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The Role of Connexin in Ophthalmic Neovascularization and the Interaction between Connexin and Proangiogenic Factors. J Ophthalmol 2022; 2022:8105229. [PMID: 35783340 PMCID: PMC9242797 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8105229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of new blood vessels is an important physiological process that occurs during development. When the body is injured, new blood vessel formation helps the body recuperate by supplying more oxygen and nutrients. However, this mechanism can have a negative effect. In ophthalmologic diseases, such as corneal new blood vessels, neonatal vascular glaucoma, and diabetes retinopathy, the formation of new blood vessels has become a critical component in patient survival. Connexin is a protein that regulates the cellular and molecular material carried by cells. It has been demonstrated that it is widely expressed in vascular endothelial cells, where it forms a slit connection between adjacent cells to promote cell-cell communication via hemichannels, as well as substance exchange into intracellular environments. Numerous studies have demonstrated that connexin in vascular endothelial cells plays an important role in angiogenesis and vascular leakage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect between the angiogenesis-associated factor and the connexin. It also reveals the effect of connexin on ophthalmic neovascularization.
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O’Brien BS, Mokry RL, Schumacher ML, Pulakanti K, Rao S, Terhune SS, Ebert AD. Downregulation of neurodevelopmental gene expression in iPSC-derived cerebral organoids upon infection by human cytomegalovirus. iScience 2022; 25:104098. [PMID: 35391828 PMCID: PMC8980761 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a betaherpesvirus that can cause severe birth defects including vision and hearing loss, microcephaly, and seizures. Currently, no approved treatment options exist for in utero infections. Here, we aimed to determine the impact of HCMV infection on the transcriptome of developing neurons in an organoid model system. Cell populations isolated from organoids based on a marker for infection and transcriptomes were defined. We uncovered downregulation in key cortical, neurodevelopmental, and functional gene pathways which occurred regardless of the degree of infection. To test the contributions of specific HCMV immediate early proteins known to disrupt neural differentiation, we infected NPCs using a recombinant virus harboring a destabilization domain. Despite suppressing their expression, HCMV-mediated transcriptional downregulation still occurred. Together, our studies have revealed that HCMV infection causes a profound downregulation of neurodevelopmental genes and suggest a role for other viral factors in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin S. O’Brien
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Rebekah L. Mokry
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Megan L. Schumacher
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | | | - Sridhar Rao
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Scott S. Terhune
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Allison D. Ebert
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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Cai S, Lei T, Bi W, Sun S, Deng S, Zhang X, Yang Y, Xiao Z, Du H. Chitosan Hydrogel Supplemented with Metformin Promotes Neuron-like Cell Differentiation of Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063276. [PMID: 35328696 PMCID: PMC8955038 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) are derived from migratory neural crest stem cells and have the potential to differentiate into neurons. Metformin can inhibit stem–cell aging and promotes the regeneration and development of neurons. In this study, we investigated the potential of metformin as an enhancer on neuronal differentiation of GMSCs in the growth environment of chitosan hydrogel. The crosslinked chitosan/β–glycerophosphate hydrogel can form a perforated microporous structure that is suitable for cell growth and channels to transport water and macromolecules. GMSCs have powerful osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic abilities in the induction medium supplemented with metformin. After induction in an induction medium supplemented with metformin, Western blot and immunofluorescence results showed that GMSCs differentiated into neuron–like cells with a significantly enhanced expression of neuro–related markers, including Nestin (NES) and β–Tubulin (TUJ1). Proteomics was used to construct protein profiles in neural differentiation, and the results showed that chitosan hydrogels containing metformin promoted the upregulation of neural regeneration–related proteins, including ATP5F1, ATP5J, NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) Fe–S protein 3 (NDUFS3), and Glutamate Dehydrogenase 1 (GLUD1). Our results help to promote the clinical application of stem–cell neural regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanglin Cai
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (S.C.); (T.L.); (W.B.); (S.D.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.X.)
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Tong Lei
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (S.C.); (T.L.); (W.B.); (S.D.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.X.)
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Wangyu Bi
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (S.C.); (T.L.); (W.B.); (S.D.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.X.)
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Shutao Sun
- Institutional Center for Shared Technologies and Facilities, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China;
| | - Shiwen Deng
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (S.C.); (T.L.); (W.B.); (S.D.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.X.)
| | - Xiaoshuang Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (S.C.); (T.L.); (W.B.); (S.D.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.X.)
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yanjie Yang
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (S.C.); (T.L.); (W.B.); (S.D.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.X.)
