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Tan JY, Yeoh HXY, Chia WK, Tan JWD, Aizuddin AN, Farouk WI, Alfian N, Wong YP, Tan GC. Overexpression of Connexin 40 in the Vascular Endothelial Cells of Placenta with Acute Chorioamnionitis. Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:811. [PMID: 38667457 PMCID: PMC11048802 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14080811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connexins (Cx) 43 and 40 play a role in leukocytes recruitment in acute inflammation. They are expressed in the endothelial cells. They are also found in the placenta and involved in the placenta development. Acute chorioamnionitis is associated with an increased risk of adverse perinatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the expressions of Cx43 and Cx40 in the placenta of mothers with acute chorioamnionitis, and to correlate their association with the severity of chorioamnionitis and adverse perinatal outcomes. METHODS This study comprised a total of 81 cases, consisting of 39 placenta samples of mothers with acute chorioamnionitis and 42 non-acute chorioamnionitis controls. Cx43 and Cx40 immunohistochemistry were performed on all cases and their expressions were evaluated on cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts, chorionic villi endothelial cells, stem villi endothelial cells, maternal endothelial cells and decidua of the placenta. RESULTS Primigravida has a significantly higher risk of developing acute chorioamnionitis (p < 0.001). Neonates of mothers with a higher stage of fetal inflammatory response was significantly associated with lung complications (p = 0.041) compared to neonates of mothers with a lower stage. The expression of Cx40 was significantly higher in fetal and maternal vascular endothelial cells in acute chorioamnionitis (p < 0.001 and p = 0.037, respectively) compared to controls. Notably, Cx43 was not expressed in most of the types of cells in the placenta, except for decidua. Both Cx43 and Cx40 expressions did not have correlation with the severity of acute chorioamnionitis and adverse perinatal outcomes. CONCLUSION Cx40 was overexpressed in the fetal and maternal vascular endothelial cells in the placenta of mothers with acute chorioamnionitis, and it may have a role in the development of inflammation in placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yee Tan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (J.Y.T.); (H.X.Y.Y.); (W.K.C.); (J.W.D.T.); (W.I.F.); (N.A.)
| | - Hannah Xin Yi Yeoh
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (J.Y.T.); (H.X.Y.Y.); (W.K.C.); (J.W.D.T.); (W.I.F.); (N.A.)
| | - Wai Kit Chia
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (J.Y.T.); (H.X.Y.Y.); (W.K.C.); (J.W.D.T.); (W.I.F.); (N.A.)
| | - Jonathan Wei De Tan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (J.Y.T.); (H.X.Y.Y.); (W.K.C.); (J.W.D.T.); (W.I.F.); (N.A.)
| | - Azimatun Noor Aizuddin
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Wirda Indah Farouk
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (J.Y.T.); (H.X.Y.Y.); (W.K.C.); (J.W.D.T.); (W.I.F.); (N.A.)
| | - Nurwardah Alfian
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (J.Y.T.); (H.X.Y.Y.); (W.K.C.); (J.W.D.T.); (W.I.F.); (N.A.)
| | - Yin Ping Wong
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (J.Y.T.); (H.X.Y.Y.); (W.K.C.); (J.W.D.T.); (W.I.F.); (N.A.)
| | - Geok Chin Tan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Yaacob Latif, Bandar Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (J.Y.T.); (H.X.Y.Y.); (W.K.C.); (J.W.D.T.); (W.I.F.); (N.A.)
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Abstract
The phenomenon of swarming has long been observed in nature as a strategic event that serves as a good offense toward prey and predators. Imaging studies have uncovered that neutrophils employ this swarm-like tactic within infected and inflamed tissues as part of the innate immune response. Much of our understanding of neutrophil swarming builds from observations during sterile inflammation and various bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections of the skin. However, the architecture and function of the skin differ significantly from vital organs where highly specialized microenvironments carry out critical functions. Therefore, the detrimental extent this perturbation may have on organ function remains unclear. In this review, we examine organ-specific swarming within the skin, liver, and lungs, with a detailed focus on swarming within microvascular environments. In addition, we examine potential "swarmulants" that initiate both transient and persistent swarms that have been implicated in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Brown
- Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bryan G. Yipp
- Calvin, Phoebe and Joan Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Hypertensive Nephropathy: Unveiling the Possible Involvement of Hemichannels and Pannexons. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415936. [PMID: 36555574 PMCID: PMC9785367 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the most common risk factors for developing chronic cardiovascular diseases, including hypertensive nephropathy. Within the glomerulus, hypertension causes damage and activation of mesangial cells (MCs), eliciting the production of large amounts of vasoactive and proinflammatory agents. Accordingly, the activation of AT1 receptors by the vasoactive molecule angiotensin II (AngII) contributes to the pathogenesis of renal damage, which is mediated mostly by the dysfunction of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) signaling. Similarly, inflammation entails complex processes, where [Ca2+]i also play crucial roles. Deregulation of this second messenger increases cell damage and promotes fibrosis, reduces renal blood flow, and impairs the glomerular filtration barrier. In vertebrates, [Ca2+]i signaling depends, in part, on the activity of two families of large-pore channels: hemichannels and pannexons. Interestingly, the opening of these channels depends on [Ca2+]i signaling. In this review, we propose that the opening of channels formed by connexins and/or pannexins mediated by AngII induces the ATP release to the extracellular media, with the subsequent activation of purinergic receptors. This process could elicit Ca2+ overload and constitute a feed-forward mechanism, leading to kidney damage.
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Blocking connexin 43 and its promotion of ATP release from renal tubular epithelial cells ameliorates renal fibrosis. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:511. [PMID: 35641484 PMCID: PMC9156700 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04910-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Whether metabolites derived from injured renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) participate in renal fibrosis is poorly explored. After TEC injury, various metabolites are released and among the most potent is adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is released via ATP-permeable channels. In these hemichannels, connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most common member. However, its role in renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) has not been fully examined. We analyzed renal samples from patients with obstructive nephropathy and mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Cx43-KSP mice were generated to deplete Cx43 in TECs. Through transcriptomics, metabolomics, and single-cell sequencing multi-omics analysis, the relationship among tubular Cx43, ATP, and macrophages in renal fibrosis was explored. The expression of Cx43 in TECs was upregulated in both patients and mice with obstructive nephropathy. Knockdown of Cx43 in TECs or using Cx43-specific inhibitors reduced UUO-induced inflammation and fibrosis in mice. Single-cell RNA sequencing showed that ATP specific receptors, including P2rx4 and P2rx7, were distributed mainly on macrophages. We found that P2rx4- or P2rx7-positive macrophages underwent pyroptosis after UUO, and in vitro ATP directly induced pyroptosis by macrophages. The administration of P2 receptor or P2X7 receptor blockers to UUO mice inhibited macrophage pyroptosis and demonstrated a similar degree of renoprotection as Cx43 genetic depletion. Further, we found that GAP 26 (a Cx43 hemichannel inhibitor) and A-839977 (an inhibitor of the pyroptosis receptor) alleviated UUO-induced fibrosis, while BzATP (the agonist of pyroptosis receptor) exacerbated fibrosis. Single-cell sequencing demonstrated that the pyroptotic macrophages upregulated the release of CXCL10, which activated intrarenal fibroblasts. Cx43 mediates the release of ATP from TECs during renal injury, inducing peritubular macrophage pyroptosis, which subsequently leads to the release of CXCL10 and activation of intrarenal fibroblasts and acceleration of renal fibrosis.
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Connexin 43 Expression in Cutaneous Biopsies of Lupus Erythematosus. Am J Dermatopathol 2022; 44:664-668. [PMID: 35503887 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000002217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gap junctions are channels between adjacent cells formed by connexins (Cxs). Cxs also form hemichannels that connect the cell with its extracellular milieu. These channels allow the transport of ions, metabolites, and small molecules; therefore, Cxs, and more specifically, connexin (Cx) 43 has been demonstrated to be in control of several crucial events such as inflammation and cell death. MATERIAL AND METHODS We examined the immunostaining of Cx43 in the endothelia of the cutaneous blood vessels of biopsies from 28 patients with several variants of lupus erythematosus. RESULTS In 19 cases (67.86%), staining of more than half of the dermal vessels including both vessels of the papillary and of the reticular dermis was identified. Only in 4 cases (14.28%), less than 25% of the vessels in the biopsy showed expression of the marker. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest a role of Cx43 in regulating the endothelial activity in lupus erythematosus, which also opens a door for targeted therapeutic options.
