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Gong G, Wan W, Liu X, Yin J. Apelin-13, a regulator of autophagy, apoptosis and inflammation in multifaceted bone protection. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 117:109991. [PMID: 37012875 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Apelin/APJ is widely distributed in various tissues in the body and participates in the regulation of physiological and pathological mechanisms such as autophagy, apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Apelin-13 is an adipokine family member with multiple biological roles and has been shown to be involved in the development and progression of bone diseases. In the process of osteoporosis and fracture healing, Apelin-13 plays an osteoprotective role by regulating the autophagy and apoptosis of BMSCs, and promotes the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. In addition, Apelin-13 also attenuates the progression of arthritis by regulating the inflammatory response of macrophages. In conclusion, Apelin-13 has an important connection with bone protection, which provides a new strategy for the clinical treatment of bone-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Gong
- Department of Geriatrics, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 211002, China
| | - Wenhui Wan
- Department of Geriatrics, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 211002, China
| | - Xinhui Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, the Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, China.
| | - Jian Yin
- Department of Orthopedics, the Affiliated Jiangning Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, China.
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2
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Zappalà A, Romano IR, D’Angeli F, Musumeci G, Lo Furno D, Giuffrida R, Mannino G. Functional Roles of Connexins and Gap Junctions in Osteo-Chondral Cellular Components. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044156. [PMID: 36835567 PMCID: PMC9967557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) formed by connexins (Cxs) play an important role in the intercellular communication within most body tissues. In this paper, we focus on GJs and Cxs present in skeletal tissues. Cx43 is the most expressed connexin, participating in the formation of both GJs for intercellular communication and hemichannels (HCs) for communication with the external environment. Through GJs in long dendritic-like cytoplasmic processes, osteocytes embedded in deep lacunae are able to form a functional syncytium not only with neighboring osteocytes but also with bone cells located at the bone surface, despite the surrounding mineralized matrix. The functional syncytium allows a coordinated cell activity through the wide propagation of calcium waves, nutrients and anabolic and/or catabolic factors. Acting as mechanosensors, osteocytes are able to transduce mechanical stimuli into biological signals that spread through the syncytium to orchestrate bone remodeling. The fundamental role of Cxs and GJs is confirmed by a plethora of investigations that have highlighted how up- and downregulation of Cxs and GJs critically influence skeletal development and cartilage functions. A better knowledge of GJ and Cx mechanisms in physiological and pathological conditions might help in developing therapeutic approaches aimed at the treatment of human skeletal system disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Zappalà
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Ivana Roberta Romano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Floriana D’Angeli
- Department of Human Sciences and Quality of Life Promotion, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Musumeci
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Debora Lo Furno
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.L.F.); (R.G.)
| | - Rosario Giuffrida
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.L.F.); (R.G.)
| | - Giuliana Mannino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
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3
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Targeting Endothelial Connexin37 Reduces Angiogenesis and Decreases Tumor Growth. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23062930. [PMID: 35328350 PMCID: PMC8948817 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23062930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin37 (Cx37) and Cx40 form intercellular channels between endothelial cells (EC), which contribute to the regulation of the functions of vessels. We previously documented the participation of both Cx in developmental angiogenesis and have further shown that loss of Cx40 decreases the growth of different tumors. Here, we report that loss of Cx37 reduces (1) the in vitro proliferation of primary human EC; (2) the vascularization of subcutaneously implanted matrigel plugs in Cx37−/− mice or in WT using matrigel plugs supplemented with a peptide targeting Cx37 channels; (3) tumor angiogenesis; and (4) the growth of TC-1 and B16 tumors, resulting in a longer mice survival. We further document that Cx37 and Cx40 function in a collaborative manner to promote tumor growth, inasmuch as the injection of a peptide targeting Cx40 into Cx37−/− mice decreased the growth of TC-1 tumors to a larger extent than after loss of Cx37. This loss did not alter vessel perfusion, mural cells coverage and tumor hypoxia compared to tumors grown in WT mice. The data show that Cx37 is relevant for the control of EC proliferation and growth in different tumor models, suggesting that it may be a target, alone or in combination with Cx40, in the development of anti-tumoral treatments.
