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Xu Y, Wang Y, Qi R, Li K, Wang X, Li X, Shi B. Role of connexin 32 in the directional differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into hepatocytes. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:508-518. [PMID: 38250613 PMCID: PMC10797672 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.83973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the role of connexin 32 (Cx32) in the directional differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into hepatocytes. Urine-derived epithelial cells were collected from the fresh urine of a healthy donor and transducted with reprogramming plasmid mixture to generate iPSCs. The iPSCs were then directionally differentiated into hepatocytes. During the differentiation, the upregulated and downregulated groups were treated with vitamin K2 (VK2) and 2-aminoethoxyboronate diphenylester (2-APB) to increase and inhibit Cx32 expression, respectively. The control group was not treated with the regulatory factor. Expression of Cx32 and hepatocyte-specific markers, including AFP, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF-4α), albumin (ALB) and cytokeratin 18 (CK18) were detected. It indicated that Cx32 expression was not observed in iPSCs, but gradually increased during the process of hepatic differentiation from iPSCs. Upregulation of Cx32 expression by VK2 treatment promoted hepatocyte maturation and enhanced the expression of the aforementioned hepatic specific markers, whereas downregulation of Cx32 expression by 2-APB treatment had the opposite effects. In conclusion, urine-derived iPSCs could be directionally differentiated into hepatocytes. Up-regulation of Cx32 improves the efficiency and maturity of differentiation of iPSCs into hepatocytes, and Cx32 may be a promoting factor during the process of hepatic differentiation from iPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Ran Qi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Kun Li
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Xiuyan Wang
- Department of Ultrasonography, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Xinbo Li
- Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Baomin Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200025, China
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2
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Huang F, Deng Z, Zhang Q, Zhang Z, Li X, Zeng W, Wang Y, Hei Z, Yuan D. Dual-regulation by Cx32 in hepatocyte to trigger and worsen liver graft injury. Transl Res 2023; 262:44-59. [PMID: 37507007 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Liver transplantation is the ultimate treatment option for end-stage liver failure. However, liver graft injury remains a challenge. This study aimed to investigate the role of connexin32 (Cx32) in liver graft injury and elucidate its mechanism of action. Through detecting liver graft samples from 6 patients, we observed that changes in the Cx32 level coincided with liver graft injury. Therefore, we established autologous orthotopic liver transplantation (AOLT) models using Cx32-knockout and wild-type mice and hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) pretreatment models using alpha mouse liver 12 (AML12) cells, to explore Cx32 mechanisms in liver graft injury. Following in vivo and in vitro Cx32 knockout, oxidative stress and inflammatory response were inhibited through the regulation of PKC-α/NF-κB/NLRP3 and Nrf2/NOX4/ROS signaling pathways, thereby reducing Bak/Bax-related apoptosis and ameliorating liver graft injury. When the Cx32-based gap junction (GJ) was blocked with 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB), ROS transfer was attenuated between neighboring cells, exacerbated oxidative stress and inflammatory response were prevented, and aggravation of liver graft injury was mitigated. These results highlight the dual regulation mechanism of Cx32 in liver graft injury. Through interaction with PKC-α, Cx32 regulated the NF-κB/NLRP3 and Nrf2/NOX4/ROS signaling pathways, thus directly triggering oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Simultaneously, mass-produced ROS were transferred to neighboring cells through Cx32 channels, for which oxidative stress and the inflammatory response were aggravated indirectly. Finally, Bak/Bax-related apoptosis was activated, thereby worsening liver graft injury. Our findings propose Cx32 as a dual mechanistic factor for oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling pathways in regulating cell apoptosis on liver graft injury, which suggests a promising therapeutic targets for liver graft injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Zhizhao Deng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Xianlong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Weiqi Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Yanling Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Ziqing Hei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.
| | - Dongdong Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, P. R. China.
