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Yasarbas SS, Inal E, Yildirim MA, Dubrac S, Lamartine J, Mese G. Connexins in epidermal health and diseases: insights into their mutations, implications, and therapeutic solutions. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1346971. [PMID: 38827992 PMCID: PMC11140265 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1346971] [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: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, serves as a protective barrier against external factors. Epidermal differentiation, a tightly regulated process essential for epidermal homeostasis, epidermal barrier formation and skin integrity maintenance, is orchestrated by several players, including signaling molecules, calcium gradient and junctional complexes such as gap junctions (GJs). GJ proteins, known as connexins facilitate cell-to-cell communication between adjacent keratinocytes. Connexins can function as either hemichannels or GJs, depending on their interaction with other connexons from neighboring keratinocytes. These channels enable the transport of metabolites, cAMP, microRNAs, and ions, including Ca2+, across cell membranes. At least ten distinct connexins are expressed within the epidermis and mutations in at least five of them has been linked to various skin disorders. Connexin mutations may cause aberrant channel activity by altering their synthesis, their gating properties, their intracellular trafficking, and the assembly of hemichannels and GJ channels. In addition to mutations, connexin expression is dysregulated in other skin conditions including psoriasis, chronic wound and skin cancers, indicating the crucial role of connexins in skin homeostasis. Current treatment options for conditions with mutant or altered connexins are limited and primarily focus on symptom management. Several therapeutics, including non-peptide chemicals, antibodies, mimetic peptides and allele-specific small interfering RNAs are promising in treating connexin-related skin disorders. Since connexins play crucial roles in maintaining epidermal homeostasis as shown with linkage to a range of skin disorders and cancer, further investigations are warranted to decipher the molecular and cellular alterations within cells due to mutations or altered expression, leading to abnormal proliferation and differentiation. This would also help characterize the roles of each isoform in skin homeostasis, in addition to the development of innovative therapeutic interventions. This review highlights the critical functions of connexins in the epidermis and the association between connexins and skin disorders, and discusses potential therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Suheda Yasarbas
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
| | - Ece Inal
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
| | - M. Azra Yildirim
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
| | - Sandrine Dubrac
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jérôme Lamartine
- Skin Functional Integrity Group, Laboratory for Tissue Biology and Therapeutics Engineering (LBTI) CNRS UMR5305, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Gulistan Mese
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
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Laurita KR, Piktel JS, Irish L, Nassal M, Cheng A, McCauley M, Pawlowski G, Dennis AT, Suen Y, Almahameed S, Ziv O, Gourdie RG, Wilson LD. Spontaneous Repolarization Alternans Causes VT/VF Rearrest That Is Suppressed by Preserving Gap Junctions. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2024:S2405-500X(24)00262-7. [PMID: 38752959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2024.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ventricular tachycardia (VT)/ventricular fibrillation (VF) rearrest after successful resuscitation is common, and survival is poor. A mechanism of VT/VF, as demonstrated in ex vivo studies, is when repolarization alternans becomes spatially discordant (DIS ALT), which can be enhanced by impaired gap junctions (GJs). However, in vivo spontaneous DIS ALT-induced VT/VF has never been demonstrated, and the effects of GJ on DIS ALT and VT/VF rearrest are unknown. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to determine whether spontaneous VT/VF rearrest induced by DIS ALT occurs in vivo, and if it can be suppressed by preserving Cx43-mediated GJ coupling and/or connectivity. METHODS We used an in vivo porcine model of resuscitation from ischemia-induced cardiac arrest combined with ex vivo optical mapping in porcine left ventricular wedge preparations. RESULTS In vivo, DIS ALT frequently preceded VT/VF and paralleled its incidence at normal (37°C, n = 9) and mild hypothermia (33°C, n = 8) temperatures. Maintaining GJs in vivo with rotigaptide (n = 10) reduced DIS ALT and VT/VF incidence, especially during mild hypothermia, by 90% and 60%, respectively (P < 0.001; P < 0.013). Ex vivo, both rotigaptide (n = 5) and αCT11 (n = 7), a Cx43 mimetic peptide that promotes GJ connectivity, significantly reduced DIS ALT by 60% and 100%, respectively (P < 0.05; P < 0.005), and this reduction was associated with reduced intrinsic heterogeneities of action potential duration rather than changes in conduction velocity restitution. CONCLUSIONS These results provide the strongest in vivo evidence to date suggesting a causal relationship between spontaneous DIS ALT and VT/VF in a clinically realistic scenario. Furthermore, our results suggest that preserving GJs during resuscitation can suppress VT/VF rearrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth R Laurita
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
| | - Joseph S Piktel
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Laken Irish
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Michelle Nassal
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Aurelia Cheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Matthew McCauley
- Department of Emergency Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Gary Pawlowski
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Adrienne T Dennis
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Yi Suen
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Soufian Almahameed
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Ohad Ziv
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Tech University, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Lance D Wilson
- Heart and Vascular Research Center, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, MetroHealth Campus, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
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Buthelezi LM, Munsamy AJ, Mashige KP. Inflammatory mechanisms contributing to retinal alterations in HIV infection and long-term ART. South Afr J HIV Med 2024; 25:1548. [PMID: 38628910 PMCID: PMC11019112 DOI: 10.4102/sajhivmed.v25i1.1548] [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: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
People living with HIV (PLWH) may face an increased risk of eye complications associated with ageing, chronic inflammation, and the toxicity arising from long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART). This review aims to understand how inflammatory pathways contribute to retinal alterations observed in PLWH on long-term ART. This review was conducted using four electronic database searches, namely Scopus, Hinari, Google Scholar, and PubMed; from 1996 (when ART became available) until January 2022, without language restriction. Sources from clinical trials, meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials, and systematic reviews were used. Dysregulated para-inflammation (chronic inflammation) damages the blood-retina barrier, resulting in the altered retinal immune privilege and leading to the development of retinal and blood vessel changes. There is an interplay between the effects of the disease versus ART. ART causes mitochondrial toxicity, which affects the retinal ganglion cells and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) due to oxidative stress. Infection by HIV also affects retinal microglia, which contributes to RPE damage. Both of these mechanisms affect the blood vessels. Assessing the integrity of the inner and outer blood-retina barrier is a pivotal point in pinpointing the pathogenesis of inner retinal alterations. Optical coherence tomography is a valuable tool to assess these changes. There is a paucity of research to understand how these structural changes may affect visual function, such as contrast sensitivity and colour vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lungile M Buthelezi
- Department of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Alvin J Munsamy
- Department of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Khathutshelo P Mashige
- Department of Optometry, School of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Pelz L, Dossou L, Kompier N, Jüttner R, Siemonsmeier G, Meyer N, Lowenstein ED, Lahmann I, Kettenmann H, Birchmeier C, Rathjen FG. The IgCAM BT-IgSF (IgSF11) is essential for connexin43-mediated astrocyte-astrocyte coupling in mice. eNeuro 2024; 11:ENEURO.0283-23.2024. [PMID: 38388443 PMCID: PMC10957231 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0283-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The type I transmembrane protein BT-IgSF is predominantly localized in the brain and testes. It belongs to the CAR subgroup of Ig cell adhesion proteins, that are hypothesized to regulate connexin expression or localization. Here, we studied the putative link between BT-IgSF and connexins in astrocytes, ependymal cells and neurons of the mouse. Global knockout of BT-IgSF caused an increase in the clustering of connexin43 (Gja1), but not of connexin30 (Gjb6), on astrocytes and ependymal cells. Additionally, knockout animals displayed reduced expression levels of connexin43 protein in the cortex and hippocampus. Importantly, analysis of biocytin spread in hippocampal or cortical slices from mature mice of either sex revealed a decrease in astrocytic cell-cell coupling in the absence of BT-IgSF. Blocking either protein biosynthesis or proteolysis showed that the lysosomal pathway increased connexin43 degradation in astrocytes. Localization of connexin43 in subcellular compartments was not impaired in astrocytes of BT-IgSF mutants. In contrast to connexin43 the localization and expression of connexin36 (Gjd2) on neurons was not affected by the absence of BT-IgSF. Overall, our data indicate that the IgCAM BT-IgSF is essential for correct gap junction-mediated astrocyte-to-astrocyte cell communication.Significance Statement Astrocytes regulate a variety of physiological processes in the developing and adult brain that are essential for proper brain function. Astrocytes form extensive networks in the brain and communicate via gap junctions. Disruptions of gap junction coupling are found in several diseases such as neurodegeneration or epilepsy. Here, we demonstrate that the cell adhesion protein BT-IgSF is essential for gap junction mediated coupling between astrocytes in the cortex and hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pelz
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin DE-13092, Germany
| | - Laura Dossou
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin DE-13092, Germany
| | - Nine Kompier
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin DE-13092, Germany
| | - René Jüttner
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin DE-13092, Germany
| | | | - Niklas Meyer
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin DE-13092, Germany
| | | | - Ines Lahmann
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin DE-13092, Germany
| | - Helmut Kettenmann
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin DE-13092, Germany
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Carmen Birchmeier
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin DE-13092, Germany
- NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin 10117, Germany
| | - Fritz G. Rathjen
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin DE-13092, Germany
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da Fonseca IIM, Nagamine MK, Sato A, Rossatto-Jr CA, Yeh ES, Dagli MLZ. Inhibitory Effects of Alpha-Connexin Carboxyl-Terminal Peptide on Canine Mammary Epithelial Cells: A Study on Benign and Malignant Phenotypes. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:820. [PMID: 38398211 PMCID: PMC10887206 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mammary cancer is highly prevalent in non-castrated female dogs. Cell-to-cell communication is an important mechanism to maintain homeostasis, and connexins are proteins that assemble to form the communicating gap junctions. In many cancers, communication capacity is reduced; several approaches are being tested in order to increase the communication capacity in cancer cells and, therefore, alter their viability. This study analyzed the effects of the alpha-connexin carboxyl-terminal peptide (αCT1) on canine mammary non-neoplastic and neoplastic epithelial cells. Seven canine epithelial mammary cell lines were used. Among these, one was a normal canine epithelial mammary cell line (LOEC-NMG), two canine mammary adenomas (LOEC-MAd1 and LOEC-MAd2), and four canine mammary adenocarcinomas (LOEC-MCA1, LOEC-MCA2, LOEC-MCA3 and CF41). The αCT1 corresponds to a short Cx43 C-terminal sequence linked to an internalization sequence called the antennapedia. After 24 h of incubation, the medium containing different αCT1 peptide concentrations was added to the cells, and only the culture medium was used for control. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) test was used to quantify cell viability before treatment and 48, 72, and 96 h after the treatment. Results showed that the normal mammary epithelial cell line (LOEC-NMG) was resistant to treatment with αCT1, which is consistent with a previous study on human mammary cell lines. One of the adenoma cell lines (LOEC-MAd2) was also resistant to treatment with αCT1, although the other (LOEC-MAd1) was susceptible to treatment, mostly at 72 h after treatment. Regarding the four canine adenocarcinoma cell lines, they differ regarding the susceptibility to the treatment with αCT1. Three cell lines, canine mixed adenocarcinoma (LOEC-MCA1), canine complex adenocarcinoma (LOEC-MCA2), and commercial canine mammary adenocarcinoma cell line CF41, were susceptible to treatment with αCT1, while one canine mammary adenocarcinoma cell line (LOEC-MCA3) was resistant to treatment. In most αCT1 treated cell lines, Cx43 was strongly detected in cell membranes by immunofluorescence. We propose that αCT1 restored the cell-to-cell communication capacity of neoplastic cells and induced inhibitory effects on cell viability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivone Izabel Mackowiak da Fonseca
- Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Oncology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (I.I.M.d.F.); (M.K.N.); (A.S.); (C.A.R.-J.)
| | - Marcia Kazumi Nagamine
- Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Oncology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (I.I.M.d.F.); (M.K.N.); (A.S.); (C.A.R.-J.)
| | - Ayami Sato
- Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Oncology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (I.I.M.d.F.); (M.K.N.); (A.S.); (C.A.R.-J.)
