1
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Abrams CK. Mechanisms of Diseases Associated with Mutation in GJC2/Connexin 47. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040712. [PMID: 37189458 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins are members of a family of integral membrane proteins that provide a pathway for both electrical and metabolic coupling between cells. Astroglia express connexin 30 (Cx30)-GJB6 and Cx43-GJA1, while oligodendroglia express Cx29/Cx31.3-GJC3, Cx32-GJB1, and Cx47-GJC2. Connexins organize into hexameric hemichannels (homomeric if all subunits are identical or heteromeric if one or more differs). Hemichannels from one cell then form cell-cell channels with a hemichannel from an apposed cell. (These are termed homotypic if the hemichannels are identical and heterotypic if the hemichannels differ). Oligodendrocytes couple to each other through Cx32/Cx32 or Cx47/Cx47 homotypic channels and they couple to astrocytes via Cx32/Cx30 or Cx47/Cx43 heterotypic channels. Astrocytes couple via Cx30/Cx30 and Cx43/Cx43 homotypic channels. Though Cx32 and Cx47 may be expressed in the same cells, all available data suggest that Cx32 and Cx47 cannot interact heteromerically. Animal models wherein one or in some cases two different CNS glial connexins have been deleted have helped to clarify the role of these molecules in CNS function. Mutations in a number of different CNS glial connexin genes cause human disease. Mutations in GJC2 lead to three distinct phenotypes, Pelizaeus Merzbacher like disease, hereditary spastic paraparesis (SPG44) and subclinical leukodystrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles K Abrams
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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2
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Cheng N, Xiong Y, Zhang W, Wu X, Sun Z, Zhang L, Wu H, Tang Y, Peng Y. Astrocytes promote the proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells through connexin 47-mediated LAMB2 secretion in exosomes. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:7263-7273. [PMID: 35596050 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07508-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) can proliferate and differentiate into oligodendrocytes, the only myelin-forming cells in the central nervous system. Proliferating OPCs promotes remyelination in neurodegenerative diseases. Astrocytes (ASTs) are the most widespread cells in the brain and play a beneficial role in the proliferation of OPCs. Connexin 47 (Cx47) is the main component of AST-OPC gap junctions to regulate OPC proliferation. Nonetheless, the specific mechanism remains unclear. METHODS AND RESULTS This study investigates the proliferation mechanism of OPCs connected to ASTs via Cx47. Cx47 siRNA significantly inhibited OPCs from entering the proliferation cycle. Transcriptome sequencing of OPCs and gene ontology enrichment analysis revealed that ASTs enhanced the exosome secretion by OPCs via Cx47. Transmission electron microscopy, Western blot, and nanoparticle tracking analysis indicated that the OPC proliferation was related to extracellular exosomes. Cx47 siRNA decreased the OPC proliferation and exosome secretion in AST-OPC cocultures. Exogenous exosome supplementation alleviated the inhibitory effect of Cx47 siRNA and significantly improved OPC proliferation. Mass spectrometry revealed that LAMB2 was abundant in exosomes. The administration of exogenous LAMB2 induced DNA replication in the S phase in OPCs by activating cyclin D1. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, ASTs induce the secretion of exosomes that carry LAMB2 by OPCs via Cx47 to upregulate cyclin D1 thereby accelerating OPC proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Cheng
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell, Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanfeng Xiong
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell, Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjin Zhang
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell, Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaohong Wu
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell, Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhongxiang Sun
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell, Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell, Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Wu
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell, Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Tang
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell, Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan Peng
- Laboratory of Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell, Department of Histology and Embryology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China.
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3
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Activation of the unfolded protein response by Connexin47 mutations associated with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease. Mol Cell Neurosci 2022; 120:103716. [PMID: 35276347 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2022.103716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease type 1 (PMLD1) is a hypomyelinating disorder arising in patients with mutations in GJC2, encoding Connexin47 (Cx47). PMLD1 causes nystagmus, cerebellar ataxia, spasticity and changes in CNS white matter detected by MRI. At least one mutation (p.I33M) yields a much milder phenotype, spastic paraplegia type 44 (SPG44). Cx47 contributes to gap junction communication channels between oligodendrocytes (OLs), the myelinating cells in the central nervous system (CNS), and between OLs and astrocytes. Prior studies in cell lines have shown that PMLD1 mutants such as p.P87S display defective protein trafficking, intracellular retention in the ER and loss-of-function. Here we show that when expressed in primary OLs, three PMLD1 associated mutants (p.P87S, p.Y269D and p.M283T) show ER retention of Cx47 and evidence of activation of the cellular stress (unfolded protein response, UPR) and apoptotic pathways. On the other hand, the milder SPG44 associated mutation p.I33M shows a wild-type-like subcellular distribution and no activation of the UPR or apoptotic pathways. These studies provide new insight into a potential element of toxic gain of function underlying the mechanism of PMLD1 that should help guide future therapeutic approaches.
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Abstract
Vascular anomalies are developmental defects of the vasculature and encompass a variety of disorders. The identification of genes mutated in the different malformations provides insight into the etiopathogenic mechanisms and the specific roles the associated proteins play in vascular development and maintenance. A few familial forms of vascular anomalies exist, but most cases occur sporadically. It is becoming evident that somatic mosaicism plays a major role in the formation of vascular lesions. The use of Next Generating Sequencing for high throughput and "deep" screening of both blood and lesional DNA and RNA has been instrumental in detecting such low frequency somatic changes. The number of novel causative mutations identified for many vascular anomalies has soared within a 10-year period. The discovery of such genes aided in unraveling a holistic overview of the pathogenic mechanisms, by which in vitro and in vivo models could be generated, and opening the doors to development of more effective treatments that do not address just symptoms. Moreover, as many mutations and the implicated signaling pathways are shared with cancers, current oncological therapies could potentially be repurposed for the treatment of vascular anomalies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Long Nguyen
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurence M Boon
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Center for Vascular Anomalies, Division of Plastic Surgery, VASCERN VASCA European Reference Centre, Saint Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Miikka Vikkula
- Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Center for Vascular Anomalies, Division of Plastic Surgery, VASCERN VASCA European Reference Centre, Saint Luc University Hospital, Brussels, Belgium; WELBIO (Walloon Excellence in Lifesciences and Biotechnology), de Duve Institute, University of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
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5
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Shi Y, Li R, Yang J, Li X. No tight junctions in tight junction protein-1 expressing HeLa and fibroblast cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 12:70-78. [PMID: 32419902 PMCID: PMC7218737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tight junctions are important structures that form the barrier of cells and tissues, and they play key roles in maintaining homeostasis of our body. The backbone of the tight junction proteins are claudins, which composed more than twenty members. The tight junction protein 1 (TJP1), also called ZO-1 (Zonula Occludens-1), is one of the tight junction related proteins, and it is widely used in literature to label tight junctions. Here we showed that TJP1 (ZO-1) is highly expressed in cancerous HeLa cells, fibroblast cells, HUVEC as well as MDCK cells, while claudin-1 is highly expressed in HUVEC and MDCK cells, but not expressed in HeLa and fibroblast cells. We aimed to investigate whether tight junction is present in HeLa and fibroblast cells. We used transepithelial/transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) to measure tight junction dynamics in these cells. The results showed that there is no TEERs in HeLa and fibroblast cells, while there is relatively high TEER in HUVEC and MDCK cells. Importantly, the TEER in MDCK cells is dramatically reduced after knockdown of TJP1 (ZO-1). These results suggest that TJP1 (ZO-1) cannot be used as a marker of tight junctions in a variety of cells, while TJP1 (ZO-1) may play an important role in regulation of tight junctions in MDCK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumeng Shi
- Eye Institute, Eye and Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rongqiang Li
- Department of Urology, Weihaiwei HospitalWeihai, Shandong, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Eye Institute, Eye and Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital of Fudan University83 Fenyang Road, Shanghai 200031, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinbo Li
- Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortland, Oregon, USA
