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Yasarbas SS, Inal E, Yildirim MA, Dubrac S, Lamartine J, Mese G. Connexins in epidermal health and diseases: insights into their mutations, implications, and therapeutic solutions. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1346971. [PMID: 38827992 PMCID: PMC11140265 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1346971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, serves as a protective barrier against external factors. Epidermal differentiation, a tightly regulated process essential for epidermal homeostasis, epidermal barrier formation and skin integrity maintenance, is orchestrated by several players, including signaling molecules, calcium gradient and junctional complexes such as gap junctions (GJs). GJ proteins, known as connexins facilitate cell-to-cell communication between adjacent keratinocytes. Connexins can function as either hemichannels or GJs, depending on their interaction with other connexons from neighboring keratinocytes. These channels enable the transport of metabolites, cAMP, microRNAs, and ions, including Ca2+, across cell membranes. At least ten distinct connexins are expressed within the epidermis and mutations in at least five of them has been linked to various skin disorders. Connexin mutations may cause aberrant channel activity by altering their synthesis, their gating properties, their intracellular trafficking, and the assembly of hemichannels and GJ channels. In addition to mutations, connexin expression is dysregulated in other skin conditions including psoriasis, chronic wound and skin cancers, indicating the crucial role of connexins in skin homeostasis. Current treatment options for conditions with mutant or altered connexins are limited and primarily focus on symptom management. Several therapeutics, including non-peptide chemicals, antibodies, mimetic peptides and allele-specific small interfering RNAs are promising in treating connexin-related skin disorders. Since connexins play crucial roles in maintaining epidermal homeostasis as shown with linkage to a range of skin disorders and cancer, further investigations are warranted to decipher the molecular and cellular alterations within cells due to mutations or altered expression, leading to abnormal proliferation and differentiation. This would also help characterize the roles of each isoform in skin homeostasis, in addition to the development of innovative therapeutic interventions. This review highlights the critical functions of connexins in the epidermis and the association between connexins and skin disorders, and discusses potential therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Suheda Yasarbas
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
| | - Ece Inal
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
| | - M. Azra Yildirim
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
| | - Sandrine Dubrac
- Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Allergology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Jérôme Lamartine
- Skin Functional Integrity Group, Laboratory for Tissue Biology and Therapeutics Engineering (LBTI) CNRS UMR5305, University of Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Gulistan Mese
- Izmir Institute of Technology, Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir, Turkiye
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Nauth T, Bazgir F, Voß H, Brandenstein LI, Mosaddeghzadeh N, Rickassel V, Deden S, Gorzelanny C, Schlüter H, Ahmadian MR, Rosenberger G. Cutaneous manifestations in Costello syndrome: HRAS p.Gly12Ser affects RIN1-mediated integrin trafficking in immortalized epidermal keratinocytes. Hum Mol Genet 2023; 32:304-318. [PMID: 35981076 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddac188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous germline missense variants in the HRAS gene underlie Costello syndrome (CS). The molecular basis for cutaneous manifestations in CS is largely unknown. We used an immortalized human cell line, HaCaT keratinocytes, stably expressing wild-type or CS-associated (p.Gly12Ser) HRAS and defined RIN1 as quantitatively most prominent, high-affinity effector of active HRAS in these cells. As an exchange factor for RAB5 GTPases, RIN1 is involved in endosomal sorting of cell-adhesion integrins. RIN1-dependent RAB5A activation was strongly increased by HRASGly12Ser, and HRAS-RIN1-ABL1/2 signaling was induced in HRASWT- and HRASGly12Ser-expressing cells. Along with that, HRASGly12Ser expression decreased total integrin levels and enriched β1 integrin in RAB5- and EEA1-positive early endosomes. The intracellular level of active β1 integrin was increased in HRASGly12Ser HaCaT keratinocytes due to impaired recycling, whereas RIN1 disruption raised β1 integrin cell surface distribution. HRASGly12Ser induced co-localization of β1 integrin with SNX17 and RAB7 in early/sorting and late endosomes, respectively. Thus, by retaining β1 integrin in intracellular endosomal compartments, HRAS-RIN1 signaling affects the subcellular availability of β1 integrin. This may interfere with integrin-dependent processes as we detected for HRASGly12Ser cells spreading on fibronectin. We conclude that dysregulation of receptor trafficking and integrin-dependent processes such as cell adhesion are relevant in the pathobiology of CS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Nauth
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Farhad Bazgir
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Hannah Voß
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Section Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Laura I Brandenstein
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Niloufar Mosaddeghzadeh
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Verena Rickassel
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sophia Deden
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Gorzelanny
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hartmut Schlüter
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Section Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mohammad R Ahmadian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology II, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich-Heine University, 40225 Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Georg Rosenberger
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
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Zhu Y, Lu J, Wang S, Xu D, Wu M, Xian S, Zhang W, Tong X, Liu Y, Huang J, Jiang L, Guo X, Xie S, Gu M, Jin S, Ma Y, Huang R, Xiao S, Ji S. Mapping intellectual structure and research hotspots in the field of fibroblast-associated DFUs: a bibliometric analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1109456. [PMID: 37124747 PMCID: PMC10140415 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1109456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are one of the most popular and severe complications of diabetes. The persistent non-healing of DFUs may eventually contribute to severe complications such as amputation, which presents patients with significant physical and psychological challenges. Fibroblasts are critical cells in wound healing and perform essential roles in all phases of wound healing. In diabetic foot patients, the disruption of fibroblast function exacerbates the non-healing of the wound. This study aimed to summarize the hotspots and evaluate the global research trends on fibroblast-related DFUs through bibliometric analysis. Methods Scientific publications on the study of fibroblast-related DFUs from January 1, 2000 to April 27, 2022 were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). Biblioshiny software was primarily performed for the visual analysis of the literature, CiteSpace software and VOSviewer software were used to validate the results. Results A total of 479 articles on fibroblast-related DFUs were retrieved. The most published countries, institutions, journals, and authors in this field were the USA, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Wound Repair and Regeneration, and Seung-Kyu Han. In addition, keyword co-occurrence networks, historical direct citation networks, thematic map, and the trend topics map summarize the research hotspots and trends in this field. Conclusion Current studies indicated that research on fibroblast-related DFUs is attracting increasing concern and have clinical implications. The cellular and molecular mechanisms of the DFU pathophysiological process, the molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets associated with DFUs angiogenesis, and the measures to promote DFUs wound healing are three worthy research hotspots in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yushu Zhu
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianyu Lu
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Siqiao Wang
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dayuan Xu
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Minjuan Wu
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyuan Xian
- School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xirui Tong
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yifan Liu
- School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Luofeng Jiang
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinya Guo
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Sujie Xie
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Minyi Gu
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuxin Jin
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yicheng Ma
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Runzhi Huang
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Runzhi Huang, ; Shizhao Ji, ; Shichu Xiao,
| | - Shichu Xiao
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Runzhi Huang, ; Shizhao Ji, ; Shichu Xiao,
| | - Shizhao Ji
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Research Unit of Critical Techniques for Treatment of Burns and Combined Burns and Trauma Injury, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Runzhi Huang, ; Shizhao Ji, ; Shichu Xiao,
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Fahey M, Bennett M, Thomas M, Montney K, Vivancos-Koopman I, Pugliese B, Browning L, Bonassar LJ, Delco M. Mesenchymal stromal cells donate mitochondria to articular chondrocytes exposed to mitochondrial, environmental, and mechanical stress. Sci Rep 2022; 12:21525. [PMID: 36513773 PMCID: PMC9747781 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-25844-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Articular cartilage has limited healing capacity and no drugs are available that can prevent or slow the development of osteoarthritis (OA) after joint injury. Mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC)-based regenerative therapies for OA are increasingly common, but questions regarding their mechanisms of action remain. Our group recently reported that although cartilage is avascular and relatively metabolically quiescent, injury induces chondrocyte mitochondrial dysfunction, driving cartilage degradation and OA. MSCs are known to rescue injured cells and improve healing by donating healthy mitochondria in highly metabolic tissues, but mitochondrial transfer has not been investigated in cartilage. Here, we demonstrate that MSCs transfer mitochondria to stressed chondrocytes in cell culture and in injured cartilage tissue. Conditions known to induce chondrocyte mitochondrial dysfunction, including stimulation with rotenone/antimycin and hyperoxia, increased transfer. MSC-chondrocyte mitochondrial transfer was blocked by non-specific and specific (connexin-43) gap-junction inhibition. When exposed to mechanically injured cartilage, MSCs localized to areas of matrix damage and extended cellular processes deep into microcracks, delivering mitochondria to chondrocytes. This work provides insights into the chemical, environmental, and mechanical conditions that can elicit MSC-chondrocyte mitochondrial transfer in vitro and in situ, and our findings suggest a new potential role for MSC-based therapeutics after cartilage injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan Fahey
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Maureen Bennett
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Matthew Thomas
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Kaylee Montney
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Irene Vivancos-Koopman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Brenna Pugliese
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Lindsay Browning
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Lawrence J Bonassar
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Michelle Delco
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA.
