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Gao RJ, Zhang AM, Jia QH, Dang ZT, Tian T, Zhang JR, Cao N, Tang XC, Ma KT, Li L, Si JQ. The promoting role of Cx43 on the proliferation and migration of arterial smooth muscle cells for angiotensin II-dependent hypertension. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2021; 70:102072. [PMID: 34428599 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2021.102072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that endothelin-1 and angiotensin II (AngII) can increase gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) by activating Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) pathway. However, not only the precise interaction of AngII with Connexin43(Cx43) and the associated functions remain unclear, but also the regulatory role of Cx43 on the AngII-mediated promotion proliferation and migration of VSMCs is poorly understood. MATERIAL AND METHODS Our research applicated pressure myography measurements, immunofluorescence and Western blot analyses to investigate the changes in physiological indicators in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) and AngII-stimulated proliferation and migration of A7r5 SMCs(Rat vascular smooth muscle cells). The aim was to elucidate the role of CX43 in hypertension induced by AngII. RESULTS Chronic ramipril (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor) management for SHRs significantly attenuated blood pressure and blood vessel wall thickness, also reduced contraction rate in the cerebral artery. The cerebral artery contraction rates, mRNA and protein expression of Cx43, osteopontin (OPN) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) protein expression in the SHR + ramipril and SHR + ramipril + carbenoxolone (CBX, Cx43 specific blocker) groups were significantly lower than those in the SHR group. Cx43 protein expression and Ser368 phosphorylated Cx43 protein levels increased significantly in AngII-stimulated A7r5 cells. However, the levels of phosphorylated Cx43 decreased after pre-treatment with candesartan (AT1 receptor blocker), GF109203X (protein kinase C (PKC) blocker) and U0126 (mitogen-activated protein kinases/extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2(MEK/ERK1/2)-specific blocker) in AngII-stimulated A7r5 cells. Cx43 was widely distributed in the cell membrane, nucleus, and cytoplasm of the SMCs. Furthermore, pre-treatment of the AngII- stimulated A7r5 cells with Gap26 (Cx43 blocker) significantly inhibited cell migration and decreased the expression levels of MEK1/2, ERK1/2, P-MEK1/2, and P-ERK1/2. CONCLUSION Our research confirms that Cx43 plays an important role in the regulation of proliferation and migration of VSMCs via MEK/ERK and PKC signal pathway in AngII-dependent hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Juan Gao
- Department of Physiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; Department of Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, 832002, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Ai-Mei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Qi-Hua Jia
- Department of Physiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Zi-Ting Dang
- Department of Physiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; Department of Commerce, Shanxi Institute of International Trade & Commerce, Xianyang, 712046, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Department of Physiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Jing-Rong Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Nan Cao
- Department of Physiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Xue-Chun Tang
- Department of Physiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Ke-Tao Ma
- Department of Physiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, 314001, China.
| | - Jun-Qiang Si
- Department of Physiology, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Ministry of Education, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China; Department of Physiology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, 430070, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Central Asia High Incidence Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Shihezi University School of Medicine, Shihezi, Xinjiang, 832002, China.
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Butt H, Mehmood A, Ejaz A, Humayun S, Riazuddin S. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells against in vitro heat stress. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 872:172958. [PMID: 32001222 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.172958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The deteriorating effects of heat stress abrogate the therapeutic implications of human Wharton's jelly derived mesenchymal stem cells (hWJMSCs) transplanted in burn wounds. Topically applied green tea extract comprising epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is known to repair burn wounds. Here, we investigated the protective role of EGCG priming of hWJMSCs against heat-induced stress in vitro along with the involved underlying mechanism. EGCG ameliorated heat-induced injuries as demonstrated by significantly improved cell morphology, viability, triggered cell migration and enhanced expression of heat shock proteins. In addition, decreased lactate dehydrogenase release and reduced percentage of senescent and apoptotic cells were observed. EGCG priming alleviated the detrimental effects of thermal stress in hWJMSCs as observed by significant down-regulation in expression of BCL2 associated X (BAX), interleukin 6 (IL6), and interleukin 1 beta (IL1β) genes, while proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), BCL2 like 1 (BCL2L1), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1), hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and interleukin 4 (IL4) genes were up-regulated. Accompanying gene expression data, EGCG primed cells exposed to heat stress also exhibited remarkably increased secretion of VEGF, HGF, epidermal growth factor (EGF), stromal-derived factor 1 (SDF1) proteins while the reduced release of IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) proteins. Further, synergistic activation of extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) proteins was observed. These findings suggest that EGCG priming might enhance the therapeutic efficacy of hWJMSCs in the burnt tissue through regulation of ERK and AKT signaling pathways, and improved cellular responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hira Butt
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87-West Canal Bank Road, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Azra Mehmood
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87-West Canal Bank Road, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Asim Ejaz
- Adipose Stem Cells Center, Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA.
| | - Shamsa Humayun
- Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Sheikh Riazuddin
- National Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, 87-West Canal Bank Road, University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan; Jinnah Burn & Reconstructive Surgery Centre, Lahore, Pakistan.
