1
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Yang Z, Yang L, Zhang J, Qian C, Zhao Y. AS602801 treatment suppresses breast cancer metastasis to the brain by interfering with gap-junction communication by regulating Cx43 expression. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22124. [PMID: 37859299 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22124] [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: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
AS602801 has been reported as a potential drug candidate against brain metastasis by suppressing the gap-junction communication between lung cancer stem cells and astrocytes. In this study, we aimed to study the molecular mechanism underlying the role of AS602801 in the treatment of brain metastasis in breast cancer. We utilized female athymic BALB/c nude mice and MDA-MB-231/BT-474BR cells to establish experimental models. Polymerase chain reaction assays were performed to observe changes in the connexin 43 (Cx43) messenger RNA (mRNA) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) mRNA levels. Dye transfer assay was used to observe the effect of AS602801 on cell-cell communication. An organotypic blood-brain barrier (BBB) model was utilized to observe the effect of AS602801 on transmigration through the BBB barrier. MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay and flow cytometry were performed to evaluate the proliferation and apoptosis of breast cancer cells co-cultivated with astrocytes. AS602801 inhibited the upregulation of Cx43 and JNK in brain metastasized breast cancer cells in a dose-dependent manner. Also, AS602801 significantly decreased the dye transfer rate from astrocytes to breast cancer cells, indicating the inhibitory effect of AS602801 on cell-cell communication. The transmigration ability of breast cancer cells co-cultured with astrocytes was decreased by AS602801. Furthermore, AS602801 reduced the elevated Cx43/JNK mRNA expression in the co-astrocyte group while suppressing the increased proliferation and promoting the decreased apoptosis of breast cancer cells co-cultivated with astrocytes. AS602801 also suppressed the brain metastasis of breast cancer cells and increased mouse survival. AS602801 downregulates the expressions of JNK and Cx43 to suppress the gap-junction activity. AS602801 also inhibits the communication between breast cancer cells and astrocytes, thus contributing to the treatment of brain metastasis in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Liguo Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenzeyue Qian
- Department of General Surgery, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Shidong Hospital, Yangpu District, Shanghai, China
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2
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Mfarej MG, Hyland CA, Sanchez AC, Falk MM, Iovine MK, Skibbens RV. Cohesin: an emerging master regulator at the heart of cardiac development. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:rs2. [PMID: 36947206 PMCID: PMC10162415 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-12-0557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cohesins are ATPase complexes that play central roles in cellular processes such as chromosome division, DNA repair, and gene expression. Cohesinopathies arise from mutations in cohesin proteins or cohesin complex regulators and encompass a family of related developmental disorders that present with a range of severe birth defects, affect many different physiological systems, and often lead to embryonic fatality. Treatments for cohesinopathies are limited, in large part due to the lack of understanding of cohesin biology. Thus, characterizing the signaling networks that lie upstream and downstream of cohesin-dependent pathways remains clinically relevant. Here, we highlight alterations in cohesins and cohesin regulators that result in cohesinopathies, with a focus on cardiac defects. In addition, we suggest a novel and more unifying view regarding the mechanisms through which cohesinopathy-based heart defects may arise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael G. Mfarej
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015
| | - Caitlin A. Hyland
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015
| | - Annie C. Sanchez
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015
| | - Matthias M. Falk
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015
| | - M. Kathryn Iovine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015
| | - Robert V. Skibbens
- Department of Biological Sciences, Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA 18015
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3
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Guo YH, Yang YQ. Atrial Fibrillation: Focus on Myocardial Connexins and Gap Junctions. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:489. [PMID: 35453689 PMCID: PMC9029470 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) represents the most common type of clinical cardiac arrhythmia worldwide and contributes to substantial morbidity, mortality and socioeconomic burden. Aggregating evidence highlights the strong genetic basis of AF. In addition to chromosomal abnormalities, pathogenic mutations in over 50 genes have been causally linked to AF, of which the majority encode ion channels, cardiac structural proteins, transcription factors and gap junction channels. In the heart, gap junctions comprised of connexins (Cxs) form intercellular pathways responsible for electrical coupling and rapid coordinated action potential propagation between adjacent cardiomyocytes. Among the 21 isoforms of connexins already identified in the mammal genomes, 5 isoforms (Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45 and Cx46) are expressed in human heart. Abnormal electrical coupling between cardiomyocytes caused by structural remodeling of gap junction channels (alterations in connexin distribution and protein levels) has been associated with enhanced susceptibility to AF and recent studies have revealed multiple causative mutations or polymorphisms in 4 isoforms of connexins predisposing to AF. In this review, an overview of the genetics of AF is made, with a focus on the roles of mutant myocardial connexins and gap junctions in the pathogenesis of AF, to underscore the hypothesis that cardiac connexins are a major molecular target in the management of AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Han Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China;
| | - Yi-Qing Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China;
- Cardiovascular Research Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Center Laboratory, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200240, China
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4
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Lymphatic Connexins and Pannexins in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115734. [PMID: 34072103 PMCID: PMC8199429 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
This review highlights current knowledge on the expression and function of connexins and pannexins, transmembrane channel proteins that play an important role in intercellular communication, in both the developing and mature lymphatic vasculature. A particular focus is given to the involvement of these proteins in functions of the healthy lymphatic system. We describe their influence on the maintenance of extracellular fluid homeostasis, immune cell trafficking to draining lymph nodes and dietary nutrient absorption by intestinal villi. Moreover, new insights into connexin mutations in primary and secondary lymphedema as well as on the implication of lymphatic connexins and pannexins in acquired cardiovascular diseases are discussed, allowing for a better understanding of the role of these proteins in pathologies linked to dysfunctions in the lymphatic system.