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Van Campenhout R, Cooreman A, Leroy K, Rusiecka OM, Van Brantegem P, Annaert P, Muyldermans S, Devoogdt N, Cogliati B, Kwak BR, Vinken M. Non-canonical roles of connexins. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 153:35-41. [PMID: 32220599 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions mediate cellular communication and homeostasis by controlling the intercellular exchange of small and hydrophilic molecules and ions. Gap junction channels are formed by the docking of 2 hemichannels of adjacent cells, which in turn are composed of 6 connexin subunits. Connexin proteins as such can also control the cellular life cycle independent of their channel activities. This has been most demonstrated in the context of cell growth and cell death. Different mechanisms are involved mainly related to direct interaction with cell growth or cell death regulators, but also implying effects on the expression of cell growth and cell death regulators. The present paper focuses on these atypical roles of connexin proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raf Van Campenhout
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Axelle Cooreman
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olga M Rusiecka
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Pieter Van Brantegem
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Annaert
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Serge Muyldermans
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
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Li X, Acott TS, Nagy JI, Kelley MJ. ZO-1 associates with α3 integrin and connexin43 in trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 12:1-10. [PMID: 32211117 PMCID: PMC7076326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Cellular structures that perform essential homeostatic functions include tight junctions, gap junctions, desmosomes and adherens junctions. The aqueous humor, produced by the ciliary body, passes into the anterior chamber of the eye and is filtered by the trabecular meshwork (TM), a tiny tissue found in the angle of the eye. This tissue, along with Schlemm's canal (SC) inner wall cells, is thought to control intraocular pressure (IOP) homeostasis for normal, optimal vision. The actin cytoskeleton of the tissue plays a regulatory role in maintaining IOP. One of the key risk factors for primary open angle glaucoma is persistent elevation of IOP, which compromises the optic nerve. The ZO-1 (Zonula Occludens-1), extracellular matrix protein integrins, and gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) are widely expressed in many different cell populations. Here, we investigated the localization and interactions of ZO-1, α3 integrin, β1 integrin, and Cx43 in cultured porcine TM and SC cells using RT-PCR, western immunoblotting and immunofluorescence labeling with confocal microscopy, along with co-immunoprecipitation. ZO-1 partially co-localized with α3 integrin, but not with β1 integrin, and co-immunoprecipitated with Cx43, as well as with α3 integrin. The association of ZO-1 with α3 integrin and Cx43 suggests that these proteins may form a multiple protein complex in porcine TM and SC cells. Since integrins interact with the actin cytoskeleton via scaffolding proteins, these results implicate junctional and scaffolding protein ZO-1 as a potential control point in regulation of IOP to normal levels for glaucoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbo Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science UniversityPortland, Oregon, USA
| | - Ted S Acott
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science UniversityPortland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health and Science UniversityPortland, Oregon, USA
| | - James I Nagy
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of ManitobaWinnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Mary J Kelley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science UniversityPortland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Integrative Bioscience, Oregon Health and Science UniversityPortland, Oregon, USA
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8
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Li X, Nagy JI, Li D, Acott TS, Kelley MJ. Gap junction connexin43 is a key element in mediating phagocytosis activity in human trabecular meshwork cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2020; 12:25-31. [PMID: 32211119 PMCID: PMC7076328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Human trabecular meshwork (TM) cells play pivotal roles in maintaining homeostasis of intraocular pressure via regulation of aqueous humor outflow. These cells are capable of phagocytosis, which is considered to be essential for their regulatory function. In addition, there is a strong expression of the gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) in the TM. Here, we investigated functional relationships between phagocytosis activity of TM cells and their expression of Cx43. Phagocytosis was measured by showing the ability of TM cells to engulf inert fluorescent particles consisting of pHrodo. We found that internalized pHrodo was partially co-localized with Cx43 and that the phagocytic activity was dramatically reduced after knockdown of Cx43 using lentiviral Cx43 shRNA. These results suggest that Cx43 is involved in the regulation of phagocytosis by TM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbo Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortland, Oregon, USA
| | - James I Nagy
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, University of ManitobaWinnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Davey Li
- University of WaterlooWaterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Ted S Acott
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Chemical Physiology & Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortland, Oregon, USA
| | - Mary J Kelley
- Department of Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortland, Oregon, USA
- Department of Integrative Biosciences, Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortland, Oregon, USA
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9
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Li X. Gap junction protein connexin43 and tunneling nanotubes in human trabecular meshwork cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 11:212-219. [PMID: 31777645 PMCID: PMC6872486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Intercellular communication via gap junctions and tunneling nanotubes (TNT) play pivotal roles for cell differentiation and proliferation and homeostasis. Intercellular communication has been found in human trabecular meshwork cells, which are key elements for allowing the direct passing aqueous humor and for maintaining the homeostasis of intraocular pressure. Here we showed the expression of gap junction protein connexin43 in human trabecular meshwork cells, and the presence of TNTs in these cells labeled with enhanced GFP generated using highly efficient lentiviral transduction. More importantly, the TNTs in human trabecular meshwork cells were significantly reduced after shRNA or CRISPR Cas9 mediated knockdown of Cx43 in these cells. The results indicated that gap junction protein connexin43 may play an important role in TNTs formation in human trabecular meshwork cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinbo Li
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health and Science University Portland, Oregon, USA
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10
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Ahmadian E, Eftekhari A, Samiei M, Maleki Dizaj S, Vinken M. The role and therapeutic potential of connexins, pannexins and their channels in Parkinson's disease. Cell Signal 2019; 58:111-118. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2019.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 03/10/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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11
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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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12
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Shi B, Xue M, Wang Y, Wang Y, Li D, Zhao X, Li X. An improved method for increasing the efficiency of gene transfection and transduction. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2018; 10:95-104. [PMID: 29755642 PMCID: PMC5943608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Transfection and transduction using lentivirus has gained attention in biomedical research. To date, how to reach the maximum transfection and viral transduction efficiency is still challenging. Here we compared the transfection and viral transduction efficiency using commercially available transfection reagents including FuGENE 6, Lipofectamine 2000 and Lipofectamine 3000 in different cell lines and primary cultured cells. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) was clearly seen in Eppendorf tubes from harvested cells using Lipofectamine 3000 without using a microscope and UV activation. Strong expression of EGFP was observed in HEK293 cells, mouse primary cortical neurons and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using confocal microscopy. Western blot showed the strongest EGFP expression using cell lysates from Lipofectamine 3000 transfected HEK293 cells and transduced HUVECs compared with Lipofectamine 2000 or FuGENE 6 reagents. Using Cx43 shRNA lentivirus combined with Lipofectamine 3000 transfection reagent, we can achieve about 90% Cx43 knockdown efficacy in HUVECs. Therefore, our results suggest that a much higher transfection and viral transduction efficiency can be attained by using Lipofectamine 3000 transfection reagent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baomin Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Mengzhou Xue
- Department of Neurorehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taishan Medical UniversityTaian, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Davey Li
- University of WaterlooWaterloo, Canada
| | - Xiaomin Zhao
- Institute of Pharmacology, Taishan Medical UniversityTaian, China
| | - Xinbo Li
- Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science UniversityPortland, Oregon, USA
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13
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Nagy JI, Rash JE. Electrical Synapses: New Rules for Assembling an Old Structure Asymmetrically. Curr Biol 2017; 27:R1214-R1216. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2017.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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14
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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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15
