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Badaoui M, Chanson M. Intercellular Communication in Airway Epithelial Cell Regeneration: Potential Roles of Connexins and Pannexins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16160. [PMID: 38003349 PMCID: PMC10671439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins and pannexins are transmembrane proteins that can form direct (gap junctions) or indirect (connexons, pannexons) intercellular communication channels. By propagating ions, metabolites, sugars, nucleotides, miRNAs, and/or second messengers, they participate in a variety of physiological functions, such as tissue homeostasis and host defense. There is solid evidence supporting a role for intercellular signaling in various pulmonary inflammatory diseases where alteration of connexin/pannexin channel functional expression occurs, thus leading to abnormal intercellular communication pathways and contributing to pathophysiological aspects, such as innate immune defense and remodeling. The integrity of the airway epithelium, which is the first line of defense against invading microbes, is established and maintained by a repair mechanism that involves processes such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Here, we briefly summarize current knowledge on the contribution of connexins and pannexins to necessary processes of tissue repair and speculate on their possible involvement in the shaping of the airway epithelium integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc Chanson
- Department of Cell Physiology & Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
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2
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Wang Y, Xu J, Chen H, Shu Y, Peng W, Lai C, Kong R, Lan R, Huang L, Xin J, Sun N, Ni X, Bai Y, Wu B. Effects of prolonged fluoride exposure on innate immunity, intestinal mechanical, and immune barriers in mice. Res Vet Sci 2023; 164:105019. [PMID: 37729784 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2023.105019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to explore the effects of fluoride on the innate immunity, intestinal mechanical barrier, and immune barrier of C57BL/6 mice, as well as to analyze the degree of structural and tissue damage, providing reference data for related research. Mice were randomly divided into four groups and then treated with 0 mg/L (control), 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L, 125 mg/L sodium fluoride solution, respectively, for 120 days. Histological technique, ELISA, MTT colorimetry methods were used to detect and analyze the effects of different concentrations of fluoride on the intestinal morphology, mechanical barrier and the immune functions and innate immunity of mice. The results showed that compared with the control group, the villi were injured in different degrees of the three fluoride groups, the number of goblet cells, the protein expression levels of connexin ZO-1, Claudin-1 and Occludin, the content of Diamine Oxidase (DAO), endotoxin (ET) and D-lactic acid (D-LA), the activity of natural killer cell (NK cells), the number and percentage of neutrophils and erythrocytes, the phagocytic rate of neutrophils, and the rate of C3bR rosette (which is formed by the adhesion of C3b receptors on the red blood cell membrane to complement sensitized yeast) and IC rosette (which is formed by the adhesion of C3b molecules in the immunecomplex adhered to the red blood cell membrane to non sensitized yeast) of red blood cells, the content of interlenkin 1 beta (IL-1β) and interlenkin 8 (IL-8), the number and percentage of lymphocytes decreased with the increasing of fluoride concentration. In addition, the content of the Immunoglobulin A (sIgA) showed a trend of increase at first and then decrease in salivary gland and jejunum. It is concluded that excessive intake of fluoride for a long time has a certain damage effect on the intestinal tract, leading to an increase in the permeability of the intestinal tract, thereby destroying the mechanical and immune barrier function of the intestinal tract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Fishes Conservation and Utilization in the Upper Reaches of the Yangtze River, Neijiang Normal University, Neijiang 641112, China
| | - Hang Chen
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yuanbin Shu
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Weiqi Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Baiyun Branch, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunxiao Lai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Baiyun Branch, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruiyang Kong
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ruiyang Lan
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Lijing Huang
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jinge Xin
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ning Sun
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xueqin Ni
- Animal Microecology Institute, College of Veterinary, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Gastroenterology, Baiyun Branch, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bangyuan Wu
- College of Life Science, China West Normal University, Nanchong 637000, Sichuan, PR China.
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3
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Miri ST, Sotoodehnejadnematalahi F, Amiri MM, Pourshafie MR, Rohani M. The impact of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium probiotic cocktail on modulation of gene expression of gap junctions dysregulated by intestinal pathogens. Arch Microbiol 2022; 204:417. [PMID: 35737111 DOI: 10.1007/s00203-022-03026-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Probiotics are special bacterial strains with strain specific impacts. They can affect health condition in intestine by producing organic acid, competing with pathogens and maintaining cells homeostasis. Regarding to importance of cell junctions in cells transportation and the influence of pathogens in their functions which lead to inflammation, the impact of probiotic strains comprised of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains on two important members of gap junctions (Cx26 and Cx43) were assayed. The expressions of cell junction genes in contact with probiotic cocktail along with pathogenic components of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium on HT-29 cell line in different treatment orders were evaluated. Results analysis demonstrated downregulation of cx26 and cx43 along with pathogenic components while, probiotic cocktail could modulate their expression by upregulation. We concluded that Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium strains were efficient probiotics, when they were used as one cocktail, impacted grater amount on the expression of cell junctions and this might lead to modulate homeostasis and reveal inflammation symptoms in intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Tina Miri
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Mehdi Amiri
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Pourshafie
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, No. 358, 12th Farvardin Ave, Jomhhoori St, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahdi Rohani
- Department of Bacteriology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, No. 358, 12th Farvardin Ave, Jomhhoori St, Tehran, Iran.