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5
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Okamoto T, Park EJ, Kawamoto E, Usuda H, Wada K, Taguchi A, Shimaoka M. Endothelial connexin-integrin crosstalk in vascular inflammation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166168. [PMID: 33991620 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases including blood vessel disorders represent a major cause of death globally. The essential roles played by local and systemic vascular inflammation in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases have been increasingly recognized. Vascular inflammation triggers the aberrant activation of endothelial cells, which leads to the functional and structural abnormalities in vascular vessels. In addition to humoral mediators such as pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins, the alteration of physical and mechanical microenvironment - including vascular stiffness and shear stress - modify the gene expression profiles and metabolic profiles of endothelial cells via mechano-transduction pathways, thereby contributing to the pathogenesis of vessel disorders. Notably, connexins and integrins crosstalk each other in response to the mechanical stress, and, thereby, play an important role in regulating the mechano-transduction of endothelial cells. Here, we provide an overview on how the inter-play between connexins and integrins in endothelial cells unfold during the mechano-transduction in vascular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Okamoto
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo-city, Shimane 693-8501, Japan.
| | - Eun Jeong Park
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Eiji Kawamoto
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan; Department of Emergency and Disaster Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan
| | - Haruki Usuda
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo-city, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Koichiro Wada
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo-city, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Akihiko Taguchi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine Research, Foundation for Biomedical Research and Innovation at Kobe, 2-2 Minatojima-Minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Motomu Shimaoka
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology and Cell Adhesion Biology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-174 Edobashi, Tsu-city, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
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6
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Lyons O, Saha P, Seet C, Kuchta A, Arnold A, Grover S, Rashbrook V, Sabine A, Vizcay-Barrena G, Patel A, Ludwinski F, Padayachee S, Kume T, Kwak BR, Brice G, Mansour S, Ostergaard P, Mortimer P, Jeffery S, Brown N, Makinen T, Petrova TV, Modarai B, Smith A. Human venous valve disease caused by mutations in FOXC2 and GJC2. J Exp Med 2020; 214:2437-2452. [PMID: 28724617 PMCID: PMC5551565 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20160875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Venous valves (VVs) prevent venous hypertension and ulceration. We report that FOXC2 and GJC2 mutations are associated with reduced VV number and length. In mice, early VV formation is marked by elongation and reorientation ("organization") of Prox1hi endothelial cells by postnatal day 0. The expression of the transcription factors Foxc2 and Nfatc1 and the gap junction proteins Gjc2, Gja1, and Gja4 were temporospatially regulated during this process. Foxc2 and Nfatc1 were coexpressed at P0, and combined Foxc2 deletion with calcineurin-Nfat inhibition disrupted early Prox1hi endothelial organization, suggesting cooperative Foxc2-Nfatc1 patterning of these events. Genetic deletion of Gjc2, Gja4, or Gja1 also disrupted early VV Prox1hi endothelial organization at postnatal day 0, and this likely underlies the VV defects seen in patients with GJC2 mutations. Knockout of Gja4 or Gjc2 resulted in reduced proliferation of Prox1hi valve-forming cells. At later stages of blood flow, Foxc2 and calcineurin-Nfat signaling are each required for growth of the valve leaflets, whereas Foxc2 is not required for VV maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Lyons
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Prakash Saha
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Christopher Seet
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Adam Kuchta
- Department of Ultrasonic Angiology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK
| | - Andrew Arnold
- Department of Ultrasonic Angiology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK
| | - Steven Grover
- Division of Hemostasis and Thrombosis, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Victoria Rashbrook
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Amélie Sabine
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Experimental Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Gema Vizcay-Barrena
- Center for Ultrastructural Imaging, King's College London, London, England, UK
| | - Ash Patel
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Francesca Ludwinski
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Soundrie Padayachee
- Department of Ultrasonic Angiology, Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust, London, England, UK
| | - Tsutomu Kume
- Feinberg Cardiovascular Research Institute, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Evanston, IL
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Glen Brice
- South West Thames Regional Genetics Service, St George's Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Sahar Mansour
- South West Thames Regional Genetics Service, St George's Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Pia Ostergaard
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Institute, St George's Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Peter Mortimer
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Institute, St George's Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Steve Jeffery
- Cardiovascular and Cell Sciences Institute, St George's Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Nigel Brown
- Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Taija Makinen
- Rudbeck Laboratory, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tatiana V Petrova
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Experimental Pathology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Bijan Modarai
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
| | - Alberto Smith
- Academic Department of Vascular Surgery, Cardiovascular Division, BHF Centre of Research Excellence, King's College London, St Thomas' Hospital, London, England, UK
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7
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Li J, Qin R, Wang W, Huang Z, Huang DL, Li T, Wang F, Zeng XT, Sun ZY, Liu XF, Huang F, Guo T. Relationship between SNP rs1764391 and Susceptibility, Risk Factors, Gene-environment Interactions of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Guangxi Han Chinese Population. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2020; 21:79-88. [PMID: 31580250 DOI: 10.2174/1389201019666191003150015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Large-scale population studies showed that the SNP rs1764391 of Connexin37 gene also known as Cx37 gene may play a pivotal role in the occurrence and development of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Published results, however, are highly controversial. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to examine the association between SNP rs1764391 of Cx37 and diseasesusceptibility, several risk factors, and gene-environment interactions of AMI in Guangxi Han Chinese population. METHODS In this study, 344 healthy controls and 344 AMI patients of Han Chinese population were enrolled. The TaqMan assay was implemented to identify genotypes of Cx37 and allele frequencies of SNP rs1764391 in both the AMI and control groups. RESULTS Significant differences were detected in TT genotype frequencies of SNP rs1764391 between the AMI and control groups (P < 0.05). In the context of gender stratification, the result was also statistically different in women (P < 0.05). Each variable such as age, BMI, diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking and TC was a risk factor and correlated significantly (P < 0.05) with the development of AMI. HDL-C correlated negatively with the risk of AMI (P < 0.001). BMI, smoking or alcohol consumed interacts significantly (P < 0.017) with the presence of the SNP rs1764391 CC genotype. CONCLUSION Evidences were presented that Cx37 rs1764391 variation may contribute to the risk for AMI, especially in women and this genetic variant may prove to be a potential biomarker for AMI risk stratification and may prove to be a useful target for therapeutic intervention to further improve prognosis in high-risk patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Li
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Rui Qin
- Department of Gynaecology, Guangxi Nationalities Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhou Huang
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Dong-Ling Huang
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Tian Li
- Department of Emergency, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiang-Tao Zeng
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhong-Yi Sun
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xue-Feng Liu
- Graduate School, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Feng Huang
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Tao Guo
- Institute of Cardiovascular Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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8
