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Matarrese P, Signore M, Ascione B, Fanelli G, Paggi MG, Abbruzzese C. Chlorpromazine overcomes temozolomide resistance in glioblastoma by inhibiting Cx43 and essential DNA repair pathways. J Transl Med 2024; 22:667. [PMID: 39026284 PMCID: PMC11256652 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05501-3] [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: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the fight against GBM, drug repurposing emerges as a viable and time-saving approach to explore new treatment options. Chlorpromazine, an old antipsychotic medication, has recently arisen as a promising candidate for repositioning in GBM therapy in addition to temozolomide, the first-line standard of care. We previously demonstrated the antitumor efficacy of chlorpromazine and its synergistic effects with temozolomide in suppressing GBM cell malignant features in vitro. This prompted us to accomplish a Phase II clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding chlorpromazine to temozolomide in GBM patients with unmethylated MGMT gene promoter. In this in vitro study, we investigate the potential role of chlorpromazine in overcoming temozolomide resistance. METHODS In our experimental set, we analyzed Connexin-43 expression at both the transcriptional and protein levels in control- and chlorpromazine-treated GBM cells. DNA damage and subsequent repair were assessed by immunofluorescence of γ-H2AX and Reverse-Phase Protein microArrays in chlorpromazine treated GBM cell lines. To elucidate the relationship between DNA repair systems and chemoresistance, we analyzed a signature of DNA repair genes in GBM cells after treatment with chlorpromazine, temozolomide and Connexin-43 downregulation. RESULTS Chlorpromazine treatment significantly downregulated connexin-43 expression in GBM cells, consequently compromising connexin-dependent cellular resilience, and ultimately contributing to cell death. In line with this, we observed concordant post-translational modifications of molecular determinants involved in DNA damage and repair pathways. Our evaluation of DNA repair genes revealed that temozolomide elicited an increase, while chlorpromazine, as well as connexin-43 silencing, a decrease in DNA repair gene expression in GBM cells. CONCLUSIONS Chlorpromazine potentiates the cytotoxic effects of the alkylating agent temozolomide through a mechanism involving downregulation of Cx43 expression and disruption of the cell cycle arrest essential for DNA repair processes. This finding suggests that chlorpromazine may be a potential therapeutic strategy to overcome TMZ resistance in GBM cells by inhibiting their DNA repair mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Matarrese
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Signore
- RPPA Unit, Proteomics Area, Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Ascione
- Center for Gender-Specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Fanelli
- Cellular Networks and Molecular Therapeutic Targets, Proteomics Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco G Paggi
- Cellular Networks and Molecular Therapeutic Targets, Proteomics Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy.
| | - Claudia Abbruzzese
- Cellular Networks and Molecular Therapeutic Targets, Proteomics Unit, IRCCS-Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144, Rome, Italy.
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Riveros ME, Leibold NK, Retamal MA, Ezquer F. Role of histaminergic regulation of astrocytes in alcohol use disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 133:111009. [PMID: 38653364 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a severe, yet not fully understood, mental health problem. It is associated with liver, pancreatic, and gastrointestinal diseases, thereby highly increasing the morbidity and mortality of these individuals. Currently, there is no effective and safe pharmacological therapy for AUD. Therefore, there is an urgent need to increase our knowledge about its neurophysiological etiology to develop new treatments specifically targeted at this health condition. Recent findings have shown an upregulation in the histaminergic system both in alcohol dependent individuals and in animals with high alcohol preference. The use of H3 histaminergic receptor antagonists has given promising therapeutic results in animal models of AUD. Interestingly, astrocytes, which are ubiquitously present in the brain, express the three main histamine receptors (H1, H2 and H3), and in the last few years, several studies have shown that astrocytes could play an important role in the development and maintenance of AUD. Accordingly, alterations in the density of astrocytes in brain areas such as the prefrontal cortex, ventral striatum, and hippocampus that are critical for AUD-related characteristics have been observed. These characteristics include addiction, impulsivity, motor function, and aggression. In this work, we review the current state of knowledge on the relationship between the histaminergic system and astrocytes in AUD and propose that histamine could increase alcohol tolerance by protecting astrocytes from ethanol-induced oxidative stress. This increased tolerance could lead to high levels of alcohol intake and therefore could be a key factor in the development of alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Eugenia Riveros
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile.
| | - Nicole K Leibold
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Faculty of Health and Life Sciences (FHML), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mauricio A Retamal
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile; Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Instituto de Ciencia e Innovación en Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Fernando Ezquer
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Instituto de Ciencia e Innovación en Medicina, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago. Chile; Research Center for the Development of Novel Therapeutic Alternatives for Alcohol Use Disorders, Santiago, Chile
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Hermanova Z, Valihrach L, Kriska J, Maheta M, Tureckova J, Kubista M, Anderova M. The deletion of AQP4 and TRPV4 affects astrocyte swelling/volume recovery in response to ischemia-mimicking pathologies. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1393751. [PMID: 38818517 PMCID: PMC11138210 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1393751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Astrocytic Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) channels, together with Aquaporin 4 (AQP4), are suspected to be the key players in cellular volume regulation, and therefore may affect the development and severity of cerebral edema during ischemia. In this study, we examined astrocytic swelling/volume recovery in mice with TRPV4 and/or AQP4 deletion in response to in vitro ischemic conditions, to determine how the deletion of these channels can affect the development of cerebral edema. Methods We used three models of ischemia-related pathological conditions: hypoosmotic stress, hyperkalemia, and oxygenglucose deprivation (OGD), and observed their effect on astrocyte volume changes in acute brain slices of Aqp4-/-, Trpv4-/- and double knockouts. In addition, we employed single-cell RT-qPCR to assess the effect of TRPV4 and AQP4 deletion on the expression of other ion channels and transporters involved in the homeostatic functioning of astrocytes. Results Quantification of astrocyte volume changes during OGD revealed that the deletion of AQP4 reduces astrocyte swelling, while simultaneous deletion of both AQP4 and TRPV4 leads to a disruption of astrocyte volume recovery during the subsequent washout. Of note, astrocyte exposure to hypoosmotic stress or hyperkalemia revealed no differences in astrocyte swelling in the absence of AQP4, TRPV4, or both channels. Moreover, under ischemia-mimicking conditions, we identified two distinct subpopulations of astrocytes with low and high volumetric responses (LRA and HRA), and their analyses revealed that mainly HRA are affected by the deletion of AQP4, TRPV4, or both channels. Furthermore, gene expression analysis revealed reduced expression of the ion transporters KCC1 and ClC2 as well as the receptors GABAB and NMDA in Trpv4-/- mice. The deletion of AQP4 instead caused reduced expression of the serine/cysteine peptidase inhibitor Serpina3n. Discussion Thus, we showed that in AQP4 or TRPV4 knockouts, not only the specific function of these channels is affected, but also the expression of other proteins, which may modulate the ischemic cascade and thus influence the final impact of ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Hermanova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine CAS, Prague, Czechia
- Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lukas Valihrach
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine CAS, Prague, Czechia
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Jan Kriska
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine CAS, Prague, Czechia
| | - Mansi Maheta
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Jana Tureckova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine CAS, Prague, Czechia
| | - Mikael Kubista
- Laboratory of Gene Expression, Institute of Biotechnology CAS, Vestec, Czechia
| | - Miroslava Anderova
- Department of Cellular Neurophysiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine CAS, Prague, Czechia
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Tao S, Hulpiau P, Wagner LE, Witschas K, Yule DI, Bultynck G, Leybaert L. IP3RPEP6, a novel peptide inhibitor of IP 3 receptor channels that does not affect connexin-43 hemichannels. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2024; 240:e14086. [PMID: 38240350 DOI: 10.1111/apha.14086] [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: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
AIM Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptors (IP3 Rs) are intracellular Ca2+ -release channels with crucial roles in cell function. Current IP3 R inhibitors suffer from off-target effects and poor selectivity towards the three distinct IP3 R subtypes. We developed a novel peptide inhibitor of IP3 Rs and determined its effect on connexin-43 (Cx43) hemichannels, which are co-activated by IP3 R stimulation. METHODS IP3RPEP6 was developed by in silico molecular docking studies and characterized by on-nucleus patch-clamp experiments of IP3 R2 channels and carbachol-induced IP3 -mediated Ca2+ responses in IP3 R1, 2 or 3 expressing cells, triple IP3 R KO cells and astrocytes. Cx43 hemichannels were studied by patch-clamp and ATP-release approaches, and by inhibition with Gap19 peptide. IP3RPEP6 interactions with IP3 Rs were verified by co-immunoprecipitation and affinity pull-down assays. RESULTS IP3RPEP6 concentration-dependently reduced the open probability of IP3 R2 channels and competitively inhibited IP3 Rs in an IC50 order of IP3 R2 (~3.9 μM) < IP3 R3 (~4.3 μM) < IP3 R1 (~9.0 μM), without affecting Cx43 hemichannels or ryanodine receptors. IP3RPEP6 co-immunoprecipitated with IP3 R2 but not with IP3 R1; interaction with IP3 R3 varied between cell types. The IC50 of IP3RPEP6 inhibition of carbachol-induced Ca2+ responses decreased with increasing cellular Cx43 expression. Moreover, Gap19-inhibition of Cx43 hemichannels significantly reduced the amplitude of the IP3 -Ca2+ responses and strongly increased the EC50 of these responses. Finally, we identified palmitoyl-8G-IP3RPEP6 as a membrane-permeable IP3RPEP6 version allowing extracellular application of the IP3 R-inhibiting peptide. CONCLUSION IP3RPEP6 inhibits IP3 R2/R3 at concentrations that have limited effects on IP3 R1. IP3 R activation triggers hemichannel opening, which strongly affects the amplitude and concentration-dependence of IP3 -triggered Ca2+ responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Tao
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences-Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paco Hulpiau
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, HOWEST University of Applied Sciences (Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen), Bruges, Belgium
| | - Larry E Wagner
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Katja Witschas
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences-Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - David I Yule
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Geert Bultynck
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signaling, Department of Molecular Cell Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences-Physiology Group, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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Kim S, Kubelka NK, LaPorte HM, Krishnamoorthy VR, Singh M. Estradiol and 3β-diol protect female cortical astrocytes by regulating connexin 43 Gap Junctions. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 578:112045. [PMID: 37595662 PMCID: PMC10592012 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.112045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
While estrogens have been described to protect or preserve neuronal function in the face of insults such as oxidative stress, the prevailing mechanistic model would suggest that these steroids exert direct effects on the neurons. However, there is growing evidence that glial cells, such as astrocytes, are key cellular mediators of protection. Noting that connexin 43 (Cx43), a protein highly expressed in astrocytes, plays a key role in mediating inter-cellular communication, we hypothesized that Cx43 is a target of estradiol (E2), and the estrogenic metabolite of DHT, 3β-diol. Additionally, we sought to determine if either or both of these hormones attenuate oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity by eliciting a reduction in Cx43 expression or inhibition of Cx43 channel permeability. Using primary cortical astrocytes, we found that E2 and 3β-diol were each protective against the mixed metabolic/oxidative insult, iodoacetic acid (IAA). Moreover, these effects were blocked by estrogen receptor antagonists. However, E2 and 3β-diol did not alter Cx43 mRNA levels in astrocytes but did inhibit IAA-induced Cx43 gap junction opening/permeability. Taken together, these data implicate astrocyte Cx43 gap junction as an understudied mediator of the cytoprotective effects of estrogens in the brain. Given the wide breadth of disease states associated with Cx43 function/dysfunction, further understanding the relationship between gonadal steroids and Cx43 channels may contribute to a better understanding of the biological basis for sex differences in various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seongcheol Kim
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, United States
| | - Nicholas Knesek Kubelka
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, United States
| | - Heather M LaPorte
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, United States
| | - Vignesh R Krishnamoorthy
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, United States
| | - Meharvan Singh
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, United States.