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Li S, Xiao H, Sun X, Chen Z, Lin Z, Li C, Zeng J, Xu Z, Cheng Y, Huang H. Connexin32 Promotes the Activation of Foxo3a to Ameliorate Diabetic Nephropathy via Inhibiting the Polyubiquitination and Degradation of Sirt1. Antioxid Redox Signal 2023; 39:241-261. [PMID: 36601735 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2022.0108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Aims: Renal oxidative stress (OSS) is the leading cause of diabetic nephropathy (DN). The silent information regulator 1/forkhead boxo3a (Sirt1/Foxo3a) pathway plays an essential role in regulating the antioxidant enzyme system. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanism of connexin32 (Cx32) on the antioxidant enzyme system in DN. Results: In this study, Cx32 overexpression significantly reduced reactive oxygen species generation and effectively inhibited the excessive production of extracellular matrix such as fibronectin (FN) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in high-glucose (HG)-induced glomerular mesangial cells. In addition, Cx32 overexpression reversed the downregulation of Sirt1, and promoted the nuclear transcription of Foxo3a, subsequently activating the antioxidant enzymes including catalase and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), however, Cx32 knockdown showed the opposite effects. A further mechanism study showed that Cx32 promoted the autoubiquitination and degradation of Smad ubiquitylation regulatory factor-1 (Smurf1), thereby reducing the ubiquitination of Sirt1 at Lys335 and the degradation of Sirt1. Moreover, the in vivo results showed that adenovirus-mediated Cx32 overexpression activated the Sirt1/Foxo3a pathway, and inhibited OSS in the kidney tissues, eventually improving the renal function and glomerulosclerosis in diabetic mice. Innovation: This study highlighted the antioxidant role of Cx32-Sirt1-Foxo3a axis to alleviate DN, which is a new mechanism of Cx32 alleviating DN. Conclusion: Cx32 alleviated DN via activating the Sirt1/Foxo3a antioxidant pathway. The specific mechanism was that Cx32 upregulated the Sirt1 expression through reducing the ubiquitination of Lys335 of Sirt1 by inhibiting Smurf1. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 241-261.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiming Xiao
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohong Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiquan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zeyuan Lin
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuting Li
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingran Zeng
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhanchi Xu
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuanyuan Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Heqing Huang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Feng Y, Li W, Wang Z, Zhang R, Li Y, Zang L, Wang P, Li Z, Dong Y. The p-STAT3/ANXA2 axis promotes caspase-1-mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. J Transl Med 2022; 20:497. [PMID: 36324154 PMCID: PMC9632054 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03692-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the roles of Annexin A2 (ANXA2) on hepatocyte pyroptosis and hepatic fibrosis in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS Bioinformatics analyses were performed on transcriptome data of liver tissues from mice and patients with liver fibrosis for screening the hepatocyte pyroptosis-related differential genes. The in vivo NASH mouse model and in vitro NASH cellular model were established. The expression levels of Anxa2/ANXA2 were quantified. Then, the upstream transcription factor of Anxa2 was screened by ChIP-Seq and experimentally verified. The effects of the p-STAT3/ANXA2 axis on Caspase-1 mediated pyroptosis and fibrosis were explored by in vivo and in vitro experiments. RESULTS Bioinformatics analyses suggested that the expression of Anxa2/ANXA2 was significantly up-regulated in liver tissues of both NASH mice and patients scoring with high pyroptotic activity. Experimental data showed that the ANXA2 expression was positively associated with the development of hepatocyte pyroptosis and fibrosis. As a transcription factor of ANXA2, p-STAT3 can bind to the promoter of Anxa2 and promote its transcription. The inhibition of p-STAT3 can significantly suppress hepatocyte pyroptosis and fibrosis, which was significantly reversed after the over-expression of Anxa2. Caspase-1 was verified as the player of the p-STAT3/ANXA2 axis to promote pyroptosis and fibrosis. By specifically inhibiting Caspase-1, the promotion effect of the p-STAT3/ANXA2 axis on pyroptosis and fibrosis can be significantly weakened. CONCLUSION The p-STAT3 promoted Anxa2 expression at the transcription level, thus activating the Caspase-1 mediated hepatocyte pyroptosis and fibrosis in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Feng
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhua Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Gastroenterology, Jiading Branch of Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 800 Huangjiahuayuan Road, 201803 Shanghai, China
| | - Zhuoya Wang
- grid.488482.a0000 0004 1765 5169Department of Endoscopy Center, The First Hospital of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, 95 middle Shaoshan Road, Yuhua District, Changsha City, Hunan Province China
| | - Ruling Zhang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Lijuan Zang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Pathology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Peiwen Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, 200080 Shanghai, China
| | - Zhenghong Li
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Gastroenterology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.1665 Konngjiang Road, Hongkou District, 200092 Shanghai, China
| | - Yuwei Dong
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Hongkou District, 200080 Shanghai, China
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5
