Department of Neurology, Geriatrics Research Institute and Hospital, Gunma, Japan
| | - Takuya Matsushita
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Kira
- Department of Neurology, Neurological Institute, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Dosch M, Gerber J, Jebbawi F, Beldi G. Mechanisms of ATP Release by Inflammatory Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041222. [PMID: 29669994 PMCID: PMC5979498 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular nucleotides (e.g., ATP, ADP, UTP, UDP) released by inflammatory cells interact with specific purinergic P2 type receptors to modulate their recruitment and activation. The focus of this review is on stimuli and mechanisms of extracellular nucleotide release and its consequences during inflammation. Necrosis leads to non-specific release of nucleotides, whereas specific release mechanisms include vesicular exocytosis and channel-mediated release via connexin or pannexin hemichannels. These release mechanisms allow stimulated inflammatory cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, and endothelial cells to fine-tune autocrine/paracrine responses during acute and chronic inflammation. Key effector functions of inflammatory cells are therefore regulated by purinergic signaling in acute and chronic diseases, making extracellular nucleotide release a promising target for the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel Dosch
- Department for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Joël Gerber
- Department for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Fadi Jebbawi
- Department for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Guido Beldi
- Department for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland.
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, CH-3008 Bern, Switzerland.
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22
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Dvoriantchikova G, Pronin A, Kurtenbach S, Toychiev A, Chou TH, Yee CW, Prindeville B, Tayou J, Porciatti V, Sagdullaev BT, Slepak VZ, Shestopalov VI. Pannexin 1 sustains the electrophysiological responsiveness of retinal ganglion cells. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5797. [PMID: 29643381 PMCID: PMC5895610 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23894-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pannexin 1 (Panx1) forms ATP-permeable membrane channels that play a key role in purinergic signaling in the nervous system in both normal and pathological conditions. In the retina, particularly high levels of Panx1 are found in retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), but the normal physiological function in these cells remains unclear. In this study, we used patch clamp recordings in the intact inner retina to show that evoked currents characteristic of Panx1 channel activity were detected only in RGCs, particularly in the OFF-type cells. The analysis of pattern electroretinogram (PERG) recordings indicated that Panx1 contributes to the electrical output of the retina. Consistently, PERG amplitudes were significantly impaired in the eyes with targeted ablation of the Panx1 gene in RGCs. Under ocular hypertension and ischemic conditions, however, high Panx1 activity permeated cell membranes and facilitated the selective loss of RGCs or stably transfected Neuro2A cells. Our results show that high expression of the Panx1 channel in RGCs is essential for visual function in the inner retina but makes these cells highly sensitive to mechanical and ischemic stresses. These findings are relevant to the pathophysiology of retinal disorders induced by increased intraocular pressure, such as glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Dvoriantchikova
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 10 Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Alexey Pronin
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Sarah Kurtenbach
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 10 Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Abduqodir Toychiev
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 156 William St., New York, NY, 10038, USA
| | - Tsung-Han Chou
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 10 Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Christopher W Yee
- Winifred Masterson Burke Medical Research Institute, New York, 785 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY, 10605, USA
| | - Breanne Prindeville
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 10 Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Junior Tayou
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Vittorio Porciatti
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 10 Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Botir T Sagdullaev
- Department of Ophthalmology, Weill Cornell Medical College, 156 William St., New York, NY, 10038, USA
- Winifred Masterson Burke Medical Research Institute, New York, 785 Mamaroneck Ave., White Plains, NY, 10605, USA
| | - Vladlen Z Slepak
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA
| | - Valery I Shestopalov
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 900 NW 10 Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1600 NW 10th Ave., Miami, FL, 33136, USA.
- Vavilov Institute for General Genetics, Gubkina Str. 3, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
- Kharkevich Institute for Information Transmission Problems, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
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23
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Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a chronic and debilitating illness that affects over 350 million people worldwide; however, current treatments have failed to cure or prevent the progress of depression. Increasing evidence suggests a crucial role for connexins in MDD. In this review, we have summarised recent accomplishments regarding the role of connexins, gap junctions, and hemichannels in the aetiology of MDD, and discussed the limitations of current research. A blockage of gap junctions or hemichannels induces depressive behaviour. Possible underlying mechanisms include the regulation of neurosecretory functions and synaptic activity by gap junctions and hemichannels. Gap junctions are functionally inhibited under stress conditions. Conversely, hemichannel permeability is increased. Antidepressants inhibit hemichannel permeability; however, they have contrasting effects on the function of gap junctions under normal conditions and can protect them against stress. In conclusion, the blockage of hemichannels concurrent with improvements in gap junction functionality might be potential targets for depression treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Yuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Tohru Yamakuni
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai 980-8578, Japan
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China; College of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208, China.
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24
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Nishimura A, Sunggip C, Oda S, Numaga-Tomita T, Tsuda M, Nishida M. Purinergic P2Y receptors: Molecular diversity and implications for treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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25
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Meda P. Gap junction proteins are key drivers of endocrine function. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1860:124-140. [PMID: 28284720 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
It has long been known that the main secretory cells of exocrine and endocrine glands are connected by gap junctions, made by a variety of connexin species that ensure their electrical and metabolic coupling. Experiments in culture systems and animal models have since provided increasing evidence that connexin signaling contributes to control the biosynthesis and release of secretory products, as well as to the life and death of secretory cells. More recently, genetic studies have further provided the first lines of evidence that connexins also control the function of human glands, which are central to the pathogenesis of major endocrine diseases. Here, we summarize the recent information gathered on connexin signaling in these systems, since the last reviews on the topic, with particular regard to the pancreatic beta cells which produce insulin, and the renal cells which produce renin. These cells are keys to the development of various forms of diabetes and hypertension, respectively, and combine to account for the exploding, worldwide prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Gap Junction Proteins edited by Jean Claude Herve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Meda
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva Medical School, Switzerland.