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5
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Herman-de-Sousa C, Costa MA, Silva RP, Ferreirinha F, Ribeiro S, Correia-de-Sá P. A2A receptor-induced overexpression of pannexin-1 channels indirectly mediates adenosine fibrogenic actions by favouring ATP release from human subcutaneous fibroblasts. Life Sci 2022; 310:121080. [DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.121080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Varela-Eirín M, Carpintero-Fernández P, Guitián-Caamaño A, Varela-Vázquez A, García-Yuste A, Sánchez-Temprano A, Bravo-López SB, Yañez-Cabanas J, Fonseca E, Largo R, Mobasheri A, Caeiro JR, Mayán MD. Extracellular vesicles enriched in connexin 43 promote a senescent phenotype in bone and synovial cells contributing to osteoarthritis progression. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:681. [PMID: 35931686 PMCID: PMC9355945 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05089-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of senescent cells is a key characteristic of aging, leading to the progression of age-related diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). Previous data from our laboratory has demonstrated that high levels of the transmembrane protein connexin 43 (Cx43) are associated with a senescent phenotype in chondrocytes from osteoarthritic cartilage. OA has been reclassified as a musculoskeletal disease characterized by the breakdown of the articular cartilage affecting the whole joint, subchondral bone, synovium, ligaments, tendons and muscles. However, the mechanisms that contribute to the spread of pathogenic factors throughout the joint tissues are still unknown. Here, we show for the first time that small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) released by human OA-derived chondrocytes contain high levels of Cx43 and induce a senescent phenotype in targeted chondrocytes, synovial and bone cells contributing to the formation of an inflammatory and degenerative joint environment by the secretion of senescence-associated secretory associated phenotype (SASP) molecules, including IL-1ß and IL-6 and MMPs. The enrichment of Cx43 changes the protein profile and activity of the secreted sEVs. Our results indicate a dual role for sEVs containing Cx43 inducing senescence and activating cellular plasticity in target cells mediated by NF-kß and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signalling programme and contributing to the loss of the fully differentiated phenotype. Our results demonstrated that Cx43-sEVs released by OA-derived chondrocytes spread senescence, inflammation and reprogramming factors involved in wound healing failure to neighbouring tissues, contributing to the progression of the disease among cartilage, synovium, and bone and probably from one joint to another. These results highlight the importance for future studies to consider sEVs positive for Cx43 as a new biomarker of disease progression and new target to treat OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Varela-Eirín
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain ,grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen (RUG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paula Carpintero-Fernández
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Amanda Guitián-Caamaño
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Adrián Varela-Vázquez
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Alejandro García-Yuste
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Agustín Sánchez-Temprano
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Susana B. Bravo-López
- grid.11794.3a0000000109410645Proteomics Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Yañez-Cabanas
- grid.11794.3a0000000109410645Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fonseca
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Raquel Largo
- grid.419651.e0000 0000 9538 1950Bone and Joint Research Unit, Rheumatology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ali Mobasheri
- grid.10858.340000 0001 0941 4873Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland ,grid.493509.2Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania ,grid.7692.a0000000090126352Departments of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.412615.50000 0004 1803 6239Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China ,grid.4861.b0000 0001 0805 7253World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Public Health Aspects of Musculoskeletal Health and Aging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - José Ramón Caeiro
- grid.11794.3a0000000109410645Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María D. Mayán
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
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Lachaize V, Peña B, Ciubotaru C, Cojoc D, Chen SN, Taylor MRG, Mestroni L, Sbaizero O. Compromised Biomechanical Properties, Cell-Cell Adhesion and Nanotubes Communication in Cardiac Fibroblasts Carrying the Lamin A/C D192G Mutation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:9193. [PMID: 34502098 PMCID: PMC8431729 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical effects induced by arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) originate from a large spectrum of genetic variations, including the missense mutation of the lamin A/C gene (LMNA), LMNA D192G. The aim of our study was to investigate the biophysical and biomechanical impact of the LMNA D192G mutation on neonatal rat ventricular fibroblasts (NRVF). The main findings in mutated NRVFs were: (i) cytoskeleton disorganization (actin and intermediate filaments); (ii) decreased elasticity of NRVFs; (iii) altered cell-cell adhesion properties, that highlighted a strong effect on cellular communication, in particular on tunneling nanotubes (TNTs). In mutant-expressing fibroblasts, these nanotubes were weakened with altered mechanical properties as shown by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and optical tweezers. These outcomes complement prior investigations on LMNA mutant cardiomyocytes and suggest that the LMNA D192G mutation impacts the biomechanical properties of both cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts. These observations could explain how this mutation influences cardiac biomechanical pathology and the severity of ACM in LMNA-cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronique Lachaize
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
| | - Brisa Peña
- CU-Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (B.P.); (S.N.C.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
- Consortium for Fibrosis Research & Translation, Anschutz Medical Campus, University of Colorado, 12700 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Bioengineering Department, University of Colorado Denver Anschutz Medical Campus, Bioscience 2 1270 E. Montview Ave., Suite 100, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Catalin Ciubotaru
- Institute of Materials, National Research Council of Italy (CNR_IOM), Area Science Park Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (C.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Dan Cojoc
- Institute of Materials, National Research Council of Italy (CNR_IOM), Area Science Park Basovizza, 34149 Trieste, Italy; (C.C.); (D.C.)
| | - Suet Nee Chen
- CU-Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (B.P.); (S.N.C.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Matthew R. G. Taylor
- CU-Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (B.P.); (S.N.C.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Luisa Mestroni
- CU-Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (B.P.); (S.N.C.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Orfeo Sbaizero
- Department of Engineering and Architecture, University of Trieste, Via Valerio 10, 34127 Trieste, Italy;
- CU-Cardiovascular Institute, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E. 19th Ave., Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (B.P.); (S.N.C.); (M.R.G.T.); (L.M.)