- Institute of Life Innovation Studies, Toyo University, Tokyo 374-0193, Japan
| | - Carlos Alberto Rossatto-Jr
- Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Oncology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (I.I.M.d.F.); (M.K.N.); (A.S.); (C.A.R.-J.)
| | - Elizabeth Shinmay Yeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Maria Lucia Zaidan Dagli
- Laboratory of Experimental and Comparative Oncology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, Brazil; (I.I.M.d.F.); (M.K.N.); (A.S.); (C.A.R.-J.)
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Gu B, Han K, Cao H, Huang X, Li X, Mao M, Zhu H, Cai H, Li D, He J. Heart-on-a-chip systems with tissue-specific functionalities for physiological, pathological, and pharmacological studies. Mater Today Bio 2024; 24:100914. [PMID: 38179431 PMCID: PMC10765251 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in heart-on-a-chip systems hold great promise to facilitate cardiac physiological, pathological, and pharmacological studies. This review focuses on the development of heart-on-a-chip systems with tissue-specific functionalities. For one thing, the strategies for developing cardiac microtissues on heart-on-a-chip systems that closely mimic the structures and behaviors of the native heart are analyzed, including the imitation of cardiac structural and functional characteristics. For another, the development of techniques for real-time monitoring of biophysical and biochemical signals from cardiac microtissues on heart-on-a-chip systems is introduced, incorporating cardiac electrophysiological signals, contractile activity, and biomarkers. Furthermore, the applications of heart-on-a-chip systems in intelligent cardiac studies are discussed regarding physiological/pathological research and pharmacological assessment. Finally, the future development of heart-on-a-chip toward a higher level of systematization, integration, and maturation is proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bingsong Gu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Kang Han
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Hanbo Cao
- Shaanxi Provincial Institute for Food and Drug Control, Xi’ an, 710065, China
| | - Xinxin Huang
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Xiao Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Mao Mao
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Hu Cai
- Shaanxi Provincial Institute for Food and Drug Control, Xi’ an, 710065, China
| | - Dichen Li
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
| | - Jiankang He
- State Key Laboratory for Manufacturing System Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Additive Manufacturing Medical Devices, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi’ an, 710049, China
- National Innovation Platform (Center) for Industry-Education Integration of Medical Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, China
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Smyth JW, Guo S, O'Rourke L, Deaver S, Dahlka J, Nurmemmedov E, Sheng Z, Gourdie RG, Lamouille S. Increased interaction between connexin43 and microtubules is critical for glioblastoma stem-like cell maintenance and tumorigenicity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.26.576347. [PMID: 38328202 PMCID: PMC10849643 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.26.576347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary tumor of the central nervous system. One major challenge in GBM treatment is the resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy observed in subpopulations of cancer cells, including GBM stem-like cells (GSCs). These cells hold the ability to self-renew or differentiate following treatment, participating in tumor recurrence. The gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) has complex roles in oncogenesis and we have previously demonstrated an association between Cx43 and GBM chemotherapy resistance. Here, we report, for the first time, increased direct interaction between non-junctional Cx43 with microtubules in the cytoplasm of GSCs. We hypothesize that non-junctional Cx43/microtubule complexing is critical for GSC maintenance and survival and sought to specifically disrupt this interaction while maintaining other Cx43 functions, such as gap junction formation. Using a Cx43 mimetic peptide of the carboxyl terminal tubulin-binding domain of Cx43 (JM2), we successfully ablated Cx43 interaction with microtubules in GSCs. Importantly, administration of JM2 significantly decreased GSC survival in vitro , and limited GSC-derived tumor growth in vivo . Together, these results identify JM2 as a novel peptide drug to ablate GSCs in GBM treatment.
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Li Y, Acosta FM, Jiang JX. Gap Junctions or Hemichannel-Dependent and Independent Roles of Connexins in Fibrosis, Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions, and Wound Healing. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1796. [PMID: 38136665 PMCID: PMC10742173 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121796] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis initially appears as a normal response to damage, where activated fibroblasts produce large amounts of the extracellular matrix (ECM) during the wound healing process to assist in the repair of injured tissue. However, the excessive accumulation of the ECM, unresolved by remodeling mechanisms, leads to organ dysfunction. Connexins, a family of transmembrane channel proteins, are widely recognized for their major roles in fibrosis, the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and wound healing. Efforts have been made in recent years to identify novel mediators and targets for this regulation. Connexins form gap junctions and hemichannels, mediating communications between neighboring cells and inside and outside of cells, respectively. Recent evidence suggests that connexins, beyond forming channels, possess channel-independent functions in fibrosis, the EMT, and wound healing. One crucial channel-independent function is their role as the primary functional component for cell adhesion. Other channel-independent functions of connexins involve their roles in mitochondria and exosomes. This review summarizes the latest advances in the channel-dependent and independent roles of connexins in fibrosis, the EMT, and wound healing, with a particular focus on eye diseases, emphasizing their potential as novel, promising therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (Y.L.); (F.M.A.)
- Department of Pathology, Basic Medical School, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Francisca M. Acosta
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (Y.L.); (F.M.A.)
| | - Jean X. Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA; (Y.L.); (F.M.A.)
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Mezache L, Soltisz AM, Johnstone SR, Isakson BE, Veeraraghavan R. Vascular Endothelial Barrier Protection Prevents Atrial Fibrillation by Preserving Cardiac Nanostructure. JACC Clin Electrophysiol 2023; 9:2444-2458. [PMID: 38032579 PMCID: PMC11134328 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacep.2023.10.013] [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: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrial fibrillation (AF), the most common cardiac arrhythmia, is widely associated with inflammation, vascular dysfunction, and elevated levels of the vascular leak-inducing cytokine, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Mechanisms underlying AF are poorly understood and current treatments only manage this progressive disease, rather than arresting the underlying pathology. The authors previously identified edema-induced disruption of sodium channel (NaV1.5)-rich intercalated disk nanodomains as a novel mechanism for AF initiation secondary to acute inflammation. Therefore, we hypothesized that protecting the vascular barrier can prevent vascular leak-induced atrial arrhythmias. OBJECTIVES In this study the authors tested the hypothesis that protecting the vascular barrier can prevent vascular leak-induced atrial arrhythmias. They identified 2 molecular targets for vascular barrier protection, connexin43 (Cx43) hemichannels and pannexin-1 (Panx1) channels, which have been implicated in cytokine-induced vascular leak. METHODS The authors undertook in vivo electrocardiography, electron microscopy, and super-resolution light microscopy studies in mice acutely treated with a clinically relevant level of VEGF. RESULTS AF incidence was increased in untreated mice exposed to VEGF relative to vehicle control subjects. VEGF also increased the average number of AF episodes. VEGF shifted NaV1.5 signal to longer distances from Cx43 gap junctions, measured by a distance transformation-based spatial analysis of 3-dimensional confocal images of intercalated disks. Similar effects were observed with NaV1.5 localized near mechanical junctions composed of neural cadherin. Blocking connexin43 hemichannels (αCT11 peptide) or Panx1 channels (PxIL2P peptide) significantly reduced the duration of AF episodes compared with VEGF alone with no treatment. Concurrently, both peptide therapies preserved NaV1.5 distance from gap junctions to control levels and reduced mechanical junction-adjacent intermembrane distance in these hearts. Notably, similar antiarrhythmic efficacy was also achieved with clinically-relevant small-molecule inhibitors of Cx43 and Panx1. CONCLUSIONS These results highlight vascular barrier protection as an antiarrhythmic strategy following inflammation-induced vascular leak.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louisa Mezache
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Andrew M Soltisz
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Scott R Johnstone
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Centre for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, Virginia, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Roanoke, Virginia, USA
| | - Brant E Isakson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Rengasayee Veeraraghavan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA; The Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA; Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA.
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10
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Phillips CM, Johnson AM, Stamatovic SM, Keep RF, Andjelkovic AV. 20 kDa isoform of connexin-43 augments spatial reorganization of the brain endothelial junctional complex and lesion leakage in cerebral cavernous malformation type-3. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 186:106277. [PMID: 37652184 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformation type-3 (CCM3) is a type of brain vascular malformation caused by mutations in programmed cell death protein-10 (PDCD10). It is characterized by early life occurrence of hemorrhagic stroke and profound blood-brain barrier defects. The pathogenic mechanisms responsible for microvascular hyperpermeability and lesion progression in CCM3 are still largely unknown. The current study examined brain endothelial barrier structural defects formed in the absence of CCM3 in vivo and in vitro that may lead to CCM3 lesion leakage. We found significant upregulation of a 20 kDa isoform of connexin 43 (GJA1-20 k) in brain endothelial cells (BEC) in both non-leaky and leaky lesions, as well as in an in vitro CCM3 knockdown model (CCM3KD-BEC). Morphological, biochemical, FRET, and FRAP analyses of CCM3KD-BEC found GJA1-20 k regulates full-length GJA1 biogenesis, prompting uncontrolled gap junction growth. Furthermore, by binding to a tight junction scaffolding protein, ZO-1, GJA1-20 k interferes with Cx43/ZO-1 interactions and gap junction/tight junction crosstalk, promoting ZO-1 dissociation from tight junction complexes and diminishing claudin-5/ZO-1 interaction. As a consequence, the tight junction complex is destabilized, allowing "replacement" of tight junctions with gap junctions leading to increased brain endothelial barrier permeability. Modifying cellular levels of GJA1-20 k rescued brain endothelial barrier integrity re-establishing the spatial organization of gap and tight junctional complexes. This study highlights generation of potential defects at the CCM3-affected brain endothelial barrier which may underlie prolonged vascular leakiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea M Phillips
- Neuroscience Graduate program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Richard F Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anuska V Andjelkovic
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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11
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Adams WP, Raisch TB, Zhao Y, Davalos R, Barrett S, King DR, Bain CB, Colucci-Chang K, Blair GA, Hanlon A, Lozano A, Veeraraghavan R, Wan X, Deschenes I, Smyth JW, Hoeker GS, Gourdie RG, Poelzing S. Extracellular Perinexal Separation Is a Principal Determinant of Cardiac Conduction. Circ Res 2023; 133:658-673. [PMID: 37681314 PMCID: PMC10561697 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.123.322567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiac conduction is understood to occur through gap junctions. Recent evidence supports ephaptic coupling as another mechanism of electrical communication in the heart. Conduction via gap junctions predicts a direct relationship between conduction velocity (CV) and bulk extracellular resistance. By contrast, ephaptic theory is premised on the existence of a biphasic relationship between CV and the volume of specialized extracellular clefts within intercalated discs such as the perinexus. Our objective was to determine the relationship between ventricular CV and structural changes to micro- and nanoscale extracellular spaces. METHODS Conduction and Cx43 (connexin43) protein expression were quantified from optically mapped guinea pig whole-heart preparations perfused with the osmotic agents albumin, mannitol, dextran 70 kDa, or dextran 2 MDa. Peak sodium current was quantified in isolated guinea pig ventricular myocytes. Extracellular resistance was quantified by impedance spectroscopy. Intercellular communication was assessed in a heterologous expression system with fluorescence recovery after photobleaching. Perinexal width was quantified from transmission electron micrographs. RESULTS CV primarily in the transverse direction of propagation was significantly reduced by mannitol and increased by albumin and both dextrans. The combination of albumin and dextran 70 kDa decreased CV relative to albumin alone. Extracellular resistance was reduced by mannitol, unchanged by albumin, and increased by both dextrans. Cx43 expression and conductance and peak sodium currents were not significantly altered by the osmotic agents. In response to osmotic agents, perinexal width, in order of narrowest to widest, was albumin with dextran 70 kDa; albumin or dextran 2 MDa; dextran 70 kDa or no osmotic agent, and mannitol. When compared in the same order, CV was biphasically related to perinexal width. CONCLUSIONS Cardiac conduction does not correlate with extracellular resistance but is biphasically related to perinexal separation, providing evidence that the relationship between CV and extracellular volume is determined by ephaptic mechanisms under conditions of normal gap junctional coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- William P. Adams
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
- Translational Biology, Medicine and Health Program at Virginia Tech
| | - Tristan B. Raisch
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
- Translational Biology, Medicine and Health Program at Virginia Tech
| | - Yajun Zhao
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech
| | - Rafael Davalos
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech
| | | | - D. Ryan King
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
- Translational Biology, Medicine and Health Program at Virginia Tech
| | - Chandra B. Bain
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
| | - Katrina Colucci-Chang
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech
| | - Grace A. Blair
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
- Translational Biology, Medicine and Health Program at Virginia Tech
| | - Alexandra Hanlon
- Virginia Tech Center for Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Alicia Lozano
- Virginia Tech Center for Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Rengasayee Veeraraghavan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University
- The Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
| | - Xiaoping Wan
- The Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
| | - Isabelle Deschenes
- The Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
| | - James W. Smyth
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Virginia Tech
- Department of Basic Science Education, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Gregory S. Hoeker
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
| | - Robert G. Gourdie
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech
- Department of Basic Science Education, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Steven Poelzing
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research at Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC
- Translational Biology, Medicine and Health Program at Virginia Tech
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech
- Department of Basic Science Education, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia
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12
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León-Fuentes IM, Salgado-Gil MG, Novoa MS, Retamal MA. Connexins in Cancer, the Possible Role of Connexin46 as a Cancer Stem Cell-Determining Protein. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1460. [PMID: 37892142 PMCID: PMC10604234 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a widespread and incurable disease caused by genetic mutations, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and metastasis. Connexins (Cx) are transmembrane proteins that facilitate intercellular communication via hemichannels and gap junction channels. Among them, Cx46 is found mostly in the eye lens. However, in pathological conditions, Cx46 has been observed in various types of cancers, such as glioblastoma, melanoma, and breast cancer. It has been demonstrated that elevated Cx46 levels in breast cancer contribute to cellular resistance to hypoxia, and it is an enhancer of cancer aggressiveness supporting a pro-tumoral role. Accordingly, Cx46 is associated with an increase in cancer stem cell phenotype. These cells display radio- and chemoresistance, high proliferative abilities, self-renewal, and differentiation capacities. This review aims to consolidate the knowledge of the relationship between Cx46, its role in forming hemichannels and gap junctions, and its connection with cancer and cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mauricio A. Retamal
- Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, República de Honduras 12740, Las Condes, Santiago 7610496, Chile; (I.M.L.-F.); (M.G.S.-G.); (M.S.N.)
