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Lucaciu SA, Leighton SE, Hauser A, Yee R, Laird DW. Diversity in connexin biology. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105263. [PMID: 37734551 PMCID: PMC10598745 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 35 years ago the cell biology community was introduced to connexins as the subunit employed to assemble semicrystalline clusters of intercellular channels that had been well described morphologically as gap junctions. The decade that followed would see knowledge of the unexpectedly large 21-member human connexin family grow to reflect unique and overlapping expression patterns in all organ systems. While connexin biology initially focused on their role in constructing highly regulated intercellular channels, this was destined to change as discoveries revealed that connexin hemichannels at the cell surface had novel roles in many cell types, especially when considering connexin pathologies. Acceptance of connexins as having bifunctional channel properties was initially met with some resistance, which has given way in recent years to the premise that connexins have multifunctional properties. Depending on the connexin isoform and cell of origin, connexins have wide-ranging half-lives that vary from a couple of hours to the life expectancy of the cell. Diversity in connexin channel characteristics and molecular properties were further revealed by X-ray crystallography and single-particle cryo-EM. New avenues have seen connexins or connexin fragments playing roles in cell adhesion, tunneling nanotubes, extracellular vesicles, mitochondrial membranes, transcription regulation, and in other emerging cellular functions. These discoveries were largely linked to Cx43, which is prominent in most human organs. Here, we will review the evolution of knowledge on connexin expression in human adults and more recent evidence linking connexins to a highly diverse array of cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu A Lucaciu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie E Leighton
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandra Hauser
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan Yee
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dale W Laird
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Cárdenas-García SP, Ijaz S, Pereda AE. The components of an electrical synapse as revealed by expansion microscopy of a single synaptic contact. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.25.550347. [PMID: 37546897 PMCID: PMC10402082 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.25.550347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Most nervous systems combine both transmitter-mediated and direct cell-cell communication, known as 'chemical' and 'electrical' synapses, respectively. Chemical synapses can be identified by their multiple structural components. Electrical synapses are, on the other hand, generally defined by the presence of a 'gap junction' (a cluster of intercellular channels) between two neuronal processes. However, while gap junctions provide the communicating mechanism, it is unknown whether electrical transmission requires the contribution of additional cellular structures. We investigated this question at identifiable single synaptic contacts on the zebrafish Mauthner cells, at which gap junctions coexist with specializations for neurotransmitter release and where the contact defines the anatomical limits of a synapse. Expansion microscopy of these contacts revealed a detailed map of the incidence and spatial distribution of proteins pertaining to various synaptic structures. Multiple gap junctions of variable size were identified by the presence of their molecular components. Remarkably, most of the synaptic contact's surface was occupied by interleaving gap junctions and components of adherens junctions, suggesting a close functional association between these two structures. In contrast, glutamate receptors were confined to small peripheral portions of the contact, indicating that most of the synaptic area works as an electrical synapse. Thus, our results revealed the overarching organization of an electrical synapse that operates with not one, but multiple gap junctions, in close association with structural and signaling molecules known to be components of AJs. The relationship between these intercellular structures will aid in establishing the boundaries of electrical synapses found throughout animal connectomes and provide insight into the structural organization and functional diversity of electrical synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra P. Cárdenas-García
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Sundas Ijaz
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Alberto E. Pereda
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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Scott H, Dong L, Stevenson A, MacDonald AI, Srinivasan S, Massimi P, Banks L, Martin PE, Johnstone SR, Graham SV. The human discs large protein 1 interacts with and maintains connexin 43 at the plasma membrane in keratinocytes. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs259984. [PMID: 37288673 PMCID: PMC10309592 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259984] [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: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junction channels, composed of connexins, allow direct cell-to-cell communication. Connexin 43 (Cx43; also known as GJA1) is widely expressed in tissues, including the epidermis. In a previous study of human papillomavirus-positive cervical epithelial tumour cells, we identified Cx43 as a binding partner of the human homologue of Drosophila Discs large (Dlg1; also known as SAP97). Dlg1 is a member of the membrane associated-guanylate kinase (MAGUK) scaffolding protein family, which is known to control cell shape and polarity. Here, we show that Cx43 also interacts with Dlg1 in uninfected keratinocytes in vitro and in keratinocytes, dermal cells and adipocytes in normal human epidermis in vivo. Depletion of Dlg1 in keratinocytes did not alter Cx43 transcription but was associated with a reduction in Cx43 protein levels. Reduced Dlg1 levels in keratinocytes resulted in a reduction in Cx43 at the plasma membrane with a concomitant reduction in gap junctional intercellular communication and relocation of Cx43 to the Golgi compartment. Our data suggest a key role for Dlg1 in maintaining Cx43 at the plasma membrane in keratinocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Scott
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Li Dong
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Andrew Stevenson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Alasdair I. MacDonald
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Sharmila Srinivasan
- Translation Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Paola Massimi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lawrence Banks
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Patricia E. Martin
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
| | - Scott R. Johnstone
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke VA 24016, USA
| | - Sheila V. Graham
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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Serra R, Simard JM. Adherens, tight, and gap junctions in ependymal cells: A systematic review of their contribution to CSF-brain barrier. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1092205. [PMID: 37034077 PMCID: PMC10079940 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1092205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The movement of fluids and solutes across the ependymal barrier, and their changes in physiologic and disease states are poorly understood. This gap in knowledge contributes strongly to treatment failures and complications in various neurological disorders. Methods We systematically searched and reviewed original research articles treating ependymal intercellular junctions on PubMed. Reviews, opinion papers, and abstracts were excluded. Research conducted on tissue samples, cell lines, CSF, and animal models was considered. Results A total of 45 novel articles treating tight, adherens and gap junctions of the ependyma were included in our review, spanning from 1960 to 2022. The findings of this review point toward a central and not yet fully characterized role of the ependymal lining ultrastructure in fluid flow interactions in the brain. In particular, tight junctions circumferentially line the apical equator of ependymal cells, changing between embryonal and adult life in several rodent models, shaping fluid and solute transit in this location. Further, adherens and gap junctions appear to have a pivotal role in several forms of congenital hydrocephalus. Conclusions These findings may provide an opportunity for medical management of CSF disorders, potentially allowing for tuning of CSF secretion and absorption. Beyond hydrocephalus, stroke, trauma, this information has relevance for metabolite clearance and drug delivery, with potential to affect many patients with a variety of neurological disorders. This critical look at intercellular junctions in ependyma and the surrounding interstitial spaces is meant to inspire future research on a central and rather unknown component of the CSF-brain interface.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Serra
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Riccardo Serra
| | - J. Marc Simard
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Zlomuzica A, Plank L, Dere E. A new path to mental disorders: Through gap junction channels and hemichannels. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104877. [PMID: 36116574 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104877] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral disturbances related to emotional regulation, reward processing, cognition, sleep-wake regulation and activity/movement represent core symptoms of most common mental disorders. Increasing empirical and theoretical evidence suggests that normal functioning of these behavioral domains relies on fine graded coordination of neural and glial networks which are maintained and modulated by intercellular gap junction channels and unapposed pannexin or connexin hemichannels. Dysfunctions in these networks might contribute to the development and maintenance of psychopathological and neurobiological features associated with mental disorders. Here we review and discuss the evidence indicating a prominent role of gap junction channel and hemichannel dysfunction in core symptoms of mental disorders. We further discuss how the increasing knowledge on intercellular gap junction channels and unapposed pannexin or connexin hemichannels in the brain might lead to deeper mechanistic insight in common mental disorders and to the development of novel treatment approaches. We further attempt to exemplify what type of future research on this topic could be integrated into multidimensional approaches to understand and cure mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Zlomuzica
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Laurin Plank
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ekrem Dere
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany; Sorbonne Université. Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, (IBPS), Département UMR 8256: Adaptation Biologique et Vieillissement, UFR des Sciences de la Vie, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Bâtiment B, 9 quai Saint Bernard, F-75005 Paris, France.
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Rauf A, Badoni H, Abu-Izneid T, Olatunde A, Rahman MM, Painuli S, Semwal P, Wilairatana P, Mubarak MS. Neuroinflammatory Markers: Key Indicators in the Pathology of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27103194. [PMID: 35630670 PMCID: PMC9146652 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27103194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation, a protective response of the central nervous system (CNS), is associated with the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. The CNS is composed of neurons and glial cells consisting of microglia, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes. Entry of any foreign pathogen activates the glial cells (astrocytes and microglia) and overactivation of these cells triggers the release of various neuroinflammatory markers (NMs), such as the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-1β (IL-10), nitric oxide (NO), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), among others. Various studies have shown the role of neuroinflammatory markers in the occurrence, diagnosis, and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. These markers also trigger the formation of various other factors responsible for causing several neuronal diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), Huntington’s disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), ischemia, and several others. This comprehensive review aims to reveal the mechanism of neuroinflammatory markers (NMs), which could cause different neurodegenerative disorders. Important NMs may represent pathophysiologic processes leading to the generation of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, various molecular alterations related to neurodegenerative diseases are discussed. Identifying these NMs may assist in the early diagnosis and detection of therapeutic targets for treating various neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdur Rauf
- Department of Chemistry, University of Swabi, Anbar 23561, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.W.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Himani Badoni
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Applied and Life Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Premnagar, Dehradun 248006, India;
| | - Tareq Abu-Izneid
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University for Science and Technology, Al Ain 64141, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Ahmed Olatunde
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi 740272, Nigeria;
| | - Md. Mominur Rahman
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh;
| | - Sakshi Painuli
- Uttarakhand Council for Biotechnology (UCB), Premnagar, Dehradun 248007, India;
| | - Prabhakar Semwal
- Department of Life Sciences, Graphic Era (Deemed To Be University), Dehradun 248002, India;
| | - Polrat Wilairatana
- Department of Clinical Tropical Medicine, Faculty of Tropical Medicine, Mahidol University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.W.); (M.S.M.)
| | - Mohammad S. Mubarak
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (P.W.); (M.S.M.)