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Heuer S, Winkler F. Glioblastoma revisited: from neuronal-like invasion to pacemaking. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:887-896. [PMID: 37586918 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.07.009] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, two developments have helped us to better understand the fundamental biology of glioblastoma: the description of a striking intratumoral heterogeneity including gene expression-based cell states, and the discovery that neuro-cancer interactions and cancer-intrinsic neurodevelopmental mechanisms are fundamental features of glioblastoma. In this opinion article, we aim to integrate both developments. We explain how two key disease features are characterized by different neural mechanisms related to distinct but plastic cancer cell states: first, the single cell-dominated invasive parts and second, the more solid parts which are dominated by communicating cell networks constantly activated by pacemaker-like glioblastoma cells. The resulting integrative roadmap of molecular and functional heterogeneity contributes to the Cancer Neuroscience of glioblastoma and suggests novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Heuer
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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Zhang J, Wu X, Liang Y, Kelly G, Burt JM, Zhang L, Wang T. Particulate matter increases connexin 43 expression and exacerbates endothelial barrier disruption. Am J Transl Res 2023; 15:5099-5109. [PMID: 37692924 PMCID: PMC10492082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Particulate Matter (PM) air pollution is known to exacerbate cardiopulmonary diseases. We previously demonstrated that PM mediates endothelial injury and barrier disruption by modulating the endothelial cytoskeleton and cell-cell junctions, but the effects of PM exposure on cell-cell communication and gap junction activity are still unknown. METHODS This study focused on the characterization of PM-regulated endothelial dysfunction through connexin 43 (Cx43), the most abundant gap junction protein expressed in lung endothelial cells (ECs), using cultured human lung endothelial cells and a well-characterized PM sample. RESULTS PM exposure induced a time-dependent increase of Cx43 in human lung ECs at both the mRNA and protein levels. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, significantly suppressed PM-induced Cx43 expression. Cx43 proteins on the plasma membrane and ER/Golgi apparatus were elevated in response to a PM challenge. In addition, PM induced gap junction activity, which was indicated by green fluorescence dye transfer between two adjacent ECs. Moreover, GAP27, a selective Cx43 channel inhibitor, attenuated PM-induced human lung EC barrier disruption, which was reflected by rescued trans-endothelial electrical resistance (TER) with an electric cell-substrate impedance sensing system. Moreover, knocking down Cx43 alleviated PM-induced myosin light chain (MLC) phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS These results strongly suggest that Cx43 plays a key role in PM-mediated endothelial barrier disruption and signal transduction. Cx43 may be a therapeutic target in PM-mediated cardiopulmonary disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of ArizonaTuscon, AZ, USA
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Xiaomin Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of ArizonaTuscon, AZ, USA
| | - Ying Liang
- Department of Medicine, University of ArizonaTuscon, AZ, USA
| | - Gabriel Kelly
- Department of Medicine, University of ArizonaTuscon, AZ, USA
| | - Janis M Burt
- Department of Physiology, University of ArizonaTuscon, AZ, USA
| | - Liming Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Beijing Institute of Respiratory Medicine and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical UniversityBeijing, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Medicine, University of ArizonaTuscon, AZ, USA
- Center of Translational Science, Florida International University11350 SW Village Parkway, Port St. Lucie, FL, USA
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Winkler F, Venkatesh HS, Amit M, Batchelor T, Demir IE, Deneen B, Gutmann DH, Hervey-Jumper S, Kuner T, Mabbott D, Platten M, Rolls A, Sloan EK, Wang TC, Wick W, Venkataramani V, Monje M. Cancer neuroscience: State of the field, emerging directions. Cell 2023; 186:1689-1707. [PMID: 37059069 PMCID: PMC10107403 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
The nervous system governs both ontogeny and oncology. Regulating organogenesis during development, maintaining homeostasis, and promoting plasticity throughout life, the nervous system plays parallel roles in the regulation of cancers. Foundational discoveries have elucidated direct paracrine and electrochemical communication between neurons and cancer cells, as well as indirect interactions through neural effects on the immune system and stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment in a wide range of malignancies. Nervous system-cancer interactions can regulate oncogenesis, growth, invasion and metastatic spread, treatment resistance, stimulation of tumor-promoting inflammation, and impairment of anti-cancer immunity. Progress in cancer neuroscience may create an important new pillar of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg and Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Humsa S Venkatesh
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Moran Amit
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center and The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tracy Batchelor
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ihsan Ekin Demir
- Department of Surgery, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Benjamin Deneen
- Center for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Shawn Hervey-Jumper
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Donald Mabbott
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto and Neuroscience & Mental Health Program, Research Institute, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Platten
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Asya Rolls
- Department of Immunology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Erica K Sloan
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Drug Discovery Biology Theme, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Timothy C Wang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Digestive and Gastrointestinal Diseases, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg and Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Varun Venkataramani
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg and Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Michelle Monje
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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Ji S, Xiong M, Chen H, Liu Y, Zhou L, Hong Y, Wang M, Wang C, Fu X, Sun X. Cellular rejuvenation: molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions for diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:116. [PMID: 36918530 PMCID: PMC10015098 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01343-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The ageing process is a systemic decline from cellular dysfunction to organ degeneration, with more predisposition to deteriorated disorders. Rejuvenation refers to giving aged cells or organisms more youthful characteristics through various techniques, such as cellular reprogramming and epigenetic regulation. The great leaps in cellular rejuvenation prove that ageing is not a one-way street, and many rejuvenative interventions have emerged to delay and even reverse the ageing process. Defining the mechanism by which roadblocks and signaling inputs influence complex ageing programs is essential for understanding and developing rejuvenative strategies. Here, we discuss the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that counteract cell rejuvenation, and the targeted cells and core mechanisms involved in this process. Then, we critically summarize the latest advances in state-of-art strategies of cellular rejuvenation. Various rejuvenation methods also provide insights for treating specific ageing-related diseases, including cellular reprogramming, the removal of senescence cells (SCs) and suppression of senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), metabolic manipulation, stem cells-associated therapy, dietary restriction, immune rejuvenation and heterochronic transplantation, etc. The potential applications of rejuvenation therapy also extend to cancer treatment. Finally, we analyze in detail the therapeutic opportunities and challenges of rejuvenation technology. Deciphering rejuvenation interventions will provide further insights into anti-ageing and ageing-related disease treatment in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaifei Ji
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated to Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration; Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
| | - Mingchen Xiong
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated to Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration; Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
| | - Huating Chen
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated to Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration; Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
| | - Yiqiong Liu
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated to Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration; Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
| | - Laixian Zhou
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated to Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration; Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
| | - Yiyue Hong
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated to Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration; Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
| | - Mengyang Wang
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated to Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration; Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China
| | - Chunming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, 999078, Macau SAR, China.
| | - Xiaobing Fu
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated to Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration; Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaoyan Sun
- Research Center for Tissue Repair and Regeneration Affiliated to Medical Innovation Research Department and 4th Medical Center, PLA General Hospital and PLA Medical College; PLA Key Laboratory of Tissue Repair and Regenerative Medicine and Beijing Key Research Laboratory of Skin Injury, Repair and Regeneration; Research Unit of Trauma Care, Tissue Repair and Regeneration, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, 2019RU051, Beijing, 100048, P. R. China.
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10
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MiR-182 Inhibition Protects Against Experimental Stroke in vivo and Mitigates Astrocyte Injury and Inflammation in vitro via Modulation of Cortactin Activity. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:3682-3696. [PMID: 35951202 PMCID: PMC10069410 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03718-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke remains a devastating cerebrovascular disease that accounts for a high proportion of mortality and disability worldwide. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small non-coding RNAs that are responsible for regulation of post-transcriptional gene expression, and growing evidence supports a role for miRNAs in stroke injury and recovery. The current study examined the role of miR-182 in experimental stroke using both in vitro and in vivo models of ischemic injury. Brain levels of miR-182 significantly increased after transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in mice and in primary astrocyte cultures subjected to combined oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) injury. In vivo, stroke volume and neurological score were significantly improved by pre-treatment with miR-182 antagomir. Astrocyte cultures stressed with OGD/R resulted in mitochondrial fragmentation and downregulation of cortactin, an actin-binding protein. Inhibition of miR-182 significantly preserved cortactin expression, reduced mitochondrial fragmentation and improved astrocyte survival after OGD/R. In parallel, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced nitric-oxide release in astrocyte cultures was significantly reduced by miR-182 inhibition, translating to reduced injury in primary neuronal cultures subjected to conditioned medium from LPS-treated astrocytes. These findings identify miR-182 and/or cortactin as potential clinical targets to preserve mitochondrial structure and mitigate neuroinflammation and cell death after ischemic stroke.