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Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) Co-Culture with Osteogenic Cells: From Molecular Communication to Engineering Prevascularised Bone Grafts. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8101602. [PMID: 31623330 PMCID: PMC6832897 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8101602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The repair of bone defects caused by trauma, infection or tumor resection is a major clinical orthopedic challenge. The application of bone grafts in orthopedic procedures is associated with a problem of inadequate vascularization in the initial phase after implantation. Meanwhile, the survival of cells within the implanted graft and its integration with the host tissue is strongly dependent on nutrient and gaseous exchange, as well as waste product removal, which are effectuated by blood microcirculation. In the bone tissue, the vasculature also delivers the calcium and phosphate indispensable for the mineralization process. The critical role of vascularization for bone healing and function, led the researchers to the idea of generating a capillary-like network within the bone graft in vitro, which could allow increasing the cell survival and graft integration with a host tissue. New strategies for engineering pre-vascularized bone grafts, that apply the co-culture of endothelial and bone-forming cells, have recently gained interest. However, engineering of metabolically active graft, containing two types of cells requires deep understanding of the underlying mechanisms of interaction between these cells. The present review focuses on the best-characterized endothelial cells-human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs)-attempting to estimate whether the co-culture approach, using these cells, could bring us closer to development and possible clinical application of prevascularized bone grafts.
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Wang Q, Zhou C, Zhang D, Zou J, Liu W, Cai L, Cui Y, Lai W, Xie J. The involvement of the ERK-MAPK pathway in TGF-β1-mediated connexin43-gap junction formation in chondrocytes. Connect Tissue Res 2019; 60:477-486. [PMID: 30897973 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2019.1593394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Purposes: Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) exhibits a key role in maintaining the homeostasis of articular cartilage. Connexin43 (Cx43) protein is predominant in the structures that form gap junctions. We aim to determine the potential underlying mechanisms of TGF-β1 (Transforming growth factor-β1)-regulated cell communication in chondrocytes. Materials and methods: After exposure of chondrocytes to recombinant TGF-β1, quantitative real-time PCR was used to detect expression levels of Cx43 mRNA. Western blot analysis was used to check Cx43 and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family components. Immunofluorescence staining was performed to confirm ERK-MAPK pathway activation and Cx43 protein distribution. MAPK inhibitors (ERK inhibitor U0126, JNK inhibitor SP 600125 and P38 inhibitor SP 203580) were applied to verify the specificity effects of ERK-MAPK pathway. GJIC between chondrocytes were evaluated using Scrape loading/dye transfer (SLDT) assay. Results: It was first found that TGF-β1modulatedthe Cx43protein expressions and its sub-cellular distribution. TGF-β1 promoted gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) formations in chondrocytes, especially in a higher cell intensity. ERK-MAPK signaling pathway was activated in TGF-β1-mediated gap junctions among chondrocytes. Furthermore, the inhibitor of ERK attenuated the increases of Cx43 expressions and functional gap junction formations induced by TGF-β1, while cross-talk between ERK-MAPK and Smad signal pathways exists shown in the process. Conclusions: This study provides evidence to show the importance of the ERK-MAPK pathway in TGF-β1-mediated Cx43 expression and functional gap junction formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxuan Wang
- a State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Chenchen Zhou
- a State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Demao Zhang
- a State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Jing Zou
- a State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- a State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Linyi Cai
- a State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Yujia Cui
- a State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Wenli Lai
- a State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
| | - Jing Xie
- a State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology , Sichuan University , Chengdu , China
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Pro-Apoptotic Effect of Grape Seed Extract on MCF-7 Involves Transient Increase of Gap Junction Intercellular Communication and Cx43 Up-Regulation: A Mechanism of Chemoprevention. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133244. [PMID: 31269652 PMCID: PMC6651466 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests dietary antioxidants reduce the risk of several cancers. Grape seeds extracts (GSE) are a rich source of polyphenols known to have antioxidant, chemopreventive and anticancer properties. Herein, we investigated the in vitro effects and putative action mechanisms of a grape seed extract (GSE) on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). The effects of GSE were evaluated on cell proliferation, apoptosis and gap-junction-mediated cell-cell communications (GJIC), as basal mechanism involved in the promotion stage of carcinogenesis. GSE (0.05-100 μg/mL) caused a significant dose- and time-dependent inhibition of MCF-7 viability and induced apoptotic cell death, as detected by Annexin-V/Propidium Iodide. Concurrently, GSE induced transient but significant enhancement of GJIC in non-communicating MCF-7 cells, as demonstrated by the scrape-loading/dye-transfer (SL/DT) assay and an early and dose-dependent re-localization of the connexin-43 (Cx43) proteins on plasma membranes, as assayed by immunocytochemistry. Finally, real-time-PCR has evidenced a significant increase in cx43 mRNA expression. The results support the hypothesis that the proliferation inhibition and pro-apoptotic effect of GSE against this breast cancer cell model are mediated by the GJIC improvement via re-localization of Cx43 proteins and up-regulation of cx43 gene, and provide further insight into the action mechanisms underlying the health-promoting action of dietary components.