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4
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Marquez Loza LI, Cooney AL, Dong Q, Randak CO, Rivella S, Sinn PL, McCray PB. Increased CFTR expression and function from an optimized lentiviral vector for cystic fibrosis gene therapy. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 21:94-106. [PMID: 33768133 PMCID: PMC7973238 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite significant advances in cystic fibrosis (CF) treatments, a one-time treatment for this life-shortening disease remains elusive. Stable complementation of the disease-causing mutation with a normal copy of the CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene fulfills that goal. Integrating lentiviral vectors are well suited for this purpose, but widespread airway transduction in humans is limited by achievable titers and delivery barriers. Since airway epithelial cells are interconnected through gap junctions, small numbers of cells expressing supraphysiologic levels of CFTR could support sufficient channel function to rescue CF phenotypes. Here, we investigated promoter choice and CFTR codon optimization (coCFTR) as strategies to regulate CFTR expression. We evaluated two promoters-phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) and elongation factor 1-α (EF1α)-that have been safely used in clinical trials. We also compared the wild-type human CFTR sequence to three alternative coCFTR sequences generated by different algorithms. With the use of the CFTR-mediated anion current in primary human CF airway epithelia to quantify channel expression and function, we determined that EF1α produced greater currents than PGK and identified a coCFTR sequence that conferred significantly increased functional CFTR expression. Optimized promoter and CFTR sequences advance lentiviral vectors toward CF gene therapy clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura I. Marquez Loza
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Ashley L. Cooney
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Qian Dong
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Christoph O. Randak
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Stefano Rivella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Patrick L. Sinn
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
| | - Paul B. McCray
- Stead Family Department of Pediatrics, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Pappajohn Biomedical Institute and the Center for Gene Therapy, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Garcia-Vega L, O’Shaughnessy EM, Albuloushi A, Martin PE. Connexins and the Epithelial Tissue Barrier: A Focus on Connexin 26. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10010059. [PMID: 33466954 PMCID: PMC7829877 DOI: 10.3390/biology10010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Tissues that face the external environment are known as ‘epithelial tissue’ and form barriers between different body compartments. This includes the outer layer of the skin, linings of the intestine and airways that project into the lumen connecting with the external environment, and the cornea of the eye. These tissues do not have a direct blood supply and are dependent on exchange of regulatory molecules between cells to ensure co-ordination of tissue events. Proteins known as connexins form channels linking cells directly and permit exchange of small regulatory signals. A range of environmental stimuli can dysregulate the level of connexin proteins and or protein function within the epithelia, leading to pathologies including non-healing wounds. Mutations in these proteins are linked with hearing loss, skin and eye disorders of differing severity. As such, connexins emerge as prime therapeutic targets with several agents currently in clinical trials. This review outlines the role of connexins in epithelial tissue and how their dysregulation contributes to pathological pathways. Abstract Epithelial tissue responds rapidly to environmental triggers and is constantly renewed. This tissue is also highly accessible for therapeutic targeting. This review highlights the role of connexin mediated communication in avascular epithelial tissue. These proteins form communication conduits with the extracellular space (hemichannels) and between neighboring cells (gap junctions). Regulated exchange of small metabolites less than 1kDa aide the co-ordination of cellular activities and in spatial communication compartments segregating tissue networks. Dysregulation of connexin expression and function has profound impact on physiological processes in epithelial tissue including wound healing. Connexin 26, one of the smallest connexins, is expressed in diverse epithelial tissue and mutations in this protein are associated with hearing loss, skin and eye conditions of differing severity. The functional consequences of dysregulated connexin activity is discussed and the development of connexin targeted therapeutic strategies highlighted.
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Horn T, Ludwig M, Eickmeier O, Neerinex AH, Maitland-van der Zee AH, Smaczny C, Wagner TOF, Schubert R, Zielen S, Majoor C, Bos LD, Schmitt-Grohé S. Impact of a Gap Junction Protein Alpha 4 Variant on Clinical Disease Phenotype in F508del Homozygous Patients With Cystic Fibrosis. Front Genet 2020; 11:570403. [PMID: 33193670 PMCID: PMC7655539 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.570403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Lung disease phenotype varies widely even in the F508del (homozygous) genotype. Leukocyte-driven inflammation is important for pulmonary disease pathogenesis in cystic fibrosis (CF). Blood cytokines correlate negatively with pulmonary function in F508del homozygous patients, and gap junction proteins (GJA) might be related to the influx of blood cells into the lung and influence disease course. We aimed to assess the relationship between GJA1/GJA4 genotypes and the clinical disease phenotype. Methods One-hundred-and-sixteen homozygous F508del patients (mean age 27 years, m/f 66/50) were recruited from the CF centers of Bonn, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam. Sequence analysis was performed for GJA1 and GJA4. The clinical disease course was assessed over 3 years using pulmonary function tests, body mass index, Pseudomonas aeruginosa colonization, diabetes mellitus, survival to end-stage lung disease, blood and sputum inflammatory markers. Results Sequence analysis revealed one clinically relevant single nucleotide polymorphism. In this GJA4 variant (rs41266431), homozygous G variant carriers (n = 84/116; 72.4%) had poorer pulmonary function (FVC% pred: mean 78/86, p < 0.040) and survival to end-stage lung disease was lower (p < 0.029). The frequency of P. aeruginosa colonization was not influenced by the genotype, but in those chronically colonized, those with the G/G genotype had reduced pulmonary function (FVC% pred: mean 67/80, p < 0.049). Serum interleukin-8 (median: 12.4/6.7 pg/ml, p < 0.052) and sputum leukocytes (2305/437.5 pg/ml, p < 0.025) were higher for the G/G genotype. Conclusions In carriers of the A allele (27.6%) the GJA4 variant is associated with significantly better protection against end-stage lung disease and superior pulmonary function test results in F508del homozygous patients. This SNP has the potential of a modifier gene for phenotyping severity of CF lung disease, in addition to the CFTR genotype. Clinical Trial Registration The study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT04242420, retrospectively on January 24th, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tabea Horn