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King DR, Sedovy MW, Leng X, Xue J, Lamouille S, Koval M, Isakson BE, Johnstone SR. Mechanisms of Connexin Regulating Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910186. [PMID: 34638526 PMCID: PMC8507914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJ) and connexins play integral roles in cellular physiology and have been found to be involved in multiple pathophysiological states from cancer to cardiovascular disease. Studies over the last 60 years have demonstrated the utility of altering GJ signaling pathways in experimental models, which has led to them being attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. A number of different mechanisms have been proposed to regulate GJ signaling, including channel blocking, enhancing channel open state, and disrupting protein-protein interactions. The primary mechanism for this has been through the design of numerous peptides as therapeutics, that are either currently in early development or are in various stages of clinical trials. Despite over 25 years of research into connexin targeting peptides, the overall mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. In this overview, we discuss published connexin targeting peptides, their reported mechanisms of action, and the potential for these molecules in the treatment of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Ryan King
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Meghan W. Sedovy
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Xinyan Leng
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Jianxiang Xue
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (J.X.); (B.E.I.)
| | - Samy Lamouille
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Michael Koval
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Brant E. Isakson
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (J.X.); (B.E.I.)
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Scott R. Johnstone
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
- Correspondence:
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Retamal MA, Fernandez-Olivares A, Stehberg J. Over-activated hemichannels: A possible therapeutic target for human diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166232. [PMID: 34363932 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In our body, all the cells are constantly sharing chemical and electrical information with other cells. This intercellular communication allows them to respond in a concerted way to changes in the extracellular milieu. Connexins are transmembrane proteins that have the particularity of forming two types of channels; hemichannels and gap junction channels. Under normal conditions, hemichannels allow the controlled release of signaling molecules to the extracellular milieu. However, under certain pathological conditions, over-activated hemichannels can induce and/or exacerbate symptoms. In the last decade, great efforts have been put into developing new tools that can modulate these over-activated hemichannels. Small molecules, antibodies and mimetic peptides have shown a potential for the treatment of human diseases. In this review, we summarize recent findings in the field of hemichannel modulation via specific tools, and how these tools could improve patient outcome in certain pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio A Retamal
- Universidad del Desarrollo, Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Santiago, Chile; Universidad del Desarrollo, Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Santiago, Chile.
| | | | - Jimmy Stehberg
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de medicina y Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
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Yang Y, Liu W, Wei J, Cui Y, Zhang D, Xie J. Transforming growth factor-β1-induced N-cadherin drives cell-cell communication through connexin43 in osteoblast lineage. Int J Oral Sci 2021; 13:15. [PMID: 33850101 PMCID: PMC8044142 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-021-00119-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junction (GJ) has been indicated to have an intimate correlation with adhesion junction. However, the direct interaction between them partially remains elusive. In the current study, we aimed to elucidate the role of N-cadherin, one of the core components in adhesion junction, in mediating connexin 43, one of the functional constituents in gap junction, via transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1) induction in osteoblasts. We first elucidated the expressions of N-cadherin induced by TGF-β1 and also confirmed the upregulation of Cx43, and the enhancement of functional gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) triggered by TGF-β1 in both primary osteoblasts and MC3T3 cell line. Colocalization analysis and Co-IP experimentation showed that N-cadherin interacts with Cx43 at the site of cell-cell contact. Knockdown of N-cadherin by siRNA interference decreased the Cx43 expression and abolished the promoting effect of TGF-β1 on Cx43. Functional GJICs in living primary osteoblasts and MC3T3 cell line were also reduced. TGF-β1-induced increase in N-cadherin and Cx43 was via Smad3 activation, whereas knockdown of Smad3 signaling by using siRNA decreased the expressions of both N-cadherin and Cx43. Overall, these data indicate the direct interactions between N-cadherin and Cx43, and reveal the intervention of adhesion junction in functional gap junction in living osteoblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - JieYa Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujia Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Demao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Research Unit of Oral Carcinogenesis and Management & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Harnessing the therapeutic potential of antibodies targeting connexin hemichannels. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166047. [PMID: 33418036 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.166047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connexin hemichannels have been implicated in pathology-promoting conditions, including inflammation, numerous widespread human diseases, including cancer and diabetes, and several rare diseases linked to pathological point mutations. METHODS We analysed the literature focusing on antibodies capable of modulating hemichannel function, highlighting generation methods, applications to basic biomedical research and translational potential. RESULTS Anti-hemichannel antibodies generated over the past 3 decades targeted mostly connexin 43, with a focus on cancer treatment. A slow transition from relatively unselective polyclonal antibodies to more selective monoclonal antibodies resulted in few products with interesting characteristics that are under evaluation for clinical trials. Selection of antibodies from combinatorial phage-display libraries, has permitted to engineer a monoclonal antibody that binds to and blocks pathological hemichannels formed by connexin 26, 30 and 32. CONCLUSIONS All known antibodies that modulate connexin hemichannels target the two small extracellular loops of the connexin proteins. The extracellular region of different connexins is highly conserved, and few residues of each connexins are exposed. The search for new antibodies may develop an unprecedented potential for therapeutic applications, as it may benefit tremendously from novel whole-cell screening platforms that permit in situ selection of antibodies against membrane proteins in native state. The demonstrated efficacy of mAbs in reaching and modulating hemichannels in vivo, together with their relative specificity for connexins overlapping epitopes, should hopefully stimulate an interest for widening the scope of anti-hemichannel antibodies. There is no shortage of currently incurable diseases for which therapeutic intervention may benefit from anti-hemichannel antibodies capable of modulating hemichannel function selectively and specifically.
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Ouabain Promotes Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication in Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010358. [PMID: 33396341 PMCID: PMC7801950 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are molecular structures that allow communication between neighboring cells. It has been shown that gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is notoriously reduced in cancer cells compared to their normal counterparts. Ouabain, a plant derived substance, widely known for its therapeutic properties on the heart, has been shown to play a role in several types of cancer, although its mechanism of action is not yet fully understood. Since we have previously shown that ouabain enhances GJIC in epithelial cells (MDCK), here we probed whether ouabain affects GJIC in a variety of cancer cell lines, including cervico-uterine (CasKi, SiHa and Hela), breast (MDA-MB-321 and MCF7), lung (A549), colon (SW480) and pancreas (HPAF-II). For this purpose, we conducted dye transfer assays to measure and compare GJIC in monolayers of cells with and without treatment with ouabain (0.1, 1, 10, 50 and 500 nM). We found that ouabain induces a statistically significant enhancement of GJIC in all of these cancer cell lines, albeit with distinct sensitivity. Additionally, we show that synthesis of new nucleotides or protein subunits is not required, and that Csrc, ErK1/2 and ROCK-Rho mediate the signaling mechanisms. These results may contribute to explaining how ouabain influences cancer.
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Muscarella AM, Dai W, Mitchell PG, Zhang W, Wang H, Jia L, Stossi F, Mancini MA, Chiu W, Zhang XHF. Unique cellular protrusions mediate breast cancer cell migration by tethering to osteogenic cells. NPJ Breast Cancer 2020; 6:42. [PMID: 32964116 PMCID: PMC7477119 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-020-00183-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Migration and invasion are key properties of metastatic cancer cells. These properties can be acquired through intrinsic reprogramming processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition. In this study, we discovered an alternative "migration-by-tethering" mechanism through which cancer cells gain the momentum to migrate by adhering to mesenchymal stem cells or osteoblasts. This tethering is mediated by both heterotypic adherens junctions and gap junctions, and leads to a unique cellular protrusion supported by cofilin-coated actin filaments. Inhibition of gap junctions or depletion of cofilin reduces migration-by-tethering. We observed evidence of these protrusions in bone segments harboring experimental and spontaneous bone metastasis in animal models. These data exemplify how cancer cells may acquire migratory ability without intrinsic reprogramming. Furthermore, given the important roles of osteogenic cells in early-stage bone colonization, our observations raise the possibility that migration-by-tethering may drive the relocation of disseminated tumor cells between different niches in the bone microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Muscarella
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Graduate Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Institute for Quantitative Biomedicine, Rutgers University, 174 Frelinghuysen Road, Piscataway, NJ 08854 USA
| | - Patrick G. Mitchell
- Graduate Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- National Center for Macromolecular Imaging, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Weijie Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Hai Wang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Luyu Jia
- Graduate Program in Integrative Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Fabio Stossi
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Michael A. Mancini
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Wah Chiu
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305 USA
| | - Xiang H.-F. Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
- McNair Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030 USA
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13
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Dere D, Zlomuzica A, Dere E. Channels to consciousness: a possible role of gap junctions in consciousness. Rev Neurosci 2020; 32:/j/revneuro.ahead-of-print/revneuro-2020-0012/revneuro-2020-0012.xml. [PMID: 32853172 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The neurophysiological basis of consciousness is still unknown and one of the most challenging questions in the field of neuroscience and related disciplines. We propose that consciousness is characterized by the maintenance of mental representations of internal and external stimuli for the execution of cognitive operations. Consciousness cannot exist without working memory, and it is likely that consciousness and working memory share the same neural substrates. Here, we present a novel psychological and neurophysiological framework that explains the role of consciousness for cognition, adaptive behavior, and everyday life. A hypothetical architecture of consciousness is presented that is organized as a system of operation and storage units named platforms that are controlled by a consciousness center (central executive/online platform). Platforms maintain mental representations or contents, are entrusted with different executive functions, and operate at different levels of consciousness. The model includes conscious-mode central executive/online and mental time travel platforms and semiconscious steady-state and preconscious standby platforms. Mental representations or contents are represented by neural circuits and their support cells (astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, etc.) and become conscious when neural circuits reverberate, that is, fire sequentially and continuously with relative synchronicity. Reverberatory activity in neural circuits may be initiated and maintained by pacemaker cells/neural circuit pulsars, enhanced electronic coupling via gap junctions, and unapposed hemichannel opening. The central executive/online platform controls which mental representations or contents should become conscious by recruiting pacemaker cells/neural network pulsars, the opening of hemichannels, and promoting enhanced neural circuit coupling via gap junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorothea Dere
- Département UMR 8256 Adaptation Biologique et Vieillissement, Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, (IBPS), UFR des Sciences de la Vie, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Bâtiment B, 9 quai Saint Bernard, F-75005 Paris Cedex, France
| | - Armin Zlomuzica
- Faculty of Psychology, Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, University of Bochum, Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ekrem Dere
- Département UMR 8256 Adaptation Biologique et Vieillissement, Sorbonne Université, Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, (IBPS), UFR des Sciences de la Vie, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Bâtiment B, 9 quai Saint Bernard, F-75005 Paris Cedex, France
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14
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Angé M, Castanares-Zapatero D, De Poortere J, Dufeys C, Courtoy GE, Bouzin C, Quarck R, Bertrand L, Beauloye C, Horman S. α1AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Protects against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endothelial Barrier Disruption via Junctional Reinforcement and Activation of the p38 MAPK/HSP27 Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21155581. [PMID: 32759774 PMCID: PMC7432762 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular hyperpermeability is a determinant factor in the pathophysiology of sepsis. While, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is known to play a role in maintaining endothelial barrier function in this condition. Therefore, we investigated the underlying molecular mechanisms of this protective effect. α1AMPK expression and/or activity was modulated in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells using either α1AMPK-targeting small interfering RNA or the direct pharmacological AMPK activator 991, prior to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. Western blotting was used to analyze the expression and/or phosphorylation of proteins that compose cellular junctions (zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-Cad), connexin 43 (Cx43)) or that regulate actin cytoskeleton (p38 MAPK; heat shock protein 27 (HSP27)). Functional endothelial permeability was assessed by in vitro Transwell assays, and quantification of cellular junctions in the plasma membrane was assessed by immunofluorescence. Actin cytoskeleton remodeling was evaluated through actin fluorescent staining. We consequently demonstrate that α1AMPK deficiency is associated with reduced expression of CX43, ZO-1, and VE-Cad, and that the drastic loss of CX43 is likely responsible for the subsequent decreased expression and localization of ZO-1 and VE-Cad in the plasma membrane. Moreover, α1AMPK activation by 991 protects against LPS-induced endothelial barrier disruption by reinforcing cortical actin cytoskeleton. This is due to a mechanism that involves the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK and HSP27, which is nonetheless independent of the small GTPase Rac1. This results in a drastic decrease of LPS-induced hyperpermeability. We conclude that α1AMPK activators that are suitable for clinical use may provide a specific therapeutic intervention that limits sepsis-induced vascular leakage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Angé
- Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (M.A.); (D.C.-Z.); (J.D.P.); (C.D.); (L.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Diego Castanares-Zapatero
- Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (M.A.); (D.C.-Z.); (J.D.P.); (C.D.); (L.B.); (C.B.)