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26
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Wu T, Huang J, Moore PJ, Little MS, Walton WG, Fellner RC, Alexis NE, Peter Di Y, Redinbo MR, Tilley SL, Tarran R. Identification of BPIFA1/SPLUNC1 as an epithelium-derived smooth muscle relaxing factor. Nat Commun 2017; 8:14118. [PMID: 28165446 PMCID: PMC5303822 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms14118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic airway disease characterized by inflammation, mucus hypersecretion and abnormal airway smooth muscle (ASM) contraction. Bacterial permeability family member A1, BPIFA1, is a secreted innate defence protein. Here we show that BPIFA1 levels are reduced in sputum samples from asthmatic patients and that BPIFA1 is secreted basolaterally from healthy, but not asthmatic human bronchial epithelial cultures (HBECs), where it suppresses ASM contractility by binding to and inhibiting the Ca2+ influx channel Orai1. We have localized this effect to a specific, C-terminal α-helical region of BPIFA1. Furthermore, tracheas from Bpifa1-/- mice are hypercontractile, and this phenotype is reversed by the addition of recombinant BPIFA1. Our data suggest that BPIFA1 deficiency in asthmatic airways promotes Orai1 hyperactivity, increased ASM contraction and airway hyperresponsiveness. Strategies that target Orai1 or the BPIFA1 deficiency in asthma may lead to novel therapies to treat this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongde Wu
- Cystic Fibrosis Center/Marsico Lung Institute, Marsico Hall, 125 Mason Farm Road, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7248, USA
| | - Julianne Huang
- Cystic Fibrosis Center/Marsico Lung Institute, Marsico Hall, 125 Mason Farm Road, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7248, USA.,Department of Chemistry, Genome Science Building, 250 Bell Tower Road, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7248, USA
| | - Patrick J Moore
- Cystic Fibrosis Center/Marsico Lung Institute, Marsico Hall, 125 Mason Farm Road, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7248, USA
| | - Michael S Little
- Department of Chemistry, Genome Science Building, 250 Bell Tower Road, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7248, USA
| | - William G Walton
- Department of Chemistry, Genome Science Building, 250 Bell Tower Road, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7248, USA
| | - Robert C Fellner
- Cystic Fibrosis Center/Marsico Lung Institute, Marsico Hall, 125 Mason Farm Road, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7248, USA
| | - Neil E Alexis
- Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, US EPA Human Studies Facility, 104 Mason Farm Road, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7248, USA
| | - Y Peter Di
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Pittsburgh, 331 Bridgeside Point Building, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260, USA
| | - Matthew R Redinbo
- Department of Chemistry, Genome Science Building, 250 Bell Tower Road, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7248, USA
| | - Stephen L Tilley
- Cystic Fibrosis Center/Marsico Lung Institute, Marsico Hall, 125 Mason Farm Road, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7248, USA.,Center for Environmental Medicine, Asthma, and Lung Biology, US EPA Human Studies Facility, 104 Mason Farm Road, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7248, USA
| | - Robert Tarran
- Cystic Fibrosis Center/Marsico Lung Institute, Marsico Hall, 125 Mason Farm Road, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7248, USA.,Department of Cell Biology &Physiology, 5200 Medical Biomolecular Research Building, 111 Mason Farm Road, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-7248, USA
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27
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Belousov AB, Fontes JD, Freitas-Andrade M, Naus CC. Gap junctions and hemichannels: communicating cell death in neurodevelopment and disease. BMC Cell Biol 2017; 18:4. [PMID: 28124625 PMCID: PMC5267333 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-016-0120-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are unique membrane channels that play a significant role in intercellular communication in the developing and mature central nervous system (CNS). These channels are composed of connexin proteins that oligomerize into hexamers to form connexons or hemichannels. Many different connexins are expressed in the CNS, with some specificity with regard to the cell types in which distinct connexins are found, as well as the timepoints when they are expressed in the developing and mature CNS. Both the main neuronal Cx36 and glial Cx43 play critical roles in neurodevelopment. These connexins also mediate distinct aspects of the CNS response to pathological conditions. An imbalance in the expression, translation, trafficking and turnover of connexins, as well as mutations of connexins, can impact their function in the context of cell death in neurodevelopment and disease. With the ever-increasing understanding of connexins in the brain, therapeutic strategies could be developed to target these membrane channels in various neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei B Belousov
- Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, The University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Joseph D Fontes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, The University of Kansas, Kansas City, KS, 66160, USA
| | - Moises Freitas-Andrade
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Christian C Naus
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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28
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Orellana JA. Physiological Functions of Glial Cell Hemichannels. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2016; 949:93-108. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-40764-7_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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29
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Gajardo-Gómez R, Labra VC, Orellana JA. Connexins and Pannexins: New Insights into Microglial Functions and Dysfunctions. Front Mol Neurosci 2016; 9:86. [PMID: 27713688 PMCID: PMC5031785 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2016.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Under physiological conditions, microglia adopt a resting phenotype associated with the production of anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic factors. In response to a wide variety of insults, these cells shift to an activated phenotype that is necessary for the proper restoration of brain homeostasis. However, when the intensity of a threat is relatively high, microglial activation worsens the progression of damage rather than providing protection, with potentially significant consequences for neuronal survival. Coordinated interactions among microglia and other brain cells, including astrocytes and neurons, are critical for the development of timely and optimal inflammatory responses in the brain parenchyma. Tissue synchronization is in part mediated by connexins and pannexins, which are protein families that form different plasma membrane channels to communicate with neighboring cells. Gap junction channels (which are exclusively formed by connexins in vertebrates) connect the cytoplasm of contacting cells to coordinate electrical and metabolic coupling. Hemichannels (HCs) and pannexons (which are formed by connexins and pannexins, respectively) communicate the intra- and extracellular compartments and serve as diffusion pathways for the exchange of ions and small molecules. In this review article, we discuss the available evidence concerning the functional expression and regulation of connexin- and pannexin-based channels in microglia and their contributions to microglial function and dysfunction. Specifically, we focus on the possible implications of these channels in microglia-to-microglia, microglia-to-astrocyte and neuron-to-microglia interactions in the inflamed brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Gajardo-Gómez
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Valeria C Labra
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan A Orellana
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago, Chile
