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Cibelli A, Dohare P, Spray DC, Scemes E. Differential activation of mouse and human Panx1 channel variants. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0295710. [PMID: 38100403 PMCID: PMC10723736 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pannexins are ubiquitously expressed in human and mouse tissues. Pannexin 1 (Panx1), the most thoroughly characterized member of this family, forms plasmalemmal membrane channels permeable to relatively large molecules, such as ATP. Although human and mouse Panx1 amino acid sequences are conserved in the presently known regulatory sites involved in trafficking and modulation of the channel, differences are reported in the N- and C-termini of the protein, and the mechanisms of channel activation by different stimuli remain controversial. Here we used a neuroblastoma cell line to study the activation properties of endogenous mPanx1 and exogenously expressed hPanx1. Dye uptake and electrophysiological recordings revealed that in contrast to mouse Panx1, the human ortholog is insensitive to stimulation with high extracellular [K+] but responds similarly to activation of the purinergic P2X7 receptor. The two most frequent Panx1 polymorphisms found in the human population, Q5H (rs1138800) and E390D (rs74549886), exogenously expressed in Panx1-null N2a cells revealed that regarding P2X7 receptor mediated Panx1 activation, the Q5H mutant is a gain of function whereas the E390D mutant is a loss of function variant. Collectively, we demonstrate differences in the activation between human and mouse Panx1 orthologs and suggest that these differences may have translational implications for studies where Panx1 has been shown to have significant impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Cibelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Preeti Dohare
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - David C. Spray
- Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Eliana Scemes
- Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, United States of America
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2
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Singh B, Khattab F, Gilon P. Glucose inhibits glucagon secretion by decreasing [Ca2+]c and by reducing the efficacy of Ca2+ on exocytosis via somatostatin-dependent and independent mechanisms. Mol Metab 2022; 61:101495. [PMID: 35421610 PMCID: PMC9065434 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2022.101495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Methods Results Conclusions Glucose modulates [Ca2+]c in α-cells within islets but not in dispersed α-cells. In α-cells within islets, it decreases [Ca2+]c independently of their KATP channels. It decreases α-cell [Ca2+]c partly via somatostatin. All glucose-induced [Ca2+]c changes trigger parallel changes in glucagon release. Glucose also decreases the efficacy of Ca2+ on exocytosis (attenuating pathway).
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilal Singh
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Firas Khattab
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Patrick Gilon
- Université Catholique de Louvain, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Pôle d'Endocrinologie, Diabète et Nutrition, Brussels, Belgium.
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3
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Dispelling myths about connexins, pannexins and P2X7 in hypoxic-ischemic central nervous system. Neurosci Lett 2019; 695:76-85. [PMID: 29195910 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.11.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2017] [Revised: 10/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
In membrane physiology, as in other fields, myths or speculations may be repeated so often and so widely that they are perceived as facts. To some extent, this has occurred with regard to gap junctions, hemichannels, pannexin channels and P2X7 (ionotropic receptors), especially concerning the interpretation of the individual role of these channels in hypoxic-ischemic CNS since these channels may be closed by the same pharmacological blockers. Significance of existing controversial data are highlighted and contradictory views from different groups are critically discussed herein.
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4
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Meda P. Gap junction proteins are key drivers of endocrine function. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1860:124-140. [PMID: 28284720 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
It has long been known that the main secretory cells of exocrine and endocrine glands are connected by gap junctions, made by a variety of connexin species that ensure their electrical and metabolic coupling. Experiments in culture systems and animal models have since provided increasing evidence that connexin signaling contributes to control the biosynthesis and release of secretory products, as well as to the life and death of secretory cells. More recently, genetic studies have further provided the first lines of evidence that connexins also control the function of human glands, which are central to the pathogenesis of major endocrine diseases. Here, we summarize the recent information gathered on connexin signaling in these systems, since the last reviews on the topic, with particular regard to the pancreatic beta cells which produce insulin, and the renal cells which produce renin. These cells are keys to the development of various forms of diabetes and hypertension, respectively, and combine to account for the exploding, worldwide prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Gap Junction Proteins edited by Jean Claude Herve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Meda
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva Medical School, Switzerland.
