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Wanjari UR, Gopalakrishnan AV. Blood-testis barrier: a review on regulators in maintaining cell junction integrity between Sertoli cells. Cell Tissue Res 2024; 396:157-175. [PMID: 38564020 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-024-03894-7] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is formed adjacent to the seminiferous basement membrane. It is a distinct ultrastructure, partitioning testicular seminiferous epithelium into apical (adluminal) and basal compartments. It plays a vital role in developing and maturing spermatocytes into spermatozoa via reorganizing its structure. This enables the transportation of preleptotene spermatocytes across the BTB, from basal to adluminal compartments in the seminiferous tubules. Several bioactive peptides and biomolecules secreted by testicular cells regulate the BTB function and support spermatogenesis. These peptides activate various downstream signaling proteins and can also be the target themself, which could improve the diffusion of drugs across the BTB. The gap junction (GJ) and its coexisting junctions at the BTB maintain the immunological barrier integrity and can be the "gateway" during spermatocyte transition. These junctions are the possible route for toxicant entry, causing male reproductive dysfunction. Herein, we summarize the detailed mechanism of all the regulators playing an essential role in the maintenance of the BTB, which will help researchers to understand and find targets for drug delivery inside the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, PIN 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio-Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Tamil Nadu, Vellore, PIN 632014, India.
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She J, Feng N, Zheng W, Zheng H, Cai P, Zou H, Yuan Y, Gu J, Liu Z, Bian J. Zearalenone Exposure Disrupts Blood-Testis Barrier Integrity through Excessive Ca 2+-Mediated Autophagy. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120875. [PMID: 34941713 PMCID: PMC8703826 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA), a common mycotoxin in grains and animal feeds, has been associated with male reproductive disorders. However, the potential toxicity mechanism of ZEA is not fully understood. In this study, in vivo and in vitro models were used to explore the effects of ZEA on the blood-testis barrier (BTB) and related molecular mechanisms. First, male BALB/C mice were administered ZEA orally (40 mg/kg·bw) for 5-7 d. Sperm motility, testicular morphology, and expressions of BTB junction proteins and autophagy-related proteins were evaluated. In addition, TM4 cells (mouse Sertoli cells line) were used to delineate the molecular mechanisms that mediate the effects of ZEA on BTB. Our results demonstrated that ZEA exposure induced severe testicular damage in histomorphology and an ultrastructural, time-dependent decrease in the expression of blood-testis barrier junction-related proteins, accompanied by an increase in the expression of autophagy-related proteins. Additionally, similar to the in vitro results, the dose-dependent treatment of ZEA increased the level of cytoplasmic Ca2+ and the levels of the autophagy markers LC3-II and p62, in conjunction with a decrease in the BTB junction proteins occludin, claudin-11, and Cx43, with the dislocation of the gap junction protein Cx43. Meanwhile, inhibition of autophagy by CQ and 3-MA or inhibition of cytoplasmic Ca2+ by BAPTA-AM was sufficient to reduce the effects of ZEA on the TM4 cell BTB. To summarize, this study emphasizes the role of Ca2+-mediated autophagy in ZEA-induced BTB destruction, which deepens our understanding of the molecular mechanism of ZEA-induced male reproductive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjin She
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (N.F.); (W.Z.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (J.G.); (Z.L.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Nannan Feng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (N.F.); (W.Z.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (J.G.); (Z.L.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Wanglong Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (N.F.); (W.Z.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (J.G.); (Z.L.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hao Zheng
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (N.F.); (W.Z.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (J.G.); (Z.L.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Peirong Cai
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (N.F.); (W.Z.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (J.G.); (Z.L.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (N.F.); (W.Z.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (J.G.); (Z.L.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Yan Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (N.F.); (W.Z.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (J.G.); (Z.L.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jianhong Gu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (N.F.); (W.Z.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (J.G.); (Z.L.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (N.F.); (W.Z.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (J.G.); (Z.L.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Jianchun Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, 12 Wenhui East Road, Yangzhou 225009, China; (J.S.); (N.F.); (W.Z.); (H.Z.); (P.C.); (H.Z.); (Y.Y.); (J.G.); (Z.L.)