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Cooreman A, Caufriez A, Tabernilla A, Van Campenhout R, Leroy K, Kadam P, Sanz Serrano J, dos Santos Rodrigues B, Annaert P, Vinken M. Effects of Drugs Formerly Proposed for COVID-19 Treatment on Connexin43 Hemichannels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095018. [PMID: 35563409 PMCID: PMC9103705 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin43 (Cx43) hemichannels form a pathway for cellular communication between the cell and its extracellular environment. Under pathological conditions, Cx43 hemichannels release adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which triggers inflammation. Over the past two years, azithromycin, chloroquine, dexamethasone, favipiravir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, remdesivir, ribavirin, and ritonavir have been proposed as drugs for the treatment of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is associated with prominent systemic inflammation. The current study aimed to investigate if Cx43 hemichannels, being key players in inflammation, could be affected by these drugs which were formerly designated as COVID-19 drugs. For this purpose, Cx43-transduced cells were exposed to these drugs. The effects on Cx43 hemichannel activity were assessed by measuring extracellular ATP release, while the effects at the transcriptional and translational levels were monitored by means of real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunoblot analysis, respectively. Exposure to lopinavir and ritonavir combined (4:1 ratio), as well as to remdesivir, reduced Cx43 mRNA levels. None of the tested drugs affected Cx43 protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Cooreman
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Anne Caufriez
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Prashant Kadam
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Julen Sanz Serrano
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Bruna dos Santos Rodrigues
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Pieter Annaert
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-2477-4587
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Harcha PA, López-López T, Palacios AG, Sáez PJ. Pannexin Channel Regulation of Cell Migration: Focus on Immune Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 12:750480. [PMID: 34975840 PMCID: PMC8716617 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.750480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of Pannexin (PANX) channels during collective and single cell migration is increasingly recognized. Amongst many functions that are relevant to cell migration, here we focus on the role of PANX-mediated adenine nucleotide release and associated autocrine and paracrine signaling. We also summarize the contribution of PANXs with the cytoskeleton, which is also key regulator of cell migration. PANXs, as mechanosensitive ATP releasing channels, provide a unique link between cell migration and purinergic communication. The functional association with several purinergic receptors, together with a plethora of signals that modulate their opening, allows PANX channels to integrate physical and chemical cues during inflammation. Ubiquitously expressed in almost all immune cells, PANX1 opening has been reported in different immunological contexts. Immune activation is the epitome coordination between cell communication and migration, as leukocytes (i.e., T cells, dendritic cells) exchange information while migrating towards the injury site. In the current review, we summarized the contribution of PANX channels during immune cell migration and recruitment; although we also compile the available evidence for non-immune cells (including fibroblasts, keratinocytes, astrocytes, and cancer cells). Finally, we discuss the current evidence of PANX1 and PANX3 channels as a both positive and/or negative regulator in different inflammatory conditions, proposing a general mechanism of these channels contribution during cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paloma A Harcha
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Tamara López-López
- Cell Communication and Migration Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Adrián G Palacios
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Instituto de Neurociencia, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Pablo J Sáez
- Cell Communication and Migration Laboratory, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Arzola-Martínez L, Benavente R, Vega G, Ríos M, Fonseca W, Rasky AJ, Morris S, Lukacs NW, Villalón MJ. Blocking ATP-releasing channels prevents high extracellular ATP levels and airway hyperreactivity in an asthmatic mouse model. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2021; 321:L466-L476. [PMID: 34231389 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00450.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Allergic asthma is a chronic airway inflammatory response to different triggers like inhaled allergens. Excessive ATP in fluids from patients with asthma is considered an inflammatory signal and an important autocrine/paracrine modulator of airway physiology. Here, we investigated the deleterious effect of increased extracellular ATP (eATP) concentration on the mucociliary clearance (MCC) effectiveness and determined the role of ATP releasing channels during airway inflammation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mouse model. Our allergic mouse model exhibited high levels of eATP measured in the tracheal fluid with a luciferin-luciferase assay and reduced MCC velocity determined by microspheres tracking in the trachea ex vivo. Addition of ATP had a dual effect on MCC, where lower ATP concentration (µM) increased microspheres velocity, whereas higher concentration (mM) transiently stopped microspheres movement. Also, an augmented ethidium bromide uptake by the allergic tracheal airway epithelium suggests an increase in ATP release channel functionality during inflammatory conditions. The use of carbenoxolone, a nonspecific inhibitor of connexin and pannexin1 channels reduced the eATP concentration in the allergic mouse tracheal fluid and dye uptake by the airway epithelium, providing evidence that these ATP release channels are facilitating the net flux of ATP to the lumen during airway inflammation. However, only the specific inhibition of pannexin1 with 10Panx peptide significantly reduced eATP in bronchoalveolar lavage and decreased airway hyperresponsiveness in OVA-allergic mouse model. These data provide evidence that blocking eATP may be a pharmacological alternative to be explored in rescue therapy during episodes of airflow restriction in patients with asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Llilian Arzola-Martínez
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Science, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Rebeca Benavente
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Science, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Génesis Vega
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Science, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mariana Ríos
- Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Faculty of Biological Science, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Wendy Fonseca
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Andrew J Rasky
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Susan Morris
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Nicholas W Lukacs
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Manuel J Villalón
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Science, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Qing C, Xinyi Z, Xuefei Y, Xindong X, Jianhua F. The Specific Connexin 43-Inhibiting Peptide Gap26 Improved Alveolar Development of Neonatal Rats With Hyperoxia Exposure. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:587267. [PMID: 34290603 PMCID: PMC8287833 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.587267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common devastating pulmonary complication in preterm infants. Alveolar maldevelopment is the crucial pathological change of BPD highly associated with oxidative stress–mediated excessive apoptosis. Cellular injury can be propagated and amplified by gap junction (GJ)–mediated intercellular communication. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most ubiquitous and critical GJ protein. Gap26 is a specific Cx43 mimic peptide, playing as a Cx43-GJ inhibitor. We hypothesized that Cx43-GJ was involved in alveolar maldevelopment of BPD via amplifying oxidative stress signaling and inducing excessive apoptosis. Neonatal Sprague Dawley rats were kept in either normoxia (21% O2) or hyperoxia (85% O2) continuously from postnatal day (PN) 1 to 14 in the presence or absence of Gap26. Moreover, RLE-6TN cells (type II alveolar epithelial cells of rats) were cultured in vitro under normoxia (21% O2) or hyperoxia (85% O2). RLE-6TN cells were treated by N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) (a kind of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger) or Gap26. Morphological properties of lung tissue are detected. Markers associated with Cx43 expression, ROS production, the activity of the ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway, and apoptotic level are detected in vivo and in vitro, respectively. In vitro, the ability of GJ-mediated intercellular communication was examined by dye-coupling assay. In vitro, our results demonstrated ROS increased Cx43 expression and GJ-mediated intercellular communication and Gap26 treatment decreased ROS production, inhibited ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling, and decreased apoptosis. In vivo, we found that hyperoxia exposure resulted in increased ROS production and Cx43 expression, activated ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling, and induced excessive apoptosis. However, Gap26 treatment reversed these changes, thus improving alveolar development in neonatal rats with hyperoxia exposure. In summary, oxidative stress increased Cx43 expression and Cx43-GJ–mediated intercellular communication. And Cx43-GJ–mediated intercellular communication amplified oxidative stress signaling, inducing excessive apoptosis via the ASK1-JNK/p38 signaling pathway. The specific connexin 43–inhibiting peptide Gap26 was a novel therapeutic strategy to improve the alveolar development of BPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cai Qing
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhao Xinyi
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Xuefei
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xue Xindong
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fu Jianhua
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Structural, functional, and mechanistic insights uncover the fundamental role of orphan connexin-62 in platelets. Blood 2021; 137:830-843. [PMID: 32822477 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019004575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins oligomerise to form hexameric hemichannels in the plasma membrane that can further dock together on adjacent cells to form gap junctions and facilitate intercellular trafficking of molecules. In this study, we report the expression and function of an orphan connexin, connexin-62 (Cx62), in human and mouse (Cx57, mouse homolog) platelets. A novel mimetic peptide (62Gap27) was developed to target the second extracellular loop of Cx62, and 3-dimensional structural models predicted its interference with gap junction and hemichannel function. The ability of 62Gap27 to regulate both gap junction and hemichannel-mediated intercellular communication was observed using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis and flow cytometry. Cx62 inhibition by 62Gap27 suppressed a range of agonist-stimulated platelet functions and impaired thrombosis and hemostasis. This was associated with elevated protein kinase A-dependent signaling in a cyclic adenosine monophosphate-independent manner and was not observed in Cx57-deficient mouse platelets (in which the selectivity of 62Gap27 for this connexin was also confirmed). Notably, Cx62 hemichannels were observed to function independently of Cx37 and Cx40 hemichannels. Together, our data reveal a fundamental role for a hitherto uncharacterized connexin in regulating the function of circulating cells.
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Tan MLL, Kwong HL, Ang CC, Tey HL, Lee JSS, Becker DL. Changes in connexin 43 in inflammatory skin disorders: Eczema, psoriasis, and Steven-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. Health Sci Rep 2021; 4:e247. [PMID: 33659713 PMCID: PMC7895532 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connexin 43 (Cx43) plays a central role in the inflammatory response and wound healing. Targeting Cx43 expression reduces inflammation in a variety of injuries. The expression pattern of Cx43 has not been described for many inflammatory skin diseases. OBJECTIVES To describe the expression patterns of Cx43 in eczema, psoriasis, Steven-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. METHODS Archival skin biopsies from patients with eczema, psoriasis, and Steven-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrosis were identified and examined, with sister sections stained for Cx43 and imaged by confocal microscopy. All samples were compared to age and site-matched normal skin controls. RESULTS Epidermal Cx43 is reduced in acute eczema, absent in regions of spongiosis, and is highly elevated in subacute and chronic eczema. In plaque psoriasis, Cx43 is overexpressed in areas with psoriasiform hyperplasia with a fish-scale-like appearance but is lost in regions surrounding neutrophil microabscesses. Cx43 staining is strong in the neutrophils within these microabscesses. In SJS/TEN, Cx43 expression is elevated in areas bordering normal tissue but is rapidly lost in areas of keratinocyte necrosis. CONCLUSIONS Dynamic changes in Cx43 levels are seen in inflammatory skin diseases and may represent future potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy L. L. Tan
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
- Interdisciplinary Graduate SchoolNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
| | - Hui L. Kwong
- National Skin CentreSingaporeSingapore
- Department of DermatologyChangi General HospitalSingaporeSingapore
| | - Chia C. Ang
- Department of DermatologyChangi General HospitalSingaporeSingapore
| | - Hong L. Tey
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
- National Skin CentreSingaporeSingapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | | | - David L. Becker
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
- Skin Research Institute SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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12
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The Role of Connexin 43 in Lung Disease. Life (Basel) 2020; 10:life10120363. [PMID: 33352732 PMCID: PMC7766413 DOI: 10.3390/life10120363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The term lung disease describes a broad category of disorders that impair lung function. More than 35 million Americans have a preventable chronic lung disease with high mortality rates due to limited treatment efficacy. The recent increase in patients with lung disease highlights the need to increase our understanding of mechanisms driving lung inflammation. Connexins, gap junction proteins, and more specifically connexin 43 (Cx43), are abundantly expressed in the lung and are known to play a role in lung diseases. This review focuses on the role of Cx43 in pathology associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Additionally, we discuss the role of Cx43 in preventing disease through the transfer of mitochondria between cells. We aim to highlight the need to better understand what cell types are expressing Cx43 and how this expression influences lung disease.
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13
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Contribution of Connexin Hemichannels to the Pathogenesis of Acute Lung Injury. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:8094347. [PMID: 33293898 PMCID: PMC7688369 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8094347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin (Cx) family members form hemichannels (HCs) and gap junctions (GJs). Biological functions of Cx HCs have not been adequately characterized due to the inability to selectively target HCs or GJs. Recently, we developed a 6-mer peptide mimetic (P5) of the first extracellular loop of Cx43 and showed that it can block the permeability of HCs but not GJs formed by Cx43. In this study, we further characterized the HC blocking property of P5 and investigated the role of Cx HCs in acute lung injury (ALI). We found that P5 administration decreased HC permeability, in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells, HepG2 cells, and even Cx43-deficient astrocytes, which express different sets of Cxs, suggesting that P5 is a broad spectrum Cx HC blocker. In addition, P5 reduced HC permeability of alveolar cells in vivo. Moreover, P5 decreased endotoxin-induced release, by vascular endothelial cells in vitro, of high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1), a critical mediator of acute lung injury (ALI), and reduced HMGB1 accumulation in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of mice subjected to intratracheal endotoxin instillation. Furthermore, P5 administration resulted in a significant decrease in the concentrations of ALT, AST, and LDH in the BALF, the accumulation of leukocytes in alveoli, and the mortality rate of mice subjected to ALI. Wright-Giemsa staining showed that P5 caused similar reductions of both neutrophils and monocytes in BALF of ALI mice. Together, these results suggest that Cx HCs mediate HMGB1 release, augment leukocyte recruitment, and contribute to ALI pathology.