- Division of Intensive Care, Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Julien De Poortere
- Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (M.A.); (D.C.-Z.); (J.D.P.); (C.D.); (L.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Cécile Dufeys
- Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (M.A.); (D.C.-Z.); (J.D.P.); (C.D.); (L.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Guillaume E. Courtoy
- IREC Imaging Platform, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (G.E.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Caroline Bouzin
- IREC Imaging Platform, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (G.E.C.); (C.B.)
| | - Rozenn Quarck
- Department of Chronic Diseases & Metabolism (CHROMETA), Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases & Thoracic Surgery (BREATHE), KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Luc Bertrand
- Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (M.A.); (D.C.-Z.); (J.D.P.); (C.D.); (L.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Christophe Beauloye
- Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (M.A.); (D.C.-Z.); (J.D.P.); (C.D.); (L.B.); (C.B.)
- Division of Cardiology, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sandrine Horman
- Pôle de Recherche Cardiovasculaire (CARD), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), 1200 Brussels, Belgium; (M.A.); (D.C.-Z.); (J.D.P.); (C.D.); (L.B.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-2-764-55-66
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15
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Starich TA, Bai X, Greenstein D. Gap junctions deliver malonyl-CoA from soma to germline to support embryogenesis in Caenorhabditis elegans. eLife 2020; 9:58619. [PMID: 32735213 PMCID: PMC7445009 DOI: 10.7554/elife.58619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are ubiquitous in metazoans and play critical roles in important biological processes, including electrical conduction and development. Yet, only a few defined molecules passing through gap junction channels have been linked to specific functions. We isolated gap junction channel mutants that reduce coupling between the soma and germ cells in the Caenorhabditis elegans gonad. We provide evidence that malonyl-CoA, the rate-limiting substrate for fatty acid synthesis (FAS), is produced in the soma and delivered through gap junctions to the germline; there it is used in fatty acid synthesis to critically support embryonic development. Separation of malonyl-CoA production from its site of utilization facilitates somatic control of germline development. Additionally, we demonstrate that loss of malonyl-CoA production in the intestine negatively impacts germline development independently of FAS. Our results suggest that metabolic outsourcing of malonyl-CoA may be a strategy by which the soma communicates nutritional status to the germline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd A Starich
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
| | - Xiaofei Bai
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, United States
| | - David Greenstein
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, United States
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16
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Lou X, Zhao M, Fan C, Fast VG, Valarmathi MT, Zhu W, Zhang J. N-cadherin overexpression enhances the reparative potency of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac myocytes in infarcted mouse hearts. Cardiovasc Res 2020; 116:671-685. [PMID: 31350544 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvz179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS In regenerative medicine, cellular cardiomyoplasty is one of the promising options for treating myocardial infarction (MI); however, the efficacy of such treatment has shown to be limited due to poor survival and/or functional integration of implanted cells. Within the heart, the adhesion between cardiac myocytes (CMs) is mediated by N-cadherin (CDH2) and is critical for the heart to function as an electromechanical syncytium. In this study, we have investigated whether the reparative potency of human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiac myocytes (hiPSC-CMs) can be enhanced through CDH2 overexpression. METHODS AND RESULTS CDH2-hiPSC-CMs and control wild-type (WT)-hiPSC-CMs were cultured in myogenic differentiation medium for 28 days. Using a mouse MI model, the cell survival/engraftment rate, infarct size, and cardiac functions were evaluated post-MI, at Day 7 or Day 28. In vitro, conduction velocities were significantly greater in CDH2-hiPSC-CMs than in WT-hiPSC-CMs. While, in vivo, measurements of cardiac functions: left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction, reduction in infarct size, and the cell engraftment rate were significantly higher in CDH2-hiPSC-CMs treated MI group than in WT-hiPSC-CMs treated MI group. Mechanistically, paracrine activation of ERK signal transduction pathway by CDH2-hiPSC-CMs, significantly induced neo-vasculogenesis, resulting in a higher survival of implanted cells. CONCLUSION Collectively, these data suggest that CDH2 overexpression enhances not only the survival/engraftment of cultured CDH2-hiPSC-CMs, but also the functional integration of these cells, consequently, the augmentation of the reparative properties of implanted CDH2-hiPSC-CMs in the failing hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Lou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Boulevard, Volker Hall G094J, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Meng Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Boulevard, Volker Hall G094J, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Chengming Fan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Boulevard, Volker Hall G094J, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Vladimir G Fast
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Boulevard, Volker Hall G094J, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Mani T Valarmathi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Boulevard, Volker Hall G094J, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Wuqiang Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Boulevard, Volker Hall G094J, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jianyi Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Boulevard, Volker Hall G094J, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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17
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Green KJ, Jaiganesh A, Broussard JA. Desmosomes: Essential contributors to an integrated intercellular junction network. F1000Res 2019; 8. [PMID: 31942240 PMCID: PMC6944264 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.20942.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of adhesive connections between cells was critical for the evolution of multicellularity and for organizing cells into complex organs with discrete compartments. Four types of intercellular junction are present in vertebrates: desmosomes, adherens junctions, tight junctions, and gap junctions. All are essential for the development of the embryonic layers and organs as well as adult tissue homeostasis. While each junction type is defined as a distinct entity, it is now clear that they cooperate physically and functionally to create a robust and functionally diverse system. During evolution, desmosomes first appeared in vertebrates as highly specialized regions at the plasma membrane that couple the intermediate filament cytoskeleton at points of strong cell–cell adhesion. Here, we review how desmosomes conferred new mechanical and signaling properties to vertebrate cells and tissues through their interactions with the existing junctional and cytoskeletal network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen J Green
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Avinash Jaiganesh
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joshua A Broussard
- Departments of Pathology and Dermatology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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18
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Chatterjee D, Fatah M, Akdis D, Spears DA, Koopmann TT, Mittal K, Rafiq MA, Cattanach BM, Zhao Q, Healey JS, Ackerman MJ, Bos JM, Sun Y, Maynes JT, Brunckhorst C, Medeiros-Domingo A, Duru F, Saguner AM, Hamilton RM. An autoantibody identifies arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and participates in its pathogenesis. Eur Heart J 2019; 39:3932-3944. [PMID: 30239670 DOI: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehy567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is characterized by right ventricular myocardial replacement and life-threatening ventricular arrhythmias. Desmosomal gene mutations are sometimes identified, but clinical and genetic diagnosis remains challenging. Desmosomal skin disorders can be caused by desmosomal gene mutations or autoantibodies. We sought to determine if anti-desmosome antibodies are present in subjects with ARVC. Methods and results We evaluated ARVC subjects and controls for antibodies to cardiac desmosomal cadherin proteins. Desmoglein-2 (DSG2), desmocollin-2, and N-cadherin proteins on western blots were exposed to sera, in primary and validation cohorts of subjects and controls, as well as the naturally occurring Boxer dog model of ARVC. We identified anti-DSG2 antibodies in 12/12 and 25/25 definite ARVC cohorts and 7/8 borderline subjects. Antibody was absent in 11/12, faint in 1/12, and absent in 20/20 of two control cohorts. Anti-DSG2 antibodies were present in 10/10 Boxer dogs with ARVC, and absent in 18/18 without. In humans, the level of anti-DSG2 antibodies correlated with the burden of premature ventricular contractions (r = 0.70), and antibodies caused gap junction dysfunction, a common feature of ARVC, in vitro. Anti-DSG2 antibodies were present in ARVC subjects regardless of whether an underlying mutation was identified, or which mutation was present. A disease-specific DSG2 epitope was identified. Conclusion Anti-DSG2 antibodies are a sensitive and specific biomarker for ARVC. The development of autoimmunity as a result of target-related mutations is unique. Anti-DSG2 antibodies likely explain the cardiac inflammation that is frequently identified in ARVC and may represent a new therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diptendu Chatterjee
- The Labatt Family Heart Centre (Department of Pediatrics) and Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children & Research Institute and the University of Toronto, Room 1725D, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meena Fatah
- The Labatt Family Heart Centre (Department of Pediatrics) and Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children & Research Institute and the University of Toronto, Room 1725D, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deniz Akdis
- Zurich ARVC Program, University Heart Centre Zurich Department of Cardiology, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Danna A Spears
- University Health Network, Toronto General Hospital Electrophysiology Department, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tamara T Koopmann
- The Labatt Family Heart Centre (Department of Pediatrics) and Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children & Research Institute and the University of Toronto, Room 1725D, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kirti Mittal
- The Labatt Family Heart Centre (Department of Pediatrics) and Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children & Research Institute and the University of Toronto, Room 1725D, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Muhammad A Rafiq
- The Labatt Family Heart Centre (Department of Pediatrics) and Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children & Research Institute and the University of Toronto, Room 1725D, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bruce M Cattanach
- MRC Mammalian Genetics Unit, MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Science and Innovation Campus, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Qili Zhao
- University of Toronto Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Kings College Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeff S Healey
- Population Health Research Institute and McMaster University Department of Medicine (Division of Cardiology), 237 Barton Street East, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael J Ackerman
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Johan Martijn Bos
- Mayo Clinic College of Medicine Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Yu Sun
- University of Toronto Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Kings College Road, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Rosebrugh Building (RS), 164 College Street, Room 40, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason T Maynes
- The Hospital for Sick Children and the University of Toronto Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Corinna Brunckhorst
