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Rozas-Villanueva FM, Orellana VP, Alarcón R, Maripillan J, Martinez AD, Alfaro IE, Retamal MA. Cx40 Levels Regulate Hypoxia-Induced Changes in the Migration, Proliferation, and Formation of Gap Junction Plaques in an Extravillous Trophoblast Cell Model. Cells 2024; 13:1150. [PMID: 38995001 PMCID: PMC11240472 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131150] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Extravillous trophoblasts (EVTs) form stratified columns at the placenta-uterus interface. In the closest part to fetal structures, EVTs have a proliferative phenotype, whereas in the closest part to maternal structures, they present a migratory phenotype. During the placentation process, Connexin 40 (Cx40) participates in both the proliferation and migration of EVTs, which occurs under hypoxia. However, a possible interaction between hypoxia and Cx40 has not yet been established. METHODS We developed two cellular models, one with "low Cx40" (Jeg-3), which reflected the expression of this protein found in migratory EVTs, and one with "high Cx40" (Jeg-3/hCx40), which reflected the expression of this protein in proliferative cells. We analyzed the migration and proliferation of these cells under normoxic and hypoxic conditions for 24 h. Jeg-3 cells under hypoxia increased their migratory capacity over their proliferative capacity. However, in Jeg-3/hCx40, the opposite effect was induced. On the other hand, hypoxia promoted gap junction (GJ) plaque formation between neighboring Jeg-3 cells. Similarly, the activation of a nitro oxide (NO)/cGMP/PKG-dependent pathway induced an increase in GJ-plaque formation in Jeg-3 cells. CONCLUSIONS The expression patterns of Cx40 play a crucial role in shaping the responses of EVTs to hypoxia, thereby influencing their migratory or proliferative phenotype. Simultaneously, hypoxia triggers an increase in Cx40 gap junction (GJ) plaque formation through a pathway dependent on NO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda M Rozas-Villanueva
- Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7550000, Chile
| | - Viviana P Orellana
- Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7550000, Chile
| | - Rodrigo Alarcón
- Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7550000, Chile
| | - Jaime Maripillan
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
| | - Agustin D Martinez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
| | - Ivan E Alfaro
- Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7550000, Chile
| | - Mauricio A Retamal
- Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7550000, Chile
- Center for Membrane Protein Research, Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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2
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Ebrahim T, Ebrahim AS, Kandouz M. Diversity of Intercellular Communication Modes: A Cancer Biology Perspective. Cells 2024; 13:495. [PMID: 38534339 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
From the moment a cell is on the path to malignant transformation, its interaction with other cells from the microenvironment becomes altered. The flow of molecular information is at the heart of the cellular and systemic fate in tumors, and various processes participate in conveying key molecular information from or to certain cancer cells. For instance, the loss of tight junction molecules is part of the signal sent to cancer cells so that they are no longer bound to the primary tumors and are thus free to travel and metastasize. Upon the targeting of a single cell by a therapeutic drug, gap junctions are able to communicate death information to by-standing cells. The discovery of the importance of novel modes of cell-cell communication such as different types of extracellular vesicles or tunneling nanotubes is changing the way scientists look at these processes. However, are they all actively involved in different contexts at the same time or are they recruited to fulfill specific tasks? What does the multiplicity of modes mean for the overall progression of the disease? Here, we extend an open invitation to think about the overall significance of these questions, rather than engage in an elusive attempt at a systematic repertory of the mechanisms at play.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanzeela Ebrahim
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Abdul Shukkur Ebrahim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Mustapha Kandouz
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
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3
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Kandouz M. Cell Death, by Any Other Name…. Cells 2024; 13:325. [PMID: 38391938 PMCID: PMC10886887 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040325] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Studies trying to understand cell death, this ultimate biological process, can be traced back to a century ago. Yet, unlike many other fashionable research interests, research on cell death is more alive than ever. New modes of cell death are discovered in specific contexts, as are new molecular pathways. But what is "cell death", really? This question has not found a definitive answer yet. Nevertheless, part of the answer is irreversibility, whereby cells can no longer recover from stress or injury. Here, we identify the most distinctive features of different modes of cell death, focusing on the executive final stages. In addition to the final stages, these modes can differ in their triggering stimulus, thus referring to the initial stages. Within this framework, we use a few illustrative examples to examine how intercellular communication factors in the demise of cells. First, we discuss the interplay between cell-cell communication and cell death during a few steps in the early development of multicellular organisms. Next, we will discuss this interplay in a fully developed and functional tissue, the gut, which is among the most rapidly renewing tissues in the body and, therefore, makes extensive use of cell death. Furthermore, we will discuss how the balance between cell death and communication is modified during a pathological condition, i.e., colon tumorigenesis, and how it could shed light on resistance to cancer therapy. Finally, we briefly review data on the role of cell-cell communication modes in the propagation of cell death signals and how this has been considered as a potential therapeutic approach. Far from vainly trying to provide a comprehensive review, we launch an invitation to ponder over the significance of cell death diversity and how it provides multiple opportunities for the contribution of various modes of intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Kandouz
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, 540 East Canfield Avenue, Detroit, MI 48201, USA;
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
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4
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Zhang X, Yao L, Meng Y, Li B, Yang Y, Gao F. Migrasome: a new functional extracellular vesicle. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:381. [PMID: 37852963 PMCID: PMC10584828 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01673-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Migrasome is a novel cellular organelle produced during cell migration, and its biogenesis depends on the migration process. It is generated in a variety of cells such as immune cells, metastatic tumor cells, other special functional cells like podocytes and cells in developing organisms. It plays important roles in various fields especially in the information exchange between cells. The discovery of migrasome, as an important supplement to the extracellular vesicle system, provides new mechanisms and targets for comprehending various biological or pathological processes. In this article, we will review the discovery, structure, distribution, detection, biogenesis, and removal of migrasomes and mainly focus on summarizing its biological functions in cell-to-cell communication, homeostatic maintenance, embryonic development and multiple diseases. This review also creates prospects for the possible research directions and clinical applications of migrasomes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xide Zhang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 200433, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Liuhuan Yao
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 200433, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Meng
- Naval Medical University, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital 1, 200433, Shanghai, P. R. China
| | - Bailong Li
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 200433, Shanghai, P. R. China.
| | - Yanyong Yang
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 200433, Shanghai, P. R. China.
| | - Fu Gao
- Department of Radiation Medicine, Faculty of Naval Medicine, Naval Medical University, 200433, Shanghai, P. R. China.
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5
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Oliveira MC, Cordeiro RM, Bogaerts A. Effect of lipid oxidation on the channel properties of Cx26 hemichannels: A molecular dynamics study. Arch Biochem Biophys 2023; 746:109741. [PMID: 37689256 DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2023.109741] [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: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular communication plays a crucial role in cancer, as well as other diseases, such as inflammation, tissue degeneration, and neurological disorders. One of the proteins responsible for this, are connexins (Cxs), which come together to form a hemichannel. When two hemichannels of opposite cells interact with each other, they form a gap junction (GJ) channel, connecting the intracellular space of these cells. They allow the passage of ions, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), and signaling molecules from the interior of one cell to another cell, thus playing an essential role in cell growth, differentiation, and homeostasis. The importance of GJs for disease induction and therapy development is becoming more appreciated, especially in the context of oncology. Studies have shown that one of the mechanisms to control the formation and disruption of GJs is mediated by lipid oxidation pathways, but the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we performed atomistic molecular dynamics simulations to evaluate how lipid oxidation influences the channel properties of Cx26 hemichannels, such as channel gating and permeability. Our results demonstrate that the Cx26 hemichannel is more compact in the presence of oxidized lipids, decreasing its pore diameter at the extracellular side and increasing it at the amino terminus domains, respectively. The permeability of the Cx26 hemichannel for water and RONS molecules is higher in the presence of oxidized lipids. The latter may facilitate the intracellular accumulation of RONS, possibly increasing oxidative stress in cells. A better understanding of this process will help to enhance the efficacy of oxidative stress-based cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Oliveira
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium.
| | - Rodrigo M Cordeiro
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados 5001, CEP 09210-580, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
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6
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Oliveira MC, Verswyvel H, Smits E, Cordeiro RM, Bogaerts A, Lin A. The pro- and anti-tumoral properties of gap junctions in cancer and their role in therapeutic strategies. Redox Biol 2022; 57:102503. [PMID: 36228438 PMCID: PMC9557036 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs), essential structures for cell-cell communication, are made of two hemichannels (commonly called connexons), one on each adjacent cell. Found in almost all cells, GJs play a pivotal role in many physiological and cellular processes, and have even been linked to the progression of diseases, such as cancer. Modulation of GJs is under investigation as a therapeutic strategy to kill tumor cells. Furthermore, GJs have also been studied for their key role in activating anti-cancer immunity and propagating radiation- and oxidative stress-induced cell death to neighboring cells, a process known as the bystander effect. While, gap junction (GJ)-based therapeutic strategies are being developed, one major challenge has been the paradoxical role of GJs in both tumor progression and suppression, based on GJ composition, cancer factors, and tumoral context. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of action, regulation, and the dual characteristics of GJs in cancer is critical for developing effective therapeutics. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of GJs structure, function, and paradoxical pro- and anti-tumoral role in cancer. We also discuss the treatment strategies to target these GJs properties for anti-cancer responses, via modulation of GJ function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Oliveira
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium; Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados 5001, CEP 09210-580, Santo André, SP, Brazil.