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The Role of Bone Muscle Ring Finger-1 (MuRF1), MuRF2, MuRF3, and Atrogin-1 on Microarchitecture In Vivo. Cell Biochem Biophys 2022; 80:415-426. [PMID: 35191000 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-022-01069-1] [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: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitin proteasome system was found to contribute to bone loss by regulating bone turnover and metabolism, by modulating osteoblast differentiation and bone formation as well as formation of osteoclasts that contribute to bone resorption. Muscle Ring Finger (MuRF) are novel ubiquitin ligases, which are muscle specific and have not been much implicated in the bone but have been implicated in several human diseases including heart failure and skeletal muscle atrophy. This study is aimed at understanding the role of MuRF1, MuRF2, MuRF3 and Atrogin which are distinct MuRF family proteins in bone homeostasis. Wildtype, heterozygous and homozygous mice of each of the isoforms were used and the bone microarchitecture and mechanical properties were assessed using microCT and biomechanics. MuRF1 depletion was found to alter cortical properties in both males and females, but only trabecular spacing in the females. MuRF2 depletion let to no changes in the cortical and trabecular properties but change in the strain to yield in the females. Depletion of MuRF3 led to decrease in the cortical properties in the females and increase in the trabecular properties in the males. Atrogin depletion was found to reduce cortical properties in both males and females, whereas some trabecular properties were found to be reduced in the females. Each muscle-specific ligase was found to alter the bone structure and mechanical properties in a distinct a sex-dependent manner.
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Luo J, Liu W, Feng F, Chen L. Apelin/APJ system: A novel therapeutic target for locomotor system diseases. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 906:174286. [PMID: 34174264 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Apelin is an endogenous ligand of G protein-coupled receptor APJ. Apelin/APJ system is widely expressed in abundant tissues, especially bone, joint and muscle tissue. This review focus on the effects of apelin/APJ system on locomotor system. An increasing number of evidence suggests that apelin/APJ system plays a crucial role in many physiological and pathological processes of locomotor system. Physiologically, apelin/APJ system promotes bone formation, muscle metabolism and skeletal muscle production. Pathologically, apelin/APJ system exacerbates osteoarthritis pathogenesis, whereas it alleviates osteoporosis. Besides, the level of apelin expression is regulated by different training modes, including continuous aerobic exercise, high-intensity interval training and resistance exercises. More importantly, exercise-induced apelin may be a potent pharmacological agent for the treatment of diseases and the regulation of physiological processes. Considering the pleiotropic effects of apelin on locomotor system, apelin/APJ system may be an important therapeutic target for locomotor system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingshun Luo
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Fen Feng
- School of Medicine, Shaoyang University, Shaoyang, 422000, China.
| | - Linxi Chen
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, University of South China, Hengyang, 421001, Hunan, China.
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6
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Hua R, Ni Q, Eliason TD, Han Y, Gu S, Nicolella DP, Wang X, Jiang JX. Biglycan and chondroitin sulfate play pivotal roles in bone toughness via retaining bound water in bone mineral matrix. Matrix Biol 2020; 94:95-109. [PMID: 33002580 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Recent in vitro evidence shows that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) in bone matrix may functionally be involved in the tissue-level toughness of bone. In this study, we showed the effect of biglycan (Bgn), a small leucine-rich proteoglycan enriched in extracellular matrix of bone and the associated GAG subtype, chondroitin sulfate (CS), on the toughness of bone in vivo, using wild-type (WT) and Bgn deficient mice. The amount of total GAGs and CS in the mineralized compartment of Bgn KO mouse bone matrix decreased significantly, associated with the reduction of the toughness of bone, in comparison with those of WT mice. However, such differences between WT and Bgn KO mice diminished once the bound water was removed from bone matrix. In addition, CS was identified as the major subtype in bone matrix. We then supplemented CS to both WT and Bgn KO mice to test whether supplemental GAGs could improve the tissue-level toughness of bone. After intradermal administration of CS, the toughness of WT bone was greatly improved, with the GAGs and bound water amount in the bone matrix increased, while such improvement was not observed in Bgn KO mice or with supplementation of dermatan sulfate (DS). Moreover, CS supplemented WT mice exhibited higher bone mineral density and reduced osteoclastogenesis. Interestingly, Bgn KO bone did not show such differences irrespective of the intradermal administration of CS. In summary, the results of this study suggest that Bgn and CS in bone matrix play a pivotal role in imparting the toughness to bone most likely via retaining bound water in bone matrix. Moreover, supplementation of CS improves the toughness of bone in mouse models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hua
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, UT Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Qingwen Ni
- Department of Physics, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, TX, USA
| | - Travis D Eliason
- Department of Materials Engineering, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Yan Han
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sumin Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, UT Health, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Daniel P Nicolella
- Department of Materials Engineering, Southwest Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Xiaodu Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas at San Antonio, TX, USA.