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Basu R, Bose A, Thomas D, Das Sarma J. Microtubule-assisted altered trafficking of astrocytic gap junction protein connexin 43 is associated with depletion of connexin 47 during mouse hepatitis virus infection. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:14747-14763. [PMID: 28566289 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.786491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) are important for maintenance of CNS homeostasis. GJ proteins, connexin 43 (Cx43) and connexin 47 (Cx47), play a crucial role in production and maintenance of CNS myelin. Cx43 is mainly expressed by astrocytes in the CNS and forms gap junction intercellular communications between astrocytes-astrocytes (Cx43-Cx43) and between astrocytes-oligodendrocytes (Cx43-Cx47). Mutations of these connexin (Cx) proteins cause dysmyelinating diseases in humans. Previously, it has been shown that Cx43 localization and expression is altered due to mouse hepatitis virus (MHV)-A59 infection both in vivo and in vitro; however, its mechanism and association with loss of myelin protein was not elaborated. Thus, we explored potential mechanisms by which MHV-A59 infection alters Cx43 localization and examined the effects of viral infection on Cx47 expression and its association with loss of the myelin marker proteolipid protein. Immunofluorescence and total internal reflection fluorescence microscopy confirmed that MHV-A59 used microtubules (MTs) as a conduit to reach the cell surface and restricted MT-mediated Cx43 delivery to the cell membrane. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that Cx43-β-tubulin molecular interaction was depleted due to protein-protein interaction between viral particles and MTs. During acute MHV-A59 infection, oligodendrocytic Cx47, which is mainly stabilized by Cx43 in vivo, was down-regulated, and its characteristic staining remained disrupted even at chronic phase. The loss of Cx47 was associated with loss of proteolipid protein at the chronic stage of MHV-A59 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul Basu
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur-741246, India
| | - Abhishek Bose
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur-741246, India
| | - Deepthi Thomas
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur-741246, India
| | - Jayasri Das Sarma
- From the Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Mohanpur-741246, India
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16
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Tsao DD, Wang SG, Lynn BD, Nagy JI. Immunofluorescence reveals unusual patterns of labelling for connexin43 localized to calbindin-D28K-positive interstitial cells in the pineal gland. Eur J Neurosci 2017; 45:1553-1569. [PMID: 28394432 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.13578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions between cells in the pineal gland have been described ultrastructurally, but their connexin constituents have not been fully characterized. We used immunofluorescence in combination with markers of pineal cells to document the cellular localization of connexin43 (Cx43). Immunofluorescence labelling of Cx43 with several different antibodies was widely distributed throughout the pineal, whereas another connexin examined, connexin26, was not found in pineal but only in surrounding leptomeninges. Labelling apparently associated with plasma membranes was visualized either as fine Cx43-puncta (1-2 μm) or as unusually large pools of Cx43 ranging up to 4-7 μm in diameter or length. These puncta and pools were highly concentrated in perivascular spaces, where they were associated with numerous cells devoid of labelling for markers of pinealocytes (e.g. tryptophan hydroxylase and serotonin), and where they were minimally associated with blood vessels and lacked association with resident macrophages. Astrocytes labelled for glial fibrillary acidic protein were largely restricted to the anterior pole of the pineal gland, where they displayed only fine and sparse Cx43-puncta along their processes. Labelling for Cx43 was localized largely though not exclusively to the somata and long processes of a subpopulation of perivascular interstitial cells that were immunopositive for calbindin-D28K. These cells were often located among dense bundles or termination areas of sympathetic fibres labelled for tyrosine hydroxylase or serotonin. The results indicate that interstitial cells form abundant gap junctions composed of Cx43, and suggest that gap junction-mediated intracellular communication by these cells supports the activities of pinealocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- D D Tsao
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - S G Wang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - B D Lynn
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - J I Nagy
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0J9, Canada
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17
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Zhu C, Sauter E, Schreiter A, van Roeyen CRC, Ostendorf T, Floege J, Gembardt F, Hugo CP, Isermann B, Lindquist JA, Mertens PR. Cold Shock Proteins Mediate GN with Mesangioproliferation. J Am Soc Nephrol 2016; 27:3678-3689. [PMID: 27151923 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2015121367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 03/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA binding protein A (DbpA) is a member of the human cold shock domain-containing protein superfamily, with known functions in cell proliferation, differentiation, and stress responses. DbpA mediates tight junction-associated activities in tubular epithelial cells, but the function of DbpA in mesangial cells is unknown. Here, we found DbpA protein expression restricted to vascular smooth muscle cells in healthy human kidney tissue but profound induction of DbpA protein expression within the glomerular mesangial compartment in mesangioproliferative nephritis. In vitro, depletion or overexpression of DbpA using lentiviral constructs led to inhibition or promotion, respectively, of mesangial cell proliferation. Because platelet-derived growth factor B (PDGF-B) signaling has a pivotal role in mesangial cell proliferation, we examined the regulatory effect of PDGF-B on DbpA. In vitro studies of human and rat mesangial cells confirmed a stimulatory effect of PDGF-B on DbpA transcript numbers and protein levels. Additional in vivo investigations showed DbpA upregulation in experimental rat anti-Thy1.1 nephritis and murine mesangioproliferative nephritis models. To interfere with PDGF-B signaling, we injected nephritic rats with PDGF-B neutralizing aptamers or the MEK/ERK inhibitor U0126. Both interventions markedly decreased DbpA protein expression. Conversely, continuous PDGF-B infusion in healthy rats induced DbpA expression predominantly within the mesangial compartment. Taken together, these results indicate that DbpA is a novel target of PDGF-B signaling and a key mediator of mesangial cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology and
| | - Eva Sauter
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology and
| | - Anja Schreiter
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology and
| | - Claudia R C van Roeyen
- Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; and
| | - Tammo Ostendorf
- Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; and
| | - Jürgen Floege
- Department of Nephrology and Immunology, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; and
| | - Florian Gembardt
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian P Hugo
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Berend Isermann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | | | - Peter R Mertens
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension, Diabetes and Endocrinology and
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18
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Abstract
Vascular anomalies are developmental defects of the vasculature and encompass a variety of disorders. The majority of these occur sporadically, yet a few are reported to be familial. The identification of genes mutated in the different malformations provides insight into their etiopathogenic mechanisms and the specific roles the associated proteins play in vascular development and maintenance. It is becoming evident that somatic mosaicism plays a major role in the formation of vascular lesions. The importance of utilizing Next-Generating Sequencing (NGS) for high-throughput and "deep" screening of both blood and lesional DNA and RNA is thus emphasized, as the somatic changes are present in low quantities. There are several examples where NGS has already accomplished discovering these changes. The identification of all the causative genes and unraveling of a holistic overview of the pathogenic mechanisms should enable generation of in vitro and in vivo models and lead to development of more effective treatments, not only targeted on symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Long Nguyen
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Laurence M Boon
- Center for Vascular Anomalies, Division of Plastic Surgery, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Miikka Vikkula
- Laboratory of Human Molecular Genetics, de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium; Walloon Excellence in Lifesciences and Biotechnology (WELBIO), de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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19
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Griemsmann S, Höft SP, Bedner P, Zhang J, von Staden E, Beinhauer A, Degen J, Dublin P, Cope DW, Richter N, Crunelli V, Jabs R, Willecke K, Theis M, Seifert G, Kettenmann H, Steinhäuser C. Characterization of Panglial Gap Junction Networks in the Thalamus, Neocortex, and Hippocampus Reveals a Unique Population of Glial Cells. Cereb Cortex 2014; 25:3420-33. [PMID: 25037920 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhu157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The thalamus plays important roles as a relay station for sensory information in the central nervous system (CNS). Although thalamic glial cells participate in this activity, little is known about their properties. In this study, we characterized the formation of coupled networks between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes in the murine ventrobasal thalamus and compared these properties with those in the hippocampus and cortex. Biocytin filling of individual astrocytes or oligodendrocytes revealed large panglial networks in all 3 gray matter regions. Combined analyses of mice with cell type-specific deletion of connexins (Cxs), semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting showed that Cx30 is the dominant astrocytic Cx in the thalamus. Many thalamic astrocytes even lack expression of Cx43, while in the hippocampus astrocytic coupling is dominated by Cx43. Deletion of Cx30 and Cx47 led to complete loss of panglial coupling, which was restored when one allele of either Cxs was present. Immunohistochemistry revealed a unique antigen profile of thalamic glia and identified an intermediate cell type expressing both Olig2 and Cx43. Our findings further the emerging concept of glial heterogeneity across brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Griemsmann
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Simon P Höft
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Peter Bedner