| | - Hanne Verswyvel
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium; Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Rodrigo M Cordeiro
- Centro de Ciências Naturais e Humanas, Universidade Federal do ABC, Avenida dos Estados 5001, CEP 09210-580, Santo André, SP, Brazil
| | - Annemie Bogaerts
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Abraham Lin
- Plasma Lab for Applications in Sustainability and Medicine-Antwerp (PLASMANT), Department of Chemistry, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Antwerp, Belgium; Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610, Antwerp, Belgium
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7
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Lania G, Franzese M, Noritaka A, Bilio M, Flore G, Russo A, D'Agostino E, Angelini C, Kelly RG, Baldini A. A phenotypic rescue approach identifies lineage regionalization defects in a mouse model of DiGeorge syndrome. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:276264. [PMID: 35946435 PMCID: PMC9555768 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
TBX1 is a key regulator of pharyngeal apparatus (PhAp) development. Vitamin B12 (vB12) treatment partially rescues aortic arch patterning defects of Tbx1+/− embryos. Here, we show that it also improves cardiac outflow tract septation and branchiomeric muscle anomalies of Tbx1 hypomorphic mutants. At the molecular level, in vivo vB12 treatment enabled us to identify genes that were dysregulated by Tbx1 haploinsufficiency and rescued by treatment. We found that SNAI2, also known as SLUG, encoded by the rescued gene Snai2, identified a population of mesodermal cells that was partially overlapping with, but distinct from, ISL1+ and TBX1+ populations. In addition, SNAI2+ cells were mislocalized and had a greater tendency to aggregate in Tbx1+/− and Tbx1−/− embryos, and vB12 treatment restored cellular distribution. Adjacent neural crest-derived mesenchymal cells, which do not express TBX1, were also affected, showing enhanced segregation from cardiopharyngeal mesodermal cells. We propose that TBX1 regulates cell distribution in the core mesoderm and the arrangement of multiple lineages within the PhAp.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Lania
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Franzese
- Istituto per le Applicazione del Calcolo, National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy.,IRCCS SDN, Naples, Italy
| | - Adachi Noritaka
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS UMR 7288, IBDM, Marseille, France
| | - Marchesa Bilio
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Gemma Flore
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Annalaura Russo
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Erika D'Agostino
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Claudia Angelini
- Istituto per le Applicazione del Calcolo, National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy
| | - Robert G Kelly
- Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS UMR 7288, IBDM, Marseille, France
| | - Antonio Baldini
- Institute of Genetics and Biophysics, National Research Council (CNR), Naples, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University Federico II, Naples, Italy
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8
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Gustafson CM, Roffers-Agarwal J, Gammill LS. Chick cranial neural crest cells release extracellular vesicles that are critical for their migration. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:jcs260272. [PMID: 35635292 PMCID: PMC9270958 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The content and activity of extracellular vesicles purified from cell culture media or bodily fluids have been studied extensively; however, the physiological relevance of exosomes within normal biological systems is poorly characterized, particularly during development. Although exosomes released by invasive metastatic cells alter migration of neighboring cells in culture, it is unclear whether cancer cells misappropriate exosomes released by healthy differentiated cells or reactivate dormant developmental programs that include exosome cell-cell communication. Using chick cranial neural fold cultures, we show that migratory neural crest cells, a developmentally critical cell type and model for metastasis, release and deposit CD63-positive 30-100 nm particles into the extracellular environment. Neural crest cells contain ceramide-rich multivesicular bodies and produce larger vesicles positive for migrasome markers as well. We conclude that neural crest cells produce extracellular vesicles including exosomes and migrasomes. When Rab27a plasma membrane docking is inhibited, neural crest cells become less polarized and rounded, leading to a loss of directional migration and reduced speed. These results indicate that neural crest cell exosome release is critical for migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Callie M. Gustafson
- Departmentof Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Developmental Biology Center, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Julaine Roffers-Agarwal
- Departmentof Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Developmental Biology Center, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Laura S. Gammill
- Departmentof Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Developmental Biology Center, University of Minnesota, 6-160 Jackson Hall, 321 Church St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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9
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Anggraini D, Ota N, Shen Y, Tang T, Tanaka Y, Hosokawa Y, Li M, Yalikun Y. Recent advances in microfluidic devices for single-cell cultivation: methods and applications. LAB ON A CHIP 2022; 22:1438-1468. [PMID: 35274649 DOI: 10.1039/d1lc01030a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Single-cell analysis is essential to improve our understanding of cell functionality from cellular and subcellular aspects for diagnosis and therapy. Single-cell cultivation is one of the most important processes in single-cell analysis, which allows the monitoring of actual information of individual cells and provides sufficient single-cell clones and cell-derived products for further analysis. The microfluidic device is a fast-rising system that offers efficient, effective, and sensitive single-cell cultivation and real-time single-cell analysis conducted either on-chip or off-chip. Here, we introduce the importance of single-cell cultivation from the aspects of cellular and subcellular studies. We highlight the materials and structures utilized in microfluidic devices for single-cell cultivation. We further discuss biological applications utilizing single-cell cultivation-based microfluidics, such as cellular phenotyping, cell-cell interactions, and omics profiling. Finally, present limitations and future prospects of microfluidics for single-cell cultivation are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Anggraini
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan.
| | - Nobutoshi Ota
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yigang Shen
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361005, China
| | - Tao Tang
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan.
| | - Yo Tanaka
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yoichiroh Hosokawa
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan.
| | - Ming Li
- School of Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney 2122, Australia.
| | - Yaxiaer Yalikun
- Division of Materials Science, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara 630-0192, Japan.
- Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research (BDR), RIKEN, 1-3 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
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10
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Slováčková J, Slavík J, Kulich P, Večeřa J, Kováč O, Paculová H, Straková N, Fedr R, Silva JP, Carvalho F, Machala M, Procházková J. Polychlorinated environmental toxicants affect sphingolipid metabolism during neurogenesis in vitro. Toxicology 2021; 463:152986. [PMID: 34627992 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2021.152986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipids (SLs) are important signaling molecules and functional components of cellular membranes. Although SLs are known as crucial regulators of neural cell physiology and differentiation, modulations of SLs by environmental neurotoxicants in neural cells and their neuronal progeny have not yet been explored. In this study, we used in vitro models of differentiated neuron-like cells, which were repeatedly exposed during differentiation to model environmental toxicants, and we analyzed changes in sphingolipidome, cellular morphology and gene expression related to SL metabolism or neuronal differentiation. We compared these data with the results obtained in undifferentiated neural cells with progenitor-like features. As model polychlorinated organic pollutants, we used 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), 3,3'-dichlorobiphenyl (PCB11) and 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153). PCB153 revealed itself as the most prominent deregulator of SL metabolism and as potent toxicant during early phases of in vitro neurogenesis. TCDD exerted only minor changes in the levels of analysed lipid species, however, it significantly changed the rate of pro-neuronal differentiation and deregulated expression of neuronal markers during neurogenesis. PCB11 acted as a potent disruptor of in vitro neurogenesis, which induced significant alterations in SL metabolism and cellular morphology in both differentiated neuron-like models (differentiated NE4C and NG108-15 cells). We identified ceramide-1-phosphate, lactosylceramides and several glycosphingolipids to be the most sensitive SL species to exposure to polychlorinated pollutants. Additionally, we identified deregulation of several genes related to SL metabolism, which may be explored in future as potential markers of developmental neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Slováčková
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Slavík
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Kulich
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Večeřa
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Kováč
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Paculová
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nicol Straková
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Radek Fedr
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - João Pedro Silva
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Félix Carvalho
- Laboratory of Toxicology, Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Miroslav Machala
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Jiřina Procházková
- Department of Chemistry and Toxicology, Veterinary Research Institute, Hudcova 296/70, 62100, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Královopolská 135, 61265, Brno, Czech Republic.
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11
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Kamga MVK, Reppel M, Hescheler J, Nguemo F. Modeling genetic cardiac channelopathies using induced pluripotent stem cells - Status quo from an electrophysiological perspective. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 192:114746. [PMID: 34461117 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Long QT syndrome (LQTS), Brugada syndrome (BrS), and catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT) are genetic diseases of the heart caused by mutations in specific cardiac ion channels and are characterized by paroxysmal arrhythmias, which can deteriorate into ventricular fibrillation. In LQTS3 and BrS different mutations in the SCN5A gene lead to a gain-or a loss-of-function of the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.5, respectively. Although sharing the same gene mutation, these syndromes are characterized by different clinical manifestations and functional perturbations and in some cases even present an overlapping clinical phenotype. Several studies have shown that Na+ current abnormalities in LQTS3 and BrS can also cause Ca2+-signaling aberrancies in cardiomyocytes (CMs). Abnormal Ca2+ homeostasis is also the main feature of CPVT which is mostly caused by heterozygous mutations in the RyR2 gene. Large numbers of disease-causing mutations were identified in RyR2 and SCN5A but it is not clear how different variants in the SCN5A gene produce different clinical syndromes and if in CPVT Ca2+ abnormalities and drug sensitivities vary depending on the mutation site in the RyR2. These questions can now be addressed by using patient-specific in vitro models of these diseases based on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In this review, we summarize different insights gained from these models with a focus on electrophysiological perturbations caused by different ion channel mutations and discuss how will this knowledge help develop better stratification and more efficient personalized therapies for these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Vanessa Kapchoup Kamga
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute for Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Reppel
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute for Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany; Praxis für Kardiologie und Angiologie, Landsberg am Lech, Germany
| | - Jürgen Hescheler
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute for Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
| | - Filomain Nguemo
- Center for Physiology and Pathophysiology, Institute for Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany.