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30
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Diezmos EF, Bertrand PP, Liu L. Purinergic Signaling in Gut Inflammation: The Role of Connexins and Pannexins. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:311. [PMID: 27445679 PMCID: PMC4925662 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purinergic receptors play an important role in inflammation, and can be activated by ATP released via pannexin channels and/or connexin hemichannels. The purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is of interest since it is involved in apoptosis when activated. Most studies focus on the influence of pannexin-1 (Panx1) and connexin 43 (Cx43) on ATP release and how it affects P2X7R function during inflammation. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by uncontrolled inflammation within the gastrointestinal system. At present, the pathophysiology of this disease remains largely unknown but it may involve the interplay between P2X7R, Panx1, and Cx43. There are two main types of IBD, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, that are classified by their location and frequency of inflammation. Current research suggests that alterations to normal functioning of innate and adaptive immunity may be a factor in disease progression. The involvement of purinergic receptors, connexins, and pannexins in IBD is a relatively novel notion in the context of gastrointestinal inflammation, and has been explored by various research groups. Thus, the present review focuses on the current research involving connexins, pannexins, and purinergic receptors within the gut and enteric nervous system, and will examine their involvement in inflammation and the pathophysiology of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica F Diezmos
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul P Bertrand
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South WalesSydney, NSW, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, RMIT UniversityBundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Lu Liu
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
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31
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García IE, Bosen F, Mujica P, Pupo A, Flores-Muñoz C, Jara O, González C, Willecke K, Martínez AD. From Hyperactive Connexin26 Hemichannels to Impairments in Epidermal Calcium Gradient and Permeability Barrier in the Keratitis-Ichthyosis-Deafness Syndrome. J Invest Dermatol 2016; 136:574-583. [PMID: 26777423 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2015.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2015] [Revised: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
The keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness (KID) syndrome is characterized by corneal, skin, and hearing abnormalities. KID has been linked to heterozygous dominant missense mutations in the GJB2 and GJB6 genes, encoding connexin26 and 30, respectively. In vitro evidence indicates that KID mutations lead to hyperactive (open) hemichannels, which in some cases is accompanied by abnormal function of gap junction channels. Transgenic mouse models expressing connexin26 KID mutations reproduce human phenotypes and present impaired epidermal calcium homeostasis and abnormal lipid composition of the stratum corneum affecting the water barrier. Here we have compiled relevant data regarding the KID syndrome and propose a mechanism for the epidermal aspects of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac E García
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Felicitas Bosen
- LIMES (Life and Medical Sciences) Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Paula Mujica
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Amaury Pupo
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Carolina Flores-Muñoz
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Oscar Jara
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Carlos González
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Klaus Willecke
- LIMES (Life and Medical Sciences) Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Agustín D Martínez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
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32
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Shen PP, Hou S, Ma D, Zhao MM, Zhu MQ, Zhang JD, Feng LS, Cui L, Feng JC. Cortical spreading depression-induced preconditioning in the brain. Neural Regen Res 2016; 11:1857-1864. [PMID: 28123433 PMCID: PMC5204245 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.194759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cortical spreading depression is a technique used to depolarize neurons. During focal or global ischemia, cortical spreading depression-induced preconditioning can enhance tolerance of further injury. However, the underlying mechanism for this phenomenon remains relatively unclear. To date, numerous issues exist regarding the experimental model used to precondition the brain with cortical spreading depression, such as the administration route, concentration of potassium chloride, induction time, duration of the protection provided by the treatment, the regional distribution of the protective effect, and the types of neurons responsible for the greater tolerance. In this review, we focus on the mechanisms underlying cortical spreading depression-induced tolerance in the brain, considering excitatory neurotransmission and metabolism, nitric oxide, genomic reprogramming, inflammation, neurotropic factors, and cellular stress response. Specifically, we clarify the procedures and detailed information regarding cortical spreading depression-induced preconditioning and build a foundation for more comprehensive investigations in the field of neural regeneration and clinical application in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Ping Shen
- Institute of Neuroscience Center and Neurology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Shuai Hou
- Institute of Neuroscience Center and Neurology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Di Ma
- Institute of Neuroscience Center and Neurology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Ming-Ming Zhao
- Institute of Neuroscience Center and Neurology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Ming-Qin Zhu
- Institute of Neuroscience Center and Neurology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jing-Dian Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience Center and Neurology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Liang-Shu Feng
- Institute of Neuroscience Center and Neurology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Li Cui
- Institute of Neuroscience Center and Neurology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
| | - Jia-Chun Feng
- Institute of Neuroscience Center and Neurology Department, the First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province, China
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33
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Del Rio R, Quintanilla RA, Orellana JA, Retamal MA. Neuron-Glia Crosstalk in the Autonomic Nervous System and Its Possible Role in the Progression of Metabolic Syndrome: A New Hypothesis. Front Physiol 2015; 6:350. [PMID: 26648871 PMCID: PMC4664731 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2015.00350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MS) is characterized by the following physiological alterations: increase in abdominal fat, insulin resistance, high concentration of triglycerides, low levels of HDL, high blood pressure, and a generalized inflammatory state. One of the pathophysiological hallmarks of this syndrome is the presence of neurohumoral activation, which involve autonomic imbalance associated to hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system. Indeed, enhanced sympathetic drive has been linked to the development of endothelial dysfunction, hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarct, and obstructive sleep apnea. Glial cells, the most abundant cells in the central nervous system, control synaptic transmission, and regulate neuronal function by releasing bioactive molecules called gliotransmitters. Recently, a new family of plasma membrane channels called hemichannels has been described to allow the release of gliotransmitters and modulate neuronal firing rate. Moreover, a growing amount of evidence indicates that uncontrolled hemichannel opening could impair glial cell functions, affecting synaptic transmission and neuronal survival. Given that glial cell functions are disturbed in various metabolic diseases, we hypothesize that progression of MS may relies on hemichannel-dependent impairment of glial-to-neuron communication by a mechanism related to dysfunction of inflammatory response and mitochondrial metabolism of glial cells. In this manuscript, we discuss how glial cells may contribute to the enhanced sympathetic drive observed in MS, and shed light about the possible role of hemichannels in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Del Rio