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety of the Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence:
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Gingrich J, Pu Y, Upham BL, Hulse M, Pearl S, Martin D, Avery A, Veiga-Lopez A. Bisphenol S enhances gap junction intercellular communication in ovarian theca cells. CHEMOSPHERE 2021; 263:128304. [PMID: 33155548 PMCID: PMC7726030 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2020.128304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is necessary for ovarian function, and it is temporospatially regulated during follicular development and ovulation. At outermost layer of the antral follicle, theca cells provide structural, steroidogenic, and vascular support. Inter- and extra-thecal GJIC is required for intrafollicular trafficking of signaling molecules. Because GJIC can be altered by hormones and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), we tested if any of five common EDCs (bisphenol A (BPA), bisphenol S (BPS), bisphenol F (BPF), perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), and triphenyltin chloride (TPT)) can interfere with theca cell GJIC. Since most chemicals are reported to repress GJIC, we hypothesized that all chemicals tested, within environmentally relevant human exposure concentrations, will inhibit theca cell GJICs. To evaluate this hypothesis, we used a scrape loading/dye transfer assay. BPS, but no other chemical tested, enhanced GJIC in a dose- and time-dependent manner in ovine primary theca cells. A signal-protein inhibitor approach was used to explore the GJIC-modulatory pathways involved. Phospholipase C and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitors significantly attenuated BPS-induced enhanced GJIC. Human theca cells were used to evaluate translational relevance of these findings. Human primary theca cells had a ∼40% increase in GJIC in response to BPS, which was attenuated with a MAPK inhibitor, suggestive of a conserved mechanism. Upregulation of GJIC could result in hyperplasia of the theca cell layer or prevent ovulation by holding the oocyte in meiotic arrest. Further studies are necessary to understand in vitro to in vivo translatability of these findings on follicle development and fertility outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Gingrich
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Yong Pu
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Brad L Upham
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Madeline Hulse
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sparrow Health System, Lansing, MI, 48912, USA
| | - Sarah Pearl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sparrow Health System, Lansing, MI, 48912, USA
| | - Denny Martin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sparrow Health System, Lansing, MI, 48912, USA
| | - Anita Avery
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sparrow Health System, Lansing, MI, 48912, USA; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Almudena Veiga-Lopez
- Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA; Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
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Berthoud VM, Minogue PJ, Osmolak P, Snabb JI, Beyer EC. Roles and regulation of lens epithelial cell connexins. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1297-303. [PMID: 24434541 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The avascular lens of the eye is covered anteriorly by an epithelium containing nucleated, metabolically active cells. This epithelium contains the first lens cells to encounter noxious external stimuli and cells that can develop compensatory or protective responses. Lens epithelial cells express the gap junction proteins, connexin43 (Cx43) and connexin50 (Cx50). Cx43 and Cx50 form gap junction channels and hemichannels with different properties. Although they may form heteromeric hemichannels, Cx43 and Cx50 probably do not form heterotypic channels in the lens. Cx50 channels make their greatest contribution to intercellular communication during the early postnatal period; subsequently, Cx43 becomes the predominant connexin supporting intercellular communication. Although epithelial Cx43 appears dispensable for lens development, Cx50 is critical for epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. Cx43 and Cx50 hemichannels and gap junction channels are regulated by multiple different agents. Lens epithelial cell connexins contribute to both normal lens physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana M Berthoud
- Department of Pediatrics and Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States.
| | - Peter J Minogue
- Department of Pediatrics and Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Patricia Osmolak
- Department of Pediatrics and Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Joseph I Snabb
- Department of Pediatrics and Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
| | - Eric C Beyer
- Department of Pediatrics and Pritzker School of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, United States
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Abstract
Specimens of the anterior lens capsule with an attached monolayer of lens epithelial cells (LECs) were obtained from patients (n=52) undergoing cataract surgery. Specimens were divided into three groups based on the type of cataract: nuclear cataract, cortical cataract and posterior subcapsular cataract (PSC). Clear lenses (n=11) obtained from donor eyes were used as controls. Expression was studied by immunofluorescence, real-time PCR and Western blot. Statistical analysis was done using the student's t-test. Immunofluorescence results showed punctate localization of Cx43 at the cell boundaries in controls, nuclear cataract and PSC groups. In the cortical cataract group, cytoplasmic pools of Cx43 without any localization at the cell boundaries were observed. Real-time PCR results showed significant up-regulation of Cx43 in nuclear and cortical cataract groups. Western blot results revealed significant increase in protein levels of Cx43 and significant decrease of ZO-1 in all three cataract groups. Protein levels of alpha-catenin were decreased significantly in nuclear and cortical cataract group. There was no significant change in expression of beta-catenin in the cataractous groups. Our findings suggest that ZO-1 and alpha-catenin are important for gap junctions containing Cx43 in the LECs. Alterations in cell junction proteins may play a role during formation of different types of cataract.