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14
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Kameritsch P, Pogoda K. The Role of Connexin 43 and Pannexin 1 During Acute Inflammation. Front Physiol 2020; 11:594097. [PMID: 33192611 PMCID: PMC7658380 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.594097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
During acute inflammation, the recruitment of leukocytes from the blood stream into the inflamed tissue is a well-described mechanism encompassing the interaction of endothelial cells with leukocytes allowing leukocytes to reach the site of tissue injury or infection where they can fulfill their function such as phagocytosis. This process requires a fine-tuned regulation of a plethora of signaling cascades, which are still incompletely understood. Here, connexin 43 (Cx43) and pannexin 1 (Panx1) are known to be pivotal for the correct communication of endothelial cells with leukocytes. Pharmacological as well as genetic approaches provide evidence that endothelial Cx43-hemichannels and Panx1-channels release signaling molecules including ATP and thereby regulate vessel function and permeability as well as the recruitment of leukocytes during acute inflammation. Furthermore, Cx43 hemichannels and Panx1-channels in leukocytes release signaling molecules and can mediate the activation and function of leukocytes in an autocrine manner. The focus of the present review is to summarize the current knowledge of the role of Cx43 and Panx1 in endothelial cells and leukocytes in the vasculature during acute inflammation and to discuss relevant molecular mechanisms regulating Cx43 and Panx1 function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Kameritsch
- Institute of Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.,Walter Brendel Center of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Kristin Pogoda
- Medical Faculty, Department of Physiology, Augsburg University, Augsburg, Germany
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15
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Kumar V. Pulmonary Innate Immune Response Determines the Outcome of Inflammation During Pneumonia and Sepsis-Associated Acute Lung Injury. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1722. [PMID: 32849610 PMCID: PMC7417316 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 280] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The lung is a primary organ for gas exchange in mammals that represents the largest epithelial surface in direct contact with the external environment. It also serves as a crucial immune organ, which harbors both innate and adaptive immune cells to induce a potent immune response. Due to its direct contact with the outer environment, the lung serves as a primary target organ for many airborne pathogens, toxicants (aerosols), and allergens causing pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and acute lung injury or inflammation (ALI). The current review describes the immunological mechanisms responsible for bacterial pneumonia and sepsis-induced ALI. It highlights the immunological differences for the severity of bacterial sepsis-induced ALI as compared to the pneumonia-associated ALI. The immune-based differences between the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria-induced pneumonia show different mechanisms to induce ALI. The role of pulmonary epithelial cells (PECs), alveolar macrophages (AMs), innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), and different pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and inflammasome proteins) in neutrophil infiltration and ALI induction have been described during pneumonia and sepsis-induced ALI. Also, the resolution of inflammation is frequently observed during ALI associated with pneumonia, whereas sepsis-associated ALI lacks it. Hence, the review mainly describes the different immune mechanisms responsible for pneumonia and sepsis-induced ALI. The differences in immune response depending on the causal pathogen (Gram-positive or Gram-negative bacteria) associated pneumonia or sepsis-induced ALI should be taken in mind specific immune-based therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Children's Health Queensland Clinical Unit, Faculty of Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, Mater Research, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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16
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Abstract
Of the 21 members of the connexin family, 4 (Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and Cx45) are expressed in the endothelium and/or smooth muscle of intact blood vessels to a variable and dynamically regulated degree. Full-length connexins oligomerize and form channel structures connecting the cytosol of adjacent cells (gap junctions) or the cytosol with the extracellular space (hemichannels). The different connexins vary mainly with regard to length and sequence of their cytosolic COOH-terminal tails. These COOH-terminal parts, which in the case of Cx43 are also translated as independent short isoforms, are involved in various cellular signaling cascades and regulate cell functions. This review focuses on channel-dependent and -independent effects of connexins in vascular cells. Channels play an essential role in coordinating and synchronizing endothelial and smooth muscle activity and in their interplay, in the control of vasomotor actions of blood vessels including endothelial cell reactivity to agonist stimulation, nitric oxide-dependent dilation, and endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor-type responses. Further channel-dependent and -independent roles of connexins in blood vessel function range from basic processes of vascular remodeling and angiogenesis to vascular permeability and interactions with leukocytes with the vessel wall. Together, these connexin functions constitute an often underestimated basis for the enormous plasticity of vascular morphology and function enabling the required dynamic adaptation of the vascular system to varying tissue demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Pohl
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Biomedical Centre, Cardiovascular Physiology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany; and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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17
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Bouvard C, Genet N, Phan C, Rode B, Thuillet R, Tu L, Robillard P, Campagnac M, Soleti R, Dumas De La Roque E, Delcambre F, Cronier L, Parpaite T, Maurat E, Berger P, Savineau JP, Marthan R, Guignabert C, Freund-Michel V, Guibert C. Connexin-43 is a promising target for pulmonary hypertension due to hypoxaemic lung disease. Eur Respir J 2020; 55:13993003.00169-2019. [PMID: 31862763 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00169-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying pulmonary hypertension (PH) are complex and multifactorial, and involve different cell types that are interconnected through gap junctional channels. Although connexin (Cx)-43 is the most abundant gap junction protein in the heart and lungs, and critically governs intercellular signalling communication, its contribution to PH remains unknown. The focus of the present study is thus to evaluate Cx43 as a potential new target in PH.Expressions of Cx37, Cx40 and Cx43 were studied in lung specimens from patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) or PH associated with chronic hypoxaemic lung diseases (chronic hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension (CH-PH)). Heterozygous Cx43 knockdown CD1 (Cx43+/-) and wild-type littermate (Cx43+/+) mice at 12 weeks of age were randomly divided into two groups, one of which was maintained in room air and the other exposed to hypoxia (10% oxygen) for 3 weeks. We evaluated pulmonary haemodynamics, remodelling processes in cardiac tissues and pulmonary arteries (PAs), lung inflammation and PA vasoreactivity.Cx43 levels were increased in PAs from CH-PH patients and decreased in PAs from IPAH patients; however, no difference in Cx37 or Cx40 levels was noted. Upon hypoxia treatment, the Cx43+/- mice were partially protected against CH-PH when compared to Cx43+/+ mice, with reduced pulmonary arterial muscularisation and inflammatory infiltration. Interestingly, the adaptive changes in cardiac remodelling in Cx43+/- mice were not affected. PA contraction due to endothelin-1 (ET-1) was increased in Cx43+/- mice under normoxic and hypoxic conditions.Taken together, these results indicate that targeting Cx43 may have beneficial therapeutic effects in PH without affecting compensatory cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Bouvard
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nafiisha Genet
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Carole Phan
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Baptiste Rode
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Raphaël Thuillet
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Ly Tu
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Paul Robillard
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Marilyne Campagnac
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Eric Dumas De La Roque
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,CHU de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | | | - Laurent Cronier
- Laboratoire Signalisation et Transports Ioniques Membranaires, CNRS ERL 7003, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Thibaud Parpaite
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Elise Maurat
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Patrick Berger
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,CHU de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Savineau
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Roger Marthan
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France.,CHU de Bordeaux, Pessac, France
| | - Christophe Guignabert
- INSERM UMR_S 999, Hôpital Marie Lannelongue, Le Plessis-Robinson, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Véronique Freund-Michel
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France.,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
| | - Christelle Guibert
- INSERM, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Pessac, France .,Univ-Bordeaux, Centre de Recherche Cardio-Thoracique de Bordeaux, U1045, Bordeaux, France
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18
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Angiotensin II induces RAW264.7 macrophage polarization to the M1‑type through the connexin 43/NF‑κB pathway. Mol Med Rep 2020; 21:2103-2112. [PMID: 32186758 PMCID: PMC7115186 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Angiotensin II (AngII) serves an important inflammatory role in cardiovascular disease; it can induce macrophages to differentiate into the M1-type, produce inflammatory cytokines and resist pathogen invasion, and can cause a certain degree of damage to the body. Previous studies have reported that connexin 43 (Cx43) and NF-κB (p65) are involved in the AngII-induced inflammatory pathways of macrophages; however, the mechanisms underlying the effects of Cx43 and NF-κB (p65) on AngII-induced macrophage polarization have not been determined. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of Cx43 and NF-κB (p65) on the polarization process of AngII-induced macrophages. The macrophage polarization-related proteins and mRNAs were examined by flow cytometry, western blotting, immunofluorescence, ELISA and reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analyses. RAW264.7 macrophages were treated with AngII to simulate chronic inflammation and it was subsequently found that AngII promoted RAW 264.7 macrophage polarization towards the M1-type by such effects as the release of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, the secretion of IL-6, and the expression of M1-type indicators, such as CD86. Simultaneously, compared with the control group, the protein expression levels of Cx43 and phosphorylated (p)-p65 were significantly increased following AngII treatment. The M1-related phenotypic indicators, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and CD86, were inhibited by the NF-κB (p65) signalling pathway inhibitor BAY117082. Similarly, the Cx43 inhibitors, Gap26 and Gap19, also inhibited the expression of M1-related factors, and the protein expression levels of p-p65 in the Gap26/Gap19 groups were significantly decreased compared with the AngII group. Altogether, these findings suggested that AngII may induce the polarization of RAW264.7 macrophages to the M1-type through the Cx43/NF-κB (p65) signalling pathway.