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Huang H, Jin CY, Bi XK, Zhao YB, Xu SJ, Wang MH, Yu L, Sun YX, Hu D. Green Tea Polyphenol Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Promotes Reendothelialization in Carotid Artery of Diabetic Rabbits by Reactivating Akt/eNOS Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1305. [PMID: 30487749 PMCID: PMC6246634 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant catechin in green tea and has proven benefits on endothelial cells in diabetes. However, it remains unclear whether EGCG could improve function of late endothelial progenitor cells (L-EPCs) in diabetes. Methods: Thirty-six rabbits were randomized into six groups. Thirty diabetic rabbits were induced by a single dose of alloxan (100 mg/kg injection intraperitoneally). All of them were given intragastrically EGCG (50 mg/kg/day) or saline for 7 days after carotid injury. In autotransfusion experiment, L-EPCs were cultured with pre-treated EGCG (40 μM for 72 h) and then were injected into the site of injured vascular. Proliferation and migration of EGCG pre-treated L-EPCs in high glucose condition were assessed by EDU incorporation assay and modified Boyden chamber assay, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression of Akt-eNOS pathway were detected by real-time PCR and western blot. Results: Reendothelialization rate in injured carotid artery of diabetic rabbits was augmented in the EGCG group (50 mg/kg/d for 7 days) compared with the non-EGCG group (74.2 ± 4.6% vs. 25.6 ± 5.9%, P < 0.001). EGCG pre-treated L-EPCs autologous transfusion also accelerated the diabetic rabbits’ carotid reendothelialization compared with the diabetic sham-operated group (65.6 ± 8.5% vs. 32.9 ± 5.0%, P = 0.011). In vitro studies showed, 40 μM EGCG treatment for 72 h recovered L-EPCs’ proliferation and migration, as well as restored the phosphorylation level of Akt and eNOS blocked by high glucose condition. Conclusion: EGCG accelerated reendothelialization in diabetic rabbits after carotid injury in part by reactivating the Akt/eNOS pathway, which might contribute to recovering proliferation and migration of L-EPCs impaired by high glucose.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chong-Ying Jin
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xu-Kun Bi
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yan-Bo Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sheng-Jie Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mei-Hui Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lu Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ya-Xun Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan Hu
- Department of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Research Institute, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
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Dynamic intercellular transport modulates the spatial patterning of differentiation during early neural commitment. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4111. [PMID: 30291250 PMCID: PMC6173785 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06693-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The initiation of heterogeneity within a population of phenotypically identical progenitors is a critical event for the onset of morphogenesis and differentiation patterning. Gap junction communication within multicellular systems produces complex networks of intercellular connectivity that result in heterogeneous distributions of intracellular signaling molecules. In this study, we investigate emergent systems-level behavior of the intercellular network within embryonic stem cell (ESC) populations and corresponding spatial organization during early neural differentiation. An agent-based model incorporates experimentally-determined parameters to yield complex transport networks for delivery of pro-differentiation cues between neighboring cells, reproducing the morphogenic trajectories during retinoic acid-accelerated mouse ESC differentiation. Furthermore, the model correctly predicts the delayed differentiation and preserved spatial features of the morphogenic trajectory that occurs in response to intercellular perturbation. These findings suggest an integral role of gap junction communication in the temporal coordination of emergent patterning during early differentiation and neural commitment of pluripotent stem cells.