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Hautefort A, Pfenniger A, Kwak BR. Endothelial connexins in vascular function. VASCULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 1:H117-H124. [PMID: 32923963 PMCID: PMC7439941 DOI: 10.1530/vb-19-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions are essential for intercellular crosstalk in blood and lymphatic vasculature. These clusters of intercellular channels ensure direct communication among endothelial cells and between endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and the synchronization of their behavior along the vascular tree. Gap junction channels are formed by connexins; six connexins form a connexon or hemichannel and the docking of two connexons result in a full gap junction channel allowing for the exchange of ions and small metabolites between neighboring cells. Recent evidence indicates that the intracellular domains of connexins may also function as an interaction platform (interactome) for other proteins, thereby regulating their function. Interestingly, fragments of Cx proteins generated by alternative internal translation were recently described, although their functions in the vascular wall remain to be uncovered. Variations in connexin expression are observed along different types of blood and lymphatic vessels; the most commonly found endothelial connexins are Cx37, Cx40, Cx43 and Cx47. Physiological studies on connexin-knockout mice demonstrated the essential roles of these channel-forming proteins in the coordination of vasomotor activity, endothelial permeability and inflammation, angiogenesis and in the maintenance of fluid balance in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Hautefort
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anna Pfenniger
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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9
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Diseases of connexins expressed in myelinating glia. Neurosci Lett 2019; 695:91-99. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.05.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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10
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Molica F, Figueroa XF, Kwak BR, Isakson BE, Gibbins JM. Connexins and Pannexins in Vascular Function and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061663. [PMID: 29874791 PMCID: PMC6032213 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs) are ubiquitous membrane channel forming proteins that are critically involved in many aspects of vascular physiology and pathology. The permeation of ions and small metabolites through Panx channels, Cx hemichannels and gap junction channels confers a crucial role to these proteins in intercellular communication and in maintaining tissue homeostasis. This review provides an overview of current knowledge with respect to the pathophysiological role of these channels in large arteries, the microcirculation, veins, the lymphatic system and platelet function. The essential nature of these membrane proteins in vascular homeostasis is further emphasized by the pathologies that are linked to mutations and polymorphisms in Cx and Panx genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Molica
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Xavier F Figueroa
- Departamento de Fisiología, Faculdad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontifica Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330025, Chile.
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Brant E Isakson
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Jonathan M Gibbins
- Institute for Cardiovascular & Metabolic Research, School of Biological Sciences, Harborne Building, University of Reading, Reading RG6 6AS, UK.
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11
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Ribeiro-Rodrigues TM, Martins-Marques T, Morel S, Kwak BR, Girão H. Role of connexin 43 in different forms of intercellular communication - gap junctions, extracellular vesicles and tunnelling nanotubes. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:3619-3630. [PMID: 29025971 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.200667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Communication is important to ensure the correct and efficient flow of information, which is required to sustain active social networks. A fine-tuned communication between cells is vital to maintain the homeostasis and function of multicellular or unicellular organisms in a community environment. Although there are different levels of complexity, intercellular communication, in prokaryotes to mammalians, can occur through secreted molecules (either soluble or encapsulated in vesicles), tubular structures connecting close cells or intercellular channels that link the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. In mammals, these different types of communication serve different purposes, may involve distinct factors and are mediated by extracellular vesicles, tunnelling nanotubes or gap junctions. Recent studies have shown that connexin 43 (Cx43, also known as GJA1), a transmembrane protein initially described as a gap junction protein, participates in all these forms of communication; this emphasizes the concept of adopting strategies to maximize the potential of available resources by reutilizing the same factor in different scenarios. In this Review, we provide an overview of the most recent advances regarding the role of Cx43 in intercellular communication mediated by extracellular vesicles, tunnelling nanotubes and gap junctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa M Ribeiro-Rodrigues
- Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Sta Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Tânia Martins-Marques
- Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Sta Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.,CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandrine Morel
- Dept. of Pathology and Immunology, and Dept. of Medical Specialties - Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Dept. of Pathology and Immunology, and Dept. of Medical Specialties - Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Henrique Girão
- Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Life Sciences (IBILI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Sta Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal .,CNC.IBILI, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
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12
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Leybaert L, Lampe PD, Dhein S, Kwak BR, Ferdinandy P, Beyer EC, Laird DW, Naus CC, Green CR, Schulz R. Connexins in Cardiovascular and Neurovascular Health and Disease: Pharmacological Implications. Pharmacol Rev 2017; 69:396-478. [PMID: 28931622 PMCID: PMC5612248 DOI: 10.1124/pr.115.012062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are ubiquitous channel forming proteins that assemble as plasma membrane hemichannels and as intercellular gap junction channels that directly connect cells. In the heart, gap junction channels electrically connect myocytes and specialized conductive tissues to coordinate the atrial and ventricular contraction/relaxation cycles and pump function. In blood vessels, these channels facilitate long-distance endothelial cell communication, synchronize smooth muscle cell contraction, and support endothelial-smooth muscle cell communication. In the central nervous system they form cellular syncytia and coordinate neural function. Gap junction channels are normally open and hemichannels are normally closed, but pathologic conditions may restrict gap junction communication and promote hemichannel opening, thereby disturbing a delicate cellular communication balance. Until recently, most connexin-targeting agents exhibited little specificity and several off-target effects. Recent work with peptide-based approaches has demonstrated improved specificity and opened avenues for a more rational approach toward independently modulating the function of gap junctions and hemichannels. We here review the role of connexins and their channels in cardiovascular and neurovascular health and disease, focusing on crucial regulatory aspects and identification of potential targets to modify their function. We conclude that peptide-based investigations have raised several new opportunities for interfering with connexins and their channels that may soon allow preservation of gap junction communication, inhibition of hemichannel opening, and mitigation of inflammatory signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Leybaert
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Paul D Lampe
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Stefan Dhein
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Peter Ferdinandy
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Eric C Beyer
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Dale W Laird
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Christian C Naus
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Colin R Green
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
| | - Rainer Schulz
- Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium (L.L.); Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington (P.D.L.); Institute for Pharmacology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany (S.D.); Department of Pathology and Immunology, Department of Medical Specialization-Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland (B.R.K.); Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary (P.F.); Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary (P.F.); Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (E.C.B.); Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, Dental Science Building, London, Ontario, Canada (D.W.L.); Cellular and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada (C.C.N.); Department of Ophthalmology and The New Zealand National Eye Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand (C.R.G.); and Physiologisches Institut, Justus-Liebig-Universität Giessen, Giessen, Germany (R.S.)