- Abt. Allgemeine Pädiatrie, Zentrum für Kinderheilkunde des Universitätsklinikums Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael Ludwig
- Institut für Klinische Chemie und Klinische Pharmakologie des Universitätsklinikums Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Olaf Eickmeier
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anne H Neerinex
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anke H Maitland-van der Zee
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Pediatric Respiratory Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Christina Smaczny
- Christiane-Herzog CF-Ambulanz, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas O F Wagner
- Christiane-Herzog CF-Ambulanz, Universitätsklinikum Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ralf Schubert
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielen
- Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christof Majoor
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lieuwe D Bos
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands.,Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Sabina Schmitt-Grohé
- Abt. Allgemeine Pädiatrie, Zentrum für Kinderheilkunde des Universitätsklinikums Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department for Children and Adolescents, Division of Allergology, Pulmonology and Cystic Fibrosis, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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7
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Xu C, Dolby GA, Drake KK, Esque TC, Kusumi K. Immune and sex-biased gene expression in the threatened Mojave desert tortoise, Gopherus agassizii. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0238202. [PMID: 32846428 PMCID: PMC7449761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0238202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system of ectotherms, particularly non-avian reptiles, remains poorly characterized regarding the genes involved in immune function, and their function in wild populations. We used RNA-Seq to explore the systemic response of Mojave desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii) gene expression to three levels of Mycoplasma infection to better understand the host response to this bacterial pathogen. We found over an order of magnitude more genes differentially expressed between male and female tortoises (1,037 genes) than differentially expressed among immune groups (40 genes). There were 8 genes differentially expressed among both variables that can be considered sex-biased immune genes in this tortoise. Among experimental immune groups we find enriched GO biological processes for cysteine catabolism, regulation of type 1 interferon production, and regulation of cytokine production involved in immune response. Sex-biased transcription involves iron ion transport, iron ion homeostasis, and regulation of interferon-beta production to be enriched. More detailed work is needed to assess the seasonal response of the candidate genes found here. How seasonal fluctuation of testosterone and corticosterone modulate the immunosuppression of males and their susceptibility to Mycoplasma infection also warrants further investigation, as well as the importance of iron in the immune function and sex-biased differences of this species. Finally, future transcriptional studies should avoid drawing blood from tortoises via subcarapacial venipuncture as the variable aspiration of lymphatic fluid will confound the differential expression of genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Greer A. Dolby
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
- Center for Mechanisms of Evolution, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
| | - K. Kristina Drake
- Western Ecological Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Henderson, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Todd C. Esque
- Western Ecological Research Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Henderson, Nevada, United States of America
| | - Kenro Kusumi
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, United States of America
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8
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Varela-Vázquez A, Guitián-Caamaño A, Carpintero-Fernandez P, Fonseca E, Sayedyahossein S, Aasen T, Penuela S, Mayán MD. Emerging functions and clinical prospects of connexins and pannexins in melanoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188380. [PMID: 32461135 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cellular communication through gap junctions and hemichannels formed by connexins and through channels made by pannexins allows for metabolic cooperation and control of cellular activity and signalling. These channel proteins have been described to be tumour suppressors that regulate features such as cell death, proliferation and differentiation. However, they display cancer type-dependent and stage-dependent functions and may facilitate tumour progression through junctional and non-junctional pathways. The accumulated knowledge and emerging strategies to target connexins and pannexins are providing novel clinical opportunities for the treatment of cancer. Here, we provide an updated overview of the role of connexins and pannexins in malignant melanoma. We discuss how targeting of these channel proteins may be used to potentiate antitumour effects in therapeutic settings, including through improved immune-mediated tumour elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Varela-Vázquez
- CellCOM Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Amanda Guitián-Caamaño
- CellCOM Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Paula Carpintero-Fernandez
- CellCOM Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fonseca
- CellCOM Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain; Dermatology Deparment, University Hospital of A Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain
| | - Samar Sayedyahossein
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada
| | - Trond Aasen
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Penuela
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, and Oncology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON, N6A5C1, Canada
| | - María D Mayán
- CellCOM Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña, Xubias de Arriba, 84, 15006 A Coruña, Spain.