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13
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Nielsen MS, van Opbergen CJM, van Veen TAB, Delmar M. The intercalated disc: a unique organelle for electromechanical synchrony in cardiomyocytes. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2271-2319. [PMID: 36731030 PMCID: PMC10191137 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The intercalated disc (ID) is a highly specialized structure that connects cardiomyocytes via mechanical and electrical junctions. Although described in some detail by light microscopy in the 19th century, it was in 1966 that electron microscopy images showed that the ID represented apposing cell borders and provided detailed insight into the complex ID nanostructure. Since then, much has been learned about the ID and its molecular composition, and it has become evident that a large number of proteins, not all of them involved in direct cell-to-cell coupling via mechanical or gap junctions, reside at the ID. Furthermore, an increasing number of functional interactions between ID components are emerging, leading to the concept that the ID is not the sum of isolated molecular silos but an interacting molecular complex, an "organelle" where components work in concert to bring about electrical and mechanical synchrony. The aim of the present review is to give a short historical account of the ID's discovery and an updated overview of its composition and organization, followed by a discussion of the physiological implications of the ID architecture and the local intermolecular interactions. The latter will focus on both the importance of normal conduction of cardiac action potentials as well as the impact on the pathophysiology of arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten S Nielsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Chantal J M van Opbergen
- The Leon Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University Grossmann School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
| | - Toon A B van Veen
- Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mario Delmar
- The Leon Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University Grossmann School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
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14
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Scott H, Dong L, Stevenson A, MacDonald AI, Srinivasan S, Massimi P, Banks L, Martin PE, Johnstone SR, Graham SV. The human discs large protein 1 interacts with and maintains connexin 43 at the plasma membrane in keratinocytes. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs259984. [PMID: 37288673 PMCID: PMC10309592 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junction channels, composed of connexins, allow direct cell-to-cell communication. Connexin 43 (Cx43; also known as GJA1) is widely expressed in tissues, including the epidermis. In a previous study of human papillomavirus-positive cervical epithelial tumour cells, we identified Cx43 as a binding partner of the human homologue of Drosophila Discs large (Dlg1; also known as SAP97). Dlg1 is a member of the membrane associated-guanylate kinase (MAGUK) scaffolding protein family, which is known to control cell shape and polarity. Here, we show that Cx43 also interacts with Dlg1 in uninfected keratinocytes in vitro and in keratinocytes, dermal cells and adipocytes in normal human epidermis in vivo. Depletion of Dlg1 in keratinocytes did not alter Cx43 transcription but was associated with a reduction in Cx43 protein levels. Reduced Dlg1 levels in keratinocytes resulted in a reduction in Cx43 at the plasma membrane with a concomitant reduction in gap junctional intercellular communication and relocation of Cx43 to the Golgi compartment. Our data suggest a key role for Dlg1 in maintaining Cx43 at the plasma membrane in keratinocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harry Scott
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Li Dong
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Andrew Stevenson
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Alasdair I. MacDonald
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | - Sharmila Srinivasan
- Translation Research Platform for Veterinary Biologicals, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Paola Massimi
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Lawrence Banks
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Patricia E. Martin
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
| | - Scott R. Johnstone
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke VA 24016, USA
| | - Sheila V. Graham
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, School of Infection and Immunity, College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
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15
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Leybaert L, De Smet MA, Lissoni A, Allewaert R, Roderick HL, Bultynck G, Delmar M, Sipido KR, Witschas K. Connexin hemichannels as candidate targets for cardioprotective and anti-arrhythmic treatments. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:168117. [PMID: 36919695 PMCID: PMC10014111 DOI: 10.1172/jci168117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins are crucial cardiac proteins that form hemichannels and gap junctions. Gap junctions are responsible for the propagation of electrical and chemical signals between myocardial cells and cells of the specialized conduction system in order to synchronize the cardiac cycle and steer cardiac pump function. Gap junctions are normally open, while hemichannels are closed, but pathological circumstances may close gap junctions and open hemichannels, thereby perturbing cardiac function and homeostasis. Current evidence demonstrates an emerging role of hemichannels in myocardial ischemia and arrhythmia, and tools are now available to selectively inhibit hemichannels without inhibiting gap junctions as well as to stimulate hemichannel incorporation into gap junctions. We review available experimental evidence for hemichannel contributions to cellular pro-arrhythmic events in ventricular and atrial cardiomyocytes, and link these to insights at the level of molecular control of connexin-43-based hemichannel opening. We conclude that a double-edged approach of both preventing hemichannel opening and preserving gap junctional function will be key for further research and development of new connexin-based experimental approaches for treating heart disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Leybaert
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maarten Aj De Smet
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alessio Lissoni
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rosalie Allewaert
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - H Llewelyn Roderick
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, and
| | - Geert Bultynck
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signaling, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mario Delmar
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, USA
| | - Karin R Sipido
- Laboratory of Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, and
| | - Katja Witschas
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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16
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Xie W, Gao S, Yang Y, Li H, Zhou J, Chen M, Yang S, Zhang Y, Zhang L, Meng X, Xie S, Liu M, Li D, Chen Y, Zhou J. CYLD deubiquitinates plakoglobin to promote Cx43 membrane targeting and gap junction assembly in the heart. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111864. [PMID: 36577382 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
During heart maturation, gap junctions assemble into hemichannels and polarize to the intercalated disc at cell borders to mediate electrical impulse conduction. However, the molecular mechanism underpinning cardiac gap junction assembly remains elusive. Herein, we demonstrate an important role for the deubiquitinating enzyme cylindromatosis (CYLD) in this process. Depletion of CYLD in mice impairs the formation of cardiac gap junctions, accelerates cardiac fibrosis, and increases heart failure. Mechanistically, CYLD interacts with plakoglobin and removes lysine 63-linked polyubiquitin chains from plakoglobin. The deubiquitination of plakoglobin enhances its interaction with the desmoplakin/end-binding protein 1 complex localized at the microtubule plus end, thereby promoting microtubule-dependent transport of connexin 43 (Cx43), a key component of gap junctions, to the cell membrane. These findings establish CYLD as a critical player in regulating gap junction assembly and have important implications in heart development and diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xie
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Siqi Gao
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yunfan Yang
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
| | - Hongjie Li
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Junyan Zhou
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Mingzhen Chen
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Song Yang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yijun Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Xiaoqian Meng
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Songbo Xie
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Min Liu
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Dengwen Li
- Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- Center for Cell Structure and Function, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cell Biology in Universities of Shandong, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan 250014, China; Department of Genetics and Cell Biology, State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China.