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Hieda K, Hayashi S, Kim JH, Murakami G, Cho BH, Matsubara A. Spatial relationship between expression of cytokeratin-19 and that of connexin-43 in human fetal kidney. Anat Cell Biol 2013; 46:32-8. [PMID: 23560234 PMCID: PMC3615610 DOI: 10.5115/acb.2013.46.1.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Revised: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin-43, a major gap junction protein, and cytokeratin-19, one of the intermediate filament keratins, are known to be markers of well-differentiated epithelium. In this study, we investigated the expression of these markers in the head region, lungs, and abdominal organs of 10 human mid-term fetuses. The expression of connexin-43 was found to be restricted to the dura mater, kidney, and adrenal cortex. In the kidney, we found a clear site-dependent difference in the expression pattern of these markers: connexin-43 expression was observed in the tubules of the renal cortex whereas cytokeratin-19 was strongly expressed in the collecting ducts and renal pelvis. This difference remained unchanged throughout the fetal stages examined. Immunoreactivity was not observed for either of the markers in the intrarenal vessels, including the glomeruli, and mesangial cells. Connexin-43 expression seemed to be restricted to the metanephric vesicle-derived structures that differentiate in the urogenital ridge of the splanchnic mesoderm. The adrenal cortex also originates from the same para-aortic mesoderm. In contrast, in the urogenital organs, cytokeratin-19 seemed to be expressed in ducts derived from the urogenital sinus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keisuke Hieda
- Department of Urology, Hiroshima University School of Medicine, Hiroshima, Japan
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Oshitari T, Okuyama Y, Miyata Y, Kosano H, Takahashi H, Natsugari H. B-Ring-modified and/or 5-demethylated nobiletin congeners: Inhibitory activity against pro-MMP-9 production. Bioorg Med Chem 2011; 19:7085-92. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2011.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2011] [Revised: 09/30/2011] [Accepted: 10/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Decrock E, Vinken M, Bol M, D'Herde K, Rogiers V, Vandenabeele P, Krysko DV, Bultynck G, Leybaert L. Calcium and connexin-based intercellular communication, a deadly catch? Cell Calcium 2011; 50:310-21. [PMID: 21621840 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2011.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2011] [Revised: 05/03/2011] [Accepted: 05/05/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Ca(2+) is known as a universal messenger mediating a wide variety of cellular processes, including cell death. In fact, this ion has been proposed as the 'cell death master', not only at the intracellular but also at the intercellular level. The most direct form of intercellular spread of cell death is mediated by gap junction channels. These channels have been shown to propagate cell death as well as cell survival signals between the cytoplasm of neighbouring cells, reflecting the dual role of Ca(2+) signals, i.e. cell death versus survival. Its precursor, the unopposed hemichannel (half of a gap junction channel), has recently joined in as a toxic pore connecting the intracellular with the extracellular environment and allowing the passage of a range of substances. The biochemical nature of the so-called intercellular cell death molecule, transferred through gap junctions or released/taken up via hemichannels, remains elusive but several studies pinpoint Ca(2+) itself or its messenger inositol trisphosphate as the responsible masters in crime. Although direct evidence is still lacking, indirect data including Ca(2+) involvement in intercellular communication and cell death, and effects of intercellular communication on intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis, support this hypothesis. In addition, hemichannels and their molecular building blocks, connexin or pannexin proteins, may exert their effects on Ca(2+)-dependent cell death at the intracellular level, independently from their channel functions. This review provides a cutting edge overview of the current knowledge and underscores the intimate connection between intercellular communication, Ca(2+) signalling and cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Decrock
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences - Physiology Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium
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Berthoud VM, Beyer EC. Oxidative stress, lens gap junctions, and cataracts. Antioxid Redox Signal 2009; 11:339-53. [PMID: 18831679 PMCID: PMC2763361 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2008.2119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2008] [Revised: 07/12/2008] [Accepted: 07/12/2008] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The eye lens is constantly subjected to oxidative stress from radiation and other sources. The lens has several mechanisms to protect its components from oxidative stress and to maintain its redox state, including enzymatic pathways and high concentrations of ascorbate and reduced glutathione. With aging, accumulation of oxidized lens components and decreased efficiency of repair mechanisms can contribute to the development of lens opacities or cataracts. Maintenance of transparency and homeostasis of the avascular lens depend on an extensive network of gap junctions. Communication through gap junction channels allows intercellular passage of molecules (up to 1 kDa) including antioxidants. Lens gap junctions and their constituent proteins, connexins (Cx43, Cx46, and Cx50), are also subject to the effects of oxidative stress. These observations suggest that oxidative stress-induced damage to connexins (and consequent altered intercellular communication) may contribute to cataract formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana M Berthoud
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60637, USA.
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