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9
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Laulajainen-Hongisto A, Toppila-Salmi SK, Luukkainen A, Kern R. Airway Epithelial Dynamics in Allergy and Related Chronic Inflammatory Airway Diseases. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:204. [PMID: 32292784 PMCID: PMC7118214 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, and asthma are highly prevalent, multifactorial chronic airway diseases. Several environmental and genetic factors affect airway epithelial dynamics leading to activation of inflammatory mechanisms in the airways. This review links environmental factors to host epithelial immunity in airway diseases. Understanding altered homeostasis of the airway epithelium might provide important targets for diagnostics and therapy of chronic airway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anu Laulajainen-Hongisto
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czechia
| | - Sanna Katriina Toppila-Salmi
- Haartman Institute, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Skin and Allergy Hospital, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annika Luukkainen
- Haartman Institute, Medicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Robert Kern
- Department of Otolaryngology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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10
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Wong J, Chopra J, Chiang LLW, Liu T, Ho J, Wu WKK, Tse G, Wong SH. The Role of Connexins in Gastrointestinal Diseases. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:643-652. [PMID: 30639409 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions are hexagonal arrays of protein molecules in the plasma membrane and were first described in Mauthner cell synapses of goldfish. They form pathways for coupling between cells, allowing passive, electrotonic spread of ions and also passage of larger molecules such as amino acids and nucleotides. They are expressed in both excitable and non-excitable tissues. Each gap junction is made of two connexons, which are hexameric proteins of the connexin subunit. In this review, the roles that connexins play in gastrointestinal motility, the mechanisms of altered connexin expression leading to inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal infections, and gastrointestinal symptoms in autistic spectrum disorder are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Wong
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Jasmine Chopra
- Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Tong Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, PR China
| | - Jeffery Ho
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - William K K Wu
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Gary Tse
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China.
| | - Sunny Hei Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China.
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11
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Wan HJ, Wang Y, Si JQ, Li L. Propofol-induced vasodilation of mesenteric arterioles via BK Ca channel and gap junction. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:2960-2968. [PMID: 30233668 PMCID: PMC6143855 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the role of propofol in mediating the vasomotor activity of the mesenteric arteriole (MA) of Sprague Dawley (SD) rats, and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The pressure myograph technique was used to examine the effect of different concentrations of propofol on the relaxation of blood vessels in the 2–3 mm MA segments freshly separated from the SD rats. The whole-cell patch-clamp technique was applied to observe the outward current of single vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) obtained from the MAs of the SD rats. Furthermore, immunofluorescence was utilized to assess the expression of connexin (Cx) in the MAs of SD rats. The results indicated the following: i) Propofol relaxed the MA of SD rats in a concentration-dependent manner from 1×10−7 to 3×10−4 mol/l; ii) in the acutely dissociated VSMCs, propofol (1×10−7 to 3×10−4 mol/l) enhanced the outward current of VSMCs in a concentration-dependent manner; iii) the enhanced outward currents induced by propofol (1×10−5 mol/l) may be reversed by tetraethylammonium (TEA; 1 mmol/l), a calcium-activated K+ channel inhibitor; iv) the effect of propofol on the relaxation of the vasculature wAS reduced after perfusion with 1 mmol/l TEA; v) Cx40, Cx43 and Cx45 were expressed on the MA; 6) 18β-glycyrrhetintic acid and 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate, two types of gap junction blocker, inhibited the propofol-induced relaxation. The present study provides evidence that propofol relaxes the MA, which may be associated with its effect of enhancing the channel current of large-conductance calcium voltage-activated potassium channels, contributing to the K+ outflow and leading to VSMC hyperpolarization; the gap junction may facilitate the hyperpolarization, which may lead to vascular synchronized relaxation and thereby reduce the blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Juan Wan
- Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China.,Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China.,Department of Physiology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Qiang Si
- Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China.,Department of Physiology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China.,Department of Neurobiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Physiology, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China.,The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University Medical College, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832002, P.R. China
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12
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Chanson M, Watanabe M, O'Shaughnessy EM, Zoso A, Martin PE. Connexin Communication Compartments and Wound Repair in Epithelial Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051354. [PMID: 29751558 PMCID: PMC5983803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial tissues line the lumen of tracts and ducts connecting to the external environment. They are critical in forming an interface between the internal and external environment and, following assault from environmental factors and pathogens, they must rapidly repair to maintain cellular homeostasis. These tissue networks, that range from a single cell layer, such as in airway epithelium, to highly stratified and differentiated epithelial surfaces, such as the epidermis, are held together by a junctional nexus of proteins including adherens, tight and gap junctions, often forming unique and localised communication compartments activated for localised tissue repair. This review focuses on the dynamic changes that occur in connexins, the constituent proteins of the intercellular gap junction channel, during wound-healing processes and in localised inflammation, with an emphasis on the lung and skin. Current developments in targeting connexins as corrective therapies to improve wound closure and resolve localised inflammation are also discussed. Finally, we consider the emergence of the zebrafish as a concerted whole-animal model to study, visualise and track the events of wound repair and regeneration in real-time living model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Chanson
- Department of Pediatrics and Cell Physiology & Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Masakatsu Watanabe
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Erin M O'Shaughnessy
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Alice Zoso
- Department of Pediatrics and Cell Physiology & Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Patricia E Martin
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
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13
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Gap Junctions Are Involved in the Rescue of CFTR-Dependent Chloride Efflux by Amniotic Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Coculture with Cystic Fibrosis CFBE41o- Cells. Stem Cells Int 2018. [PMID: 29531530 PMCID: PMC5821953 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1203717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously found that human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) in coculture with CF immortalised airway epithelial cells (CFBE41o- line, CFBE) on Transwell® filters acquired an epithelial phenotype and led to the expression of a mature and functional CFTR protein. In order to explore the role of gap junction- (GJ-) mediated intercellular communication (GJIC) in this rescue, cocultures (hAMSC : CFBE, 1 : 5 ratio) were studied for the formation of GJIC, before and after silencing connexin 43 (Cx43), a major component of GJs. Functional GJs in cocultures were inhibited when the expression of the Cx43 protein was downregulated. Transfection of cocultures with siRNA against Cx43 resulted in the absence of specific CFTR signal on the apical membrane and reduction in the mature form of CFTR (band C), and in parallel, the CFTR-dependent chloride channel activity was significantly decreased. Cx43 downregulation determined also a decrease in transepithelial resistance and an increase in paracellular permeability as compared with control cocultures, implying that GJIC may regulate CFTR expression and function that in turn modulate airway epithelium tightness. These results indicate that GJIC is involved in the correction of CFTR chloride channel activity upon the acquisition of an epithelial phenotype by hAMSCs in coculture with CF cells.