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Retamal MA, Fernandez-Olivares A, Stehberg J. Over-activated hemichannels: A possible therapeutic target for human diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166232. [PMID: 34363932 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In our body, all the cells are constantly sharing chemical and electrical information with other cells. This intercellular communication allows them to respond in a concerted way to changes in the extracellular milieu. Connexins are transmembrane proteins that have the particularity of forming two types of channels; hemichannels and gap junction channels. Under normal conditions, hemichannels allow the controlled release of signaling molecules to the extracellular milieu. However, under certain pathological conditions, over-activated hemichannels can induce and/or exacerbate symptoms. In the last decade, great efforts have been put into developing new tools that can modulate these over-activated hemichannels. Small molecules, antibodies and mimetic peptides have shown a potential for the treatment of human diseases. In this review, we summarize recent findings in the field of hemichannel modulation via specific tools, and how these tools could improve patient outcome in certain pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio A Retamal
- Universidad del Desarrollo, Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Santiago, Chile; Universidad del Desarrollo, Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Santiago, Chile.
| | | | - Jimmy Stehberg
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de medicina y Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
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O’Shaughnessy EM, Duffy W, Garcia-Vega L, Hussey K, Burden AD, Zamiri M, Martin PE. Dysregulation of Connexin Expression Plays a Pivotal Role in Psoriasis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116060. [PMID: 34199748 PMCID: PMC8200029 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting 2–3% of the population, is characterised by epidermal hyperplasia, a sustained pro-inflammatory immune response and is primarily a T-cell driven disease. Previous work determined that Connexin26 is upregulated in psoriatic tissue. This study extends these findings. Methods: Biopsies spanning psoriatic plaque (PP) and non-involved tissue (PN) were compared to normal controls (NN). RNA was isolated and subject to real-time PCR to determine gene expression profiles, including GJB2/CX26, GJB6/CX30 and GJA1/CX43. Protein expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Keratinocytes and fibroblasts were isolated and used in 3D organotypic models. The pro-inflammatory status of fibroblasts and 3D cultures was assessed via ELISA and RnD cytokine arrays in the presence or absence of the connexin channel blocker Gap27. Results: Connexin26 expression is dramatically enhanced at both transcriptional and translational level in PP and PN tissue compared to NN (>100x). In contrast, CX43 gene expression is not affected, but the protein is post-translationally modified and accumulates in psoriatic tissue. Fibroblasts isolated from psoriatic patients had a higher inflammatory index than normal fibroblasts and drove normal keratinocytes to adopt a “psoriatic phenotype” in a 3D-organotypic model. Exposure of normal fibroblasts to the pro-inflammatory mediator peptidoglycan, isolated from Staphylococcus aureus enhanced cytokine release, an event protected by Gap27. Conclusion: dysregulation of the connexin26:43 expression profile in psoriatic tissue contributes to an imbalance of cellular events. Inhibition of connexin signalling reduces pro-inflammatory events and may hold therapeutic benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M. O’Shaughnessy
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; (E.M.O.); (L.G.-V.)
| | - William Duffy
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Crosshouse, Kilmarnock KA2 0BE, UK; (W.D.); (M.Z.)
| | - Laura Garcia-Vega
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; (E.M.O.); (L.G.-V.)
| | - Keith Hussey
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK;
| | - A. David Burden
- Institute of Infection Immunity and Inflammation, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TA, UK;
| | - Mozheh Zamiri
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Crosshouse, Kilmarnock KA2 0BE, UK; (W.D.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Dermatology, Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, UK
| | - Patricia E. Martin
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; (E.M.O.); (L.G.-V.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-141-331-3726
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10
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Garcia-Vega L, O’Shaughnessy EM, Albuloushi A, Martin PE. Connexins and the Epithelial Tissue Barrier: A Focus on Connexin 26. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10010059. [PMID: 33466954 PMCID: PMC7829877 DOI: 10.3390/biology10010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Tissues that face the external environment are known as ‘epithelial tissue’ and form barriers between different body compartments. This includes the outer layer of the skin, linings of the intestine and airways that project into the lumen connecting with the external environment, and the cornea of the eye. These tissues do not have a direct blood supply and are dependent on exchange of regulatory molecules between cells to ensure co-ordination of tissue events. Proteins known as connexins form channels linking cells directly and permit exchange of small regulatory signals. A range of environmental stimuli can dysregulate the level of connexin proteins and or protein function within the epithelia, leading to pathologies including non-healing wounds. Mutations in these proteins are linked with hearing loss, skin and eye disorders of differing severity. As such, connexins emerge as prime therapeutic targets with several agents currently in clinical trials. This review outlines the role of connexins in epithelial tissue and how their dysregulation contributes to pathological pathways. Abstract Epithelial tissue responds rapidly to environmental triggers and is constantly renewed. This tissue is also highly accessible for therapeutic targeting. This review highlights the role of connexin mediated communication in avascular epithelial tissue. These proteins form communication conduits with the extracellular space (hemichannels) and between neighboring cells (gap junctions). Regulated exchange of small metabolites less than 1kDa aide the co-ordination of cellular activities and in spatial communication compartments segregating tissue networks. Dysregulation of connexin expression and function has profound impact on physiological processes in epithelial tissue including wound healing. Connexin 26, one of the smallest connexins, is expressed in diverse epithelial tissue and mutations in this protein are associated with hearing loss, skin and eye conditions of differing severity. The functional consequences of dysregulated connexin activity is discussed and the development of connexin targeted therapeutic strategies highlighted.