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11
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Li G, Zhang L, Lu Z, Yang B, Yang H, Shang P, Jiang JX, Wang D, Xu H. Connexin 43 Channels in Osteocytes Are Necessary for Bone Mass and Skeletal Muscle Function in Aged Male Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13506. [PMID: 36362291 PMCID: PMC9654692 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoporosis and sarcopenia (termed "Osteosarcopenia"), the twin-aging diseases, are major contributors to reduced bone mass and muscle weakness in the elderly population. Connexin 43 (Cx43) in osteocytes has been previously reported to play vital roles in bone homeostasis and muscle function in mature mice. The Cx43-formed gap junctions (GJs) and hemichannels (HCs) in osteocytes are important portals for the exchange of small molecules in cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular matrix, respectively. However, the roles of Cx43-based GJs and HCs in both bone and muscle aging are still unclear. Here, we used two transgenic mouse models with overexpression of the dominant negative Cx43 mutants primarily in osteocytes driven by the 10-kb Dmp1 promoter, R76W mice (inhibited gap junctions but enhanced hemichannels) and Δ130-136 mice (both gap junction and hemichannels are inhibited), to determine the actions of Cx43-based hemichannels (HCs) and gap junctions (GJs) in the regulation of bone and skeletal muscle from aged mice (18 months) as compared with those from adult mice (10 months). We demonstrated that enhancement of Cx43 HCs reduces bone mass due to increased osteoclast surfaces while the impairment of Cx43 HCs increases osteocyte apoptosis in aged mice caused by reduced PGE2 levels. Furthermore, altered mitochondrial homeostasis with reduced expression of Sirt-1, OPA-1, and Drp-1 resulted in excessive ROS level in muscle soleus (SL) of aged transgenic mice. In vitro, the impairment of Cx43 HCs in osteocytes from aged mice also promoted muscle collagen synthesis through activation of TGFβ/smad2/3 signaling because of reduced PGE2 levels in the PO CM. These findings indicate that the enhancement of Cx43 HCs while GJs are inhibited reduces bone mass, and the impairment of Cx43 HCs inhibits PGE2 level in osteocytes and this reduction promotes muscle collagen synthesis in skeletal muscle through activation of TGFβ/smad2/3 signaling, which together with increased ROS level contributes to reduced muscle force in aged mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guobin Li
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
- College of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Zhe Lu
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Baoqiang Yang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Peng Shang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, Research and Development Institute in Shenzhen, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Jean X. Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Dong’en Wang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
| | - Huiyun Xu
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an 710072, China
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12
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Sharifi-Rad J, Herrera-Bravo J, Kamiloglu S, Petroni K, Mishra AP, Monserrat-Mesquida M, Sureda A, Martorell M, Aidarbekovna DS, Yessimsiitova Z, Ydyrys A, Hano C, Calina D, Cho WC. Recent advances in the therapeutic potential of emodin for human health. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 154:113555. [PMID: 36027610 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methylanthraquinone) is a bioactive compound, a natural anthraquinone aglycone, present mainly in herbaceous species of the families Fabaceae, Polygonaceae and Rhamnaceae, with a physiological role in protection against abiotic stress in vegetative tissues. Emodin is mainly used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat sore throats, carbuncles, sores, blood stasis, and damp-heat jaundice. Pharmacological research in the last decade has revealed other potential therapeutic applications such as anticancer, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The present study aimed to summarize recent studies on bioavailability, preclinical pharmacological effects with evidence of molecular mechanisms, clinical trials and clinical pitfalls, respectively the therapeutic limitations of emodin. For this purpose, extensive searches were performed using the PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Google scholar, TRIP database, Springer link, Wiley and SciFinder databases as a search engines. The in vitro and in vivo studies included in this updated review highlighted the signaling pathways and molecular mechanisms of emodin. Because its bioavailability is low, there are limitations in clinical therapeutic use. In conclusion, for an increase in pharmacotherapeutic efficacy, future studies with carrier molecules to the target, thus opening up new therapeutic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesús Herrera-Bravo
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, Chile; Center of Molecular Biology and Pharmacogenetics, Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4811230, Chile
| | - Senem Kamiloglu
- Department of Food Engineering, Faculty of Agriculture, Bursa Uludag University, 16059 Gorukle, Bursa, Turkey; Science and Technology Application and Research Center (BITUAM), Bursa Uludag University, 16059 Gorukle, Bursa, Turkey
| | - Katia Petroni
- Dipartimento di Bioscienze, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy.
| | - Abhay Prakash Mishra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, H.N.B. Garhwal (A Central) University, Srinagar Garhwal, Uttarakhand 246174, India.
| | - Margalida Monserrat-Mesquida
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University Research Institute of Health and Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), University of the Balearic Islands-IUNICS, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Antoni Sureda
- Research Group in Community Nutrition and Oxidative Stress, University Research Institute of Health and Health Research Institute of Balearic Islands (IdISBa), University of the Balearic Islands-IUNICS, 07122 Palma de Mallorca, Spain; CIBER Physiopathology of Obesity and Nutrition (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Miquel Martorell
- Departamento de Ciencias Básicas, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Santo Tomas, Chile; Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Centre for Healthy Living, University of Concepción, 4070386 Concepción, Chile.
| | - Dossymbetova Symbat Aidarbekovna
- Almaty Tecnological University, Kazakh-Russian Medical University, Almaty 050012, str. Tole bi 100, Str. Torekulova 71, Kazakhstan.
| | - Zura Yessimsiitova
- Department of Biodiversity and Bioresource, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, al-Farabi av. 71, 050040 Almaty, Kazakhstan.
| | - Alibek Ydyrys
- Biomedical Research Centre, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, al-Farabi av. 71, 050040 Almaty, Kazakhstan.
| | - Christophe Hano
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Orleans, Eure et Loir Campus, 28000 Chartres, France.
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, 200349 Craiova, Romania.
| | - William C Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
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13
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Venkataramani V, Schneider M, Giordano FA, Kuner T, Wick W, Herrlinger U, Winkler F. Disconnecting multicellular networks in brain tumours. Nat Rev Cancer 2022; 22:481-491. [PMID: 35488036 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00475-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells can organize and communicate in functional networks. Similarly to other networks in biology and sociology, these can be highly relevant for growth and resilience. In this Perspective, we demonstrate by the example of glioblastomas and other incurable brain tumours how versatile multicellular tumour networks are formed by two classes of long intercellular membrane protrusions: tumour microtubes and tunnelling nanotubes. The resulting networks drive tumour growth and resistance to standard therapies. This raises the question of how to disconnect brain tumour networks to halt tumour growth and whether this can make established therapies more effective. Emerging principles of tumour networks, their potential relevance for tumour types outside the brain and translational implications, including clinical trials that are already based on these discoveries, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varun Venkataramani
- Neurology Clinic, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | | | - Frank Anton Giordano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Thomas Kuner
- Department of Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Neurology Clinic, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ulrich Herrlinger
- Division of Clinical Neurooncology, Department of Neurology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumour Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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14
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Wang X, Liang J, Sun H. The Network of Tumor Microtubes: An Improperly Reactivated Neural Cell Network With Stemness Feature for Resistance and Recurrence in Gliomas. Front Oncol 2022; 12:921975. [PMID: 35847909 PMCID: PMC9277150 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.921975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are known as an incurable brain tumor for the poor prognosis and robust recurrence. In recent years, a cellular subpopulation with tumor microtubes (TMs) was identified in brain tumors, which may provide a new angle to explain the invasion, resistance, recurrence, and heterogeneity of gliomas. Recently, it was demonstrated that the cell subpopulation also expresses neural stem cell markers and shares a lot of features with both immature neurons and cancer stem cells and may be seen as an improperly reactivated neural cell network with a stemness feature at later time points of life. TMs may also provide a new angle to understand the resistance and recurrence mechanisms of glioma stem cells. In this review, we innovatively focus on the common features between TMs and sprouting axons in morphology, formation, and function. Additionally, we summarized the recent progress in the resistance and recurrence mechanisms of gliomas with TMs and explained the incurability and heterogeneity in gliomas with TMs. Moreover, we discussed the recently discovered overlap between cancer stem cells and TM-positive glioma cells, which may contribute to the understanding of resistant glioma cell subpopulation and the exploration of the new potential therapeutic target for gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Wang
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianhao Liang
- Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haitao Sun
- Clinical Biobank Center, Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Neurosurgery Center, The National Key Clinical Specialty, The Engineering Technology Research Center of Education Ministry of China on Diagnosis and Treatment of Cerebrovascular Disease, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory on Brain Function Repair and Regeneration, The Neurosurgery Institute of Guangdong Province, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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15
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Chen R, Zeng J, Li C, Xiao H, Li S, Lin Z, Huang K, Shen J, Huang H. Fraxin Promotes the Activation of Nrf2/ARE Pathway via Increasing the Expression of Connexin43 to Ameliorate Diabetic Renal Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:853383. [PMID: 35401165 PMCID: PMC8987976 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.853383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is quickly becoming the largest cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in diabetic patients, as well as a major source of morbidity and mortality. Our previous studies indicated that the activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway via Connexin43 (Cx43) considerably contribute to the prevention of oxidative stress in the procession of DN. Fraxin (Fr), the main active glycoside of Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance, has been demonstrated to possess many potential pharmacological activities. Whereas, whether Fr could alleviate renal fibrosis through regulating Cx43 and consequently facilitating the activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway needs further investigation. The in vitro results showed that: 1) Fr increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes including SOD1 and HO-1 to inhibit high glucose (HG)-induced fibronectin (FN) and inflammatory cell adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) overexpression; 2) Fr exerted antioxidant effect through activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway; 3) Fr significantly up-regulated the expression of Cx43 in HG-induced glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs), while the knock down of Cx43 largely impaired the activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway induced by Fr; 4) Fr promoted the activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway via regulating the interaction between Cx43 and AKT. Moreover, in accordance with the results in vitro, elevated levels of Cx43, phosphorylated-AKT, Nrf2 and downstream antioxidant enzymes related to Nrf2 were observed in the kidneys of Fr-treated group compared with model group. Importantly, Fr significantly improved renal dysfunction pathological changes of renal fibrosis in diabetic db/db mice. Collectively, Fr could increase the Cx43-AKT-Nrf2/ARE pathway activation to postpone the diabetic renal fibrosis and the up-regulation of Cx43 is probably a novel mechanism in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingran Zeng
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuting Li
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiming Xiao
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeyuan Lin
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaipeng Huang
- Phase I Clinical Trial Center, Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Heqing Huang, ; Kaipeng Huang, ; Juan Shen,
| | - Juan Shen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Heqing Huang, ; Kaipeng Huang, ; Juan Shen,
| | - Heqing Huang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Heqing Huang, ; Kaipeng Huang, ; Juan Shen,
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16
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Gap Junctions and Hemichannels Composed of Connexins and Pannexins Mediate the Secondary Brain Injury Following Intracerebral Hemorrhage. BIOLOGY 2021; 11:biology11010027. [PMID: 35053024 PMCID: PMC8772966 DOI: 10.3390/biology11010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a leading medical problem without effective treatment options. The poor prognosis is attributed to the primary brain injury of the mechanical compression caused by hematoma, and secondary brain injury (SBI) that includes inflammation, glutamate excitotoxicity, oxidative stress and disruption of the blood brain barrier (BBB). Evidences suggests that gap junctions and hemichannels composed of connexins and pannexins regulate the inflammation and excitotoxicity insult in the pathological process of central nervous system disease, such as cerebral ischemia and neurodegeneration disease. In this manuscript, we discuss the fact that connexins- and pannexins-based channels could be involved in secondary brain injury of ICH, particularly through mediating inflammation, oxidative stress, BBB disruption and cell death. The details provided in this manuscript may help develop potential targets for therapeutic intervention of ICH. Abstract Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating disease with high mortality and morbidity; the mortality rate ranges from 40% at 1 month to 54% at 1 year; only 12–39% achieve good outcomes and functional independence. ICH affects nearly 2 million patients worldwide annually. In ICH development, the blood leakage from ruptured vessels generates sequelae of secondary brain injury (SBI). This mechanism involves activated astrocytes and microglia, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the release of reactive nitrogen species (RNS), and disrupted blood brain barrier (BBB). In addition, inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, heme compounds, and products of hematoma are accumulated in the extracellular spaces, thereby resulting in the death of brain cells. Recent evidence indicates that connexins regulate microglial activation and their phenotypic transformation. Moreover, communications between neurons and glia via gap junctions have crucial roles in neuroinflammation and cell death. A growing body of evidence suggests that, in addition to gap junctions, hemichannels (composed of connexins and pannexins) play a key role in ICH pathogenesis. However, the precise connection between connexin and pannexin channels and ICH remains to be resolved. This review discusses the pathological roles of gap junctions and hemichannels in SBI following ICH, with the intent of discovering effective therapeutic options of strategies to treat ICH.