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Arshad M, Conzelmann C, Riaz MA, Noll T, Gündüz D. Inhibition of Cx43 attenuates ERK1/2 activation, enhances the expression of Cav‑1 and suppresses cell proliferation. Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:2811-2818. [PMID: 30132504 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to being an important component of the gap junction, connexin 43 (Cx43) has been shown to regulate other cellular functions, including cell proliferation. This regulatory role of Cx43 may be important in therapeutic situations, including wound healing or ischemic injuries. Caveolin‑1 (Cav‑1) has been shown to regulate angiogenesis. The aim of the present study was to analyze whether Cx43 counter‑regulates Cav‑1 in controlling the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells. The inhibition of Cx43 with niflumic acid, flufenamic acid and 18‑α‑glycyrrhetinic acid in cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells resulted in decreased phosphorylation of extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and increased expression of Cav‑1, as shown by western blot analysis. Furthermore, the inhibition of Cx43 resulted in a 50±7% decrease in cell proliferation, determined using a crystal violet assay, a 48±5% decrease in migration, determined using a migration assay, and a 49±6% decrease in endothelial tube formation, determined using a Matrigel assay, compared with the control. Similar results were obtained following specific inhibition of Cx43 by mimetic peptides (Gap26 and Gap27). Inhibition of the mitogen‑activated protein kinase kinase/ERK pathway with PD‑98059 resulted in an increased expression of Cav‑1 and a reduction in the expression of Cx43. Furthermore, cell proliferation, migration and tube formation in endothelial cells were impaired. By contrast, downregulation of the protein expression of Cav‑1 by small interference RNA resulted in increased expression of Cx43 and phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Accordingly, the number of cells in the Cav‑1 treated‑group increased by 35±5% compared with the controls. The data of the present study showed that Cav‑1 suppressed cell proliferation by inhibiting the activity of Cx43, which is upstream of ERK1/2. The downregulation of Cav‑1 protein resulted in loss of the inhibitory activity of Cav‑1 on cell proliferation and led to increased cell proliferation. This counter‑regulatory effect of Cx43 may be of importance in therapeutic angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Arshad
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, D‑35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Charlotte Conzelmann
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, D‑35392 Giessen, Germany
| | - Muhammad Assad Riaz
- Department of Radiotherapy, University Hospital Essen, D‑45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Thomas Noll
- Institute of Physiology, Carl Gustav Carus Technical University of Dresden, D‑01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Dursun Gündüz
- Department of Cardiology and Angiology, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, D‑35392 Giessen, Germany
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Wang G, Bi Y, Liu X, Wei M, Zhang Q. Upregulation of connexin43 by glucose deprivation in H9c2 cells via the extracellular signal‑regulated kinase/mitogen‑activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2017; 17:729-734. [PMID: 29115504 PMCID: PMC5780149 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2017.7967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac connexin43 (Cx43) serves an essential role in maintaining the functional integrity of the heart. The present study investigated the effect of glucose deprivation (GD) on Cx43 protein expression levels in H9c2 cells, and demonstrated that following 2 h GD, Cx43 protein expression levels in H9c2 cells increased by ~68%. In addition, GD activated the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, which regulated the expression levels of cardiac Cx43. A MAPK inhibitor and U0126, an ERK inhibitor, abolished the effects of GD on Cx43 expression levels. Under GD, the protein expression levels of Beclin-1, p62 and LC3 were augmented, and were decreased in the presence of ERK inhibitor or siRNA-ERK. In addition, H9c2 cells exposed to GD exhibited marked increase in LDH release and decreased MTT reduction activity, all of which were not significantly reversed by U0126 treatment. Therefore, the ERK/MAPK signaling pathway may be involved in elevating cardiac Cx43 expression levels under GD in H9c2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Yaguang Bi
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Xiangdong Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Meng Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
| | - Qingyong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai 200233, P.R. China