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de Chile Santiago, Chile ; Dirección de Investigación, Universidad Científica del Sur Lima, Perú
| | | | - Juan A Orellana
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Mauricio A Retamal
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina. Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo Santiago, Chile
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34
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Voytenko LP, Lushnikova IV, Savotchenko AV, Isaeva EV, Skok MV, Lykhmus OY, Patseva MA, Skibo GG. Hippocampal GABAergic interneurons coexpressing alpha7-nicotinic receptors and connexin-36 are able to improve neuronal viability under oxygen-glucose deprivation. Brain Res 2015; 1616:134-45. [PMID: 25966616 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2015.04.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The hippocampal interneurons are very diverse by chemical profiles and rather inconsistent by sensitivity to CI. Some hippocampal GABAergic interneurons survive certain time after ischemia while ischemia-sensitive interneurons and pyramidal neurons are damaged. GABAergic signaling, nicotinic receptors expressing α7-subunit (α7nAChRs(+)) and connexin-36 (Cx36(+), electrotonic gapjunctions protein) contradictory modulate post-ischemic environment. We hypothesized that hippocampal ischemia-resistant GABAergic interneurons coexpressing glutamate decarboxylase-67 isoform (GAD67(+)), α7nAChRs(+), Cx36(+) are able to enhance neuronal viability. To check this hypothesis the histochemical and electrophysiological investigations have been performed using rat hippocampal organotypic culture in the condition of 30-min oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Post-OGD reoxygenation (4h) revealed in CA1 pyramidal layer numerous damaged cells, decreased population spike amplitude and increased pair-pulse depression. In these conditions GAD67(+) interneurons displayed the OGD-resistance and significant increase of GABA synthesis/metabolism (GAD67-immunofluorescence, mitochondrial activity). The α7nAChRs(+) and Cx36(+) co-localizations were revealed in resistant GAD67(+) interneurons. Under OGD: GABAA-receptors (GABAARs) blockade increased cell damage and exacerbated the pair-pulse depression in CA1 pyramidal layer; α7nAChRs and Cx36-channels separate blockades sufficiently decreased cell damage while interneuronal GAD67-immunofluorescence and mitochondrial activity were similar to the control. Thus, hippocampal GABAergic interneurons co-expressing α7nAChRs and Cx36 remained resistant certain time after OGD and were able to modulate CA1 neuron survival through GABAARs, α7nAChRs and Cx36-channels activity. The enhancements of the neuronal viability together with GABA synthesis/metabolism normalization suggest cooperative neuroprotective mechanism that could be used for increase in efficiency of therapeutic strategies against post-ischemic pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- L P Voytenko
- Department of Cytology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev, Ukraine.
| | - I V Lushnikova
- Department of Cytology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - A V Savotchenko
- Department of Cellular Membranology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Ukraine
| | - E V Isaeva
- Department of Cellular Membranology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Ukraine
| | - M V Skok
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - O Yu Lykhmus
- Palladin Institute of Biochemistry, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - M A Patseva
- Department of Cytology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev, Ukraine
| | - G G Skibo
- Department of Cytology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, Kiev, Ukraine
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Decrock E, De Bock M, Wang N, Bultynck G, Giaume C, Naus CC, Green CR, Leybaert L. Connexin and pannexin signaling pathways, an architectural blueprint for CNS physiology and pathology? Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2823-51. [PMID: 26118660 PMCID: PMC11113968 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1962-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of a highly heterogeneous population of cells. Dynamic interactions between different compartments (neuronal, glial, and vascular systems) drive CNS function and allow to integrate and process information as well as to respond accordingly. Communication within this functional unit, coined the neuro-glio-vascular unit (NGVU), typically relies on two main mechanisms: direct cell-cell coupling via gap junction channels (GJCs) and paracrine communication via the extracellular compartment, two routes to which channels composed of transmembrane connexin (Cx) or pannexin (Panx) proteins can contribute. Multiple isoforms of both protein families are present in the CNS and each CNS cell type is characterized by a unique Cx/Panx portfolio. Over the last two decades, research has uncovered a multilevel platform via which Cxs and Panxs can influence different cellular functions within a tissue: (1) Cx GJCs enable a direct cell-cell communication of small molecules, (2) Cx hemichannels and Panx channels can contribute to autocrine/paracrine signaling pathways, and (3) different structural domains of these proteins allow for channel-independent functions, such as cell-cell adhesion, interactions with the cytoskeleton, and the activation of intracellular signaling pathways. In this paper, we discuss current knowledge on their multifaceted contribution to brain development and to specific processes in the NGVU, including synaptic transmission and plasticity, glial signaling, vasomotor control, and blood-brain barrier integrity in the mature CNS. By highlighting both physiological and pathological conditions, it becomes evident that Cxs and Panxs can play a dual role in the CNS and that an accurate fine-tuning of each signaling mechanism is crucial for normal CNS physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Decrock
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185 (Block B, 3rd floor), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marijke De Bock
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185 (Block B, 3rd floor), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nan Wang
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185 (Block B, 3rd floor), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Bultynck
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signalling, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Louvain, Belgium
| | - Christian Giaume
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, 75231 Paris Cedex 05, France
- University Pierre et Marie
Curie, ED, N°158, 75005 Paris, France
- MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Christian C. Naus
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3 Canada
| | - Colin R. Green
- Department of Ophthalmology, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185 (Block B, 3rd floor), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Retamal MA, Reyes EP, García IE, Pinto B, Martínez AD, González C. Diseases associated with leaky hemichannels. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:267. [PMID: 26283912 PMCID: PMC4515567 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hemichannels (HCs) and gap junction channels (GJCs) formed by protein subunits called connexins (Cxs) are major pathways for intercellular communication. While HCs connect the intracellular compartment with the extracellular milieu, GJCs allow the interchange of molecules between cytoplasm of two contacting cells. Under physiological conditions, HCs are mostly closed, but they can open under certain stimuli allowing the release of autocrine and paracrine molecules. Moreover, some pathological conditions, like ischemia or other inflammation conditions, significantly increase HCs activity. In addition, some mutations in Cx genes associated with human diseases, such as deafness or cataracts, lead to the formation of more active HCs or “leaky HCs.” In this article we will revise cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the appearance of leaky HCs, and the consequences of their expression in different cellular systems and animal models, in seeking a common pattern or pathological mechanism of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio A Retamal