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17
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Matthaeus C, Jüttner R, Gotthardt M, Rathjen FG. The IgCAM CAR Regulates Gap Junction-Mediated Coupling on Embryonic Cardiomyocytes and Affects Their Beating Frequency. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 13:life13010014. [PMID: 36675963 PMCID: PMC9866089 DOI: 10.3390/life13010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The IgCAM coxsackie-adenovirus receptor (CAR) is essential for embryonic heart development and electrical conduction in the mature heart. However, it is not well-understood how CAR exerts these effects at the cellular level. To address this question, we analyzed the spontaneous beating of cultured embryonic hearts and cardiomyocytes from wild type and CAR knockout (KO) embryos. Surprisingly, in the absence of the CAR, cultured cardiomyocytes showed increased frequencies of beating and calcium cycling. Increased beatings of heart organ cultures were also induced by the application of reagents that bind to the extracellular region of the CAR, such as the adenovirus fiber knob. However, the calcium cycling machinery, including calcium extrusion via SERCA2 and NCX, was not disrupted in CAR KO cells. In contrast, CAR KO cardiomyocytes displayed size increases but decreased in the total numbers of membrane-localized Cx43 clusters. This was accompanied by improved cell-cell coupling between CAR KO cells, as demonstrated by increased intercellular dye diffusion. Our data indicate that the CAR may modulate the localization and oligomerization of Cx43 at the plasma membrane, which could in turn influence electrical propagation between cardiomyocytes via gap junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Matthaeus
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, DE-13092 Berlin, Germany
- Laboratory of Cellular Biophysics, NHLBI, NIH, 50 South Drive, Building 50 RM 3312, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - René Jüttner
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, DE-13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Gotthardt
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, DE-13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Fritz G. Rathjen
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, DE-13092 Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence:
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18
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Herman-de-Sousa C, Costa MA, Silva RP, Ferreirinha F, Ribeiro S, Correia-de-Sá P. A2A receptor-induced overexpression of pannexin-1 channels indirectly mediates adenosine fibrogenic actions by favouring ATP release from human subcutaneous fibroblasts. Life Sci 2022; 310:121080. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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19
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Obert E, Grek C, Ghatnekar G, Rohrer B. Evaluation of a connexin-based peptide for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration. Heliyon 2022; 8:e11359. [PMID: 36387470 PMCID: PMC9660603 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e11359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A critical target in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), which forms the outer blood-retina barrier (BRB). RPE-barrier dysfunction might result from the disruption of intercellular tight junctions (TJs). A Connexin43 (Cx43)-based peptide, aCT1, has been shown to prevent VEGF-induced loss of transepithelial resistance, choroidal neovascularization (CNV) and RPE-cell damage via the stabilization of TJs. Here, we probe the relative efficacies of aCT1 alone, anti-VEGF alone, and aCT1 with anti-VEGF in treating AMD pathologies. aCT1 monotherapy administered as topical eye drops with and without a VEGF blocking antibody administered systemically was tested in a mouse model of laser-induced CNV. The CNV mouse is the standard neovascular AMD model, reproducing hallmarks of its pathology. CNV lesion size and fluid accumulation were assessed using optical coherence tomography. During the angiogenesis phase of CNV lesion development, single applications of anti-VEGF or aCT1 reduced lesion and fluid dome size equally. The combinatorial aCT1/anti-VEGF strategy demonstrated lack of additive effects in this model. These data suggest that TJ stabilization by aCT1 is effective in ameliorating RPE dysfunction in a model of AMD-like angiogenesis, and that this strategy is as effective as the current clinical standard of care, anti-VEGF therapy. Critically, aCT1 holds potential as a new neovascular AMD treatment that can be administered using eye drops, which is preferable to the intravitreal injections required for standard anti-VEGF therapy.
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20
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Wang Y, Lei B, Pan Y, Su C, Wang W, Zhang H, Xia F, Zhu P, He S, Cheng Q. α-Connexin Carboxyl Terminal Peptide 1 Attenuates Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Liver Transplantation With Extended Cold Preservation by Stabilizing Cell Junctions in Mice. Transplant Proc 2022; 54:2364-2373. [PMID: 36184342 DOI: 10.1016/j.transproceed.2022.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuefan Wang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Biao Lei
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Yonglong Pan
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chen Su
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Weijian Wang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Haoquan Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Feng Xia
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Peng Zhu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Songqing He
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Ministry of Education, Nanning, Guangxi, China; Guangxi Key Laboratory of Early Prevention and Treatment for Regional High Frequency Tumor, Nanning, Guangxi, China.
| | - Qi Cheng
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, Hubei, China; Key Laboratory of Organ Transplantation, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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21
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Meng J, Xu K, Qin Y, Liu Y, Xu L, Qiao S, An J, Liu J, Zhang Z. Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Disrupts Cx43-Mediated Corneal Endothelial Gap Junction Intercellular Communication. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:4824699. [PMID: 36193063 PMCID: PMC9526630 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4824699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Connexin43 (Cx43)-mediated gap junctions are vital in maintaining corneal endothelium homeostasis. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is among the most important inflammatory factors which cause corneal endothelial dysfunction in various eye diseases. However, the effect of TNF-α on Cx43-mediated gap junctions of the corneal endothelium remains undefined. In the current research, we determined the effect of TNF-α on gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) in rabbit corneal endothelium. To evaluate alterations of GJIC, if any, we treated ex vivo cultured rabbit corneal endothelium with different concentrations of TNF-α (2-20 ng/ml). The localization of Cx43 was analyzed by immunostaining, while RT-qPCR and western blot were used to profile the expression of Cx43 and zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). The association between ZO-1 and Cx43 was evaluated using immunoprecipitation and double staining. GJIC activity was determined by the scrap loading and dye transfer assay (SLDT). Our data demonstrated that a high concentration of TNF-α (10 ng/ml and 20 ng/ml) disrupts the Cx43 mediated gap junction distribution in rabbit corneal endothelium and suppresses the expression of Cx43 protein. Furthermore, rabbit corneal endothelial GJIC was inhibited due to the decreased association between the ZO-1 and Cx43 proteins. Current results demonstrate that TNF-α inhibits corneal endothelial GJIC via decreasing the association between ZO-1 and Cx43, disrupting the distribution of Cx43, and downregulating the expression of Cx43 protein. This study offers a new theoretical foundation for diagnosing and treating corneal endothelial cell decompensation induced by elevated TNF-α in various eye diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jufeng Meng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, NHC Key Laboratory of Control of Tropical Diseases, School of Tropical Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou 571199, China
| | - Yinyin Qin
- Institute of Clinical Medicine Research, Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou 215153, China
| | - Ya Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou 215153, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou 215153, China
| | - Shigang Qiao
- Institute of Clinical Medicine Research, Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou 215153, China
| | - Jianzhong An
- Institute of Clinical Medicine Research, Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou 215153, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou 215153, China
| | - Zhenhao Zhang
- Institute of Clinical Medicine Research, Suzhou Science & Technology Town Hospital, Suzhou 215153, China
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22
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The Role of Connexin in Ophthalmic Neovascularization and the Interaction between Connexin and Proangiogenic Factors. J Ophthalmol 2022; 2022:8105229. [PMID: 35783340 PMCID: PMC9242797 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8105229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The formation of new blood vessels is an important physiological process that occurs during development. When the body is injured, new blood vessel formation helps the body recuperate by supplying more oxygen and nutrients. However, this mechanism can have a negative effect. In ophthalmologic diseases, such as corneal new blood vessels, neonatal vascular glaucoma, and diabetes retinopathy, the formation of new blood vessels has become a critical component in patient survival. Connexin is a protein that regulates the cellular and molecular material carried by cells. It has been demonstrated that it is widely expressed in vascular endothelial cells, where it forms a slit connection between adjacent cells to promote cell-cell communication via hemichannels, as well as substance exchange into intracellular environments. Numerous studies have demonstrated that connexin in vascular endothelial cells plays an important role in angiogenesis and vascular leakage. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect between the angiogenesis-associated factor and the connexin. It also reveals the effect of connexin on ophthalmic neovascularization.
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23
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van Opbergen CJM, Sall J, Petzold C, Dancel-Manning K, Delmar M, Liang FX. "Orphan" Connexin43 in Plakophilin-2 Deficient Hearts Revealed by Volume Electron Microscopy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:843687. [PMID: 35663385 PMCID: PMC9159532 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.843687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies revealed an abundance of functional Connexin43 (Cx43) hemichannels consequent to loss of plakophilin-2 (PKP2) expression in adult murine hearts. The increased Cx43-mediated membrane permeability is likely responsible for excess entry of calcium into the cells, leading to an arrhythmogenic/cardiomyopathic phenotype. The latter has translational implications to the molecular mechanisms of inheritable arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC). Despite functional evidence, visualization of these "orphan" (i.e., non-paired in a gap junction configuration) Cx43 hemichannels remains lacking. Immuno-electron microscopy (IEM) remains an extremely powerful tool to localize, with nanometric resolution, a protein within its native structural landscape. Yet, challenges for IEM are to preserve the antigenicity of the molecular target and to provide access for antibodies to reach their target, while maintaining the cellular/tissue ultrastructure. Fixation is important for maintaining cell structure, but strong fixation and vigorous dehydration (as it is routine for EM) can alter protein structure, thus impairing antigen-antibody binding. Here, we implemented a method to combine pre-embedding immunolabeling (pre-embedding) with serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM). We utilized a murine model of cardiomyocyte-specific, Tamoxifen (TAM) activated knockout of PKP2. Adult hearts were harvested 14 days post-TAM, at this time hearts present a phenotype of concealed ARVC (i.e., an arrhythmogenic phenotype but no overt structural disease). Thick (200 µm) vibratome slices were immunolabelled for Cx43 and treated with nanogold or FluoroNanogold, coupled with a silver enhancement. Left or right ventricular free walls were dissected and three-dimensional (3D) localization of Cx43 in cardiac muscle was performed using SBF-SEM. Reconstructed images allowed us to visualize the entire length of gap junction plaques, seen as two parallel, closely packed strings of Cx43-immunoreactive beads at the intercalated disc. In contrast, in PKP2-deficient hearts we observed bulging of the intercellular space, and entire areas where only one of the two strings could be observed, indicating the presence of orphan Cx43. We conclude that pre-embedding and SBF-SEM allowed visualization of cardiac Cx43 plaques in their native environment, providing for the first time a visual complement of functional data indicating the presence of orphan Cx43 hemichannels resulting from loss of desmosomal integrity in the heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal J M van Opbergen
- The Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Joseph Sall
- Microscopy Laboratory, Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Chris Petzold
- Microscopy Laboratory, Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Kristen Dancel-Manning
- Microscopy Laboratory, Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Mario Delmar
- The Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Feng-Xia Liang
- Microscopy Laboratory, Division of Advanced Research Technologies, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY, United States
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24
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Casanellas I, Lagunas A, Vida Y, Pérez-Inestrosa E, Rodríguez-Pereira C, Magalhaes J, Andrades JA, Becerra J, Samitier J. Nanoscale ligand density modulates gap junction intercellular communication of cell condensates during chondrogenesis. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2022; 17:775-791. [PMID: 35642556 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2021-0399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: To unveil the influence of cell-matrix adhesions in the establishment of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) during cell condensation in chondrogenesis. Materials & methods: Previously developed nanopatterns of the cell adhesive ligand arginine-glycine-aspartic acid were used as cell culture substrates to control cell adhesion at the nanoscale. In vitro chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells was conducted on the nanopatterns. Cohesion and GJIC were evaluated in cell condensates. Results: Mechanical stability and GJIC are enhanced by a nanopattern configuration in which 90% of the surface area presents adhesion sites separated less than 70 nm, thus providing an onset for cell signaling. Conclusion: Cell-matrix adhesions regulate GJIC of mesenchymal cell condensates during in vitro chondrogenesis from a threshold configuration at the nanoscale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignasi Casanellas