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Sun X, Xiao H, Li S, Chen R, Lin Z, Yang Y, Chen Z, Deng L, Huang H. Connexin32 ameliorates epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition in diabetic renal tubular via inhibiting NOX4. Pharmacol Res 2022; 176:106084. [PMID: 35051590 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis (RIF), characterized by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs), is the main cause of diabetic renal fibrosis. Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the development of diabetic RIF. Connexin32 (Cx32), prominently expressed in renal TECs, has emerged as an important player in the regulation of oxidative stress. However, the role of Cx32 in diabetic RIF has not been explored yet. Here, we showed that adenovirus-mediated Cx32 overexpression suppressed EMT to ameliorate RIF and renal function in STZ-induced diabetic mice, while knockout (KO) of Cx32 exacerbated RIF in diabetic mice. Moreover, overexpression of Cx32 inhibited EMT and the production of extra cellular matrix (ECM) in high glucose (HG) induced NRK-52E cells, whereas knockdown of Cx32 showed the opposite effects. Furthermore, we showed that NOX4, the main source of ROS in renal tubular, was down-regulated by Cx32. Mechanistically, Cx32 down-regulated the expression of PKC alpha in a carboxyl-terminal-dependent manner, thereby inhibiting the phosphorylation at Thr147 of p22phox triggered by PKC alpha, which ultimately repressed the formation of the p22phox-NOX4 complex to reduce the protein level of NOX4. Thus, we establish Cx32 as a novel target and confirm the protection mechanism in RIF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Sun
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Haiming Xiao
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Rui Chen
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zeyuan Lin
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Zhiquan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, China.
| | - Li Deng
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
| | - Heqing Huang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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6
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Haep N, Florentino RM, Squires JE, Bell A, Soto-Gutierrez A. The Inside-Out of End-Stage Liver Disease: Hepatocytes are the Keystone. Semin Liver Dis 2021; 41:213-224. [PMID: 33992030 PMCID: PMC8996333 DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1725023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Chronic liver injury results in cirrhosis and end-stage liver disease (ESLD) which represents a leading cause of death worldwide, affecting people in their most productive years of life. Medical therapy can extend life, but the only definitive treatment is liver transplantation (LT). However, LT remains limited by access to quality donor organs and suboptimal long-term outcomes. The degeneration from healthy-functioning livers to cirrhosis and ESLD involves a dynamic process of hepatocyte damage, diminished hepatic function, and adaptation. However, the mechanisms responsible for deterioration of hepatocyte function and ultimately hepatic failure in man are poorly understood. We review the current understanding of cirrhosis and ESLD as a dynamic process and outline the current mechanisms associated with the development of hepatic failure from the clinical manifestations to energy adaptations, regeneration, and regulation of nuclear transcription factors. A new generation of therapeutics could target stabilization of hepatocyte differentiation and function to avoid the need for transplantation in patients with cirrhosis and ESLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nils Haep
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - James E. Squires
- Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Aaron Bell
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Alejandro Soto-Gutierrez
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania,Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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7
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Tirosh A, Tuncman G, Calay ES, Rathaus M, Ron I, Tirosh A, Yalcin A, Lee YG, Livne R, Ron S, Minsky N, Arruda AP, Hotamisligil GS. Intercellular Transmission of Hepatic ER Stress in Obesity Disrupts Systemic Metabolism. Cell Metab 2021; 33:319-333.e6. [PMID: 33340456 PMCID: PMC7858244 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2020.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) has a pathophysiological role in obesity-associated insulin resistance. Yet, the coordinated tissue response to ERS remains unclear. Increased connexin 43 (Cx43)-mediated intercellular communication has been implicated in tissue-adaptive and -maladaptive response to various chronic stresses. Here, we demonstrate that in hepatocytes, ERS results in increased Cx43 expression and cell-cell coupling. Co-culture of ER-stressed "donor" cells resulted in intercellular transmission of ERS and dysfunction to ERS-naive "recipient" cells ("bystander response"), which could be prevented by genetic or pharmacologic suppression of Cx43. Hepatocytes from obese mice were able to transmit ERS to hepatocytes from lean mice, and mice lacking liver Cx43 were protected from diet-induced ERS, insulin resistance, and hepatosteatosis. Taken together, our results indicate that in obesity, the increased Cx43-mediated cell-cell coupling allows intercellular propagation of ERS. This novel maladaptive response to over-nutrition exacerbates the tissue ERS burden, promoting hepatosteatosis and impairing whole-body glucose metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Tirosh
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Gurol Tuncman
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ediz S Calay
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Moran Rathaus
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Idit Ron
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Amit Tirosh