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12
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Rufaihah AJ, Chen CK, Yap CH, Mattar CNZ. Mending a broken heart: In vitro, in vivo and in silico models of congenital heart disease. Dis Model Mech 2021; 14:dmm047522. [PMID: 33787508 PMCID: PMC8033415 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.047522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Birth defects contribute to ∼0.3% of global infant mortality in the first month of life, and congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect among newborns worldwide. Despite the significant impact on human health, most treatments available for this heterogenous group of disorders are palliative at best. For this reason, the complex process of cardiogenesis, governed by multiple interlinked and dose-dependent pathways, is well investigated. Tissue, animal and, more recently, computerized models of the developing heart have facilitated important discoveries that are helping us to understand the genetic, epigenetic and mechanobiological contributors to CHD aetiology. In this Review, we discuss the strengths and limitations of different models of normal and abnormal cardiogenesis, ranging from single-cell systems and 3D cardiac organoids, to small and large animals and organ-level computational models. These investigative tools have revealed a diversity of pathogenic mechanisms that contribute to CHD, including genetic pathways, epigenetic regulators and shear wall stresses, paving the way for new strategies for screening and non-surgical treatment of CHD. As we discuss in this Review, one of the most-valuable advances in recent years has been the creation of highly personalized platforms with which to study individual diseases in clinically relevant settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdul Jalil Rufaihah
- Healthy Longevity Translational Research Programme, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228
| | - Ching Kit Chen
- Department of Surgery, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228
| | - Choon Hwai Yap
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics, Khoo Teck Puat -National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore 119228
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Citra N Z Mattar
- Experimental Fetal Medicine Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Health System, Singapore 119228
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13
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Lim TB, Foo SYR, Chen CK. The Role of Epigenetics in Congenital Heart Disease. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12030390. [PMID: 33803261 PMCID: PMC7998561 DOI: 10.3390/genes12030390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect among newborns worldwide and contributes to significant infant morbidity and mortality. Owing to major advances in medical and surgical management, as well as improved prenatal diagnosis, the outcomes for these children with CHD have improved tremendously so much so that there are now more adults living with CHD than children. Advances in genomic technologies have discovered the genetic causes of a significant fraction of CHD, while at the same time pointing to remarkable complexity in CHD genetics. For this reason, the complex process of cardiogenesis, which is governed by multiple interlinked and dose-dependent pathways, is a well investigated process. In addition to the sequence of the genome, the contribution of epigenetics to cardiogenesis is increasingly recognized. Significant progress has been made dissecting the epigenome of the heart and identified associations with cardiovascular diseases. The role of epigenetic regulation in cardiac development/cardiogenesis, using tissue and animal models, has been well reviewed. Here, we curate the current literature based on studies in humans, which have revealed associated and/or causative epigenetic factors implicated in CHD. We sought to summarize the current knowledge on the functional role of epigenetics in cardiogenesis as well as in distinct CHDs, with an aim to provide scientists and clinicians an overview of the abnormal cardiogenic pathways affected by epigenetic mechanisms, for a better understanding of their impact on the developing fetal heart, particularly for readers interested in CHD research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingsen Benson Lim
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
| | - Sik Yin Roger Foo
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
- Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Ching Kit Chen
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119228, Singapore;
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Paediatrics, Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore 119228, Singapore
- Correspondence:
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14
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Zhang S, Gong Y, Wang H, Li Z, Huang Y, Fu X, Xiang P, Fan T. AS602801 sensitizes glioma cells to temozolomide and vincristine by blocking gap junction communication between glioma cells and astrocytes. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:4062-4072. [PMID: 33609076 PMCID: PMC8051707 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies showed that the chemotherapeutic effect of temozolomide (TMZ) and vincristine (VCR) against glioma might be blunted by the co‐culture with astrocytes, and connexin‐43 (CX43) was thought to play a vital role in the communication between glioma cells and astrocytes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the combined chemotherapeutic effect of AS602801 and TMZ/ VCR in glioma cells both. Dye transfer assay was used to evaluate the gap junction activity between U251 cells and astrocytes. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were carried out to analyse the expression of p‐JNK, CX43 and CASP‐3 proteins treated under different conditions. AS602801 significantly suppressed the gap junction activity between U251 cells and astrocytes. The expression of p‐JNK and CX43 was remarkably inhibited by AS602801. TMZ/VCR‐induced apoptosis of glioma cells was effectively enhanced by AS602801 treatment. Accordingly, the inhibitory role of TMZ/VCR in the expression of p‐JNK, CX43 and CASP‐3 in glioma cells was notably restored by AS602801. Furthermore, in a glioma cell xenograft, AS602801 showed an apparent capability to enhance TMZ/VCR‐induced tumour cell apoptosis through altering the expression of p‐JNK, CX43 and CASP‐3. The findings of this study demonstrated that the co‐culture of glioma cells with astrocytes blunted the tumour killing effect of TMZ and VCR. AS602801 down‐regulated CX43 expression by inhibiting JNK. And AS602801 also sensitized glioma cells to TMZ/VCR by blocking the gap junction communication between glioma cells and astrocytes via down‐regulating CX43, indicating its potential role as a novel adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent in the treatment of glioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, ChangSha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yong Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, ChangSha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Hongxin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, ChangSha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Zhongfan Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, ChangSha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Yunfeng Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, ChangSha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Xing Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, ChangSha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Peng Xiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, ChangSha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - TianYu Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, ChangSha Central Hospital, Changsha, China
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15
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Xu W, Dielubanza E, Maisel A, Leung K, Mustoe T, Hong S, Galiano R. Staphylococcus aureus impairs cutaneous wound healing by activating the expression of a gap junction protein, connexin-43 in keratinocytes. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:935-947. [PMID: 32409862 PMCID: PMC11072219 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03545-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Chronic wounds have been considered as major medical problems that may result in expensive healthcare. One of the common causes of chronic wounds is bacterial contamination that leads to persistent inflammation and unbalanced host cell immune responses. Among the bacterial strains that have been identified from chronic wounds, Staphylococcus aureus is the most common strain. We previously observed that S. aureus impaired mouse cutaneous wound healing by delaying re-epithelialization. Here, we investigated the mechanism of delayed re-epithelialization caused by S. aureus infection. With the presence of S. aureus exudate, the migration of in vitro cultured human keratinocytes was significantly inhibited and connexin-43 (Cx43) was upregulated. Inhibition of keratinocyte migration by S. aureus exudate disappeared in keratinocytes where the expression of Cx43 knocked down. Protein kinase phosphorylation array showed that phosphorylation of Akt-S473 was upregulated by S. aureus exudate. In vivo study of Cx43 in S. aureus-infected murine splinted cutaneous wound model showed upregulation of Cx43 in the migrating epithelial edge by S. aureus infection. Treatment with a PI3K/Akt inhibitor reduced Cx43 expression and overcame the wound closure impairment by S. aureus infection in the mouse model. This may contribute to the development of treatment to bacterium-infected wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xu
- Department of Life Sciences, College of Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi, TX, 78412, USA.
| | - Elodi Dielubanza
- Laboratory for Wound Repair and Regenerative Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Amanda Maisel
- Laboratory for Wound Repair and Regenerative Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Kai Leung
- Division of Combat Wound Repair, US Army Institute of Surgical Research, JB Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, TX, 78234, USA
| | - Thomas Mustoe
- Laboratory for Wound Repair and Regenerative Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Seok Hong
- Laboratory for Wound Repair and Regenerative Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
| | - Robert Galiano
- Laboratory for Wound Repair and Regenerative Surgery, Department of Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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16
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He J, Yan J, Wang J, Zhao L, Xin Q, Zeng Y, Sun Y, Zhang H, Bai Z, Li Z, Ni Y, Gong Y, Li Y, He H, Bian Z, Lan Y, Ma C, Bian L, Zhu H, Liu B, Yue R. Dissecting human embryonic skeletal stem cell ontogeny by single-cell transcriptomic and functional analyses. Cell Res 2021; 31:742-757. [PMID: 33473154 PMCID: PMC8249634 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-021-00467-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Human skeletal stem cells (SSCs) have been discovered in fetal and adult long bones. However, the spatiotemporal ontogeny of human embryonic SSCs during early skeletogenesis remains elusive. Here we map the transcriptional landscape of human limb buds and embryonic long bones at single-cell resolution to address this fundamental question. We found remarkable heterogeneity within human limb bud mesenchyme and epithelium, and aligned them along the proximal–distal and anterior–posterior axes using known marker genes. Osteo-chondrogenic progenitors first appeared in the core limb bud mesenchyme, which give rise to multiple populations of stem/progenitor cells in embryonic long bones undergoing endochondral ossification. Importantly, a perichondrial embryonic skeletal stem/progenitor cell (eSSPC) subset was identified, which could self-renew and generate the osteochondral lineage cells, but not adipocytes or hematopoietic stroma. eSSPCs are marked by the adhesion molecule CADM1 and highly enriched with FOXP1/2 transcriptional network. Interestingly, neural crest-derived cells with similar phenotypic markers and transcriptional networks were also found in the sagittal suture of human embryonic calvaria. Taken together, this study revealed the cellular heterogeneity and lineage hierarchy during human embryonic skeletogenesis, and identified distinct skeletal stem/progenitor cells that orchestrate endochondral and intramembranous ossification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian He
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Jing Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Jianfang Wang
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Liangyu Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Qian Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yuxi Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Han Zhang
- Department of Transfusion, Daping Hospital, Army Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Zhijie Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Zongcheng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yanli Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yandong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yunqiao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Han He
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Zhilei Bian
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Yu Lan
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China.,Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health-Guangdong Laboratory (GRMH-GDL), Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510530, China
| | - Chunyu Ma
- Department of Gynecology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Lihong Bian
- Department of Gynecology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Heng Zhu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, China.
| | - Bing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Academy of Military Sciences, Beijing, 100071, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100071, China. .,Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510632, China.