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Jiong Zhang
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Elena von Staden
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna Beinhauer
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Joachim Degen
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Pavel Dublin
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - David W Cope
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Nadine Richter
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Cellular Neuroscience, 13092 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Ronald Jabs
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Klaus Willecke
- Life and Medical Sciences (LIMES) Institute, Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, 53115 Bonn, Germany
| | - Martin Theis
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Gerald Seifert
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Helmut Kettenmann
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine, Cellular Neuroscience, 13092 Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Steinhäuser
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, 53105 Bonn, Germany
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20
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Bernstein HG, Lindquist JA, Keilhoff G, Dobrowolny H, Brandt S, Steiner J, Bogerts B, Mertens PR. Differential distribution of Y-box-binding protein 1 and cold shock domain protein A in developing and adult human brain. Brain Struct Funct 2014; 220:2235-45. [PMID: 24817634 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-014-0786-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The two cold shock domain containing proteins, Y-box-binding protein-1 and cold shock domain protein A were immunolocalized in developing and adult human brain. With the exception of a small population of hypothalamic astrocytes, brain Y-box-binding protein-1 was predominantly found in multiple neurons in the mature human CNS, which might be related to its involvement in neurotransmission and other neuron-associated functions. Cold shock domain protein A was typically observed in astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, choroid plexus epithelia and nerve fibers. However, in circumscribed brain regions as hypothalamus, habenula, and cerebellum, this protein was also expressed in neurons. In the prenatal brain, both proteins were found to be abundantly expressed in radial glial cells, neuroblasts and neurons, which might be an anatomical correlate of the proposed roles of both proteins in cell proliferation and differentiation. In addition, Y-box-binding protein-1 was identified in cultured, lipopolysaccharide-stimulated microglial cells, which underscores its putative role as a mediator in immune and inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Gert Bernstein
- Department of Psychiatry, Medical School, Otto-von-Guericke University, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany,
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21
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Castellano P, Eugenin EA. Regulation of gap junction channels by infectious agents and inflammation in the CNS. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:122. [PMID: 24847208 PMCID: PMC4023065 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) are conglomerates of intercellular channels that connect the cytoplasm of two or more cells, and facilitate the transfer of ions and small molecules, including second messengers, resulting in metabolic and electrical coordination. In general, loss of gap junctional communication (GJC) has been associated with cellular damage and inflammation resulting in compromise of physiological functions. Recently, it has become evident that GJ channels also play a critical role in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases and associated inflammation. Several pathogens use the transfer of intracellular signals through GJ channels to spread infection and toxic signals that amplify inflammation to neighboring cells. Thus, identification of the mechanisms by which several infectious agents alter GJC could result in new potential therapeutic approaches to reduce inflammation and their pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Castellano
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ, USA ; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Eliseo A Eugenin
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ, USA ; Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers The State University of New Jersey Newark, NJ, USA
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22
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Koval M, Molina SA, Burt JM. Mix and match: investigating heteromeric and heterotypic gap junction channels in model systems and native tissues. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1193-204. [PMID: 24561196 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 02/12/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This review is based in part on a roundtable discussion session: "Physiological roles for heterotypic/heteromeric channels" at the 2013 International Gap Junction Conference (IGJC 2013) in Charleston, South Carolina. It is well recognized that multiple connexins can specifically co-assemble to form mixed gap junction channels with unique properties as a means to regulate intercellular communication. Compatibility determinants for both heteromeric and heterotypic gap junction channel formation have been identified and associated with specific connexin amino acid motifs. Hetero-oligomerization is also a regulated process; differences in connexin quality control and monomer stability are likely to play integral roles to control interactions between compatible connexins. Gap junctions in oligodendrocyte:astrocyte communication and in the cardiovascular system have emerged as key systems where heterotypic and heteromeric channels have unique physiologic roles. There are several methodologies to study heteromeric and heterotypic channels that are best applied to either heterologous expression systems, native tissues or both. There remains a need to use and develop different experimental approaches in order to understand the prevalence and roles for mixed gap junction channels in human physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Koval
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States; Department of Cell Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States.
| | - Samuel A Molina
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Janis M Burt
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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23
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Al-Yahyaee SA, Al-Kindi M, Jonghe PD, Al-Asmi A, Al-Futaisi A, Vriendt ED, Deconinck T, Chand P. Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-Like Disease in a Family With Variable Phenotype and a Novel Splicing GJC2 Mutation. J Child Neurol 2013; 28:1467-1473. [PMID: 23143715 DOI: 10.1177/0883073812463610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by neonatal nystagmus, ataxia, progressive spasticity, and development delay and is rarely caused by GJC2 mutations. We report 7 patients from a large consanguineous family who had variable severity of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease. The 3 youngest of branch A were bedridden by their first year because of permanent scissoring of their legs and had severe frontal lobe epilepsy. The single patient from branch B was the least affected, being able to walk until 12 years of age and had no epilepsy. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hypomyelination. The patients had a novel canonical splicing GJC2 c.-20+1G>C mutation with a predicted loss of the coding connexin 47 protein. The exceptionally large number of patients in this unique family enabled to describe the intrafamilial variability of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease. The predicted functional loss of connexin 47 might be associated with a severe form of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Said Ali Al-Yahyaee
- 1College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Kleopa KA, Sargiannidou I, Markoullis K. Connexin pathology in chronic multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1111/cen3.12055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kleopas A. Kleopa
- Neurology Clinics and Neuroscience Laboratory; The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics; Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Irene Sargiannidou
- Neurology Clinics and Neuroscience Laboratory; The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics; Nicosia Cyprus
| | - Kyriaki Markoullis
- Neurology Clinics and Neuroscience Laboratory; The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics; Nicosia Cyprus
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May D, Tress O, Seifert G, Willecke K. Connexin47 protein phosphorylation and stability in oligodendrocytes depend on expression of Connexin43 protein in astrocytes. J Neurosci 2013; 33:7985-96. [PMID: 23637189 PMCID: PMC6618970 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.5874-12.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2012] [Revised: 03/11/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Panglial networks are essential for normal physiology in the CNS, and the function of distinct connexins participating in these networks is not well understood. We generated Connexin32 (Cx32)-deficient mice with additional deletion of astrocytic Cx43 to explore the role of both connexins in panglial networks. Cx43/Cx32 double knock-out (dKO) mice revealed strong microglial activation in corpus callosum and cingulum along with severe astrogliosis and scar formation. In addition, most of the fine myelinated fibers projecting from the corpus callosum into the cortex were lost. Myelin loss was caused by a strong decrease of oligodendrocytes in the cingulum of Cx43/Cx32dKO mice. Immunoblot analyses using newly generated specific Cx47 antibodies revealed that oligodendrocytic Cx47 is phosphorylated in vivo depending on astrocytic Cx43 expression. In Cx43-deficient mice, Cx47 protein levels were strongly decreased, whereas Cx47 mRNA levels were not altered. Using Cx43G138R/Cx30KO mice, we show that Cx47 expression depends on the presence of astrocytic Cx43 protein and that its gap junctional channel function is not necessary for Cx47 stabilization. In consequence, Cx43/Cx32dKO mice additionally lack Cx47 expression and therefore cannot form oligodendrocytic gap junctions, which explains the phenotypic similarities to Cx32/Cx47dKO mice. Our findings provide strong evidence that phosphorylation and stability of oligodendrocytic Cx47 proteins is dependent on astrocytic Cx43 expression. These results further unravel the complexity of panglial networks and show that results of previous studies using astrocytic Cx43-deficient mice have to be reconsidered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis May