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5
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Abstract
The pancreas produces enzymes with a digestive function and hormones with a metabolic function, which are produced by distinct cell types of acini and islets, respectively. Within these units, secretory cells coordinate their functioning by exchanging information via signals that flow in the intercellular spaces and are generated either at distance (several neural and hormonal inputs) or nearby the pancreatic cells themselves (inputs mediated by membrane ionic-specific channels and by ionic- and metabolite-permeant pannexin channels and connexin "hemichannels"). Pancreatic secretory cells further interact via the extracellular matrix of the pancreas (inputs mediated by integrins) and directly with neighboring cells, by mechanisms that do not require extracellular mediators (inputs mediated by gap and tight junction channels). Here, we review the expression and function of the connexins and pannexins that are expressed by the main secretory cells of the exocrine and endocrine pancreatic cells. Available data show that the patterns of expression of these proteins differ in acini and islets, supporting distinct functions in the physiological secretion of pancreatic enzymes and hormones. Circumstantial evidence further suggests that alterations in the signaling provided by these proteins are involved in pancreatic diseases.
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6
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Hansen DB, Ye ZC, Calloe K, Braunstein TH, Hofgaard JP, Ransom BR, Nielsen MS, MacAulay N. Activation, permeability, and inhibition of astrocytic and neuronal large pore (hemi)channels. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:26058-26073. [PMID: 25086040 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.582155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes and neurons express several large pore (hemi)channels that may open in response to various stimuli, allowing fluorescent dyes, ions, and cytoplasmic molecules such as ATP and glutamate to permeate. Several of these large pore (hemi)channels have similar characteristics with regard to activation, permeability, and inhibitor sensitivity. Consequently, their behaviors and roles in astrocytic and neuronal (patho)physiology remain undefined. We took advantage of the Xenopus laevis expression system to determine the individual characteristics of several large pore channels in isolation. Expression of connexins Cx26, Cx30, Cx36, or Cx43, the pannexins Px1 or Px2, or the purinergic receptor P2X7 yielded functional (hemi)channels with isoform-specific characteristics. Connexin hemichannels had distinct sensitivity to alterations of extracellular Ca(2+) and their permeability to dyes and small atomic ions (conductance) were not proportional. Px1 and Px2 exhibited conductance at positive membrane potentials, but only Px1 displayed detectable fluorescent dye uptake. P2X7, in the absence of Px1, was permeable to fluorescent dyes in an agonist-dependent manner. The large pore channels displayed overlapping sensitivity to the inhibitors Brilliant Blue, gadolinium, and carbenoxolone. These results demonstrated isoform-specific characteristics among the large pore membrane channels; an open (hemi)channel is not a nonselective channel. With these isoform-specific properties in mind, we characterized the divalent cation-sensitive permeation pathway in primary cultured astrocytes. We observed no activation of membrane conductance or Cx43-mediated dye uptake in astrocytes nor in Cx43-expressing C6 cells. Our data underscore that although Cx43-mediated transport is observed in overexpressing cell systems, such transport may not be detectable in native cells under comparable experimental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bloch Hansen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Zu-Cheng Ye
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Kirstine Calloe
- Department of Veterinary Clinical and Animal Science, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 Frederiksberg, Denmark, and
| | - Thomas Hartig Braunstein
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia and Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johannes Pauli Hofgaard
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia and Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bruce R Ransom
- Department of Neurology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195
| | - Morten Schak Nielsen
- Danish National Research Foundation Centre for Cardiac Arrhythmia and Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nanna MacAulay
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark,.