| | - Rui Yue
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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17
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Khalil AA, Ilina O, Vasaturo A, Venhuizen JH, Vullings M, Venhuizen V, Bilos A, Figdor CG, Span PN, Friedl P. Collective invasion induced by an autocrine purinergic loop through connexin-43 hemichannels. J Cell Biol 2020; 219:e201911120. [PMID: 32777015 PMCID: PMC7659730 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201911120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Progression of epithelial cancers predominantly proceeds by collective invasion of cell groups with coordinated cell-cell junctions and multicellular cytoskeletal activity. Collectively invading breast cancer cells express the gap junction protein connexin-43 (Cx43), yet whether Cx43 regulates collective invasion remains unclear. We here show that Cx43 mediates gap-junctional coupling between collectively invading breast cancer cells and, via hemichannels, adenosine nucleotide/nucleoside release into the extracellular space. Using molecular interference and rescue strategies, we identify that Cx43 hemichannel function, but not intercellular communication, induces leader cell activity and collective migration through the engagement of the adenosine receptor 1 (ADORA1) and AKT signaling. Accordingly, pharmacological inhibition of ADORA1 or AKT signaling caused leader cell collapse and halted collective invasion. ADORA1 inhibition further reduced local invasion of orthotopic mammary tumors in vivo, and joint up-regulation of Cx43 and ADORA1 in breast cancer patients correlated with decreased relapse-free survival. This identifies autocrine purinergic signaling, through Cx43 hemichannels, as a critical pathway in leader cell function and collective invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine A. Khalil
- Department of Dermatology and Graduate School of Life Science, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Olga Ilina
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Angela Vasaturo
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Jan-Hendrik Venhuizen
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Manon Vullings
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Victor Venhuizen
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Ab Bilos
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Carl G. Figdor
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Paul N. Span
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Peter Friedl
- Department of Dermatology and Graduate School of Life Science, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- David H. Koch Center for Genitourinary Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
- Cancer Genomics Center, Utrecht, Netherlands
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18
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Zhang E, Yang J, Liu Y, Hong N, Xie H, Fu Q, Li F, Chen S, Yu Y, Sun K. MESP2 variants contribute to conotruncal heart defects by inhibiting cardiac neural crest cell proliferation. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1035-1048. [PMID: 32572506 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01929-4] [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: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Conotruncal heart defects (CTDs) are closely related to defective outflow tract (OFT) development, in which cardiac neural crest cells (CNCCs) play an indispensable role. However, the genetic etiology of CTDs remains unclear. Mesoderm posterior 2 (MESP2) is an important transcription factor regulating early cardiogenesis. Nevertheless, MESP2 variants have not been reported in congenital heart defect (CHD) patients. We first identified four MESP2 variants in 601 sporadic nonsyndromic CTD patients that were not detected in 400 healthy controls using targeted sequencing. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence assays revealed MESP2 expression in the OFT of Carnegie stage (CS) 11, CS13, and CS15 human embryos and embryonic day (E) 8.5, E10, and E11.5 mouse embryos. Functional analyses in HEK 293T cells, HL-1 cells, JoMa1 cells, and primary mouse CNCCs revealed that MESP2 directly regulates the transcriptional activities of downstream CTD-related genes and promotes CNCC proliferation by regulating cell cycle factors. Three MESP2 variants, c.346G>C (p.G116R), c.921C>G (p.Y307X), and c.59A>T (p.Q20L), altered the transcriptional activities of MYOCD, GATA4, NKX2.5, and CFC1 and inhibited CNCC proliferation by upregulating p21cip1 or downregulating Cdk4. Based on our findings, MESP2 variants disrupted MESP2 function by interfering with CNCC proliferation during OFT development, which may contribute to CTDs. KEY MESSAGES: This study first analyzed MESP2 variants identified in sporadic nonsyndromic CTD patients. MESP2 is expressed in the OFT of different stages of human and mouse embryos. MESP2 regulates the transcriptional activities of downstream CTD-related genes and promotes CNCC proliferation by regulating cell cycle factor p21cip1 or Cdk4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erge Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Jianping Yang
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Nanchao Hong
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Huilin Xie
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Qihua Fu
- Medical Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fen Li
- Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun Chen
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yu Yu
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China. .,Institute for Developmental and Regenerative Cardiovascular Medicine, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Kun Sun
- Department of Pediatric Cardiovascular, Xinhua Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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19
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Giaume C, Naus CC, Sáez JC, Leybaert L. Glial Connexins and Pannexins in the Healthy and Diseased Brain. Physiol Rev 2020; 101:93-145. [PMID: 32326824 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00043.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past several decades a large amount of data have established that glial cells, the main cell population in the brain, dynamically interact with neurons and thus impact their activity and survival. One typical feature of glia is their marked expression of several connexins, the membrane proteins forming intercellular gap junction channels and hemichannels. Pannexins, which have a tetraspan membrane topology as connexins, are also detected in glial cells. Here, we review the evidence that connexin and pannexin channels are actively involved in dynamic and metabolic neuroglial interactions in physiological as well as in pathological situations. These features of neuroglial interactions open the way to identify novel non-neuronal aspects that allow for a better understanding of behavior and information processing performed by neurons. This will also complement the "neurocentric" view by facilitating the development of glia-targeted therapeutic strategies in brain disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Giaume
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Christian C Naus
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Juan C Sáez
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Collège de France, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology (CIRB)/Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7241/Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale U1050, Paris, France; University Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France; MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence and Paris Science Lettre Research University, Paris, France; Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Instituo de Neurociencias, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile; Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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20
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Establishment and functional characterization of a murine primary Sertoli cell line deficient of connexin43. Cell Tissue Res 2020; 381:309-326. [PMID: 32328805 PMCID: PMC7369266 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-020-03203-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The Sertoli cell (SC) specific connexin43 (Cx43) knockout (SCCx43KO) mouse line is ideal to gain insight into the mechanistic gap junction formation in SC and the seminiferous epithelium. A method for developing primary SC cultures from these mice was established, validated and successfully characterized via polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence (IF), and Western blots (WB). It was evident that both knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) primary cell cultures were similar in morphology. These highly pure SC cultures were subjected to cell proliferation assays indicating no notable proliferation in cultures of both genotypes. Measurements of cell monolayer integrity indicated significant increases in transepithelial electrical resistance and consequently in tight junction expression of the KO cultures. Using semi-quantitative WB and IF, tight junction protein claudin-11 was analyzed. These results support a role for Cx43 in regulating blood-testis barrier (BTB) function, composition, and dynamics in vitro. Thus, the SC deficient Cx43 cell cultures may provide a valuable in vitro tool for a better understanding of the mechanistic role of Cx43 in spermatogenesis and BTB assembly.
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21
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Gross C, Belville C, Lavergne M, Choltus H, Jabaudon M, Blondonnet R, Constantin JM, Chiambaretta F, Blanchon L, Sapin V. Advanced Glycation End Products and Receptor (RAGE) Promote Wound Healing of Human Corneal Epithelial Cells. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2020; 61:14. [PMID: 32176265 PMCID: PMC7401750 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.3.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose We used a human corneal epithelial cell (HCE) line to determine the involvement of the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) / receptor for AGEs (RAGE) couple in corneal epithelium wound healing. Methods After wounding, HCE cells were exposed to two major RAGE ligands (HMGB1 and AGEs), and wound healing was evaluated using the in vitro scratch assay. Following wound healing, the HCE cells were used to study the influence of the RAGE ligands on HCE proliferation, invasion, and migration. Activation of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway by the AGEs/RAGE couple was tested using a luciferase reporter assay. Functional transcriptional regulation by this pathway was confirmed by quantification of expression of the connexin 43 target gene. For each experiment, specific RAGE involvement was confirmed by small interfering RNA treatments. Results AGEs treatment at a dose of 100 µg/mL significantly improved the wound healing process in a RAGE-dependent manner by promoting cell migration, whereas HMGB1 had no effect. No significant influence of the AGEs/RAGE couple was observed on cell proliferation and invasion. However, this treatment induced an early activation of the NF-κB pathway and positively regulated the expression of the target gene, connexin 43, at both the mRNA and protein levels. Conclusions Our results demonstrate that the RAGE pathway is activated by AGEs treatment and is involved in the promotion of corneal epithelial wound healing. This positive action is observed only during the early stages of wound healing, as illustrated by the quick activation of the NF-κB pathway and induction of connexin 43 expression.
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MESH Headings
- Cell Line
- Cell Movement/drug effects
- Cell Movement/physiology
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Cell Proliferation/physiology
- Cells, Cultured
- Connexin 43/genetics
- Connexin 43/metabolism
- Corneal Injuries/pathology
- Corneal Injuries/physiopathology
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Epithelial Cells/drug effects
- Epithelial Cells/metabolism
- Epithelium, Corneal/cytology
- Epithelium, Corneal/drug effects
- Epithelium, Corneal/injuries
- Epithelium, Corneal/physiology
- Glycation End Products, Advanced/administration & dosage
- Glycation End Products, Advanced/pharmacology
- Glycation End Products, Advanced/physiology
- HMGB1 Protein/administration & dosage
- HMGB1 Protein/pharmacology
- Humans
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products/genetics
- Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products/physiology
- Signal Transduction/physiology
- Wound Healing/drug effects
- Wound Healing/physiology
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle Gross
- Team “Translational approach to epithelial injury and repair”, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Inserm, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Corinne Belville
- Team “Translational approach to epithelial injury and repair”, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Inserm, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Marilyne Lavergne
- Team “Translational approach to epithelial injury and repair”, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Inserm, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Héléna Choltus
- Team “Translational approach to epithelial injury and repair”, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Inserm, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Matthieu Jabaudon
- Team “Translational approach to epithelial injury and repair”, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Inserm, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Department of Perioperative Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Raïko Blondonnet
- Team “Translational approach to epithelial injury and repair”, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Inserm, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Department of Perioperative Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Jean-Michel Constantin
- Team “Translational approach to epithelial injury and repair”, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Inserm, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Department of Perioperative Medicine, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Frédéric Chiambaretta
- Team “Translational approach to epithelial injury and repair”, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Inserm, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Ophthalmology Department, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Loïc Blanchon
- Team “Translational approach to epithelial injury and repair”, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Inserm, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Vincent Sapin
- Team “Translational approach to epithelial injury and repair”, Université Clermont Auvergne, CNRS, Inserm, GReD, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- CHU Clermont-Ferrand, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetic Department, Clermont-Ferrand, France
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22
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Jourdeuil K, Taneyhill LA. The gap junction protein connexin 43 controls multiple aspects of cranial neural crest cell development. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:jcs235440. [PMID: 31964703 PMCID: PMC7044449 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.235440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are intercellular channels between cells that facilitate cell-cell communication. Connexin 43 (Cx43; also known as GJA1), the predominant gap junction protein in vertebrates, is expressed in premigratory cranial neural crest cells and is maintained throughout the neural crest cell epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), but its function in these cells is unknown. To this end, we used a combination of in vivo and ex vivo experiments to assess gap junction formation, and Cx43 function, in chick cranial neural crest cells. Our results demonstrate that gap junctions exist between premigratory and migratory cranial neural crest cells and depend on Cx43 for their function. In the embryo, Cx43 knockdown just prior to EMT delays the emergence of Cx43-depleted neural crest cells from the neural tube, but these cells eventually successfully emigrate and join the migratory stream. This delay can be rescued by introduction of full-length Cx43 into Cx43-depleted cells. Furthermore, Cx43 depletion reduces the size of the premigratory neural crest cell domain through an early effect on neural crest cell specification. Collectively, these data identify new roles for Cx43 in chick cranial neural crest cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyn Jourdeuil
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Lisa A Taneyhill
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
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23
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Chepied A, Daoud-Omar Z, Meunier-Balandre AC, Laird DW, Mesnil M, Defamie N. Involvement of the Gap Junction Protein, Connexin43, in the Formation and Function of Invadopodia in the Human U251 Glioblastoma Cell Line. Cells 2020; 9:cells9010117. [PMID: 31947771 PMCID: PMC7017254 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The resistance of glioblastomas to treatments is mainly the consequence of their invasive capacities. Therefore, in order to better treat these tumors, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms which are responsible for this behavior. Previous work suggested that gap junction proteins, the connexins, facilitate the aggressive nature of glioma cells. Here, we show that one of them—connexin43 (Cx43)—is implicated in the formation and function of invadopodia responsible for invasion capacity of U251 human glioblastoma cells. Immunofluorescent approaches—combined with confocal analyses—revealed that Cx43 was detected in all the formation stages of invadopodia exhibiting proteolytic activity. Clearly, Cx43 appeared to be localized in invadopodia at low cell density and less associated with the establishment of gap junctions. Accordingly, lower extracellular matrix degradation correlated with less mature invadopodia and MMP2 activity when Cx43 expression was decreased by shRNA strategies. Moreover, the kinetics of invadopodia formation could be dependent on Cx43 dynamic interactions with partners including Src and cortactin. Interestingly, it also appeared that invadopodia formation and MMP2 activity are dependent on Cx43 hemichannel activity. In conclusion, these results reveal that Cx43 might be involved in the formation and function of the invadopodia of U251 glioblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amandine Chepied
- Equipe 4CS, Laboratoire Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), CNRS ERL 7003, Pôle Biologie Santé, University of Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers, France; (A.C.); (Z.D.-O.); (A.-C.M.-B.); (M.M.)