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Zhuangzhuang Xiao
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (S.C.); (T.L.); (W.B.); (S.D.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.X.)
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Hongwu Du
- School of Chemistry and Biological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China; (S.C.); (T.L.); (W.B.); (S.D.); (X.Z.); (Y.Y.); (Z.X.)
- Daxing Research Institute, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China
- Correspondence:
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Mesnil M, Defamie N, Naus C, Sarrouilhe D. Brain Disorders and Chemical Pollutants: A Gap Junction Link? Biomolecules 2020; 11:51. [PMID: 33396565 PMCID: PMC7824109 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of brain pathologies has increased during last decades. Better diagnosis (autism spectrum disorders) and longer life expectancy (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease) partly explain this increase, while emerging data suggest pollutant exposures as a possible but still underestimated cause of major brain disorders. Taking into account that the brain parenchyma is rich in gap junctions and that most pollutants inhibit their function; brain disorders might be the consequence of gap-junctional alterations due to long-term exposures to pollutants. In this article, this hypothesis is addressed through three complementary aspects: (1) the gap-junctional organization and connexin expression in brain parenchyma and their function; (2) the effect of major pollutants (pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, heavy metals, airborne particles, etc.) on gap-junctional and connexin functions; (3) a description of the major brain disorders categorized as neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, epilepsy), neurobehavioral (migraines, major depressive disorders), neurodegenerative (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases) and cancers (glioma), in which both connexin dysfunction and pollutant involvement have been described. Based on these different aspects, the possible involvement of pollutant-inhibited gap junctions in brain disorders is discussed for prenatal and postnatal exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Mesnil
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Norah Defamie
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Christian Naus
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z3, Canada;
| | - Denis Sarrouilhe
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Humaine, Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, 6 rue de La Milétrie, bât D1, TSA 51115, 86073 Poitiers, France
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Dilger N, Neehus AL, Grieger K, Hoffmann A, Menssen M, Ngezahayo A. Gap Junction Dependent Cell Communication Is Modulated During Transdifferentiation of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells Towards Neuron-Like Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:869. [PMID: 32984345 PMCID: PMC7487424 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In vitro transdifferentiation of patient-derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) into neurons is of special interest for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Although there are encouraging studies, little is known about physiological modulations during this transdifferentiation process. Here, we focus on the analysis of gap junction dependent cell-cell communication and the expression pattern of gap junction-building connexins during small molecule-induced neuronal transdifferentiation of human bone marrow-derived MSCs. During this process, the MSC markers CD73, CD90, CD105, and CD166 were downregulated while the neuronal marker Tuj1 was upregulated. Moreover, the differentiation protocol used in the present study changed the cellular morphology and physiology. The MSCs evolved from a fibroblastoid morphology towards a neuronal shape with round cell bodies and neurite-like processes. Moreover, depolarization evoked action potentials in the transdifferentiated cells. MSCs expressed mRNAs encoding Cx43 and Cx45 as well as trace levels of Cx26, Cx37- and Cx40 and allowed transfer of microinjected Lucifer yellow. The differentiation protocol increased levels of Cx26 (mRNA and protein) and decreased Cx43 (mRNA and protein) while reducing the dye transfer. Cx36 mRNA was nearly undetectable in all cells regardless of treatment. Treatment of the cells with the gap junction coupling inhibitor carbenoxolone (CBX) only modestly altered connexin mRNA levels and had little effect on neuronal differentiation. Our study indicates that the small molecule-based differentiation protocol generates immature neuron-like cells from MSCs. This might be potentially interesting for elucidating physiological modifications and mechanisms in MSCs during the initial steps of differentiation towards a neuronal lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadine Dilger
- Department of Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Neehus
- Department of Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Hematology, REBIRTH Research Center for Translational and Regenerative Medicine, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hanover, Germany
| | - Klaudia Grieger
- Department of Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Andrea Hoffmann
- Graded Implants and Regenerative Strategies, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Hannover Medical School, Hanover, Germany.,Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development (NIFE), Hanover, Germany
| | - Max Menssen
- Department of Biostatistics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany
| | - Anaclet Ngezahayo
- Department of Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hanover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hanover, Germany