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17
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Han XJ, Zhang WF, Wang Q, Li M, Zhang CB, Yang ZJ, Tan RJ, Gan LJ, Zhang LL, Lan XM, Zhang FL, Hong T, Jiang LP. HIF-1α promotes the proliferation and migration of pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells via activation of Cx43. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10663-10673. [PMID: 34698450 PMCID: PMC8581339 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The proliferation of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs) is an important cause of pulmonary vascular remodelling in hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (HPH). However, its underlying mechanism has not been well elucidated. Connexin 43 (Cx43) plays crucial roles in vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in various cardiovascular diseases. Here, the male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were exposed to hypoxia (10% O2 ) for 21 days to induce rat HPH model. PASMCs were treated with CoCl2 (200 µM) for 24 h to establish the HPH cell model. It was found that hypoxia up-regulated the expression of Cx43 and phosphorylation of Cx43 at Ser 368 in rat pulmonary arteries and PASMCs, and stimulated the proliferation and migration of PASMCs. HIF-1α inhibitor echinomycin attenuated the CoCl2 -induced Cx43 expression and phosphorylation of Cx43 at Ser 368 in PASMCs. The interaction between HIF-1α and Cx43 promotor was also identified using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Moreover, Cx43 specific blocker (37,43 Gap27) or knockdown of Cx43 efficiently alleviated the proliferation and migration of PASMCs under chemically induced hypoxia. Therefore, the results above suggest that HIF-1α, as an upstream regulator, promotes the expression of Cx43, and the HIF-1α/Cx43 axis regulates the proliferation and migration of PASMCs in HPH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jian Han
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China.,Institute of Geriatrics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.,Department of Neurology, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital Affiliated to Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wei-Fang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chun-Bo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhang-Jian Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ren-Jie Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Li-Jun Gan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Le-Ling Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xue-Mei Lan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Fang-Lin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Li-Ping Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Drug Targets and Drug Screening of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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18
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Quan Y, Du Y, Wu C, Gu S, Jiang JX. Connexin hemichannels regulate redox potential via metabolite exchange and protect lens against cellular oxidative damage. Redox Biol 2021; 46:102102. [PMID: 34474393 PMCID: PMC8408634 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased oxidative stress contributes to cataract formation during aging. Anterior epithelial cells are a frontline antioxidant defense system with powerful capacities to maintain redox homeostasis and lens transparency. In this study, we report a new molecular mechanism of connexin (Cx) hemichannels (HCs) in lens epithelial cells to protect lens against oxidative stress. Our results showed haploinsufficiency of Cx43 elevated oxidative stress and susceptibility to cataracts in the mouse lens. Cx43 HCs opened in response to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or ultraviolet radiation (UVR) in human lens epithelium HLE-B3 cells, and this activation contributed to a cellular protective mechanism against oxidative stress-induced apoptotic cell death. Furthermore, we found that Cx43 HCs mediated the exchange of oxidants and antioxidants in lens epithelial cells undergoing oxidative stress. These transporting activities facilitated a reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and maintained the intracellular glutathione (GSH) level through the exchange of redox metabolites and change of anti-oxidative gene expression. In addition, we show that Cx43 HCs can be regulated by the intracellular redox state and this regulation is mediated by residue Cys260 located at the Cx43 C-terminus. Together, our results demonstrate that Cx43 HCs activated by oxidative stress in the lens epithelial cells play a key role in maintaining redox homeostasis in lens under oxidative stress. Our findings contribute to advancing our understanding of oxidative stress induced lens disorders, such as age-related non-congenital cataracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Quan
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Yu Du
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Changrui Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Sumin Gu
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jean X Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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19
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Quan Y, Du Y, Tong Y, Gu S, Jiang JX. Connexin Gap Junctions and Hemichannels in Modulating Lens Redox Homeostasis and Oxidative Stress in Cataractogenesis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:1374. [PMID: 34573006 PMCID: PMC8464761 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10091374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The lens is continuously exposed to oxidative stress insults, such as ultraviolet radiation and other oxidative factors, during the aging process. The lens possesses powerful oxidative stress defense systems to maintain its redox homeostasis, one of which employs connexin channels. Connexins are a family of proteins that form: (1) Hemichannels that mediate the communication between the intracellular and extracellular environments, and (2) gap junction channels that mediate cell-cell communication between adjacent cells. The avascular lens transports nutrition and metabolites through an extensive network of connexin channels, which allows the passage of small molecules, including antioxidants and oxidized wastes. Oxidative stress-induced post-translational modifications of connexins, in turn, regulates gap junction and hemichannel permeability. Recent evidence suggests that dysfunction of connexins gap junction channels and hemichannels may induce cataract formation through impaired redox homeostasis. Here, we review the recent advances in the knowledge of connexin channels in lens redox homeostasis and their response to cataract-related oxidative stress by discussing two major aspects: (1) The role of lens connexins and channels in oxidative stress and cataractogenesis, and (2) the impact and underlying mechanism of oxidative stress in regulating connexin channels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jean X. Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (Y.Q.); (Y.D.); (Y.T.); (S.G.)
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20
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Coutinho FP, Green CR, Acosta ML, Rupenthal ID. Xentry-Gap19 inhibits Connexin43 hemichannel opening especially during hypoxic injury. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2021; 10:751-765. [PMID: 32318976 PMCID: PMC7223318 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-020-00763-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxic injury results in cell death, tissue damage and activation of inflammatory pathways. This is mediated by pathological Connexin43 (Cx43) hemichannel (HC) opening resulting in osmotic and ionic imbalances as well as cytokine production perpetuating the inflammatory environment. Gap19 is an intracellularly acting Cx43 mimetic peptide that blocks HC opening and thus promotes cell survival. However, native Gap19, which must enter the cell in order to function, exhibits low cell permeability. In this study, Gap19 was conjugated to the cell-penetrating peptide, Xentry, to investigate if cellular uptake could be improved while maintaining peptide function. Cellular uptake of Xentry-Gap19 (XG19) was much greater than that of native Gap19 even under normal cell culture conditions. Peptide function was maintained post uptake as shown by reduced ethidium homodimer influx and ATP release due to Cx43 HC block. While XG19 blocked pathologic HC opening though, normal gap junction communication required for cell repair and survival mechanisms was not affected as shown in a dye scrape-load assay. Under hypoxic conditions, increased expression of Syndecan-4, a plasma membrane proteoglycan targeted by Xentry, enabled even greater XG19 uptake leading to higher inhibition of ATP release and greater cell survival. This suggests that XG19, which is targeted specifically to hypoxic cells, can efficiently and safely block Cx43 HC and could therefore be a novel treatment for hypoxic and inflammatory diseases. Graphical abstract ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Frazer P Coutinho
- Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Colin R Green
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Monica L Acosta
- School of Optometry and Vision Science, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ilva D Rupenthal
- Buchanan Ocular Therapeutics Unit, Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
- Department of Ophthalmology, New Zealand National Eye Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
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21
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Martins-Marques T, Rodriguez-Sinovas A, Girao H. Cellular crosstalk in cardioprotection: Where and when do reactive oxygen species play a role? Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 169:397-409. [PMID: 33892116 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A well-balanced intercellular communication between the different cells within the heart is vital for the maintenance of cardiac homeostasis and function. Despite remarkable advances on disease management and treatment, acute myocardial infarction remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Gold standard reperfusion strategies, namely primary percutaneous coronary intervention, are crucial to preserve heart function. However, reestablishment of blood flow and oxygen levels to the infarcted area are also associated with an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative damage and cardiomyocyte death, a phenomenon termed myocardial reperfusion injury. In addition, ROS signaling has been demonstrated to regulate multiple biological pathways, including cell differentiation and intercellular communication. Given the importance of cell-cell crosstalk in the coordinated response after cell injury, in this review, we will discuss the impact of ROS in the different forms of inter- and intracellular communication, as well as the role of gap junctions, tunneling nanotubes and extracellular vesicles in the propagation of oxidative damage in cardiac diseases, particularly in the context of ischemia/reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Martins-Marques
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Antonio Rodriguez-Sinovas
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Group, Department of Cardiology, Vall D'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall D'Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall D'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall D'Hebron, 119-129, 08035, Barcelona, Spain; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Henrique Girao
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.