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11
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Varela-Eirín M, Carpintero-Fernández P, Sánchez-Temprano A, Varela-Vázquez A, Paíno CL, Casado-Díaz A, Continente AC, Mato V, Fonseca E, Kandouz M, Blanco A, Caeiro JR, Mayán MD. Senolytic activity of small molecular polyphenols from olive restores chondrocyte redifferentiation and promotes a pro-regenerative environment in osteoarthritis. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:15882-15905. [PMID: 32745074 PMCID: PMC7485729 DOI: 10.18632/aging.103801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Articular cartilage and synovial tissue from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) show an overactivity of connexin43 (Cx43) and accumulation of senescent cells associated with disrupted tissue regeneration and disease progression. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oleuropein on Cx43 and cellular senescence for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine strategies for OA treatment. Oleuropein regulates Cx43 promoter activity and enhances the propensity of hMSCs to differentiate into chondrocytes and bone cells, reducing adipogenesis. This small molecule reduce Cx43 levels and decrease Twist-1 activity in osteoarthritic chondrocytes (OACs), leading to redifferentiation, restoring the synthesis of cartilage ECM components (Col2A1 and proteoglycans), and reducing the inflammatory and catabolic factors mediated by NF-kB (IL-1ß, IL-6, COX-2 and MMP-3), in addition to lowering cellular senescence in OACs, synovial and bone cells. Our in vitro results demonstrate the use of olive-derived polyphenols, such as oleuropein, as potentially effective therapeutic agents to improve chondrogenesis of hMSCs, to induce chondrocyte re-differentiation in OACs and clearing out senescent cells in joint tissues in order to prevent or stop the progression of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Varela-Eirín
- CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), Xubias de Arriba, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Paula Carpintero-Fernández
- CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), Xubias de Arriba, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Agustín Sánchez-Temprano
- CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), Xubias de Arriba, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Adrián Varela-Vázquez
- CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), Xubias de Arriba, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Carlos Luis Paíno
- Neurobiology-Research Service, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal (IRYCIS), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Casado-Díaz
- UGC Endocrinology and Nutrition, Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía - CIBERFES, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Alfonso Calañas Continente
- UGC Endocrinology and Nutrition, Maimónides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía - CIBERFES, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Virginia Mato
- Centre for Medical Informatics and Radiological Diagnosis, Universidade da Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fonseca
- CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), Xubias de Arriba, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Mustapha Kandouz
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Alfonso Blanco
- Flow Cytometry Core Technologies, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - José Ramón Caeiro
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Choupana s/n, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María D Mayán
- CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), Xubias de Arriba, A Coruña, Spain
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12
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Nugent L, Ofori-Frimpong B, Martin PE, Green CR, Wright CS. Cx31.1 expression is modulated in HaCaT cells exposed to UV-induced damage and scrape-wounding. J Cell Physiol 2020; 236:911-920. [PMID: 32592185 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Connexin31.1 (Cx31.1) is a gap junction protein associated with apoptosis. In the skin, apoptosis is modulated by diabetes. A HaCaT skin model investigated whether normal (NGI) and high glucose and insulin (HGI; diabetic) conditions altered Cx31.1 expression, and if these were apoptosis linked. Cx31.1 was found in HaCaT and HeLa Ohio cells, with HaCaT Cx31.1 protein increased in HGI conditions, and around apoptotic cells. HeLa Cx31.1 channels were noncommunicative. Post scrape-wounding, Cx31.1 increased at wound edges. Caspase 3/7 in scrape-wounds media (containing cells) elevated in HGI. UV exposure raised Cx31.1, and caspase 3/7, in NGI and HGI. UV reduced cell viability in NGI cells, although not significantly in HGI. Cx31.1 is modulated during HaCaT cell wound closure, and associated with 'diabetic' conditions. Cx31.1 expression matched apoptosis levels, higher in HGI cultures. Cx31.1 is noncommunicating, modulated after wounding, linked to apoptosis, and may be associated with tissue turn-over around diabetic wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Nugent
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Boatemaa Ofori-Frimpong
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Patricia E Martin
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
| | - Colin R Green
- Department of Opthamology, School of Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Catherine S Wright
- Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK
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13
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Caufriez A, Böck D, Martin C, Ballet S, Vinken M. Peptide-based targeting of connexins and pannexins for therapeutic purposes. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2020; 15:1213-1222. [PMID: 32539572 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2020.1773787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Connexin and pannexin (hemi)channels play an important role in paracrine and autocrine signaling pathways. The opening of these cellular pores is linked to a wide range of diseases. Therefore, pharmacological closing of connexin and pannexin (hemi)channels seems a promising therapeutic strategy. However, the currently available inhibitors cope with recurring problems concerning selectivity, specificity, stability and/or solubility. AREAS COVERED A number of peptides that mimic specific regions in the native sequence of connexins and pannexins have the potential to overcome some of these hurdles. In this paper, an overview is provided on these peptide-based inhibitors of connexin and pannexin (hemi)channels for therapeutic purposes. The authors also provide the reader with their expert perspectives on the future of these peptide-based inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION Peptide mimetics can become valuable tools in the treatment of connexin-related and pannexin-related diseases. This can be made possible provided that available peptides are optimized, and new peptide mimetics are designed based on knowledge of the mechanisms underlying the gating control of connexin and pannexin (hemi)channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Caufriez
- Department of in Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Denise Böck
- Department of in Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , 1090, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Charlotte Martin
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Steven Ballet
- Department of Organic Chemistry, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , 1050, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of in Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel , 1090, Brussels, Belgium
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14
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Dydowiczová A, Brózman O, Babica P, Sovadinová I. Improved multiparametric scrape loading-dye transfer assay for a simultaneous high-throughput analysis of gap junctional intercellular communication, cell density and viability. Sci Rep 2020; 10:730. [PMID: 31959888 PMCID: PMC6971000 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-57536-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is a vital cellular process required for maintenance of tissue homeostasis. In vitro assessment of GJIC represents valuable phenotypic endpoint that could be effectively utilized as an integral component in modern toxicity testing, drug screening or biomedical in vitro research. However, currently available methods for quantifying GJIC with higher-throughputs typically require specialized equipment, proprietary software and/or genetically engineered cell models. To overcome these limitations, we present here an innovative adaptation of traditional, fluorescence microscopy-based scrape loading-dye transfer (SL-DT) assay, which has been optimized to simultaneously evaluate GJIC, cell density and viability. This multiparametric method was demonstrated to be suitable for various multiwell microplate formats, which facilitates an automatized image acquisition. The assay workflow is further assisted by an open source-based software tools for batch image processing, analysis and evaluation of GJIC, cell density and viability. Our results suggest that this approach provides a simple, fast, versatile and cost effective way for in vitro high-throughput assessment of GJIC and other related phenotypic cellular events, which could be included into in vitro screening and assessment of pharmacologically and toxicologically relevant compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Dydowiczová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 5, CZ-62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Brózman
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 5, CZ-62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Babica
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 5, CZ-62500, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Iva Sovadinová
- Masaryk University, Faculty of Science, RECETOX, Kamenice 5, CZ-62500, Brno, Czech Republic.