- Zurich ARVC Program, University Heart Centre Zurich Department of Cardiology, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Firat Duru
- Zurich ARVC Program, University Heart Centre Zurich Department of Cardiology, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland.,Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstr. 190, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ardan M Saguner
- Zurich ARVC Program, University Heart Centre Zurich Department of Cardiology, Rämistrasse 100, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Robert M Hamilton
- The Labatt Family Heart Centre (Department of Pediatrics) and Translational Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children & Research Institute and the University of Toronto, Room 1725D, 555 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Wang J, Yang ZY, Guo YF, Kuang JY, Bian XW, Yu SC. Targeting different domains of gap junction protein to control malignant glioma. Neuro Oncol 2019; 20:885-896. [PMID: 29106645 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nox207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
A rational treatment strategy for glioma, the most common primary central nervous system tumor, should focus on early invasive growth and resistance to current therapeutics. Connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein, plays important roles not only in the development of the central nervous system and but also in the progression of glioma. The different structural domains of Cx43, including extracellular loops, transmembrane domains, and an intracellular carboxyl terminal, have distinct functions in the invasion and proliferation of gliomas. Targeting these domains of Cx43, which is expressed in distinct patterns in the heterogeneous glioma cell population, can inhibit tumor cell invasion and new tumor formation. Thus, this review summarizes the structural characteristics of Cx43, the effects of regulating different Cx43 domains on the biological characteristics of glioma cells, intervention strategies targeting different domains of Cx43, and future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Pathology of the Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Ze-Yu Yang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Pathology of the Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu-Feng Guo
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Pathology of the Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Jing-Ya Kuang
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Pathology of the Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiu-Wu Bian
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Pathology of the Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
| | - Shi-Cang Yu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Pathology of the Ministry of Education, Chongqing, China
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20
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Cerrone M, Remme CA, Tadros R, Bezzina CR, Delmar M. Beyond the One Gene-One Disease Paradigm: Complex Genetics and Pleiotropy in Inheritable Cardiac Disorders. Circulation 2019; 140:595-610. [PMID: 31403841 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.118.035954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Inheritable cardiac disorders, which may be associated with cardiomyopathic changes, are often associated with increased risk of sudden death in the young. Early linkage analysis studies in Mendelian forms of these diseases, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and long-QT syndrome, uncovered large-effect genetic variants that contribute to the phenotype. In more recent years, through genotype-phenotype studies and methodological advances in genetics, it has become evident that most inheritable cardiac disorders are not monogenic but, rather, have a complex genetic basis wherein multiple genetic variants contribute (oligogenic or polygenic inheritance). Conversely, studies on genes underlying these disorders uncovered pleiotropic effects, with a single gene affecting multiple and apparently unrelated phenotypes. In this review, we explore these 2 phenomena: on the one hand, the evidence that variants in multiple genes converge to generate one clinical phenotype, and, on the other, the evidence that variants in one gene can lead to apparently unrelated phenotypes. Although multiple conditions are addressed to illustrate these concepts, the experience obtained in the study of long-QT syndrome, Brugada syndrome, and arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and in the study of functions related to SCN5A (the gene coding for the α-subunit of the most abundant sodium channel in the heart) and PKP2 (the gene coding for the desmosomal protein plakophilin-2), as well, is discussed in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Cerrone
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology (M.C., M.D.), NYU School of Medicine, New York.,Inherited Arrhythmias Clinic and Heart Rhythm Center, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology (M.C.), NYU School of Medicine, New York
| | - Carol Ann Remme
- Inherited Arrhythmias Clinic and Heart Rhythm Center, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology (M.C.), NYU School of Medicine, New York
| | - Rafik Tadros
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Clinical and Experimental Cardiology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, AMC Heart Center, The Netherlands (C.A.R., C.R.B.)
| | - Connie R Bezzina
- Inherited Arrhythmias Clinic and Heart Rhythm Center, Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology (M.C.), NYU School of Medicine, New York
| | - Mario Delmar
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology (M.C., M.D.), NYU School of Medicine, New York
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21
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Ziraldo G, Buratto D, Kuang Y, Xu L, Carrer A, Nardin C, Chiani F, Salvatore AM, Paludetti G, Lerner RA, Yang G, Zonta F, Mammano F. A Human-Derived Monoclonal Antibody Targeting Extracellular Connexin Domain Selectively Modulates Hemichannel Function. Front Physiol 2019; 10:392. [PMID: 31263420 PMCID: PMC6584803 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00392] [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: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin hemichannels, which are plasma membrane hexameric channels (connexons) composed of connexin protein protomers, have been implicated in a host of physiological processes and pathological conditions. A number of single point pathological mutations impart a “leaky” character to the affected hemichannels, i.e., make them more active or hyperactive, suggesting that normal physiological condition could be recovered using selective hemichannel inhibitors. Recently, a human-derived monoclonal antibody named abEC1.1 has been shown to inhibit both wild type and hyperactive hemichannels composed of human (h) connexin 26 (hCx26) subunits. The aims of this work were (1) to characterize further the ability of abEC1.1 to selectively modulate connexin hemichannel function and (2) to assess its in vitro stability in view of future translational applications. In silico analysis of abEC1.1 interaction with the hCx26 hemichannel identified critically important extracellular domain amino acids that are conserved in connexin 30 (hCx30) and connexin 32 (hCx32). Patch clamp experiments performed in HeLa DH cells confirmed the inhibition efficiency of abEC1.1 was comparable for hCx26, hCx30 and hCx32 hemichannels. Of note, even a single amino acid difference in the putative binding region reduced drastically the inhibitory effects of the antibody on all the other tested hemichannels, namely hCx30.2/31.3, hCx30.3, hCx31, hCx31.1, hCx37, hCx43 and hCx45. Plasma membrane channels composed of pannexin 1 were not affected by abEC1.1. Finally, size exclusion chromatography assays showed the antibody does not aggregate appreciably in vitro. Altogether, these results indicate abEC1.1 is a promising tool for further translational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Ziraldo
- CNR Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Monterotondo, Italy.,Institute of Otolaryngology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Damiano Buratto
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanyuan Kuang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Xu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Andrea Carrer
- CNR Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Monterotondo, Italy.,Department of Physics and Astronomy "G. Galilei", University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Nardin
- CNR Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Monterotondo, Italy.,Department of Physics and Astronomy "G. Galilei", University of Padova, Padua, Italy
| | - Francesco Chiani
- CNR Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Monterotondo, Italy
| | | | - Gaetano Paludetti
- Institute of Otolaryngology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy.,Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Richard A Lerner
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Yang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Francesco Zonta
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fabio Mammano
- CNR Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Monterotondo, Italy.,Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Physics and Astronomy "G. Galilei", University of Padova, Padua, Italy
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22
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Zhang Q, Jia GJ, Zhang GB, Wang L, Wu Z, Jia W, Hao SY, Ni M, Li D, Wang K, Zhang JT. A Logistic Regression Model for Detecting the Presence of Malignant Progression in Atypical Meningiomas. World Neurosurg 2019; 126:e392-e401. [PMID: 30822595 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2019.02.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Revised: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To develop a method to distinguish atypical meningiomas (AMs) with malignant progression (MP) from primary AMs without a clinical history. METHODS The clinical, radiologic, and pathologic data of 33 previously Simpson grade I resected (if any) as well as no radiotherapy treated intracranial AMs between January 2008 and December 2015 were reviewed. Immunohistochemical staining for connexin 43 (Cx43) and Ki-67 was performed. Descriptive analysis and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore independent predictors of MP. A multivariable logistic model was developed to estimate the risk of MP, and its diagnostic value was determined from a receiver operating characteristic curve. RESULTS There were 11 AMs (33.3%) with histopathologically confirmed MP from benign meningiomas. The other 22 (66.7%) were initially diagnosed AMs with no histopathologically confirmed MP during a median 60.5 months (range, 42-126 months) of follow-up. Univariate and multivariate logistic analyses showed that irregular tumor shape (P = 0.010) and low Cx43 expression (P = 0.010) were independent predictors of the presence of MP, and the predicted probability was calculated by the following formula: P = 1/[1+exp.{1.218-(3.202×Shape)+(3.814×Cx43)}]. P > 0.5 for an irregularly shaped (score 1) AM with low Cx43 expression (score 0) indicated a high probability of MP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and overall predictive accuracy were 63.6, 95.6, 87.5, 84.0, and 84.8%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Low Cx43 expression and irregular tumor shape were independent predictors of the presence of MP. The relevant logistic regression model was found to be effective in distinguishing MP-AMs from primary AMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Center of Brain Tumor, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Gui-Jun Jia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Center of Brain Tumor, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Guo-Bin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Center of Brain Tumor, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Center of Brain Tumor, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Center of Brain Tumor, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wang Jia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Center of Brain Tumor, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Yu Hao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Center of Brain Tumor, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Ni
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Center of Brain Tumor, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Da Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Center of Brain Tumor, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Center of Brain Tumor, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Ting Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, People's Republic of China; China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Center of Brain Tumor, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, People's Republic of China; Beijing Key Laboratory of Brain Tumor, Beijing, People's Republic of China.