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Yuan D, Li X, Luo C, Li X, Cheng N, Ji H, Qiu R, Luo G, Chen C, Hei Z. Inhibition of gap junction composed of Cx43 prevents against acute kidney injury following liver transplantation. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:767. [PMID: 31601792 PMCID: PMC6787008 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1998-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI) is a severe complication after liver transplantation (LT). Its deterioration and magnification lead to the increase in mortality. Connexin43 (Cx43) mediates direct transmission of intracellular signals between neighboring cells, always considered to be the potent biological basis of organ damage deterioration and magnification. Thus, we explored the effects of Cx43 on AKI following LT and its related possible mechanism. In this study, alternations of Cx43 expression were observed in 82 patients, receiving the first-time orthotopic LT. We built autologous orthotopic liver transplantation (AOLT) models with Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats in vivo, and hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pretreatment models with kidney tubular epithelial cells (NRK-52E) in vitro, both of which were the most important independent risk factors of AKI following LT. Then, different methods were used to alter the function of Cx43 channels to determine its protective effects on AKI. The results indicated that patients with AKI suffering from longer time of tracheal intubation or intensive care unit stay, importantly, had significantly lower survival rate at postoperative 30 days and 3 years. In rat AOLT models, as Cx43 was inhibited with heptanol, postoperative AKI was attenuated significantly. In vitro experiments, downregulation of Cx43 with selective inhibitors, or siRNA protected against post-hypoxic NRK-52E cell injuries caused by H/R and/or LPS, while upregulation of Cx43 exacerbated the above-mentioned cell injuries. Of note, alternation of Cx43 function regulated the content of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which not only mediated oxidative stress and inflammation reactions effectively, but also regulated necroptosis. Therefore, we concluded that Cx43 inhibition protected against AKI following LT through attenuating ROS transmission between the neighboring cells. ROS alternation depressed oxidative stress and inflammation reaction, which ultimately reduced necroptosis. This might offer new insights for targeted intervention for organ protection in LT, or even in other major surgeries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, the third affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Xiaoyun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, the third affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Chenfang Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, the third affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xianlong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, the third affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Nan Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, the third affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Haocong Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huizhou first People's Hospital, No. 20, San Xin Nan Road, Jiangbei, Huizhou, PR China
| | - Rongzong Qiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Huizhou first People's Hospital, No. 20, San Xin Nan Road, Jiangbei, Huizhou, PR China
| | - Gangjian Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, the third affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Chaojin Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, the third affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Ziqing Hei
- Department of Anesthesiology, the third affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Tianhe Road, Guangzhou, PR China.
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Zhao H, Zuo X, Ren L, Li Y, Tai H, Du J, Xie X, Zhang X, Han Y, Wu Y, Yang C, Xu Z, Hong H, Li S, Su B. Combined use of bFGF/EGF and all-trans-retinoic acid cooperatively promotes neuronal differentiation and neurite outgrowth in neural stem cells. Neurosci Lett 2018; 690:61-68. [PMID: 30300683 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem cells (NSCs) as sources of new neurons in brain injuries or diseases are required to not only elicit neurons for neuronal repair, but also to enhance neurite outgrowth for neuronal network reestablishment. Various trophic or chemotropic factors have been shown to cooperatively improve NSC neurogenesis. However, effects of combined treatment of all-trans-retinoic acid (RA) with GF (Basic fibroblast growth factor and epidermal growth factor, bFGF/EGF) on neurogenesis of NSCs are poorly understood. To address this question, NSCs were isolated from the forebrains of embryonic mice, and treated with GF and RA either alone or in combination for differentiation in vitro. Neurons and astrocytes differentiated from NSCs were stained for MAP2 and GFAP separately by immunofluorescence. The results indicated that GF displayed superior efficacy in promoting neuronal differentiation, and RA showed better efficacy in advancing neurite outgrowth by increasing both neurite length and number. In addition, higher differentiation efficiency of neurons to astrocytes in RA or GF, or both acted at the early stage. However, more importantly, compared with RA alone, GF and RA in combination enhanced neuronal differentiation. Moreover, the combined use of GF and RA increased the length and number of neurites compared with GF, as well as the relative expression level of Smurf1. In addition, astrocytes induced by GF, RA, or both exhibited a radial glia-like morphology with long processes differing from serum effects, which might in part attribute to the total numbers of neurons. These findings for the first time unveil the roles of combined use of GF and RA on the neurogenesis of NSCs, suggesting that the use of this combination could be a comprehensive strategy for the functional repair of the nervous system through promoting neuronal differentiation, and advancing neurite outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Zhao
- Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuan Zuo
- Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Pathology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Liyi Ren
- Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Yunzhu Li
- Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Pathology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Haoran Tai
- Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Jipei Du
- Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuemin Xie
- Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhang
- Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuping Han
- Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongmei Wu
- Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Chan Yang
- Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Pathology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhen Xu
- Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Huarong Hong
- Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China
| | - Shurong Li
- Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Pathology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China.
| | - Bingyin Su
- Development and Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, Sichuan, China; Chengdu Medical College Infertility Hospital, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan, China.