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15
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Cotter ML, Boitano S, Lampe PD, Solan JL, Vagner J, Ek-Vitorin JF, Burt JM. The lipidated connexin mimetic peptide SRPTEKT- Hdc is a potent inhibitor of Cx43 channels with specificity for the pS368 phospho-isoform. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2019; 317:C825-C842. [PMID: 31365296 PMCID: PMC6850999 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00160.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Connexin (Cx) mimetic peptides derived from extracellular loop II sequences (e.g., Gap27: SRPTEKTIFII; Peptide5: VDCFLSRPTEKT) have been used as reversible, Cx-specific blockers of hemichannel (HCh) and gap junction channel (GJCh) function. These blockers typically require high concentrations (~5 µM, <1 h for HCh; ~100 µM, >1 h for GJCh) to achieve inhibition. We have shown that addition of a hexadecyl (Hdc) lipid tail to the conserved SRPTEKT peptide sequence (SRPTEKT-Hdc) results in a novel, highly efficacious, and potent inhibitor of mechanically induced Ca2+-wave propagation (IC50 64.8 pM) and HCh-mediated dye uptake (IC50 45.0 pM) in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells expressing rat Cx43 (MDCK43). The lack of similar effect on dye coupling (NBD-MTMA) suggested channel conformation-specific inhibition. Here we report that SRPTEKT-Hdc inhibition of Ca2+-wave propagation, dye coupling, and dye uptake depended on the functional configuration of Cx43 as determined by phosphorylation at serine 368 (S368). Ca2+-wave propagation was enhanced in MDCK cells expressing single-site mutants of Cx43 that mimicked (MDCK43-S368D) or favored (MDCK43-S365A) phosphorylation at S368. Furthermore, SRPTEKT-Hdc potently inhibited GJCh-mediated Ca2+-wave propagation (IC50 230.4 pM), dye coupling, and HCh-mediated dye uptake in MDCK43-S368D and -S365A cells. In contrast, Ca2+-wave propagation, dye coupling, and dye uptake were largely unaffected (IC50 12.3 μM) by SRPTEKT-Hdc in MDCK43-S368A and -S365D cells, mutations that mimic or favor dephosphorylation at S368. Together, these data indicate that SRPTEKT-Hdc is a potent inhibitor of physiological Ca2+-wave signaling mediated specifically by the pS368 phosphorylated form of Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura L Cotter
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Scott Boitano
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Paul D Lampe
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Joell L Solan
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Josef Vagner
- Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
| | | | - Janis M Burt
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
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16
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Lastwika KJ, Dunn CA, Solan JL, Lampe PD. Phosphorylation of connexin 43 at MAPK, PKC or CK1 sites each distinctly alter the kinetics of epidermal wound repair. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.234633. [PMID: 31427427 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.234633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) is a key player in wound healing, and inhibitors of Cx43, which speed epidermal wound healing, are currently in clinical trials. Here, we provide direct in vivo evidence that specific phosphorylation events on Cx43 change the physiological response during wound healing. Blocking phosphorylation, through mutation of serine residues in Cx43 at the protein kinase C (PKC) or casein kinase 1 (CK1) sites, significantly slowed the rate of wound closure in vivo and in vitro and resulted in a thicker epidermal layer after reepithelialization. Conversely, preventing Cx43 phosphorylation by mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) through mutation significantly increased the rate of wound closure in vivo Defects in migration, but not proliferation, in all mutants were partially rescued in vitro by changing serine residues to aspartic or glutamic acid. These data prove that specific Cx43 phosphorylation events play an important role at different stages of wound healing. Thus, a clear physiological understanding of the spatiotemporal regulation of kinase activation and consequent effects on gap junctions could lead to a more targeted approach to modulating Cx43 expression during wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin J Lastwika
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Clarence A Dunn
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Joell L Solan
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Paul D Lampe
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Seattle, WA 98109, USA
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17
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Chin JS, Madden L, Chew SY, Becker DL. Drug therapies and delivery mechanisms to treat perturbed skin wound healing. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2019; 149-150:2-18. [PMID: 30959068 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2019.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Revised: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Acute wound healing is an orderly process of four overlapping events: haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation and remodelling. A drug delivery system with a temporal control of release could promote each of these events sequentially. However, acute wound healing normally proceeds very well in healthy individuals and there is little need to promote it. In the elderly and diabetics however, healing is often slow and wounds can become chronic and we need to promote their healing. Targeting the events of acute wound healing would not be appropriate for a chronic wound, which have stalled in the proinflammatory phase. They also have many additional problems such as poor circulation, low oxygen, high levels of leukocytes, high reactive oxygen species, high levels of proteolytic enzymes, high levels of proinflammatory cytokines, bacterial infection and high pH. The future challenge will be to tackle each of these negative factors to create a wound environment conducive to healing.
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18
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den Dekker A, Davis FM, Kunkel SL, Gallagher KA. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms in diabetic wound healing. Transl Res 2019; 204:39-50. [PMID: 30392877 PMCID: PMC6331222 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Impaired wound healing is a major secondary complication of type 2 diabetes that often results in limb loss and disability. Normal tissue repair progresses through discrete phases including hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. In diabetes, normal progression through these phases is impaired resulting in a sustained inflammatory state and dysfunctional epithelialization in the wound. Due to their plasticity, macrophages play a critical role in the transition from the inflammation phase to the proliferation phase. Diabetes disrupts macrophage function by impairing monocyte recruitment to the wound, reducing phagocytosis, and prohibiting the transition of inflammatory macrophages to an anti-inflammatory state. Diabetes also impedes keratinocyte and fibroblast function during the later phases resulting in impaired epithelialization of the wound. Several recent studies suggest that altered epigenetic regulation of both immune and structural cells in wounds may influence cell phenotypes and healing, particularly in pathologic states, such as diabetes. Specifically, it has been shown that macrophage plasticity during wound repair is partly regulated epigenetically and that diabetes alters this epigenetic regulation and contributes to a sustained inflammatory state. Epigenetic regulation is also known to regulate keratinocyte and fibroblast function during wound repair. In this review, we provide an introduction to the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate tissue repair and highlight recent findings that demonstrate, how epigenetic events are altered during the course of diabetic wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron den Dekker
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michgan
| | - Frank M Davis
- Department of Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michgan
| | - Steve L Kunkel
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
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Liang J, Chen P, Li C, Li D, Wang J, Xue R, Zhang S, Ruan J, Zhang X. IL-22 Down-Regulates Cx43 Expression and Decreases Gap Junctional Intercellular Communication by Activating the JNK Pathway in Psoriasis. J Invest Dermatol 2019; 139:400-411. [PMID: 30171832 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2018.07.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The roles of IL-22 in the pathomechanisms of psoriasis have been well demonstrated. Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is widely known for its involvement in multiple biological and pathological processes such as growth-related events, cell differentiation, and inflammation. Here, we show that IL-22 significantly decreased GJIC and down-regulated Cx43 expression in HaCaT cells. Cx43 overexpression markedly inhibited the proliferation of and increased GJIC in HaCaT cells, but the silencing of Cx43 exerted the opposite effects. Additionally, Cx43 overexpression effectively rescued the IL-22-induced decrease in GJIC in HaCaT cells. The IL-22-induced down-regulation of Cx43 expression and decrease in GJIC can be significantly blocked by the JNK inhibitor SP600125 and by the overexpression of IL-22RA2 (which specifically binds to IL-22 and inhibits its activity), but not by the NF-κB inhibitor BAY11-7082, in HaCaT cells. Furthermore, the IL-22-induced down-regulation of Cx43 expression mediated by the JNK signaling pathway was confirmed in a mouse model of IL-22-induced psoriasis-like dermatitis. Similarly, Cx43 expression was significantly lower in the lesional skin than in the nonlesional skin of patients with psoriasis. These results suggest that IL-22 decreases GJIC by activating the JNK signaling pathway, which down-regulates Cx43 expression; this process is a possible pathomechanism of keratinocyte hyperproliferation in psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Liang
- Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Pingjiao Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Changxing Li
- Department of Dermatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Li
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jianqin Wang
- Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Rujun Xue
- Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Sanquan Zhang
- Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbo Ruan
- Department of Dermatology, Jinan University Medical School Affiliated Hospital of Dongguan, Dongguan, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xibao Zhang
- Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China; Department of Dermatology, Guangzhou Institute of Dermatology, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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The Role of Connexin-43 in the Inflammatory Process: A New Potential Therapy to Influence Keratitis. J Ophthalmol 2019; 2019:9312827. [PMID: 30805212 PMCID: PMC6360563 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9312827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The studies outlined in this review highlight the relationship between inflammatory signaling molecules and connexin-43 (Cx43). Gap junction (GJ) channels and hemichannels (HCs) participate in the metabolic activity between intra- and extracellular space. Some ions and small molecules are exchanged from cell to cell or cell to extracellular space to affect the process of inflammation via GJ. We analyzed the effects of signaling molecules, such as innate immunity messengers, transcription factors, LPS, cytokine, inflammatory chemokines, and MMPs, on Cx43 expression during the inflammatory process. At the same time, we found that these signaling molecules play a critical role in the pathogenesis of keratitis. Thus, we assessed the function of Cx43 during inflammatory corneal disease. Corneal healing plays an essential role in the late stage of keratitis. We found that Cx43 is involved in wound healing. Studies have shown that the decrease of Cx43 can decrease the time of healing. We also report several Cx43 mimic peptides which can inhibit the activity of Cx43 Hc to mediate the releasing of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which may in turn influence the inflammatory process.