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23
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Wang H, Tian L, Liu J, Goldstein A, Bado I, Zhang W, Arenkiel BR, Li Z, Yang M, Du S, Zhao H, Rowley DR, Wong STC, Gugala Z, Zhang XHF. The Osteogenic Niche Is a Calcium Reservoir of Bone Micrometastases and Confers Unexpected Therapeutic Vulnerability. Cancer Cell 2018; 34:823-839.e7. [PMID: 30423299 PMCID: PMC6239211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The fate of disseminated tumor cells is largely determined by microenvironment (ME) niche. The osteogenic niche promotes cancer cell proliferation and bone metastasis progression. We investigated the underlying mechanisms using pre-clinical models and analyses of clinical data. We discovered that the osteogenic niche serves as a calcium (Ca) reservoir for cancer cells through gap junctions. Cancer cells cannot efficiently absorb Ca from ME, but depend on osteogenic cells to increase intracellular Ca concentration. The Ca signaling, together with previously identified mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, promotes bone metastasis progression. Interestingly, effective inhibition of these pathways can be achieved by danusertib, or a combination of everolimus and arsenic trioxide, which provide possibilities of eliminating bone micrometastases using clinically established drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Wang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Lin Tian
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jun Liu
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Amit Goldstein
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Igor Bado
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Weijie Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Benjamin R Arenkiel
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; McNair Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, BCM600, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zonghai Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Meng Yang
- Department of General Surgery, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Shiyu Du
- Department of Gastroenterology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - David R Rowley
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stephen T C Wong
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Research Institute, 6670 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zbigniew Gugala
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555, USA
| | - Xiang H-F Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA; McNair Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, BCM600, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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24
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Gap junction protein Connexin-43 is a direct transcriptional regulator of N-cadherin in vivo. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3846. [PMID: 30242148 PMCID: PMC6155008 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06368-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are the primary components of gap junctions, providing direct links between cells under many physiological processes. Here, we demonstrate that in addition to this canonical role, Connexins act as transcriptional regulators. We show that Connexin 43 (Cx43) controls neural crest cell migration in vivo by directly regulating N-cadherin transcription. This activity requires interaction between Cx43 carboxy tail and the basic transcription factor-3, which drives the translocation of Cx43 tail to the nucleus. Once in the nucleus they form a complex with PolII which directly binds to the N-cadherin promoter. We found that this mechanism is conserved between amphibian and mammalian cells. Given the strong evolutionary conservation of connexins across vertebrates, this may reflect a common mechanism of gene regulation by a protein whose function was previously ascribed only to gap junctional communication. Connexins are components of gap junctions that link cells and allow intercellular communication. Here, the authors show that the Connexin 43 carboxy tail interacts with basic transcription factor-3, leading to nuclear translocation and direct regulation of N-cadherin expression and neural crest migration.
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25
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Nagy JI, Lynn BD. Structural and Intermolecular Associations Between Connexin36 and Protein Components of the Adherens Junction-Neuronal Gap Junction Complex. Neuroscience 2018; 384:241-261. [PMID: 29879437 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Intimate structural and functional relationships between gap junctions and adherens junctions have been demonstrated in peripheral tissues, but have not been thoroughly examined in the central nervous system, where adherens junctions are often found in close proximity to neuronal gap junctions. Here, we used immunofluorescence approaches to document the localization of various protein components of adherens junctions in relation to those that we have previously reported to occur at electrical synapses formed by neuronal gap junctions composed of connexin36 (Cx36). The adherens junction constituents N-cadherin and nectin-1 were frequently found to localize near or overlap with Cx36-containing gap junctions in several brain regions examined. This was also true of the adherens junction-associated proteins α-catenin and β-catenin, as well as the proteins zonula occludens-1 and AF6 (aka, afadin) that were reported constituents of both adherens junctions and gap junctions. The deployment of the protein constituents of these junctions was especially striking at somatic contacts between primary afferent neurons in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus (MesV), where the structural components of adherens junctions appeared to be maintained in connexin36 null mice. These results support emerging views concerning the multi-molecular composition of electrical synapses and raise possibilities for various structural and functional protein-protein interactions at what now can be considered the adherens junction-neuronal gap junction complex. Further, the results point to intracellular signaling pathways that could potentially contribute to the assembly, maintenance and turnover of this complex, as well as to the dynamic nature of neuronal communication at electrical synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- J I Nagy
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada.
| | - B D Lynn
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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26
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Function of Connexins in the Interaction between Glial and Vascular Cells in the Central Nervous System and Related Neurological Diseases. Neural Plast 2018; 2018:6323901. [PMID: 29983707 PMCID: PMC6015683 DOI: 10.1155/2018/6323901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal signaling together with synapse activity in the central nervous system requires a precisely regulated microenvironment. Recently, the blood-brain barrier is considered as a “neuro-glia-vascular unit,” a structural and functional compound composed of capillary endothelial cells, glial cells, pericytes, and neurons, which plays a pivotal role in maintaining the balance of the microenvironment in and out of the brain. Tight junctions and adherens junctions, which function as barriers of the blood-brain barrier, are two well-known kinds in the endothelial cell junctions. In this review, we focus on the less-concerned contribution of gap junction proteins, connexins in blood-brain barrier integrity under physio-/pathology conditions. In the neuro-glia-vascular unit, connexins are expressed in the capillary endothelial cells and prominent in astrocyte endfeet around and associated with maturation and function of the blood-brain barrier through a unique signaling pathway and an interaction with tight junction proteins. Connexin hemichannels and connexin gap junction channels contribute to the physiological or pathological progress of the blood-brain barrier; in addition, the interaction with other cell-cell-adhesive proteins is also associated with the maintenance of the blood-brain barrier. Lastly, we explore the connexins and connexin channels involved in the blood-brain barrier in neurological diseases and any programme for drug discovery or delivery to target or avoid the blood-brain barrier.
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27
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Vanslembrouck B, Kremer A, Pavie B, van Roy F, Lippens S, van Hengel J. Three-dimensional reconstruction of the intercalated disc including the intercellular junctions by applying volume scanning electron microscopy. Histochem Cell Biol 2018; 149:479-490. [PMID: 29508067 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-018-1657-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The intercalated disc (ID) contains different kinds of intercellular junctions: gap junctions (GJs), desmosomes and areae compositae, essential for adhesion and communication between adjacent cardiomyocytes. The junctions can be identified based on their morphology when imaged using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), however, only with very limited information in the z-dimension. The application of volume EM techniques can give insight into the three-dimensional (3-D) organization of complex biological structures. In this study, we generated 3-D datasets using serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) and focused ion beam SEM (FIB-SEM), the latter resulting in datasets with 5 nm isotropic voxels. We visualized cardiomyocytes in murine ventricular heart tissue and, for the first time, we could three-dimensionally reconstruct the ID including desmosomes and GJs with 5 nm precision in a large volume. Results show in three dimensions a highly folded structure of the ID, with the presence of GJs and desmosomes in both plicae and interplicae regions. We observed close contact of GJs with mitochondria and a variable spatial distribution of the junctions. Based on measurements of the shape of the intercellular junctions in 3-D, it is seen that GJs and desmosomes vary in size, depending on the region within the ID. This demonstrates that volume EM is essential to visualize morphological changes and its potential to quantitatively determine structural changes between normal and pathological conditions, e.g., cardiomyopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bieke Vanslembrouck
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Building B, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anna Kremer
- VIB BioImaging Core, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Frans van Roy
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Saskia Lippens
- VIB BioImaging Core, Ghent, Belgium
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jolanda van Hengel
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Corneel Heymanslaan 10, Building B, 9000, Ghent, Belgium.
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28
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Polyamines preserve connexin 43-mediated gap junctional communication during intracellular hypercalcemia and acidosis. Neuroreport 2018; 28:208-213. [PMID: 28134630 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000000746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Changes in the regulation, formation, and gating of connexin-based gap junction channels occur in various disorders. It has been shown that H and Ca are involved in the regulation of gap junctional communication. Ischemia-induced intracellular acidification and Ca overload lead to closure of gap junctions and inhibit an exchange by ions and small molecules throughout the network of cells in the heart, brain, and other tissues. In this study, we examined the role of the polyamines in the regulation of connexin 43 (Cx43)-based gap junction channels under elevated intracellular concentrations of hydrogen ([H]i) and calcium ([Ca]i) ions. Experiments, conducted in Novikoff and A172 human glioblastoma cells, which endogenously express Cx43, showed that polyamines prevent downregulation of Cx43-mediated gap junctional communication caused by elevated [Ca]i and [H]i, accompanying ischemic and other pathological conditions. siRNA knockdown of Cx43 significantly reduces gap junctional communication, indicating that Cx43 gap junctions are the targets for spermine regulation.
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29
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Willebrords J, Maes M, Crespo Yanguas S, Vinken M. Inhibitors of connexin and pannexin channels as potential therapeutics. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 180:144-160. [PMID: 28720428 PMCID: PMC5802387 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
While gap junctions support the exchange of a number of molecules between neighboring cells, connexin hemichannels provide communication between the cytosol and the extracellular environment of an individual cell. The latter equally holds true for channels composed of pannexin proteins, which display an architecture reminiscent of connexin hemichannels. In physiological conditions, gap junctions are usually open, while connexin hemichannels and, to a lesser extent, pannexin channels are typically closed, yet they can be activated by a number of pathological triggers. Several agents are available to inhibit channels built up by connexin and pannexin proteins, including alcoholic substances, glycyrrhetinic acid, anesthetics and fatty acids. These compounds not always strictly distinguish between gap junctions, connexin hemichannels and pannexin channels, and may have effects on other targets as well. An exception lies with mimetic peptides, which reproduce specific amino acid sequences in connexin or pannexin primary protein structure. In this paper, a state-of-the-art overview is provided on inhibitors of cellular channels consisting of connexins and pannexins with specific focus on their mode-of-action and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, Belgium.