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Abdullah Yalcin
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Medical School, Department of Medical Biology, 09100 Aydin, Turkey
| | - Yankun G Lee
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Rinat Livne
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Sophie Ron
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Neri Minsky
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Sheba Medical Center, 52621 Tel-HaShomer, Israel; Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ana Paula Arruda
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gökhan S Hotamisligil
- Sabri Ülker Center for Metabolic Research, Molecular Metabolism, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
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8
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Chen ZQ, Sun XH, Li XJ, Xu ZC, Yang Y, Lin ZY, Xiao HM, Zhang M, Quan SJ, Huang HQ. Polydatin attenuates renal fibrosis in diabetic mice through regulating the Cx32-Nox4 signaling pathway. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:1587-1596. [PMID: 32724174 PMCID: PMC7921128 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0475-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously found that polydatin could attenuate renal oxidative stress in diabetic mice and improve renal fibrosis. Recent evidence shows that NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4)-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to inflammatory and fibrotic processes in diabetic kidneys. In this study we investigated whether polydatin attenuated renal fibrosis by regulating Nox4 in vitro and in vivo. In high glucose-treated rat glomerular mesangial cells, polydatin significantly decreased the protein levels of Nox4 by promoting its K48-linked polyubiquitination, thus inhibited the production of ROS, and eventually decreasing the expression of fibronectin (FN) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), the main factors that exacerbate diabetic renal fibrosis. Overexpression of Nox4 abolished the inhibitory effects of polydatin on FN and ICAM-1 expression. In addition, the expression of Connexin32 (Cx32) was significantly decreased, which was restored by polydatin treatment. Cx32 interacted with Nox4 and reduced its protein levels. Knockdown of Cx32 abolished the inhibitory effects of polydatin on the expression of FN and ICAM-1. In the kidneys of streptozocin-induced diabetic mice, administration of polydatin (100 mg·kg-1·d-1, ig, 6 days a week for 12 weeks) increased Cx32 expression and reduced Nox4 expression, decreased renal oxidative stress levels and the expression of fibrotic factors, eventually attenuating renal injury and fibrosis. In conclusion, polydatin promotes K48-linked polyubiquitination and degradation of Nox4 by restoring Cx32 expression, thereby decreasing renal oxidative stress levels and ultimately ameliorating the pathological progress of diabetic renal fibrosis. Thus, polydatin reduces renal oxidative stress levels and attenuates diabetic renal fibrosis through regulating the Cx32-Nox4 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Quan Chen
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Sun
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xue-Juan Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518026, China
| | - Zhan-Chi Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ze-Yuan Lin
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Hai-Ming Xiao
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shi-Jian Quan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
| | - He-Qing Huang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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9
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Regulation of connexins genes expression contributes to reestablishes tissue homeostasis in a renovascular hypertension model. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05406. [PMID: 33163681 PMCID: PMC7609588 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) are essential for cardiovascular regulation and maintenance of cardio-renal response involving the natriuretic peptide family. Changes in the expression of connexins promote intercellular communication dysfunction and may induce hypertension, atherosclerosis, and several other vascular diseases. This study analyzed the expression of the genes involved in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the relation of the connexins gene expression with the renovascular hypertension 2K1C in different tissues. The insertion of a silver clip induced renovascular hypertension 2K1C into the left renal artery. Biochemical measurements were made using commercial kits. Gene expression was evaluated in the liver, heart, and kidneys by RT-PCR. The genes investigated were LDLr, Hmgcr, Agt, Ren, Ace, Agtr1a, Anp, Bnp, Npr1, Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, Cx40 and Cx43. All genes involved in the RAS presented increased transcriptional levels in the 2K1C group, except hepatic Agt. The natriuretic peptides (Anp; Bnp) and the receptor genes (Npr1) appeared to increase in the heart, however, Npr1 decreased in the kidneys. In hepatic tissue, hypertension promoted increased expression of Cx32, Cx37, and Cx40 genes however, Cx26 and Cx43 genes were not influenced. Expression was upregulated for Cx37 and Cx43 in cardiac tissue in the 2K1C group, but Cx40 did not demonstrate any difference between groups. The stenotic kidney showed an upregulated expression for Cx37 vs Sham and contralateral kidney, although Cx40 and Cx43 were downregulated. Hypertension did not modify the transcriptional expression of Cx26 and Cx32. Therefore, this study indicated that RAS and cardiac response were regulated transcriptionally by renovascular hypertension 2K1C. Moreover, the results of connexin gene expression demonstrated differential transcriptional regulation in different tissues studied and suggest a relationship between cardiac and renal physiological changes as an adaptive mechanism to the hypertensive state.