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Elbadawy HM, Elshawarby A, Raafat MH, Bahaa N, Abdul MIM, Aljuhani N, Bahashwan S, Eltahir HM, Albarry M, Parekh M, Ferrari S. Blocking connexin 43 accelerates corneal healing and improves tissue remodeling during the healing of diabetic rat corneas: A histological and immunohistochemical study. EUR J INFLAMM 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/2058739219843389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a potential target for accelerating wound healing. This study aimed at evaluating the therapeutic efficiency of topical application of Gap27, a Cx43 mimetic peptide, on corneal tissue reorganization during wound healing in streptozocin-induced Diabetes in albino rats and its effect on the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Fifty adult male albino Wistar rats were divided equally into two groups: non-diabetic and diabetic. Twenty rats from each group were subjected to corneal injury: 10 untreated and 10 treated with Gap27. The remaining five rats from each group served as negative controls (intact corneas). All rats were sacrificed 3 days after injury. Histological studies were performed to assess signs of cell degeneration, the infiltration of inflammatory cells. Histomorphometric studies were performed to quantify the expression of Cx43. Gap27 promoted corneal wound healing in non-diabetic and diabetic rats. It reduced mononuclear cell infiltration and improved corneal tissue remodeling. However, minor structural changes were still seen in diabetic corneas after treatment with Gap27. Blocking Cx43 was a valuable tool to restore corneal tissue structure, reduce the infiltration of inflammatory cells in non-diabetic and diabetic rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein M Elbadawy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amany Elshawarby
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona H Raafat
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nevine Bahaa
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohi IM Abdul
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif Aljuhani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Bahashwan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Heba M Eltahir
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maan Albarry
- Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, Taibah University, Medina, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohit Parekh
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Venice, Italy
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22
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Regulation of connexin 43 expression in human gingival fibroblasts. Exp Cell Res 2018; 371:238-249. [PMID: 30118696 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 07/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Abundance of connexin 43 (Cx43), a transmembrane protein that forms hemichannels (HCs) and gap junctions (GJs), is dynamically regulated in human gingival fibroblasts (GFBLs) during wound healing. This may be important for fast and scarless gingival wound healing as Cx43 is involved in key cell functions important during this process. Our aim was to uncover the factors that regulate Cx43 expression and abundance in GFBLs. We hypothesized that cytokines and growth factors released during wound healing coordinately regulate Cx43 abundance in GFBLs. RESULTS TGF-β1, -β2, -β3, PGE2 and IL-1β significantly upregulated, while TNF-α and IFN-γ downregulated Cx43 in cultured GFBLs. TGF-β1, -β2, -β3, IL-1β and IFN-γ modulated Cx43 abundance at both mRNA and protein levels, while TNF-α and PGE2 regulated only Cx43 protein abundance, suggesting involvement of distinct transcriptional/post-transcriptional and translational/post-translational mechanisms, respectively. TGF-β1-induced upregulation of Cx43 was mediated by TGFβRI (ALK5) and SMAD2/3 signaling, and this was potently suppressed by PGE2, IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ that inhibited SMAD2/3 phosphorylation. CONCLUSION Regulation of Cx43 abundance in GFBLs involves transcriptional/post-transcriptional and translational/post-translational mechanisms that are distinctly modulated by an interplay between TGF-β isoforms and PGE2, IL-1β, TNF-α and IFN-γ.
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The potential of human induced pluripotent stem cells for modelling diabetic wound healing in vitro. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:1629-1643. [PMID: 30108152 DOI: 10.1042/cs20171483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 06/28/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Impaired wound healing and ulceration caused by diabetes mellitus, is a significant healthcare burden, markedly impairs quality of life for patients, and is the major cause of amputation worldwide. Current experimental approaches used to investigate the complex wound healing process often involve cultures of fibroblasts and/or keratinocytes in vitro, which can be limited in terms of complexity and capacity, or utilisation of rodent models in which the mechanisms of wound repair differ substantively from that in humans. However, advances in tissue engineering, and the discovery of strategies to reprogramme adult somatic cells to pluripotency, has led to the possibility of developing models of human skin on a large scale. Generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from tissues donated by diabetic patients allows the (epi)genetic background of this disease to be studied, and the ability to differentiate iPSCs to multiple cell types found within skin may facilitate the development of more complex skin models; these advances offer key opportunities for improving modelling of wound healing in diabetes, and the development of effective therapeutics for treatment of chronic wounds.
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Montgomery J, Ghatnekar GS, Grek CL, Moyer KE, Gourdie RG. Connexin 43-Based Therapeutics for Dermal Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061778. [PMID: 29914066 PMCID: PMC6032231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The most ubiquitous gap junction protein within the body, connexin 43 (Cx43), is a target of interest for modulating the dermal wound healing response. Observational studies found associations between Cx43 at the wound edge and poor healing response, and subsequent studies utilizing local knockdown of Cx43 found improvements in wound closure rate and final scar appearance. Further preclinical work conducted using Cx43-based peptide therapeutics, including alpha connexin carboxyl terminus 1 (αCT1), a peptide mimetic of the Cx43 carboxyl terminus, reported similar improvements in wound healing and scar formation. Clinical trials and further study into the mode of action have since been conducted on αCT1, and Phase III testing for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers is currently underway. Therapeutics targeting connexin activity show promise in beneficially modulating the human body’s natural healing response for improved patient outcomes across a variety of injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Montgomery
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | | | | | - Kurtis E Moyer
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
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Grek CL, Sheng Z, Naus CC, Sin WC, Gourdie RG, Ghatnekar GG. Novel approach to temozolomide resistance in malignant glioma: connexin43-directed therapeutics. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2018; 41:79-88. [PMID: 29803991 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2018.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Resistance of malignant glioma, including glioblastoma (GBM), to the chemotherapeutic temozolomide (TMZ) remains a key obstacle in treatment strategies. The gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) has complex roles in the establishment, progression, and persistence of malignant glioma. Recent findings demonstrate that connexins play an important role in the microenvironment of malignant glioma and that Cx43 is capable of conferring chemotherapeutic resistance to GBM cells. Carboxyl-terminal Cx43 peptidomimetics show therapeutic promise in overcoming TMZ resistance via mechanisms that may include modulating junctional activity between tumor cells and peritumoral cells and/or downstream molecular signaling events mediated by Cx43 protein binding. High levels of intra-tumor and inter-tumor heterogeneity make it difficult to clearly define specific populations for Cx43-targeted therapy; hence, development of in vitro models that better mimic the microenvironment of malignant glioma, and the incorporation of patient-derived stem cells, could provide opportunities for patient-specific drug screening. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the roles of Cx43 in malignant glioma, with a special focus on tumor microenvironment, TMZ resistance, and therapeutic opportunity offered by Cx43 peptidomimetics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhi Sheng
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA, USA; Faculty of Health Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - Christian C Naus
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Science, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Wun Chey Sin
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Science, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA, USA; Faculty of Health Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Blacksburg, VA, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA
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Aasen T, Johnstone S, Vidal-Brime L, Lynn KS, Koval M. Connexins: Synthesis, Post-Translational Modifications, and Trafficking in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051296. [PMID: 29701678 PMCID: PMC5983588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins are tetraspan transmembrane proteins that form gap junctions and facilitate direct intercellular communication, a critical feature for the development, function, and homeostasis of tissues and organs. In addition, a growing number of gap junction-independent functions are being ascribed to these proteins. The connexin gene family is under extensive regulation at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level, and undergoes numerous modifications at the protein level, including phosphorylation, which ultimately affects their trafficking, stability, and function. Here, we summarize these key regulatory events, with emphasis on how these affect connexin multifunctionality in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Scott Johnstone
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, P.O. Box 801394, Charlottesville, VI 22908, USA.