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30
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Moncayo-Arlandi J, Brugada R. Unmasking the molecular link between arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and Brugada syndrome. Nat Rev Cardiol 2017; 14:744-756. [DOI: 10.1038/nrcardio.2017.103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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31
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Miller AC, Pereda AE. The electrical synapse: Molecular complexities at the gap and beyond. Dev Neurobiol 2017; 77:562-574. [PMID: 28170151 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions underlie electrical synaptic transmission between neurons. Generally perceived as simple intercellular channels, "electrical synapses" have demonstrated to be more functionally sophisticated and structurally complex than initially anticipated. Electrical synapses represent an assembly of multiple molecules, consisting of channels, adhesion complexes, scaffolds, regulatory machinery, and trafficking proteins, all required for their proper function and plasticity. Additionally, while electrical synapses are often viewed as strictly symmetric structures, emerging evidence has shown that some components forming electrical synapses can be differentially distributed at each side of the junction. We propose that the molecular complexity and asymmetric distribution of proteins at the electrical synapse provides rich potential for functional diversity. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 562-574, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam C Miller
- Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Biology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
| | - Alberto E Pereda
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
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Johnson RG, Le HC, Evenson K, Loberg SW, Myslajek TM, Prabhu A, Manley AM, O’Shea C, Grunenwald H, Haddican M, Fitzgerald PM, Robinson T, Cisterna BA, Sáez JC, Liu TF, Laird DW, Sheridan JD. Connexin Hemichannels: Methods for Dye Uptake and Leakage. J Membr Biol 2016; 249:713-741. [DOI: 10.1007/s00232-016-9925-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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Connexin43 hemichannels contributes to the disassembly of cell junctions through modulation of intracellular oxidative status. Redox Biol 2016; 9:198-209. [PMID: 27567473 PMCID: PMC5007435 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin (Cx) hemichannels regulate many cellular processes with little information available regarding their mechanisms. Given that many pathological factors that activate hemichannels also disrupts the integrity of cellular junctions, we speculated a potential participation of hemichannels in the regulation of cell junctions. Here we tested this hypothesis. Exposure of renal tubular epithelial cells to Ca2+-free medium led to disassembly of tight and adherens junctions, as indicated by the reduced level of ZO-1 and cadherin, disorganization of F-actin, and severe drop in transepithelial electric resistance. These changes were preceded by an activation of Cx43 hemichannels, as revealed by extracellular efflux of ATP and intracellular influx of Lucifer Yellow. Inhibition of hemichannels with chemical inhibitors or Cx43 siRNA greatly attenuated the disassembly of cell junctions. Further analysis using fetal fibroblasts derived from Cx43 wide-type (Cx43+/+), heterozygous (Cx43+/-) and knockout (Cx43-/-) littermates showed that Cx43-positive cells (Cx43+/+) exhibited more dramatic changes in cell shape, F-actin, and cadherin in response to Ca2+ depletion, as compared to Cx43-null cells (Cx43-/-). Consistently, these cells had higher level of protein carbonyl modification and phosphorylation, and much stronger activation of P38 and JNK. Hemichannel opening led to extracellular loss of the major antioxidant glutathione (GSH). Supplement of cells with exogenous GSH or inhibition of oxidative sensitive kinases largely prevented the above-mentioned changes. Taken together, our study indicates that Cx43 hemichannels promote the disassembly of cell junctions through regulation of intracellular oxidative status. The mechanisms about the coordinated regulation of cell junctions are obscure. Ca2+ depletion activates hemichannels and disrupts cell junctions. Hemichannel opening exaggerates oxidative stress via efflux of GSH. Blocking hemichannels attenuates oxidative stress and cell junction disassembly. Hemichannels regulate cell junctions via modulation of intracellular redox status.
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Al-Ghadban S, Kaissi S, Homaidan FR, Naim HY, El-Sabban ME. Cross-talk between intestinal epithelial cells and immune cells in inflammatory bowel disease. Sci Rep 2016; 6:29783. [PMID: 27417573 PMCID: PMC4945922 DOI: 10.1038/srep29783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) involves functional impairment of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), concomitant with the infiltration of the lamina propria by inflammatory cells. We explored the reciprocal paracrine and direct interaction between human IECs and macrophages (MΦ) in a co-culture system that mimics some aspects of IBD. We investigated the expression of intercellular junctional proteins in cultured IECs under inflammatory conditions and in tissues from IBD patients. IECs establish functional gap junctions with IECs and MΦ, respectively. Connexin (Cx26) and Cx43 expression in cultured IECs is augmented under inflammatory conditions; while, Cx43-associated junctional complexes partners, E-cadherin, ZO-1, and β-catenin expression is decreased. The expression of Cx26 and Cx43 in IBD tissues is redistributed to the basal membrane of IEC, which is associated with decrease in junctional complex proteins' expression, collagen type IV expression and infiltration of MΦ. These data support the notion that the combination of paracrine and hetero-cellular communication between IECs and MΦs may regulate epithelial cell function through the establishment of junctional complexes between inflammatory cells and IECs, which ultimately contribute to the dys-regulation of intestinal epithelial barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Al-Ghadban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American university of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Samira Kaissi
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American university of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Fadia R Homaidan
- Inflammation group-Nature Conservation Center (NCC) for Sustainable Futures, American University of Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Hassan Y Naim
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marwan E El-Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American university of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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Nahta R, Al-Mulla F, Al-Temaimi R, Amedei A, Andrade-Vieira R, Bay SN, Brown DG, Calaf GM, Castellino RC, Cohen-Solal KA, Colacci A, Cruickshanks N, Dent P, Di Fiore R, Forte S, Goldberg GS, Hamid RA, Krishnan H, Laird DW, Lasfar A, Marignani PA, Memeo L, Mondello C, Naus CC, Ponce-Cusi R, Raju J, Roy D, Roy R, Ryan EP, Salem HK, Scovassi AI, Singh N, Vaccari M, Vento R, Vondráček J, Wade M, Woodrick J, Bisson WH. Mechanisms of environmental chemicals that enable the cancer hallmark of evasion of growth suppression. Carcinogenesis 2015; 36 Suppl 1:S2-18. [PMID: 26106139 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgv028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
As part of the Halifax Project, this review brings attention to the potential effects of environmental chemicals on important molecular and cellular regulators of the cancer hallmark of evading growth suppression. Specifically, we review the mechanisms by which cancer cells escape the growth-inhibitory signals of p53, retinoblastoma protein, transforming growth factor-beta, gap junctions and contact inhibition. We discuss the effects of selected environmental chemicals on these mechanisms of growth inhibition and cross-reference the effects of these chemicals in other classical cancer hallmarks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Nahta
- Departments of Pharmacology and Hematology & Medical Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine and Winship Cancer Institute, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA, Department of Pathology, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada, Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA, Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences/Colorado State University/Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1680, USA, Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA, Instituto de Alta Investigacion, Universidad de Tarapaca, Arica 8097877, Chile, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA, Department of Medicine/Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1914, USA, Center for Environmental Carcinogenesis and Risk Assessment, Environmental Protection and Health Prevention Agency, Bologna 40126, Italy, Departments of Neurosurgery and Biochemistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 980033, USA, Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Polyclinic Plexus, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy, Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084-1501, USA, Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia, Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontari
| | - Fahd Al-Mulla
- Department of Pathology, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | | | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Rafaela Andrade-Vieira
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Sarah N Bay
- Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology, Graduate Division of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Dustin G Brown
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences/Colorado State University/Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1680, USA
| | - Gloria M Calaf
- Center for Radiological Research, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA, Instituto de Alta Investigacion, Universidad de Tarapaca, Arica 8097877, Chile
| | - Robert C Castellino
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Karine A Cohen-Solal
- Department of Medicine/Medical Oncology, Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08901-1914, USA
| | - Annamaria Colacci
- Center for Environmental Carcinogenesis and Risk Assessment, Environmental Protection and Health Prevention Agency, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Nichola Cruickshanks
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Biochemistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 980033, USA
| | - Paul Dent
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Biochemistry and Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 980033, USA
| | - Riccardo Di Fiore
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Polyclinic Plexus, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefano Forte
- Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy
| | - Gary S Goldberg
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084-1501, USA
| | - Roslida A Hamid
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University Putra, Serdang, Selangor 43400, Malaysia
| | - Harini Krishnan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular Biology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084-1501, USA
| | - Dale W Laird
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Ahmed Lasfar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, Piscataway, NJ 60503, USA
| | - Paola A Marignani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Lorenzo Memeo
- Mediterranean Institute of Oncology, 95029 Viagrande, Italy
| | - Chiara Mondello
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Christian C Naus
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Richard Ponce-Cusi
- Instituto de Alta Investigacion, Universidad de Tarapaca, Arica 8097877, Chile
| | - Jayadev Raju
- Toxicology Research Division, Bureau of Chemical Safety Food Directorate, Health Products and Food Branch Health Canada, Ottawa, Ontario K1A0K9, Canada
| | - Debasish Roy
- Department of Natural Science, The City University of New York at Hostos Campus, Bronx, NY 10451, USA
| | - Rabindra Roy
- Molecular Oncology Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC 20057, USA
| | - Elizabeth P Ryan
- Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences/Colorado State University/Colorado School of Public Health, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1680, USA
| | - Hosni K Salem
- Urology Dept., kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, El Manial, Cairo 12515, Egypt
| | - A Ivana Scovassi
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Neetu Singh
- Advanced Molecular Science Research Centre, King George's Medical University, Lucknow, UP 226003, India
| | - Monica Vaccari
- Center for Environmental Carcinogenesis and Risk Assessment, Environmental Protection and Health Prevention Agency, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Renza Vento
- Department of Biological, Chemical, and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Polyclinic Plexus, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy, Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Jan Vondráček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics AS CR, Brno 612 65, Czech Republic
| | - Mark Wade
- Center for Genomic Science of IIT@SEMM, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Milan 16163, Italy and
| | - Jordan Woodrick
- Molecular Oncology Program, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington DC 20057, USA
| | - William H Bisson
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Environmental Health Sciences Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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Marçal-Pessoa AF, Bassi-Branco CL, Salvatierra CDSB, Stoppiglia LF, Ignacio-Souza LM, de Lima Reis SR, Veloso RV, de Barros Reis MA, Carneiro EM, Boschero AC, Arantes VC, Latorraca MQ. A low-protein diet during pregnancy prevents modifications in intercellular communication proteins in rat islets. Biol Res 2015; 48:3. [PMID: 25654754 PMCID: PMC4362834 DOI: 10.1186/0717-6287-48-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gap junctions between β-cells participate in the precise regulation of insulin secretion. Adherens junctions and their associated proteins are required for the formation, function and structural maintenance of gap junctions. Increases in the number of the gap junctions between β-cells and enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion are observed during pregnancy. In contrast, protein restriction produces structural and functional alterations that result in poor insulin secretion in response to glucose. We investigated whether protein restriction during pregnancy affects the expression of mRNA and proteins involved in gap and adherens junctions in pancreatic islets. An isoenergetic low-protein diet (6% protein) was fed to non-pregnant or pregnant rats from day 1-15 of pregnancy, and rats fed an isocaloric normal-protein diet (17% protein) were used as controls. RESULTS The low-protein diet reduced the levels of connexin 36 and β-catenin protein in pancreatic islets. In rats fed the control diet, pregnancy increased the levels of phospho-[Ser(279/282)]-connexin 43, and it decreased the levels of connexin 36, β-catenin and beta-actin mRNA as well as the levels of connexin 36 and β-catenin protein in islets. The low-protein diet during pregnancy did not alter these mRNA and protein levels, but avoided the increase of levels of phospho-[Ser(279/282)]-connexin 43 in islets. Insulin secretion in response to 8.3 mmol/L glucose was higher in pregnant rats than in non-pregnant rats, independently of the nutritional status. CONCLUSION Short-term protein restriction during pregnancy prevented the Cx43 phosphorylation, but this event did not interfer in the insulin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Flávia Marçal-Pessoa
- Mestrado em Ciências da Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
| | - Carmen Lucia Bassi-Branco
- Departamento de Ciências Básicas em Saúde, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
| | | | - Luiz Fabrizio Stoppiglia
- Departamento de Psicologia, Instituto de Educação, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
| | - Letícia Martins Ignacio-Souza
- Departamento de Alimentos e Nutrição, Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
| | - Sílvia Regina de Lima Reis
- Departamento de Alimentos e Nutrição, Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
| | - Roberto Vilela Veloso
- Departamento de Alimentos e Nutrição, Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
| | | | - Everardo Magalhães Carneiro
- Departamento de Anatomia, Biologia Celular e Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - Antonio Carlos Boschero
- Departamento de Anatomia, Biologia Celular e Fisiologia e Biofísica, Instituto de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - Vanessa Cristina Arantes
- Departamento de Alimentos e Nutrição, Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
| | - Márcia Queiroz Latorraca
- Departamento de Alimentos e Nutrição, Faculdade de Nutrição, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso, Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brazil.