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10
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Li S, Wang N, Zhang T, Feng Y, Wang L, Sun J. Characterization of three connexin32 genes and their role in inflammation-induced ATP release in the Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2020; 106:181-189. [PMID: 32768708 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2020.07.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular ATP (eATP) is a potent singling molecule in activation of fish innate immunity while the molecular determinants for eATP release in fish were not completely understood. Connexin32 (Cx32) is a member of gap junction protein family that plays important immunological functions in mammals. However, the immune relevance of Cx32 and its role in ATP release in fish has not been investigated. Here, we identified, characterized three Cx32 isoform genes (Cx32.2, Cx32.2x and Cx32.7) from the Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus, and investigated their role in inflammation-induced ATP release in fish. Expression analysis revealed that even though all the three Cx32 genes are constitutively expressed in all examined Japanese flounder tissues, Cx32.2 and Cx32.2x are dominantly expressed in liver, and Cx32.7 is highly expressed in intestine and head kidney macrophages. In addition, we showed that gene expression of all the three Cx32 isoforms was modulated by cAMP stimulation and inflammatory challenges. Furthermore, we revealed that Cx32 expression was upregulated in TNF-alpha overexpressed Japanese flounder FG-9307 cells. Moreover, overexpression of the three Cx32 isoforms significantly reduced the gene expression level of LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 and TNF-alpha, indicating that Cx32 is involved in modulating inflammatory response in fish. Finally, we showed that inflammation-induced ATP release was significantly increased in Cx32-overexpressed Japanese flounder FG-9307 cells, and this increased ATP release could be attenuated by pre-incubation with gap junction protein blocker carbenoxolone. Taken together, we for the first time reported the involvement of Cx32 in fish immunity. Our findings suggested that in addition to Cx43 and pannexin1 channels, Cx32 also plays a role in inflammation-induced ATP release in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 393 West Binshui Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300387, China.
| | - Nan Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 393 West Binshui Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Tongtong Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 393 West Binshui Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Yu Feng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 393 West Binshui Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Liyan Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 393 West Binshui Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300387, China
| | - Jinsheng Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 393 West Binshui Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin, 300387, China.
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11
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Cooreman A, Van Campenhout R, Crespo Yanguas S, Gijbels E, Leroy K, Pieters A, Tabernilla A, Van Brantegem P, Annaert P, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Cholestasis Differentially Affects Liver Connexins. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E6534. [PMID: 32906817 PMCID: PMC7116118 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21186534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are goal keepers of tissue homeostasis, including in the liver. As a result, they are frequently involved in disease. The current study was set up to investigate the effects of cholestatic disease on the production of connexin26, connexin32 and connexin43 in the liver. For this purpose, bile duct ligation, a well-known trigger of cholestatic liver injury, was applied to mice. In parallel, human hepatoma HepaRG cell cultures were exposed to cholestatic drugs and bile acids. Samples from both the in vivo and in vitro settings were subsequently subjected to assessment of mRNA and protein quantities as well as to in situ immunostaining. While the outcome of cholestasis on connexin26 and connexin43 varied among experimental settings, a more generalized repressing effect was seen for connexin32. This has also been observed in many other liver pathologies and could suggest a role for connexin32 as a robust biomarker of liver disease and toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Cooreman
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Eva Gijbels
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Alanah Pieters
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
| | - Pieter Van Brantegem
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (P.V.B.); (P.A.)
| | - Pieter Annaert
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; (P.V.B.); (P.A.)