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science &Technology (BIST). c/Baldiri Reixac, 10-12, Barcelona, 08028, Spain.,Department of Electronics & Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona (UB). c/Martí i Franquès, 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering,Biomaterials & Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN). Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11. Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Anna Lagunas
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science &Technology (BIST). c/Baldiri Reixac, 10-12, Barcelona, 08028, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering,Biomaterials & Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN). Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11. Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Yolanda Vida
- Universidad de Málaga-IBIMA, Dpto. Química Orgánica. Campus de Teatinos s/n, Málaga, 29071, Spain.,Centro Andaluz de Nanomedicina y Biotecnología-BIONAND. Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía, c/Severo Ochoa 35, C,ampanillas, Málaga, 29590, Spain
| | - Ezequiel Pérez-Inestrosa
- Universidad de Málaga-IBIMA, Dpto. Química Orgánica. Campus de Teatinos s/n, Málaga, 29071, Spain.,Centro Andaluz de Nanomedicina y Biotecnología-BIONAND. Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía, c/Severo Ochoa 35, C,ampanillas, Málaga, 29590, Spain
| | - Cristina Rodríguez-Pereira
- Unidad de Medicina Regenerativa, Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología (GIR), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña (UDC). c/Xubias de Arriba, 84, A Coruña, 15006, Spain
| | - Joana Magalhaes
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering,Biomaterials & Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN). Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11. Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain.,Unidad de Medicina Regenerativa, Grupo de Investigación en Reumatología (GIR), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña (CHUAC), Sergas, Universidade da Coruña (UDC). c/Xubias de Arriba, 84, A Coruña, 15006, Spain
| | - José A Andrades
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering,Biomaterials & Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN). Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11. Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain.,Centro Andaluz de Nanomedicina y Biotecnología-BIONAND. Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía, c/Severo Ochoa 35, C,ampanillas, Málaga, 29590, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Genetics & Physiology, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA). Av. Cervantes, 2, Málaga, 29071, Spain
| | - José Becerra
- Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering,Biomaterials & Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN). Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11. Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain.,Centro Andaluz de Nanomedicina y Biotecnología-BIONAND. Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía, c/Severo Ochoa 35, C,ampanillas, Málaga, 29590, Spain.,Department of Cell Biology, Genetics & Physiology, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA). Av. Cervantes, 2, Málaga, 29071, Spain
| | - Josep Samitier
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC), Barcelona Institute of Science &Technology (BIST). c/Baldiri Reixac, 10-12, Barcelona, 08028, Spain.,Department of Electronics & Biomedical Engineering, University of Barcelona (UB). c/Martí i Franquès, 1, 08028, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Center in Bioengineering,Biomaterials & Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN). Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5. Pabellón 11. Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
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25
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Yeganeh PM, Tahmasebi S, Esmaeilzadeh A. Cellular and biological factors involved in healing wounds and burns and treatment options in tissue engineering. Regen Med 2022; 17:401-418. [PMID: 35545963 DOI: 10.2217/rme-2022-0029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Severe traumatic wounds and burns have a high chance of mortality and can leave survivors with many functional disabilities and cosmetic problems, including scars. The healing process requires a harmonious interplay of various cells and growth factors. Different structures of the skin house numerous cells, matrix components and growth factors. Any disturbance in the balance between these components can impair the healing process. The function of cells and growth factors can be manipulated and facilitated to aid tissue repair. In the current review, the authors focus on the importance of the skin microenvironment, the pathophysiology of various types of burns, mechanisms and factors involved in skin repair and wound healing and regeneration of the skin using tissue engineering approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Safa Tahmasebi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolreza Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, 4513956111, Iran.,Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Science, Zanjan, Iran
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26
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Hou J, Huang S, Long Y, Feng K, Shang L, Zhou Z, Yue Y, Huang X, Chen G, Wu Z. Disheveled binding antagonist of β-catenin 1 interacted with β-catenin and connexin 43 in human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes. Bioengineered 2022; 13:11594-11601. [PMID: 35510412 PMCID: PMC9275970 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2022.2070448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that the disheveled binding antagonist of β-catenin 1 (DACT1) was involved in atrial fibrillation by regulating the reorganization of connexin 43 and β-catenin in cardiomyocytes. Little is known, however, about DACT1 in human normal myocardial cells. Therefore, we used cardiomyocytes (CMs) derived from human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to investigate the role of DACT1 and its connection with β-catenin and connexin 43. While the ESC-CMs and iPSC-CMs were differentiated using commercial differentiation kits, the cardiac-specific markers were detected by immunofluorescence. The expression level of DACT1 was detected using western blotting, whereas the interaction of DACT1 and connexin 43 or β-catenin was detected by immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) assays. Both H1-CMs and SF-CMs were immunostained for cardiac-specific markers, including Troponin I, Troponin T, α-actinin, NKX2.5, and GATA6. While DACT1 was not expressed in both H1 ESCs and SF-iPSCs, it was, however, highly expressed in differentiated CMs, being also localized in the cytoplasm and the nucleus of differentiated CMs. Interestingly, the DACT1 expression in different nuclei was different in the same multinucleated cell. Moreover, DACT1 colocalized with β-catenin in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of differentiated CMs, and it also colocalized with connexin 43 in the perinuclear region and the gap junctions of differentiated CMs. Co-IP results showed that DACT1 could directly bind to β-catenin and connexin 43. Taken together, DACT1 interacted with β-catenin and connexin 43 in human-induced pluripotent stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Hou
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Nhc Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Suiqing Huang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Nhc Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Long
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Nhc Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kangni Feng
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liqun Shang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Nhc Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhuoming Zhou
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Nhc Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuan Yue
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Nhc Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaolin Huang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Nhc Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangxian Chen
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Nhc Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhongkai Wu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Nhc Key Laboratory of Assisted Circulation, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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27
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Lin J, Abraham A, George SA, Greer-Short A, Blair GA, Moreno A, Alber BR, Kay MW, Poelzing S. Ephaptic Coupling Is a Mechanism of Conduction Reserve During Reduced Gap Junction Coupling. Front Physiol 2022; 13:848019. [PMID: 35600295 PMCID: PMC9117633 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.848019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Many cardiac pathologies are associated with reduced gap junction (GJ) coupling, an important modulator of cardiac conduction velocity (CV). However, the relationship between phenotype and functional expression of the connexin GJ family of proteins is controversial. For example, a 50% reduction of GJ coupling has been shown to have little impact on myocardial CV due to a concept known as conduction reserve. This can be explained by the ephaptic coupling (EpC) theory whereby conduction is maintained by a combination of low GJ coupling and increased electrical fields generated in the sodium channel rich clefts between neighboring myocytes. At the same time, low GJ coupling may also increase intracellular charge accumulation within myocytes, resulting in a faster transmembrane potential rate of change during depolarization (dV/dt_max) that maintains macroscopic conduction. To provide insight into the prevalence of these two phenomena during pathological conditions, we investigated the relationship between EpC and charge accumulation within the setting of GJ remodeling using multicellular simulations and companion perfused mouse heart experiments. Conduction along a fiber of myocardial cells was simulated for a range of GJ conditions. The model incorporated intercellular variations, including GJ coupling conductance and distribution, cell-to-cell separation in the intercalated disc (perinexal width—WP), and variations in sodium channel distribution. Perfused heart studies having conditions analogous to those of the simulations were performed using wild type mice and mice heterozygous null for the connexin gene Gja1. With insight from simulations, the relative contributions of EpC and charge accumulation on action potential parameters and conduction velocities were analyzed. Both simulation and experimental results support a common conclusion that low GJ coupling decreases and narrowing WP increases the rate of the AP upstroke when sodium channels are densely expressed at the ends of myocytes, indicating that conduction reserve is more dependent on EpC than charge accumulation during GJ uncoupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Lin
- Department of Mathematics, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Joyce Lin, ; Steven Poelzing,
| | - Anand Abraham
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Sharon A. George
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Amara Greer-Short
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Grace A. Blair
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, United States
| | - Angel Moreno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Bridget R. Alber
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Matthew W. Kay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Steven Poelzing
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, United States
- Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- Translational Biology, Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, United States
- *Correspondence: Joyce Lin, ; Steven Poelzing,
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28
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Generation and Characterization of an Inducible Cx43 Overexpression System in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040694. [PMID: 35203340 PMCID: PMC8869955 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) are a large family of membrane proteins that can form intercellular connections, so-called gap junctions between adjacent cells. Cx43 is widely expressed in mammals and has a variety of different functions, such as the propagation of electrical conduction in the cardiac ventricle. Despite Cx43 knockout models, many questions regarding the biology of Cx43 in health and disease remain unanswered. Herein we report the establishment of a Cre-inducible Cx43 overexpression system in murine embryonic stem (ES) cells. This enables the investigation of the impact of Cx43 overexpression in somatic cells. We utilized a double reporter system to label Cx43-overexpressing cells via mCherry fluorescence and exogenous Cx43 via fusion with P2A peptide to visualize its distribution pattern. We proved the functionality of our systems in ES cells, HeLa cells, and 3T3-fibroblasts and demonstrated the formation of functional gap junctions based on dye diffusion and FRAP experiments. In addition, Cx43-overexpressing ES cells could be differentiated into viable cardiomyocytes, as shown by the formation of cross striation and spontaneous beating. Analysis revealed faster and more rhythmic beating of Cx43-overexpressing cell clusters. Thus, our Cx43 overexpression systems enable the investigation of Cx43 biology and function in cardiomyocytes and other somatic cells.
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29
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Altered Expression of Zonula occludens-1 Affects Cardiac Na + Channels and Increases Susceptibility to Ventricular Arrhythmias. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040665. [PMID: 35203314 PMCID: PMC8870063 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) is an intracellular scaffolding protein that orchestrates the anchoring of membrane proteins to the cytoskeleton in epithelial and specialized tissue including the heart. There is clear evidence to support the central role of intracellular auxiliary proteins in arrhythmogenesis and previous studies have found altered ZO-1 expression associated with atrioventricular conduction abnormalities. Here, using human cardiac tissues, we identified all three isoforms of ZO-1, canonical (Transcript Variant 1, TV1), CRA_e (Transcript Variant 4, TV4), and an additionally expressed (Transcript Variant 3, TV3) in non-failing myocardium. To investigate the role of ZO-1 on ventricular arrhythmogenesis, we generated a haploinsufficient ZO-1 mouse model (ZO-1+/-). ZO-1+/- mice exhibited dysregulated connexin-43 protein expression and localization at the intercalated disc. While ZO-1+/- mice did not display abnormal cardiac function at baseline, adrenergic challenge resulted in rhythm abnormalities, including premature ventricular contractions and bigeminy. At baseline, ventricular myocytes from the ZO-1+/- mice displayed prolonged action potential duration and spontaneous depolarizations, with ZO-1+/- cells displaying frequent unsolicited (non-paced) diastolic depolarizations leading to spontaneous activity with multiple early afterdepolarizations (EADs). Mechanistically, ZO-1 deficient myocytes displayed a reduction in sodium current density (INa) and an increased sensitivity to isoproterenol stimulation. Further, ZO-1 deficient myocytes displayed remodeling in ICa current, likely a compensatory change. Taken together, our data suggest that ZO-1 deficiency results in myocardial substrate susceptible to triggered arrhythmias.