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14
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Uekawa A, Yamanaka H, Lieben L, Kimira Y, Uehara M, Yamamoto Y, Kato S, Ito K, Carmeliet G, Masuyama R. Phosphate-dependent luminal ATP metabolism regulates transcellular calcium transport in intestinal epithelial cells. FASEB J 2018; 32:1903-1915. [PMID: 29282249 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700631r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular low phosphate strongly enhances intestinal calcium absorption independently of active vitamin D [1,25(OH)2D3] signaling, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly characterized. To elucidate the phosphate-dependent regulation of calcium transport, we investigated part of the enteral environment that is involved in 1,25(OH)2D3-independent calcium absorption, which responds to dietary phosphate levels in mice that lack intestinal vitamin D receptor ( Vdr) activity. Impaired calcium absorption in intestinal Vdr-null mice was improved by dietary phosphate restriction. Accordingly, calcium transport in cultured intestinal epithelial cells was increased when the apical side was exposed to low phosphate levels (0.5 mM) compared with normal or high phosphate levels (1.0 or 5.0 mM, respectively). Mechanistically, low phosphate increased ATP in the apical side medium and allowed calcium entry into epithelial cells via the P2X7 purinoreceptor, which results in increased calcium transport. We found that luminal ATP was regulated by the release and degradation of ATP at the epithelium, and phosphate restriction increased ATP release from epithelial cells via connexin-43 hemichannels. Furthermore, ATP degradation by ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase-1 was reduced, which was caused by the reduction of the MAPK cascade. These findings indicate that luminal ATP metabolism regulates transcellular calcium transport in the intestine by an 1,25(OH)2D3-independent mechanism in response to dietary phosphate levels.-Uekawa, A., Yamanaka, H., Lieben, L., Kimira, Y., Uehara, M., Yamamoto, Y., Kato, S., Ito, K., Carmeliet, G., Masuyama, R. Phosphate-dependent luminal ATP metabolism regulates transcellular calcium transport in intestinal epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Uekawa
- Department of Molecular Bone Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Hitoki Yamanaka
- Center for Frontier Life Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Liesbet Lieben
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yoshifumi Kimira
- Department of Nutritional Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mariko Uehara
- Department of Nutritional Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoko Yamamoto
- Surgical Oncology and Vascular Surgery, University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shigeaki Kato
- Research Institute of Innovative Medicine, Tokiwa Foundation, Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan
| | - Kosei Ito
- Department of Molecular Bone Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Geert Carmeliet
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ritsuko Masuyama
- Department of Molecular Bone Biology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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15
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Srinivasan L, Page G, Kirpalani H, Murray JC, Das A, Higgins RD, Carlo WA, Bell EF, Goldberg RN, Schibler K, Sood BG, Stevenson DK, Stoll BJ, Van Meurs KP, Johnson KJ, Levy J, McDonald SA, Zaterka-Baxter KM, Kennedy KA, Sánchez PJ, Duara S, Walsh MC, Shankaran S, Wynn JL, Cotten CM. Genome-wide association study of sepsis in extremely premature infants. Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 2017; 102:F439-F445. [PMID: 28283553 PMCID: PMC5563277 DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2016-311545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2016] [Revised: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To identify genetic variants associated with sepsis (early-onset and late-onset) using a genome-wide association (GWA) analysis in a cohort of extremely premature infants. STUDY DESIGN Previously generated GWA data from the Neonatal Research Network's anonymised genomic database biorepository of extremely premature infants were used for this study. Sepsis was defined as culture-positive early-onset or late-onset sepsis or culture-proven meningitis. Genomic and whole-genome-amplified DNA was genotyped for 1.2 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs); 91% of SNPs were successfully genotyped. We imputed 7.2 million additional SNPs. p Values and false discovery rates (FDRs) were calculated from multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusting for gender, gestational age and ancestry. Target statistical value was p<10-5. Secondary analyses assessed associations of SNPs with pathogen type. Pathway analyses were also run on primary and secondary end points. RESULTS Data from 757 extremely premature infants were included: 351 infants with sepsis and 406 infants without sepsis. No SNPs reached genome-wide significance levels (5×10-8); two SNPs in proximity to FOXC2 and FOXL1 genes achieved target levels of significance. In secondary analyses, SNPs for ELMO1, IRAK2 (Gram-positive sepsis), RALA, IMMP2L (Gram-negative sepsis) and PIEZO2 (fungal sepsis) met target significance levels. Pathways associated with sepsis and Gram-negative sepsis included gap junctions, fibroblast growth factor receptors, regulators of cell division and interleukin-1-associated receptor kinase 2 (p values<0.001 and FDR<20%). CONCLUSIONS No SNPs met genome-wide significance in this cohort of extremely low birthweight infants; however, areas of potential association and pathways meriting further study were identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Srinivasan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | - Grier Page
- Social, Statistical and Environmental Sciences Unit, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Haresh Kirpalani
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and The University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
| | | | - Abhik Das
- Social, Statistical and Environmental Sciences Unit, RTI International, Rockville, MD
| | - Rosemary D. Higgins
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Waldemar A. Carlo
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Edward F. Bell
- University of Iowa, Department of Pediatrics, Iowa City, IA
| | | | - Kurt Schibler
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Beena G. Sood
- Department of Pediatrics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - David K. Stevenson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Barbara J. Stoll