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19
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Targeted Proteomics-Based Quantitative Protein Atlas of Pannexin and Connexin Subtypes in Mouse and Human Tissues and Cancer Cell Lines. J Pharm Sci 2020; 109:1161-1168. [DOI: 10.1016/j.xphs.2019.09.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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20
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Huang Y, Mao Z, Zhang Z, Obata F, Yang X, Zhang X, Huang Y, Mitsui T, Fan J, Takeda M, Yao J. Connexin43 Contributes to Inflammasome Activation and Lipopolysaccharide-Initiated Acute Renal Injury via Modulation of Intracellular Oxidative Status. Antioxid Redox Signal 2019; 31:1194-1212. [PMID: 31319679 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2018.7636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Aims: Inflammasome activation plays a pivotal role in many inflammatory diseases. Given that connexin (Cx) channels regulate numerous cellular events leading to inflammasome activation, we determined whether and how connexin affected inflammasome activation and inflammatory cell injury. Results: Exposure of mouse peritoneal macrophages (PMs) to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) plus ATP caused NLRP3 inflammasome activation, together with an increased connexin43 (Cx43). Inhibition of Cx43 blunted inflammasome activation. Consistently, PMs from the Cx43 heterozygous mouse (Cx43+/-) exhibited weak inflammasome activation, in comparison with those from the Cx43+/+ mouse. Further analysis revealed that inflammasome activation was preceded by an increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen (NADPH) oxidase 2 (NOX2), protein carbonylation, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. Suppression of ROS with antioxidant, downregulation of NOX2 with small interfering RNA (siRNA), or inhibition of NADPH oxidase or MAPKs with inhibitors blocked Cx43 elevation and inflammasome activation. Intriguingly, suppression of Cx43 also blunted NOX2 expression, protein carbonylation, p38 phosphorylation, and inflammasome activation. In a model of acute renal injury induced by LPS, the Cx43+/- mouse exhibited a significantly lower level of blood interleukin-1β (IL-1β), blood urea nitrogen, and urinary protein, together with milder renal pathological changes and renal expression of NLRP3 and NOX4, as compared with the Cx43+/+ mouse. Moreover, inhibition of gap junctions suppressed IL-1β- and tumor necrosis factor-α-induced expression of NOX4 in glomerular podocytes and tubular epithelial cells. Innovation and Conclusion: Our study indicates that Cx43 contributes to inflammasome activation and the progression of renal inflammatory cell injury through modulation of intracellular redox status. Cx43 could be a novel target for the treatment of certain inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanru Huang
- Divison of Molecular Signaling, Department of the Advanced Biomedical Research, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Zhimin Mao
- Divison of Molecular Signaling, Department of the Advanced Biomedical Research, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Zhen Zhang
- Divison of Molecular Signaling, Department of the Advanced Biomedical Research, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Fumiko Obata
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Xiawen Yang
- Divison of Molecular Signaling, Department of the Advanced Biomedical Research, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Xiling Zhang
- Divison of Molecular Signaling, Department of the Advanced Biomedical Research, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Yong Huang
- Divison of Molecular Signaling, Department of the Advanced Biomedical Research, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Takahiko Mitsui
- Department of Urology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Jianglin Fan
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Takeda
- Department of Urology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
| | - Jian Yao
- Divison of Molecular Signaling, Department of the Advanced Biomedical Research, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Chuo, Japan
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21
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Hautefort A, Pfenniger A, Kwak BR. Endothelial connexins in vascular function. VASCULAR BIOLOGY 2019; 1:H117-H124. [PMID: 32923963 PMCID: PMC7439941 DOI: 10.1530/vb-19-0015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions are essential for intercellular crosstalk in blood and lymphatic vasculature. These clusters of intercellular channels ensure direct communication among endothelial cells and between endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and the synchronization of their behavior along the vascular tree. Gap junction channels are formed by connexins; six connexins form a connexon or hemichannel and the docking of two connexons result in a full gap junction channel allowing for the exchange of ions and small metabolites between neighboring cells. Recent evidence indicates that the intracellular domains of connexins may also function as an interaction platform (interactome) for other proteins, thereby regulating their function. Interestingly, fragments of Cx proteins generated by alternative internal translation were recently described, although their functions in the vascular wall remain to be uncovered. Variations in connexin expression are observed along different types of blood and lymphatic vessels; the most commonly found endothelial connexins are Cx37, Cx40, Cx43 and Cx47. Physiological studies on connexin-knockout mice demonstrated the essential roles of these channel-forming proteins in the coordination of vasomotor activity, endothelial permeability and inflammation, angiogenesis and in the maintenance of fluid balance in the body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Hautefort
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anna Pfenniger
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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22
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Weber B, Mendler MR, Lackner I, von Zelewski A, Höfler S, Baur M, Braun CK, Hummler H, Schwarz S, Pressmar J, Kalbitz M. Lung injury after asphyxia and hemorrhagic shock in newborn piglets: Analysis of structural and inflammatory changes. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219211. [PMID: 31276543 PMCID: PMC6611609 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Asphyxia of newborns is a severe and frequent challenge of the peri- and postnatal period. The purpose of this study was to study early morphological, immunological and structural alterations in lung tissue after asphyxia and hemorrhage (AH). METHODS 44 neonatal piglets (age 32 hrs) underwent asphyxia and hemorrhage (AH) and were treated according to the international liaison committee of resuscitation (ILCOR) guidelines. For this study, 15 piglets (blood transfusion (RBC) n = 9; NaCl n = 6, mean age 31 hrs) were randomly picked. 4 hours after ROSC (return of spontaneous circulation), lung tissue and blood samples were collected. RESULTS An elevation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was observed 4 hrs after AH accompanied by an increase of surfactant D after RBC treatment. After AH tight junction proteins Claudin 18 and junctional adhesion molecule 1 (JAM1) were down-regulated, whereas Occludin was increased. Furthermore, after AH and RBC treatment dephosphorylated active form of Connexin 43 was increased. CONCLUSIONS AH in neonatal pigs is associated with early lung injury, inflammation and alterations of tight junctions (Claudin, Occludin, JAM-1) and gap junctions (Connexin 43) in lung tissue, which contributes to the development of lung edema and impaired function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte Weber
- Department of Traumatology, Hand-, Plastic-, and Reconstructive Surgery, Center of Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Marc Robin Mendler
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Ina Lackner
- Department of Traumatology, Hand-, Plastic-, and Reconstructive Surgery, Center of Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Alexander von Zelewski
- Department of Traumatology, Hand-, Plastic-, and Reconstructive Surgery, Center of Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Severin Höfler
- Department of Traumatology, Hand-, Plastic-, and Reconstructive Surgery, Center of Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Meike Baur
- Department of Traumatology, Hand-, Plastic-, and Reconstructive Surgery, Center of Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Christian Karl Braun
- Institute of Clinical and Experimental Trauma-Immunology, University Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Helmut Hummler
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Stephan Schwarz
- Division of Neonatology and Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Jochen Pressmar
- Department of Traumatology, Hand-, Plastic-, and Reconstructive Surgery, Center of Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Miriam Kalbitz
- Department of Traumatology, Hand-, Plastic-, and Reconstructive Surgery, Center of Surgery, University of Ulm, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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23
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Xiong G, Tang W, Zhang D, He D, Wei G, Atala A, Liang XJ, Bleyer AJ, Bleyer ME, Yu J, Aloi JA, Ma JX, Furdui CM, Zhang Y. Impaired Regeneration Potential in Urinary Stem Cells Diagnosed from the Patients with Diabetic Nephropathy. Theranostics 2019; 9:4221-4232. [PMID: 31281543 PMCID: PMC6592174 DOI: 10.7150/thno.34050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells present in urine possess regenerative capacity to repair kidney injury. However, the unique characteristics of urinary stem cells (USC) from patients with diabetic nephropathy (d-USC) are unknown. The goal of this study was to investigate stemness properties in cell phenotype and regenerative potential of d-USC, compared to USC from healthy individuals. Methods: Thirty-six urine samples collected from patients (n=12, age range 60-75 years) with diabetic nephropathy (stages 3-4 stage chronic kidney disease [CKD]) were compared with 30 urine samples from healthy age-matched donors (n=10, age range 60-74 years). Results: There were approximately six times as many cells in urine samples from patients with diabetic nephropathy, including twice as many USC clones as healthy donors. However, approximately 70% of d-USC had weaker regenerative capacity as assessed by cell proliferation, less secretion of paracrine factors, weaker telomerase activity, and lower renal tubular epithelial differentiation potential compared to healthy controls. In addition, the levels of inflammatory factors (IL-1β and Cx43) and apoptotic markers (Caspase-3, and TUNEL) were significantly increased in d-USC compared to USC (p<0.01). Protein levels of autophagy marker (LC3-II) and mTOR signaling molecules (p-mTOR/mTOR, p-Raptor/Raptor and p-S6K1) were significantly lower in patient with diabetic nephropathy (p<0.01). Nevertheless, up to 30% of d-USC possessed similar regenerative capacity as USC from healthy donors. Conclusions: Regenerative performance of most d-USC was significantly lower than normal controls. Understanding the specific changes in d-USC regeneration capability will help elucidate the pathobiology of diabetic nephropathy and lead to prevent USC from diabetic insults, recover the stemness function and also identify novel biomarkers to predict progression of this chronic kidney disease.
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24
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Wong J, Chopra J, Chiang LLW, Liu T, Ho J, Wu WKK, Tse G, Wong SH. The Role of Connexins in Gastrointestinal Diseases. J Mol Biol 2019; 431:643-652. [PMID: 30639409 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2019.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 10/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions are hexagonal arrays of protein molecules in the plasma membrane and were first described in Mauthner cell synapses of goldfish. They form pathways for coupling between cells, allowing passive, electrotonic spread of ions and also passage of larger molecules such as amino acids and nucleotides. They are expressed in both excitable and non-excitable tissues. Each gap junction is made of two connexons, which are hexameric proteins of the connexin subunit. In this review, the roles that connexins play in gastrointestinal motility, the mechanisms of altered connexin expression leading to inflammatory bowel disease, gastrointestinal infections, and gastrointestinal symptoms in autistic spectrum disorder are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy Wong
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Jasmine Chopra
- Faculty of Arts and Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - Tong Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 300211, PR China
| | - Jeffery Ho
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - William K K Wu
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Gary Tse
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China.
| | - Sunny Hei Wong
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China; Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China.