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Harrill JA. Human-Derived Neurons and Neural Progenitor Cells in High Content Imaging Applications. Methods Mol Biol 2018; 1683:305-338. [PMID: 29082500 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7357-6_18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Due to advances in the fields of stem cell biology and cellular engineering, a variety of commercially available human-derived neurons and neural progenitor cells (NPCs) are now available for use in research applications, including small molecule efficacy or toxicity screening. The use of human-derived neural cells is anticipated to address some of the uncertainties associated with the use of nonhuman culture models or transformed cell lines derived from human tissues. Many of the human-derived neurons and NPCs currently available from commercial sources recapitulate critical process of nervous system development including NPC proliferation, neurite outgrowth, synaptogenesis, and calcium signaling, each of which can be evaluated using high content image analysis (HCA). Human-derived neurons and NPCs are also amenable to culture in multiwell plate formats and thus may be adapted for use in HCA-based screening applications. This article reviews various types of HCA-based assays that have been used in conjunction with human-derived neurons and NPC cultures. This article also highlights instances where lower throughput analysis of neurodevelopmental processes has been performed and which demonstrate a potential for adaptation to higher-throughout imaging methods. Finally, a generic protocol for evaluating neurite outgrowth in human-derived neurons using a combination of immunocytochemistry and HCA is presented. The information provided in this article is intended to serve as a resource for cell model and assay selection for those interested in evaluating neurodevelopmental processes in human-derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua A Harrill
- Center for Toxicology and Environmental Health, LLC, 5120 Northshore Drive, Little Rock, AR, 72118, USA.
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Greer K, Chen J, Brickler T, Gourdie R, Theus MH. Modulation of gap junction-associated Cx43 in neural stem/progenitor cells following traumatic brain injury. Brain Res Bull 2017; 134:38-46. [PMID: 28648814 PMCID: PMC5597487 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Restoration of learning and memory deficits following traumatic brain injury (TBI) is attributed, in part, to enhanced neural stem/progenitor cell (NSPCs) function. Recent findings suggest gap junction (GJ)-associated connexin 43 (Cx43) plays a key role in the cell cycle regulation and function of NSPCs and is modulated following TBI. Here, we demonstrate that Cx43 is up-regulated in the dentate gyrus following TBI and is expressed on vimentin-positive cells in the subgranular zone. To test the role of Cx43 on NSPCs, we exposed primary cultures to the α-connexin Carboxyl Terminal (αCT1) peptide which selectively modulates GJ-associated Cx43. Treatment with αCT1 substantially reduced proliferation and increased caspase 3/7 expression on NSPCs in a dose-dependent manner. αCT1 exposure also reduced overall expression of Cx43 and phospho (p)-Serine368. These findings demonstrate that Cx43 positively regulates adult NPSCs; the modulation of which may influence changes in the dentate gyrus following TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kisha Greer
- The Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, 215 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Jiang Chen
- The Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, 215 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Thomas Brickler
- The Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, 215 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Robert Gourdie
- Virgnia Tech Carillion Research Institute, College of Medicine, 2 Riverside Circle, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Michelle H Theus
- The Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine, 215 Duck Pond Drive, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
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10
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Lemcke H, Voronina N, Steinhoff G, David R. Analysis of the Gap Junction-dependent Transfer of miRNA with 3D-FRAP Microscopy. J Vis Exp 2017. [PMID: 28654065 DOI: 10.3791/55870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Small antisense RNAs, like miRNA and siRNA, play an important role in cellular physiology and pathology and, moreover, can be used as therapeutic agents in the treatment of several diseases. The development of new, innovative strategies for miRNA/siRNA therapy is based on an extensive knowledge of the underlying mechanisms. Recent data suggest that small RNAs are exchanged between cells in a gap junction-dependent manner, thereby inducing gene regulatory effects in the recipient cell. Molecular biological techniques and flow cytometric analysis are commonly used to study the intercellular exchange of miRNA. However, these methods do not provide high temporal resolution, which is necessary when studying the gap junctional flux of molecules. Therefore, to investigate the impact of miRNA/siRNA as intercellular signaling molecules, novel tools are needed that will allow for the analysis of these small RNAs at the cellular level. The present protocol describes the application of three-dimensional fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (3D-FRAP) microscopy to elucidating the gap junction-dependent exchange of miRNA molecules between cardiac cells. Importantly, this straightforward and non-invasive live-cell imaging approach allows for the visualization and quantification of the gap junctional shuttling of fluorescently labeled small RNAs in real time, with high spatio-temporal resolution. The data obtained by 3D-FRAP confirm a novel pathway of intercellular gene regulation, where small RNAs act as signaling molecules within the intercellular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heiko Lemcke
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC); Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rostock; Department of Life, Light and Matter of the Interdisciplinary Faculty, University of Rostock;
| | - Natalia Voronina