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (R.V.C.); (S.C.Y.); (E.G.); (K.L.); (A.P.); (A.T.)
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12
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Chen Z, Sun X, Chen Q, Lan T, Huang K, Xiao H, Lin Z, Yang Y, Liu P, Huang H. Connexin32 ameliorates renal fibrosis in diabetic mice by promoting K48-linked NADPH oxidase 4 polyubiquitination and degradation. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:145-160. [PMID: 31465542 PMCID: PMC6976783 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nox4 is the major isoform of NADPH oxidase found in the kidney and contributes to the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. However, the molecular mechanisms of increased Nox4 expression induced by hyperglycaemia remain to be elucidated. Here, the role of the connexin32-Nox4 signalling axis in diabetic nephropathy and its related mechanisms were investigated. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Diabetes was induced in mice by low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) combined with a high-fat diet. Effects of connexin32 on Nox4 expression and on renal function and fibrosis in STZ-induced diabetic mice were investigated using adenovirus-overexpressing connexin32 and connexin32-deficient mice. Interactions between connexin32 and Nox4 were analysed by co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence assays. KEY RESULTS Connexin32 was down-regulated in the kidneys of STZ-induced diabetic mice. Overexpression of connexin32 reduced expression of Nox4 and improved renal function and fibrosis in diabetic mice, whereas connexin32 deficiency had opposite effects. Down-regulation of fibronectin expression by connexin32 was not dependent on gap junctional intercellular communication involving connexin32. Connexin32 interacted with Nox4 and reduced the generation of hydrogen peroxide, leading to the down-regulation of fibronectin expression. Mechanistically, connexin32 decreased Nox4 expression by promoting its K48-linked polyubiquitination. Interestingly, Smurf1 overexpression inhibited K48-linked polyubiquitination of Nox4. Furthermore, connexin32 interacted with Smurf1 and inhibited its expression. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Connexin32 ameliorated renal fibrosis in diabetic mice by promoting K48-linked Nox4 polyubiquitination and degradation via inhibition of Smurf1 expression. Targeting the connexin32-Nox4 signalling axis may contribute to the development of novel treatments for diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiquan Chen
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Department of Pharmacology, School of PharmacyGuangxi Medical UniversityNanningChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and EvaluationSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Xiaohong Sun
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and EvaluationSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Qiuhong Chen
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Tian Lan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of PharmacyGuangdong Pharmaceutical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Kaipeng Huang
- Guangzhou Eighth People's HospitalGuangzhou Medical UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Haiming Xiao
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Zeyuan Lin
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Yan Yang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Peiqing Liu
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
| | - Heqing Huang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical SciencesSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and EvaluationSun Yat‐sen UniversityGuangzhouChina
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13
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Hernández-Guerra M, Hadjihambi A, Jalan R. Gap junctions in liver disease: Implications for pathogenesis and therapy. J Hepatol 2019; 70:759-772. [PMID: 30599172 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2018.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In the normal liver, cells interact closely through gap junctions. By providing a pathway for the trafficking of low molecular mass molecules, these channels contribute to tissue homeostasis and maintenance of hepatic function. Thus, dysfunction of gap junctions affects a wide variety of liver processes, such as differentiation, cell death, inflammation and fibrosis. In fact, dysfunctional gap junctions have been implicated, for more than a decade, in cholestatic disease, hepatic cancer and cirrhosis. Additionally, in recent years there is an increasing body of evidence that these channels are also involved in other relevant and prevalent liver pathological processes, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, acute liver injury and portal hypertension. In parallel to these new clinical implications the available data include controversial observations. Thus, a comprehensive overview is required to better understand the functional complexity of these pores. This paper will review the most recent knowledge concerning gap junction dysfunction, with a special focus on the role of these channels in the pathogenesis of relevant clinical entities and on potential therapeutic targets that are amenable to modification by drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Rajiv Jalan
- UCL Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, Royal Free Medical School, London, UK
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14