| | - Zeinaba Daoud-Omar
- Equipe 4CS, Laboratoire Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), CNRS ERL 7003, Pôle Biologie Santé, University of Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers, France; (A.C.); (Z.D.-O.); (A.-C.M.-B.); (M.M.)
| | - Annie-Claire Meunier-Balandre
- Equipe 4CS, Laboratoire Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), CNRS ERL 7003, Pôle Biologie Santé, University of Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers, France; (A.C.); (Z.D.-O.); (A.-C.M.-B.); (M.M.)
| | - Dale W. Laird
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 3K7, Canada;
| | - Marc Mesnil
- Equipe 4CS, Laboratoire Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), CNRS ERL 7003, Pôle Biologie Santé, University of Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers, France; (A.C.); (Z.D.-O.); (A.-C.M.-B.); (M.M.)
| | - Norah Defamie
- Equipe 4CS, Laboratoire Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), CNRS ERL 7003, Pôle Biologie Santé, University of Poitiers, 86073 Poitiers, France; (A.C.); (Z.D.-O.); (A.-C.M.-B.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence:
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24
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Janardhan HP, Trivedi CM. Establishment and maintenance of blood-lymph separation. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:1865-1876. [PMID: 30758642 PMCID: PMC6482084 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03042-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Revised: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hippocratic Corpus, a collection of Greek medical literature, described the functional anatomy of the lymphatic system in the fifth century B.C. Subsequent studies in cadavers and surgical patients firmly established that lymphatic vessels drain extravasated interstitial fluid, also known as lymph, into the venous system at the bilateral lymphovenous junctions. Recent advances revealed that lymphovenous valves and platelet-mediated hemostasis at the lymphovenous junctions maintain life-long separation of the blood and lymphatic vascular systems. Here, we review murine models that exhibit failure of blood-lymph separation to highlight the novel mechanisms and molecular targets for the modulation of lymphatic disorders. Specifically, we focus on the transcription factors, cofactors, and signaling pathways that regulate lymphovenous valve development and platelet-mediated lymphovenous hemostasis, which cooperate to maintain blood-lymph separation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harish P Janardhan
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, The Albert Sherman Center, AS7-1047, 368 Plantation St, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Chinmay M Trivedi
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, The Albert Sherman Center, AS7-1047, 368 Plantation St, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- Department of Molecular, Cell, and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
- The Li-Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases Research, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA.
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25
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Aftab Q, Mesnil M, Ojefua E, Poole A, Noordenbos J, Strale PO, Sitko C, Le C, Stoynov N, Foster LJ, Sin WC, Naus CC, Chen VC. Cx43-Associated Secretome and Interactome Reveal Synergistic Mechanisms for Glioma Migration and MMP3 Activation. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:143. [PMID: 30941001 PMCID: PMC6433981 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, degradation and glioma cell motility are critical aspects of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Despite being a rich source of potential biomarkers and targets for therapeutic advance, the dynamic changes occurring within the extracellular environment that are specific to GBM motility have yet to be fully resolved. The gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) increases glioma migration and invasion in a variety of in vitro and in vivo models. In this study, the upregulation of Cx43 in C6 glioma cells induced morphological changes and the secretion of proteins associated with cell motility. Demonstrating the selective engagement of ECM remodeling networks, secretome analysis revealed the near-binary increase of osteopontin and matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP3), with gelatinase and NFF-3 assays confirming the proteolytic activities. Informatic analysis of interactome and secretome downstream of Cx43 identifies networks of glioma motility that appear to be synergistically engaged. The data presented here implicate ECM remodeling and matrikine signals downstream of Cx43/MMP3/osteopontin and ARK1B10 inhibition as possible avenues to inhibit GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qurratulain Aftab
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marc Mesnil
- Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), CNRS ERL 7003, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Emmanuel Ojefua
- Department of Chemistry, Brandon University, Brandon, MB, Canada
| | - Alisha Poole
- Department of Chemistry, Brandon University, Brandon, MB, Canada
| | - Jenna Noordenbos
- Department of Chemistry, Brandon University, Brandon, MB, Canada
| | - Pierre-Olivier Strale
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Chris Sitko
- Department of Chemistry, Brandon University, Brandon, MB, Canada
| | - Caitlin Le
- Department of Chemistry, Brandon University, Brandon, MB, Canada
| | - Nikolay Stoynov
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre for High-Throughput Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Centre for High-Throughput Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wun-Chey Sin
- Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), CNRS ERL 7003, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Christian C Naus
- Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires (STIM), CNRS ERL 7003, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Vincent C Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Brandon University, Brandon, MB, Canada
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26
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Peng Q, Yue C, Chen ACH, Lee KC, Fong SW, Yeung WSB, Lee YL. Connexin 43 is involved in early differentiation of human embryonic stem cells. Differentiation 2019; 105:33-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2018.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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27
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Abstract
The connexin family of channel-forming proteins is present in every tissue type in the human anatomy. Connexins are best known for forming clustered intercellular channels, structurally known as gap junctions, where they serve to exchange members of the metabolome between adjacent cells. In their single-membrane hemichannel form, connexins can act as conduits for the passage of small molecules in autocrine and paracrine signalling. Here, we review the roles of connexins in health and disease, focusing on the potential of connexins as therapeutic targets in acquired and inherited diseases as well as wound repair, while highlighting the associated clinical challenges.
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28
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Camley BA. Collective gradient sensing and chemotaxis: modeling and recent developments. JOURNAL OF PHYSICS. CONDENSED MATTER : AN INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS JOURNAL 2018; 30:223001. [PMID: 29644981 PMCID: PMC6252055 DOI: 10.1088/1361-648x/aabd9f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Cells measure a vast variety of signals, from their environment's stiffness to chemical concentrations and gradients; physical principles strongly limit how accurately they can do this. However, when many cells work together, they can cooperate to exceed the accuracy of any single cell. In this topical review, I will discuss the experimental evidence showing that cells collectively sense gradients of many signal types, and the models and physical principles involved. I also propose new routes by which experiments and theory can expand our understanding of these problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A Camley
- Departments of Physics & Astronomy and Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States of America
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29
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Ek-Vitorín JF, Pontifex TK, Burt JM. Cx43 Channel Gating and Permeation: Multiple Phosphorylation-Dependent Roles of the Carboxyl Terminus. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1659. [PMID: 29867029 PMCID: PMC6032060 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein seemingly fit to support cardiac impulse propagation and synchronic contraction, is phosphorylated in normoxia by casein kinase 1 (CK1). However, during cardiac ischemia or pressure overload hypertrophy, this phosphorylation fades, Cx43 abundance decreases at intercalated disks and increases at myocytes' lateral borders, and the risk of arrhythmia rises. Studies in wild-type and transgenic mice indicate that enhanced CK1-phosphorylation of Cx43 protects from arrhythmia, while dephosphorylation precedes arrhythmia vulnerability. The mechanistic bases of these Cx43 (de)phosphoform-linked cardiac phenotypes are unknown. We used patch-clamp and dye injection techniques to study the channel function (gating, permeability) of Cx43 mutants wherein CK1-targeted serines were replaced by aspartate (Cx43-CK1-D) or alanine (Cx43-CK1-A) to emulate phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, respectively. Cx43-CK1-D, but not Cx43-CK1-A, displayed high Voltage-sensitivity and variable permselectivity. Both mutants showed multiple channel open states with overall increased conductivity, resistance to acidification-induced junctional uncoupling, and hemichannel openings in normal external calcium. Modest differences in the mutant channels' function and regulation imply the involvement of dissimilar structural conformations of the interacting domains of Cx43 in electrical and chemical gating that may contribute to the divergent phenotypes of CK1-(de)phospho-mimicking Cx43 transgenic mice and that may bear significance in arrhythmogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- José F Ek-Vitorín
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245051, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
| | - Tasha K Pontifex
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245051, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
| | - Janis M Burt
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, P.O. Box 245051, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA.