| | - Jean X Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, UT Health, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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Katz DC, Aponte JD, Liu W, Green RM, Mayeux JM, Pollard KM, Pomp D, Munger SC, Murray SA, Roseman CC, Percival CJ, Cheverud J, Marcucio RS, Hallgrímsson B. Facial shape and allometry quantitative trait locus intervals in the Diversity Outbred mouse are enriched for known skeletal and facial development genes. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233377. [PMID: 32502155 PMCID: PMC7274373 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The biology of how faces are built and come to differ from one another is complex. Discovering normal variants that contribute to differences in facial morphology is one key to untangling this complexity, with important implications for medicine and evolutionary biology. This study maps quantitative trait loci (QTL) for skeletal facial shape using Diversity Outbred (DO) mice. The DO is a randomly outcrossed population with high heterozygosity that captures the allelic diversity of eight inbred mouse lines from three subspecies. The study uses a sample of 1147 DO animals (the largest sample yet employed for a shape QTL study in mouse), each characterized by 22 three-dimensional landmarks, 56,885 autosomal and X-chromosome markers, and sex and age classifiers. We identified 37 facial shape QTL across 20 shape principal components (PCs) using a mixed effects regression that accounts for kinship among observations. The QTL include some previously identified intervals as well as new regions that expand the list of potential targets for future experimental study. Three QTL characterized shape associations with size (allometry). Median support interval size was 3.5 Mb. Narrowing additional analysis to QTL for the five largest magnitude shape PCs, we found significant overrepresentation of genes with known roles in growth, skeletal and facial development, and sensory organ development. For most intervals, one or more of these genes lies within 0.25 Mb of the QTL's peak. QTL effect sizes were small, with none explaining more than 0.5% of facial shape variation. Thus, our results are consistent with a model of facial diversity that is influenced by key genes in skeletal and facial development and, simultaneously, is highly polygenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- David C. Katz
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and McCaig Bone and Joint Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - J. David Aponte
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and McCaig Bone and Joint Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and McCaig Bone and Joint Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Rebecca M. Green
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and McCaig Bone and Joint Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jessica M. Mayeux
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - K. Michael Pollard
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Daniel Pomp
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Steven C. Munger
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME, United States of America
| | | | - Charles C. Roseman
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, Urbana, IL, United States of America
| | - Christopher J. Percival
- Department of Anthropology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States of America
| | - James Cheverud
- Department of Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States of America
| | - Ralph S. Marcucio
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States of America
| | - Benedikt Hallgrímsson
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and McCaig Bone and Joint Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, AB, Canada
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8
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Hang K, Ye C, Xu J, Chen E, Wang C, Zhang W, Ni L, Kuang Z, Ying L, Xue D, Pan Z. Apelin enhances the osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells partly through Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:189. [PMID: 31238979 PMCID: PMC6593611 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1286-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Management of fracture healing with a large bone defect remains a tricky subject in orthopedic trauma. Enhancing osteogenesis of human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) is one of the useful therapeutic strategies for fracture healing. Previous studies have revealed that Apelin may play an important role in bone metabolism. However, its function in the osteogenesis of hBMSCs remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effects and mechanism of Apelin on osteogenic differentiation. METHODS We investigated the osteogenesis effects of hBMSCs by both exogenous Apelin protein and overexpression Apelin in vitro. Cell proliferation assay was used to assess the effect of Apelin on the proliferation of hBMSCs. ALP staining and Alizarin Red staining were used to evaluate ALP activity and mineral deposition respectively. qPCR and Western blotting analysis were used to detect the expression of target genes and proteins. In vivo, a rat tibial osteotomy model was established; radiographic analysis and histological evaluation were used to confirm the therapeutic effects of Apelin in fracture healing. Statistical significance was determined by two-tailed Student's t test when 2 groups were compared. When more than 2 groups were compared, one-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni's post-hoc test was used. And two-way ANOVA, followed by Bonferroni multiple comparisons post-hoc test, was performed when the treatment groups at different time points were compared. RESULTS The addition of exogenous Apelin protein or overexpression of Apelin promoted osteoblast differentiation of hBMSCs in vitro. Increased mineral deposits were observed after treatment with extracellular Apelin protein or after the upregulation of Apelin. Moreover, β-catenin levels were upregulated by Apelin. The enhancement of osteogenic differentiation induced by Apelin was attenuated by specific Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway inhibitors. In a rat tibial osteotomy model, local injection of exogenous Apelin protein improved bone healing, as demonstrated by imaging and histological analyses. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these findings indicate that Apelin regulates osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs partly via the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and effectively promotes fracture healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Hang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Chenyi Ye
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Jianxiang Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Erman Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Cong Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Lic Ni
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Zhih Kuang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Li Ying
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China
| | - Deting Xue
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China. .,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
| | - Zhijun Pan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery of the Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China. .,Orthopedics Research Institute of Zhejiang University, No. 88, Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, China.