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Bang ML, Bogomolovas J, Chen J. Understanding the molecular basis of cardiomyopathy. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 322:H181-H233. [PMID: 34797172 PMCID: PMC8759964 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00562.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Inherited cardiomyopathies are a major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide and can be caused by mutations in a wide range of proteins located in different cellular compartments. The present review is based on Dr. Ju Chen's 2021 Robert M. Berne Distinguished Lectureship of the American Physiological Society Cardiovascular Section, in which he provided an overview of the current knowledge on the cardiomyopathy-associated proteins that have been studied in his laboratory. The review provides a general summary of the proteins in different compartments of cardiomyocytes associated with cardiomyopathies, with specific focus on the proteins that have been studied in Dr. Chen's laboratory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Louise Bang
- Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Milan Unit, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano (Milan), Italy
| | - Julius Bogomolovas
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Ju Chen
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine Cardiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
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31
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Beckmann A, Recktenwald J, Ferdinand A, Grißmer A, Meier C. First Responders to Hyperosmotic Stress in Murine Astrocytes: Connexin 43 Gap Junctions Are Subject to an Immediate Ultrastructural Reorganization. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10121307. [PMID: 34943223 PMCID: PMC8698406 DOI: 10.3390/biology10121307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Gap junctions are intercellular channels that provide the means for direct transport of small molecules, ions, and water between connected cells. With these functions, gap junctions are essential for the maintenance of astrocytic homeostasis and of particular importance in the context of pathophysiological disbalances. These include the hyperosmolar hyperglycemic syndrome or the pathology after brain trauma. We demonstrate that short-term hyperosmolarity reduces intercellular communication via gap junctions. These functional changes coincide with the transformation of gap junction ultrastructure as evidenced by freeze-fracture replica immunolabeling and transmission electron microscopy. The hyperosmolarity-induced immediate changes in the ultrastructural assembly of connexons, the protein constituents of gap junction channels, have not been described in astrocytes before and are revealing the coherence of structure and function in gap junctions. Phosphorylation of Connexin 43, the main gap junction protein in astrocytes, at amino acid 368 (Serine) might link the two. Abstract In a short-term model of hyperosmotic stress, primary murine astrocytes were stimulated with a hyperosmolar sucrose solution for five minutes. Astrocytic gap junctions, which are mainly composed of Connexin (Cx) 43, displayed immediate ultrastructural changes, demonstrated by freeze–fracture replica immunogold labeling: their area, perimeter, and distance of intramembrane particles increased, whereas particle numbers per area decreased. Ultrastructural changes were, however, not accompanied by changes in Cx43 mRNA expression. In contrast, transcription of the gap junction regulator zonula occludens (ZO) protein 1 significantly increased, whereas its protein expression was unaffected. Phosphorylation of Serine (S) 368 of the Cx43 C–terminus has previously been associated with gap junction disassembly and reduction in gap junction communication. Hyperosmolar sucrose treatment led to enhanced phosphorylation of Cx43S368 and was accompanied by inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication, demonstrated by a scrape loading-dye transfer assay. Taken together, Cx43 gap junctions are fast reacting elements in response to hyperosmolar challenges and can therefore be considered as one of the first responders to hyperosmolarity. In this process, phosphorylation of Cx43S368 was associated with disassembly of gap junctions and inhibition of their function. Thus, modulation of the gap junction assembly might represent a target in the treatment of brain edema or trauma.
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Wu X, Hoeker GS, Blair GA, King DR, Gourdie RG, Weinberg SH, Poelzing S. Hypernatremia and intercalated disc edema synergistically exacerbate long-QT syndrome type 3 phenotype. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2021; 321:H1042-H1055. [PMID: 34623182 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00366.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel gain-of-function prolongs repolarization in the long-QT syndrome type 3 (LQT3). Previous studies suggest that narrowing the perinexus within the intercalated disc, leading to rapid sodium depletion, attenuates LQT3-associated action potential duration (APD) prolongation. However, it remains unknown whether extracellular sodium concentration modulates APD prolongation during sodium channel gain-of-function. We hypothesized that elevated extracellular sodium concentration and widened perinexus synergistically prolong APD in LQT3. LQT3 was induced with sea anemone toxin (ATXII) in Langendorff-perfused guinea pig hearts (n = 34). Sodium concentration was increased from 145 to 160 mM. Perinexal expansion was induced with mannitol or the sodium channel β1-subunit adhesion domain antagonist (βadp1). Epicardial ventricular action potentials were optically mapped. Individual and combined effects of varying clefts and sodium concentrations were simulated in a computational model. With ATXII, both mannitol and βadp1 significantly widened the perinexus and prolonged APD, respectively. The elevated sodium concentration alone significantly prolonged APD as well. Importantly, the combination of elevated sodium concentration and perinexal widening synergistically prolonged APD. Computational modeling results were consistent with animal experiments. Concurrently elevating extracellular sodium and increasing intercalated disc edema prolongs repolarization more than the individual interventions alone in LQT3. This synergistic effect suggests an important clinical implication that hypernatremia in the presence of cardiac edema can markedly increase LQT3-associated APD prolongation. Therefore, to our knowledge, this is the first study to provide evidence of a tractable and effective strategy to mitigate LQT3 phenotype by means of managing sodium levels and preventing cardiac edema in patients.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first study to demonstrate that the long-QT syndrome type 3 (LQT3) phenotype can be exacerbated or concealed by regulating extracellular sodium concentrations and/or the intercalated disc separation. The animal experiments and computational modeling in the current study reveal a critically important clinical implication: sodium dysregulation in the presence of edema within the intercalated disc can markedly increase the risk of arrhythmia in LQT3. These findings strongly suggest that maintaining extracellular sodium within normal physiological limits may be an effective and inexpensive therapeutic option for patients with congenital or acquired sodium channel gain-of-function diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Wu
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia.,Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Gregory S Hoeker
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Grace A Blair
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia.,Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - D Ryan King
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia.,Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia.,Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - Seth H Weinberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Steven Poelzing
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia.,Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, Virginia.,Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Virginia
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33
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Tittarelli A. Connexin channels modulation in pathophysiology and treatment of immune and inflammatory disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166258. [PMID: 34450245 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166258] [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: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Connexin-mediated intercellular communication mechanisms include bidirectional cell-to-cell coupling by gap junctions and release/influx of molecules by hemichannels. These intercellular communications have relevant roles in numerous immune system activities. Here, we review the current knowledge about the function of connexin channels, mainly those formed by connexin-43, on immunity and inflammation. Focusing on those evidence that support the design and development of therapeutic tools to modulate connexin expression and/or channel activities with treatment potential for infections, wounds, cancer, and other inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Tittarelli
- Programa Institucional de Fomento a la Investigación, Desarrollo e Innovación, Universidad Tecnológica Metropolitana, Santiago 8940577, Chile.
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34
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Poelzing S, Weinberg SH, Keener JP. Initiation and entrainment of multicellular automaticity via diffusion limited extracellular domains. Biophys J 2021; 120:5279-5294. [PMID: 34757078 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2021.10.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrically excitable cells often spontaneously and synchronously depolarize in vitro and in vivo preparations. It remains unclear how cells entrain and autorhythmically activate above the intrinsic mean activation frequency of isolated cells with or without pacemaking mechanisms. Recent studies suggest that cyclic ion accumulation and depletion in diffusion-limited extracellular volumes modulate electrophysiology by ephaptic mechanisms (nongap junction or synaptic coupling). This report explores how potassium accumulation and depletion in a restricted extracellular domain induces spontaneous action potentials in two different computational models of excitable cells without gap junctional coupling: Hodgkin-Huxley and Luo-Rudy. Importantly, neither model will spontaneously activate on its own without external stimuli. Simulations demonstrate that cells sharing a diffusion-limited extracellular compartment can become autorhythmic and entrained despite intercellular electrical heterogeneity. Autorhythmic frequency is modulated by the cleft volume and potassium fluxes through the cleft. Additionally, inexcitable cells can suppress or induce autorhythmic activity in an excitable cell via a shared cleft. Diffusion-limited shared clefts can also entrain repolarization. Critically, this model predicts a mechanism by which diffusion-limited shared clefts can initiate, entrain, and modulate multicellular automaticity in the absence of gap junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Poelzing
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine, and the Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Roanoke, Virginia.
| | - Seth H Weinberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, and the Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - James P Keener
- Department of Mathematics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah
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35
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Hennigs JK, Matuszcak C, Trepel M, Körbelin J. Vascular Endothelial Cells: Heterogeneity and Targeting Approaches. Cells 2021; 10:2712. [PMID: 34685692 PMCID: PMC8534745 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Forming the inner layer of the vascular system, endothelial cells (ECs) facilitate a multitude of crucial physiological processes throughout the body. Vascular ECs enable the vessel wall passage of nutrients and diffusion of oxygen from the blood into adjacent cellular structures. ECs regulate vascular tone and blood coagulation as well as adhesion and transmigration of circulating cells. The multitude of EC functions is reflected by tremendous cellular diversity. Vascular ECs can form extremely tight barriers, thereby restricting the passage of xenobiotics or immune cell invasion, whereas, in other organ systems, the endothelial layer is fenestrated (e.g., glomeruli in the kidney), or discontinuous (e.g., liver sinusoids) and less dense to allow for rapid molecular exchange. ECs not only differ between organs or vascular systems, they also change along the vascular tree and specialized subpopulations of ECs can be found within the capillaries of a single organ. Molecular tools that enable selective vascular targeting are helpful to experimentally dissect the role of distinct EC populations, to improve molecular imaging and pave the way for novel treatment options for vascular diseases. This review provides an overview of endothelial diversity and highlights the most successful methods for selective targeting of distinct EC subpopulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan K. Hennigs
- ENDomics Lab, Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Christiane Matuszcak
- ENDomics Lab, Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Martin Trepel
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Augsburg, 86156 Augsburg, Germany;
| | - Jakob Körbelin
- ENDomics Lab, Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany;
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36
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King DR, Sedovy MW, Leng X, Xue J, Lamouille S, Koval M, Isakson BE, Johnstone SR. Mechanisms of Connexin Regulating Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910186. [PMID: 34638526 PMCID: PMC8507914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJ) and connexins play integral roles in cellular physiology and have been found to be involved in multiple pathophysiological states from cancer to cardiovascular disease. Studies over the last 60 years have demonstrated the utility of altering GJ signaling pathways in experimental models, which has led to them being attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. A number of different mechanisms have been proposed to regulate GJ signaling, including channel blocking, enhancing channel open state, and disrupting protein-protein interactions. The primary mechanism for this has been through the design of numerous peptides as therapeutics, that are either currently in early development or are in various stages of clinical trials. Despite over 25 years of research into connexin targeting peptides, the overall mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. In this overview, we discuss published connexin targeting peptides, their reported mechanisms of action, and the potential for these molecules in the treatment of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Ryan King
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Meghan W. Sedovy
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Xinyan Leng
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Jianxiang Xue
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (J.X.); (B.E.I.)
| | - Samy Lamouille
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Michael Koval
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Brant E. Isakson
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (J.X.); (B.E.I.)
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Scott R. Johnstone
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
- Correspondence:
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37
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Strauss RE, Mezache L, Veeraraghavan R, Gourdie RG. The Cx43 Carboxyl-Terminal Mimetic Peptide αCT1 Protects Endothelial Barrier Function in a ZO1 Binding-Competent Manner. Biomolecules 2021; 11:1192. [PMID: 34439858 PMCID: PMC8393261 DOI: 10.3390/biom11081192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cx43 carboxyl-terminus (CT) mimetic peptide, αCT1, originally designed to bind to Zonula Occludens 1 (ZO1) and thereby inhibit Cx43/ZO1 interaction, was used as a tool to probe the role of Cx43/ZO1 association in regulation of epithelial/endothelial barrier function. Using both in vitro and ex vivo methods of barrier function measurement, including Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing (ECIS), a TRITC-dextran Transwell permeability assay, and a FITC-dextran cardiovascular leakage protocol involving Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts, αCT1 was found to protect the endothelium from thrombin-induced breakdown in cell-cell contacts. Barrier protection was accompanied by significant remodeling of the F-actin cytoskeleton, characterized by a redistribution of F-actin away from the cytoplasmic and nuclear regions of the cell, towards the endothelial cell periphery, in association with alterations in cellular chiral orientation distribution. In line with observations of increased cortical F-actin, αCT1 upregulated cell-cell border localization of endothelial VE-cadherin, the tight junction protein Zonula Occludens 1 (ZO1), and the Gap Junction Protein (GJ) Connexin43 (Cx43). A ZO1 binding-incompetent variant of αCT1, αCT1-I, indicated that these effects on barrier function and barrier-associated proteins, were likely associated with Cx43 CT sequences retaining ability to interact with ZO1. These results implicate the Cx43 CT and its interaction with ZO1, in the regulation of endothelial barrier function, while revealing the therapeutic potential of αCT1 in the treatment of vascular edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy E. Strauss
- Virginia Tech, Translational Biology Medicine and Health (TBMH) Program, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Louisa Mezache
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, 460 Medical Center Dr., Rm 415A, IBMR, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (L.M.); (R.V.)
| | - Rengasayee Veeraraghavan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Ohio State University, 460 Medical Center Dr., Rm 415A, IBMR, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (L.M.); (R.V.)