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25
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Maas SL, Soehnlein O, Viola JR. Organ-Specific Mechanisms of Transendothelial Neutrophil Migration in the Lung, Liver, Kidney, and Aorta. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2739. [PMID: 30538702 PMCID: PMC6277681 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune responses are dependent on the recruitment of leukocytes to the site of inflammation. The classical leukocyte recruitment cascade, consisting of capture, rolling, arrest, adhesion, crawling, and transendothelial migration, is thoroughly studied but mostly in model systems, such as the cremasteric microcirculation. This cascade paradigm, which is widely accepted, might be applicable to many tissues, however recruitment mechanisms might substantially vary in different organs. Over the last decade, several studies shed light on organ-specific mechanisms of leukocyte recruitment. An improved awareness of this matter opens new therapeutic windows and allows targeting inflammation in a tissue-specific manner. The aim of this review is to summarize the current understanding of the leukocyte recruitment in general and how this varies in different organs. In particular we focus on neutrophils, as these are the first circulating leukocytes to reach the site of inflammation. Specifically, the recruitment mechanism in large arteries, as well as vessels in the lungs, liver, and kidney will be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne L Maas
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
| | - Oliver Soehnlein
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology (FyFa) and Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joana R Viola
- Institute for Cardiovascular Prevention (IPEK), Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany.,German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany
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26
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Sharma AK, Charles EJ, Zhao Y, Narahari AK, Baderdinni PK, Good ME, Lorenz UM, Kron IL, Bayliss DA, Ravichandran KS, Isakson BE, Laubach VE. Pannexin-1 channels on endothelial cells mediate vascular inflammation during lung ischemia-reperfusion injury. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2018; 315:L301-L312. [PMID: 29745255 PMCID: PMC6139659 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00004.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2018] [Revised: 04/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury (IRI), which involves inflammation, vascular permeability, and edema, remains a major challenge after lung transplantation. Pannexin-1 (Panx1) channels modulate cellular ATP release during inflammation. This study tests the hypothesis that endothelial Panx1 is a key mediator of vascular inflammation and edema after I/R and that IRI can be blocked by Panx1 antagonism. A murine hilar ligation model of IRI was used whereby left lungs underwent 1 h of ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion. Treatment of wild-type mice with Panx1 inhibitors (carbenoxolone or probenecid) significantly attenuated I/R-induced pulmonary dysfunction, edema, cytokine production, and neutrophil infiltration versus vehicle-treated mice. In addition, VE-Cad-CreERT2+/Panx1fl/fl mice (tamoxifen-inducible deletion of Panx1 in vascular endothelium) treated with tamoxifen were significantly protected from IRI (reduced dysfunction, endothelial permeability, edema, proinflammatory cytokines, and neutrophil infiltration) versus vehicle-treated mice. Furthermore, extracellular ATP levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid is Panx1-mediated after I/R as it was markedly attenuated by Panx1 antagonism in wild-type mice and by endothelial-specific Panx1 deficiency. Panx1 gene expression in lungs after I/R was also significantly elevated compared with sham. In vitro experiments demonstrated that TNF-α and/or hypoxia-reoxygenation induced ATP release from lung microvascular endothelial cells, which was attenuated by Panx1 inhibitors. This study is the first, to our knowledge, to demonstrate that endothelial Panx1 plays a key role in mediating vascular permeability, inflammation, edema, leukocyte infiltration, and lung dysfunction after I/R. Pharmacological antagonism of Panx1 activity may be a novel therapeutic strategy to prevent IRI and primary graft dysfunction after lung transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashish K Sharma
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Eric J Charles
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Yunge Zhao
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Adishesh K Narahari
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Pranav K Baderdinni
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Miranda E Good
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Ulrike M Lorenz
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer, University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Irving L Kron
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Douglas A Bayliss
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Kodi S Ravichandran
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer, University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Brant E Isakson
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Victor E Laubach
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine , Charlottesville, Virginia
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27
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Chanson M, Watanabe M, O'Shaughnessy EM, Zoso A, Martin PE. Connexin Communication Compartments and Wound Repair in Epithelial Tissue. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051354. [PMID: 29751558 PMCID: PMC5983803 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2018] [Revised: 04/26/2018] [Accepted: 04/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial tissues line the lumen of tracts and ducts connecting to the external environment. They are critical in forming an interface between the internal and external environment and, following assault from environmental factors and pathogens, they must rapidly repair to maintain cellular homeostasis. These tissue networks, that range from a single cell layer, such as in airway epithelium, to highly stratified and differentiated epithelial surfaces, such as the epidermis, are held together by a junctional nexus of proteins including adherens, tight and gap junctions, often forming unique and localised communication compartments activated for localised tissue repair. This review focuses on the dynamic changes that occur in connexins, the constituent proteins of the intercellular gap junction channel, during wound-healing processes and in localised inflammation, with an emphasis on the lung and skin. Current developments in targeting connexins as corrective therapies to improve wound closure and resolve localised inflammation are also discussed. Finally, we consider the emergence of the zebrafish as a concerted whole-animal model to study, visualise and track the events of wound repair and regeneration in real-time living model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Chanson
- Department of Pediatrics and Cell Physiology & Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Masakatsu Watanabe
- Graduate School of Frontier Biosciences, Osaka University, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
| | - Erin M O'Shaughnessy
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Alice Zoso
- Department of Pediatrics and Cell Physiology & Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Patricia E Martin
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
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28
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Ruez R, Dubrot J, Zoso A, Bacchetta M, Molica F, Hugues S, Kwak BR, Chanson M. Dendritic Cell Migration Toward CCL21 Gradient Requires Functional Cx43. Front Physiol 2018; 9:288. [PMID: 29636699 PMCID: PMC5880903 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) travel through lymphatic vessels to transport antigens and present them to T cells in lymph nodes. DCs move directionally toward lymphatics by virtue of their CCR7 and a CCL21 chemotactic gradient. We evaluated in vivo and in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) whether the gap junction protein Cx43 contributes to CCL21/CCR7-dependent DC migration in wild-type (WT) mice, heterozygous (Cx43+/−) mice and mice expressing a truncated form of Cx43 lacking its regulatory C-terminus (Cx43K258/−). In a model of flank skin inflammation, we found that the recruitment of myeloid DCs (mDCs) to skin draining lymph nodes was reduced in Cx43K258/− mice as compared to WT and Cx43+/− mice. In addition, the migration of Cx43K258/− BMDCs toward CCL21 was abolished in an in vitro chemotactic assay while it was only reduced in Cx43+/− cells. Both mutant genotypes showed defects in the directionality of BMDC migration as compared to WT BMDCs. No difference was found between the three populations of BMDCs in terms of expression of surface markers (CD11c, CD86, CD80, CD40, MHC-II, and CCR7) after differentiation and TLR activation. Finally, examination of the CCR7-induced signaling pathways in BMDCs revealed normal receptor-induced mobilization of intracellular Ca2+. These results demonstrate that full expression of an intact Cx43 is critical to the directionality and rate of DC migration, which may be amenable to regulation of the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ruez
- Department of Pediatrics, Cell Physiology, and Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Juan Dubrot
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alice Zoso
- Department of Pediatrics, Cell Physiology, and Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marc Bacchetta
- Department of Pediatrics, Cell Physiology, and Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Filippo Molica
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stéphanie Hugues
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Brenda R Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marc Chanson
- Department of Pediatrics, Cell Physiology, and Metabolism, Geneva University Hospitals, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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29
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Willebrords J, Maes M, Crespo Yanguas S, Vinken M. Inhibitors of connexin and pannexin channels as potential therapeutics. Pharmacol Ther 2017; 180:144-160. [PMID: 28720428 PMCID: PMC5802387 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2017.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
While gap junctions support the exchange of a number of molecules between neighboring cells, connexin hemichannels provide communication between the cytosol and the extracellular environment of an individual cell. The latter equally holds true for channels composed of pannexin proteins, which display an architecture reminiscent of connexin hemichannels. In physiological conditions, gap junctions are usually open, while connexin hemichannels and, to a lesser extent, pannexin channels are typically closed, yet they can be activated by a number of pathological triggers. Several agents are available to inhibit channels built up by connexin and pannexin proteins, including alcoholic substances, glycyrrhetinic acid, anesthetics and fatty acids. These compounds not always strictly distinguish between gap junctions, connexin hemichannels and pannexin channels, and may have effects on other targets as well. An exception lies with mimetic peptides, which reproduce specific amino acid sequences in connexin or pannexin primary protein structure. In this paper, a state-of-the-art overview is provided on inhibitors of cellular channels consisting of connexins and pannexins with specific focus on their mode-of-action and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, Brussels, Belgium.
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30
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Gleisner MA, Navarrete M, Hofmann F, Salazar-Onfray F, Tittarelli A. Mind the Gaps in Tumor Immunity: Impact of Connexin-Mediated Intercellular Connections. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1067. [PMID: 28919895 PMCID: PMC5585150 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs)-mediated intercellular communications (GJICs) are connexin (Cx)-formed plasma membrane channels that allow for the passage of small molecules between adjacent cells, and are involved in several physiopathological processes, including immune responses against cancer. In general, tumor cells are poorly coupled through GJs, mainly due to low Cx expression or reduced channel activity, suggesting that Cxs may have tumor suppressor roles. However, more recent data indicate that Cxs and/or GJICs may also in some cases promote tumor progression. This dual role of Cx channels in tumor outcome may be due, at least partially, to the fact that GJs not only interconnect cells from the same type, such as cancer cells, but also promote the intercellular communication of tumor cells with different types of cells from their microenvironment, and such diverse intercellular interactions have distinctive impact on tumor development. For example, whereas GJ-mediated interactions among tumor cells and microglia have been implicated in promotion of tumor growth, tumor cells delivery to dendritic cells of antigenic peptides through GJs have been associated with enhanced immune-mediated tumor elimination. In this review, we provide an updated overview on the role of GJICs in tumor immunity, focusing on the pro-tumor and antitumor effect of GJs occurring among tumor and immune cells. Accumulated data suggest that GJICs may act as tumor suppressors or enhancers depending on whether tumor cells interact predominantly with antitumor immune cells or with stromal cells. The complex modulation of immune-tumor cell GJICs should be taken into consideration in order to potentiate current cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Alejandra Gleisner
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mariela Navarrete
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca Hofmann
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Flavio Salazar-Onfray
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrés Tittarelli
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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31
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Kavvadas P, Abed A, Poulain C, Authier F, Labéjof LP, Calmont A, Afieri C, Prakoura N, Dussaule JC, Chatziantoniou C, Chadjichristos CE. Decreased Expression of Connexin 43 Blunts the Progression of Experimental GN. J Am Soc Nephrol 2017; 28:2915-2930. [PMID: 28667079 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2016111211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