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC); Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rostock; Department of Life, Light and Matter of the Interdisciplinary Faculty, University of Rostock
| | - Gustav Steinhoff
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC); Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rostock; Department of Life, Light and Matter of the Interdisciplinary Faculty, University of Rostock
| | - Robert David
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC); Department of Cardiac Surgery, University of Rostock; Department of Life, Light and Matter of the Interdisciplinary Faculty, University of Rostock;
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Frahm C, Srivastava A, Schmidt S, Mueller J, Groth M, Guenther M, Ji Y, Priebe S, Platzer M, Witte OW. Transcriptional profiling reveals protective mechanisms in brains of long-lived mice. Neurobiol Aging 2016; 52:23-31. [PMID: 28110102 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2016.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 12/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The brain plays a central role in organismal aging but is itself most sensitive to aging-related functional impairments and pathologies. Insights into processes underlying brain aging are the basis to positively impact brain health. Using high-throughput RNA sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), we monitored cerebral gene expression in mice throughout their whole lifespan (2, 9, 15, 24, and 30 months). Differentially expressed genes were clustered in 6 characteristic temporal expression profiles, 3 of which revealed a distinct change between 24 and 30 months, the period when most mice die. Functional annotation of these genes indicated a participation in protection against cancer and oxidative stress. Specifically, the most enriched pathways for the differentially expressed genes with higher expression at 30 versus 24 months were found to be glutathione metabolism and chemokine signaling pathway, whereas those lower expressed were enriched in focal adhesion and pathways in cancer. We therefore conclude that brains of very old mice are protected from certain aspects of aging, in particular cancer, which might have an impact on organismal health and lifespan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Frahm
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany.
| | - Akash Srivastava
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Silvio Schmidt
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Jule Mueller
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Marco Groth
- Genome Analysis, Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Madlen Guenther
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Yuanyuan Ji
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
| | - Steffen Priebe
- Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology, Hans Knöll Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Matthias Platzer
- Genome Analysis, Leibniz Institute on Aging-Fritz Lipmann Institute, Jena, Germany
| | - Otto W Witte
- Hans Berger Department of Neurology, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
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12
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Lee GH, Jang B, Choi HS, Kim HJ, Park JH, Jeon YC, Carp RI, Kim YS, Choi EK. Upregulation of Connexin 43 Expression Via C-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Signaling in Prion Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 49:1005-19. [PMID: 26599051 DOI: 10.3233/jad-150283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Prion infection leads to neuronal cell death, glial cell activation, and the accumulation of misfolded prion proteins. However, the altered cellular environments in animals with prion diseases are poorly understood. In the central nervous system, cells connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells via connexin (Cx)-assembled gap junction channels to allow the direct exchange of small molecules, including ions, neurotransmitters, and signaling molecules, which regulate the activities of the connected cells. Here, we investigate the role of Cx43 in the pathogenesis of prion diseases. Upregulated Cx43 expression, which was dependent on c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase (JNK)/c-Jun signaling cascades, was found in prion-affected brain tissues and hippocampal neuronal cells. Scrapie infection-induced Cx43 formed aggregated plaques within the cytoplasmic compartments at the cell-cell interfaces. The ethidium bromide (EtBr) uptake assay and scrape-loading dye transfer assay demonstrated that increased Cx43 has functional consequences for the activity of Cx43 hemichannels. Interestingly, blockade of PrPSc accumulation reduced Cx43 expression through the inhibition of JNK signaling, indicating that PrPSc accumulation may be directly involved in JNK activation-mediated Cx43 upregulation. Overall, our findings describe a scrapie infection-mediated novel regulatory signaling pathway of Cx43 expression and may suggest a role for Cx43 in the pathogenesis of prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geon-Hwi Lee
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungki Jang
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Seok Choi
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Park
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Chul Jeon
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Richard I Carp
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Yong-Sun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyoung Choi
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
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13