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Wang L, Peng Y, Peng J, Shao M, Ma L, Zhu Z, Zhong G, Xia Z, Huang H. Tramadol attenuates the sensitivity of glioblastoma to temozolomide through the suppression of Cx43‑mediated gap junction intercellular communication. Int J Oncol 2017; 52:295-304. [PMID: 29115581 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Analgesics and antineoplastic drugs are often used concurrently for cancer patients. Our previous study reported that gap junctions composed of connexin32 (Cx32) was implicated in the effect of analgesics on cisplatin cytotoxicity. However, the effect of analgesic on the most widely expressed connexin (Cx), connexin43 (Cx43), and whether such effect mediates the influence on chemotherapeutic efficiency remain unknown. By manipulation of Cx43 expression or gap junction function, we found that there were gap junction-dependent and independent effect of Cx43 on temozolomide (TMZ) sensitivity in U87 glioblastoma cells. Studies on survival and apoptosis showed widely used analgesic tramadol significantly reduced TMZ-induced cytotoxicity in control and negative control cells but not shCx43-transfected cells. Proliferation assay demonstrated tramadol suppressed TMZ-induced cytotoxicity only on high density (with gap junction formation) but not on low density (without gap junction formation). Tramadol inhibited dye-coupling through gap junctions between U87 cells. Tramadol treatment for 72 h did not alter Cx43 expression, but decreased Cx43 phosphorylation accompanied with reduced p-ERK and p-JNK. Our results indicated that long-term treatment with tramadol reduced TMZ cytotoxicity in U87 cells by suppressing Cx43-composed gap junctions, suggesting identification and usage of antinociceptive drugs which do not downregulate connexin activity should have beneficial therapeutic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Anaesthesia, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China
| | - Yuexia Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Jianxin Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangdong Province Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Min Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Tianyou Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430064, P.R. China
| | - Zhuoli Zhu
- Department of Anaesthesia, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China
| | - Guocheng Zhong
- Department of Anaesthesia, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China
| | - Zhengyuan Xia
- Department of Anaesthesia, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China
| | - Huansen Huang
- Department of Anaesthesia, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China
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Bi Y, Wang G, Liu X, Wei M, Zhang Q. Low-after-high glucose down-regulated Cx43 in H9c2 cells by autophagy activation via cross-regulation by the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK 1/2 signal pathways. Endocrine 2017; 56:336-345. [PMID: 28181145 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-017-1251-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hypoglycemia in diabetes is a strong predictor of cardiovascular events. High-glucose have been reported to alter connexin43 expression and to promote autophagy in cardiomyocytes. We investigated whether low-after-high glucose would influence connexin43 expression and autophagy in H9c2 cells. METHODS H9c2 cells were incubated in 33.3 mM glucose for 24 h followed by 2.5 mM glucose for 2, 4, 6, or 12 h with or without chloroquine (autophagy inhibitor), U0126 (MEK1/2 inhibitor) or LY294002 (PI3K inhibitor). Cells incubated in 5.5, 33.3, or 2.5 mM glucose with or without inhibitors and in the presence of mannitol were used as controls. Protein expression was assayed by western blot, apoptosis was assayed by flow cytometry, cell proliferation was determined by MTT assays, and cytotoxicity was assayed by lactate dehydrogenase measurement. RESULTS Cytotoxicity and early apoptosis were increased and cell proliferation was decreased after exposure to low-after-high glucose, and these results were reversed by chloroquine and U0126 but were aggravated by LY294002. Connexin43 expression was downregulated in a time-dependent manner and was accompanied by upregulated expression of LC3-II, Beclin-1, p62, p-Akt, p-mTOR, and p-ERK1/2. Chloroquine suppressed autophagy and reversed the downregulation of connexin43. U0126 inhibited ERK activation and decreased autophagy proteins expression but increased connexin43 expression. LY294002 suppressed p-Akt, activated autophagy, and decreased connexin43 expression. Interestingly, MEK1/2 inhibition also increased p-Akt expression, but inhibition of PI3K led to p-ERK downregulation. CONCLUSION Culturing H9c2 cells under low-after-high glucose downregulated connexin43 by promoting autophagy through a mechanism involving the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK1/2 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaguang Bi
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangyu Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangdong Liu
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Meng Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, China.