GN refers to a variety of renal pathologies that often progress to ESRD, but the molecular mechanisms underlying this progression remain incompletely characterized. Here, we determined whether dysregulated expression of the gap junction protein connexin 43, which has been observed in the progression of renal disease, contributes to GN progression. Immunostaining revealed de novo expression of connexin 43 in damaged glomeruli in patients with glomerular diseases as well as in mice after induction of experimental GN. Notably, 2 weeks after the induction of GN with nephrotoxic serum, mice with a heterozygous deletion of the connexin 43 gene (connexin 43+/-) had proteinuria, BUN, and serum creatinine levels significantly lower than those of wild-type animals. Additionally, the connexin 43+/- mice showed less crescent formation, tubular dilation, monocyte infiltration, and interstitial renal fibrosis. Treatment of cultured podocytes with connexin 43-specific blocking peptides attenuated TGF-β-induced cytoskeletal and morphologic changes and apoptosis as did treatment with the purinergic blocker suramin. Finally, therapeutic treatment of GN mice with connexin 43-specific antisense oligodeoxynucleotide improved functional and structural renal parameters. These findings suggest that crosstalk between connexin 43 and purinergic signaling contributes to podocyte damage in GN. Given that this protein is highly induced in individuals with glomerular diseases, connexin 43 may be a novel target for therapeutic treatment of GN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Kavvadas
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Ahmed Abed
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universites, University Pierre et Marie Curie University Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Coralie Poulain
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.,University René Descartes, Paris, France.,University Denis Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Florence Authier
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Lise-Paule Labéjof
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.,Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz, Ilhéus, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Amelie Calmont
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Carlo Afieri
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.,Unit of Nephrology Dialysis and Kidney Transplantation, Fondazione Istituto Di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Ca Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico di Milano, Milan, Italy; and
| | - Niki Prakoura
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Claude Dussaule
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universites, University Pierre et Marie Curie University Paris 6, Paris, France.,Department of Physiology, Saint Antoine Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Christos Chatziantoniou
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universites, University Pierre et Marie Curie University Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Christos E Chadjichristos
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research Unité Mixte de Recherche-S1155, Batiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France; .,Sorbonne Universites, University Pierre et Marie Curie University Paris 6, Paris, France
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32
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Osgood RS, Upham BL, Bushel PR, Velmurugan K, Xiong KN, Bauer AK. Secondhand Smoke-Prevalent Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Binary Mixture-Induced Specific Mitogenic and Pro-inflammatory Cell Signaling Events in Lung Epithelial Cells. Toxicol Sci 2017; 157:156-171. [PMID: 28329830 PMCID: PMC5808746 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfx027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Low molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (LMW PAHs; < 206.3 g/mol) are prevalent and ubiquitous environmental contaminants, presenting a human health concern, and have not been as thoroughly studied as the high MW PAHs. LMW PAHs exert their pulmonary effects, in part, through P38-dependent and -independent mechanisms involving cell-cell communication and the production of pro-inflammatory mediators known to contribute to lung disease. Specifically, we determined the effects of two representative LMW PAHs, 1-methylanthracene (1-MeA) and fluoranthene (Flthn), individually and as a binary PAH mixture on the dysregulation of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and connexin 43 (Cx43), activation of mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK), and induction of inflammatory mediators in a mouse non-tumorigenic alveolar type II cell line (C10). Both 1-MeA, Flthn, and the binary PAH mixture of 1-MeA and Flthn dysregulated GJIC in a dose and time-dependent manner, reduced Cx43 protein, and activated the following MAPKs: P38, ERK1/2, and JNK. Inhibition of P38 MAPK prevented PAH-induced dysregulation of GJIC, whereas inhibiting ERK and JNK did not prevent these PAHs from dysregulating GJIC indicating a P38-dependent mechanism. A toxicogenomic approach revealed significant P38-dependent and -independent pathways involved in inflammation, steroid synthesis, metabolism, and oxidative responses. Genes in these pathways were significantly altered by the binary PAH mixture when compared with 1-MeA and Flthn alone suggesting interactive effects. Exposure to the binary PAH mixture induced the production and release of cytokines and metalloproteinases from the C10 cells. Our findings with a binary mixture of PAHs suggest that combinations of LMW PAHs may elicit synergistic or additive inflammatory responses which warrant further investigation and confirmation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ross S. Osgood
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Brad L. Upham
- Department of Pediatrics and Human Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan 48824
| | - Pierre R. Bushel
- Biostatistics & Computational Biology Branch, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina 27709
| | - Kalpana Velmurugan
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Ka-Na Xiong
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045
| | - Alison K. Bauer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado 80045
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33
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Soon ASC, Chua JW, Becker DL. Connexins in endothelial barrier function - novel therapeutic targets countering vascular hyperpermeability. Thromb Haemost 2016; 116:852-867. [PMID: 27488046 DOI: 10.1160/th16-03-0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged vascular hyperpermeability is a common feature of many diseases. Vascular hyperpermeability is typically associated with changes in the expression patterns of adherens and tight junction proteins. Here, we focus on the less-appreciated contribution of gap junction proteins (connexins) to basal vascular permeability and endothelial dysfunction. First, we assess the association of connexins with endothelial barrier integrity by introducing tools used in connexin biology and relating the findings to customary readouts in vascular biology. Second, we explore potential mechanistic ties between connexins and junction regulation. Third, we review the role of connexins in microvascular organisation and development, focusing on interactions of the endothelium with mural cells and tissue-specific perivascular cells. Last, we see how connexins contribute to the interactions between the endothelium and components of the immune system, by using neutrophils as an example. Mounting evidence of crosstalk between connexins and other junction proteins suggests that we rethink the way in which different junction components contribute to endothelial barrier function. Given the multiple points of connexin-mediated communication arising from the endothelium, there is great potential for synergism between connexin-targeted inhibitors and existing immune-targeted therapeutics. As more drugs targeting connexins progress through clinical trials, it is hoped that some might prove effective at countering vascular hyperpermeability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Laurence Becker
- David L. Becker, PhD, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, 308232 Singapore, Tel: +65 6592 3961, Fax: +65 6515 0417, E-mail:
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Li S, Peng W, Chen X, Geng X, Zhan W, Sun J. Expression and role of gap junction protein connexin43 in immune challenge-induced extracellular ATP release in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 55:348-357. [PMID: 27291350 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2016.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Connexin43 (Cx43) is the best characterized gap junction protein that allows the direct exchange of signaling molecules during cell-to-cell communications. The immunological functions and ATP permeable properties of Cx43 have been insensitively examined in mammals. The similar biological significance of Cx43 in lower vertebrates, however, is not yet understood. In the present study we identified and characterized a Cx43 ortholog (termed PoCx43) from Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and investigated its role in immune challenge-induced extracellular ATP release. PoCx43 mRNA transcripts are widely distributed in all tested normal tissues and cells with predominant expression in the brain, and are significantly up-regulated by LPS, poly(I:C) and zymosan challenges and Edwardsiella tarda infections as well, suggesting that PoCx43 expression was modulated by the inflammatory stresses. In addition, cyclic AMP (cAMP), an essential second messenger, also plays an important role in regulating PoCx43 gene expression, by which the PoCx43-mediated gap junctional communication may be regulated. Furthermore, overexpression of PoCx43 in Japanese flounder FG-9307 cells significantly potentiates the LPS- and poly(I:C)-induced extracellular ATP release and this enhanced ATP release was attenuated by pre-incubation with Cx43 inhibitor carbenoxolone. In a complementary experiment, down-regulation of PoCx43 endogenous expression in FG-9307 cells with small interfering RNA also significantly reduced the PAMP-induced extracellular ATP release, suggesting that PoCx43 is an important ATP release conduit under the immune challenge conditions. Finally, we showed that extracellular ATP stimulation led to an increased PoCx43 expression which probably provides a feedback mechanism in regulating PoCx43 expression at the transcriptional level. These findings suggest that PoCx43 is an inducible immune response gene and an important conduit for immune challenge-induced extracellular ATP release in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Li
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 393 West Binshui Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin 300387, China.
| | - Weijiao Peng
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 393 West Binshui Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Xiaoli Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 393 West Binshui Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin 300387, China
| | - Xuyun Geng
- Tianjin Center for Control and Prevention of Aquatic Animal Infectious Disease, 442 South Jiefang Road, Hexi District, Tianjin 300221, China
| | - Wenbin Zhan
- Laboratory of Pathology and Immunology of Aquatic Animals, LMMEC, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jinsheng Sun
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Animal and Plant Resistance, College of Life Sciences, Tianjin Normal University, 393 West Binshui Road, Xiqing District, Tianjin 300387, China.
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Willebrords J, Crespo Yanguas S, Maes M, Decrock E, Wang N, Leybaert L, Kwak BR, Green CR, Cogliati B, Vinken M. Connexins and their channels in inflammation. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 51:413-439. [PMID: 27387655 PMCID: PMC5584657 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2016.1204980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation may be caused by a variety of factors and is a hallmark of a plethora of acute and chronic diseases. The purpose of inflammation is to eliminate the initial cell injury trigger, to clear out dead cells from damaged tissue and to initiate tissue regeneration. Despite the wealth of knowledge regarding the involvement of cellular communication in inflammation, studies on the role of connexin-based channels in this process have only begun to emerge in the last few years. In this paper, a state-of-the-art overview of the effects of inflammation on connexin signaling is provided. Vice versa, the involvement of connexins and their channels in inflammation will be discussed by relying on studies that use a variety of experimental tools, such as genetically modified animals, small interfering RNA and connexin-based channel blockers. A better understanding of the importance of connexin signaling in inflammation may open up towards clinical perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and
Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels,
Belgium; Joost Willebrords: + Tel: 32 2 477 45 87, Michaël Maes: Tel: +32 2
477 45 87, Sara Crespo Yanguas: Tel: +32 2 477 45 87
| | - Sara Crespo Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and
Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels,
Belgium; Joost Willebrords: + Tel: 32 2 477 45 87, Michaël Maes: Tel: +32 2
477 45 87, Sara Crespo Yanguas: Tel: +32 2 477 45 87
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and
Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels,
Belgium; Joost Willebrords: + Tel: 32 2 477 45 87, Michaël Maes: Tel: +32 2
477 45 87, Sara Crespo Yanguas: Tel: +32 2 477 45 87
| | - Elke Decrock
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Ghent
University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Elke Decrock: Tel: +32 9 332 39
73, Nan Wang: Tel: +32 9 332 39 38, Luc Leybaert: Tel: +32 9 332 33 66
| | - Nan Wang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Ghent
University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Elke Decrock: Tel: +32 9 332 39
73, Nan Wang: Tel: +32 9 332 39 38, Luc Leybaert: Tel: +32 9 332 33 66
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Physiology Group, Ghent
University, De Pintelaan 185, 9000 Ghent, Belgium; Elke Decrock: Tel: +32 9 332 39
73, Nan Wang: Tel: +32 9 332 39 38, Luc Leybaert: Tel: +32 9 332 33 66
| | - Brenda R. Kwak
- Department of Pathology and Immunology and Division of Cardiology,
University of Geneva, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; Brenda R.