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9
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Fostok SF, El-Sibai M, El-Sabban M, Talhouk RS. Gap Junctions and Wnt Signaling in the Mammary Gland: a Cross-Talk? J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2019; 24:17-38. [PMID: 30194659 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-018-9411-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs), the building blocks of gap junctions (GJs), exhibit spatiotemporal patterns of expression and regulate the development and differentiation of the mammary gland, acting via channel-dependent and channel-independent mechanisms. Impaired Cx expression and localization are reported in breast cancer, suggesting a tumor suppressive role for Cxs. The signaling events that mediate the role of GJs in the development and tumorigenesis of the mammary gland remain poorly identified. The Wnt pathways, encompassing the canonical or the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the noncanonical β-catenin-independent pathway, also play important roles in those processes. Indeed, aberrant Wnt signaling is associated with breast cancer. Despite the coincident roles of Cxs and Wnt pathways, the cross-talk in the breast tissue is poorly defined, although this is reported in a number of other tissues. Our previous studies revealed a channel-independent role for Cx43 in inducing differentiation or suppressing tumorigenesis of mammary epithelial cells by acting as a negative regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here, we provide a brief overview of mammary gland development, with emphasis on the role of Cxs in development and tumorigenesis of this tissue. We also discuss the role of Wnt signaling in similar contexts, and review the literature illustrating interplay between Cxs and Wnt pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabreen F Fostok
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), P.O. Box: 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University (LAU), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan El-Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut (AUB), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rabih S Talhouk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), P.O. Box: 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon.
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10
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Han XF, Zhang XX, Liu KM, Zhang Q. Apelin-13 deficiency alters cortical bone geometry, organic bone matrix, and inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2018; 267:29-35. [PMID: 29857005 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2018.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Adipokines play key roles in the regulation of obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and bone growth. As a newly discovered hormone in the adipokines family, the precise role of Apelin-13 on bone metabolism is not yet clear. Apelin-13 and 25(OH)D3 expression were detected in freshly isolated serum of healthy individuals and osteoporosis patients with ELISA method. Apelin-13 deficient mice were set up and cortical bone geometry was measured with micro-computed tomography (Micro-CT) at 5 months old, then profile of organic bone matrix genes was detected with quantitative Real-Time PCR (qRT-PCR). Wnt/β-catenin signaling molecules were assayed in primary osteocytes isolated from neonatal calvarias. Apelin-13 and 25(OH)D3 showed decreased expression in osteoporosis patients. Five-month-old Apelin deficient mice exhibited decreased total and bone marrow cavity area and periosteal and endocortical bone surface. Deficiency of Apelin-13 downregulated collagen maturation associated genes (loxl3 and loxl4) and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, while loxl2 was upregulated, all of which indicated that Apelin-13 could play a role in regulating skeletal homeostasis. The decrease in bone formation in Apelin-13 deficient mice is associated with downregulation of organic bone matrix genes and Wnt/β-catenin signaling molecules, all of these indicate that association of Apelin-13 with bone mineral density (BMD) could be mediated by Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fang Han
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China; Department of Endocrinology, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, 230011 Anhui, China
| | - Xin-Xiu Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, 230011 Anhui, China
| | - Ke-Mei Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, 230011 Anhui, China
| | - Qiu Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230022, China.