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Piwowarczyk K, Paw M, Ryszawy D, Rutkowska-Zapała M, Madeja Z, Siedlar M, Czyż J. Connexin43 high prostate cancer cells induce endothelial connexin43 up-regulation through the activation of intercellular ERK1/2-dependent signaling axis. Eur J Cell Biol 2017; 96:337-346. [PMID: 28396058 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2017.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin(Cx)43 regulates the invasive potential of prostate cancer cells and participates in their extravasation. To address the role of endothelial Cx43 in this process, we analyzed Cx43 regulation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells in the proximity of Cx43high (DU-145 and MAT-LyLu) and Cx43low prostate cancer cells (PC-3 and AT-2). Endothelial Cx43 up-regulation was observed during the diapedesis of DU-145 and MAT-LyLu cells. This process was attenuated by transient Cx43 silencing in cancer cells and by chemical inhibition of ERK1/2-dependent signaling in endothelial cells. Cx43 expression in endothelial cells was insensitive to the inhibition of gap junctional intercellular coupling between Cx43high prostate cancer and endothelial cells by 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid. Instead, endothelial Cx43 up-regulation was correlated with the local contraction of endothelial cells and with their activation in the proximity of Cx43high DU-145 and MAT-LyLu cells. It was also sensitive to pro-inflammatory factors secreted by peripheral blood monocytes, such as TNFα. In contrast to Cx43low AT-2 cells, Cx43low PC-3 cells produced angioactive factors that locally activated the endothelial cells in the absence of endothelial Cx43 up-regulation. Collectively, these data show that Cx43low and Cx43high prostate cancer cells can adapt discrete, Cx43-independent and Cx43-dependent strategies of diapedesis. Our observations identify a novel strategy of prostate cancer cell diapedesis, which depends on the activation of intercellular Cx43/ERK1/2/Cx43 signaling axis at the interfaces between Cx43high prostate cancer and endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Piwowarczyk
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Milena Paw
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Damian Ryszawy
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Magdalena Rutkowska-Zapała
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Zbigniew Madeja
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Maciej Siedlar
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Paediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jarosław Czyż
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.
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Identifying connexin expression and determining gap junction intercellular communication in rainbow trout cells. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2017; 53:406-416. [PMID: 28342022 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-017-0138-1] [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: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions are groups of membrane-bound channels that allow the passage of small molecules and ions between cells, permitting cell-cell communication. Because of their importance in cell homeostasis, gap junction presence and function were characterized in three commonly studied rainbow trout cell lines, namely RTgill-W1, RTgutGC, and RTG-2. Firstly, gap junction presence was determined by screening for gap junction protein alpha 7 and alpha 1 (GJA7 and GJA1) presence at the transcript level and GJA7 at the protein level. GJA7 was successfully identified at both the transcript and protein levels, and GJA1 was detected at the transcript level in all three cell lines. This is the first report of a GJA7 full-length transcript sequence in rainbow trout cells. Gap junction function, as determined by gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC), was examined using Lucifer yellow dye migration with the scrape and load technique; visualized by fluorescence microscopy. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA), a gap junction inhibitor, was used to confirm the presence of functional gap junctions. Effects of serum deprivation on GJIC were also monitored; 24-h serum deprivation resulted in greater dye migration compared with 30-min serum deprivation. Both RTG-2 and RTgill-W1 showed significant dye migration that was inhibited by PMA while RTgutGC did not. Human foreskin fibroblast (HFF-1) cells were used as a positive control for gap junction presence and function. Taken together, our study shows that rainbow trout cells express connexin transcripts and proteins, and RTG-2 and, to a lesser extent, RTgill-W1 cells are able to perform GJIC.
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Fan FY, Sang LX, Jiang M. Catechins and Their Therapeutic Benefits to Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Molecules 2017; 22:E484. [PMID: 28335502 PMCID: PMC6155401 DOI: 10.3390/molecules22030484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 02/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Catechins are natural polyphenolic phytochemicals that exist in food and medicinal plants, such as tea, legume and rubiaceae. An increasing number of studies have associated the intake of catechins-rich foods with the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases in humans, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Some studies have demonstrated that catechins could significantly inhibit the excessive oxidative stress through direct or indirect antioxidant effects and promote the activation of the antioxidative substances such as glutathione peroxidases (GPO) and glutathione (GSH), reducing the oxidative damages to the colon. In addition, catechins can also regulate the infiltration and proliferation of immune related-cells, such as neutrophils, colonic epithelial cells, macrophages, and T lymphocytes, helping reduce the inflammatory relations and provide benefits to IBD. Perhaps catechins can further inhibit the deterioration of intestinal lesions through regulating the cell gap junctions. Furthermore, catechins can exert their significant anti-inflammatory properties by regulating the activation or deactivation of inflammation-related oxidative stress-related cell signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs), transcription factor nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), signal transducer and the activator of transcription 1/3 (STAT1/3) pathways. Finally, catechins can also stabilize the structure of the gastrointestinal micro-ecological environment via promoting the proliferation of beneficial intestinal bacteria and regulating the balance of intestinal flora, so as to relieve the IBD. Furthermore, catechins may regulate the tight junctions (TJ) in the epithelium. This paper elaborates the currently known possible molecular mechanisms of catechins in favor of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei-Yan Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Li-Xuan Sang
- Department of Geriatrics, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110001, China.
| | - Min Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang 110001, China.