- The Frick Center for Heart Failure and Arrhythmia, Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Robert G. Gourdie
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
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38
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Unal YC, Yavuz B, Ozcivici E, Mese G. The role of connexins in breast cancer: from misregulated cell communication to aberrant intracellular signaling. Tissue Barriers 2021; 10:1962698. [PMID: 34355641 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1962698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of clinical advancements and improved diagnostic techniques, breast cancers are the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths in women worldwide. Although 70% of early breast cancers can be cured, there are no efficient therapies against metastatic breast cancers. Several factors including connexins and gap junctions play roles in breast tumorigenesis. Connexins are critical for cellular processes as a linkage between connexin mutations and hereditary disorders demonstrated their importance for tissue homeostasis. Further, alterations in their expression, localization and channel activities were observed in many cancers including breast cancer. Both channel-dependent and independent functions of connexins were reported in initiation and progression of cancers. Unlike initial reports suggesting tumor suppressor functions, connexins and gap junctions have stage, context and isoform dependent effects in breast cancers similar to other cancers. In this review, we tried to describe the current understanding of connexins in tumorigenesis specifically in breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Ceren Unal
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Busra Yavuz
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Engin Ozcivici
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulistan Mese
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
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39
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Montgomery J, Richardson WJ, Marsh S, Rhett JM, Bustos F, Degen K, Ghatnekar GS, Grek CL, Jourdan LJ, Holmes JW, Gourdie RG. The connexin 43 carboxyl terminal mimetic peptide αCT1 prompts differentiation of a collagen scar matrix in humans resembling unwounded skin. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21762. [PMID: 34246197 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001881r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Phase II clinical trials have reported that acute treatment of surgical skin wounds with the therapeutic peptide alpha Connexin Carboxy-Terminus 1 (αCT1) improves cutaneous scar appearance by 47% 9-month postsurgery. While Cx43 and ZO-1 have been identified as molecular targets of αCT1, the mode-of-action of the peptide in scar mitigation at cellular and tissue levels remains to be further characterized. Scar histoarchitecture in αCT1 and vehicle-control treated skin wounds within the same patient were compared using biopsies from a Phase I clinical trial at 29-day postwounding. The sole effect on scar structure of a range of epidermal and dermal variables examined was that αCT1-treated scars had less alignment of collagen fibers relative to control wounds-a characteristic that resembles unwounded skin. The with-in subject effect of αCT1 on scar collagen order observed in Phase I testing in humans was recapitulated in Sprague-Dawley rats and the IAF hairless guinea pig. Transient increase in histologic collagen density in response to αCT1 was also observed in both animal models. Mouse NIH 3T3 fibroblasts and primary human dermal fibroblasts treated with αCT1 in vitro showed more rapid closure in scratch wound assays, with individual cells showing decreased directionality in movement. An agent-based computational model parameterized with fibroblast motility data predicted collagen alignments in simulated scars consistent with that observed experimentally in human and the animal models. In conclusion, αCT1 prompts decreased directionality of fibroblast movement and the generation of a 3D collagen matrix postwounding that is similar to unwounded skin-changes that correlate with long-term improvement in scar appearance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Montgomery
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | - Spencer Marsh
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - J Matthew Rhett
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Francis Bustos
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA.,Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Katherine Degen
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA
| | | | | | - L Jane Jourdan
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Holmes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA.,Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
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40
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Salmina AB, Komleva YK, Malinovskaya NA, Morgun AV, Teplyashina EA, Lopatina OL, Gorina YV, Kharitonova EV, Khilazheva ED, Shuvaev AN. Blood-Brain Barrier Breakdown in Stress and Neurodegeneration: Biochemical Mechanisms and New Models for Translational Research. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2021; 86:746-760. [PMID: 34225598 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297921060122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a structural and functional element of the neurovascular unit (NVU), which includes cells of neuronal, glial, and endothelial nature. The main functions of NVU include maintenance of the control of metabolism and chemical homeostasis in the brain tissue, ensuring adequate blood flow in active regions, regulation of neuroplasticity processes, which is realized through intercellular interactions under normal conditions, under stress, in neurodegeneration, neuroinfection, and neurodevelopmental diseases. Current versions of the BBB and NVU models, static and dynamic, have significantly expanded research capabilities, but a number of issues remain unresolved, in particular, personification of the models for a patient. In addition, application of both static and dynamic models has an important problem associated with the difficulty in reproducing pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for the damage of the structural and functional integrity of the barrier in the diseases of the central nervous system. More knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of BBB and NVU damage in pathology is required to solve this problem. This review discusses current state of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control BBB permeability, pathobiochemical mechanisms and manifestations of BBB breakdown in stress and neurodegenerative diseases, as well as the problems and prospects of creating in vitro BBB and NVU models for translational studies in neurology and neuropharmacology. Deciphering BBB (patho)physiology will open up new opportunities for further development in the related areas of medicine such as regenerative medicine, neuropharmacology, and neurorehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla B Salmina
- Division of Brain Sciences, Research Center of Neurology, Moscow, 125367, Russia. .,Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Yuliya K Komleva
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Nataliya A Malinovskaya
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Andrey V Morgun
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Elena A Teplyashina
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Olga L Lopatina
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Yana V Gorina
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Ekaterina V Kharitonova
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Elena D Khilazheva
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
| | - Anton N Shuvaev
- Research Institute of Molecular Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk, 660022, Russia
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41
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Kléber AG, Jin Q. Coupling between cardiac cells-An important determinant of electrical impulse propagation and arrhythmogenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 2:031301. [PMID: 34296210 DOI: 10.1063/5.0050192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias are an important cause of sudden cardiac death-a devastating manifestation of many underlying causes, such as heart failure and ischemic heart disease leading to ventricular tachyarrhythmias and ventricular fibrillation, and atrial fibrillation causing cerebral embolism. Cardiac electrical propagation is a main factor in the initiation and maintenance of cardiac arrhythmias. In the heart, gap junctions are the basic unit at the cellular level that host intercellular low-resistance channels for the diffusion of ions and small regulatory molecules. The dual voltage clamp technique enabled the direct measurement of electrical conductance between cells and recording of single gap junction channel openings. The rapid turnover of gap junction channels at the intercalated disk implicates a highly dynamic process of trafficking and internalization of gap junction connexons. Recently, non-canonical roles of gap junction proteins have been discovered in mitochondria function, cytoskeletal organization, trafficking, and cardiac rescue. At the tissue level, we explain the concepts of linear propagation and safety factor based on the model of linear cellular structure. Working myocardium is adequately represented as a discontinuous cellular network characterized by cellular anisotropy and connective tissue heterogeneity. Electrical propagation in discontinuous cellular networks reflects an interplay of three main factors: cell-to-cell electrical coupling, flow of electrical charge through the ion channels, and the microscopic tissue structure. This review provides a state-of-the-art update of the cardiac gap junction channels and their role in cardiac electrical impulse propagation and highlights a combined approach of genetics, cell biology, and physics in modern cardiac electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- André G Kléber
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Qianru Jin
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02134, USA
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42
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Sato A, da Fonseca IIM, Nagamine MK, de Toledo GF, Olio R, Hernandez-Blazquez FJ, Yano T, Yeh ES, Dagli MLZ. Effects of Alpha-Connexin Carboxyl-Terminal Peptide (aCT1) and Bowman-Birk Protease Inhibitor (BBI) on Canine Oral Mucosal Melanoma (OMM) Cells. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:670451. [PMID: 34179163 PMCID: PMC8222509 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.670451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral mucosal melanomas (OMM) are aggressive cancers in dogs, and are good models for human OMM. Gap junctions are composed of connexin units, which may have altered expression patterns and/or subcellular localization in cancer cells. Cell-to-cell communication by gap junctions is often impaired in cancer cells, including in melanomas. Meanwhile, the upregulated expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) inhibits melanoma progression. The α-connexin carboxyl-terminal (aCT1) peptide reportedly maintains Cx43 expression and cell-cell communication in human mammary cells and increases the communication activity through gap junctions in functional assays, therefore causing decreased cell proliferation. The Bowman-Birk protease inhibitor (BBI), a component of soybeans, induces Cx43 expression in several tumor cells as a trypsin–chymotrypsin inhibition function, with antineoplastic effects. This study investigated the effect of aCT1 peptide and BBI treatment, alone or in combination, on TLM1 canine melanoma cell viability. Cell viability after treatment with aCT1, the reverse sequence peptide (R-pep), and/or BBI for 5 days was analyzed by PrestoBlue assay. Immunofluorescence was used to observe Cx43 localization and expression. aCT1 (200 μM) alone did not significantly decrease cell viability in TLM1 cells, whereas BBI (400 μg/ml) alone significantly decreased the TLM1 viability. Combined treatment with both aCT1 (200 μM) and BBI (400 μg/ml) significantly decreased cell viability in TLM1 cells. Cx43 expression, as identified by immunostainings in TLM1 cells, was increased in the cell membrane after the combination treatment with BBI and aCT1. This dual treatment can be combined to achieve the anticancer activity, possibly by increasing Cx 43 expression and affecting Cx43 migration to the cell membrane. In conclusion, a treatment strategy targeting Cx43 with BBI and aCT1 may possibly lead to new effective therapies for canine OMM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayami Sato
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.,Institute of Life Innovation Studies, Toyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Márcia Kazumi Nagamine
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Rennan Olio
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Tomohiro Yano
- Institute of Life Innovation Studies, Toyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Elizabeth Shinmay Yeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Maria Lucia Zaidan Dagli
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science of the University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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43
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Li Y, Faiz A, Moshage H, Schubert R, Schilling L, Kamps JA. Comparative transcriptome analysis of inner blood-retinal barrier and blood-brain barrier in rats. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12151. [PMID: 34108511 PMCID: PMC8190099 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91584-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although retinal microvessels (RMVs) and brain microvessels (BMVs) are closely related in their developmental and share similar blood-neural barriers, studies have reported markedly different responses to stressors such as diabetes. Therefore, we hypothesized that RMVs and BMVs will display substantial differences in gene expression levels even though they are of the same embryological origin. In this study, both RMVs and BMVs were mechanically isolated from rats. Full retinal and brain tissue samples (RT, BT) were collected for comparisons. Total RNA extracted from these four groups were processed on Affymetrix rat 2.0 microarray Chips. The transcriptional profiles of these tissues were then analyzed. In the present paper we looked at differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in RMVs (against RT) and BMVs (against BT) using a rather conservative threshold value of ≥ ± twofold change and a false discovery rate corrected for multiple comparisons (p < 0.05). In RMVs a total of 1559 DEGs were found, of which 1004 genes were higher expressed in RMVs than in RT. Moreover, 4244 DEGs between BMVs and BT were identified, of which 1956 genes were ≥ twofold enriched in BMVs. Using these DEGs, we comprehensively analyzed the actual expression levels and highlighted their involvement in critical functional structures in RMVs and BMVs, such as junctional complex, transporters and signaling pathways. Our work provides for the first time the transcriptional profiles of rat RMVs and BMVs. These results may help to understand why retina and brain microvasculature show different susceptibilities to stressors, and they might even provide new insight for pharmacological interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Li
- Division of Neurosurgical Research, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Medical Biology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - A Faiz
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Medical Biology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - H Moshage
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - R Schubert
- European Center of Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Physiology, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Medical Faculty, Augsburg University, Augsburg, Germany
| | - L Schilling
- Division of Neurosurgical Research, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany. .,European Center of Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.