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22
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Huang X, Su Y, Wang N, Li H, Li Z, Yin G, Chen H, Niu J, Yi C. Astroglial Connexins in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:657514. [PMID: 34122008 PMCID: PMC8192976 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.657514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play a crucial role in the maintenance of the normal functions of the Central Nervous System (CNS). During the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, astrocytes undergo morphological and functional remodeling, a process called reactive astrogliosis, in response to the insults to the CNS. One of the key aspects of the reactive astrocytes is the change in the expression and function of connexins. Connexins are channel proteins that highly expressed in astrocytes, forming gap junction channels and hemichannels, allowing diffusional trafficking of small molecules. Alterations of astrocytic connexin expression and function found in neurodegenerative diseases have been shown to affect the disease progression by changing neuronal function and survival. In this review, we will summarize the role of astroglial connexins in neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Also, we will discuss why targeting connexins can be a plausible therapeutic strategy to manage these neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin Huang
- Research Centre, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yixun Su
- Research Centre, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Nan Wang
- Research Centre, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Li
- Research Centre, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhigang Li
- Research Centre, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guowei Yin
- Research Centre, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Chen
- School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jianqin Niu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Department of Histology and Embryology, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research Centre, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
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23
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Tirosh A, Tuncman G, Calay ES, Rathaus M, Ron I, Tirosh A, Yalcin A, Lee YG, Livne R, Ron S, Minsky N, Arruda AP, Hotamisligil GS. Intercellular Transmission of Hepatic ER Stress in Obesity Disrupts Systemic Metabolism. Cell Metab 2021; 33:319-333.e6. [PMID: 33340456 PMCID: PMC7858244 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) has a pathophysiological role in obesity-associated insulin resistance. Yet, the coordinated tissue response to ERS remains unclear. Increased connexin 43 (Cx43)-mediated intercellular communication has been implicated in tissue-adaptive and -maladaptive response to various chronic stresses. Here, we demonstrate that in hepatocytes, ERS results in increased Cx43 expression and cell-cell coupling. Co-culture of ER-stressed "donor" cells resulted in intercellular transmission of ERS and dysfunction to ERS-naive "recipient" cells ("bystander response"), which could be prevented by genetic or pharmacologic suppression of Cx43. Hepatocytes from obese mice were able to transmit ERS to hepatocytes from lean mice, and mice lacking liver Cx43 were protected from diet-induced ERS, insulin resistance, and hepatosteatosis. Taken together, our results indicate that in obesity, the increased Cx43-mediated cell-cell coupling allows intercellular propagation of ERS. This novel maladaptive response to over-nutrition exacerbates the tissue ERS burden, promoting hepatosteatosis and impairing whole-body glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Tirosh
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Gurol Tuncman
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ediz S Calay
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Moran Rathaus
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Idit Ron
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amit Tirosh
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Abdullah Yalcin
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Medical School, Department of Medical Biology, 09100 Aydin, Turkey
| | - Yankun G Lee
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rinat Livne
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sophie Ron
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Neri Minsky
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ana Paula Arruda
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gökhan S Hotamisligil
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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24
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Hua R, Zhang J, Riquelme MA, Jiang JX. Connexin Gap Junctions and Hemichannels Link Oxidative Stress to Skeletal Physiology and Pathology. Curr Osteoporos Rep 2021; 19:66-74. [PMID: 33403446 PMCID: PMC8174533 DOI: 10.1007/s11914-020-00645-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the impact and underlying mechanism of oxidative stress on connexin channel function, and their roles in skeletal aging, estrogen deficiency, and glucocorticoid excess associated bone loss. RECENT FINDINGS Connexin hemichannel opening is increased under oxidative stress conditions, which confers a cell protective role against oxidative stress-induced cell death. Oxidative stress acts as a key contributor to aging, estrogen deficiency, and glucocorticoid excess-induced osteoporosis and impairs osteocytic network and connexin gap junction communication. This paper reviews the current knowledge for the role of oxidative stress and connexin channels in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and physiological and pathological responses of connexin channels to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress decreases osteocyte viability and impairs the balance of anabolic and catabolic responses. Connexin 43 (Cx43) channels play a critical role in bone remodeling, mechanotransduction, and survival of osteocytes. Under oxidative stress conditions, there is a consistent reduction of Cx43 expression, while the opening of Cx43 hemichannels protects osteocytes against cell injury caused by oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Hua
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jingruo Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Manuel A Riquelme
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jean X Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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25
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Mesnil M, Defamie N, Naus C, Sarrouilhe D. Brain Disorders and Chemical Pollutants: A Gap Junction Link? Biomolecules 2020; 11:51. [PMID: 33396565 PMCID: PMC7824109 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence of brain pathologies has increased during last decades. Better diagnosis (autism spectrum disorders) and longer life expectancy (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease) partly explain this increase, while emerging data suggest pollutant exposures as a possible but still underestimated cause of major brain disorders. Taking into account that the brain parenchyma is rich in gap junctions and that most pollutants inhibit their function; brain disorders might be the consequence of gap-junctional alterations due to long-term exposures to pollutants. In this article, this hypothesis is addressed through three complementary aspects: (1) the gap-junctional organization and connexin expression in brain parenchyma and their function; (2) the effect of major pollutants (pesticides, bisphenol A, phthalates, heavy metals, airborne particles, etc.) on gap-junctional and connexin functions; (3) a description of the major brain disorders categorized as neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, epilepsy), neurobehavioral (migraines, major depressive disorders), neurodegenerative (Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases) and cancers (glioma), in which both connexin dysfunction and pollutant involvement have been described. Based on these different aspects, the possible involvement of pollutant-inhibited gap junctions in brain disorders is discussed for prenatal and postnatal exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Mesnil
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Norah Defamie
- Laboratoire STIM, ERL7003 CNRS-Université de Poitiers, 1 rue G. Bonnet–TSA 51 106, 86073 Poitiers, France; (M.M.); (N.D.)
| | - Christian Naus
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T1Z3, Canada;
| | - Denis Sarrouilhe
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Humaine, Faculté de Médecine et Pharmacie, 6 rue de La Milétrie, bât D1, TSA 51115, 86073 Poitiers, France
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26
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Mulkearns-Hubert EE, Reizes O, Lathia JD. Connexins in Cancer: Jekyll or Hyde? Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1654. [PMID: 33321749 PMCID: PMC7764653 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression, localization, and function of connexins, the protein subunits that comprise gap junctions, are often altered in cancer. In addition to cell-cell coupling through gap junction channels, connexins also form hemichannels that allow communication between the cell and the extracellular space and perform non-junctional intracellular activities. Historically, connexins have been considered tumor suppressors; however, they can also serve tumor-promoting functions in some contexts. Here, we review the literature surrounding connexins in cancer cells in terms of specific connexin functions and propose that connexins function upstream of most, if not all, of the hallmarks of cancer. The development of advanced connexin targeting approaches remains an opportunity for the field to further interrogate the role of connexins in cancer phenotypes, particularly through the use of in vivo models. More specific modulators of connexin function will both help elucidate the functions of connexins in cancer and advance connexin-specific therapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Mulkearns-Hubert
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College, Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Justin D. Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College, Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
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27
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Development of a Cx46 Targeting Strategy for Cancer Stem Cells. Cell Rep 2020; 27:1062-1072.e5. [PMID: 31018124 PMCID: PMC6497083 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.03.079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 01/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap-junction-mediated cell-cell communication enables tumor cells to synchronize complex processes. We previously found that glioblastoma cancer stem cells (CSCs) express higher levels of the gap junction protein Cx46 compared to non-stem tumor cells (non-CSCs) and that this was necessary and sufficient for CSC maintenance. To understand the mechanism underlying this requirement, we use point mutants to disrupt specific functions of Cx46 and find that Cx46-mediated gap-junction coupling is critical for CSCs. To develop a Cx46 targeting strategy, we screen a clinically relevant small molecule library and identify clofazimine as an inhibitor of Cx46-specific cell-cell communication. Clofazimine attenuates proliferation, self-renewal, and tumor growth and synergizes with temozolomide to induce apoptosis. Although clofazimine does not cross the blood-brain barrier, the combination of clofazimine derivatives optimized for brain penetrance with standard-of-care therapies may target glioblastoma CSCs. Furthermore, these results demonstrate the importance of targeting cell-cell communication as an anti-cancer therapy.
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28
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Chen X, Liang H, Xi Z, Yang Y, Shan H, Wang B, Zhong Z, Xu C, Yang GY, Sun Q, Sun Y, Bian L. BM-MSC Transplantation Alleviates Intracerebral Hemorrhage-Induced Brain Injury, Promotes Astrocytes Vimentin Expression, and Enhances Astrocytes Antioxidation via the Cx43/Nrf2/HO-1 Axis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:302. [PMID: 32457903 PMCID: PMC7227447 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a particularly severe form of stroke, and reactive astrogliosis is a common response following injury to the central nervous system (CNS). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are reported to promote neurogenesis and alleviate the late side effects in injured brain regions. Gap junctions (Gjs) are abundant in the brain, where the richest connexin (Cx) is Cx43, most prominently expressed in astrocytes. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an essential transcription factor regulating antioxidant reactions. Here, we aimed to explore whether bone marrow MSCs (BM-MSCs) could alleviate brain injury and protect astrocytes from apoptosis, by regulating Cx43 and Nrf2. We validated the effect of BM-MSC transplantation in an ICH model in vivo and in vitro and detected changes using immunofluorescence, as well as protein and mRNA expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), vimentin (VIM), Cx43, Nrf2, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Our results showed that BM-MSC transplantation attenuated brain injury after ICH and upregulated VIM expression in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, Cx43 upregulation and Nrf2 nuclear translocation were observed in astrocytes cocultured with BM-MSC. Knockdown of Cx43 by siRNA restrained Nrf2 nuclear translocation. Cx43 and Nrf2 had a connection as determined by immunofluorescence and coimmunoprecipitation. We demonstrated that astrocytes undergo astroglial-mesenchymal phenotype switching and have anti-apoptotic abilities after BM-MSC transplantation, where Cx43 upregulation triggers Nrf2 nuclear translocation and promotes its phase II enzyme expression. The Cx43/Nrf2 interaction of astrocytes after BM-MSC transplantation may provide an important therapeutic target in the management of ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaibin Liang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyu Xi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huimin Shan
- Neuroscience and Neuroengineering Center, Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baofeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhihong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Canxin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Yuan Yang
- Neuroscience and Neuroengineering Center, Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingfang Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhao Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liuguan Bian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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29
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Xiaoli F, Qiyue C, Weihong G, Yaqing Z, Chen H, Junrong W, Longquan S. Toxicology data of graphene-family nanomaterials: an update. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:1915-1939. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02717-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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30
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Himelman E, Lillo MA, Nouet J, Gonzalez JP, Zhao Q, Xie LH, Li H, Liu T, Wehrens XH, Lampe PD, Fishman GI, Shirokova N, Contreras JE, Fraidenraich D. Prevention of connexin-43 remodeling protects against Duchenne muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:1713-1727. [PMID: 31910160 PMCID: PMC7108916 DOI: 10.1172/jci128190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant expression of the cardiac gap junction protein connexin-43 (Cx43) has been suggested as playing a role in the development of cardiac disease in the mdx mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD); however, a mechanistic understanding of this association is lacking. Here, we identified a reduction of phosphorylation of Cx43 serines S325/S328/S330 in human and mouse DMD hearts. We hypothesized that hypophosphorylation of Cx43 serine-triplet triggers pathological Cx43 redistribution to the lateral sides of cardiomyocytes (remodeling). Therefore, we generated knockin mdx mice in which the Cx43 serine-triplet was replaced with either phospho-mimicking glutamic acids (mdxS3E) or nonphosphorylatable alanines (mdxS3A). The mdxS3E, but not mdxS3A, mice were resistant to Cx43 remodeling, with a corresponding reduction of Cx43 hemichannel activity. MdxS3E cardiomyocytes displayed improved intracellular Ca2+ signaling and a reduction of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2)/ROS production. Furthermore, mdxS3E mice were protected against inducible arrhythmias, related lethality, and the development of cardiomyopathy. Inhibition of microtubule polymerization by colchicine reduced both NOX2/ROS and oxidized CaMKII, increased S325/S328/S330 phosphorylation, and prevented Cx43 remodeling in mdx hearts. Together, these results demonstrate a mechanism of dystrophic Cx43 remodeling and suggest that targeting Cx43 may be a therapeutic strategy for preventing heart dysfunction and arrhythmias in DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Julie Nouet
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine
| | | | - Qingshi Zhao
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine
| | - Lai-Hua Xie
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine
| | - Hong Li
- Center for Advanced Proteomics Research, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Tong Liu
- Center for Advanced Proteomics Research, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Xander H.T. Wehrens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Medicine, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Paul D. Lampe
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Glenn I. Fishman
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
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Danegaptide Enhances Astrocyte Gap Junctional Coupling and Reduces Ischemic Reperfusion Brain Injury in Mice. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10030353. [PMID: 32110860 PMCID: PMC7175267 DOI: 10.3390/biom10030353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2019] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a complex and devastating event characterized by cell death resulting from a transient or permanent arterial occlusion. Astrocytic connexin43 (Cx43) gap junction (GJ) proteins have been reported to impact neuronal survival in ischemic conditions. Consequently, Cx43 could be a potential target for therapeutic approaches to stroke. We examined the effect of danegaptide (ZP1609), an antiarrhythmic dipeptide that specifically enhances GJ conductance, in two different rodent stroke models. In this study, danegaptide increased astrocytic Cx43 coupling with no significant effects on Cx43 hemichannel activity, in vitro. Using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) the presence of danegaptide within brain tissue sections were detected one hour after reperfusion indicating successful transport of the dipeptide across the blood brain barrier. Furthermore, administration of danegaptide in a novel mouse brain ischemia/reperfusion model showed significant decrease in infarct volume. Taken together, this study provides evidence for the therapeutic potential of danegaptide in ischemia/reperfusion stroke.