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Cooreman A, Van Campenhout R, Ballet S, Annaert P, Van Den Bossche B, Colle I, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Connexin and Pannexin (Hemi)Channels: Emerging Targets in the Treatment of Liver Disease. Hepatology 2019; 69:1317-1323. [PMID: 30300925 DOI: 10.1002/hep.30306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Connexin proteins are the building blocks of hemichannels, which dock further between adjacent cells to form gap junctions. Gap junctions control the intercellular exchange of critical homeostasis regulators. By doing so, gap junctions control virtually all aspects of the hepatic life cycle. In the last decade, it has become clear that connexin hemichannels also provide a pathway for cellular communication on their own independent of their role as structural precursors of gap junctions, namely between the cytosol of an individual cell and its extracellular environment. In contrast to gap junctions, connexin hemichannels become particularly active in liver disease by facilitating inflammation and cell death. This equally holds true for cellular channels composed of pannexins, being connexin-like proteins recently identified in the liver that gather in structures reminiscent of hemichannels. This paper gives an overview of the involvement of connexin-based and pannexin-based channels in noncancerous liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Cooreman
- Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Steven Ballet
- Research Group of Organic Chemistry, Departments of Chemistry and Bioengineering Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pieter Annaert
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, KU Leuven Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bert Van Den Bossche
- Department of Abdominal Surgery and Hepato-Pancreatico-Biliary Surgery, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis Campus Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Isabelle Colle
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Algemeen Stedelijk Ziekenhuis Campus Aalst, Aalst, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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15
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Luther J, Gala MK, Borren N, Masia R, Goodman RP, Moeller IH, DiGiacomo E, Ehrlich A, Warren A, Yarmush ML, Ananthakrishnan A, Corey K, Kaplan LM, Bhatia S, Chung RT, Patel SJ. Hepatic connexin 32 associates with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease severity. Hepatol Commun 2018; 2:786-797. [PMID: 30202815 PMCID: PMC6123534 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging data highlight the critical role for the innate immune system in the progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Connexin 32 (Cx32), the primary liver gap junction protein, is capable of modulating hepatic innate immune responses and has been studied in dietary animal models of steatohepatitis. In this work, we sought to determine the association of hepatic Cx32 with the stages of human NAFLD in a histologically characterized cohort of 362 patients with NAFLD. We also studied the hepatic expression of the genes and proteins known to interact with Cx32 (known as the connexome) in patients with NAFLD. Last, we used three independent dietary mouse models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis to investigate the role of Cx32 in the development of steatohepatitis and fibrosis. In a univariate analysis, we found that Cx32 hepatic expression associates with each component of the NAFLD activity score and fibrosis severity. Multivariate analysis revealed that Cx32 expression most closely associated with the NAFLD activity score and fibrosis compared to known risk factors for the disease. Furthermore, by analyzing the connexome, we identified novel genes related to Cx32 that associate with NAFLD progression. Finally, we demonstrated that Cx32 deficiency protects against liver injury, inflammation, and fibrosis in three murine models of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by limiting initial diet-induced hepatoxicity and subsequent increases in intestinal permeability. Conclusion: Hepatic expression of Cx32 strongly associates with steatohepatitis and fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. We also identify novel genes associated with NAFLD and suggest that Cx32 plays a role in promoting NAFLD development. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:786-797).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Luther
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
- Clinical and Translational Unit, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
- Obesity, Metabolism, and Nutrition InstituteMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Manish K. Gala
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
- Clinical and Translational Unit, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Nynke Borren
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Ricard Masia
- Pathology Unit, Massachusetts General HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Russell P. Goodman
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Ida Hatoum Moeller
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
- Obesity, Metabolism, and Nutrition InstituteMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Erik DiGiacomo
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Alyssa Ehrlich
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | | | - Martin L. Yarmush
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Shriner's HospitalHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Ashwin Ananthakrishnan
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Kathleen Corey
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Lee M. Kaplan
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
- Obesity, Metabolism, and Nutrition InstituteMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | | | - Raymond T. Chung
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
| | - Suraj J. Patel
- Gastrointestinal Unit, Department of MedicineMassachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonMA
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16