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13
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The role of histone modification and a regulatory single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs2071166) in the Cx43 promoter in patients with TOF. Sci Rep 2017; 7:10435. [PMID: 28874875 PMCID: PMC5585261 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-10756-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal level of Cx43 expression could result in CHD. Epigenetic modification and disease-associated, non-coding SNPs might influence gene transcription and expression. Our study aimed to determine the role of histone modification and an rSNP (rs2071166) in the Cx43 promoter in patients with TOF. Our results indicate that H3K18ac bind to Cx43 promoter and that their levels are reduced in TOF patients relative to controls. The relationship between the non-coding SNP in the Cx43 gene and TOF patients was evaluated in 158 patients and 300 controls. The C allele of rs2071166 was confirmed to result in an increased risk of TOF (OR = 1.586, 95%CI 1.149–2.189). Individuals with the CC genotype at rs2071166 also showed a significant susceptibility to TOF (OR = 2.961, 95%CI 1.452–6.038). The mRNA level in TOF who were CC genotype was lower than that in patients with the AA/AC genotype. Functional analysis in cells and transgenic zebrafish models showed that rs2071166 decreased the activity of the promoter and could block the interaction between RXRα and RARE. This is the first study to illustrate that epigenetic modification and an rSNP in the Cx43 promoter region play a critical role in TOF by impacting the transcriptional activity and expression level of Cx43.
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14
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Srinivas M, Verselis VK, White TW. Human diseases associated with connexin mutations. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1860:192-201. [PMID: 28457858 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions and hemichannels comprised of connexins impact many cellular processes. Significant advances in our understanding of the functional role of these channels have been made by the identification of a host of genetic diseases caused by connexin mutations. Prominent features of connexin disorders are the inability of other connexins expressed in the same cell type to compensate for the mutated one, and the ability of connexin mutants to dominantly influence the activity of other wild-type connexins. Functional studies have begun to identify some of the underlying mechanisms whereby connexin channel mutation contributes to the disease state. Detailed mechanistic understanding of these functional differences will help to facilitate new pathophysiology driven therapies for the diverse array of connexin genetic disorders. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Gap Junction Proteins edited by Jean Claude Herve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miduturu Srinivas
- Department of Biological and Vision Sciences, SUNY College of Optometry, New York, NY 10036, USA
| | - Vytas K Verselis
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Thomas W White
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.
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15
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Molica F, Stierlin FB, Fontana P, Kwak BR. Pannexin- and Connexin-Mediated Intercellular Communication in Platelet Function. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E850. [PMID: 28420171 PMCID: PMC5412434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The three major blood cell types, i.e., platelets, erythrocytes and leukocytes, are all produced in the bone marrow. While red blood cells are the most numerous and white cells are the largest, platelets are small fragments and account for a minor part of blood volume. However, platelets display a crucial function by preventing bleeding. Upon vessel wall injury, platelets adhere to exposed extracellular matrix, become activated, and form a platelet plug preventing hemorrhagic events. However, when platelet activation is exacerbated, as in rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque, the same mechanism may lead to acute thrombosis causing major ischemic events such as myocardial infarction or stroke. In the past few years, major progress has been made in understanding of platelet function modulation. In this respect, membrane channels formed by connexins and/or pannexins are of particular interest. While it is still not completely understood whether connexins function as hemichannels or gap junction channels to inhibit platelet aggregation, there is clear-cut evidence for a specific implication of pannexin1 channels in collagen-induced aggregation. The focus of this review is to summarize current knowledge of the role of connexins and pannexins in platelet aggregation and to discuss possible pharmacological approaches along with their limitations and future perspectives for new potential therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Molica
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
- Department of Medical Specializations, Cardiology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Florian B Stierlin
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
- Department of Medical Specializations, Cardiology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
- Geneva Platelet Group, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Pierre Fontana
- Geneva Platelet Group, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
- Division of Angiology and Haemostasis, Geneva University Hospitals, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
- Department of Medical Specializations, Cardiology, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
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16
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Kelly JJ, Esseltine JL, Shao Q, Jabs EW, Sampson J, Auranen M, Bai D, Laird DW. Specific functional pathologies of Cx43 mutations associated with oculodentodigital dysplasia. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:2172-85. [PMID: 27226478 PMCID: PMC4945137 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-01-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) is a rare genetic disease that affects the development of multiple organs in the human body. More than 70 mutations in the gap junction connexin43 (Cx43) gene, GJA1, are associated with ODDD, most of which are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Many patients exhibit similar clinical presentations. However, there is high intrafamilial and interfamilial phenotypic variability. To better understand this variability, we established primary human dermal fibroblast cultures from several ODDD patients and unaffected controls. In the present study, we characterized three fibroblast lines expressing heterozygous p.L7V, p.G138R, and p.G143S Cx43 variants. All ODDD fibroblasts exhibited slower growth, reduced migration, and defective cell polarization, traits common to all ODDD fibroblasts studied so far. However, we found striking differences in overall expression levels, with p.L7V down-regulated at the mRNA and protein level. Although all of the Cx43 variants could traffic to the cell surface, there were stark differences in gap junction plaque formation, gap junctional intercellular communication, Cx43 phosphorylation, and hemichannel activity among Cx43 variants, as well as subtle differences in myofibroblast differentiation. Together these findings enabled us to discover mutation-specific pathologies that may help to predict future clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Kelly
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Jessica L Esseltine
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Qing Shao
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Ethylin Wang Jabs
- Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Jacinda Sampson
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304
| | - Mari Auranen
- Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Donglin Bai
- Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Dale W Laird
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
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17
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Iyyathurai J, Decuypere JP, Leybaert L, D'hondt C, Bultynck G. Connexins: substrates and regulators of autophagy. BMC Cell Biol 2016; 17 Suppl 1:20. [PMID: 27229147 PMCID: PMC4896244 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-016-0093-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins mediate intercellular communication by assembling into hexameric channel complexes that act as hemichannels and gap junction channels. Most connexins are characterized by a very rapid turn-over in a variety of cell systems. The regulation of connexin turn-over by phosphorylation and ubiquitination events has been well documented. Moreover, different pathways have been implicated in connexin degradation, including proteasomal and lysosomal-based pathways. Only recently, autophagy emerged as an important connexin-degradation pathway for different connexin isoforms. As such, conditions well known to induce autophagy have an immediate impact on the connexin-expression levels. This is not only limited to experimental conditions but also several pathophysiological conditions associated with autophagy (dys)function affect connexin levels and their presence at the cell surface as gap junctions. Finally, connexins are not only substrates of autophagy but also emerge as regulators of the autophagy process. In particular, several connexin isoforms appear to recruit pre-autophagosomal autophagy-related proteins, including Atg16 and PI3K-complex components, to the plasma membrane, thereby limiting their availability and capacity for regulating autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jegan Iyyathurai
- KU Leuven, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signaling, Department Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Campus Gasthuisberg O/N-I bus 802, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jean-Paul Decuypere
- KU Leuven, Laboratory for Membrane Trafficking, Department of Human Genetics, and VIB-Center for the Biology of Disease, Campus Gasthuisberg, O/N-IV, 7.159, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Ghent University, Physiology Group, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, 9000, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Catheleyne D'hondt
- KU Leuven, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signaling, Department Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Campus Gasthuisberg O/N-I bus 802, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Geert Bultynck
- KU Leuven, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Signaling, Department Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Campus Gasthuisberg O/N-I bus 802, Herestraat 49, B-3000, Leuven, Belgium.