- Emory University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Krisa P. Van Meurs
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal and Developmental Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine and Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, Palo Alto, CA
| | | | - Joshua Levy
- Social, Statistical and Environmental Sciences Unit, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | - Scott A. McDonald
- Social, Statistical and Environmental Sciences Unit, RTI International, Research Triangle Park, NC
| | | | - Kathleen A. Kennedy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, TX
| | - Pablo J. Sánchez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
| | - Shahnaz Duara
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL
| | - Michele C. Walsh
- Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | | | - James L. Wynn
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL
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16
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Paw M, Borek I, Wnuk D, Ryszawy D, Piwowarczyk K, Kmiotek K, Wójcik-Pszczoła KA, Pierzchalska M, Madeja Z, Sanak M, Błyszczuk P, Michalik M, Czyż J. Connexin43 Controls the Myofibroblastic Differentiation of Bronchial Fibroblasts from Patients with Asthma. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2017; 57:100-110. [PMID: 28245135 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2015-0255oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathologic accumulation of myofibroblasts in asthmatic bronchi is regulated by extrinsic stimuli and by the intrinsic susceptibility of bronchial fibroblasts to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). The specific function of gap junctions and connexins in this process has remained unknown. Here, we investigated the role of connexin43 (Cx43) in TGF-β-induced myofibroblastic differentiation of fibroblasts derived from bronchoscopic biopsy specimens of patients with asthma and donors without asthma. Asthmatic fibroblasts expressed considerably higher levels of Cx43 and were more susceptible to TGF-β1-induced myofibroblastic differentiation than were their nonasthmatic counterparts. TGF-β1 efficiently up-regulated Cx43 levels and activated the canonical Smad pathway in asthmatic cells. Ectopic Cx43 expression in nonasthmatic (Cx43low) fibroblasts increased their predilection to TGF-β1-induced Smad2 activation and fibroblast-myofibroblast transition. Transient Cx43 silencing in asthmatic (Cx43high) fibroblasts by Cx43 small interfering RNA attenuated the TGF-β1-triggered Smad2 activation and myofibroblast formation. Direct interactions of Smad2 and Cx43 with β-tubulin were demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation assay, whereas the sensitivity of these interactions to TGF-β1 signaling was confirmed by Förster Resonance Energy Transfer analyses. Furthermore, inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad pathway attenuated TGF-β1-triggered Cx43 up-regulation and myofibroblast differentiation of asthmatic fibroblasts. Chemical inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication with 18 α-glycyrrhetinic acid did not affect the initiation of fibroblast-myofibroblast transition in asthmatic fibroblasts but interfered with the maintenance of their myofibroblastic phenotype. Collectively, our data identified Cx43 as a new player in the feedback mechanism regulating TGF-β1/Smad-dependent differentiation of bronchial fibroblasts. Thus, our observations point to Cx43 as a novel profibrotic factor in asthma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Paw
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Izabela Borek
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Dawid Wnuk
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Damian Ryszawy
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Piwowarczyk
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kmiotek
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna A Wójcik-Pszczoła
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland.,2 Department of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical School, Kraków, Poland
| | | | - Zbigniew Madeja
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marek Sanak
- 2 Department of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical School, Kraków, Poland
| | - Przemysław Błyszczuk
- 3 Department of Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Food Technology, University of Agriculture, Kraków, Poland.,5 Department of Clinical Immunology, Institute of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marta Michalik
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Jarosław Czyż
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
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17
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Diezmos EF, Bertrand PP, Liu L. Purinergic Signaling in Gut Inflammation: The Role of Connexins and Pannexins. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:311. [PMID: 27445679 PMCID: PMC4925662 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purinergic receptors play an important role in inflammation, and can be activated by ATP released via pannexin channels and/or connexin hemichannels. The purinergic P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is of interest since it is involved in apoptosis when activated. Most studies focus on the influence of pannexin-1 (Panx1) and connexin 43 (Cx43) on ATP release and how it affects P2X7R function during inflammation. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is characterized by uncontrolled inflammation within the gastrointestinal system. At present, the pathophysiology of this disease remains largely unknown but it may involve the interplay between P2X7R, Panx1, and Cx43. There are two main types of IBD, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, that are classified by their location and frequency of inflammation. Current research suggests that alterations to normal functioning of innate and adaptive immunity may be a factor in disease progression. The involvement of purinergic receptors, connexins, and pannexins in IBD is a relatively novel notion in the context of gastrointestinal inflammation, and has been explored by various research groups. Thus, the present review focuses on the current research involving connexins, pannexins, and purinergic receptors within the gut and enteric nervous system, and will examine their involvement in inflammation and the pathophysiology of IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica F Diezmos
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Paul P Bertrand
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South WalesSydney, NSW, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, RMIT UniversityBundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Lu Liu