Kwak: Tel: +41 22 379 57 37
| | - Colin R. Green
- Department of Ophthalmology and New Zealand National Eye Centre,
University of Auckland, New Zealand; Colin R. Green: Tel: +64 9 923 61 35
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal
Science, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva 87,
05508-270 São Paulo, Brazil; Bruno Cogliati: Tel: +55 11 30 91 12 00
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and
Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels,
Belgium; Joost Willebrords: + Tel: 32 2 477 45 87, Michaël Maes: Tel: +32 2
477 45 87, Sara Crespo Yanguas: Tel: +32 2 477 45 87
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Karademir LB, Aoyama H, Yue B, Chen H, Bai D. Engineered Cx26 variants established functional heterotypic Cx26/Cx43 and Cx26/Cx40 gap junction channels. Biochem J 2016; 473:1391-403. [PMID: 26987811 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
Gap junction (GJ) channels mediate direct intercellular communication and are composed of two docked hemichannels (connexin oligomers). It is well documented that the docking and formation of GJs are possible only between compatible hemichannels (or connexins). The mechanisms of heterotypic docking compatibility are not fully clear. We aligned the protein sequences of docking-compatible and -incompatible connexins with that of connexin26 (Cx26). We found that two docking hydrogen bond (HB)-forming residues on the second extracellular domain (E2) of Cx26 and their equivalent residues are well conserved within docking-compatible connexins, but different between docking-incompatible connexins. Replacing one or both of these residues of Cx26 into the corresponding residues in the docking incompatible connexins (K168V, N176H or K168V-N176H) increased the formation of morphological and functional heterotypic GJs with connexin43 (Cx43) or connexin40 (Cx40), indicating that these two residues are important for docking incompatibility between Cx26 and these connexins. Our homology structure models predict that both HBs and hydrophobic interactions at the E2 docking interface are important docking mechanisms in heterotypic Cx26 K168V-N176H/Cx43 GJs and probably other docking compatible connexins. Revealing the key residues and mechanisms of heterotypic docking compatibility will assist us in understanding why these putative docking residues are hotspots of disease-linked mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levent B Karademir
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5C1
| | - Hiroshi Aoyama
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan
| | - Benny Yue
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5C1
| | - Honghong Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5C1
| | - Donglin Bai
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5C1
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Expression and role of connexin-based gap junctions in pulmonary inflammatory diseases. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 164:105-19. [PMID: 27126473 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Connexins are transmembrane proteins that can generate intercellular communication channels known as gap junctions. They contribute to the direct movement of ions and larger cytoplasmic solutes between various cell types. In the lung, connexins participate in a variety of physiological functions, such as tissue homeostasis and host defence. In addition, emerging evidence supports a role for connexins in various pulmonary inflammatory diseases, such as asthma, pulmonary hypertension, acute lung injury, lung fibrosis or cystic fibrosis. In these diseases, the altered expression of connexins leads to disruption of normal intercellular communication pathways, thus contributing to various pathophysiological aspects, such as inflammation or tissue altered reactivity and remodeling. The present review describes connexin structure and organization in gap junctions. It focuses on connexins in the lung, including pulmonary bronchial and arterial beds, by looking at their expression, regulation and physiological functions. This work also addresses the issue of connexin expression alteration in various pulmonary inflammatory diseases and describes how targeting connexin-based gap junctions with pharmacological tools, synthetic blocking peptides or genetic approaches, may open new therapeutic perspectives in the treatment of these diseases.
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38
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Connexin43 in retinal injury and disease. Prog Retin Eye Res 2016; 51:41-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2015.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Revised: 09/25/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Kim R, Chang G, Hu R, Phillips A, Douglas R. Connexin gap junction channels and chronic rhinosinusitis. Int Forum Allergy Rhinol 2016; 6:611-7. [PMID: 26919292 DOI: 10.1002/alr.21717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 11/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gap junction channels are formed by connexin (Cx) proteins. These channels facilitate communication between adjacent cells, and some have been implicated in acute and chronic inflammation. We investigated whether altered connexin expression could be associated with the inflammatory changes of the sinonasal mucosa that characterize chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). Our aims were first to screen normal sinus mucosa to determine the expression profile of the connexin family of genes, and second to compare the level of expression of 3 key connexins (Cx26, Cx30, and Cx43) in CRS and normal sinus mucosa. These 3 connexins have been implicated in lower airway epithelial cell repair, as well as chronic and acute cutaneous wounds. METHODS Sinus mucosa biopsies were taken from 11 patients with CRS undergoing sinus surgery and from 7 controls with normal sinuses undergoing transnasal pituitary surgery. Gene expression study of the connexin family was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Subsequent targeted quantitative analyses were done using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and fluorescent immunohistochemistry (IHC). RESULTS A total of 16 different connexin genes were expressed in the normal mucosa including Cx26, Cx30, and Cx43. The qPCR demonstrated increased abundance of Cx26 (p = 0.005), Cx30 (p = 0.07), and Cx43 (p = 0.04) in CRS compared to control mucosa. IHC confirmed significantly higher levels of Cx43 in CRS (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The majority of the connexin family is expressed in normal sinus mucosa. Expression of 3 selected connexins was found elevated in CRS mucosa. Connexin gap junction modulation may offer a novel therapeutic target for CRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raymond Kim
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - George Chang
- Faculty of Medical and Health Science, and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Rebecca Hu
- Faculty of Medical and Health Science, and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Anthony Phillips
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,Faculty of Medical and Health Science, and School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.,CoDa Therapeutics Inc, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard Douglas
- Department of Surgery, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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40
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Yao Y, Zeng QX, Deng XQ, Tang GN, Guo JB, Sun YQ, Ru K, Rizzo AN, Shi JB, Fu QL. Connexin 43 Upregulation in Mouse Lungs during Ovalbumin-Induced Asthma. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144106. [PMID: 26630490 PMCID: PMC4667899 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2014] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connexin (Cx)-based gap junction channels play important roles in the inflammatory response. Cx43 is involved in the pathogenesis of some lung diseases such as acute lung injury. However, the Cx43 expression in asthma is unclear. In the present study, we used a murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway disease to examine the levels of Cx43 and analyze the relationship between Cx43 and airway inflammation in allergic airway disease. METHODS Asthma was induced in mice via sensitization and challenge with OVA. Cx43 mRNA and protein expression levels were investigated via QT-PCR, western blot, and immunohistochemistry 0 h, 8 h, 1 d, 2 d and 4 d after the first challenge. The relationship between Cx43 protein levels and inflammatory cell infiltration, cytokine levels was analyzed. RESULTS The OVA-induced mice exhibited typical pathological features of asthma, including airway hyper-responsiveness; strong inflammatory cell infiltration surrounding the bronchia and vessels; many inflammatory cells in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF); higher IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 levels; and high OVA specific IgE levels. Low Cx43 expression was detected in the lungs of control (PBS) mice. A dramatic increase in the Cx43 mRNA and protein levels was found in the asthmatic mice. Cx43 mRNA and protein expression levels increased in a time-dependent manner in asthma mice, and Cx43 was mostly localized in the alveolar and bronchial epithelial layers. Moreover, lung Cx43 protein levels showed a significant positive correlation with inflammatory cell infiltration in the airway and IL-4 and IL-5 levels in the BALF at different time points after challenge. Interestingly, the increase in Cx43 mRNA and protein levels occurred prior to the appearance of the inflammatory cell infiltration. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that there is a strong upregulation of Cx43 mRNA and protein levels in the lungs in asthma. Cx43 levels also exhibited a positive correlation with allergic airway inflammation. Cx43 may represent a target to treat allergic airway diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Yao
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Qing-Xiang Zeng
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Xue-Quan Deng
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Guan-Nan Tang
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Jie-Bo Guo
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Yue-Qi Sun
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Kun Ru
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Alicia N. Rizzo
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep, and Allergy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jian-Bo Shi
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
| | - Qing-Ling Fu
- Otorhinolaryngology Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- Otorhinolaryngology Institute, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong province, China
- * E-mail:
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Sutcliffe J, Chin K, Thrasivoulou C, Serena T, O'Neil S, Hu R, White A, Madden L, Richards T, Phillips A, Becker D. Abnormal connexin expression in human chronic wounds. Br J Dermatol 2015; 173:1205-15. [DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J.E.S. Sutcliffe
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology; University College London; Gower Street London WC1E 6BT U.K
| | - K.Y. Chin
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology; University College London; Gower Street London WC1E 6BT U.K
| | - C. Thrasivoulou
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology; University College London; Gower Street London WC1E 6BT U.K
| | - T.E. Serena
- Newbridge Medical Research Corp.; Warren PA 16365 U.S.A
| | - S. O'Neil
- CoDa Therapeutics; 10 College Hill Auckland 1011 New Zealand
| | - R. Hu
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine; Nanyang Technological University; 11 Mandalay Road Singapore 308232 Singapore
| | - A.M. White
- CoDa Therapeutics; 10 College Hill Auckland 1011 New Zealand
| | - L. Madden
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine; Nanyang Technological University; 11 Mandalay Road Singapore 308232 Singapore
| | - T. Richards
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology; University College London; Gower Street London WC1E 6BT U.K
| | - A.R.J. Phillips
- CoDa Therapeutics; 10 College Hill Auckland 1011 New Zealand
| | - D.L. Becker
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine; Nanyang Technological University; 11 Mandalay Road Singapore 308232 Singapore
- Institute of Medical Biology; A*STAR; 138648 Singapore
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Glass AM, Snyder EG, Taffet SM. Connexins and pannexins in the immune system and lymphatic organs. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2899-910. [PMID: 26100515 PMCID: PMC11113820 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1966-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Connexin43 and pannexin1 are found in immune cells. While gap junctional communication has been demonstrated between immune cells, hemichannels have been implicated in many cellular functions. Among the functions involved as being connexin dependent and pannexin dependent are cell migration, phagocytosis, antigen presentation, T-cell reactivity and B-cell responses. Surprisingly, many of these connexin-related and pannexin-related functions are not recapitulated in in vivo models. This is leading to a reevaluation of the role of these proteins in immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M. Glass
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210 USA
| | - Elizabeth G. Snyder
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210 USA
| | - Steven M. Taffet
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, 750 E Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210 USA
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Abstract
The different types of cells in the lung, from the conducting airway epithelium to the alveolar epithelium and the pulmonary vasculature, are interconnected by gap junctions. The specific profile of gap junction proteins, the connexins, expressed in these different cell types forms compartments of intercellular communication that can be further shaped by the release of extracellular nucleotides via pannexin1 channels. In this review, we focus on the physiology of connexins and pannexins and describe how this lung communication network modulates lung function and host defenses in conductive and respiratory airways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Losa
- Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
- The ithree Institute, University of Technology Sydney, 2007 Ultimo, NSW Australia
| | - Marc Chanson
- Geneva University Hospitals and University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland
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44
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Zou H, Zhuo L, Han T, Hu D, Yang X, Wang Y, Yuan Y, Gu J, Bian J, Liu X, Liu Z. Autophagy and gap junctional intercellular communication inhibition are involved in cadmium-induced apoptosis in rat liver cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2015; 459:713-9. [PMID: 25778869 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2015.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is known to induce hepatotoxicity, yet the underlying mechanism of how this occurs is not fully understood. In this study, Cd-induced apoptosis was demonstrated in rat liver cells (BRL 3A) with apoptotic nuclear morphological changes and a decrease in cell index (CI) in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. The role of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and autophagy in Cd-induced apoptosis was investigated. Cd significantly induced GJIC inhibition as well as downregulation of connexin 43 (Cx43). The prototypical gap junction blocker carbenoxolone disodium (CBX) exacerbated the Cd-induced decrease in CI. Cd treatment was also found to cause autophagy, with an increase in mRNA expression of autophagy-related genes Atg-5, Atg-7, Beclin-1, and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 (LC3) conversion from cytosolic LC3-I to membrane-bound LC3-II. The autophagic inducer rapamycin (RAP) prevented the Cd-induced CI decrease, while the autophagic inhibitor chloroquine (CQ) caused a further reduction in CI. In addition, CBX promoted Cd-induced autophagy, as well as changes in expression of Atg-5, Atg-7, Beclin-1 and LC3. CQ was found to block the Cd-induced decrease in Cx43 and GJIC inhibition, whereas RAP had opposite effect. These results demonstrate that autophagy plays a protective role during Cd-induced apoptosis in BRL 3A cells during 6 h of experiment, while autophagy exacerbates Cd-induced GJIC inhibition which has a negative effect on cellular fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, and Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Liling Zhuo
- College of Life Science, Zaozhuang University, Zaozhuang, Shandong, 277160, PR China
| | - Tao Han
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, and Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Di Hu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, and Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Xiaokang Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, and Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Yi Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, and Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Yan Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, and Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jianhong Gu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, and Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Jianchun Bian
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, and Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Xuezhong Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, and Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China
| | - Zongping Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, and Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, 225009, PR China.