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18
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García IE, Prado P, Pupo A, Jara O, Rojas-Gómez D, Mujica P, Flores-Muñoz C, González-Casanova J, Soto-Riveros C, Pinto BI, Retamal MA, González C, Martínez AD. Connexinopathies: a structural and functional glimpse. BMC Cell Biol 2016; 17 Suppl 1:17. [PMID: 27228968 PMCID: PMC4896260 DOI: 10.1186/s12860-016-0092-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in human connexin (Cx) genes have been related to diseases, which we termed connexinopathies. Such hereditary disorders include nonsyndromic or syndromic deafness (Cx26, Cx30), Charcot Marie Tooth disease (Cx32), occulodentodigital dysplasia and cardiopathies (Cx43), and cataracts (Cx46, Cx50). Despite the clinical phenotypes of connexinopathies have been well documented, their pathogenic molecular determinants remain elusive. The purpose of this work is to identify common/uncommon patterns in channels function among Cx mutations linked to human diseases. To this end, we compiled and discussed the effect of mutations associated to Cx26, Cx32, Cx43, and Cx50 over gap junction channels and hemichannels, highlighting the function of the structural channel domains in which mutations are located and their possible role affecting oligomerization, gating and perm/selectivity processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac E García
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Pavel Prado
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Amaury Pupo
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Oscar Jara
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Diana Rojas-Gómez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Paula Mujica
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Carolina Flores-Muñoz
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Jorge González-Casanova
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Carolina Soto-Riveros
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Bernardo I Pinto
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Mauricio A Retamal
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos González
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Agustín D Martínez
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile.
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19
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Schmidt K, Windler R, de Wit C. Communication Through Gap Junctions in the Endothelium. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2016; 77:209-40. [PMID: 27451099 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A swarm of fish displays a collective behavior (swarm behavior) and moves "en masse" despite the huge number of individual animals. In analogy, organ function is supported by a huge number of cells that act in an orchestrated fashion and this applies also to vascular cells along the vessel length. It is obvious that communication is required to achieve this vital goal. Gap junctions with their modular bricks, connexins (Cxs), provide channels that interlink the cytosol of adjacent cells by a pore sealed against the extracellular space. This allows the transfer of ions and charge and thereby the travel of membrane potential changes along the vascular wall. The endothelium provides a low-resistance pathway that depends crucially on connexin40 which is required for long-distance conduction of dilator signals in the microcirculation. The experimental evidence for membrane potential changes synchronizing vascular behavior is manifold but the functional verification of a physiologic role is still open. Other molecules may also be exchanged that possibly contribute to the synchronization (eg, Ca(2+)). Recent data suggest that vascular Cxs have more functions than just facilitating communication. As pharmacological tools to modulate gap junctions are lacking, Cx-deficient mice provide currently the standard to unravel their vascular functions. These include arteriolar dilation during functional hyperemia, hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, vascular collateralization after ischemia, and feedback inhibition on renin secretion in the kidney.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Schmidt
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - R Windler
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - C de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany; Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Hamburg/Kiel/Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
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Gkatzis K, Thalgott J, Dos-Santos-Luis D, Martin S, Lamandé N, Carette MF, Disch F, Snijder RJ, Westermann CJ, Mager JJ, Oh SP, Miquerol L, Arthur HM, Mummery CL, Lebrin F. Interaction Between ALK1 Signaling and Connexin40 in the Development of Arteriovenous Malformations. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2016; 36:707-17. [PMID: 26821948 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.115.306719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Accepted: 01/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine the role of Gja5 that encodes for the gap junction protein connexin40 in the generation of arteriovenous malformations in the hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia type 2 (HHT2) mouse model. APPROACH AND RESULTS We identified GJA5 as a target gene of the bone morphogenetic protein-9/activin receptor-like kinase 1 signaling pathway in human aortic endothelial cells and importantly found that connexin40 levels were particularly low in a small group of patients with HHT2. We next took advantage of the Acvrl1(+/-) mutant mice that develop lesions similar to those in patients with HHT2 and generated Acvrl1(+/-); Gja5(EGFP/+) mice. Gja5 haploinsufficiency led to vasodilation of the arteries and rarefaction of the capillary bed in Acvrl1(+/-) mice. At the molecular level, we found that reduced Gja5 in Acvrl1(+/-) mice stimulated the production of reactive oxygen species, an important mediator of vessel remodeling. To normalize the altered hemodynamic forces in Acvrl1(+/-); Gja5(EGFP/+) mice, capillaries formed transient arteriovenous shunts that could develop into large malformations when exposed to environmental insults. CONCLUSIONS We identified GJA5 as a potential modifier gene for HHT2. Our findings demonstrate that Acvrl1 haploinsufficiency combined with the effects of modifier genes that regulate vessel caliber is responsible for the heterogeneity and severity of the disease. The mouse models of HHT have led to the proposal that 3 events-heterozygosity, loss of heterozygosity, and angiogenic stimulation-are necessary for arteriovenous malformation formation. Here, we present a novel 3-step model in which pathological vessel caliber and consequent altered blood flow are necessary events for arteriovenous malformation development.