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Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor Gamma Promotes Mesenchymal Stem Cells to Express Connexin43 via the Inhibition of TGF-β1/Smads Signaling in a Rat Model of Myocardial Infarction. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2016; 11:885-99. [PMID: 26275398 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-015-9615-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we hypothesized that activation of PPAR-γ enhanced MSCs survival and their therapeutic efficacy via upregulating the expression of Cx43. METHODS MI was induced in 50 male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomized into five groups: MI group and four intervention groups, including the MSCs group, combined therapy group (MSCs+ pioglitazone), pioglitazone group and PBS group. Two weeks later, 5 × 10(6) MSCs labeled with PKH26 in PBS were injected into the infarct anterior ventricular free wall in the MSCs and combined therapy groups, and PBS alone was injected into the infarct anterior ventricular free wall in the PBS group. Pioglitazone (3 mg/kg/day) was given to the combined therapy and pioglitazone groups by oral gavage at the same time for another 2 weeks. Myocardial function and relevant signaling molecules involved were all examined thereafter. RESULTS Heart function was enhanced after MSCs treatment for 2 weeks post MI. A significant improvement of heart function was observed in the combined therapy group in contrast to the other three intervention groups. Compared with the MSCs group, there was a higher level of PPAR-γ in the combined therapy group; Cx43 was remarkably increased in different regions of the left ventricle; TGF-β1 was decreased in the infarct zone and border zone. To the downstream signaling molecules, mothers against Smad proteins including Smad2 and Smad3 presented a synchronized alteration with TGF-β1; no differences of the expressions of ERK1/2 and p38 could be discovered in the left ventricular cardiac tissue. CONCLUSIONS MSCs transplantation combined with pioglitazone administration improved cardiac function more effectively after MI. Activation of PPAR-γ could promote MSCs to express Cx43. Inhibition of TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway might be involved in the process.
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Hou J, Yan P, Guo T, Xing Y, Zheng S, Zhou C, Huang H, Long H, Zhong T, Wu Q, Wang J, Wang T. Cardiac stem cells transplantation enhances the expression of connexin 43 via the ANG II/AT1R/TGF-beta1 signaling pathway in a rat model of myocardial infarction. Exp Mol Pathol 2015; 99:693-701. [PMID: 26554848 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2015.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, we hypothesized that CSCs mediated the expression of Cx43 after transplantation post MI via the ANG II/AT1R/TGF-beta1 signaling pathway. METHODS Myocardial infarction (MI) was induced in twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were randomized into two groups and were then received the injection of 5 × 10(6) CSCs labeled with PKH26 in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) or equal PBS alone into the infarct anterior ventricular free wall two weeks after MI. Six weeks later, relevant signaling molecules involved were all examined. RESULTS In the CSCs group, an increased expression of Cx43 could be observed in different zones of the left ventricle (P<0.01). There was a significant reduction of the angiotensin II (ANG II) level in plasma and different regions of the left ventricular cardiac tissues (P<0.05; P<0.01). The angiotensin II type I receptor (AT1R) was decreased accompanied with an enhanced expression of angiotensin II type II receptor (AT2R) (P<0.01). Transforming growth factor beta-1(TGF-beta1) was downregulated (P<0.01). The expression of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog (SMAD) proteins including SMAD2 and SMAD3 was attenuated whereas SMAD7 was elevated (P<0.01, P<0.01, P<0.05). In addition, the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) including extracellular kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38 was also found to be reduced (P<0.01). CONCLUSION CSCs transplantation could enhance the level of Cx43 after MI. They might function through intervening the ANGII/AT1R/TGF-beta1 signaling pathway to regulate the expression of Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingying Hou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China; Department of Emergency, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping Yan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tianzhu Guo
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China; Department of Emergency, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yue Xing
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Shaoxin Zheng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Changqing Zhou
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China; Department of Emergency, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huibao Long