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Maternal treatment with glucocorticoids modulates gap junction protein expression in the ovine fetal brain. Neuroscience 2014; 275:248-58. [PMID: 24929069 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2014.05.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2014] [Revised: 04/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions facilitate intercellular communication and are important in brain development. Connexins (Cx) comprise a transmembrane protein family that forms gap junctions. Cx-32 is expressed in oligodendrocytes and neurons, Cx-36 in neurons, and Cx-43 in astrocytes. Although single antenatal steroid courses are recommended for fetal lung maturation, multiple courses can be given to women at recurrent risk for premature delivery. We examined the effects of single and multiple glucocorticoid courses on Cx-32, Cx-36, and Cx-43 protein expressions in the fetal cerebral cortex, cerebellum, and spinal cord, and differences in Cx expression among brain regions under basal conditions. In the single-course groups, the ewes received dexamethasone (6 mg) or placebo as four intramuscular injections every 12h over 48 h. In the multiple-course groups, the ewes received the same treatment, once a week for 5 weeks starting at 76-78 days of gestation. Cx were measured by Western immunoblot on brain samples from 105 to 108-day gestation fetuses. A single dexamethasone course was associated with increases (P<0.05) in cerebral cortical and spinal cord Cx-36 and Cx-43 and multiple courses with increases in cerebellar and spinal cord Cx-36, and cerebral cortical and cerebellar Cx-43. Cx-32 did not change. Cx-32 was higher in the cerebellum than cerebral cortex and spinal cord, Cx-36 higher in the spinal cord than cerebellum, and Cx-43 higher in the cerebellum and spinal cord than cerebral cortex during basal conditions. In conclusion, maternal glucocorticoid therapy increases specific Cx, responses to different maternal courses vary among Cx and brain regions, and Cx expression differs among brain regions under basal conditions. Maternal treatment with glucocorticoids differentially modulates Cx in the fetal brain.
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38
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A new angle on blood-CNS interfaces: A role for connexins? FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1259-70. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.02.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 02/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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39
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Kurtenbach S, Kurtenbach S, Zoidl G. Gap junction modulation and its implications for heart function. Front Physiol 2014; 5:82. [PMID: 24578694 PMCID: PMC3936571 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junction communication (GJC) mediated by connexins is critical for heart function. To gain insight into the causal relationship of molecular mechanisms of disease pathology, it is important to understand which mechanisms contribute to impairment of gap junctional communication. Here, we present an update on the known modulators of connexins, including various interaction partners, kinases, and signaling cascades. This gap junction network (GJN) can serve as a blueprint for data mining approaches exploring the growing number of publicly available data sets from experimental and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kurtenbach
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Kurtenbach
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Georg Zoidl
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health, York University Toronto, ON, Canada ; Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, York University Toronto, ON, Canada ; Center for Vision Research, York University Toronto, ON, Canada
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40
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Baker MW, Macagno ER. Control of neuronal morphology and connectivity: Emerging developmental roles for gap junctional proteins. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1470-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2014] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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41
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Agullo-Pascual E, Cerrone M, Delmar M. Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy and Brugada syndrome: diseases of the connexome. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1322-30. [PMID: 24548564 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Revised: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This review summarizes data in support of the notion that the cardiac intercalated disc is the host of a protein interacting network, called "the connexome", where molecules classically defined as belonging to one particular structure (e.g., desmosomes, gap junctions, sodium channel complex) actually interact with others, and together, control excitability, electrical coupling and intercellular adhesion in the heart. The concept of the connexome is then translated into the understanding of the mechanisms leading to two inherited arrhythmia diseases: arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy, and Brugada syndrome. The cross-over points in these two diseases are addressed to then suggest that, though separate identifiable clinical entities, they represent "bookends" of a spectrum of manifestations that vary depending on the effect that a particular mutation has on the connexome as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esperanza Agullo-Pascual
- Leon H Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, 522 First avenue, Smilow 805, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Marina Cerrone
- Leon H Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, 522 First avenue, Smilow 805, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Mario Delmar
- Leon H Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University School of Medicine, 522 First avenue, Smilow 805, New York, NY 10016, United States.
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42
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Defamie N, Chepied A, Mesnil M. Connexins, gap junctions and tissue invasion. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1331-8. [PMID: 24457198 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Revised: 01/13/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Formation of metastases negatively impacts the survival prognosis of cancer patients. Globally, if the various steps involved in their formation are relatively well identified, the molecular mechanisms responsible for the emergence of invasive cancer cells are still incompletely resolved. Elucidating what are the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to evade from the tumor is a crucial point since it is the first step of the metastatic potential of a solid tumor. In order to be invasive, cancer cells have to undergo transformations such as down-regulation of cell-cell adhesions, modification of cell-matrix adhesions and acquisition of proteolytic properties. These transformations are accompanied by the capacity to "activate" stromal cells, which may favor the motility of the invasive cells through the extracellular matrix. Since modulation of gap junctional intercellular communication is known to be involved in cancer, we were interested to consider whether these different transformations necessary for the acquisition of invasive phenotype are related with gap junctions and their structural proteins, the connexins. In this review, emerging roles of connexins and gap junctions in the process of tissue invasion are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norah Defamie
- Team IP2C, STIM laboratory, University of Poitiers, CNRS ERL 7368, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, B36, 86073 Poitiers Cedex9, France.
| | - Amandine Chepied
- Team IP2C, STIM laboratory, University of Poitiers, CNRS ERL 7368, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, B36, 86073 Poitiers Cedex9, France.
| | - Marc Mesnil
- Team IP2C, STIM laboratory, University of Poitiers, CNRS ERL 7368, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, B36, 86073 Poitiers Cedex9, France.