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7
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Pizarro-Delgado J, Fasciani I, Temperan A, Romero M, González-Nieto D, Alonso-Magdalena P, Nualart-Marti A, Estil'les E, Paul DL, Martín-del-Río R, Montanya E, Solsona C, Nadal A, Barrio LC, Tamarit-Rodríguez J. Inhibition of connexin 36 hemichannels by glucose contributes to the stimulation of insulin secretion. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2014; 306:E1354-66. [PMID: 24735890 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00358.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The existence of functional connexin36 (Cx36) hemichannels in β-cells was investigated in pancreatic islets of rat and wild-type (Cx36(+/+)), monoallelic (Cx36(+/-)), and biallelic (Cx36(-/-)) knockout mice. Hemichannel opening by KCl depolarization was studied by measuring ATP release and changes of intracellular ATP (ADP). Cx36(+/+) islets lost ATP after depolarization with 70 mM KCl at 5 mM glucose; ATP loss was prevented by 8 and 20 mM glucose or 50 μM mefloquine (connexin inhibitor). ATP content was higher in Cx36(-/-) than Cx36(+/+) islets and was not decreased by KCl depolarization; Cx36(+/-) islets showed values between that of control and homozygous islets. Five minimolar extracellular ATP increased ATP content and ATP/ADP ratio and induced a biphasic insulin secretion in depolarized Cx36(+/+) and Cx36(+/-) but not Cx36(-/-) islets. Cx36 hemichannels expressed in oocytes opened upon depolarization of membrane potential, and their activation was inhibited by mefloquine and glucose (IC₅₀ ∼8 mM). It is postulated that glucose-induced inhibition of Cx36 hemichannels in islet β-cells might avoid depolarization-induced ATP loss, allowing an optimum increase of the ATP/ADP ratio by sugar metabolism and a biphasic stimulation of insulin secretion. Gradual suppression of glucose-induced insulin release in Cx36(+/-) and Cx36(-/-) islets confirms that Cx36 gap junction channels are necessary for a full secretory stimulation and might account for the glucose intolerance observed in mice with defective Cx36 expression. Mefloquine targeting of Cx36 on both gap junctions and hemichannels also suppresses glucose-stimulated secretion. By contrast, glucose stimulation of insulin secretion requires Cx36 hemichannels' closure but keeping gap junction channels opened.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilaria Fasciani
- Research Department, "Ramón y Cajal" Hospital-IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Temperan
- Research Department, "Ramón y Cajal" Hospital-IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Romero
- Research Department, "Ramón y Cajal" Hospital-IRYCIS, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Paloma Alonso-Magdalena
- Institute of Bioengineering and CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | - Anna Nualart-Marti
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine - Campus Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; IDIBELL, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elisabet Estil'les
- CIBERDEM, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Barcelona, Feixa Llarga s/n, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; and
| | - David L Paul
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Eduard Montanya
- CIBERDEM, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Barcelona, Feixa Llarga s/n, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; and Endocrine Unit, Hospital Universitari Bellvitge-IDIBELL, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Solsona
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine - Campus Bellvitge, University of Barcelona, Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain; IDIBELL, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge, Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angel Nadal
- Institute of Bioengineering and CIBER de Diabetes y Enfermedades Metabólicas Asociadas (CIBERDEM), Miguel Hernández University, Elche, Spain
| | | | - J Tamarit-Rodríguez
- Biochemistry Department, Medical School, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain;
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8
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Farnsworth NL, Benninger RKP. New insights into the role of connexins in pancreatic islet function and diabetes. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1278-87. [PMID: 24583073 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.02.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Multi-cellular systems require complex signaling mechanisms for proper tissue function, to mediate signaling between cells in close proximity and at distances. This holds true for the islets of Langerhans, which are multicellular micro-organs located in the pancreas responsible for glycemic control, through secretion of insulin and other hormones. Coupling of electrical and metabolic signaling between islet β-cells is required for proper insulin secretion and effective glycemic control. β-cell specific coupling is established through gap junctions composed of connexin36, which results in coordinated insulin release across the islet. Islet connexins have been implicated in both Type-1 and Type-2 diabetes; however a clear link remains to be determined. The goal of this review is to discuss recent discoveries regarding the role of connexins in regulating insulin secretion, the regulation of connexins within the islet, and recent studies which support a role for connexins in diabetes. Further studies which investigate the regulation of connexins in the islet and their role in diabetes may lead to novel diabetes therapies which regulate islet function and β-cell survival through modulation of gap junction coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikki L Farnsworth
- Barbara Davis center for childhood diabetes, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Richard K P Benninger
- Barbara Davis center for childhood diabetes, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, United States.