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MESH Headings
- Activin Receptors, Type I/genetics
- Activin Receptors, Type I/metabolism
- Activin Receptors, Type II/genetics
- Activin Receptors, Type II/metabolism
- Animals
- Arteriovenous Malformations/enzymology
- Arteriovenous Malformations/genetics
- Arteriovenous Malformations/pathology
- Cells, Cultured
- Connexins/genetics
- Connexins/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelial Cells/enzymology
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Haploinsufficiency
- Humans
- Mice, Mutant Strains
- Mice, Transgenic
- Neovascularization, Pathologic
- Phenotype
- RNA Interference
- Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
- Retinal Vessels/enzymology
- Retinal Vessels/pathology
- Signal Transduction
- Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic/enzymology
- Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic/genetics
- Telangiectasia, Hereditary Hemorrhagic/pathology
- Transfection
- Vascular Remodeling
- Gap Junction alpha-5 Protein
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos Gkatzis
- From the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (K.G., C.L.M.); CNRS Unité mixte de recherche 7241/INSERM U1050, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris cedex 05, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); Department of Radiology, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France (M.F.C.); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University, Paris, France (M.F.C.); St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (F.D., R.J.S., C.J.W., J.J.M.); Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (S.P.O.); Aix Marseille Université, CNRS IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille cedex 09, France (L.M.); and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom (H.M.A.)
| | - Jérémy Thalgott
- From the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (K.G., C.L.M.); CNRS Unité mixte de recherche 7241/INSERM U1050, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris cedex 05, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); Department of Radiology, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France (M.F.C.); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University, Paris, France (M.F.C.); St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (F.D., R.J.S., C.J.W., J.J.M.); Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (S.P.O.); Aix Marseille Université, CNRS IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille cedex 09, France (L.M.); and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom (H.M.A.)
| | - Damien Dos-Santos-Luis
- From the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (K.G., C.L.M.); CNRS Unité mixte de recherche 7241/INSERM U1050, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris cedex 05, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); Department of Radiology, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France (M.F.C.); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University, Paris, France (M.F.C.); St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (F.D., R.J.S., C.J.W., J.J.M.); Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (S.P.O.); Aix Marseille Université, CNRS IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille cedex 09, France (L.M.); and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom (H.M.A.)
| | - Sabrina Martin
- From the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (K.G., C.L.M.); CNRS Unité mixte de recherche 7241/INSERM U1050, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris cedex 05, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); Department of Radiology, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France (M.F.C.); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University, Paris, France (M.F.C.); St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (F.D., R.J.S., C.J.W., J.J.M.); Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (S.P.O.); Aix Marseille Université, CNRS IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille cedex 09, France (L.M.); and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom (H.M.A.)
| | - Noël Lamandé
- From the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (K.G., C.L.M.); CNRS Unité mixte de recherche 7241/INSERM U1050, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris cedex 05, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); Department of Radiology, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France (M.F.C.); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University, Paris, France (M.F.C.); St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (F.D., R.J.S., C.J.W., J.J.M.); Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (S.P.O.); Aix Marseille Université, CNRS IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille cedex 09, France (L.M.); and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom (H.M.A.)
| | - Marie France Carette
- From the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (K.G., C.L.M.); CNRS Unité mixte de recherche 7241/INSERM U1050, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris cedex 05, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); Department of Radiology, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France (M.F.C.); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University, Paris, France (M.F.C.); St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (F.D., R.J.S., C.J.W., J.J.M.); Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (S.P.O.); Aix Marseille Université, CNRS IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille cedex 09, France (L.M.); and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom (H.M.A.)
| | - Frans Disch
- From the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (K.G., C.L.M.); CNRS Unité mixte de recherche 7241/INSERM U1050, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris cedex 05, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); Department of Radiology, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France (M.F.C.); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University, Paris, France (M.F.C.); St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (F.D., R.J.S., C.J.W., J.J.M.); Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (S.P.O.); Aix Marseille Université, CNRS IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille cedex 09, France (L.M.); and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom (H.M.A.)
| | - Repke J Snijder
- From the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (K.G., C.L.M.); CNRS Unité mixte de recherche 7241/INSERM U1050, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris cedex 05, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); Department of Radiology, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France (M.F.C.); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University, Paris, France (M.F.C.); St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (F.D., R.J.S., C.J.W., J.J.M.); Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (S.P.O.); Aix Marseille Université, CNRS IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille cedex 09, France (L.M.); and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom (H.M.A.)
| | - Cornelius J Westermann
- From the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (K.G., C.L.M.); CNRS Unité mixte de recherche 7241/INSERM U1050, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris cedex 05, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); Department of Radiology, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France (M.F.C.); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University, Paris, France (M.F.C.); St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (F.D., R.J.S., C.J.W., J.J.M.); Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (S.P.O.); Aix Marseille Université, CNRS IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille cedex 09, France (L.M.); and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom (H.M.A.)
| | - Johannes J Mager
- From the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (K.G., C.L.M.); CNRS Unité mixte de recherche 7241/INSERM U1050, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris cedex 05, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); Department of Radiology, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France (M.F.C.); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University, Paris, France (M.F.C.); St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (F.D., R.J.S., C.J.W., J.J.M.); Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (S.P.O.); Aix Marseille Université, CNRS IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille cedex 09, France (L.M.); and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom (H.M.A.)
| | - S Paul Oh
- From the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (K.G., C.L.M.); CNRS Unité mixte de recherche 7241/INSERM U1050, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris cedex 05, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); Department of Radiology, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France (M.F.C.); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University, Paris, France (M.F.C.); St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (F.D., R.J.S., C.J.W., J.J.M.); Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (S.P.O.); Aix Marseille Université, CNRS IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille cedex 09, France (L.M.); and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom (H.M.A.)
