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Valdebenito S, Ajasin D, Valerdi K, Liu YR, Rao S, Eugenin EA. Mechanisms of Intracellular Communication in Cancer and Pathogen Spreading. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 73:301-326. [PMID: 39242384 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-62036-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Cell-to-cell interactions are essential for proper development, homeostasis, and complex syncytia/organ formation and function. Intercellular communication are mediated by multiple mechanisms including soluble mediators, adhesion molecules and specific mechanisms of cell to cell communication such as Gap junctions (GJ), tunneling nanotubes (TNT), and exosomes. Only recently, has been discovered that TNTs and exosomes enable the exchange of large signaling molecules, RNA, viral products, antigens, and organelles opening new avenues of research and therapeutic approaches. The focus of this review is to summarize these recent findings in physiologic and pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Valdebenito
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
| | - David Ajasin
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Karl Valerdi
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA
| | | | - Samvrit Rao
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, VA, USA
| | - Eliseo A Eugenin
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, TX, USA.
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Jiang Q, Li C, Zeng W, Xu H, Li J, Zhang T, Deng G, Wang Y. Inhibition of Connexin 36 attenuates HMGB1-mediated depressive-like behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2470. [PMID: 35089644 PMCID: PMC8865165 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) released by neurons and microglia was demonstrated to be an important mediator in depressive-like behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), which could lead to the imbalance of two different metabolic approaches in kynurenine pathway (KP), thus enhancing glutamate transmission and exacerbating depressive-like behaviors. Evidence showed that HMGB1 signaling might be regulated by Connexin (Cx) 36 in inflammatory diseases of central nervous system (CNS). Our study aimed to further explore the role of Cx36 in depressive-like behaviors and its relationship with HMGB1. METHODS After 4-week chronic stress, behavioral tests were conducted to evaluate depressive-like behaviors, including sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST), and open field test (OFT). Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining were used to observe the expression and location of Cx36. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was adopted to detect the concentrations of inflammatory cytokines. And the excitability and inward currents of hippocampal neurons were recorded by whole-cell patch clamping. RESULTS The expression of Cx36 was significantly increased in hippocampal neurons of mice exposed to CUMS, while treatment with glycyrrhizinic acid (GZA) or quinine could both down-regulate Cx36 and alleviate depressive-like behaviors. The proinflammatory cytokines like HMGB1, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were all elevated by CUMS, and application of GZA and quinine could decrease them. In addition, the enhanced excitability and inward currents of hippocampal neurons induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) could be reduced by either GZA or quinine. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of Cx36 in hippocampal neurons might attenuates HMGB1-mediated depressive-like behaviors induced by CUMS through down-regulation of the proinflammatory cytokines and reduction of the excitability and intracellular ion overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Jiang
- Department of PsychiatryFaculty of PsychologySecond Military Medical UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Chao‐Ran Li
- Department of Nautical PsychologyFaculty of PsychologySecond Military Medical UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Wen‐Feng Zeng
- Department of Nautical PsychologyFaculty of PsychologySecond Military Medical UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Hui‐Jing Xu
- Department of PsychiatryFaculty of PsychologySecond Military Medical UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Jia‐Mei Li
- Department of Stress MedicineFaculty of PsychologySecond Military Medical UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Department of Nautical PsychologyFaculty of PsychologySecond Military Medical UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Guang‐Hui Deng
- Department of PsychiatryFaculty of PsychologySecond Military Medical UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yun‐Xia Wang
- Department of Nautical PsychologyFaculty of PsychologySecond Military Medical UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