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, D-53115 Bonn, Germany, and
| | - Oliver Tress
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, D-53115 Bonn, Germany, and
| | - Gerald Seifert
- Institute of Cellular Neurosciences, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, D-53105 Bonn, Germany
| | - Klaus Willecke
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, D-53115 Bonn, Germany, and
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Abrams CK, Scherer SS. Gap junctions in inherited human disorders of the central nervous system. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA 2012; 1818:2030-47. [PMID: 21871435 PMCID: PMC3771870 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2011] [Revised: 08/04/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CNS glia and neurons express connexins, the proteins that form gap junctions in vertebrates. We review the connexins expressed by oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, and discuss their proposed physiologic roles. Of the 21 members of the human connexin family, mutations in three are associated with significant central nervous system manifestations. For each, we review the phenotype and discuss possible mechanisms of disease. Mutations in GJB1, the gene for connexin 32 (Cx32) cause the second most common form of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT1X). Though the only consistent phenotype in CMT1X patients is a peripheral demyelinating neuropathy, CNS signs and symptoms have been found in some patients. Recessive mutations in GJC2, the gene for Cx47, are one cause of Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease (PMLD), which is characterized by nystagmus within the first 6 months of life, cerebellar ataxia by 4 years, and spasticity by 6 years of age. MRI imaging shows abnormal myelination. A different recessive GJC2 mutation causes a form of hereditary spastic paraparesis, which is a milder phenotype than PMLD. Dominant mutations in GJA1, the gene for Cx43, cause oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD), a pleitropic disorder characterized by oculo-facial abnormalities including micropthalmia, microcornia and hypoplastic nares, syndactyly of the fourth to fifth fingers and dental abnormalities. Neurologic manifestations, including spasticity and gait difficulties, are often but not universally seen. Recessive GJA1 mutations cause Hallermann-Streiff syndrome, a disorder showing substantial overlap with ODDD. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, composition, structure and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles K. Abrams
- Department of Neurology and Physiology & Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, 450 Clarkson Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11203, 1-718-270-1270 Phone, 1-718-270-8944 Fax,
| | - Steven S. Scherer
- Department of Neurology, The University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Room 450 Stemmler Hall, 36th Street and Hamilton Walk, Philadelphia, PA 19104-6077, 215-573-3198,
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Cotrina ML, Nedergaard M. Brain connexins in demyelinating diseases: therapeutic potential of glial targets. Brain Res 2012; 1487:61-8. [PMID: 22789906 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Revised: 06/29/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Several demyelinating syndromes have been linked to mutations in glial gap junction proteins, the connexins. Although mutations in connexins of the myelinating cells, Schwann cells and oligodendrocytes, were initially described, recent data have shown that astrocytes also play a major role in the demyelination process. Alterations in astrocytic proteins directly affect the oligodendrocytes' ability to maintain myelin structure, and associated astrocytic proteins that regulate water and ionic fluxes, including aquaporins, can also regulate myelin integrity. Here, we will review the main evidence from human disorders and transgenic mouse models that implicate glial gap junction proteins in demyelinating diseases and the therapeutic potential of some of these targets. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Electrical Synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luisa Cotrina
- Division of Glia Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical School, Rochester, NY 14640, USA.
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28
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Connexin composition in apposed gap junction hemiplaques revealed by matched double-replica freeze-fracture replica immunogold labeling. J Membr Biol 2012; 245:333-44. [PMID: 22760604 PMCID: PMC3401501 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-012-9454-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2012] [Accepted: 06/08/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Despite the combination of light-microscopic immunocytochemistry, histochemical mRNA detection techniques and protein reporter systems, progress in identifying the protein composition of neuronal versus glial gap junctions, determination of the differential localization of their constituent connexin proteins in two apposing membranes and understanding human neurological diseases caused by connexin mutations has been problematic due to ambiguities introduced in the cellular and subcellular assignment of connexins. Misassignments occurred primarily because membranes and their constituent proteins are below the limit of resolution of light microscopic imaging techniques. Currently, only serial thin-section transmission electron microscopy and freeze-fracture replica immunogold labeling have sufficient resolution to assign connexin proteins to either or both sides of gap junction plaques. However, freeze-fracture replica immunogold labeling has been limited because conventional freeze fracturing allows retrieval of only one of the two membrane fracture faces within a gap junction, making it difficult to identify connexin coupling partners in hemiplaques removed by fracturing. We now summarize progress in ascertaining the connexin composition of two coupled hemiplaques using matched double-replicas that are labeled simultaneously for multiple connexins. This approach allows unambiguous identification of connexins and determination of the membrane "sidedness" and the identities of connexin coupling partners in homotypic and heterotypic gap junctions of vertebrate neurons.
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29
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Markoullis K, Sargiannidou I, Gardner C, Hadjisavvas A, Reynolds R, Kleopa KA. Disruption of oligodendrocyte gap junctions in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Glia 2012; 60:1053-66. [PMID: 22461072 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) are vital for oligodendrocyte survival and myelination. In order to examine how different stages of inflammatory demyelination affect oligodendrocyte GJs, we studied the expression of oligodendrocytic connexin32 (Cx32) and Cx47 and astrocytic Cx43 in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of multiple sclerosis (MS) induced by recombinant myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein. EAE was characterized by remissions and relapses with demyelination and axonal loss. Formation of GJ plaques was quantified in relation to the lesions and in normal appearing white matter (NAWM). During acute EAE at 14 days postimmunization (dpi) both Cx47 and Cx32 GJs were severely reduced within and around lesions but also in the NAWM. Cx47 was localized intracellularly in oligodendrocytes while protein levels remained unchanged, and this redistribution coincided with the loss of Cx43 GJs in astrocytes. Cx47 and Cx32 expression increased during remyelination at 28 dpi but decreased again at 50 dpi in the relapsing phase. Oligodendrocyte GJs remained reduced even in NAWM, despite increased formation of Cx43 GJs toward lesions indicating astrogliosis. EAE induced in Cx32 knockout mice resulted in an exacerbated clinical course with more demyelination and axonal loss compared with wild-type EAE mice of the same backcross, despite similar degree of inflammation, and an overall milder loss of Cx47 and Cx43 GJs. Thus, EAE causes persistent impairment of both intra- and intercellular oligodendrocyte GJs even in the NAWM, which may be an important mechanism of MS progression. Furthermore, GJ deficient myelinated fibers appear more vulnerable to CNS inflammatory demyelination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki Markoullis
- Neuroscience Laboratory, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
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30
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Lynn BD, Li X, Nagy JI. Under construction: building the macromolecular superstructure and signaling components of an electrical synapse. J Membr Biol 2012; 245:303-17. [PMID: 22722764 PMCID: PMC3506381 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-012-9451-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
A great deal is now known about the protein components of tight junctions and adherens junctions, as well as how these are assembled. Less is known about the molecular framework of gap junctions, but these also have membrane specializations and are subject to regulation of their assembly and turnover. Thus, it is reasonable to consider that these three types of junctions may share macromolecular commonalities. Indeed, the tight junction scaffolding protein zonula occluden-1 (ZO-1) is also present at adherens and gap junctions, including neuronal gap junctions. On the basis of these earlier observations, we more recently found that two additional proteins, AF6 and MUPP1, known to be associated with ZO-1 at tight and adherens junctions, are also components of neuronal gap junctions in rodent brain and directly interact with connexin36 (Cx36) that forms these junctions. Here, we show by immunofluorescence labeling that the cytoskeletal-associated protein cingulin, commonly found at tight junctions, is also localized at neuronal gap junctions throughout the central nervous system. In consideration of known functions related to ZO-1, AF6, MUPP1, and cingulin, our results provide a context in which to examine functional relationships between these proteins at Cx36-containing electrical synapses in brain--specifically, how they may contribute to regulation of transmission at these synapses, and how they may govern gap junction channel assembly and/or disassembly.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. D. Lynn
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - Xinbo Li
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
| | - J. I. Nagy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0J9, Canada
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31