| | - J A Kamps
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, Medical Biology Section, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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44
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Marsh SR, Williams ZJ, Pridham KJ, Gourdie RG. Peptidic Connexin43 Therapeutics in Cardiac Reparative Medicine. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:52. [PMID: 34063001 PMCID: PMC8147937 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8050052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin (Cx43)-formed channels have been linked to cardiac arrhythmias and diseases of the heart associated with myocardial tissue loss and fibrosis. These pathologies include ischemic heart disease, ischemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A number of Cx43 mimetic peptides have been reported as therapeutic candidates for targeting disease processes linked to Cx43, including some that have advanced to clinical testing in humans. These peptides include Cx43 sequences based on the extracellular loop domains (e.g., Gap26, Gap 27, and Peptide5), cytoplasmic-loop domain (Gap19 and L2), and cytoplasmic carboxyl-terminal domain (e.g., JM2, Cx43tat, CycliCX, and the alphaCT family of peptides) of this transmembrane protein. Additionally, RYYN peptides binding to the Cx43 carboxyl-terminus have been described. In this review, we survey preclinical and clinical data available on short mimetic peptides based on, or directly targeting, Cx43, with focus on their potential for treating heart disease. We also discuss problems that have caused reluctance within the pharmaceutical industry to translate peptidic therapeutics to the clinic, even when supporting preclinical data is strong. These issues include those associated with the administration, stability in vivo, and tissue penetration of peptide-based therapeutics. Finally, we discuss novel drug delivery technologies including nanoparticles, exosomes, and other nanovesicular carriers that could transform the clinical and commercial viability of Cx43-targeting peptides in treatment of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other indications requiring oral or parenteral administration. Some of these newly emerging approaches to drug delivery may provide a path to overcoming pitfalls associated with the drugging of peptide therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer R. Marsh
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Zachary J. Williams
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Translational Biology Medicine and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Kevin J. Pridham
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Robert G. Gourdie
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Translational Biology Medicine and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
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45
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Connexins in the Heart: Regulation, Function and Involvement in Cardiac Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094413. [PMID: 33922534 PMCID: PMC8122935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that play a key role in cardiac physiology. Gap junctional channels put into contact the cytoplasms of connected cardiomyocytes, allowing the existence of electrical coupling. However, in addition to this fundamental role, connexins are also involved in cardiomyocyte death and survival. Thus, chemical coupling through gap junctions plays a key role in the spreading of injury between connected cells. Moreover, in addition to their involvement in cell-to-cell communication, mounting evidence indicates that connexins have additional gap junction-independent functions. Opening of unopposed hemichannels, located at the lateral surface of cardiomyocytes, may compromise cell homeostasis and may be involved in ischemia/reperfusion injury. In addition, connexins located at non-canonical cell structures, including mitochondria and the nucleus, have been demonstrated to be involved in cardioprotection and in regulation of cell growth and differentiation. In this review, we will provide, first, an overview on connexin biology, including their synthesis and degradation, their regulation and their interactions. Then, we will conduct an in-depth examination of the role of connexins in cardiac pathophysiology, including new findings regarding their involvement in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiac fibrosis, gene transcription or signaling regulation.
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46
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De Smet MA, Lissoni A, Nezlobinsky T, Wang N, Dries E, Pérez-Hernández M, Lin X, Amoni M, Vervliet T, Witschas K, Rothenberg E, Bultynck G, Schulz R, Panfilov AV, Delmar M, Sipido KR, Leybaert L. Cx43 hemichannel microdomain signaling at the intercalated disc enhances cardiac excitability. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:137752. [PMID: 33621213 DOI: 10.1172/jci137752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cx43, a major cardiac connexin, forms precursor hemichannels that accrue at the intercalated disc to assemble as gap junctions. While gap junctions are crucial for electrical conduction in the heart, little is known about the potential roles of hemichannels. Recent evidence suggests that inhibiting Cx43 hemichannel opening with Gap19 has antiarrhythmic effects. Here, we used multiple electrophysiology, imaging, and super-resolution techniques to understand and define the conditions underlying Cx43 hemichannel activation in ventricular cardiomyocytes, their contribution to diastolic Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum, and their impact on electrical stability. We showed that Cx43 hemichannels were activated during diastolic Ca2+ release in single ventricular cardiomyocytes and cardiomyocyte cell pairs from mice and pigs. This activation involved Cx43 hemichannel Ca2+ entry and coupling to Ca2+ release microdomains at the intercalated disc, resulting in enhanced Ca2+ dynamics. Hemichannel opening furthermore contributed to delayed afterdepolarizations and triggered action potentials. In single cardiomyocytes, cardiomyocyte cell pairs, and arterially perfused tissue wedges from failing human hearts, increased hemichannel activity contributed to electrical instability compared with nonfailing rejected donor hearts. We conclude that microdomain coupling between Cx43 hemichannels and Ca2+ release is a potentially novel, targetable mechanism of cardiac arrhythmogenesis in heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten Aj De Smet
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Internal Medicine and
| | - Alessio Lissoni
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Timur Nezlobinsky
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Laboratory of Computational Biology and Medicine, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia
| | - Nan Wang
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eef Dries
- Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marta Pérez-Hernández
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Xianming Lin
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Matthew Amoni
- Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Tim Vervliet
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signaling, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Katja Witschas
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eli Rothenberg
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Geert Bultynck
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signaling, Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Rainer Schulz
- Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität, Giessen, Germany
| | - Alexander V Panfilov
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Laboratory of Computational Biology and Medicine, Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, Russia.,Arrhythmia Department, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Mario Delmar
- Leon H. Charney Division of Cardiology, School of Medicine, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Karin R Sipido
- Experimental Cardiology, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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47
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González-Casanova J, Schmachtenberg O, Martínez AD, Sanchez HA, Harcha PA, Rojas-Gomez D. An Update on Connexin Gap Junction and Hemichannels in Diabetic Retinopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063194. [PMID: 33801118 PMCID: PMC8004116 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the main causes of vision loss in the working age population. It is characterized by a progressive deterioration of the retinal microvasculature, caused by long-term metabolic alterations inherent to diabetes, leading to a progressive loss of retinal integrity and function. The mammalian retina presents an orderly layered structure that executes initial but complex visual processing and analysis. Gap junction channels (GJC) forming electrical synapses are present in each retinal layer and contribute to the communication between different cell types. In addition, connexin hemichannels (HCs) have emerged as relevant players that influence diverse physiological and pathological processes in the retina. This article highlights the impact of diabetic conditions on GJC and HCs physiology and their involvement in DR pathogenesis. Microvascular damage and concomitant loss of endothelial cells and pericytes are related to alterations in gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and decreased connexin 43 (Cx43) expression. On the other hand, it has been shown that the expression and activity of HCs are upregulated in DR, becoming a key element in the establishment of proinflammatory conditions that emerge during hyperglycemia. Hence, novel connexin HCs blockers or drugs to enhance GJIC are promising tools for the development of pharmacological interventions for diabetic retinopathy, and initial in vitro and in vivo studies have shown favorable results in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge González-Casanova
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago 8910060, Chile;
| | - Oliver Schmachtenberg
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Biología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile;
| | - Agustín D. Martínez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile; (A.D.M.); (H.A.S.); (P.A.H.)
| | - Helmuth A. Sanchez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile; (A.D.M.); (H.A.S.); (P.A.H.)
| | - Paloma A. Harcha
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile; (A.D.M.); (H.A.S.); (P.A.H.)
| | - Diana Rojas-Gomez
- Escuela de Nutrición y Dietética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago 8370146, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-2-26618559
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48
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Strauss RE, Gourdie RG. Cx43 and the Actin Cytoskeleton: Novel Roles and Implications for Cell-Cell Junction-Based Barrier Function Regulation. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1656. [PMID: 33321985 PMCID: PMC7764618 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Barrier function is a vital homeostatic mechanism employed by epithelial and endothelial tissue. Diseases across a wide range of tissue types involve dynamic changes in transcellular junctional complexes and the actin cytoskeleton in the regulation of substance exchange across tissue compartments. In this review, we focus on the contribution of the gap junction protein, Cx43, to the biophysical and biochemical regulation of barrier function. First, we introduce the structure and canonical channel-dependent functions of Cx43. Second, we define barrier function and examine the key molecular structures fundamental to its regulation. Third, we survey the literature on the channel-dependent roles of connexins in barrier function, with an emphasis on the role of Cx43 and the actin cytoskeleton. Lastly, we discuss findings on the channel-independent roles of Cx43 in its associations with the actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion structures highlighted by PI3K signaling, in the potential modulation of cellular barriers. Mounting evidence of crosstalk between connexins, the cytoskeleton, focal adhesion complexes, and junctional structures has led to a growing appreciation of how barrier-modulating mechanisms may work together to effect solute and cellular flux across tissue boundaries. This new understanding could translate into improved therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of barrier-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy E. Strauss
- Virginia Tech, Translational Biology Medicine and Health (TBMH) Program, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Robert G. Gourdie
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
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49
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Meng L, Yan D. NLR-1/CASPR Anchors F-Actin to Promote Gap Junction Formation. Dev Cell 2020; 55:574-587.e3. [PMID: 33238150 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions are present in most tissues and play essential roles in various biological processes. However, we know surprisingly little about the molecular mechanisms underlying gap junction formation. Here, we uncover the essential role of a conserved EGF- and laminin-G-domain-containing protein nlr-1/CASPR in the regulation of gap junction formation in multiple tissues across different developmental stages in C. elegans. NLR-1 is located in the gap junction perinexus, a region adjacent to but not overlapping with gap junctions, and forms puncta before the clusters of gap junction channels appear on the membrane. We show that NLR-1 can directly bind to actin to recruit F-actin networks at the gap junction formation plaque, and the formation of F-actin patches plays a critical role in the assembly of gap junction channels. Our findings demonstrate that nlr-1/CASPR acts as an early stage signal for gap junction formation through anchoring of F-actin networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfeng Meng
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Dong Yan
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA; Department of Neurobiology, Regeneration Next, and Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Solan JL, Lampe PD. Src Regulation of Cx43 Phosphorylation and Gap Junction Turnover. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10121596. [PMID: 33255329 PMCID: PMC7759836 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The gap junction protein Connexin43 (Cx43) is highly regulated by phosphorylation at over a dozen sites by probably at least as many kinases. This Cx43 “kinome” plays an important role in gap junction assembly and turnover. We sought to gain a better understanding of the interrelationship of these phosphorylation events particularly related to src activation and Cx43 turnover. Using state-of-the-art live imaging methods, specific inhibitors and many phosphorylation-status specific antibodies, we found phospho-specific domains in gap junction plaques and show evidence that multiple pathways of disassembly exist and can be regulated at the cellular and subcellular level. We found Src activation promotes formation of connexisomes (internalized gap junctions) in a process involving ERK-mediated phosphorylation of S279/282. Proteasome inhibition dramatically and rapidly restored gap junctions in the presence of Src and led to dramatic changes in the Cx43 phospho-profile including to increased Y247, Y265, S279/282, S365, and S373 phosphorylation. Lysosomal inhibition, on the other hand, nearly eliminated phosphorylation on Y247 and Y265 and reduced S368 and S373 while increasing S279/282 phosphorylation levels. We present a model of gap junction disassembly where multiple modes of disassembly are regulated by phosphorylation and can have differential effects on cellular signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joell L. Solan
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA;
| | - Paul D. Lampe
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA;
- Department of Global Health, Pathobiology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Correspondence:
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