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TT, UK.
| | - Laia Vidal-Brime
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - K Sabrina Lynn
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Michael Koval
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
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Cotter ML, Boitano S, Vagner J, Burt JM. Lipidated connexin mimetic peptides potently inhibit gap junction-mediated Ca 2+-wave propagation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2018; 315:C141-C154. [PMID: 29631365 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00156.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Connexin (Cx) mimetic peptides (e.g., Gap27: SRPTEKTIFII; Peptide5: VDCFLSRPTEKT) reversibly inhibit hemichannel (HCh) and gap junction channel (GJCh) function in a concentration- and time-dependent manner (HCh: ~5 µM, <1 h; GJCh: ~100 µM, > 1 h). We hypothesized that addition of a hexadecyl tail to SRPTEKT (SRPTEKT- Hdc) would improve its ability to concentrate in the plasma membrane and consequently increase its inhibitory efficacy. We show that SRPTEKT- Hdc inhibited intercellular Ca2+-wave propagation in Cx43-expressing MDCK and rabbit tracheal epithelial cells in a time (61-75 min)- and concentration (IC50: 66 pM)-dependent manner, a concentration efficacy five orders of magnitude lower than observed for the nonlipidated Gap27. HCh-mediated dye uptake was inhibited by SRPTEKT- Hdc with similar efficacy. Following peptide washout, HCh-mediated dye uptake was restored to control levels, whereas Ca2+-wave propagation was only partially restored. Scrambled and reverse sequence lipidated peptides had no detectable inhibitory effect on Ca2+-wave propagation or dye uptake. Cx43 expression was unchanged by SRPTEKT- Hdc incubation; however, Triton-insoluble Cx43 was reduced by SRPTEKT- Hdc exposure and reversed following washout. In summary, our results show that SRPTEKT- Hdc blocked HCh function and intercellular Ca2+ signaling at concentrations that minimally affected dye coupling. Selective inhibition of intercellular Ca2+ signaling, likely indicative of channel conformation-specific SRPTEKT- Hdc binding, could contribute significantly to the protective effects of these mimetic peptides in settings of injury. Our data also demonstrate that lipidation represents a paradigm for development of highly potent, efficacious, and selective mimetic peptide inhibitors of hemichannel and gap junction channel-mediated signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maura L Cotter
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Scott Boitano
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona.,Asthma and Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona.,Bio5 Collaborative Research Institute, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Josef Vagner
- Bio5 Collaborative Research Institute, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
| | - Janis M Burt
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona , Tucson, Arizona
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Johnson RD, Camelliti P. Role of Non-Myocyte Gap Junctions and Connexin Hemichannels in Cardiovascular Health and Disease: Novel Therapeutic Targets? Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19030866. [PMID: 29543751 PMCID: PMC5877727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The heart is a complex organ composed of multiple cell types, including cardiomyocytes and different non-myocyte populations, all working closely together to determine the hearts properties and maintain normal cardiac function. Connexins are abundantly expressed proteins that form plasma membrane hemichannels and gap junctions between cells. Gap junctions are intracellular channels that allow for communication between cells, and in the heart they play a crucial role in cardiac conduction by coupling adjacent cardiomyocytes. Connexins are expressed in both cardiomyocytes and non-myocytes, including cardiac fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Non-myocytes are the largest population of cells in the heart, and therefore it is important to consider what roles connexins, hemichannels, and gap junctions play in these cell types. The aim of this review is to provide insight into connexin-based signalling in non-myocytes during health and disease, and highlight how targeting these proteins could lead to the development of novel therapies. We conclude that connexins in non-myocytes contribute to arrhythmias and adverse ventricular remodelling following myocardial infarction, and are associated with the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, therapeutic interventions targeting these connexins represent an exciting new research avenue with great potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Johnson
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - Patrizia Camelliti
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
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29
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Faniku C, O'Shaughnessy E, Lorraine C, Johnstone SR, Graham A, Greenhough S, Martin PEM. The Connexin Mimetic Peptide Gap27 and Cx43-Knockdown Reveal Differential Roles for Connexin43 in Wound Closure Events in Skin Model Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020604. [PMID: 29463027 PMCID: PMC5855826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the epidermis, remodelling of Connexin43 is a key event in wound closure. However, controversy between the role of connexin channel and non-channel functions exist. We compared the impact of SiRNA targeted to Connexin43 and the connexin mimetic peptide Gap27 on scrape wound closure rates and hemichannel signalling in adult keratinocytes (AK) and fibroblasts sourced from juvenile foreskin (JFF), human neonatal fibroblasts (HNDF) and adult dermal tissue (ADF). The impact of these agents, following 24 h exposure, on GJA1 (encoding Connexin43), Ki67 and TGF-β1 gene expression, and Connexin43 and pSmad3 protein expression levels, were examined by qPCR and Western Blot respectively. In all cell types Gap27 (100 nM–100 μM) attenuated hemichannel activity. In AK and JFF cells, Gap27 (100 nM–100 μM) enhanced scrape wound closure rates by ~50% but did not influence movement in HNDF or ADF cells. In both JF and AK cells, exposure to Gap27 for 24 h reduced the level of Cx43 protein expression but did not affect the level in ADF and HNDF cells. Connexin43-SiRNA enhanced scrape wound closure in all the cell types under investigation. In HDNF and ADF, Connexin43-SiRNA enhanced cell proliferation rates, with enhanced proliferation also observed following exposure of HDNF to Gap27. By contrast, in JFF and AK cells no changes in proliferation occurred. In JFF cells, Connexin43-SiRNA enhanced TGF-β1 levels and in JFF and ADF cells both Connexin43-SiRNA and Gap27 enhanced pSmad3 protein expression levels. We conclude that Connexin43 signalling plays an important role in cell migration in keratinocytes and foreskin derived fibroblasts, however, different pathways are evoked and in dermal derived adult and neonatal fibroblasts, inhibition of Connexin43 signalling plays a more significant role in regulating cell proliferation than cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysovalantou Faniku
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Erin O'Shaughnessy
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Claire Lorraine
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Scott R Johnstone
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, P.O. Box 801394, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TT, UK.