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9
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Patel D, Zhang X, Veenstra RD. Connexin hemichannel and pannexin channel electrophysiology: how do they differ? FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1372-8. [PMID: 24434538 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2013.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Connexin hemichannels are postulated to form a cell permeabilization pore for the uptake of fluorescent dyes and release of cellular ATP. Connexin hemichannel activity is enhanced by low external [Ca(2+)]o, membrane depolarization, metabolic inhibition, and some disease-causing gain-of-function connexin mutations. This paper briefly reviews the electrophysiological channel conductance, permeability, and pharmacology properties of connexin hemichannels, pannexin 1 channels, and purinergic P2X7 receptor channels as studied in exogenous expression systems including Xenopus oocytes and mammalian cell lines such as HEK293 cells. Overlapping pharmacological inhibitory and channel conductance and permeability profiles makes distinguishing between these channel types sometimes difficult. Selective pharmacology for Cx43 hemichannels (Gap19 peptide), probenecid or FD&C Blue #1 (Brilliant Blue FCF, BB FCF) for Panx1, and A740003, A438079, or oxidized ATP (oATP) for P2X7 channels may be the best way to distinguish between these three cell permeabilizing channel types. Endogenous connexin, pannexin, and P2X7 expression should be considered when performing exogenous cellular expression channel studies. Cell pair electrophysiological assays permit the relative assessment of the connexin hemichannel/gap junction channel ratio not often considered when performing isolated cell hemichannel studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dakshesh Patel
- Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States
| | - Richard D Veenstra
- Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, United States.
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10
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Meda P. Protein-mediated interactions of pancreatic islet cells. SCIENTIFICA 2013; 2013:621249. [PMID: 24278783 PMCID: PMC3820362 DOI: 10.1155/2013/621249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/10/2012] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
The islets of Langerhans collectively form the endocrine pancreas, the organ that is soley responsible for insulin secretion in mammals, and which plays a prominent role in the control of circulating glucose and metabolism. Normal function of these islets implies the coordination of different types of endocrine cells, noticeably of the beta cells which produce insulin. Given that an appropriate secretion of this hormone is vital to the organism, a number of mechanisms have been selected during evolution, which now converge to coordinate beta cell functions. Among these, several mechanisms depend on different families of integral membrane proteins, which ensure direct (cadherins, N-CAM, occludin, and claudins) and paracrine communications (pannexins) between beta cells, and between these cells and the other islet cell types. Also, other proteins (integrins) provide communication of the different islet cell types with the materials that form the islet basal laminae and extracellular matrix. Here, we review what is known about these proteins and their signaling in pancreatic β -cells, with particular emphasis on the signaling provided by Cx36, given that this is the integral membrane protein involved in cell-to-cell communication, which has so far been mostly investigated for effects on beta cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Meda
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva School of Medicine, 1 rue Michel-Servet, 1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
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11
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Tan C, Voss U, Svensson S, Erlinge D, Olde B. High glucose and free fatty acids induce beta cell apoptosis via autocrine effects of ADP acting on the P2Y(13) receptor. Purinergic Signal 2012; 9:67-79. [PMID: 22941026 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-012-9331-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
While high levels of glucose and saturated fatty acids are known to have detrimental effects on beta cell function and survival, the signalling pathways mediating these effects are not entirely known. In a previous study, we found that ADP regulates beta cell insulin secretion and beta cell apoptosis. Using MIN6c4 cells as a model system, we investigated if autocrine/paracrine mechanisms of ADP and purinergic receptors are involved in this process. High glucose (16.7 mmol/l) and palmitate (100 μmol/l) rapidly and potently elevated the extracellular ATP levels, while mannitol was without effect. Both tolbutamide and diazoxide were without effect, while the calcium channel blocker nifedipine, the volume-regulated anion channels (VRAC) inhibitor NPPB, and the pannexin inhibitor carbenoxolone could inhibit both effects. Similarly, silencing the MDR1 gene also blocked nutrient-generated ATP release. These results indicate that calcium channels and VRAC might be involved in the ATP release mechanism. Furthermore, high glucose and palmitate inhibited cAMP production, reduced cell proliferation in MIN6c4 and increased activated Caspase-3 cells in mouse islets and in MIN6c4 cells. The P2Y(13)-specific antagonist MRS2211 antagonized all these effects. Further studies showed that blocking the P2Y(13) receptor resulted in enhanced CREB, Bad and IRS-1 phosphorylation, which are known to be involved in beta cell survival and insulin secretion. These findings provide further support for the concept that P2Y(13) plays an important role in beta cell apoptosis and suggest that autocrine/paracrine mechanisms, related to ADP and P2Y(13) receptors, contribute to glucolipotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chanyuan Tan