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Willebrords J, Maes M, Pereira IVA, da Silva TC, Govoni VM, Lopes VV, Crespo Yanguas S, Shestopalov VI, Nogueira MS, de Castro IA, Farhood A, Mannaerts I, van Grunsven L, Akakpo J, Lebofsky M, Jaeschke H, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Protective effect of genetic deletion of pannexin1 in experimental mouse models of acute and chronic liver disease. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1864:819-830. [PMID: 29246445 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pannexins are transmembrane proteins that form communication channels connecting the cytosol of an individual cell with its extracellular environment. A number of studies have documented the presence of pannexin1 in liver as well as its involvement in inflammatory responses. In this study, it was investigated whether pannexin1 plays a role in acute liver failure and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, being prototypical acute and chronic liver pathologies, respectively, both featured by liver damage, oxidative stress and inflammation. To this end, wild-type and pannexin1-/- mice were overdosed with acetaminophen for 1, 6, 24 or 48h or were fed a choline-deficient high-fat diet for 8weeks. Evaluation of the effects of genetic pannexin1 deletion was based on a number of clinically relevant read-outs, including markers of liver damage, histopathological analysis, lipid accumulation, protein adduct formation, oxidative stress and inflammation. In parallel, in order to elucidate molecular pathways affected by pannexin1 deletion as well as to mechanistically anchor the clinical observations, whole transcriptome analysis of liver tissue was performed. The results of this study show that pannexin1-/- diseased mice present less liver damage and oxidative stress, while inflammation was only decreased in pannexin1-/- mice in which non-alcoholic steatohepatitis was induced. A multitude of genes related to inflammation, oxidative stress and xenobiotic metabolism were differentially modulated in both liver disease models in wild-type and in pannexin1-/- mice. Overall, the results of this study suggest that pannexin1 may play a role in the pathogenesis of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Isabel Veloso Alves Pereira
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Veronica Mollica Govoni
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Valéria Veras Lopes
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Valery I Shestopalov
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1638 NW 10th Avenue, 33136 Miami, FL, United States.
| | - Marina Sayuri Nogueira
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, 05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Inar Alves de Castro
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, 05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Anwar Farhood
- Department of Pathology, St. David's North Austin Medical Center, 601E 15th Street, 78701 Austin, United States.
| | - Inge Mannaerts
- Department of Liver Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Leo van Grunsven
- Department of Liver Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Jephte Akakpo
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, 66160 Kansas City, United States.
| | - Margitta Lebofsky
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, 66160 Kansas City, United States.
| | - Hartmut Jaeschke
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics, University of Kansas Medical Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd, 66160 Kansas City, United States.
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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17
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Willebrords J, Cogliati B, Pereira IVA, da Silva TC, Crespo Yanguas S, Maes M, Govoni VM, Lima A, Felisbino DA, Decrock E, Nogueira MS, de Castro IA, Leclercq I, Leybaert L, Rodrigues RM, Vinken M. Inhibition of connexin hemichannels alleviates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8268. [PMID: 28811572 PMCID: PMC5557827 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08583-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
While gap junctions mediate intercellular communication and support liver homeostasis, connexin hemichannels are preferentially opened by pathological stimuli, including inflammation and oxidative stress. The latter are essential features of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. In this study, it was investigated whether connexin32 and connexin43 hemichannels play a role in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Mice were fed a choline-deficient high-fat diet or normal diet for 8 weeks. Thereafter, TAT-Gap24 or TAT-Gap19, specific inhibitors of hemichannels composed of connexin32 and connexin43, respectively, were administered for 2 weeks. Subsequently, histopathological examination was carried out and various indicators of inflammation, liver damage and oxidative stress were tested. In addition, whole transcriptome microarray analysis of liver tissue was performed. Channel specificity of TAT-Gap24 and TAT-Gap19 was examined in vitro by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis and measurement of extracellular release of adenosine triphosphate. TAT-Gap24 and TAT-Gap19 were shown to be hemichannel-specific in cultured primary hepatocytes. Diet-fed animals treated with TAT-Gap24 or TAT-Gap19 displayed decreased amounts of liver lipids and inflammatory markers, and augmented levels of superoxide dismutase, which was supported by the microarray results. These findings show the involvement of connexin32 and connexin43 hemichannels in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and, simultaneously, suggest a role as potential drug targets in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabel Veloso Alves Pereira
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Tereza Cristina da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veronica Mollica Govoni
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andressa Lima
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniele Aparecida Felisbino
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elke Decrock
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marina Sayuri Nogueira
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Inar Alves de Castro
- Department of Food and Experimental Nutrition, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes 580, 05508-270, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabelle Leclercq
- Laboratory of hepatogastroenterology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et clinique, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 53, 1200, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Robim Marcelino Rodrigues
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090, Brussels, Belgium.
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