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Wang Y, Surzenko N, Friday WB, Zeisel SH. Maternal dietary intake of choline in mice regulates development of the cerebral cortex in the offspring. FASEB J 2015; 30:1566-78. [PMID: 26700730 DOI: 10.1096/fj.15-282426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Maternal diets low in choline, an essential nutrient, increase the risk of neural tube defects and lead to low performance on cognitive tests in children. However, the consequences of maternal dietary choline deficiency for the development and structural organization of the cerebral cortex remain unknown. In this study, we fed mouse dams either control (CT) or low-choline (LC) diets and investigated the effects of choline on cortical development in the offspring. As a result of a low choline supply between embryonic day (E)11 and E17 of gestation, the number of 2 types of cortical neural progenitor cells (NPCs)-radial glial cells and intermediate progenitor cells-was reduced in fetal brains (P< 0.01). Furthermore, the number of upper layer cortical neurons was decreased in the offspring of dams fed an LC diet at both E17 (P< 0.001) and 4 mo of age (P< 0.001). These effects of LC maternal diet were mediated by a decrease in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling in NPCs related to the disruption of EGFR posttranscriptional regulation. Our findings describe a novel mechanism whereby low maternal dietary intake of choline alters brain development.-Wang, Y., Surzenko, N., Friday, W. B., Zeisel, S. H. Maternal dietary intake of choline in mice regulates development of the cerebral cortex in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Wang
- *Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA, Department of Medical Genetics, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; and Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Natalia Surzenko
- *Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA, Department of Medical Genetics, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; and Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Walter B Friday
- *Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA, Department of Medical Genetics, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; and Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Steven H Zeisel
- *Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, North Carolina, USA, Department of Medical Genetics, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China; and Department of Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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14
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Ottoboni L, De Feo D, Merlini A, Martino G. Commonalities in immune modulation between mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and neural stem/precursor cells (NPCs). Immunol Lett 2015; 168:228-39. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2015.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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15
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Lemcke H, Steinhoff G, David R. Gap junctional shuttling of miRNA — A novel pathway of intercellular gene regulation and its prospects in clinical application. Cell Signal 2015; 27:2506-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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16
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Talaverón R, Fernández P, Escamilla R, Pastor AM, Matarredona ER, Sáez JC. Neural progenitor cells isolated from the subventricular zone present hemichannel activity and form functional gap junctions with glial cells. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:411. [PMID: 26528139 PMCID: PMC4602088 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/25/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The postnatal subventricular zone (SVZ) lining the walls of the lateral ventricles contains neural progenitor cells (NPCs) that generate new olfactory bulb interneurons. Communication via gap junctions between cells in the SVZ is involved in NPC proliferation and in neuroblast migration towards the olfactory bulb. SVZ NPCs can be expanded in vitro in the form of neurospheres that can be used for transplantation purposes after brain injury. We have previously reported that neurosphere-derived NPCs form heterocellular gap junctions with host glial cells when they are implanted after mechanical injury. To analyze functionality of NPC-glial cell gap junctions we performed dye coupling experiments in co-cultures of SVZ NPCs with astrocytes or microglia. Neurosphere-derived cells expressed mRNA for at least the hemichannel/gap junction channel proteins connexin 26 (Cx26), Cx43, Cx45 and pannexin 1 (Panx1). Dye coupling experiments revealed that gap junctional communication occurred among neurosphere cells (incidence of coupling: 100%). Moreover, hemichannel activity was also detected in neurosphere cells as evaluated in time-lapse measurements of ethidium bromide uptake. Heterocellular coupling between NPCs and glial cells was evidenced in co-cultures of neurospheres with astrocytes (incidence of coupling: 91.0 ± 4.7%) or with microglia (incidence of coupling: 71.9 ± 6.7%). Dye coupling in neurospheres and in co-cultures was inhibited by octanol, a gap junction blocker. Altogether, these results suggest the existence of functional hemichannels and gap junction channels in postnatal SVZ neurospheres. In addition, they demonstrate that SVZ-derived NPCs can establish functional gap junctions with astrocytes or microglia. Therefore, cell-cell communication via gap junctions and hemichannels with host glial cells might subserve a role in the functional integration of NPCs after implantation in the damaged brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rocío Talaverón
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla Sevilla, Spain
| | - Paola Fernández
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile and Instituto Milenio, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso Chile
| | - Rosalba Escamilla
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile and Instituto Milenio, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso Chile
| | - Angel M Pastor
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Sevilla Sevilla, Spain
| | | | - Juan C Sáez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago de Chile, Chile and Instituto Milenio, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso Chile
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17