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo Santiago, Chile
| | - Edison P Reyes
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo Santiago, Chile ; Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Isaac E García
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Bernardo Pinto
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Agustín D Martínez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Carlos González
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso Valparaíso, Chile
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Hodson DJ, Legros C, Desarménien MG, Guérineau NC. Roles of connexins and pannexins in (neuro)endocrine physiology. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2911-28. [PMID: 26084873 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1967-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
To ensure appropriate secretion in response to demand, (neuro)endocrine tissues liberate massive quantities of hormones, which act to coordinate and synchronize biological signals in distant secretory and nonsecretory cell populations. Intercellular communication plays a central role in this control. With regard to molecular identity, junctional cell-cell communication is supported by connexin-based gap junctions. In addition, connexin hemichannels, the structural precursors of gap junctions, as well as pannexin channels have recently emerged as possible modulators of the secretory process. This review focuses on the expression of connexins and pannexins in various (neuro)endocrine tissues, including the adrenal cortex and medulla, the anterior pituitary, the endocrine hypothalamus and the pineal, thyroid and parathyroid glands. Upon a physiological or pathological stimulus, junctional intercellular coupling can be acutely modulated or persistently remodeled, thus offering multiple regulatory possibilities. The functional roles of gap junction-mediated intercellular communication in endocrine physiology as well as the involvement of connexin/pannexin-related hemichannels are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Hodson
- Section of Cell Biology and Functional Genomics, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, W12 0NN, UK
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Burnstock G. An introduction to the roles of purinergic signalling in neurodegeneration, neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. Neuropharmacology 2015; 104:4-17. [PMID: 26056033 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2015.05.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Purinergic signalling appears to play important roles in neurodegeneration, neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. Initially there is a brief summary of the background of purinergic signalling, including release of purines and pyrimidines from neural and non-neural cells and their ectoenzymatic degradation, and the current characterisation of P1 (adenosine), and P2X (ion channel) and P2Y (G protein-coupled) nucleotide receptor subtypes. There is also coverage of the localization and roles of purinoceptors in the healthy central nervous system. The focus is then on the roles of purinergic signalling in trauma, ischaemia, stroke and in neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and Huntington's diseases, as well as multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuroprotective mechanisms involving purinergic signalling are considered and its involvement in neuroregeneration, including the role of adult neural stem/progenitor cells. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'Purines in Neurodegeneration and Neuroregeneration'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey Burnstock
- Autonomic Neuroscience Centre, University College Medical School, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, UK; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
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39
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Orellana JA, Moraga-Amaro R, Díaz-Galarce R, Rojas S, Maturana CJ, Stehberg J, Sáez JC. Restraint stress increases hemichannel activity in hippocampal glial cells and neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:102. [PMID: 25883550 PMCID: PMC4382970 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress affects brain areas involved in learning and emotional responses, which may contribute in the development of cognitive deficits associated with major depression. These effects have been linked to glial cell activation, glutamate release and changes in neuronal plasticity and survival including atrophy of hippocampal apical dendrites, loss of synapses and neuronal death. Under neuro-inflammatory conditions, we recently unveiled a sequential activation of glial cells that release ATP and glutamate via hemichannels inducing neuronal death due to activation of neuronal NMDA/P2X7 receptors and pannexin1 hemichannels. In the present work, we studied if stress-induced glia activation is associated to changes in hemichannel activity. To this end, we compared hemichannel activity of brain cells after acute or chronic restraint stress in mice. Dye uptake experiments in hippocampal slices revealed that acute stress induces opening of both Cx43 and Panx1 hemichannels in astrocytes, which were further increased by chronic stress; whereas enhanced Panx1 hemichannel activity was detected in microglia and neurons after acute/chronic and chronic stress, respectively. Moreover, inhibition of NMDA/P2X7 receptors reduced the chronic stress-induced hemichannel opening, whereas blockade of Cx43 and Panx1 hemichannels fully reduced ATP and glutamate release in hippocampal slices from stressed mice. Thus, we propose that gliotransmitter release through hemichannels may participate in the pathogenesis of stress-associated psychiatric disorders and possibly depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Orellana
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Moraga-Amaro
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello Santiago, Chile
| | - Raúl Díaz-Galarce
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello Santiago, Chile
| | - Sebastián Rojas
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello Santiago, Chile
| | - Carola J Maturana
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago, Chile
| | - Jimmy Stehberg
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas and Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile Santiago, Chile ; Instituto Milenio, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso Santiago, Chile
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40
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Montero TD, Orellana JA. Hemichannels: new pathways for gliotransmitter release. Neuroscience 2014; 286:45-59. [PMID: 25475761 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Revised: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests that glial cells express virtually all known types of neurotransmitter receptors, enabling them to sense neuronal activity and microenvironment changes by responding locally via the Ca(2+)-dependent release of bioactive molecules, known as "gliotransmitters". Several mechanisms of gliotransmitter release have been documented. One of these mechanisms involves the opening of plasma membrane channels, known as hemichannels. These channels are composed of six protein subunits consisting of connexins or pannexins, two highly conserved protein families encoded by 21 or 3 genes, respectively, in humans. Most data indicate that under physiological conditions, glial cell hemichannels have low activity, but this activity is sufficient to ensure the release of relevant quantities of gliotransmitters to the extracellular milieu, including ATP, glutamate, adenosine and glutathione. Nevertheless, it has been suggested that dysregulations of hemichannel properties could be critical in the beginning and during the maintenance of homeostatic imbalances observed in several brain diseases. In this study, we review the current knowledge on the hemichannel-dependent release of gliotransmitters in the physiology and pathophysiology of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D Montero