| | - Lucile Miquerol
- From the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (K.G., C.L.M.); CNRS Unité mixte de recherche 7241/INSERM U1050, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris cedex 05, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); Department of Radiology, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France (M.F.C.); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University, Paris, France (M.F.C.); St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (F.D., R.J.S., C.J.W., J.J.M.); Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (S.P.O.); Aix Marseille Université, CNRS IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille cedex 09, France (L.M.); and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom (H.M.A.)
| | - Helen M Arthur
- From the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (K.G., C.L.M.); CNRS Unité mixte de recherche 7241/INSERM U1050, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris cedex 05, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); Department of Radiology, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France (M.F.C.); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University, Paris, France (M.F.C.); St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (F.D., R.J.S., C.J.W., J.J.M.); Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (S.P.O.); Aix Marseille Université, CNRS IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille cedex 09, France (L.M.); and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom (H.M.A.)
| | - Christine L Mummery
- From the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (K.G., C.L.M.); CNRS Unité mixte de recherche 7241/INSERM U1050, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris cedex 05, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); Department of Radiology, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France (M.F.C.); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University, Paris, France (M.F.C.); St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (F.D., R.J.S., C.J.W., J.J.M.); Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (S.P.O.); Aix Marseille Université, CNRS IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille cedex 09, France (L.M.); and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom (H.M.A.)
| | - Franck Lebrin
- From the Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands (K.G., C.L.M.); CNRS Unité mixte de recherche 7241/INSERM U1050, Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, Paris cedex 05, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); MEMOLIFE Laboratory of Excellence, Paris Sciences et Lettres Research University, Paris, France (J.T., D.D.-S.-L., S.M., N.L., F.L.); Department of Radiology, AP-HP, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France (M.F.C.); Sorbonne Universités, UPMC University, Paris, France (M.F.C.); St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, The Netherlands (F.D., R.J.S., C.J.W., J.J.M.); Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville (S.P.O.); Aix Marseille Université, CNRS IBDM UMR 7288, Marseille cedex 09, France (L.M.); and Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, United Kingdom (H.M.A.).
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Bai D. Structural analysis of key gap junction domains--Lessons from genome data and disease-linked mutants. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 50:74-82. [PMID: 26658099 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A gap junction (GJ) channel is formed by docking of two GJ hemichannels and each of these hemichannels is a hexamer of connexins. All connexin genes have been identified in human, mouse, and rat genomes and their homologous genes in many other vertebrates are available in public databases. The protein sequences of these connexins align well with high sequence identity in the same connexin across different species. Domains in closely related connexins and several residues in all known connexins are also well-conserved. These conserved residues form signatures (also known as sequence logos) in these domains and are likely to play important biological functions. In this review, the sequence logos of individual connexins, groups of connexins with common ancestors, and all connexins are analyzed to visualize natural evolutionary variations and the hot spots for human disease-linked mutations. Several gap junction domains are homologous, likely forming similar structures essential for their function. The availability of a high resolution Cx26 GJ structure and the subsequently-derived homology structure models for other connexin GJ channels elevated our understanding of sequence logos at the three-dimensional GJ structure level, thus facilitating the understanding of how disease-linked connexin mutants might impair GJ structure and function. This knowledge will enable the design of complementary variants to rescue disease-linked mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donglin Bai
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada N6A 5C1.
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Lemcke H, Steinhoff G, David R. Gap junctional shuttling of miRNA — A novel pathway of intercellular gene regulation and its prospects in clinical application. Cell Signal 2015; 27:2506-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2015.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Meraviglia V, Azzimato V, Colussi C, Florio MC, Binda A, Panariti A, Qanud K, Suffredini S, Gennaccaro L, Miragoli M, Barbuti A, Lampe PD, Gaetano C, Pramstaller PP, Capogrossi MC, Recchia FA, Pompilio G, Rivolta I, Rossini A. Acetylation mediates Cx43 reduction caused by electrical stimulation. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2015; 87:54-64. [PMID: 26264759 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Communication between cardiomyocytes depends upon gap junctions (GJ). Previous studies have demonstrated that electrical stimulation induces GJ remodeling and modifies histone acetylase (HAT) and deacetylase (HDAC) activities, although these two results have not been linked. The aim of this work was to establish whether electrical stimulation modulates GJ-mediated cardiac cell-cell communication by acetylation-dependent mechanisms. Field stimulation of HL-1 cardiomyocytes at 0.5 Hz for 24 h significantly reduced connexin43 (Cx43) expression and cell-cell communication. HDAC activity was down-regulated whereas HAT activity was not modified resulting in increased acetylation of Cx43. Consistent with a post-translational mechanism, we did not observe a reduction in Cx43 mRNA in electrically stimulated cells, while the proteasomal inhibitor MG132 maintained Cx43 expression. Further, the treatment of paced cells with the HAT inhibitor Anacardic Acid maintained both the levels of Cx43 and cell-cell communication. Finally, we observed increased acetylation of Cx43 in the left ventricles of dogs subjected to chronic tachypacing as a model of abnormal ventricular activation. In conclusion, our findings suggest that altered electrical activity can regulate cardiomyocyte communication by influencing the acetylation status of Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viviana Meraviglia
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milano, Italy; Center for Biomedicine, European Academy Bozen/Bolzano (EURAC), Bolzano Italy
| | - Valerio Azzimato
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milano, Italy; Department of Pharmacology, Chemotherapy and Medical Toxicology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Claudia Colussi
- Istituto di Patologia Medica, Università Cattolica del SacroCuore, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Anna Binda
- Department of Health Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Alice Panariti
- Department of Health Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Khaled Qanud
- Department of Physiology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Silvia Suffredini
- Center for Biomedicine, European Academy Bozen/Bolzano (EURAC), Bolzano Italy
| | - Laura Gennaccaro
- Center for Biomedicine, European Academy Bozen/Bolzano (EURAC), Bolzano Italy; Department of Life Sciences, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Michele Miragoli
- CERT, Center of Excellence for Toxicological Research, INAIL, ex ISPESL, University of Parma, Parma, Italy; Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Barbuti
- The PaceLab, Department of Biosciences, Università di Milano, Italy
| | - Paul D Lampe
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Carlo Gaetano
- Division of Cardiovascular Epigenetics, Department of Cardiology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Peter P Pramstaller
- Center for Biomedicine, European Academy Bozen/Bolzano (EURAC), Bolzano Italy
| | - Maurizio C Capogrossi
- Laboratory of Vascular Pathology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata IRCCS, Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio A Recchia
- Department of Physiology, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States; Institute of Life Sciences, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Giulio Pompilio
- Laboratory of Vascular Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Centro Cardiologico Monzino IRCCS, Milano, Italy; Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Rivolta
- Department of Health Science, University of Milano Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Alessandra Rossini
- Center for Biomedicine, European Academy Bozen/Bolzano (EURAC), Bolzano Italy.