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Robinson JC, Chapman CA, Courtemanche R. Gap Junction Modulation of Low-Frequency Oscillations in the Cerebellar Granule Cell Layer. THE CEREBELLUM 2018; 16:802-811. [PMID: 28421552 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-017-0858-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Local field potential (LFP) oscillations in the granule cell layer (GCL) of the cerebellar cortex have been identified previously in the awake rat and monkey during immobility. These low-frequency oscillations are thought to be generated through local circuit interactions between Golgi cells and granule cells within the GCL. Golgi cells display rhythmic firing and pacemaking properties, and also are electrically coupled through gap junctions within the GCL. Here, we tested if gap junctions in the rat cerebellar cortex contribute to the generation of LFP oscillations in the GCL. We recorded LFP oscillations under urethane anesthesia, and examined the effects of local infusion of gap junction blockers on 5-15 Hz oscillations. Local infusion of the gap junction blockers carbenoxolone and mefloquine resulted in significant decreases in the power of oscillations over a 30-min period, but the power of oscillations was unchanged in control experiments following vehicle injections. In addition, infusion of gap junction blockers had no significant effect on multi-unit activity, suggesting that the attenuation of low-frequency oscillations was likely due to reductions in electrical coupling rather than a decreased excitability within the granule cell layer. Our results indicate that electrical coupling among the Golgi cell networks in the cerebellar cortex contributes to the local circuit mechanisms that promote the occurrence of GCL LFP slow oscillations in the anesthetized rat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Claire Robinson
- Department of Exercise Science, and the FRQS Groupe de Recherche en Neurobiologie Comportementale (CSBN), Concordia University, SP-165-03, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - C Andrew Chapman
- Department of Psychology, and the FRQS Groupe de Recherche en Neurobiologie Comportementale (CSBN), Concordia University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Richard Courtemanche
- Department of Exercise Science, and the FRQS Groupe de Recherche en Neurobiologie Comportementale (CSBN), Concordia University, SP-165-03, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada.
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Castellano P, Eugenin EA. Regulation of gap junction channels by infectious agents and inflammation in the CNS. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:122. [PMID: 24847208 PMCID: PMC4023065 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) are conglomerates of intercellular channels that connect the cytoplasm of two or more cells, and facilitate the transfer of ions and small molecules, including second messengers, resulting in metabolic and electrical coordination. In general, loss of gap junctional communication (GJC) has been associated with cellular damage and inflammation resulting in compromise of physiological functions. Recently, it has become evident that GJ channels also play a critical role in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and associated inflammation. Several pathogens use the transfer of intracellular signals through GJ channels to spread infection and toxic signals that amplify inflammation to neighboring cells. Thus, identification of the mechanisms by which several infectious agents alter GJC could result in new potential therapeutic approaches to reduce inflammation and their pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Castellano
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ, USA ; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Eliseo A Eugenin
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ, USA ; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ, USA
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Eugenin EA. Role of connexin/pannexin containing channels in infectious diseases. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1389-95. [PMID: 24486013 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2013] [Revised: 01/20/2014] [Accepted: 01/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In recent years it has become evident that gap junctions and hemichannels, in concert with extracellular ATP and purinergic receptors, play key roles in several physiological processes and pathological conditions. However, only recently has their importance in infectious diseases been explored, likely because early reports indicated that connexin containing channels were completely inactivated under inflammatory conditions, and therefore no further research was performed. However, recent evidence indicates that several infectious agents take advantage of these communication systems to enhance inflammation and apoptosis, as well as to participate in the infectious cycle of several pathogens. In the current review, we will discuss the role of these channels/receptors in the pathogenesis of several infectious diseases and the possibilities of generating novel therapeutic approaches to reduce or prevent these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliseo A Eugenin
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey, Newark, NJ, USA.