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - J A Orellana
- Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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41
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Hansen DB, Ye ZC, Calloe K, Braunstein TH, Hofgaard JP, Ransom BR, Nielsen MS, MacAulay N. Activation, permeability, and inhibition of astrocytic and neuronal large pore (hemi)channels. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:26058-26073. [PMID: 25086040 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.582155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes and neurons express several large pore (hemi)channels that may open in response to various stimuli, allowing fluorescent dyes, ions, and cytoplasmic molecules such as ATP and glutamate to permeate. Several of these large pore (hemi)channels have similar characteristics with regard to activation, permeability, and inhibitor sensitivity. Consequently, their behaviors and roles in astrocytic and neuronal (patho)physiology remain undefined. We took advantage of the Xenopus laevis expression system to determine the individual characteristics of several large pore channels in isolation. Expression of connexins Cx26, Cx30, Cx36, or Cx43, the pannexins Px1 or Px2, or the purinergic receptor P2X7 yielded functional (hemi)channels with isoform-specific characteristics. Connexin hemichannels had distinct sensitivity to alterations of extracellular Ca(2+) and their permeability to dyes and small atomic ions (conductance) were not proportional. Px1 and Px2 exhibited conductance at positive membrane potentials, but only Px1 displayed detectable fluorescent dye uptake. P2X7, in the absence of Px1, was permeable to fluorescent dyes in an agonist-dependent manner. The large pore channels displayed overlapping sensitivity to the inhibitors Brilliant Blue, gadolinium, and carbenoxolone. These results demonstrated isoform-specific characteristics among the large pore membrane channels; an open (hemi)channel is not a nonselective channel. With these isoform-specific properties in mind, we characterized the divalent cation-sensitive permeation pathway in primary cultured astrocytes. We observed no activation of membrane conductance or Cx43-mediated dye uptake in astrocytes nor in Cx43-expressing C6 cells. Our data underscore that although Cx43-mediated transport is observed in overexpressing cell systems, such transport may not be detectable in native cells under comparable experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bloch Hansen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Zu-Cheng Ye
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Kirstine Calloe
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Science, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark, and
| | - Thomas Hartig Braunstein
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia and Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johannes Pauli Hofgaard
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia and Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bruce R Ransom
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Morten Schak Nielsen
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia and Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nanna MacAulay
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark,.
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42
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Pizarro-Delgado J, Fasciani I, Temperan A, Romero M, González-Nieto D, Alonso-Magdalena P, Nualart-Marti A, Estil'les E, Paul DL, Martín-del-Río R, Montanya E, Solsona C, Nadal A, Barrio LC, Tamarit-Rodríguez J. Inhibition of connexin 36 hemichannels by glucose contributes to the stimulation of insulin secretion. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2014; 306:E1354-66. [PMID: 24735890 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00358.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The existence of functional connexin36 (Cx36) hemichannels in β-cells was investigated in pancreatic islets of rat and wild-type (Cx36(+/+)), monoallelic (Cx36(+/-)), and biallelic (Cx36(-/-)) knockout mice. Hemichannel opening by KCl depolarization was studied by measuring ATP release and changes of intracellular ATP (ADP). Cx36(+/+) islets lost ATP after depolarization with 70 mM KCl at 5 mM glucose; ATP loss was prevented by 8 and 20 mM glucose or 50 μM mefloquine (connexin inhibitor). ATP content was higher in Cx36(-/-) than Cx36(+/+) islets and was not decreased by KCl depolarization; Cx36(+/-) islets showed values between that of control and homozygous islets. Five minimolar extracellular ATP increased ATP content and ATP/ADP ratio and induced a biphasic insulin secretion in depolarized Cx36(+/+) and Cx36(+/-) but not Cx36(-/-) islets. Cx36 hemichannels expressed in oocytes opened upon depolarization of membrane potential, and their activation was inhibited by mefloquine and glucose (IC₅₀ ∼8 mM). It is postulated that glucose-induced inhibition of Cx36 hemichannels in islet β-cells might avoid depolarization-induced ATP loss, allowing an optimum increase of the ATP/ADP ratio by sugar metabolism and a biphasic stimulation of insulin secretion. Gradual suppression of glucose-induced insulin release in Cx36(+/-) and Cx36(-/-) islets confirms that Cx36 gap junction channels are necessary for a full secretory stimulation and might account for the glucose intolerance observed in mice with defective Cx36 expression. Mefloquine targeting of Cx36 on both gap junctions and hemichannels also suppresses glucose-stimulated secretion. By contrast, glucose stimulation of insulin secretion requires Cx36 hemichannels' closure but keeping gap junction channels opened.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilaria Fasciani
- Research Department, "Ramón y Cajal" Hospital-IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Temperan
- Research Department, "Ramón y Cajal" Hospital-IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Romero
- Research Department, "Ramón y Cajal" Hospital-IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Paloma Alonso-Magdalena
- Institute of Bioengineering and CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Anna Nualart-Marti
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine - Campus Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; IDIBELL, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Estil'les
- CIBERDEM, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Barcelona, Feixa Llarga s/n, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; and
| | - David L Paul
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Eduard Montanya
- CIBERDEM, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Barcelona, Feixa Llarga s/n, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; and Endocrine Unit, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Solsona
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine - Campus Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; IDIBELL, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angel Nadal
- Institute of Bioengineering and CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | | | - J Tamarit-Rodríguez
- Biochemistry Department, Medical School, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain;
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43