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11
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Wang X, Hua R, Ahsan A, Ni Q, Huang Y, Gu S, Jiang JX. AGE-RELATED DETERIORATION OF BONE TOUGHNESS IS RELATED TO DIMINISHING AMOUNT OF MATRIX GLYCOSAMINOGLYCANS (GAGS). JBMR Plus 2018; 2:164-173. [PMID: 30009278 PMCID: PMC6042860 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydration status significantly affects the toughness of bone. In addition to the collagen phase, recent evidence shows that glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) of proteoglycans (PGs) in the extracellular matrix also play a pivotal role in regulating the tissue-level hydration status of bone, thereby affecting the tissue-level toughness of bone. In this study, we hypothesized that the amount of GAGs in bone matrix decreased with age and such changes would lead to reduction in bound water and subsequently result in a decrease in the tissue-level toughness of bone. To test the hypothesis, nanoscratch tests were conducted to measure the tissue-level toughness of human cadaveric bone specimens, which were procured only from male donors in three different age groups: young (26 ± 6 years old), mid-aged (52 ± 5 years old) and elderly (73 ± 5 years old), with six donors in each group. Biochemical and histochemical assays were performed to determine the amount and major subtypes of GAGs and proteoglycans in bone matrix. In addition, low-field NMR measurements were implemented to determine bound water content in bone matrix. The results demonstrated that aging resulted in a statistically significant reduction (17%) of GAGs in bone matrix. Concurrently, a significant deterioration (20%) of tissue-level toughness of bone with age was observed. Most importantly, the deteriorated tissue-level toughness of bone was associated significantly with the age-related reduction (40%) of bound water, which was partially induced by the decrease of GAGs in bone matrix. Furthermore, we identified that chondroitin sulfate (CS) was a major subtype of GAGs and the amount of CS decreased with aging in accompany with a decrease of biglycan that is a major subtype of PGs in bone. The findings of this study suggests that reduction of GAGs in bone matrix is likely one of the molecular origins for age-related deterioration of bone quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodu Wang
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Texas at San AntonioSan AntonioTexas
| | - Rui Hua
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Texas at San AntonioSan AntonioTexas
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural BiologyUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan AntonioTexas
| | - Abu Ahsan
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Texas at San AntonioSan AntonioTexas
| | - Qingwen Ni
- Department of PhysicsTexas A&M International UniversityLaredoTexas
| | - Yehong Huang
- Department of Mechanical EngineeringUniversity of Texas at San AntonioSan AntonioTexas
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural BiologyUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan AntonioTexas
| | - Sumin Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural BiologyUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan AntonioTexas
| | - Jean X Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural BiologyUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San AntonioSan AntonioTexas
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12
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To discuss current knowledge on the role of connexins and pannexins in the musculoskeletal system. RECENT FINDINGS Connexins and pannexins are crucial for the development and maintenance of both bone and skeletal muscle. In bone, the presence of connexin and more recently of pannexin channels in osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and osteocytes has been described and shown to be essential for normal skeletal development and bone adaptation. In skeletal muscles, connexins and pannexins play important roles during development and regeneration through coordinated regulation of metabolic functions via cell-to-cell communication. Further, under pathological conditions, altered expression of these proteins can promote muscle atrophy and degeneration by stimulating inflammasome activity. In this review, we highlight the important roles of connexins and pannexins in the development, maintenance, and regeneration of musculoskeletal tissues, with emphasis on the mechanisms by which these molecules mediate chemical (e.g., ATP and prostaglandin E2) and physical (e.g., mechanical stimulation) stimuli that target the musculoskeletal system and their involvement in the pathophysiological changes in both genetic and acquired diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian I Plotkin
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, MS5045, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
- Roudebush Veterans Administration Medical Center, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
- Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indianapolis, Indiana, USA.
| | - Hannah M Davis
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 635 Barnhill Drive, MS5045, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Bruno A Cisterna
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Alameda 340, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Av. Alameda 340, Santiago, Chile.