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Kim HJ, Kim MJ, Mostafa MN, Park JH, Choi HS, Kim YS, Choi EK. RhoA/ROCK Regulates Prion Pathogenesis by Controlling Connexin 43 Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21041255. [PMID: 32070020 PMCID: PMC7072953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21041255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Scrapie infection, which converts cellular prion protein (PrPC) into the pathological and infectious isoform (PrPSc), leads to neuronal cell death, glial cell activation and PrPSc accumulation. Previous studies reported that PrPC regulates RhoA/Rho-associated kinase (ROCK) signaling and that connexin 43 (Cx43) expression is upregulated in in vitro and in vivo prion-infected models. However, whether there is a link between RhoA/ROCK and Cx43 in prion disease pathogenesis is uncertain. Here, we investigated the role of RhoA/ROCK signaling and Cx43 in prion diseases using in vitro and in vivo models. Scrapie infection induced RhoA activation, accompanied by increased phosphorylation of LIM kinase 1/2 (LIMK1/2) at Thr508/Thr505 and cofilin at Ser3 and reduced phosphorylation of RhoA at Ser188 in hippocampal neuronal cells and brains of mice. Scrapie infection-induced RhoA activation also resulted in PrPSc accumulation followed by a reduction in the interaction between RhoA and p190RhoGAP (a GTPase-activating protein). Interestingly, scrapie infection significantly enhanced the interaction between RhoA and Cx43. Moreover, RhoA and Cx43 colocalization was more visible in both the membrane and cytoplasm of scrapie-infected hippocampal neuronal cells than in controls. Finally, RhoA and ROCK inhibition reduced PrPSc accumulation and the RhoA/Cx43 interaction, leading to decreased Cx43 hemichannel activity in scrapie-infected hippocampal neuronal cells. These findings suggest that RhoA/ROCK regulates Cx43 activity, which may have an important role in the pathogenesis of prion disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Jun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (M.-J.K.); (M.N.M.); (J.-H.P.); (H.-S.C.); (Y.-S.K.)
| | - Mo-Jong Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (M.-J.K.); (M.N.M.); (J.-H.P.); (H.-S.C.); (Y.-S.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, Korea
| | - Mohd Najib Mostafa
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (M.-J.K.); (M.N.M.); (J.-H.P.); (H.-S.C.); (Y.-S.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Park
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (M.-J.K.); (M.N.M.); (J.-H.P.); (H.-S.C.); (Y.-S.K.)
| | - Hong-Seok Choi
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (M.-J.K.); (M.N.M.); (J.-H.P.); (H.-S.C.); (Y.-S.K.)
| | - Yong-Sun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (M.-J.K.); (M.N.M.); (J.-H.P.); (H.-S.C.); (Y.-S.K.)
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, Korea
| | - Eun-Kyoung Choi
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do 14066, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (M.-J.K.); (M.N.M.); (J.-H.P.); (H.-S.C.); (Y.-S.K.)
- Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-31-380-1893; Fax: +82-31-388-3427
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Morris G, Maes M, Berk M, Carvalho AF, Puri BK. Nutritional ketosis as an intervention to relieve astrogliosis: Possible therapeutic applications in the treatment of neurodegenerative and neuroprogressive disorders. Eur Psychiatry 2020; 63:e8. [PMID: 32093791 PMCID: PMC8057392 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2019.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nutritional ketosis, induced via either the classical ketogenic diet or the use of emulsified medium-chain triglycerides, is an established treatment for pharmaceutical resistant epilepsy in children and more recently in adults. In addition, the use of oral ketogenic compounds, fractionated coconut oil, very low carbohydrate intake, or ketone monoester supplementation has been reported to be potentially helpful in mild cognitive impairment, Parkinson’s disease, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autistic spectrum disorder. In these and other neurodegenerative and neuroprogressive disorders, there are detrimental effects of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and neuroinflammation on neuronal function. However, they also adversely impact on neurone–glia interactions, disrupting the role of microglia and astrocytes in central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis. Astrocytes are the main site of CNS fatty acid oxidation; the resulting ketone bodies constitute an important source of oxidative fuel for neurones in an environment of glucose restriction. Importantly, the lactate shuttle between astrocytes and neurones is dependent on glycogenolysis and glycolysis, resulting from the fact that the astrocytic filopodia responsible for lactate release are too narrow to accommodate mitochondria. The entry into the CNS of ketone bodies and fatty acids, as a result of nutritional ketosis, has effects on the astrocytic glutamate–glutamine cycle, glutamate synthase activity, and on the function of vesicular glutamate transporters, EAAT, Na+, K+-ATPase, Kir4.1, aquaporin-4, Cx34 and KATP channels, as well as on astrogliosis. These mechanisms are detailed and it is suggested that they would tend to mitigate the changes seen in many neurodegenerative and neuroprogressive disorders. Hence, it is hypothesized that nutritional ketosis may have therapeutic applications in such disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwyn Morris
- Deakin University, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Maes
- Deakin University, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Psychiatry, Chulalongkorn University, Faculty of Medicine, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Deakin University, CMMR Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Geelong, Victoria, Australia.,Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, The Department of Psychiatry and the Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - André F Carvalho
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Dydowiczová A, Brózman O, Babica P, Sovadinová I. Improved multiparametric scrape loading-dye transfer assay for a simultaneous high-throughput analysis of gap junctional intercellular communication, cell density and viability. Sci Rep 2020; 10:730. [PMID: 31959888 PMCID: PMC6971000 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57536-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is a vital cellular process required for maintenance of tissue homeostasis. In vitro assessment of GJIC represents valuable phenotypic endpoint that could be effectively utilized as an integral component in modern toxicity testing, drug screening or biomedical in vitro research. However, currently available methods for quantifying GJIC with higher-throughputs typically require specialized equipment, proprietary software and/or genetically engineered cell models. To overcome these limitations, we present here an innovative adaptation of traditional, fluorescence microscopy-based scrape loading-dye transfer (SL-DT) assay, which has been optimized to simultaneously evaluate GJIC, cell density and viability. This multiparametric method was demonstrated to be suitable for various multiwell microplate formats, which facilitates an automatized image acquisition. The assay workflow is further assisted by an open source-based software tools for batch image processing, analysis and evaluation of GJIC, cell density and viability. Our results suggest that this approach provides a simple, fast, versatile and cost effective way for in vitro high-throughput assessment of GJIC and other related phenotypic cellular events, which could be included into in vitro screening and assessment of pharmacologically and toxicologically relevant compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Dydowiczová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 5, CZ-62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Brózman
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 5, CZ-62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Babica
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 5, CZ-62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Sovadinová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 5, CZ-62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Jung E, Alfonso J, Osswald M, Monyer H, Wick W, Winkler F. Emerging intersections between neuroscience and glioma biology. Nat Neurosci 2019; 22:1951-1960. [PMID: 31719671 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-019-0540-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 10/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The establishment of neuronal and glial networks in the brain depends on the activities of neural progenitors, which are influenced by cell-intrinsic mechanisms, interactions with the local microenvironment and long-range signaling. Progress in neuroscience has helped identify key factors in CNS development. In parallel, studies in recent years have increased our understanding of molecular and cellular factors in the development and growth of primary brain tumors. To thrive, glioma cells exploit pathways that are active in normal CNS progenitor cells, as well as in normal neurotransmitter signaling. Furthermore, tumor cells of incurable gliomas integrate into communicating multicellular networks, where they are interconnected through neurite-like cellular protrusions. In this Review, we discuss evidence that CNS development, organization and function share a number of common features with glioma progression and malignancy. These include mechanisms used by cells to proliferate and migrate, interact with their microenvironment and integrate into multicellular networks. The emerging intersections between the fields of neuroscience and neuro-oncology considered in this review point to new research directions and novel therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik Jung
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julieta Alfonso
- Department of Clinical Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Osswald
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hannah Monyer
- Department of Clinical Neurobiology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Clinical Neurobiology, Medical Faculty, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, INF 400, Heidelberg, Germany. .,Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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36
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Yang WT, Wang Y, Shi YH, Fu H, Xu Z, Xu QQ, Zheng GQ. Herbal Compatibility of Ginseng and Rhubarb Exerts Synergistic Neuroprotection in Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury of Rats. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1174. [PMID: 31572219 PMCID: PMC6753204 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Ischemic stroke is a complex multifactorial disease caused by interactions among polygenetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors with limited effective treatments. Multi-herbal formulae have long been used for stroke through herbal compatibility in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM); however, there is still a lack of evidence due to their unimaginable complexity. Herbal pairs represent the simplest and basic features of multi-herbal formulae, which are of great significance in clarifying herbal compatibility. Here, we aim to investigate the neuroprotective effects of the herbal compatibility of Ginseng and Rhubarb on a cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury model of rats. Methods Male adult SD rats were randomly divided into a sham group, a normal saline (NS) group, a Ginseng group, a Rhubarb group, and a Ginseng + Rhubarb (GR) group, a Carbenoxolone [CBX, gap junction (GJ) specific inhibitor] group, and a GR + CBX group. Each group was further assigned into four subgroups according to ischemic time (6 h, 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days). The cerebral I/R injury model was established according to the modified Zea Longa method. The Neurological Deficiency Score (NDS) was assessed by the Zea-Longa scale; the cerebral infarction area was detected by TTC (2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride) staining; and the expression of connexin-43 (Cx43) and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) were detected based on an immunofluorescence technique and quantitative real-time-PCR. Results Compared to the I/R group, both the independent and combined use of Ginseng and Rhubarb can significantly improve NDS (P < 0.05), decrease the percentage of the cerebral infarction area around the infarction penumbra (P < 0.05) and down-regulate the expression of Cx43 and AQP4 after I/R injury (P < 0.05). The GR had more significant effects than that of Ginseng and Rhubarb (P < 0.05). Compared with the GR group, the GR + CBX group significantly improved in NDS (P < 0.05), and decreased the percentage of the cerebral infarction area (P < 0.05) and expression of Cx43 and AQP4 protein (P < 0.05). Conclusion The herbal compatibility of Ginseng and Rhubarb synergistically exerts neuroprotective function during acute cerebral I/R injury, mainly through reducing the expression of Cx43 and AQP4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ting Yang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yi-Hua Shi