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Lohman AW, Isakson BE. Differentiating connexin hemichannels and pannexin channels in cellular ATP release. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1379-88. [PMID: 24548565 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) plays a fundamental role in cellular communication, with its extracellular accumulation triggering purinergic signaling cascades in a diversity of cell types. While the roles for purinergic signaling in health and disease have been well established, identification and differentiation of the specific mechanisms controlling cellular ATP release is less well understood. Multiple mechanisms have been proposed to regulate ATP release with connexin (Cx) hemichannels and pannexin (Panx) channels receiving major focus. However, segregating the specific roles of Panxs and Cxs in ATP release in a plethora of physiological and pathological contexts has remained enigmatic. This multifaceted problem has arisen from the selectivity of pharmacological inhibitors for Panxs and Cxs, methodological differences in assessing Panx and Cx function and the potential compensation by other isoforms in gene silencing and genetic knockout models. Consequently, there remains a void in the current understanding of specific contributions of Panxs and Cxs in releasing ATP during homeostasis and disease. Differentiating the distinct signaling pathways that regulate these two channels will advance our current knowledge of cellular communication and aid in the development of novel rationally-designed drugs for modulation of Panx and Cx activity, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W Lohman
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22098, United States; Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States
| | - Brant E Isakson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22098, United States; Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, United States.
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44
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Prochnow N. Relevance of gap junctions and large pore channels in traumatic brain injury. Front Physiol 2014; 5:31. [PMID: 24575046 PMCID: PMC3920098 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 01/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In case of traumatic brain injury (TBI), occurrence of central nervous tissue damage is frequently aligned with local modulations of neuronal and glial gap junction channel expression levels. The degree of gap junctional protein expression and intercellular coupling efficiency, as well as hemichannel function has substantially impact on the course of trauma recovery and outcome. During TBI, gap junctions are especially involved in the intercellular molecule trafficking on repair of blood vessels and the regulation of vasomotor tone. Furthermore, gliosis and astrocytic swelling due to mechanical strain injury point out the consequences of derailed gap junction communication. This review addresses the outstanding role of gap junction channels in TBI pathophysiology and links the current state of results to applied clinical procedures as well as perspectives in acute and long-term treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Prochnow
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr-University Bochum Bochum, Germany
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45
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Nielsen MS, Axelsen LN, Sorgen PL, Verma V, Delmar M, Holstein-Rathlou NH. Gap junctions. Compr Physiol 2013; 2:1981-2035. [PMID: 23723031 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c110051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions are essential to the function of multicellular animals, which require a high degree of coordination between cells. In vertebrates, gap junctions comprise connexins and currently 21 connexins are known in humans. The functions of gap junctions are highly diverse and include exchange of metabolites and electrical signals between cells, as well as functions, which are apparently unrelated to intercellular communication. Given the diversity of gap junction physiology, regulation of gap junction activity is complex. The structure of the various connexins is known to some extent; and structural rearrangements and intramolecular interactions are important for regulation of channel function. Intercellular coupling is further regulated by the number and activity of channels present in gap junctional plaques. The number of connexins in cell-cell channels is regulated by controlling transcription, translation, trafficking, and degradation; and all of these processes are under strict control. Once in the membrane, channel activity is determined by the conductive properties of the connexin involved, which can be regulated by voltage and chemical gating, as well as a large number of posttranslational modifications. The aim of the present article is to review our current knowledge on the structure, regulation, function, and pharmacology of gap junctions. This will be supported by examples of how different connexins and their regulation act in concert to achieve appropriate physiological control, and how disturbances of connexin function can lead to disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Schak Nielsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and The Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Nualart-Marti A, del Molino EM, Grandes X, Bahima L, Martin-Satué M, Puchal R, Fasciani I, González-Nieto D, Ziganshin B, Llobet A, Barrio LC, Solsona C. Role of connexin 32 hemichannels in the release of ATP from peripheral nerves. Glia 2013; 61:1976-89. [PMID: 24123415 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2013] [Revised: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 08/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular purines elicit strong signals in the nervous system. Adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) does not spontaneously cross the plasma membrane, and nervous cells secrete ATP by exocytosis or through plasma membrane proteins such as connexin hemichannels. Using a combination of imaging, luminescence and electrophysiological techniques, we explored the possibility that Connexin 32 (Cx32), expressed in Schwann cells (SCs) myelinating the peripheral nervous system could be an important source of ATP in peripheral nerves. We triggered the release of ATP in vivo from mice sciatic nerves by electrical stimulation and from cultured SCs by high extracellular potassium concentration-evoked depolarization. No ATP was detected in the extracellular media after treatment of the sciatic nerve with Octanol or Carbenoxolone, and ATP release was significantly inhibited after silencing Cx32 from SCs cultures. We investigated the permeability of Cx32 to ATP by expressing Cx32 hemichannels in Xenopus laevis oocytes. We found that ATP release is coupled to the inward tail current generated after the activation of Cx32 hemichannels by depolarization pulses, and it is sensitive to low extracellular calcium concentrations. Moreover, we found altered ATP release in mutated Cx32 hemichannels related to the X-linked form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, suggesting that purinergic-mediated signaling in peripheral nerves could underlie the physiopathology of this neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Nualart-Marti
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine-Campus Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
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Role of gap junctions and hemichannels in parasitic infections. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2013; 2013:589130. [PMID: 24236292 PMCID: PMC3819887 DOI: 10.1155/2013/589130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2013] [Revised: 08/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrates, connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs) are proteins that form gap junction channels and/or hemichannels located at cell-cell interfaces and cell surface, respectively. Similar channel types are formed by innexins in invertebrate cells. These channels serve as pathways for cellular communication that coordinate diverse physiologic processes. However, it is known that many acquired and inherited diseases deregulate Cx and/or Panx channels, condition that frequently worsens the pathological state of vertebrates. Recent evidences suggest that Cx and/or Panx hemichannels play a relevant role in bacterial and viral infections. Nonetheless, little is known about the role of Cx- and Panx-based channels in parasitic infections of vertebrates. In this review, available data on changes in Cx and gap junction channel changes induced by parasitic infections are summarized. Additionally, we describe recent findings that suggest possible roles of hemichannels in parasitic infections. Finally, the possibility of new therapeutic designs based on hemichannel blokers is presented.