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China; Department of Emergency, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tingting Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 151 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Quanhua Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China; Department of Emergency, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jingfeng Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Tong Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Arrhythmia and Electrophysiology, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China; Department of Emergency, the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yanjiang Xi Road, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Chen F, Zhao WT, Chen FX, Fu GS, Mou Y, Hu SJ. High glucose promotes gap junctional communication in cultured neonatal cardiac fibroblasts via AMPK activation. Mol Biol 2014. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893314040025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Menard C, Bastianetto S, Quirion R. Neuroprotective effects of resveratrol and epigallocatechin gallate polyphenols are mediated by the activation of protein kinase C gamma. Front Cell Neurosci 2013; 7:281. [PMID: 24421757 PMCID: PMC3872731 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2013.00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and resveratrol have received a great deal of attention because they may contribute to the purported neuroprotective action of the regular consumption of green tea and red wine. Many studies, including those published by our group, suggest that this protective action includes their abilities to prevent the neurotoxic effects of beta-amyloid, a protein whose accumulation likely plays a pivotal role in Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, the scavenging activities of polyphenols on reactive oxygen species and their inhibitory action of cyclooxygenase likely explain, at least in part, their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Besides these well-documented properties, the modulatory action of these polyphenols on intracellular signaling pathways related to cell death/survival (e.g., protein kinase C, PKC) has yet to be investigated in detail. Using rat hippocampal neuronal cells, we aimed to investigate here the effects of EGCG and resveratrol on cell death induced by GF 109203X, a selective inhibitor of PKC. The MTT/resazurin and spectrin assays indicated that EGCG and resveratrol protected against GF 109203X-induced cell death and cytoskeleton degeneration, with a maximal effect at 1 and 3 μM, respectively. Moreover, immunofluorescence data revealed that cells treated with these polyphenols increased PKC gamma (γ) activation and promoted neuronal interconnections. Finally, we found that the protective effects of both polyphenols on the cytoskeleton and synaptic plasticity were mediated by the PKCγ subunit. Taken together, the results suggest that PKC, and more specifically its γ subunit, plays a critical role in the protective action of EGCG and resveratrol on neuronal integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Menard
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of Aging, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal Research Center Montreal, QC, Canada ; Department of Medicine, University of Montreal Montreal, QC, Canada ; Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada ; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stéphane Bastianetto
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Rémi Quirion
- Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada ; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University Montreal, QC, Canada
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Xiaowei C, Jia M, Xiaowei W, Yina Z. Overexpression of CXCL12 chemokine up-regulates connexin and integrin expression in mesenchymal stem cells through PI3K/Akt pathway. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:67-72. [PMID: 23659290 DOI: 10.3109/15419061.2013.791682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells offer several potential advantages over other types of stem cells for cardiac repair. Nevertheless, poor survival of donor cells is one of the major concerns that hampers a better prognosis. Integrins, which involved in cell/extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction and connexins (Cxs), with a dual role as an anti-apoptotic and gap-junctional protein, can effectively resolve this issue. CXCL12, a member of the chemokine CXC subfamily, may play a role in stem cell survival and proliferation. CXCL12 activates several signaling pathways in stem cells, particularly the survival kinase, PI3K/Akt, which is also an important mediator of integrins and Cxs. Based on these characteristics of CXCL12, we investigated the potential of CXCL12 overexpression to induce integrin and connexin expression via PI3K/Akt pathway. Mesenchymal stem cells were transfected with adenovirus for increasing CXCL12 secretion. Membranous integrin and Cx expression as well as Akt expression levels were evaluated using Western blot analysis. Transfection resulted in increased CXCL12 in situ. Increased CXCL12 elevated membrane Cx43, Cx45, and integrin αVβ3 expression, as well as Cx phosphorylaton, which was activated by PI3K/Akt pathway. This mechanism may serve to improve mesenchymal stem cell viability in host tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Xiaowei
- The second affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, People's Republic of China.
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Epigallocatechin gallate changes mRNA expression level of genes involved in cholesterol metabolism in hepatocytes. Br J Nutr 2011; 107:769-73. [DOI: 10.1017/s0007114511003758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Catechins, compounds derived from green tea, have been shown to improve cholesterol metabolism in animal studies, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this function have not been fully understood. We performed DNA microarray analysis in order to clarify the effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the dominant catechin in green tea, on cholesterol metabolism in HepG2 hepatocytes. This revealed that the expression levels of several genes related to cholesterol metabolism, including the LDL receptor, were changed by EGCG treatment. Using a real-time PCR technique, we confirmed that EGCG treatment up-regulated mRNA expression level of the LDL receptor. Moreover, EGCG decreased extracellular apoB levels. These findings indicated that EGCG improves cholesterol metabolism through the up-regulation of LDL receptor and also reduces extracellular apoB levels.
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