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huan Fu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhen Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qing-Qing Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guo-Qing Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Alaaeddine R, Elkhatib MAW, Mroueh A, Fouad H, Saad EI, El-Sabban ME, Plane F, El-Yazbi AF. Impaired Endothelium-Dependent Hyperpolarization Underlies Endothelial Dysfunction during Early Metabolic Challenge: Increased ROS Generation and Possible Interference with NO Function. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2019; 371:567-582. [PMID: 31511364 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.119.262048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction is a hallmark of diabetic vasculopathies. Although hyperglycemia is believed to be the culprit causing endothelial damage, the mechanism underlying early endothelial insult in prediabetes remains obscure. We used a nonobese high-calorie (HC)-fed rat model with hyperinsulinemia, hypercholesterolemia, and delayed development of hyperglycemia to unravel this mechanism. Compared with aortic rings from control rats, HC-fed rat rings displayed attenuated acetylcholine-mediated relaxation. While sensitive to nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibition, aortic relaxation in HC-rat tissues was not affected by blocking the inward-rectifier potassium (Kir) channels using BaCl2 Although Kir channel expression was reduced in HC-rat aorta, Kir expression, endothelium-dependent relaxation, and the BaCl2-sensitive component improved in HC rats treated with atorvastatin to reduce serum cholesterol. Remarkably, HC tissues demonstrated increased reactive species (ROS) in smooth muscle cells, which was reversed in rats receiving atorvastatin. In vitro ROS reduction, with superoxide dismutase, improved endothelium-dependent relaxation in HC-rat tissues. Significantly, connexin-43 expression increased in HC aortic tissues, possibly allowing ROS movement into the endothelium and reduction of eNOS activity. In this context, gap junction blockade with 18-β-glycyrrhetinic acid reduced vascular tone in HC rat tissues but not in controls. This reduction was sensitive to NOS inhibition and SOD treatment, possibly as an outcome of reduced ROS influence, and emerged in BaCl2-treated control tissues. In conclusion, our results suggest that early metabolic challenge leads to reduced Kir-mediated endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization, increased vascular ROS potentially impairing NO synthesis and highlight these channels as a possible target for early intervention with vascular dysfunction in metabolic disease. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The present study examines early endothelial dysfunction in metabolic disease. Our results suggest that reduced inward-rectifier potassium channel function underlies a defective endothelium-mediated relaxation possibly through alteration of nitric oxide synthase activity. This study provides a possible mechanism for the augmentation of relatively small changes in one endothelium-mediated relaxation pathway to affect overall endothelial response and highlights the potential role of inward-rectifier potassium channel function as a therapeutic target to treat vascular dysfunction early in the course of metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Alaaeddine
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
| | - Mohammed A W Elkhatib
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
| | - Ali Mroueh
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
| | - Hosny Fouad
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
| | - Evan I Saad
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
| | - Marwan E El-Sabban
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
| | - Frances Plane
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
| | - Ahmed F El-Yazbi
- Departments of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (R.A., A.M., A.F.E.-Y.) and Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiology (M.E.E.-S.), Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt (M.A.W.E., H.F., E.I.S., A.F.E.-Y.); and Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (F.P.)
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Osswald M, Jung E, Wick W, Winkler F. Tunneling nanotube‐like structures in brain tumors. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Osswald
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor DiseasesUniversity Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany
| | - Erik Jung
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor DiseasesUniversity Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wick
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor DiseasesUniversity Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor DiseasesUniversity Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany
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Freitas-Andrade M, Wang N, Bechberger JF, De Bock M, Lampe PD, Leybaert L, Naus CC. Targeting MAPK phosphorylation of Connexin43 provides neuroprotection in stroke. J Exp Med 2019; 216:916-935. [PMID: 30872361 PMCID: PMC6446879 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20171452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 03/31/2018] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study demonstrates that astrocytic connexin43 gap junction hemichannels are largely controlled by four C-terminal tail–located serine residues and provides mechanistic insight on how phosphorylation of these residues affects recovery from stroke. Connexin43 (Cx43) function is influenced by kinases that phosphorylate specific serine sites located near its C-terminus. Stroke is a powerful inducer of kinase activity, but its effect on Cx43 is unknown. We investigated the impact of wild-type (WT) and knock-in Cx43 with serine to alanine mutations at the protein kinase C (PKC) site Cx43S368A, the casein kinase 1 (CK1) sites Cx43S325A/328Y/330A, and the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) sites Cx43S255/262/279/282A (MK4) on a permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO) stroke model. We demonstrate that MK4 transgenic animals exhibit a significant decrease in infarct volume that was associated with improvement in behavioral performance. An increase in astrocyte reactivity with a concomitant decrease in microglial reactivity was observed in MK4 mice. In contrast to WT, MK4 astrocytes displayed reduced Cx43 hemichannel activity. Pharmacological blockade of Cx43 hemichannels with TAT-Gap19 also significantly decreased infarct volume in WT animals. This study provides novel molecular insights and charts new avenues for therapeutic intervention associated with Cx43 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moises Freitas-Andrade
- Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nan Wang
- Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - John F Bechberger
- Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marijke De Bock
- Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Paul D Lampe
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian C Naus
- Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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40
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Mechanisms of Toxicity of Industrially Relevant Silicomanganese Dust on Human 1321N1 Astrocytoma Cells: An In Vitro Study. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030740. [PMID: 30744184 PMCID: PMC6386893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030740] [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: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 01/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tremendous efforts are applied in the ferroalloy industry to control and reduce exposure to dust generated during the production process, as inhalable Mn-containing particulate matter has been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. This study aimed to investigate the toxicity and biological effects of dust particles from laboratory-scale processes where molten silicomanganese (SiMn) was exposed to air, using a human astrocytoma cell line, 1321N1, as model system. Characterization of the dust indicated presence of both nano-sized and larger particles averaging between 100 and 300 nm. The dust consisted mainly of Si, Mn and O. Investigation of cellular mechanisms showed a dose- and time-dependent effect on cell viability, with only minor changes in the expression of proteins involved in apoptosis. Moreover, gene expression of the neurotoxic biomarker amyloid precursor protein (APP) increased, whereas APP protein expression decreased. Finally, induction of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) increased with higher doses and correlated with the other endpoints. Thus, the effects of SiMn dust on 1321N1 cells are highly dependent on the dose of exposure and involves changes in APP, apoptosis-related proteins and intercellular communication.
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Cellular Responses of Industrially Relevant Silica Dust on Human Glial Cells In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20020358. [PMID: 30654492 PMCID: PMC6359019 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20020358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 12/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the rigorous emission control measures in the ferroalloy industry, there are still emissions of dust during the production of various alloys. Dust particles were collected from laboratory scale processes where oxide particulate matter was formed from liquid silicon (metallurgical grade). The dust was produced in a dry air atmosphere to mimic industrial conditions. To investigate possible effects of ultrafine dust on the central nervous system, a human astrocytic cell line was employed to investigate inflammatory effects of particles as astrocytes play a number of active and neuron supporting roles in the brain. Toxicity on the astrocytes by amorphous silica generated in laboratory scale was compared to crystalline macro-sized silica using several doses to determine toxicological dose response curves. The cell viability experiments indicated that low particle doses of amorphous silica induced a small nonsignificant reduction in cell viability compared to crystalline silica which led to increased levels of toxicity. The gene expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP), a biomarker of neurodegenerative disease, was affected by particle exposure. Furthermore, particle exposure, in a dose-and time-dependent manner, affected the ability of the cells to communicate through gap junction channels. In conclusion, in vitro studies using low doses of particles are important to understand mechanisms of toxicity of occupational exposure to silica particles. However, these studies cannot be extrapolated to real exposure scenarios at work place, therefore, controlling and keeping the particle exposure levels low at the work place, would prevent potential negative health effects.
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Kajiwara Y, Wang E, Wang M, Sin WC, Brennand KJ, Schadt E, Naus CC, Buxbaum J, Zhang B. GJA1 (connexin43) is a key regulator of Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2018; 6:144. [PMID: 30577786 PMCID: PMC6303945 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-018-0642-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
GJA1 (connexin43) has been predicted as the top key driver of an astrocyte enriched subnetwork associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this study, we comprehensively examined GJA1 expression across 29 transcriptomic and proteomic datasets from post-mortem AD and normal control brains. We demonstrated that GJA1 was strongly associated with AD amyloid and tau pathologies and cognitive functions. RNA sequencing analysis of Gja1-/- astrocytes validated that Gja1 regulated the subnetwork identified in AD, and many genes involved in Aβ metabolism. Astrocytes lacking Gja1 showed reduced Apoe protein levels as well as impaired Aβ phagocytosis. Consistent with this, wildtype neurons co-cultured with Gja1-/- astrocytes contained higher levels of Aβ species than those with wildtype astrocytes. Moreover, Gja1-/- astrocytes was more neuroprotective under Aβ stress. Our results underscore the importance of GJA1 in AD pathogenesis and its potential for further investigation as a promising pharmacological target in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuji Kajiwara
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Current address: Denali Therapeutics,, South San Francisco,, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Erming Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Minghui Wang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Wun Chey Sin
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Kristen J Brennand
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Eric Schadt
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Christian C Naus
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Joseph Buxbaum
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
- Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
- Mount Sinai Center for Transformative Disease Modeling, Icahn Institute of Genomics and Multiscale Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA.
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43
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Beckmann A, Grißmer A, Wolf S, Recktenwald J, Meier C. Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation in Mouse Astrocytes is Associated with Ultrastructural Changes in Connexin 43 Gap Junctions. Neuroscience 2018; 397:67-79. [PMID: 30513376 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.11.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
In the intact brain, astrocytes play an important role in a number of physiological functions like spatial buffering of potassium, maintenance of calcium homeostasis, neurotransmitter release, regulation of the cerebral blood flow, and many more. As pathophysiological events upon hypoxic-ischemic brain injury include excitotoxicity by glutamate release as well as oxidative stress, astrocytes and their gap junction-based syncytium are of major relevance for regulating the extent of resulting brain damage. The gap junction protein Connexin (Cx) 43 contributes mainly to the astrocytic intercellular communication. As little is known about the ultrastructural assemblage of Cx43 and its changes in response to hypoxic events, we chose temporary oxygen and glucose deprivation with subsequent reoxygenation (OGD-R) as a metabolic inhibition model of hypoxia in primary murine astrocytes. Gap junction morphology and assembly/disintegration were analyzed at the ultrastructural level using freeze-fracture replica immunolabeling. The exposure of cultured astrocytes to short-term OGD-R resulted in the activation of ERK1/2 (p44/p42), downregulation of Cx43 protein expression, and the rearrangement of Cx43 particles within the cell membrane and within gap junctions. These changes in gap junction morphology were associated with phosphorylation of Cx43 at Serine 368. Analysis of the nearest-neighbor distance within gap junction plaques revealed the loosening of Cx43 particle clusters. Together with the observation of additional connexons being present in the vicinity of gap junction plaques after OGD-R treatment, our study indicates that changes in gap junction assembly are associated with the early phase of hypoxic cell damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Beckmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Alexander Grißmer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Sandra Wolf
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Johanna Recktenwald
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany
| | - Carola Meier
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, 66421 Homburg, Saar, Germany.