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Davidson J, Green C, Bennet L, Gunn A. Battle of the hemichannels – Connexins and Pannexins in ischemic brain injury. Int J Dev Neurosci 2014; 45:66-74. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2014.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- J.O. Davidson
- Department of PhysiologyThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - C.R. Green
- Department of OphthalmologyThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - L. Bennet
- Department of PhysiologyThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
| | - A.J. Gunn
- Department of PhysiologyThe University of AucklandAucklandNew Zealand
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46
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Sáez PJ, Shoji KF, Aguirre A, Sáez JC. Regulation of hemichannels and gap junction channels by cytokines in antigen-presenting cells. Mediators Inflamm 2014; 2014:742734. [PMID: 25301274 PMCID: PMC4180397 DOI: 10.1155/2014/742734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autocrine and paracrine signals coordinate responses of several cell types of the immune system that provide efficient protection against different challenges. Antigen-presenting cells (APCs) coordinate activation of this system via homocellular and heterocellular interactions. Cytokines constitute chemical intercellular signals among immune cells and might promote pro- or anti-inflammatory effects. During the last two decades, two membrane pathways for intercellular communication have been demonstrated in cells of the immune system. They are called hemichannels (HCs) and gap junction channels (GJCs) and provide new insights into the mechanisms of the orchestrated response of immune cells. GJCs and HCs are permeable to ions and small molecules, including signaling molecules. The direct intercellular transfer between contacting cells can be mediated by GJCs, whereas the release to or uptake from the extracellular milieu can be mediated by HCs. GJCs and HCs can be constituted by two protein families: connexins (Cxs) or pannexins (Panxs), which are present in almost all APCs, being Cx43 and Panx1 the most ubiquitous members of each protein family. In this review, we focus on the effects of different cytokines on the intercellular communication mediated by HCs and GJCs in APCs and their impact on purinergic signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo J. Sáez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, 6513677 Santiago, Chile
| | - Kenji F. Shoji
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, 6513677 Santiago, Chile
| | - Adam Aguirre
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, 6513677 Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan C. Sáez
- Departamento de Fisiología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Alameda 340, 6513677 Santiago, Chile
- Instituto Milenio, Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias de Valparaíso, Pasaje Harrington 287, Playa Ancha, 2360103 Valparaíso, Chile
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47
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Molica F, Meens MJP, Morel S, Kwak BR. Mutations in cardiovascular connexin genes. Biol Cell 2014; 106:269-93. [PMID: 24966059 DOI: 10.1111/boc.201400038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) form a family of transmembrane proteins comprising 21 members in humans. Cxs differ in their expression patterns, biophysical properties and ability to combine into homomeric or heteromeric gap junction channels between neighbouring cells. The permeation of ions and small metabolites through gap junction channels or hemichannels confers a crucial role to these proteins in intercellular communication and in maintaining tissue homeostasis. Among others, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45 and Cx47 are found in heart, blood and lymphatic vessels. Mutations or polymorphisms in the genes coding for these Cxs have not only been implicated in cardiovascular pathologies but also in a variety of other disorders. While mutations in Cx43 are mostly linked to oculodentodigital dysplasia, Cx47 mutations are associated with Pelizaeus-Merzbacher-like disease and lymphoedema. Cx40 mutations are principally linked to atrial fibrillation. Mutations in Cx37 have not yet been described, but polymorphisms in the Cx37 gene have been implicated in the development of arterial disease. This review addresses current knowledge on gene mutations in cardiovascular Cxs systematically and links them to alterations in channel properties and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Molica
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Medical Specializations - Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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O'Carroll SJ, Becker DL, Davidson JO, Gunn AJ, Nicholson LFB, Green CR. The use of connexin-based therapeutic approaches to target inflammatory diseases. Methods Mol Biol 2014; 1037:519-46. [PMID: 24029957 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-62703-505-7_31] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in Connexin43 (Cx43) expression levels have been shown to play a role in inflammatory processes including skin wounding and neuroinflammation. Cx43 protein levels increase following a skin wound and can inhibit wound healing. Increased Cx43 has been observed following stroke, epilepsy, ischemia, optic nerve damage, and spinal cord injury with gap junctional communication and hemichannel opening leading to increased secondary damage via the inflammatory response. Connexin43 modulation has been identified as a potential target for protection and repair in neuroinflammation and skin wound repair. This review describes the use of a Cx43 specific antisense oligonucleotide (Cx43 AsODN) and peptide mimetics of the connexin extracellular loop domain to modulate Cx43 expression and/or function in inflammatory disorders of the skin and central nervous system. An overview of the role of connexin43 in inflammatory conditions, how antisense and peptide have allowed us to elucidate the role of Cx43 in these diseases, create models of diseases to test interventions and their potential for use clinically or in current clinical trials is presented. Antisense oligonucleotides are applied topically and have been used to improve wound healing following skin injury. They have also been used to develop ex vivo models of neuroinflammatory diseases that will allow testing of intervention strategies. The connexin mimetic peptides have shown potential in a number of neuroinflammatory disorders in ex vivo models as well as in vivo when delivered directly to the injury site or when delivered systemically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon J O'Carroll
- Department of Anatomy with Radiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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49
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O’Donnell JJ, Birukova AA, Beyer EC, Birukov KG. Gap junction protein connexin43 exacerbates lung vascular permeability. PLoS One 2014; 9:e100931. [PMID: 24967639 PMCID: PMC4072707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0100931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased vascular permeability causes pulmonary edema that impairs arterial oxygenation and thus contributes to morbidity and mortality associated with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome and sepsis. Although components of intercellular adhesive and tight junctions are critical for maintaining the endothelial barrier, there has been limited study of the roles of gap junctions and their component proteins (connexins). Since connexins can modulate inflammatory signaling in other systems, we hypothesized that connexins may also regulate pulmonary endothelial permeability. The relationships between connexins and the permeability response to inflammatory stimuli were studied in cultured human pulmonary endothelial cells. Prolonged treatment with thrombin, lipopolysaccharide, or pathological cyclic stretch increased levels of mRNA and protein for the major connexin, connexin43 (Cx43). Thrombin and lipopolysaccharide both increased intercellular communication assayed by transfer of microinjected Lucifer yellow. Although thrombin decreased transendothelial resistance in these cells, the response was attenuated by pretreatment with the connexin inhibitor carbenoxolone. Additionally, the decreases of transendothelial resistance produced by either thrombin or lipopolysaccharide were attenuated by reducing Cx43 expression by siRNA knockdown. Both carbenoxolone and Cx43 knockdown also abrogated thrombin-induced phosphorylation of myosin light chain. Taken together, these data suggest that increased lung vascular permeability induced by inflammatory conditions may be amplified via increased expression of Cx43 and intercellular communication among pulmonary endothelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J. O’Donnell
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Lung Injury Center, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Anna A. Birukova
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Lung Injury Center, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Eric C. Beyer
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Konstantin G. Birukov
- Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- Lung Injury Center, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail: *
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50
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Abed A, Toubas J, Kavvadas P, Authier F, Cathelin D, Alfieri C, Boffa JJ, Dussaule JC, Chatziantoniou C, Chadjichristos CE. Targeting connexin 43 protects against the progression of experimental chronic kidney disease in mice. Kidney Int 2014; 86:768-79. [PMID: 24850151 DOI: 10.1038/ki.2014.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Revised: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Excessive recruitment of monocytes and progression of fibrosis are hallmarks of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Recently we reported that the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) was upregulated in the kidney during experimental nephropathy. To investigate the role of Cx43 in the progression of CKD, we interbred RenTg mice, a genetic model of hypertension-induced CKD, with Cx43+/- mice. The renal cortex of 5-month-old RenTgCx43+/- mice showed a marked decrease of cell adhesion markers leading to reduced monocyte infiltration and interstitial renal fibrosis compared with their littermates. In addition, functional and histological parameters such as albuminuria and glomerulosclerosis were ameliorated in RenTgCx43+/- mice. Interestingly, treatment with Cx43 antisense produced remarkable improvement of renal function and structure in 1-year-old RenTg mice. Similar results were found in Cx43+/- or wild-type mice treated with Cx43 antisense after obstructive nephropathy. Furthermore, in these mice, Cx43 antisense attenuated E-cadherin downregulation and phosphorylation of the transcription factor Sp1 by the ERK pathway resulting in decreased transcription of type I collagen gene. Interestingly, Cx43-specific blocking peptide inhibited monocyte adhesion in activated endothelium and profibrotic pathways in tubular cells. Cx43 was highly increased in biopsies of patients with CKD. Thus, Cx43 may represent a new therapeutic target against the progression of CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Abed
- 1] INSERM UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France [2] Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Julie Toubas
- 1] INSERM UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France [2] Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Jean-Jacques Boffa
- 1] INSERM UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France [2] Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France [3] Department of Nephrology, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Claude Dussaule
- 1] INSERM UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France [2] Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France [3] Department of Physiology, Saint-Antoine Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Christos Chatziantoniou
- 1] INSERM UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France [2] Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France
| | - Christos E Chadjichristos
- 1] INSERM UMR-S1155, Tenon Hospital, Paris, France [2] Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 6, Paris, France
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