- School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales Sydney, NSW, Australia
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18
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Yao Y, Zeng QX, Deng XQ, Tang GN, Guo JB, Sun YQ, Ru K, Rizzo AN, Shi JB, Fu QL. Connexin 43 Upregulation in Mouse Lungs during Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144106. [PMID: 26630490 PMCID: PMC4667899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connexin (Cx)-based gap junction channels play important roles in the inflammatory response. Cx43 is involved in the pathogenesis of some lung diseases such as acute lung injury. However, the Cx43 expression in asthma is unclear. In the present study, we used a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway disease to examine the levels of Cx43 and analyze the relationship between Cx43 and airway inflammation in allergic airway disease. METHODS Asthma was induced in mice via sensitization and challenge with OVA. Cx43 mRNA and protein expression levels were investigated via QT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry 0 h, 8 h, 1 d, 2 d and 4 d after the first challenge. The relationship between Cx43 protein levels and inflammatory cell infiltration, cytokine levels was analyzed. RESULTS The OVA-induced mice exhibited typical pathological features of asthma, including airway hyper-responsiveness; strong inflammatory cell infiltration surrounding the bronchia and vessels; many inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); higher IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 levels; and high OVA specific IgE levels. Low Cx43 expression was detected in the lungs of control (PBS) mice. A dramatic increase in the Cx43 mRNA and protein levels was found in the asthmatic mice. Cx43 mRNA and protein expression levels increased in a time-dependent manner in asthma mice, and Cx43 was mostly localized in the alveolar and bronchial epithelial layers. Moreover, lung Cx43 protein levels showed a significant positive correlation with inflammatory cell infiltration in the airway and IL-4 and IL-5 levels in the BALF at different time points after challenge. Interestingly, the increase in Cx43 mRNA and protein levels occurred prior to the appearance of the inflammatory cell infiltration. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that there is a strong upregulation of Cx43 mRNA and protein levels in the lungs in asthma. Cx43 levels also exhibited a positive correlation with allergic airway inflammation. Cx43 may represent a target to treat allergic airway diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Yao
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Qing-Xiang Zeng
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Xue-Quan Deng
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Guan-Nan Tang
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Jie-Bo Guo
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Yue-Qi Sun
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Kun Ru
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Alicia N. Rizzo
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Allergy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jian-Bo Shi
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Qing-Ling Fu
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- * E-mail:
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19
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Losa D, Köhler T, Bacchetta M, Saab JB, Frieden M, van Delden C, Chanson M. Airway Epithelial Cell Integrity Protects from Cytotoxicity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Quorum-Sensing Signals. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2015; 53:265-75. [PMID: 25562674 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2014-0405oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication via gap junctions regulates airway epithelial cell homeostasis and maintains the epithelium host defense. Quorum-sensing molecules produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa coordinate the expression of virulence factors by this respiratory pathogen. These bacterial signals may also incidentally modulate mammalian airway epithelial cell responses to the pathogen, a process called interkingdom signaling. We investigated the interactions between the P. aeruginosa N-3-oxo-dodecanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C12) quorum-sensing molecule and human airway epithelial cell gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). C12 degradation and its effects on cells were monitored in various airway epithelial cell models grown under nonpolarized and polarized conditions. Its concentration was further monitored in daily tracheal aspirates of colonized intubated patients. C12 rapidly altered epithelial integrity and decreased GJIC in nonpolarized airway epithelial cells, whereas other quorum-sensing molecules had no effect. The effects of C12 were dependent on [Ca(2+)]i and could be prevented by inhibitors of Src tyrosine family and Rho-associated protein kinases. In contrast, polarized airway cells grown on Transwell filters were protected from C12 except when undergoing repair after wounding. In vivo during colonization of intubated patients, C12 did not accumulate, but it paralleled bacterial densities. In vitro C12 degradation, a reaction catalyzed by intracellular paraoxonase 2 (PON2), was impaired in nonpolarized cells, whereas PON2 expression was increased during epithelial polarization. The cytotoxicity of C12 on nonpolarized epithelial cells, combined with its impaired degradation allowing its accumulation, provides an additional pathogenic mechanism for P. aeruginosa infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thilo Köhler
- 2 Service of Infectious Diseases and Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, and
| | - Marc Bacchetta
- 1 Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III.,3 Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and Medical School of the University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Joanna Bou Saab
- 1 Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III.,3 Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and Medical School of the University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Maud Frieden
- 3 Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and Medical School of the University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christian van Delden
- 2 Service of Infectious Diseases and Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, and
| | - Marc Chanson