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Schulz R, Görge PM, Görbe A, Ferdinandy P, Lampe PD, Leybaert L. Connexin 43 is an emerging therapeutic target in ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardioprotection and neuroprotection. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 153:90-106. [PMID: 26073311 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Connexins are widely distributed proteins in the body that are crucially important for heart and brain functions. Six connexin subunits form a connexon or hemichannel in the plasma membrane. Interactions between two hemichannels in a head-to-head arrangement result in the formation of a gap junction channel. Gap junctions are necessary to coordinate cell function by passing electrical current flow between heart and nerve cells or by allowing exchange of chemical signals and energy substrates. Apart from its localization at the sarcolemma of cardiomyocytes and brain cells, connexins are also found in the mitochondria where they are involved in the regulation of mitochondrial matrix ion fluxes and respiration. Connexin expression is affected by age and gender as well as several pathophysiological alterations such as hypertension, hypertrophy, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, ischemia, post-myocardial infarction remodeling or heart failure, and post-translationally connexins are modified by phosphorylation/de-phosphorylation and nitros(yl)ation which can modulate channel activity. Using knockout/knockin technology as well as pharmacological approaches, one of the connexins, namely connexin 43, has been identified to be important for cardiac and brain ischemia/reperfusion injuries as well as protection from it. Therefore, the current review will focus on the importance of connexin 43 for irreversible injury of heart and brain tissues following ischemia/reperfusion and will highlight the importance of connexin 43 as an emerging therapeutic target in cardio- and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rainer Schulz
- Institut für Physiologie, JustusLiebig Universität Giessen, Gießen, Germany.
| | | | - Anikó Görbe
- Cardiovascular Research Group, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Hungary; Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Paul D Lampe
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Physiology Group, Department Basic Medical Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
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25
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Winterhager E, Kidder GM. Gap junction connexins in female reproductive organs: implications for women's reproductive health. Hum Reprod Update 2015; 21:340-52. [PMID: 25667189 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connexins comprise a family of ~20 proteins that form intercellular membrane channels (gap junction channels) providing a direct route for metabolites and signalling molecules to pass between cells. This review provides a critical analysis of the evidence for essential roles of individual connexins in female reproductive function, highlighting implications for women's reproductive health. METHODS No systematic review has been carried out. Published literature from the past 35 years was surveyed for research related to connexin involvement in development and function of the female reproductive system. Because of the demonstrated utility of genetic manipulation for elucidating connexin functions in various organs, much of the cited information comes from research with genetically modified mice. In some cases, a distinction is drawn between connexin functions clearly related to the formation of gap junction channels and those possibly linked to non-channel roles. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS Based on work with mice, several connexins are known to be required for female reproductive functions. Loss of connexin43 (CX43) causes an oocyte deficiency, and follicles lacking or expressing less CX43 in granulosa cells exhibit reduced growth, impairing fertility. CX43 is also expressed in human cumulus cells and, in the context of IVF, has been correlated with pregnancy outcome, suggesting that this connexin may be a determinant of oocyte and embryo quality in women. Loss of CX37, which exclusively connects oocytes with granulosa cells in the mouse, caused oocytes to cease growing without acquiring meiotic competence. Blocking of CX26 channels in the uterine epithelium disrupted implantation whereas loss or reduction of CX43 expression in the uterine stroma impaired decidualization and vascularization in mouse and human. Several connexins are important in placentation and, in the human, CX43 is a key regulator of the fusogenic pathway from the cytotrophoblast to the syncytiotrophoblast, ensuring placental growth. CX40, which characterizes the extravillous trophoblast (EVT), supports proliferation of the proximal EVTs while preventing them from differentiating into the invasive pathway. Furthermore, women with recurrent early pregnancy loss as well as those with endometriosis exhibit reduced levels of CX43 in their decidua. The antimalaria drug mefloquine, which blocks gap junction function, is responsible for increased risk of early pregnancy loss and stillbirth, probably due to inhibition of intercellular communication in the decidua or between trophoblast layers followed by an impairment of placental growth. Gap junctions also play a critical role in regulating uterine blood flow, contributing to the adaptive response to pregnancy. Given that reproductive impairment can result from connexin mutations in mice, it is advised that women suffering from somatic disease symptoms associated with connexin gene mutations be additionally tested for impacts on reproductive function. Better knowledge of these essential connexin functions in human female reproductive organs is important for safeguarding women's reproductive health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Winterhager
- Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Duisburg-Essen, University Clinics, 45211 Essen, Germany
| | - Gerald M Kidder
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario and Children's Health Research Institute, London, Ontario N6C 2V5, Canada
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Kurtz A. Connexins, renin cell displacement and hypertension. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2014; 21:1-6. [PMID: 25483714 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2014.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Vascular gap junctions formed by specific connexins proteins Cx37, 40, 43 and 45 are important for proper vascular function. This review outlines that defects of the connexin 40 protein leads to hypertension because of dysfunction of renin secreting cells of the kidney. Thus defects of Cx40 but not of other vascular connexins blunt the negative feedback control of renin secretion by the blood pressure, and moreover, lead to a shift of renin expression from the juxtaglomerular vessels walls into the periglomerular interstitium. Evidence exists to indicate that those findings which were primarily obtained with mice are also relevant for humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Kurtz
- Institute of Physiology, University of Regensburg, Germany.
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