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Lau CL, Perreau VM, Chen MJ, Cate HS, Merlo D, Cheung NS, O'Shea RD, Beart PM. Transcriptomic profiling of astrocytes treated with the Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil reveals cytoskeletal and pro-survival responses. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:1199-211. [PMID: 21604263 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of Rho kinase (ROCK) have potential for management of neurological disorders by inhibition of glial scarring. Since astrocytes play key roles in brain physiology and pathology, we determined changes in the astrocytic transcriptome produced by the ROCK inhibitor Fasudil to obtain mechanistic insights into its beneficial action during brain injury. Cultured murine astrocytes were treated with Fasudil (100 µM) and morphological analyses revealed rapid stellation by 1 h and time-dependent (2-24 h) dissipation of F-actin-labelled stress fibres. Microarray analyses were performed on RNA and the time-course of global gene profiling (2, 6, 12 and 24 h) provided a comprehensive description of transcriptomic changes. Hierarchical clustering of differentially expressed genes and analysis for over-represented gene ontology groups using the DAVID database focused attention on Fasudil-induced changes to major biological processes regulating cellular shape and motility (actin cytoskeleton, axon guidance, transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) signalling and tight junctions). Bioinformatic analyses of transcriptomic changes revealed how these biological processes contributed to changes in astrocytic motility and cytoskeletal reorganisation. Here genes associated with extracellular matrix were also involved, but unexpected was a subset of alterations (EAAT2, BDNF, anti-oxidant species, metabolic and signalling genes) indicative of adoption by astrocytes of a pro-survival phenotype. Expression profiles of key changes with Fasudil and another ROCK inhibitor Y27632 were validated by real-time PCR. Although effects of ROCK inhibition have been considered to be primarily cytoskeletal via reduction of glial scarring, we demonstrate additional advantageous actions likely to contribute to their ameliorative actions in brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chew L Lau
- Florey Neuroscience Institutes, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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32
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Curti S, Hoge G, Nagy JI, Pereda AE. Synergy between electrical coupling and membrane properties promotes strong synchronization of neurons of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus. J Neurosci 2012; 32:4341-59. [PMID: 22457486 PMCID: PMC3339267 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.6216-11.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2011] [Revised: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 02/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Electrical synapses are known to form networks of extensively coupled neurons in various regions of the mammalian brain. The mesencephalic trigeminal (MesV) nucleus, formed by the somata of primary afferents originating in jaw-closing muscles, constitutes one of the first examples supporting the presence of electrical synapses in the mammalian CNS; however, the properties, functional organization, and developmental emergence of electrical coupling within this structure remain unknown. By combining electrophysiological, tracer coupling, and immunochemical analysis in brain slices of rat and mouse, we found that coupling is mostly restricted to pairs or small clusters of MesV neurons. Electrical transmission is supported by connexin36 (Cx36)-containing gap junctions at somato-somatic contacts where only a small proportion of channels appear to be open (∼0.1%). In marked contrast with most brain structures, coupling among MesV neurons increases with age, such that it is absent during early development and appears at postnatal day 8. Interestingly, the development of coupling parallels the development of intrinsic membrane properties responsible for repetitive firing in these neurons. We found that, acting together, sodium and potassium conductances enhance the transfer of signals with high-frequency content via electrical synapses, leading to strong spiking synchronization of the coupled neurons. Together, our data indicate that coupling in the MesV nucleus is restricted to mostly pairs of somata between which electrical transmission is supported by a surprisingly small fraction of the channels estimated to be present, and that coupling synergically interacts with specific membrane conductances to promote synchronization of these neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Curti
- Laboratorio de Neurofisiología Celular, Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo 11800, Uruguay.
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33
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Chen VC, Gouw JW, Naus CC, Foster LJ. Connexin multi-site phosphorylation: mass spectrometry-based proteomics fills the gap. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2012; 1828:23-34. [PMID: 22421184 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2012.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2011] [Revised: 02/19/2012] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
Connexins require an integrated network for protein synthesis, assembly, gating, internalization, degradation and feedback control that are necessary to regulate the biosynthesis, and turnover of gap junction channels. At the most fundamental level, the introduction of sequence-altering, modifications introduces changes in protein conformation, activity, charge, stability and localization. Understanding the sites, patterns and magnitude of protein post-translational modification, including phosphorylation, is absolutely critical. Historically, the examination of connexin phosphorylation has been placed within the context that one or small number of sites of modification strictly corresponds to one molecular function. However, the release of high-profile proteomic datasets appears to challenge this dogma by demonstrating connexins undergo multiple levels of multi-site phosphorylation. With the growing prominence of mass spectrometry in biology and medicine, we are now getting a glimpse of the richness of connexin phosphate signals. Having implications to health and disease, this review provides an overview of technologies in the context of targeted and discovery proteomics, and further discusses how these techniques are being applied to "fill the gaps" in understanding of connexin post-translational control. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, roles and dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent C Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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34
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Li X, Lynn BD, Nagy JI. The effector and scaffolding proteins AF6 and MUPP1 interact with connexin36 and localize at gap junctions that form electrical synapses in rodent brain. Eur J Neurosci 2012; 35:166-81. [PMID: 22211808 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2011.07947.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Electrical synapses formed by neuronal gap junctions composed of connexin36 (Cx36) occur in most major structures in the mammalian central nervous system. These synapses link ensembles of neurons and influence their network properties. Little is known about the macromolecular constituents of neuronal gap junctions or how transmission through electrical synapses is regulated at the level of channel conductance or gap junction assembly/disassembly. Such knowledge is a prerequisite to understanding the roles of gap junctions in neuronal circuitry. Gap junctions share similarities with tight and adhesion junctions in that all three reside at close plasma membrane appositions, and therefore may associate with similar structural and regulatory proteins. Previously, we reported that the tight junction-associated protein zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) interacts with Cx36 and is localized at gap junctions. Here, we demonstrate that two proteins known to be associated with tight and adherens junctions, namely AF6 and MUPP1, are components of neuronal gap junctions in rodent brain. By immunofluorescence, AF6 and MUPP1 were co-localized with Cx36 in many brain areas. Co-immunoprecipitation and pull-down approaches revealed an association of Cx36 with AF6 and MUPP1, which required the C-terminus PDZ domain interaction motif of Cx36 for interaction with the single PDZ domain of AF6 and with the 10th PDZ domain of MUPP1. As AF6 is a target of the cAMP/Epac/Rap1 signalling pathway and MUPP1 is a scaffolding protein that interacts with CaMKII, the present results suggest that AF6 may be a target for cAMP/Epac/Rap1 signalling at electrical synapses, and that MUPP1 may contribute to anchoring CaMKII at these synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- X Li
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Ave., Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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35
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Hervé JC, Derangeon M, Sarrouilhe D, Giepmans BNG, Bourmeyster N. Gap junctional channels are parts of multiprotein complexes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2011; 1818:1844-65. [PMID: 22197781 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2011] [Revised: 11/28/2011] [Accepted: 12/06/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctional channels are a class of membrane channels composed of transmembrane channel-forming integral membrane proteins termed connexins, innexins or pannexins that mediate direct cell-to-cell or cell-to extracellular medium communication in almost all animal tissues. The activity of these channels is tightly regulated, particularly by intramolecular modifications as phosphorylations of proteins and via the formation of multiprotein complexes where pore-forming subunits bind to auxiliary channel subunits and associate with scaffolding proteins that play essential roles in channel localization and activity. Scaffolding proteins link signaling enzymes, substrates, and potential effectors (such as channels) into multiprotein signaling complexes that may be anchored to the cytoskeleton. Protein-protein interactions play essential roles in channel localization and activity and, besides their cell-to-cell channel-forming functions, gap junctional proteins now appear involved in different cellular functions (e.g. transcriptional and cytoskeletal regulations). The present review summarizes the recent progress regarding the proteins capable of interacting with junctional proteins and highlights the function of these protein-protein interactions in cell physiology and aberrant function in diseases. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, composition, structure and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Claude Hervé
- Institut de Physiologie et Biologie Cellulaires, Université de Poitiers, CNRS, Poitiers, France.