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43
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Hsiao PJ, Jao JC, Tsai JL, Chang WT, Jeng KS, Kuo KK. Inorganic arsenic trioxide induces gap junction loss in association with the downregulation of connexin43 and E-cadherin in rat hepatic "stem-like" cells. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2013; 30:57-67. [PMID: 24444534 DOI: 10.1016/j.kjms.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2013] [Accepted: 07/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic exposure to inorganic arsenic trioxide causes tumors of the skin, urinary bladder, lung, and liver. Several cancer initiators and promoters have been shown to alter cell-cell signaling by interference with gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and/or modulation of cell adhesion molecules, such as connexin43 (Cx43), E-cadherin, and β-catenin. The aim of this study was to determine whether the disruption of cell-cell interactions occurs in liver epithelial cells after exposure to arsenic trioxide. WB-F344 cells were treated with arsenic trioxide (6.25-50 μM) for up to 8 hours, and gap junction function was analyzed using the scrape-load/dye transfer assay. In addition, the changes in mRNA and protein levels of Cx43, E-cadherin, and β-catenin were determined. A significant dose- and time-dependent decrease in GJIC was observed when WB-F344 cells were exposed to arsenic trioxide (p < 0.05). Consistent with the inhibition of GJIC, cells' exposure to arsenic trioxide resulted in dose- and time-dependent decreases in Cx43 and E-cadherin mRNA expression and protein levels. However, arsenic trioxide did not alter the mRNA or protein levels of β-catenin. In an immunofluorescence study, nuclei were heavily stained with anti-β-catenin antibody, indicating significant nuclear translocation. In this study, we also demonstrated that arsenic trioxide-induced GJIC loss was a reversible process. Taken together, these data support the hypothesis that disruption of cell-cell communication may contribute to the tumor-promoting effect of inorganic arsenic trioxide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pi-Jung Hsiao
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jo-Chi Jao
- College of Health Science, Kaohsiung Medical University, Department of Medical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Lian Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Occupational Safety, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Tsan Chang
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Kuo-Shyang Jeng
- Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kung-Kai Kuo
- Division of Hepatobiliopancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
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Anava S, Saad Y, Ayali A. The role of gap junction proteins in the development of neural network functional topology. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2013; 22:457-472. [PMID: 23782271 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) provide a common form of intercellular communication in most animal cells and tissues, from Hydra to human, including electrical synaptic signalling. Cell coupling via GJs has an important role in development in general, and in neural network development in particular. However, quantitative studies monitoring GJ proteins throughout nervous system development are few. Direct investigations demonstrating a role for GJ proteins by way of experimental manipulation of their expression are also rare. In the current work we focused on the role of invertebrate GJ proteins (innexins) in the in vitro development of neural network functional topology, using two-dimensional neural culture preparations derived from the frontal ganglion of the desert locust, Schistocerca gregaria. Immunocytochemistry and quantitative real-time PCR revealed a dynamic expression pattern of the innexins during development of the cultured networks. Changes were observed both in the levels and in the localization of expression. Down-regulating the expression of innexins, by using double-strand RNA for the first time in locust neural cultures, induced clear changes in network morphology, as well as inhibition of synaptogenesis, thus suggesting a role for GJs during the development of the functional topology of neuronal networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Anava
- Department of Zoology, Tel-Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
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Guerrero J, Catros S, Derkaoui SM, Lalande C, Siadous R, Bareille R, Thébaud N, Bordenave L, Chassande O, Le Visage C, Letourneur D, Amédée J. Cell interactions between human progenitor-derived endothelial cells and human mesenchymal stem cells in a three-dimensional macroporous polysaccharide-based scaffold promote osteogenesis. Acta Biomater 2013; 9:8200-13. [PMID: 23743130 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2013.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2013] [Revised: 05/03/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have reported the benefits of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for bone tissue engineering. However, vascularization remains one of the main obstacles that must be overcome to reconstruct large bone defects. In vitro prevascularization of the three-dimensional (3-D) constructs using co-cultures of human progenitor-derived endothelial cells (PDECs) with human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (HBMSCs) appeared as a potential strategy. However, the crosstalk between the two lineages has been studied in two-dimensional (2-D), but remains unknown in 3-D. The aim of this study is to investigate the cell interactions between PDECs and HBMSCs in a porous matrix composed of polysaccharides. This biodegradable scaffold promotes cell interactions by inducing multicellular aggregates composed of HBMSCs surrounded by PDECs. Cell aggregation contributes to the formation of junctional proteins composed of Connexin43 (Cx43) and VE-cadherin, and an activation of osteoblastic differentiation of HBMSCs stimulated by the presence of PDECs. Inhibition of Cx43 by mimetic peptide 43GAP27 induced a decrease in mRNA levels of Cx43 and all the bone-specific markers. Finally, subcutaneous implantations for 3 and 8 weeks in NOG mice revealed an increase in osteoid formation with the tissue-engineered constructs seeded with HBMSCs/PDECs compared with those loaded with HBMSCs alone. Taking together, these results demonstrate that this 3-D microenvironment favored cell communication, osteogenesis and bone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Guerrero
- Inserm, U1026, Tissue Bioengineering, University Bordeaux Segalen, Bordeaux Cedex 33076, France.
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Meens MJ, Pfenniger A, Kwak BR, Delmar M. Regulation of cardiovascular connexins by mechanical forces and junctions. Cardiovasc Res 2013; 99:304-14. [PMID: 23612582 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvt095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins form a family of transmembrane proteins that consists of 20 members in humans and 21 members in mice. Six connexins assemble into a connexon that can function as a hemichannel or connexon that can dock to a connexon expressed by a neighbouring cell, thereby forming a gap junction channel. Such intercellular channels synchronize responses in multicellular organisms through direct exchange of ions, small metabolites, and other second messenger molecules between the cytoplasms of adjacent cells. Multiple connexins are expressed in the cardiovascular system. These connexins not only experience the different biomechanical forces within this system, but may also act as effector proteins in co-ordinating responses within groups of cells towards these forces. This review discusses recent insights regarding regulation of cardiovascular connexins by mechanical forces and junctions. It specifically addresses effects of (i) shear stress on endothelial connexins, (ii) hypertension on vascular connexins, and (iii) changes in afterload and the composition of myocardial mechanical junctions on cardiac connexins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merlijn J Meens
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Foundation for Medical Research, University of Geneva, 2nd floor, 64 Avenue de Roseraie, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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Marandykina A, Palacios-Prado N, Rimkutė L, Skeberdis VA, Bukauskas FF. Regulation of connexin36 gap junction channels by n-alkanols and arachidonic acid. J Physiol 2013; 591:2087-101. [PMID: 23420660 PMCID: PMC3634521 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2013.250910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We examined junctional conductance (gj) and its dependence on transjunctional voltage in gap junction (GJ) channels formed of wild-type connexin36 (Cx36) or its fusion form with green fluorescent protein (Cx36-EGFP) transfected in HeLa cells or endogenously expressed in primary culture of pancreatic β-cells. Only a very small fraction (∼0.8%) of Cx36-EGFP channels assembled into junctional plaques of GJs were open under control conditions. We found that short carbon chain n-alkanols (SCCAs) increased gj, while long carbon chain n-alkanols resulted in full uncoupling; cutoff is between heptanol and octanol. The fraction of functional channels and gj increased several fold under an exposure to SCCAs, or during reduction of endogenous levels of arachidonic acid (AA) by exposure to fatty acid-free BSA or cytosolic phospholipase A2 inhibitors. Moreover, uncoupling caused by exogenously applied AA can be rescued by BSA, which binds AA and other polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), but not by BSA modified with 1,2-cyclohexanedione, which does not bind AA and other PUFAs. We propose that under control conditions, Cx36 GJ channels in HeLa transfectants and β-cells are inhibited by endogenous AA, which stabilizes a closed conformational state of the channel that leads to extremely low fraction of functional channels. In addition, SCCAs increase gj by interfering with endogenous AA-dependent inhibition, increasing open probability and the fraction of functional channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Marandykina
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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48
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Gap junctions and blood-tissue barriers. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2013; 763:260-80. [PMID: 23397629 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4614-4711-5_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gap junction is a cell-cell communication junction type found in virtually all mammalian epithelia and endothelia and provides the necessary "signals" to coordinate physiological events to maintain the homeostasis of an epithelium and/or endothelium under normal physiological condition and following changes in the cellular environment (e.g., stimuli from stress, growth, development, inflammation, infection). Recent studies have illustrated the significance of this junction type in the maintenance of different blood-tissue barriers, most notably the blood-brain barrier and blood-testis barrier, which are dynamic ultrastructures, undergoing restructuring in response to stimuli from the environment. In this chapter, we highlight and summarize the latest findings in the field regarding how changes at the gap junction, such as the result of a knock-out, knock-down, knock-in, or gap junction inhibition and/or its activation via the use of inhibitors and/or activators, would affect the integrity or permeability of the blood-tissue barriers. These findings illustrate that much research is needed to delineate the role of gap junction in the blood-tissue barriers, most notably its likely physiological role in mediating or regulating the transport of therapeutic drugs across the blood-tissue barriers.
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Riquelme MA, Kar R, Gu S, Jiang JX. Antibodies targeting extracellular domain of connexins for studies of hemichannels. Neuropharmacology 2013; 75:525-32. [PMID: 23499293 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Revised: 02/25/2013] [Accepted: 02/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Hemichannels are transmembrane channels composed of either a connexin or pannexin hexamer. The docking of the extracellular domains of connexin hemichannels contributed by neighboring cells forms a gap junction channel that joins the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. Connexins are expressed ubiquitously in different organs, but some subtypes are expressed exclusively in certain tissues and tumors. Both gap junction channels and hemichannels participate in diverse physiological and pathological responses. However, the lack of specific reagents that inhibit only gap junction channels or hemichannels is a challenge that makes it different to discern the specific roles of either channel. Fortunately, the available information regarding the connexin sequence, secondary and tertiary structure, and their biochemical and physiological properties permits the development of strategies to block exclusively the hemichannel activity exclusively, with no effect on gap junction activity. This task is accomplished through the use of specifics antibodies that target the extracellular sites of desired connexin subtype. However, the underlying mechanism of how antibodies targeting extracellular connexin epitopes actually inhibit hemichannels remains unknown. Although these antibodies are being used for detecting and blocking of hemichannels in normal and tumor cells, they can also be potentially used for tissue-specific treatment and drug delivery in clinical applications. In this article, we will first review the literature concerning the structure of connexins and the unique properties of extracellular loop domains of the connexins. Furthermore, we will discuss briefly the development of connexin (Cx) 43(E2) antibody, a specific antibody which detects the second extracellular loop of Cx43 and specifically prevents the opening of Cx43 hemichannels. We will then summarize the reported studies of specific reagents used for the inhibition of connexin hemichannels including antibodies developed against extracellular loop domains. This article is part of the Special Issue Section entitled 'Current Pharmacology of Gap Junction Channels and Hemichannels'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel A Riquelme
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Rekha Kar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Sumin Gu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA
| | - Jean X Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, 7703 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229-3900, USA.
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50
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Steiner D, Lampert F, Stark GB, Finkenzeller G. Effects of endothelial cells on proliferation and survival of human mesenchymal stem cells and primary osteoblasts. J Orthop Res 2012; 30:1682-9. [PMID: 22508550 DOI: 10.1002/jor.22130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2012] [Accepted: 03/29/2012] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is a fundamental process in bone formation, remodeling, and regeneration. Moreover, for the regeneration of bone in tissue engineering applications, it is essential to support neovascularization. This can be achieved by cell-based therapies using primary endothelial cells, which are able to form functional blood vessels upon implantation. In bone composite grafts, coimplanted endothelial cells do not only support neovascularization but also support osteogenic differentiation of osteoblasts and osteoprogenitor cells. In this study, we investigated the effect of endothelial cells on proliferation and cell survival of human primary osteoblasts (hOBs) and human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) stimulated hOB and MSC proliferation, whereas proliferation of HUVECs was unaffected by cocultured hOBs or MSCs. The effect of HUVEC cocultivation on hOB and MSC proliferation was more pronounced in direct cocultures than in indirect cocultures, indicating that this effect is at least partially dependent on the formation of heterotypic cell contacts between HUVECs and hOBs or MSCs. Furthermore, HUVEC cocultivation reduced low-serum induced apotosis of hOBs and MSCs by a mechanism involving increased phosphorylation and inactivation of the proapoptotic protein Bad. In summary, our experiments have shown that cocultured HUVECs increase the proliferation and reduce low-serum induced apoptosis of hOBs and MSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Steiner
- Department of Plastic and Hand Surgery, University of Freiburg Medical Center, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany
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