- 1 Laboratory of Clinical Investigation III.,3 Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and Medical School of the University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Larsen PE, Dai Y. Metabolome of human gut microbiome is predictive of host dysbiosis. Gigascience 2015; 4:42. [PMID: 26380076 PMCID: PMC4570295 DOI: 10.1186/s13742-015-0084-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Humans live in constant and vital symbiosis with a closely linked bacterial ecosystem called the microbiome, which influences many aspects of human health. When this microbial ecosystem becomes disrupted, the health of the human host can suffer; a condition called dysbiosis. However, the community compositions of human microbiomes also vary dramatically from individual to individual, and over time, making it difficult to uncover the underlying mechanisms linking the microbiome to human health. We propose that a microbiome’s interaction with its human host is not necessarily dependent upon the presence or absence of particular bacterial species, but instead is dependent on its community metabolome; an emergent property of the microbiome. Results Using data from a previously published, longitudinal study of microbiome populations of the human gut, we extrapolated information about microbiome community enzyme profiles and metabolome models. Using machine learning techniques, we demonstrated that the aggregate predicted community enzyme function profiles and modeled metabolomes of a microbiome are more predictive of dysbiosis than either observed microbiome community composition or predicted enzyme function profiles. Conclusions Specific enzyme functions and metabolites predictive of dysbiosis provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of microbiome–host interactions. The ability to use machine learning to predict dysbiosis from microbiome community interaction data provides a potentially powerful tool for understanding the links between the human microbiome and human health, pointing to potential microbiome-based diagnostics and therapeutic interventions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13742-015-0084-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter E Larsen
- Bioengineering Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, 851 South Morgan, SEO218, Chicago, IL 60607 USA ; Argonne National Laboratory, Biosciences Division, 9700 South Cass Ave, Argonne, IL 60439 USA
| | - Yang Dai
- Bioengineering Department, University of Illinois at Chicago, 851 South Morgan, SEO218, Chicago, IL 60607 USA
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Molina SA, Stauffer B, Moriarty HK, Kim AH, McCarty NA, Koval M. Junctional abnormalities in human airway epithelial cells expressing F508del CFTR. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2015; 309:L475-87. [PMID: 26115671 PMCID: PMC4556929 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00060.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 06/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cystic fibrosis (CF) has a profound impact on airway physiology. Accumulating evidence suggests that intercellular junctions are impaired in CF. We examined changes to CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) function, tight junctions, and gap junctions in NuLi-1 (CFTR(wt/wt)) and CuFi-5 (CFTR(ΔF508/ΔF508)) cells. Cells were studied at air-liquid interface (ALI) and compared with primary human bronchial epithelial cells. On the basis of fluorescent lectin binding, the phenotype of the NuLi-1 and CuFi-5 cells at week 8 resembled that of serous, glycoprotein-rich airway cells. After week 7, CuFi-5 cells possessed 130% of the epithelial Na(+) channel activity and 17% of the CFTR activity of NuLi-1 cells. In both cell types, expression levels of CFTR were comparable to those in primary airway epithelia. Transepithelial resistance of NuLi-1 and CuFi-5 cells stabilized during maturation in ALI culture, with significantly lower transepithelial resistance for CuFi-5 than NuLi-1 cells. We also found that F508del CFTR negatively affects gap junction function in the airway. NuLi-1 and CuFi-5 cells express the connexins Cx43 and Cx26. While both connexins were properly trafficked by NuLi-1 cells, Cx43 was mistrafficked by CuFi-5 cells. Cx43 trafficking was rescued in CuFi-5 cells treated with 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), as assessed by intracellular dye transfer. 4-PBA-treated CuFi-5 cells also exhibited an increase in forskolin-induced CFTR-mediated currents. The Cx43 trafficking defect was confirmed using IB3-1 cells and found to be corrected by 4-PBA treatment. These data support the use of NuLi-1 and CuFi-5 cells to examine the effects of F508del CFTR expression on tight junction and gap junction function in the context of serous human airway cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel A Molina
- Emory+Children's Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; and
| | - Brandon Stauffer
- Emory+Children's Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy/Immunology, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sleep, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Hannah K Moriarty
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Agnes H Kim
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Nael A McCarty
- Emory+Children's Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy/Immunology, Cystic Fibrosis, and Sleep, Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Michael Koval
- Emory+Children's Center for Cystic Fibrosis and Airways Disease Research, Emory University School of Medicine and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, Georgia; Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia; and
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Whitsett JA, Alenghat T. Respiratory epithelial cells orchestrate pulmonary innate immunity. Nat Immunol 2015; 16:27-35. [PMID: 25521682 PMCID: PMC4318521 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 478] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial surfaces of the lungs are in direct contact with the environment and are subjected to dynamic physical forces as airway tubes and alveoli are stretched and compressed during ventilation. Mucociliary clearance in conducting airways, reduction of surface tension in the alveoli, and maintenance of near sterility have been accommodated by the evolution of a multi-tiered innate host-defense system. The biophysical nature of pulmonary host defenses are integrated with the ability of respiratory epithelial cells to respond to and 'instruct' the professional immune system to protect the lungs from infection and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Whitsett
- Perinatal Institute, Division of Neonatology, Division of Perinatal Biology and Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Theresa Alenghat
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
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