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30
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Abstract
Atrial septal defect is one of the most common CHD. The pathogenesis of atrial septal defect still remains unknown. Cx43 is the most prevalent connexin in the mammalian heart during development. Its genetic variants can cause several CHD. The aim of our study was to investigate the association of genetic variations of the Cx43 with sporadic atrial septal defect. A total of 450 paediatric patients were recruited, including 150 cases with atrial septal defect and 300 healthy controls. The promoter region of Cx43 was analysed by sequencing after polymerase chain reaction. All data were analysed by using the Statistic Package for Social Science 19.0 software. The frequency of the single nucleotide polymorphism rs2071166 was significantly higher in atrial septal defect cases than in healthy controls. The CC genotype at rs2071166 site in Cx43 was correlated with an increased risk for atrial septal defect (p<0.0001, odds ratio=3.891, 95% confidence interval 1.948-7.772) and the C allele was positively correlated with atrial septal defect (p=0.007, odds ratio=1.567, 95% confidence interval 1.129-2.175). In conclusion, our results confirmed that rs2071166 in Cx43 may be relevant with an increased atrial septal defect risk.
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31
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Nyffeler J, Chovancova P, Dolde X, Holzer AK, Purvanov V, Kindinger I, Kerins A, Higton D, Silvester S, van Vugt-Lussenburg BMA, Glaab E, van der Burg B, Maclennan R, Legler DF, Leist M. A structure-activity relationship linking non-planar PCBs to functional deficits of neural crest cells: new roles for connexins. Arch Toxicol 2017; 92:1225-1247. [PMID: 29164306 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-017-2125-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Migration of neural crest cells (NCC) is a fundamental developmental process, and test methods to identify interfering toxicants have been developed. By examining cell function endpoints, as in the 'migration-inhibition of NCC (cMINC)' assay, a large number of toxicity mechanisms and protein targets can be covered. However, the key events that lead to the adverse effects of a given chemical or group of related compounds are hard to elucidate. To address this issue, we explored here, whether the establishment of two overlapping structure-activity relationships (SAR)-linking chemical structure on the one hand to a phenotypic test outcome, and on the other hand to a mechanistic endpoint-was useful as strategy to identify relevant toxicity mechanisms. For this purpose, we chose polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) as a large group of related, but still toxicologically and physicochemically diverse structures. We obtained concentration-dependent data for 26 PCBs in the cMINC assay. Moreover, the test chemicals were evaluated by a new high-content imaging method for their effect on cellular re-distribution of connexin43 and for their capacity to inhibit gap junctions. Non-planar PCBs inhibited NCC migration. The potency (1-10 µM) correlated with the number of ortho-chlorine substituents; non-ortho-chloro (planar) PCBs were non-toxic. The toxicity to NCC partially correlated with gap junction inhibition, while it fully correlated (p < 0.0004) with connexin43 cellular re-distribution. Thus, our double-SAR strategy revealed a mechanistic step tightly linked to NCC toxicity of PCBs. Connexin43 patterns in NCC may be explored as a new endpoint relevant to developmental toxicity screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Nyffeler
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstr. 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.,Research Training Group RTG1331, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Petra Chovancova
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstr. 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology (KoRS-CB), 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Xenia Dolde
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstr. 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology (KoRS-CB), 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Anna-Katharina Holzer
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstr. 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Vladimir Purvanov
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau at the University of Konstanz, 8280, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
| | - Ilona Kindinger
- Biotechnology Institute Thurgau at the University of Konstanz, 8280, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
| | - Anna Kerins
- Cyprotex Discovery, No 24 Mereside, Alderley Park, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - David Higton
- Cyprotex Discovery, No 24 Mereside, Alderley Park, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Steve Silvester
- Cyprotex Discovery, No 24 Mereside, Alderley Park, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK
| | | | - Enrico Glaab
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, 4362, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Bart van der Burg
- BioDetection Systems bv, Science Park 406, 1098XH, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Richard Maclennan
- Cyprotex Discovery, No 24 Mereside, Alderley Park, Cheshire, SK10 4TG, UK
| | - Daniel F Legler
- Research Training Group RTG1331, 78457, Konstanz, Germany.,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology (KoRS-CB), 78457, Konstanz, Germany.,Biotechnology Institute Thurgau at the University of Konstanz, 8280, Kreuzlingen, Switzerland
| | - Marcel Leist
- In vitro Toxicology and Biomedicine, Department Inaugurated by the Doerenkamp-Zbinden Foundation, University of Konstanz, Universitaetsstr. 10, 78457, Konstanz, Germany. .,Research Training Group RTG1331, 78457, Konstanz, Germany. .,Konstanz Research School Chemical Biology (KoRS-CB), 78457, Konstanz, Germany.
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Jourdeuil K, Taneyhill LA. Spatiotemporal expression pattern of Connexin 43 during early chick embryogenesis. Gene Expr Patterns 2017; 27:67-75. [PMID: 29126985 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2017.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 11/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
During embryogenesis, a single cell develops into new tissues and organs that are made up of a number of different cell types. The assembly of the trigeminal ganglion (cranial nerve V), an important component of the peripheral nervous system, typifies this process. The trigeminal ganglia perform key sensory functions, including sensing pain and touch in the face, and arise from cells of two different progenitor populations, the neural crest and the cranial placodes. One question that remains poorly understood is how these two populations of cells interact with each other during development to form a functional ganglion. Gap junctions are intercellular channels that allow for the passage of small solutes between connected cells and could serve as one potential mechanism by which neural crest and placode cells communicate to create the trigeminal ganglia. To this end, we have generated a comprehensive spatiotemporal expression profile for the gap junction protein Connexin 43, a highly expressed member of the Connexin protein family during development. Our results reveal that Connexin 43 is expressed in the neural folds during neural fold fusion and in premigratory neural crest cells prior to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), during EMT, and in migratory neural crest cells. During trigeminal gangliogenesis, Connexin 43 is expressed in cranial neural crest cells and the mesenchyme but is strikingly absent in the placode-derived neurons. These data underscore the complexity of bringing two distinct cell populations together to form a new tissue during development and suggest that Connexin 43 may play a key role within neural crest cells during EMT, migration, and trigeminal gangliogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karyn Jourdeuil
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
| | - Lisa A Taneyhill
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
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The role of histone modification and a regulatory single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs2071166) in the Cx43 promoter in patients with TOF. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10435. [PMID: 28874875 PMCID: PMC5585261 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10756-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal level of Cx43 expression could result in CHD. Epigenetic modification and disease-associated, non-coding SNPs might influence gene transcription and expression. Our study aimed to determine the role of histone modification and an rSNP (rs2071166) in the Cx43 promoter in patients with TOF. Our results indicate that H3K18ac bind to Cx43 promoter and that their levels are reduced in TOF patients relative to controls. The relationship between the non-coding SNP in the Cx43 gene and TOF patients was evaluated in 158 patients and 300 controls. The C allele of rs2071166 was confirmed to result in an increased risk of TOF (OR = 1.586, 95%CI 1.149–2.189). Individuals with the CC genotype at rs2071166 also showed a significant susceptibility to TOF (OR = 2.961, 95%CI 1.452–6.038). The mRNA level in TOF who were CC genotype was lower than that in patients with the AA/AC genotype. Functional analysis in cells and transgenic zebrafish models showed that rs2071166 decreased the activity of the promoter and could block the interaction between RXRα and RARE. This is the first study to illustrate that epigenetic modification and an rSNP in the Cx43 promoter region play a critical role in TOF by impacting the transcriptional activity and expression level of Cx43.