- Department of Cardiology, Lund University, 22185, Lund, Sweden
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12
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Klee P, Allagnat F, Pontes H, Cederroth M, Charollais A, Caille D, Britan A, Haefliger JA, Meda P. Connexins protect mouse pancreatic β cells against apoptosis. J Clin Invest 2011; 121:4870-9. [PMID: 22056383 PMCID: PMC3225984 DOI: 10.1172/jci40509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2011] [Accepted: 09/28/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes develops when most insulin-producing β cells of the pancreas are killed by an autoimmune attack. The in vivo conditions modulating the sensitivity and resistance of β cells to this attack remain largely obscure. Here, we show that connexin 36 (Cx36), a trans-membrane protein that forms gap junctions between β cells in the pancreatic islets, protects mouse β cells against both cytotoxic drugs and cytokines that prevail in the islet environment at the onset of type 1 diabetes. We documented that this protection was at least partially dependent on intercellular communication, which Cx36 and other types of connexin channels establish within pancreatic islets. We further found that proinflammatory cytokines decreased expression of Cx36 and that experimental reduction or augmentation of Cx36 levels increased or decreased β cell apoptosis, respectively. Thus, we conclude that Cx36 is central to β cell protection from toxic insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Klee
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
Service of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florent Allagnat
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
Service of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Helena Pontes
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
Service of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manon Cederroth
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
Service of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anne Charollais
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
Service of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dorothée Caille
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
Service of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Aurore Britan
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
Service of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jacques-Antoine Haefliger
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
Service of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Paolo Meda
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland.
Service of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
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13
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Abstract
The appearance of multicellular organisms imposed the development of several mechanisms for cell-to-cell communication, whereby different types of cells coordinate their function. Some of these mechanisms depend on the intercellular diffusion of signal molecules in the extracellular spaces, whereas others require cell-to-cell contact. Among the latter mechanisms, those provided by the proteins of the connexin family are widespread in most tissues. Connexin signaling is achieved via direct exchanges of cytosolic molecules between adjacent cells at gap junctions, for cell-to-cell coupling, and possibly also involves the formation of membrane "hemi-channels," for the extracellular release of cytosolic signals, direct interactions between connexins and other cell proteins, and coordinated influence on the expression of multiple genes. Connexin signaling appears to be an obligatory attribute of all multicellular exocrine and endocrine glands. Specifically, the experimental evidence we review here points to a direct participation of the Cx36 isoform in the function of the insulin-producing β-cells of the endocrine pancreas, and of the Cx40 isoform in the function of the renin-producing juxtaglomerular epithelioid cells of the kidney cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Bosco
- Department of Surgery, University of Geneva Medical School, Geneva, Switzerland
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14
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Scemes E, Spray DC, Meda P. Connexins, pannexins, innexins: novel roles of "hemi-channels". Pflugers Arch 2008; 457:1207-26. [PMID: 18853183 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-008-0591-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2008] [Accepted: 09/17/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Eliana Scemes
- The Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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