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36
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Lynn BD, Tress O, May D, Willecke K, Nagy JI. Ablation of connexin30 in transgenic mice alters expression patterns of connexin26 and connexin32 in glial cells and leptomeninges. Eur J Neurosci 2011; 34:1783-93. [PMID: 22098503 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2011.07900.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Expression of connexin26 (Cx26), Cx30 and Cx43 in astrocytes and expression of Cx29, Cx32 and Cx47 in oligodendrocytes of adult rodent brain has been well documented, as has the interdependence of connexin expression patterns of macroglial cells in Cx32- and Cx47-knockout mice. To investigate this interdependence further, we examined immunofluorescence labelling of glial connexins in transgenic Cx30 null mice. Ablation of astrocytic Cx30, confirmed by the absence of immunolabelling for this connexin in all brain regions, resulted in the loss of its coupling partner Cx32 on the oligodendrocyte side of astrocyte-oligodendrocyte (A/O) gap junctions, but had no effect on the localization of astrocytic Cx43 and oligodendrocytic Cx47 at these junctions or on the distribution of Cx32 along myelinated fibres. Surprisingly, gene deletion of Cx30 led to the near total elimination of immunofluorescence labelling for Cx26 in all leptomeningeal tissues covering brain surfaces as well as in astrocytes of brain parenchyma. Moreover northern blot analysis revealed downregulation of Cx26 mRNA in Cx30-knockout brains. Our results support earlier observations on the interdependency of Cx30/Cx32 targeting to A/O gap junctions and further suggest that Cx26 mRNA expression is affected by Cx30 gene expression. In addition, Cx30 protein may be required for co-stabilization of gap junctions or for co-trafficking in cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- B D Lynn
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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37
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Magnotti LM, Goodenough DA, Paul DL. Deletion of oligodendrocyte Cx32 and astrocyte Cx43 causes white matter vacuolation, astrocyte loss and early mortality. Glia 2011; 59:1064-74. [PMID: 21538560 PMCID: PMC3094483 DOI: 10.1002/glia.21179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/29/2011] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
CNS glia exhibit a variety of gap junctional interactions: between neighboring astrocytes, between neighboring oligodendrocytes, between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes, and as 'reflexive' structures between layers of myelin in oligodendrocytes. Together, these junctions are thought to form a network facilitating absorption and removal of extracellular K(+) released during neuronal activity. In mice, loss of the two major oligodendrocyte connexins causes severe demyelination and early mortality, while loss of the two major astrocyte connexins causes mild dysmyelination and sensorimotor impairment, suggesting that reflexive and/or oligo-oligo coupling may be more important for the maintenance of myelin than other forms. To further explore the functional relationships between glial connexins, we generated double knockout mice lacking one oligodendrocyte and one astrocyte connexin. Cx32-Cx43 dKO animals develop white matter vacuolation without obvious ultrastructural abnormalities in myelin. Progressive loss of astrocytes but not oligodendrocytes or microglia accompanies sensorimotor impairment, seizure activity and early mortality at around 16 weeks of age. Our data reveal an unexpected role for connexins in the survival of white matter astrocytes, requiring the expression of particular isoforms in both oligodendrocytes and astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M. Magnotti
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115
| | - Daniel A. Goodenough
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115
| | - David L. Paul
- Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, 220 Longwood Ave., Boston, MA 02115
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38
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Tress O, Maglione M, Zlomuzica A, May D, Dicke N, Degen J, Dere E, Kettenmann H, Hartmann D, Willecke K. Pathologic and phenotypic alterations in a mouse expressing a connexin47 missense mutation that causes Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease in humans. PLoS Genet 2011; 7:e1002146. [PMID: 21750683 PMCID: PMC3131295 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1002146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2010] [Accepted: 05/01/2011] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junction channels are intercellular conduits that allow diffusional exchange of ions, second messengers, and metabolites. Human oligodendrocytes express the gap junction protein connexin47 (Cx47), which is encoded by the GJC2 gene. The autosomal recessive mutation hCx47M283T causes Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease 1 (PMLD1), a progressive leukodystrophy characterized by hypomyelination, retarded motor development, nystagmus, and spasticity. We introduced the human missense mutation into the orthologous position of the mouse Gjc2 gene and inserted the mCx47M282T coding sequence into the mouse genome via homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. Three-week-old homozygous Cx47M282T mice displayed impaired rotarod performance but unchanged open-field behavior. 10-15-day-old homozygous Cx47M282T and Cx47 null mice revealed a more than 80% reduction in the number of cells participating in glial networks after biocytin injections into oligodendrocytes in sections of corpus callosum. Homozygous expression of mCx47M282T resulted in reduced MBP expression and astrogliosis in the cerebellum of ten-day-old mice which could also be detected in Cx47 null mice of the same age. Three-month-old homozygous Cx47M282T mice exhibited neither altered open-field behavior nor impaired rotarod performance anymore. Adult mCx47M282T expressing mice did not show substantial myelin alterations, but homozygous Cx47M282T mice, additionally deprived of connexin32, which is also expressed in oligodendrocytes, died within six weeks after birth and displayed severe myelin defects accompanied by astrogliosis and activated microglia. These results strongly suggest that PMLD1 is caused by the loss of Cx47 channel function that results in impaired panglial coupling in white matter tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Tress
- Institute of Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marta Maglione
- Cellular Neurosciences, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Armin Zlomuzica
- Center for the Study and Treatment of Mental Health, Ruhr-Universität Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Dennis May
- Institute of Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nikolai Dicke
- Institute of Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Joachim Degen
- Institute of Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ekrem Dere
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Paris VI), UMR 7102, Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, Paris, France
| | - Helmut Kettenmann
- Cellular Neurosciences, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dieter Hartmann
- Department of Anatomy, Division of Neuroanatomy, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Klaus Willecke
- Institute of Genetics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Nagy JI, Lynn BD, Tress O, Willecke K, Rash JE. Connexin26 expression in brain parenchymal cells demonstrated by targeted connexin ablation in transgenic mice. Eur J Neurosci 2011; 34:263-71. [PMID: 21714813 DOI: 10.1111/j.1460-9568.2011.07741.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are known to express the gap junction forming proteins connexin30 (Cx30) and connexin43 (Cx43), but it has remained controversial whether these cells also express connexin26 (Cx26). To investigate this issue further, we examined immunofluorescence labelling of glial connexins in wild-type vs. transgenic mice with targeted deletion of Cx26 in neuronal and glial cells (Cx26fl/fl:Nestin-Cre mice). The Cx26 antibodies utilized specifically recognized Cx26 and lacked cross reaction with highly homologous Cx30, as demonstrated by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence in Cx26-transfected and Cx30-transfected C6 glioma cells. Punctate immunolabelling of Cx26 with these antibodies was observed in leptomeninges and subcortical brain regions. This labelling was absent in subcortical areas of Cx26fl/fl:Nestin-Cre mice, but persisted in leptomeningeal tissues of these mice, thereby distinguishing localization of Cx26 between parenchymal and non-parenchymal tissue. In subcortical brain parenchyma, Cx26-positive puncta were often co-localized with astrocytic Cx43, and some were localized along astrocyte cell bodies and processes immunolabelled for glial fibrillary acidic protein. Cx26-positive puncta were also co-localized with punctate labelling of Cx47 around oligodendrocyte somata. Comparisons of Cx26 labelling in rodent species revealed a lower density of Cx26-positive puncta and a more restricted distribution in subcortical regions of mouse compared with rat brain, perhaps partly explaining reported difficulties in detection of Cx26 in mouse brain parenchyma using antibodies or Cx26 gene reporters. These results support our earlier observations of Cx26 expression in astrocytes and its ultrastructural localization in individual gap junction plaques formed between astrocytes as well as in heterotypic gap junctions between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- J I Nagy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Manitoba, 745 Bannatyne Ave., Winnipeg, MB, Canada R3E 0J9.