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Mathews J, Levin M. Gap junctional signaling in pattern regulation: Physiological network connectivity instructs growth and form. Dev Neurobiol 2017; 77:643-673. [PMID: 27265625 PMCID: PMC10478170 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 05/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) are aqueous channels that allow cells to communicate via physiological signals directly. The role of gap junctional connectivity in determining single-cell functions has long been recognized. However, GJs have another important role: the regulation of large-scale anatomical pattern. GJs are not only versatile computational elements that allow cells to control which small molecule signals they receive and emit, but also establish connectivity patterns within large groups of cells. By dynamically regulating the topology of bioelectric networks in vivo, GJs underlie the ability of many tissues to implement complex morphogenesis. Here, a review of recent data on patterning roles of GJs in growth of the zebrafish fin, the establishment of left-right patterning, the developmental dysregulation known as cancer, and the control of large-scale head-tail polarity, and head shape in planarian regeneration has been reported. A perspective in which GJs are not only molecular features functioning in single cells, but also enable global neural-like dynamics in non-neural somatic tissues has been proposed. This view suggests a rich program of future work which capitalizes on the rapid advances in the biophysics of GJs to exploit GJ-mediated global dynamics for applications in birth defects, regenerative medicine, and morphogenetic bioengineering. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 643-673, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanita Mathews
- Department of Biology, Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA
| | - Michael Levin
- Department of Biology, Tufts Center for Regenerative and Developmental Biology, Tufts University, Medford, MA
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35
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Lee GH, Jang B, Choi HS, Kim HJ, Park JH, Jeon YC, Carp RI, Kim YS, Choi EK. Upregulation of Connexin 43 Expression Via C-Jun N-Terminal Kinase Signaling in Prion Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2016; 49:1005-19. [PMID: 26599051 DOI: 10.3233/jad-150283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Prion infection leads to neuronal cell death, glial cell activation, and the accumulation of misfolded prion proteins. However, the altered cellular environments in animals with prion diseases are poorly understood. In the central nervous system, cells connect the cytoplasm of adjacent cells via connexin (Cx)-assembled gap junction channels to allow the direct exchange of small molecules, including ions, neurotransmitters, and signaling molecules, which regulate the activities of the connected cells. Here, we investigate the role of Cx43 in the pathogenesis of prion diseases. Upregulated Cx43 expression, which was dependent on c-Jun N-Terminal Kinase (JNK)/c-Jun signaling cascades, was found in prion-affected brain tissues and hippocampal neuronal cells. Scrapie infection-induced Cx43 formed aggregated plaques within the cytoplasmic compartments at the cell-cell interfaces. The ethidium bromide (EtBr) uptake assay and scrape-loading dye transfer assay demonstrated that increased Cx43 has functional consequences for the activity of Cx43 hemichannels. Interestingly, blockade of PrPSc accumulation reduced Cx43 expression through the inhibition of JNK signaling, indicating that PrPSc accumulation may be directly involved in JNK activation-mediated Cx43 upregulation. Overall, our findings describe a scrapie infection-mediated novel regulatory signaling pathway of Cx43 expression and may suggest a role for Cx43 in the pathogenesis of prion diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geon-Hwi Lee
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Byungki Jang
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Seok Choi
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Ho Park
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Chul Jeon
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Richard I Carp
- New York State Institute for Basic Research in Developmental Disabilities, Staten Island, NY, USA
| | - Yong-Sun Kim
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Kyoung Choi
- Ilsong Institute of Life Science, Hallym University, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Gerontology, Graduate School of Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, Republic of Korea
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36
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Polusani SR, Kalmykov EA, Chandrasekhar A, Zucker SN, Nicholson BJ. Cell coupling mediated by connexin 26 selectively contributes to reduced adhesivity and increased migration. J Cell Sci 2016; 129:4399-4410. [PMID: 27777264 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.185017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 10/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junction proteins (connexins) have crucial effects on cell motility in many systems, from migration of neural crest cells to promotion of metastatic invasiveness. Here, we show that expression of Cx26 (also known as GJB2) in HeLa cells specifically enhances cell motility in scrape wounding and sparse culture models. This effect is dependent on gap junction channels and is isotype specific [Cx26 enhances motility, whereas Cx43 (also known as GJA1) does not and Cx32 (also known as GJB1) has an intermediate effect]. The increased motility is associated with reduced cell adhesiveness, caused by loss of N-cadherin protein and RNA at the wound edge. This in turn causes a redistribution of N-cadherin-binding proteins (p120 catenin and β-catenin) to the cytosol and nucleus, respectively. The former activates Rac-1, which mediates cytoskeletal rearrangements needed for filopod extension. The latter is associated with increased expression of urokinase plasminogen activating receptor (an activator of extracellular proteases) and secretion of extracellular matrix components like collagen. Although these effects were dependent on Cx26-mediated coupling of the cells, they are not mediated by the same signal (i.e. cAMP) through which Cx26 has been shown to suppress proliferation in the same system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srikanth R Polusani
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Edward A Kalmykov
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Anjana Chandrasekhar
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Shoshanna N Zucker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Bruce J Nicholson
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
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Beckmann A, Schubert M, Hainz N, Haase A, Martin U, Tschernig T, Meier C. Ultrastructural demonstration of Cx43 gap junctions in induced pluripotent stem cells from human cord blood. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 146:529-537. [PMID: 27456332 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1469-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Gap junction proteins are essential for direct intercellular communication but also influence cellular differentiation and migration. The expression of various connexin gap junction proteins has been demonstrated in embryonic stem cells, with Cx43 being the most intensely studied. As Cx43 is the most prominent gap junction protein in the heart, cardiomyocyte-differentiated stem cells have been studied intensely. To date, however, little is known about the expression and the subcellular distribution of Cx43 in undifferentiated stem cells or about the structural arrangement of channels. We, therefore, here investigate expression of Cx43 in undifferentiated human cord-blood-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (hCBiPS2). For this purpose, we carried out quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. For analysis of Cx43 ultrastructure and protein assembly, we performed freeze-fracture replica immunogold labeling (FRIL). Cx43 expression was detected at mRNA and protein level in hCBIPS2 cells. For the first time, ultrastructural data are presented on gap junction morphology in induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from cord blood: Our FRIL and electron microscopical analysis revealed the occurrence of gap junction plaques in undifferentiated iPS cells. In addition, these gap junctions were shown to contain the gap junction protein Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Beckmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße, Building 61, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Madline Schubert
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Transplant and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH-Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadine Hainz
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße, Building 61, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Alexandra Haase
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Transplant and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH-Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Martin
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Transplant and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH-Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Tschernig
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße, Building 61, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Carola Meier
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße, Building 61, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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38
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Gu R, Xu J, Lin Y, Zhang J, Wang H, Sheng W, Ma D, Ma X, Huang G. Liganded retinoic acid X receptor α represses connexin 43 through a potential retinoic acid response element in the promoter region. Pediatr Res 2016; 80:159-68. [PMID: 26991262 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2016.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Retinoic acid X receptor alpha (RXRα) and Connexin 43 (Cx43) both play a crucial role in cardiogenesis. However, little is known about the interplay mechanism between the RXRα and Cx43. METHODS The activations of retinoic acid response element (RARE) in Cx43 were measured by luciferase transfection assay. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was performed to prove that RXRα can directly bind to the RARE sequence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blotting were used to analyze the RXRα and Cx43 mRNA level and protein level in cells. RESULTS In this study, we confirmed the negative association of the gene expression between the RXRα and Cx43 in the cell level. Interestingly, a functional RARE was detected in the region from -1,426 to -314 base pairs upstream from the transcriptional start site of Cx43. Moreover, we also prove that RXRα can directly bind to this RARE sequence in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS RXRα negatively regulates the transcription and expression by directly binding to the RARE in the promoter of Cx43. The RARE-like sequence harbored in the Cx43 promoter region may serve as a functional RARE in the retinoic acid (RA) signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoyi Gu
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Xu
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixiang Lin
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Present address: Department of Pediatrics, Chengdu Women and Children's Medical Center, Sichuan, China
| | - Huijun Wang
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Sheng
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - Duan Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojing Ma
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoying Huang
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, China
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39
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Camley BA, Zimmermann J, Levine H, Rappel WJ. Collective Signal Processing in Cluster Chemotaxis: Roles of Adaptation, Amplification, and Co-attraction in Collective Guidance. PLoS Comput Biol 2016; 12:e1005008. [PMID: 27367541 PMCID: PMC4930173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Single eukaryotic cells commonly sense and follow chemical gradients, performing chemotaxis. Recent experiments and theories, however, show that even when single cells do not chemotax, clusters of cells may, if their interactions are regulated by the chemoattractant. We study this general mechanism of "collective guidance" computationally with models that integrate stochastic dynamics for individual cells with biochemical reactions within the cells, and diffusion of chemical signals between the cells. We show that if clusters of cells use the well-known local excitation, global inhibition (LEGI) mechanism to sense chemoattractant gradients, the speed of the cell cluster becomes non-monotonic in the cluster's size-clusters either larger or smaller than an optimal size will have lower speed. We argue that the cell cluster speed is a crucial readout of how the cluster processes chemotactic signals; both amplification and adaptation will alter the behavior of cluster speed as a function of size. We also show that, contrary to the assumptions of earlier theories, collective guidance does not require persistent cell-cell contacts and strong short range adhesion. If cell-cell adhesion is absent, and the cluster cohesion is instead provided by a co-attraction mechanism, e.g. chemotaxis toward a secreted molecule, collective guidance may still function. However, new behaviors, such as cluster rotation, may also appear in this case. Co-attraction and adaptation allow for collective guidance that is robust to varying chemoattractant concentrations while not requiring strong cell-cell adhesion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian A. Camley
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Juliane Zimmermann
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Wouter-Jan Rappel
- Department of Physics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
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40
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Abstract
Communication among cells via direct cell-cell contact by connexin gap junctions, or between cell and extracellular environment via pannexin channels or connexin hemichannels, is a key factor in cell function and tissue homeostasis. Upon malignant transformation in different cancer types, the dysregulation of these connexin and pannexin channels and their effect in cellular communication, can either enhance or suppress tumorigenesis and metastasis. In this review, we will highlight the latest reports on the role of the well characterized connexin family and its ability to form gap junctions and hemichannels in cancer. We will also introduce the more recently discovered family of pannexin channels and our current knowledge about their involvement in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean X Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Silvia Penuela
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A5C1, Canada.