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Vitale ML, Barry A. Biphasic Effect of Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor on Anterior Pituitary Folliculostellate TtT/GF Cell Coupling, and Connexin 43 Expression and Phosphorylation. J Neuroendocrinol 2015; 27:787-801. [PMID: 26265106 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2015] [Revised: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) is a mitogenic and differentiating cytokine. In the anterior pituitary, folliculostellate (FS) cells constitute the major source of bFGF. bFGF affects endocrine cell proliferation and secretion in the anterior pituitary. In addition, bFGF increases its own expression by acting directly on FS cells. FS cell Cx43-mediated gap junction intercellular communication allows the establishment of an intrapituitary network for the transmission of information. In the present study, we assessed how bFGF regulates FS cell coupling. Time course studies were carried out on the FS cell line TtT/GF. Short-term bFGF treatment induced a transient cell uncoupling and the phosphorylation in Ser368 of membrane-bound Cx43 without modifying Cx43 levels. We demonstrated the involvement of the protein kinase C (PKC) isoform α in the phosphorylation of Cx43 in S368. Moreover, we showed that bFGF induced PKCα activation by stimulating its expression, phosphorylation and association with the plasma membrane. The long-term incubation with bFGF increased TtT/GF cell coupling, total Cx43 levels and Cx43 accumulation at the cell membrane of cytoplasmic projections. The Cx43 level increase was a result of the stimulation of Cx43 gene transcription as mediated by the extracellular-regulated kinase 1/2 signalling pathway. Taken together, the data show that bFGF modulates TtT/GF cell coupling by activating different pathways that lead to opposite effects on Cx43 phosphorylation and expression depending on the duration of the exposure of the cells to bFGF. A short-term bFGF exposure reduces cell-to-cell communication as a mean of desynchronising FS cells. By contrast, long-term exposure to bFGF enhances cell-to-cell communication and facilitates coordination among FS cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Vitale
- Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - A Barry
- Département de Pathologie et Biologie Cellulaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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18
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Qiu X, Cheng JC, Klausen C, Chang HM, Fan Q, Leung PCK. EGF-Induced Connexin43 Negatively Regulates Cell Proliferation in Human Ovarian Cancer. J Cell Physiol 2015; 231:111-9. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2014] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Qiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Child & Family Research Institute; University of British Columbia; Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Jung-Chien Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Child & Family Research Institute; University of British Columbia; Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Christian Klausen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Child & Family Research Institute; University of British Columbia; Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Child & Family Research Institute; University of British Columbia; Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Qianlan Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Child & Family Research Institute; University of British Columbia; Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Peter C. K. Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology; Child & Family Research Institute; University of British Columbia; Vancouver British Columbia Canada
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19
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Characterization of Apoptosis Signaling Cascades During the Differentiation Process of Human Neural ReNcell VM Progenitor Cells In Vitro. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2015; 35:1203-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s10571-015-0213-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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20
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Haack F, Lemcke H, Ewald R, Rharass T, Uhrmacher AM. Spatio-temporal model of endogenous ROS and raft-dependent WNT/beta-catenin signaling driving cell fate commitment in human neural progenitor cells. PLoS Comput Biol 2015; 11:e1004106. [PMID: 25793621 PMCID: PMC4368204 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/31/2014] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling is a central pathway in embryonic development, but it is also connected to a number of cancers and developmental disorders. Here we apply a combined in-vitro and in-silico approach to investigate the spatio-temporal regulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling during the early neural differentiation process of human neural progenitors cells (hNPCs), which form a new prospect for replacement therapies in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. Experimental measurements indicate a second signal mechanism, in addition to canonical WNT signaling, being involved in the regulation of nuclear β-catenin levels during the cell fate commitment phase of neural differentiation. We find that the biphasic activation of β-catenin signaling observed experimentally can only be explained through a model that combines Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and raft dependent WNT/β-catenin signaling. Accordingly after initiation of differentiation endogenous ROS activates DVL in a redox-dependent manner leading to a transient activation of down-stream β-catenin signaling, followed by continuous auto/paracrine WNT signaling, which crucially depends on lipid rafts. Our simulation studies further illustrate the elaborate spatio-temporal regulation of DVL, which, depending on its concentration and localization, may either act as direct inducer of the transient ROS/β-catenin signal or as amplifier during continuous auto-/parcrine WNT/β-catenin signaling. In addition we provide the first stochastic computational model of WNT/β-catenin signaling that combines membrane-related and intracellular processes, including lipid rafts/receptor dynamics as well as WNT- and ROS-dependent β-catenin activation. The model’s predictive ability is demonstrated under a wide range of varying conditions for in-vitro and in-silico reference data sets. Our in-silico approach is realized in a multi-level rule-based language, that facilitates the extension and modification of the model. Thus, our results provide both new insights and means to further our understanding of canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling and the