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Non-channel functions of connexins in cell growth and cell death. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2011; 1818:2002-8. [PMID: 21718687 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2011.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2011] [Revised: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 06/15/2011] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cellular communication mediated by gap junction channels and hemichannels, both composed of connexin proteins, constitutes two acknowledged regulatory platforms in the accomplishment of tissue homeostasis. In recent years, an abundance of reports has been published indicating functions for connexin proteins in the control of the cellular life cycle that occur independently of their channel activities. This has yet been most exemplified in the context of cell growth and cell death, and is therefore as such addressed in the current paper. Specific attention is hereby paid to the molecular mechanisms that underpin the cellular non-channel roles of connexin proteins, namely the alteration of the expression of tissue homeostasis determinants and the physical interaction with cell growth and cell death regulators. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, composition, structure and characteristics.
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Dere E, Zlomuzica A. The role of gap junctions in the brain in health and disease. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2011; 36:206-17. [PMID: 21664373 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2011.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2010] [Revised: 05/25/2011] [Accepted: 05/27/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions connect the cytosolic compartments of adjacent cells for direct electrotonic and metabolic cell-to-cell communication. Gap junctions between glial cells or neurons are ubiquitously expressed in the brain and play a role in brain development including cell differentiation, cell migration and survival, tissue homeostasis, as well as in human diseases including hearing loss, skin disease, neuropathies, epilepsy, brain trauma, and cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, gap junctions are involved in the synchronization and rhythmic oscillation of hippocampal and neocotical neuronal ensembles which might be important for memory formation and consolidation. In this review the accumulated evidence from mouse mutant and pharmacological studies using gap junction blockers is summarized and the progress made in dissecting the physiological, pathophysiological and behavioral roles of gap junction mediated intercellular communication in the brain is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekrem Dere
- Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris 6, UFR des Sciences de la Vie, UMR 7102, Neurobiologie des Processus Adaptatifs, 9 quai St Bernard, 75005 Paris, France.
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Wasseff SK, Scherer SS. Cx32 and Cx47 mediate oligodendrocyte:astrocyte and oligodendrocyte:oligodendrocyte gap junction coupling. Neurobiol Dis 2011; 42:506-13. [PMID: 21396451 PMCID: PMC3773476 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2011.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2011] [Accepted: 03/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In addition to the extensive gap junction coupling between astrocytes themselves, oligodendrocytes are thought to be exclusively coupled to astrocytes (O:A coupling) via heterotypic gap junctions composed of Cx47:Cx43 and Cx32:Cx30. We used fluorescent dyes to examine functional coupling in acute slices from the cerebra of mice lacking Cx32 and/or Cx47. In the corpus callosum, unexpectedly, oligodendrocytes appeared to be directly and exclusively coupled to other oligodendrocytes (O:O coupling), and electron microscopy revealed gap junctions between adjacent oligodendrocytes. O:O coupling was more affected in mice lacking Cx32 than in mice lacking Cx47. In the neocortex, oligodendrocytes appeared to be directly and exclusively coupled to astrocytes; Cx47, but not Cx32, was required for O:A coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameh K. Wasseff
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Steven S. Scherer
- Department of Neurology, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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New aspects of the molecular constituents of tissue barriers. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2010; 118:7-21. [PMID: 20865434 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-010-0484-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2010] [Accepted: 08/30/2010] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial and endothelial tissue barriers are based on tight intercellular contacts (Tight Junctions, TJs) between neighbouring cells. TJs are multimeric complexes, located at the most apical border of the lateral membrane. So far, a plethora of proteins locating at tight intercellular contacts have been discovered, the role of which has just partly been unraveled. Yet, there is convincing evidence that many TJ proteins exert a dual role: They act as structural components at the junctional site and they are involved in signalling pathways leading to alterations of gene expression and cell behaviour (migration, proliferation). This review will shortly summarize the classical functions of TJs and TJ-related proteins and will introduce a new category, termed the "non-classical" functions of junctional proteins. A particular focus will be directed towards the nuclear targeting of junctional proteins and the downstream effects elicited by their intranuclear activities.
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Vinken M, Decrock E, De Vuyst E, Ponsaerts R, D'hondt C, Bultynck G, Ceelen L, Vanhaecke T, Leybaert L, Rogiers V. Connexins: sensors and regulators of cell cycling. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2010; 1815:13-25. [PMID: 20801193 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2010.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2010] [Revised: 08/18/2010] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
It is nowadays well established that gap junctions are critical gatekeepers of cell proliferation, by controlling the intercellular exchange of essential growth regulators. In recent years, however, it has become clear that the picture is not as simple as originally anticipated, as structural precursors of gap junctions can affect cell cycling by performing actions not related to gap junctional intercellular communication. Indeed, connexin hemichannels also foresee a pathway for cell growth communication, albeit between the intracellular compartment and the extracellular environment, while connexin proteins as such can directly or indirectly influence the production of cell cycle regulators independently of their channel activities. Furthermore, a novel set of connexin-like proteins, the pannexins, have lately joined in as regulators of the cell proliferation process, which they can affect as either single units or as channel entities. In the current paper, these multifaceted aspects of connexin-related signalling in cell cycling are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Toxicology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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Sharma R, Fischer MT, Bauer J, Felts PA, Smith KJ, Misu T, Fujihara K, Bradl M, Lassmann H. Inflammation induced by innate immunity in the central nervous system leads to primary astrocyte dysfunction followed by demyelination. Acta Neuropathol 2010; 120:223-36. [PMID: 20532539 PMCID: PMC2892605 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-010-0704-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2010] [Revised: 05/25/2010] [Accepted: 05/25/2010] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Primary loss and dysfunction of astrocytes may trigger demyelination, as seen in neuromyelitis optica, an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. In most patients affected by this disease, injury to astrocytes is initiated by the action of autoantibodies targeting aquaporin 4 (AQP-4), a water channel on astrocytes. We show here that damage of astrocytes and subsequent demyelination can also occur in the absence of autoantibody-mediated mechanisms. Following injection of lipopolysaccharide into the white matter initial microglia activation is followed by a functional disturbance of astrocytes, mainly reflected by retraction of astrocytic foot processes at the glia limitans and loss of AQP-4 and connexins, which are involved in the formation of gap junctions between astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Demyelination and oligodendrocyte degeneration in this model follows astrocyte pathology. Similar structural abnormalities were also seen in a subset of active lesions in multiple sclerosis. Our studies suggest that astrocyte injury may be an important early step in the cascade of lesion formation in brain inflammation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Aquaporin 4/metabolism
- Astrocytes/immunology
- Astrocytes/pathology
- Cells, Cultured
- Central Nervous System/pathology
- Coculture Techniques/methods
- Disease Models, Animal
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/etiology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Gene Expression Regulation/immunology
- Humans
- Immunity, Innate
- Membrane Proteins/metabolism
- Microscopy, Confocal/methods
- Multiple Sclerosis/immunology
- Multiple Sclerosis/pathology
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Neuroglia/drug effects
- Polysaccharides/pharmacology
- Rats
- Time Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakhi Sharma
- Centre for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Marie-Therese Fischer
- Centre for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jan Bauer
- Centre for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Paul A. Felts
- Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, UK
- Centre for Anatomy and Human Identification, University of Dundee, Dundee, Scotland, UK
| | | | - Tatsuro Misu
- Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kazuo Fujihara
- Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Monika Bradl
- Centre for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans Lassmann
- Centre for Brain Research, Medical University of Vienna, Spitalgasse 4, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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Abstract
Vertebrate gap junctions, composed of proteins from the connexin gene family, play critical roles in embryonic development, co-ordinated contraction of excitable cells, tissue homoeostasis, normal cell growth and differentiation. Phosphorylation of connexin43, the most abundant and ubiquitously expressed connexin, has been implicated in the regulation of gap junctional communication at several stages of the connexin 'life cycle', including hemichannel oligomerization, export of the protein to the plasma membrane, hemichannel activity, gap junction assembly, gap junction channel gating and connexin degradation. Consistent with a short (1-5 h) protein half-life, connexin43 phosphorylation is dynamic and changes in response to activation of many different kinases. The present review assesses our current understanding of the effects of phosphorylation on connexin43 structure and function that in turn regulate gap junction biology, with an emphasis on events occurring in heart and skin.
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