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Fasciani I, Temperán A, Pérez-Atencio LF, Escudero A, Martínez-Montero P, Molano J, Gómez-Hernández JM, Paino CL, González-Nieto D, Barrio LC. Regulation of connexin hemichannel activity by membrane potential and the extracellular calcium in health and disease. Neuropharmacology 2013; 75:479-90. [PMID: 23587648 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Connexins are thought to solely mediate cell-to-cell communication by forming gap junction channels composed of two membrane-spanning hemichannels positioned end-to-end. However, many if not all connexin isoforms also form functional hemichannels (i.e., the precursors of complete channels) that mediate the rapid exchange of ions, second messengers and metabolites between the cell interior and the interstitial space. Electrical and molecular signaling via connexin hemichannels is now widely recognized to be important in many physiological scenarios and pathological conditions. Indeed, mutations in connexins that alter hemichannel function have been implicated in several diseases. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of how hemichannel activity is tightly regulated by membrane potential and the external calcium concentration. In addition, we discuss the genetic mutations known to alter hemichannel function and their deleterious effects, of which a better understanding is necessary to develop novel therapeutic approaches for diseases caused by hemichannel dysfunction. This article is part of the Special Issue Section entitled 'Current Pharmacology of Gap Junction Channels and Hemichannels'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Fasciani
- Unit of Experimental Neurology-Neurobiology, "Ramón y Cajal" Hospital (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Temperán
- Unit of Experimental Neurology-Neurobiology, "Ramón y Cajal" Hospital (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Leonel F Pérez-Atencio
- Unit of Experimental Neurology-Neurobiology, "Ramón y Cajal" Hospital (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela Escudero
- Unit of Experimental Neurology-Neurobiology, "Ramón y Cajal" Hospital (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain; Unit of Molecular Genetics-INGEM, Hospital La Paz (IDIPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Jesús Molano
- Unit of Molecular Genetics-INGEM, Hospital La Paz (IDIPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan M Gómez-Hernández
- Unit of Experimental Neurology-Neurobiology, "Ramón y Cajal" Hospital (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos L Paino
- Unit of Experimental Neurology-Neurobiology, "Ramón y Cajal" Hospital (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel González-Nieto
- Unit of Experimental Neurology-Neurobiology, "Ramón y Cajal" Hospital (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain; Center for Biomedical Technology, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis C Barrio
- Unit of Experimental Neurology-Neurobiology, "Ramón y Cajal" Hospital (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain.
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Belousov AB, Fontes JD. Neuronal gap junctions: making and breaking connections during development and injury. Trends Neurosci 2013; 36:227-36. [PMID: 23237660 PMCID: PMC3609876 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2012.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Revised: 11/02/2012] [Accepted: 11/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
In the mammalian central nervous system (CNS), coupling of neurons by gap junctions (i.e., electrical synapses) and the expression of the neuronal gap junction protein, connexin 36 (Cx36), transiently increase during early postnatal development. The levels of both subsequently decline and remain low in the adult, confined to specific subsets of neurons. However, following neuronal injury [such as ischemia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and epilepsy], the coupling and expression of Cx36 rise. Here we summarize new findings on the mechanisms of regulation of Cx36-containing gap junctions in the developing and mature CNS and following injury. We also review recent studies suggesting various roles for neuronal gap junctions and in particular their role in glutamate-mediated neuronal death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei B Belousov
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA.
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Weilinger NL, Maslieieva V, Bialecki J, Sridharan SS, Tang PL, Thompson RJ. Ionotropic receptors and ion channels in ischemic neuronal death and dysfunction. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2013; 34:39-48. [PMID: 22864302 DOI: 10.1038/aps.2012.95] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of energy supply to neurons during stroke induces a rapid loss of membrane potential that is called the anoxic depolarization. Anoxic depolarizations result in tremendous physiological stress on the neurons because of the dysregulation of ionic fluxes and the loss of ATP to drive ion pumps that maintain electrochemical gradients. In this review, we present an overview of some of the ionotropic receptors and ion channels that are thought to contribute to the anoxic depolarization of neurons and subsequently, to cell death. The ionotropic receptors for glutamate and ATP that function as ligand-gated cation channels are critical in the death and dysfunction of neurons. Interestingly, two of these receptors (P2X7 and NMDAR) have been shown to couple to the pannexin-1 (Panx1) ion channel. We also discuss the important roles of transient receptor potential (TRP) channels and acid-sensing ion channels (ASICs) in responses to ischemia. The central challenge that emerges from our current understanding of the anoxic depolarization is the need to elucidate the mechanistic and temporal interrelations of these ion channels to fully appreciate their impact on neurons during stroke.
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