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41
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Leader Cells Define Directionality of Trunk, but Not Cranial, Neural Crest Cell Migration. Cell Rep 2016; 15:2076-88. [PMID: 27210753 PMCID: PMC4893160 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.04.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Collective cell migration is fundamental for life and a hallmark of cancer. Neural crest (NC) cells migrate collectively, but the mechanisms governing this process remain controversial. Previous analyses in Xenopus indicate that cranial NC (CNC) cells are a homogeneous population relying on cell-cell interactions for directional migration, while chick embryo analyses suggest a heterogeneous population with leader cells instructing directionality. Our data in chick and zebrafish embryos show that CNC cells do not require leader cells for migration and all cells present similar migratory capacities. In contrast, laser ablation of trunk NC (TNC) cells shows that leader cells direct movement and cell-cell contacts are required for migration. Moreover, leader and follower identities are acquired before the initiation of migration and remain fixed thereafter. Thus, two distinct mechanisms establish the directionality of CNC cells and TNC cells. This implies the existence of multiple molecular mechanisms for collective cell migration. CNC rely on cell-cell interactions to migrate directionally Leader cells dictate directionality to followers in the trunk NC population Leader and follower identities are acquired before the initiation of migration Leader and follower identities are non-interchangeable during migration
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42
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Ishikawa M, Williams GL, Ikeuchi T, Sakai K, Fukumoto S, Yamada Y. Pannexin 3 and connexin 43 modulate skeletal development through their distinct functions and expression patterns. J Cell Sci 2016; 129:1018-30. [PMID: 26759176 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.176883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Pannexin 3 (Panx3) and connexin 43 (Cx43; also known as GJA1) are two major gap junction proteins expressed in osteoblasts. Here, we studied their functional relationships in skeletal formation by generating Panx3(-/-) and Panx3(-/-);Cx43(-/-) mice and comparing their skeletal phenotypes with Cx43(-/-) mice. Panx3(-/-) mice displayed defects in endochondral and intramembranous ossification, resulting in severe dwarfism and reduced bone density. The skeletal abnormalities of Panx3(-/-);Cx43(-/-) mice were similar to those in Panx3(-/-) mice. The gross appearance of newborn Cx43(-/-) skeletons showed no obvious abnormalities, except for less mineralization of the skull. In Panx3(-/-) mice, proliferation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts increased and differentiation of these cells was inhibited. Panx3 promoted expression of osteogenic proteins such as ALP and Ocn (also known as ALPL and BGLAP, respectively), as well as Cx43, by regulating Osx (also known as SP7) expression. Panx3 was induced in the early differentiation stage and reduced during the maturation stage of osteoblasts, when Cx43 expression increased in order to promote mineralization. Furthermore, only Panx3 functioned as an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) channel to promote differentiation, and it could rescue mineralization defects in Cx43(-/-) calvarial cells. Our findings reveal that Panx3 and Cx43 have distinct functions in skeletal formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Ishikawa
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA Operative Dentistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Geneva L Williams
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA Division of Biology & Biomedical Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Tomoko Ikeuchi
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Kiyoshi Sakai
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya 466-8550, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fukumoto
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Tohoku University Graduate School of Dentistry, Sendai 980-8576, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Yamada
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
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43
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Anti-angiogenesis therapy and gap junction inhibition reduce MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Sci Rep 2015. [PMID: 26218768 PMCID: PMC4517444 DOI: 10.1038/srep12598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells secrete VEGF, which plays a key role in their growth, invasion, extravasation and metastasis. Direct cancer cell-endothelial cell interaction, mediated by gap junctions, is of critical importance in the extravasation process. In this study, we evaluated avastin (Av), an anti-VEGF antibody; and oleamide (OL), a gap junction inhibitor, using MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells in vitro and a xenograft murine model in vivo. Results showed that Av/OL significantly decreased proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest and decreased migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells in vitro. In addition, Av/OL significantly decreased homo and hetero-cellular communication interaction between MDA-MDA and MDA-endothelial cells, respectively. The expression levels of several factors including VEGF, HIF1α, CXCR4, Cx26, Cx43, and MMP9 were attenuated upon Av/OL treatment in vitro. On the other hand, avastin, but not oleamide, reduced tumor size of NSG mice injected subdermally (s.d.) with MDA-MB-231 cells, which was also associated with increased survival. Furthermore, Av but also OL, separately, significantly increased the survival rate, and reduced pulmonary and hepatic metastatic foci, of intravenously (i.v.) injected mice. Finally, OL reduced MMP9 protein expression levels, better than Av and in comparisons to control, in the lungs of MDA-MB-231 i.v. injected NSG mice. In conclusion, while avastin has anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor and anti-metastatic activities, oleamide has anti-metastatic activity, presumably at the extravasation level, providing further evidence for the role of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in cancer cell extravasation.
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Phosphorylation of Connexin 43 by Cdk5 Modulates Neuronal Migration During Embryonic Brain Development. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:2969-2982. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9190-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Pentimento: Neural Crest and the origin of mesectoderm. Dev Biol 2015; 401:37-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 12/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Connexins in migration during development and cancer. Dev Biol 2014; 401:143-51. [PMID: 25553982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2014.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Connexins, the gap junction proteins, through their multitude of actions are implicated in a variety of cell processes during animal development and cancer. They allow direct or paracrine/autocrine cell communication through their channel and hemi-channel functions. They enable adhesion and interact with a plethora of signalling molecules. Here, we review the common themes in developmental and pathological processes and we focus in their involvement in cell migration in four different systems: neurons, astrocytes, neural crest and cancer.
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Molica F, Meens MJP, Morel S, Kwak BR. Mutations in cardiovascular connexin genes. Biol Cell 2014; 106:269-93. [PMID: 24966059 DOI: 10.1111/boc.201400038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) form a family of transmembrane proteins comprising 21 members in humans. Cxs differ in their expression patterns, biophysical properties and ability to combine into homomeric or heteromeric gap junction channels between neighbouring cells. The permeation of ions and small metabolites through gap junction channels or hemichannels confers a crucial role to these proteins in intercellular communication and in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Among others, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45 and Cx47 are found in heart, blood and lymphatic vessels. Mutations or polymorphisms in the genes coding for these Cxs have not only been implicated in cardiovascular pathologies but also in a variety of other disorders. While mutations in Cx43 are mostly linked to oculodentodigital dysplasia, Cx47 mutations are associated with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease and lymphoedema. Cx40 mutations are principally linked to atrial fibrillation. Mutations in Cx37 have not yet been described, but polymorphisms in the Cx37 gene have been implicated in the development of arterial disease. This review addresses current knowledge on gene mutations in cardiovascular Cxs systematically and links them to alterations in channel properties and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Molica
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Morel S, Chanson M, Nguyen TD, Glass AM, Richani Sarieddine MZ, Meens MJ, Burnier L, Kwak BR, Taffet SM. Titration of the gap junction protein Connexin43 reduces atherogenesis. Thromb Haemost 2014; 112:390-401. [PMID: 24828015 DOI: 10.1160/th13-09-0773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Ubiquitous reduction of the gap junction protein Connexin43 (Cx43) in mice provides beneficial effects on progression and composition of atherosclerotic lesions. Cx43 is expressed in multiple atheroma-associated cells but its function in each cell type is not known. To examine specifically the role of Cx43 in immune cells, we have lethally irradiated low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice and reconstituted with Cx43+/+, Cx43+/- or Cx43-/- haematopoietic fetal liver cells. Progression of atherosclerosis was significantly lower in aortic roots of Cx43+/- chimeras compared with Cx43+/+ and Cx43-/- chimeras, and their plaques contained significantly less neutrophils. The relative proportion of circulating leukocytes was similar between the three groups. Interestingly, the chemoattraction of neutrophils, which did not express Cx43, was reduced in response to supernatant secreted by Cx43+/- macrophages in comparison with the ones of Cx43+/+ and Cx43-/- macrophages. Cx43+/- macrophages did not differ from Cx43+/+ and Cx43-/- macrophages in terms of M1/M2 polarisation but show modified gene expression for a variety chemokines and complement components. In conclusion, titration of Cx43 expression in bone marrow-derived macrophages reduces atherosclerotic plaque formation and chemoattraction of neutrophils to the lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - B R Kwak
- Brenda R. Kwak, PhD, Dept. of Pathology and Immunology, Dept of Internal Medicine - Cardiology, University of Geneva, CMU, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland, Tel.: +41 22 379 57 37, Fax: +41 22 379 57 46, E-mail:
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Lu X, Watsky MA. Effects of vitamin D receptor knockout on cornea epithelium gap junctions. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2014; 55:2975-82. [PMID: 24722695 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.13-13788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Gap junctions are present in all corneal cell types and have been shown to have a critical role in cell phenotype determination. Vitamin D has been shown to influence cell differentiation, and recent work demonstrates the presence of vitamin D in the ocular anterior segment. This study measured and compared gap junction diffusion coefficients among different cornea epithelium phenotypes and in keratocytes using a noninvasive technique, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), and examined the influence of vitamin D receptor (VDR) knockout on epithelial gap junction communication in intact corneas. Previous gap junction studies in cornea epithelium and keratocytes were performed using cultured cells or ex vivo invasive techniques. These invasive techniques were unable to measure diffusion coefficients and likely were disruptive to normal cell physiology. METHODS Corneas from VDR knockout and control mice were stained with 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate (CFDA). Gap junction diffusion coefficients of the corneal epithelium phenotypes and of keratocytes, residing in intact corneas, were detected using FRAP. RESULTS Diffusion coefficients equaled 18.7, 9.8, 5.6, and 4.2 μm(2)/s for superficial squamous cells, middle wing cells, basal cells, and keratocytes, respectively. Corneal thickness, superficial cell size, and the superficial squamous cell diffusion coefficient of 10-week-old VDR knockout mice were significantly lower than those of control mice (P < 0.01). The superficial cell diffusion coefficient of heterozygous mice was significantly lower than control mice (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate differences in gap junction dye spread among the epithelial cell phenotypes, mirroring the epithelial developmental axis. The VDR knockout influences previously unreported cell-to-cell communication in superficial epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowen Lu
- Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States
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Wu Y, Ma XJ, Wang HJ, Li WC, Chen L, Ma D, Huang GY. Expression of Cx43-related microRNAs in patients with tetralogy of Fallot. World J Pediatr 2014; 10:138-44. [PMID: 24146179 DOI: 10.1007/s12519-013-0434-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Abnormal expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) has been reported to play an important role in the development of conotrunccal anomalies. However, less is known about the underlying reason for its abnormal expression. MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as an important part of gene expression regulation, have been implicated in some cardiac diseases. This study aimed to investigate the expression of Cx43 and its related miRNAs in patients with tetralogy of Fallot (TOF), and illustrate the potential role of abnormal miRNAs regulation to Cx43 expression in the pathology of TOF. METHODS Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect the expression of Cx43 and 10 Cx43-related miRNAs in the myocardium from 30 TOF patients and 10 normal controls. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect Cx43 protein expression. Putative miRNA binding sites in the 3'UTR of Cx43 were examined in 200 TOF patients and 200 healthy individuals, using Sanger sequencing, to exclude sequence variations resulting in binding difficulties of miRNAs. RESULTS Cx43 mRNA and protein expression in the myocardium tissue was significantly increased in TOF patients. The expression of MiR-1 and 206 was significantly decreased in the TOF patients as compared with the controls (P<0.05). No obvious difference was observed in the expression of the other 7 miRNAs between the TOF patients and controls (P>0.05). No meaningful sequence variation was detected in the putative miR1/206 binding sites in the 3'UTR of Cx43. CONCLUSIONS This study indicated that miR-1 and 206 is down-regulated in TOF patients, which may cause an up-regulation of Cx43 protein's synthesis. It provided a clue that miR-1 and 206 might be involved in the pathogenesis of TOF, additional experiments are needed to determine if in fact, miR-1 and 206 contribute substantially to TOF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wu
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
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