role of ROS as intracellular signaling mediator. Human neural progenitor cells offer the promising perspective of using in-vitro grown neural cell populations for replacement therapies in the context of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s or Huntington’s disease. However, to control hNPC differentiation within the scope of stem cell engineering, a thorough understanding of cell fate determination and its endogenous regulation is required. Here we investigate the spatio-temporal regulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling in the process of cell fate commitment in hNPCs, which has been reported to play a crucial role for the differentiation process of hNPCs. Based on a combined in-vitro and in-silico approach we demonstrate an elaborate interplay between endogenous ROS and lipid raft dependent WNT/beta-catenin signaling controlling the nuclear beta-catenin levels throughout the initial phase of neural differentiation. The stochastic multi-level computational model we derive from our experimental measurements adds to the family of existing WNT models, addressing major biochemical and spatial aspects of WNT/beta-catenin signaling that have not been considered in existing models so far. Cross validation studies manifest its predictive capability for other cells and cell lines rendering the model a suitable basis for further studies also in the context of embryonic development, developmental disorders and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiete Haack
- Modeling and Simulation Group, Institute of Computer Science, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Heiko Lemcke
- Live Cell Imaging Center, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Reference and Translation Center for Cardiac Stem Cell Therapy (RTC), University Medical Center Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Roland Ewald
- Modeling and Simulation Group, Institute of Computer Science, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | - Tareck Rharass
- Live Cell Imaging Center, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
- Electrochemical Signaling in Development and Disease, Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) Berlin-Buch, Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Adelinde M. Uhrmacher
- Modeling and Simulation Group, Institute of Computer Science, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
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21
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Aasen T. Connexins: junctional and non-junctional modulators of proliferation. Cell Tissue Res 2014; 360:685-99. [PMID: 25547217 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-2078-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that dysregulation of gap junctions and their structural subunits-connexins-often occurs in, and sometimes causes, a variety of proliferative disorders, including cancer. Connexin-mediated regulation of cell proliferation is complex and may involve modulation of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC), hemichannel signalling, or gap junction-independent paths. However, the exact mechanisms linking connexins to proliferation remain poorly defined and a number of contradictory studies report both pro- and anti-proliferative effects, effects that often depend on the cell or tissue type or the microenvironment. The present review covers junctional and non-junctional regulation of proliferation by connexins, with a particular emphasis on their association with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- Molecular Pathology Group, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Passeig Vall d'Hebron 119-129, Barcelona, 08035, Spain,
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22
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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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23
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Fraguas S, Barberán S, Iglesias M, Rodríguez-Esteban G, Cebrià F. egr-4, a target of EGFR signaling, is required for the formation of the brain primordia and head regeneration in planarians. Development 2014; 141:1835-47. [PMID: 24700819 DOI: 10.1242/dev.101345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
During the regeneration of freshwater planarians, polarity and patterning programs play essential roles in determining whether a head or a tail regenerates at anterior or posterior-facing wounds. This decision is made very soon after amputation. The pivotal role of the Wnt/β-catenin and Hh signaling pathways in re-establishing anterior-posterior (AP) polarity has been well documented. However, the mechanisms that control the growth and differentiation of the blastema in accordance with its AP identity are less well understood. Previous studies have described a role of Smed-egfr-3, a planarian epidermal growth factor receptor, in blastema growth and differentiation. Here, we identify Smed-egr-4, a zinc-finger transcription factor belonging to the early growth response gene family, as a putative downstream target of Smed-egfr-3. Smed-egr-4 is mainly expressed in the central nervous system and its silencing inhibits anterior regeneration without affecting the regeneration of posterior regions. Single and combinatorial RNA interference to target different elements of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, together with expression analysis of brain- and anterior-specific markers, revealed that Smed-egr-4: (1) is expressed in two phases - an early Smed-egfr-3-independent phase and a late Smed-egfr-3-dependent phase; (2) is necessary for the differentiation of the brain primordia in the early stages of regeneration; and (3) that it appears to antagonize the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to allow head regeneration. These results suggest that a conserved EGFR/egr pathway plays an important role in cell differentiation during planarian regeneration and indicate an association between early brain differentiation and the proper progression of head regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanna Fraguas
- Departament de Genètica de la Universitat de Barcelona and Institut de Biomedicina de la Universitat de Barcelona (IBUB), Avenida Diagonal 643, Edifici Prevosti planta 1, Barcelona 08028, Spain
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