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
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13
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Li Y, Zhu G, Zeng W, Wang J, Li Z, Wang B, Tian B, Lu D, Zhang X, Gao G, Li L. Long noncoding RNA AB073614 promotes the malignance of glioma by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling through downregulating SOX7. Oncotarget 2017; 8:65577-65587. [PMID: 29029454 PMCID: PMC5630354 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) AB073614 has recently shown to be aberrantly increased and identified as a poor prognostic biomarker in human glioma. However, the potential mechanisms remain unknown. This study demonstrated that AB073614 expression was significantly upregulated in both glioma tissues and cell lines, and glioma patients with high AB073614 expression had lower overall survival rates. Importantly, silencing AB073614 expression remarkably inhibited U251 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, as well as suppressed tumor formation in vivo. The level of AB073614 was found to correlate inversely with sex-determining region Y-box 7 (SOX7) expression but correlate positively with Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity. Of note, the data showed that the inhibition of SOX7 could reverse the tumor-suppressive effect of the silencing AB073614 on glioma in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the results indicated that AB073614 induced Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity by repressing SOX7 expression. In conclusion, the findings demonstrated that AB073614 promoted the progression of glioma by targeting SOX7 to activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, suggesting that the inhibition of AB073614 might be a potential target for therapeutic intervention in glioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqian Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Gang Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Wen Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Jiancai Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Zhihong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Bao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Bo Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Dan Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Xingye Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Guodong Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
| | - Lihong Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710038, China
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14
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Allagnat F, Dubuis C, Lambelet M, Le Gal L, Alonso F, Corpataux JM, Déglise S, Haefliger JA. Connexin37 reduces smooth muscle cell proliferation and intimal hyperplasia in a mouse model of carotid artery ligation. Cardiovasc Res 2017; 113:805-816. [PMID: 28449099 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvx079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Intimal hyperplasia (IH) is an abnormal response to vessel injury characterized by the dedifferentiation, migration, and proliferation of quiescent vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) to form a neointima layer. Vascular connexins (Cx) are involved in the pathophysiology of various vascular diseases, and Cx43, the main Cx expressed in VSMC, has been shown to promote VSMC proliferation and IH. The aim of this study was to investigate the participation of another Cx, namely Cx37, in the formation of the neointima layer. METHODS AND RESULTS Wild-type (WT) and Cx37-deficient (Cx37-/-) C57BL/6J mice were subjected to carotid artery ligation (CAL), a model of vessel injury and IH. The neointima developed linearly in WT until 28 days post surgery. In contrast, the neointima layer was almost absent 14 days after surgery in Cx37-/- mice, and twice as more developed after 28 days compared to WT mice. This large neointima formation correlated with a two-fold increase in cell proliferation in the media and neointima regions between 14 and 28 days in Cx37-/- mice compared to WT mice. The CAL triggered Cx43 overexpression in the media and neointima layers of ligated carotids in WT mice, and selectively up-regulated Cx37 expression in the media layer, but not in the neointima layer. The de novo expression of Cx37 in human primary VSMC reduced cell proliferation and P-Akt levels, in association with lower Cx43 levels, whereas Cx43 overexpression increased P-Akt levels. CONCLUSION The presence of Cx37 in the media layer of injured arteries restrains VSMC proliferation and limits the development of IH, presumably by interfering with the pro-proliferative effect of Cx43 and the Akt pathway.
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MESH Headings
- Aged
- Animals
- Carotid Arteries/metabolism
- Carotid Arteries/pathology
- Carotid Arteries/surgery
- Carotid Artery Injuries/genetics
- Carotid Artery Injuries/metabolism
- Carotid Artery Injuries/pathology
- Carotid Stenosis/genetics
- Carotid Stenosis/metabolism
- Carotid Stenosis/pathology
- Cell Proliferation
- Cells, Cultured
- Connexin 43/metabolism
- Connexins/deficiency
- Connexins/genetics
- Connexins/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Humans
- Hyperplasia
- Ligation
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/pathology
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/pathology
- Neointima
- Phosphorylation
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Time Factors
- Gap Junction alpha-4 Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Allagnat
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Céline Dubuis
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Martine Lambelet
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Loïc Le Gal
- Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, c/o Department of Physiology, Bugnon 7a, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florian Alonso
- Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, c/o Department of Physiology, Bugnon 7a, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jean-Marc Corpataux
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Déglise
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jacques-Antoine Haefliger
- Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, c/o Department of Physiology, Bugnon 7a, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
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15
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW To describe the current knowledge on the cross-talk between connexins and microRNAs (miRs) in bone cells. RECENT FINDINGS Connexins play a crucial role on bone development and maintenance, and disruptions in their abundance or localization can affect how bone perceives and responds to mechanical, hormonal, and pharmacological stimuli. Connexin expression can be modified by miRs, which modulate connexin mRNA and protein levels. Recently, different manners by which miRs and connexins can interact in bone have been identified, including mechanisms that mediate miR exchange between cells in direct contact through gap junctions, or between distant cells via extracellular vesicles (EVs). SUMMARY We bring to light the relationship between miRs and connexins in bone tissue, with special focus on regulatory effects of miRs and connexins on gene expression, as well as the mechanisms that mediate miR exchange between cells in direct contact through gap junctions, or between distant cells via EVs.
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