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Eugenin EA, Basilio D, Sáez JC, Orellana JA, Raine CS, Bukauskas F, Bennett MVL, Berman JW. The role of gap junction channels during physiologic and pathologic conditions of the human central nervous system. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2012; 7:499-518. [PMID: 22438035 PMCID: PMC3638201 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-012-9352-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) are expressed in most cell types of the nervous system, including neuronal stem cells, neurons, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, cells of the blood brain barrier (endothelial cells and astrocytes) and under inflammatory conditions in microglia/macrophages. GJs connect cells by the docking of two hemichannels, one from each cell with each hemichannel being formed by 6 proteins named connexins (Cx). Unapposed hemichannels (uHC) also can be open on the surface of the cells allowing the release of different intracellular factors to the extracellular space. GJs provide a mechanism of cell-to-cell communication between adjacent cells that enables the direct exchange of intracellular messengers, such as calcium, nucleotides, IP(3), and diverse metabolites, as well as electrical signals that ultimately coordinate tissue homeostasis, proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, cell survival and death. Despite their essential functions in physiological conditions, relatively little is known about the role of GJs and uHC in human diseases, especially within the nervous system. The focus of this review is to summarize recent findings related to the role of GJs and uHC in physiologic and pathologic conditions of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliseo A Eugenin
- Department of Pathology, F727, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Ave., Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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Ceelen L, Haesebrouck F, Vanhaecke T, Rogiers V, Vinken M. Modulation of connexin signaling by bacterial pathogens and their toxins. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:3047-64. [PMID: 21656255 PMCID: PMC11115019 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-011-0737-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2011] [Revised: 05/12/2011] [Accepted: 05/17/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Inherent to their pivotal tasks in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, gap junctions, connexin hemichannels, and pannexin hemichannels are frequently involved in the dysregulation of this critical balance. The present paper specifically focuses on their roles in bacterial infection and disease. In particular, the reported biological outcome of clinically important bacteria including Escherichia coli, Shigella flexneri, Yersinia enterocolitica, Helicobacter pylori, Bordetella pertussis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter rodentium, Clostridium species, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus and their toxic products on connexin- and pannexin-related signaling in host cells is reviewed. Particular attention is paid to the underlying molecular mechanisms of these effects as well as to the actual biological relevance of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liesbeth Ceelen
- Department of Toxicology, Centre for Pharmaceutical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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Abstract
The mechanisms involved in Alzheimer's disease are not completely understood and how glial cells contribute to this neurodegenerative disease remains to be elucidated. Because inflammatory treatments and products released from activated microglia increase glial hemichannel activity, we investigated whether amyloid-β peptide (Aβ) could regulate these channels in glial cells and affect neuronal viability. Microglia, astrocytes, or neuronal cultures as well as acute hippocampal slices made from GFAP-eGFP transgenic mice were treated with the active fragment of Aβ. Hemichannel activity was monitored by single-channel recordings and by time-lapse ethidium uptake, whereas neuronal death was assessed by Fluoro-Jade C staining. We report that low concentrations of Aβ(25-35) increased hemichannel activity in all three cell types and microglia initiate these effects triggered by Aβ. Finally, neuronal damage occurs by activation of neuronal hemichannels induced by ATP and glutamate released from Aβ(25-35)-activated glia. These responses were observed in the presence of external calcium and were differently inhibited by hemichannel blockers, whereas the Aβ(25-35)-induced neuronal damage was importantly reduced in acute slices made from Cx43 knock-out mice. Thus, Aβ leads to a cascade of hemichannel activation in which microglia promote the release of glutamate and ATP through glial (microglia and astrocytes) hemichannels that induces neuronal death by triggering hemichannels in neurons. Consequently, this work opens novel avenues for alternative treatments that target glial cells and neurons to maintain neuronal survival in the presence of Aβ.
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Animal models of CNS viral disease: examples from borna disease virus models. Interdiscip Perspect Infect Dis 2010; 2010:709791. [PMID: 20204069 PMCID: PMC2829629 DOI: 10.1155/2010/709791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2009] [Accepted: 12/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Borna disease (BD),
caused by the neurotropic RNA virus, Borna
Disease virus, is an affliction ranging from
asymptomatic to fatal meningoencephalitis across
naturally and experimentally infected
warmblooded (mammalian and bird) species. More
than 100 years after the first clinical
descriptions of Borna disease in horses and
studies beginning in the 1980's linking
Borna disease virus to human neuropsychiatric
diseases, experimentally infected rodents have
been used as models for examining behavioral,
neuropharmacological, and neurochemical responses
to viral challenge at different stages of life.
These studies have contributed to understanding
the role of CNS viral injury in vulnerability to
behavioral, developmental, epileptic, and
neurodegenerative diseases and aided evaluation
of the proposed and still controversial links to
human disease.
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