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44
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Li Y, Xu QQ, Shan CS, Shi YH, Wang Y, Zheng GQ. Combined Use of Emodin and Ginsenoside Rb1 Exerts Synergistic Neuroprotection in Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Rats. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:943. [PMID: 30233364 PMCID: PMC6127650 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) generally causes neurological dysfunction and poses a serious threat to public health. Here, we aimed to assess the independent and combined effects of ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) and Emodin on neuroprotection through regulating Connexin 43 (Cx43) and Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) model rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into five groups: sham group, I/R group, Emodin group, GRb1 group and Emodin+GRb1 group. They were further allocated to four subgroups according to the 6h, 1d, 3d, and 7d time points except the sham group. Based on the modified Longa suture method, the focal cerebral I/R model was established by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The neurological deficit scores (NDS), blood brain barrier (BBB) permeability and cerebral infarction area were assessed at each corresponding time point. Cx43 and AQP4 levels were assessed by Real-time PCR and Immunofluorescence. Compared with I/R group, both the independent and combined use of GRb1 and Emodin could alleviate NDS, reduce the BBB permeability, reduce the infarction area and down-regulate Cx43 and AQP4 expression at 6h, 1d, 3d, and 7d after I/R (P < 0.05). The Emodin+GRb1 group had more significant effects than Emodin group and GRb1 group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the combination of Emodin and GRb1 exerts synergistically neuroprotective functions through regulating AQP4 and Cx43 after I/R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Qing-Qing Xu
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chun-Shuo Shan
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yi-Hua Shi
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guo-Qing Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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45
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Yang Y, Ren J, Sun Y, Xue Y, Zhang Z, Gong A, Wang B, Zhong Z, Cui Z, Xi Z, Yang GY, Sun Q, Bian L. A connexin43/YAP axis regulates astroglial-mesenchymal transition in hemoglobin induced astrocyte activation. Cell Death Differ 2018; 25:1870-1884. [PMID: 29880858 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-018-0137-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Revised: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Reactive astrogliosis is a common response to insults to the central nervous system, but the mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we found the temporal and spatial differential expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and Vimentin in the intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) mouse brain, indicating that the de-differentiation and astroglial-mesenchymal transition (AMT) of astrocytes might be an early event in reactive astrogliosis. Further we verified the AMT finding in purified astrocyte cultures exposed to hemoglobin (Hb). Additionally, Connexin 43 (Cx43) downregulation and YAP nuclear translocation were observed in Hb-activated astrocytes. Knocking down Cx43 by siRNA triggered YAP nuclear translocation. Cx43 and YAP were physically associated as determined by immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation. We propose that astrocytes undergo AMT during Hb-induced activation where Cx43 downregulation facilitates YAP nuclear translocation is a novel mechanism involved in this process. Cx43-YAP interaction may represent a potential therapeutic target for modulating astrocyte activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong General Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yuhao Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Yuan Xue
- Zhenjiang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhenjiang, 212000, China
| | - Zhijian Zhang
- Basic Medical Science Research Center, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, China
| | - Aihua Gong
- Basic Medical Science Research Center, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212000, China
| | - Baofeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhihong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhenwen Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, China
| | - Zhiyu Xi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Guo-Yuan Yang
- Neuroscience and Neuroengineering Research Center, Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Qingfang Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China. .,Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital Luwan Branch, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Liuguan Bian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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46
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Lu C, Meng Z, He Y, Xiao D, Cai H, Xu Y, Liu X, Wang X, Mo L, Liang Z, Wei X, Ao Q, Liang B, Li X, Tang S, Guo S. Involvement of gap junctions in astrocyte impairment induced by manganese exposure. Brain Res Bull 2018; 140:107-113. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2018.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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47
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Mettang M, Meyer-Pannwitt V, Karpel-Massler G, Zhou S, Carragher NO, Föhr KJ, Baumann B, Nonnenmacher L, Enzenmüller S, Dahlhaus M, Siegelin MD, Stroh S, Mertens D, Fischer-Posovszky P, Schneider EM, Halatsch ME, Debatin KM, Westhoff MA. Blocking distinct interactions between Glioblastoma cells and their tissue microenvironment: A novel multi-targeted therapeutic approach. Sci Rep 2018; 8:5527. [PMID: 29615749 PMCID: PMC5882900 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-23592-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the highly invasive nature of Glioblastoma (GB), complete surgical resection is not feasible, while motile tumour cells are often associated with several specific brain structures that enhance treatment-resistance. Here, we investigate the therapeutic potential of Disulfiram and Carbenoxolone, that inhibit two distinct interactions between GB and the brain tissue microenvironment: stress-induced cell-matrix adhesion and gap junction mediated cell-cell communication, respectively. Increase in cell numbers of tumour-initiating cells, which are cultured in suspension as cell clusters, and adherent differentiated cells can be blocked to a similar extent by Carbenoxolone, as both cell populations form gap junctions, but the adherent differentiated cells are much more sensitive to Disulfiram treatment, which - via modulation of NF-κB signalling - interferes with cell-substrate adhesion. Interestingly, inducing adhesion in tumour-initiating cells without differentiating them does not sensitize for Disulfiram. Importantly, combining Disulfiram, Carbenoxolone and the standard chemotherapeutic drug Temozolomide reduces tumour size in an orthotopic mouse model. Isolating GB cells from their direct environment within the brain represents an important addition to current therapeutic approaches. The blockage of cellular interactions via the clinically relevant substances Disulfiram and Carbenoxolone, has distinct effects on different cell populations within a tumour, potentially reducing motility and/or resistance to apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Mettang
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Viola Meyer-Pannwitt
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine III, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Mechanisms of Leukemogenesis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Shaoxia Zhou
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Neil O Carragher
- Edinburgh Cancer Research Center UK, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Karl Josef Föhr
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Bernd Baumann
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lisa Nonnenmacher
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefanie Enzenmüller
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Meike Dahlhaus
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus D Siegelin
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sebastien Stroh
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Daniel Mertens
- Department of Internal Medicine III, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany.,Mechanisms of Leukemogenesis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - E Marion Schneider
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Klaus-Michael Debatin
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mike-Andrew Westhoff
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
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48
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Qin Y, Han L, Yang D, Wei H, Liu Y, Xu J, Autrup H, Deng F, Guo X. Silver nanoparticles increase connexin43-mediated gap junctional intercellular communication in HaCaT cells through activation of reactive oxygen species and mitogen-activated protein kinase signal pathway. J Appl Toxicol 2017; 38:564-574. [PMID: 29235124 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2017] [Revised: 10/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are widely used in health and consumer products that routinely contact skin. However, the biological effects and possible mechanisms of AgNPs on skin remain unclear. Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) plays a critical role in multicellular organisms to maintain tissue homeostasis. The aim of this study is to examine if non-coated AgNPs affect GJIC in human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells), and to identify the possible molecular mechanisms responsible for the effects. GJIC, connexin (Cx)43 protein and mRNA expression, and the effect of siRNA-mediated knockdown of Cx43 on GJIC were assessed. HaCaT cells exposed to non-coated AgNPs at different doses after a 24 hour exposure. To explore further the underlying mechanism, reactive oxygen species and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway were evaluated after 2, 6, 12 and 24 hours. Our results revealed that non-coated AgNP exposure at subcytotoxic doses increase GJIC partially via Cx43 upregulation. Reactive oxygen species and extracellular signal-regulated kinase and activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase were involved in the AgNP-induced upregulation of Cx43. This study provides new insight into the potential mechanism of AgNP biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Qin
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Limin Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Di Yang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Hongying Wei
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Junhui Xu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Herman Autrup
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Aarhus University Institute of Public Health, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Furong Deng
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
| | - Xinbiao Guo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health Sciences, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing, China
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49
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Connexin43 and AMPK Have Essential Role in Resistance to Oxidative Stress Induced Necrosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:3962173. [PMID: 29279848 PMCID: PMC5723946 DOI: 10.1155/2017/3962173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced oxidative stress leads to cell damage and neurological disorders in astrocytes. The gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) could form intercellular channels in astrocytes and the expression of Cx43 plays an important role in protecting the cells from damage. In the present study, we investigated the contribution of Cx43 to astrocytic necrosis induced by the ROS hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and the mechanism by which AMPK was involved in this process. Fluorescence microscopy, flow cytometry, and western blot were used quantitatively and qualitatively to determine the cell apoptosis, necrosis, and protein expression. Lack of Cx43 expression or blockage of Cx43 channels resulted in increased H2O2-induced astrocytic necrosis, supporting a cell protective effect of functional Cx43 channels. Our data suggest that AMPK is important for Cx43-mediated ROS resistance. Inhibition of AMPK activation results in reduction of necrosis and ROS production. Taken together, our findings suggest that the role of Cx43 in response to H2O2 stress is dependent on the activation of AMPK signaling pathways and regulates ROS production and cell necrosis.
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50
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Freitas-Andrade M, She J, Bechberger J, Naus CC, Sin WC. Acute connexin43 temporal and spatial expression in response to ischemic stroke. J Cell Commun Signal 2017; 12:193-204. [PMID: 29134540 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-017-0430-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 10/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin43 (Cx43) gap junctions expressed in astrocytes can significantly impact neuronal survival in stroke. However, little is known regarding Cx43 spatial and temporal expression during the initial stages of brain ischemia. Using immunohistochemistry and Western blot analysis, we examined Cx43 spatial and temporal expression as a function of neuronal injury within the first 24 h after permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (pMCAO). Western blot analysis showed a significant increase in Cx43 protein expression in the core ischemic area at 2 and 3 h after pMCAO. However, after 6 h of pMCAO Cx43 levels were significantly reduced. This reduction was due to cell death and concomitant Cx43 degradation in the expanding focal ischemic region, while the peri-infarct zone revealed intense Cx43 staining. The neuronal cell-death marker Fluoro-Jade C labeled injured neurons faintly at 1 h post-pMCAO with a time-dependent increase in both intensity and size of punctate staining. In addition, decreased microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP2) immunoreactivity and thionin staining similarly indicated cell damage beginning at 1 h after pMCAO. Taken together, Cx43 expression is sensitive to neuronal injury and can be detected as early as 2 h post-pMCAO. These findings underscore Cx43 gap junction as a potential early target for therapeutic intervention in ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moises Freitas-Andrade
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Jennifer She
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - John Bechberger
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Christian C Naus
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Wun Chey Sin
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, 2350 Health Sciences Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z3, Canada.
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