| | - Annette Graham
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Sebastian Greenhough
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Patricia E M Martin
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
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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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31
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Zhang HC, Zhang ZS, Zhang L, Wang A, Zhu H, Li L, Si JQ, Li XZ, Ma KT. Connexin 43 in splenic lymphocytes is involved in the regulation of CD4+CD25+ T lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production in hypertensive inflammation. Int J Mol Med 2017; 41:13-24. [PMID: 29115377 PMCID: PMC5746298 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation promotes the development of hypertension and is associated with increased T cell infiltration and cytokine production in impaired organs. Gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43), is ubiquitously expressed in immune cells and plays an important role in T cell proliferation and activation, and cytokine production. However, the correlation between Cx43 in T cells and the hypertensive inflammatory response remains unknown. Thus, in this study, we wished to examine this correlation. First, our results revealed that hypertension caused significant thickening of the vascular wall, inflammatory cell infiltration into part of the renal interstitium and glomerular atrophy, and it increased the tubular damage scores in the kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). Moreover, the SHRs exhibited stenosis in the central artery wall of the spleen with increased serum levels of interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-6 compared with normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. The spleens of the SHRs exhibited a significantly decreased percentage of CD4+CD25+ (Treg) T cells. However, the percentages of CD3+, CD4+ and CD8+ T cell and the levels of CD4+Cx43 and CD8+Cx43 did not differ significantly between the SHRs and WKY rats. In cultured lymphocytes from the SHRs and WKY rats, low percentages of Treg cells and reduced cytokine (IL-2 and IL-6) mRNA expression levels were observed in the lymphocytes obtained from the SHRs and WKY rats treated with the connexin blocker, Gap27, or concanavalin A (ConA) plus Gap27. The effects of ConA and Gap27 differed between the SHRs and WKY rats. On the whole, our findings demonstrate that the splenic Treg cell-mediated suppression in SHRs may be involved in hypertensive inflammatory responses. Cx43 in the gap junctional channel may regulate lymphocyte activation and inflammatory cytokine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Chao Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, P.R. China
| | - Zhong-Shuang Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, P.R. China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, P.R. China
| | - Ai Wang
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, P.R. China
| | - He Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, P.R. China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, P.R. China
| | - Jun-Qiang Si
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Zhi Li
- The Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, P.R. China
| | - Ke-Tao Ma
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Shihezi University, Shihezi, Xinjiang 832000, P.R. China
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Roy S, Jiang JX, Li AF, Kim D. Connexin channel and its role in diabetic retinopathy. Prog Retin Eye Res 2017; 61:35-59. [PMID: 28602949 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2017.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 06/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness in the working age population. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this devastating ocular complication. The early stage of diabetic retinopathy is characterized by the loss of various cell types in the retina, namely endothelial cells and pericytes. As the disease progresses, vascular leakage, a clinical hallmark of diabetic retinopathy, becomes evident and may eventually lead to diabetic macular edema, the most common cause of vision loss in diabetic retinopathy. Substantial evidence indicates that the disruption of connexin-mediated cellular communication plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy. Yet, it is unclear how altered communication via connexin channel mediated cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular microenvironment is linked to the development of diabetic retinopathy. Recent observations suggest the possibility that connexin hemichannels may play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy by allowing communication between cells and the microenvironment. Interestingly, recent studies suggest that connexin channels may be involved in regulating retinal vascular permeability. These cellular events are coordinated at least in part via connexin-mediated intercellular communication and the maintenance of retinal vascular homeostasis. This review highlights the effect of high glucose and diabetic condition on connexin channels and their impact on the development of diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayon Roy
- Departments of Medicine and Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - Jean X Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry and Structural Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - An-Fei Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Dongjoon Kim
- Departments of Medicine and Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
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Zhang XF, Cui X. Connexin 43: Key roles in the skin. Biomed Rep 2017; 6:605-611. [PMID: 28584630 DOI: 10.3892/br.2017.903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are tightly packed intercellular channels that serve a common purpose of allowing the intercellular exchange of small metabolites, second messengers and electrical signals. Connexins (Cxs) are gap junction proteins. Currently, 20 and 21 members of Cxs have been characterized in mice and humans, respectively. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most ubiquitously expressed type of Cx in the skin. It is produced by various different types of skin cell, such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial and basal cells, melanocytes and dermal papilla cells. At present, more evidence indicates that Cx43 has an important role in skin repair and skin tumor development, as well as in skin cell invasion and metastasis. In this review, current knowledge regarding the regulation and function of Cx43 is summarized and the therapeutic potential of regulating Cx43 activity is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fei Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Cui
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
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Volksdorf T, Heilmann J, Eming SA, Schawjinski K, Zorn-Kruppa M, Ueck C, Vidal-Y-Sy S, Windhorst S, Jücker M, Moll I, Brandner JM. Tight Junction Proteins Claudin-1 and Occludin Are Important for Cutaneous Wound Healing. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 187:1301-1312. [PMID: 28412298 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Tight junction (TJ) proteins are known to be involved in proliferation and differentiation. These processes are essential for normal skin wound healing. Here, we investigated the TJ proteins claudin-1 and occludin in ex vivo skin wound healing models and tissue samples of acute and chronic human wounds and observed major differences in localization/expression of these proteins, with chronic wounds often showing a loss of the proteins at the wound margins and/or in the regenerating epidermis. Knockdown experiments in primary human keratinocytes showed that decreased claudin-1 expression resulted in significantly impaired scratch wound healing, with delayed migration and reduced proliferation. Activation of AKT pathway was significantly attenuated after claudin-1 knockdown, and protein levels of extracellular signal-related kinase 1/2 were reduced. For occludin, down-regulation had no impact on wound healing in normal scratch assays, but after subjecting the cells to mechanical stress, which is normally present in wounds, wound healing was impaired. For both proteins we show that most of these actions are independent from the formation of barrier-forming TJ structures, thus demonstrating nonbarrier-related functions of TJ proteins in the skin. However, for claudin-1 effects on scratch wound healing were more pronounced when TJs could form. Together, our findings provide evidence for a role of claudin-1 and occludin in epidermal regeneration with potential clinical importance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Volksdorf
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Janina Heilmann
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine A Eming
- Department of Dermatology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Kathrin Schawjinski
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Michaela Zorn-Kruppa
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christopher Ueck
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Vidal-Y-Sy
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Windhorst
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Manfred Jücker
- Institute of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ingrid Moll
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johanna M Brandner
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Mao Y, Tonkin RS, Nguyen T, O'Carroll SJ, Nicholson LFB, Green CR, Moalem-Taylor G, Gorrie CA. Systemic Administration of Connexin43 Mimetic Peptide Improves Functional Recovery after Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury in Adult Rats. J Neurotrauma 2017; 34:707-719. [DOI: 10.1089/neu.2016.4625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yilin Mao
- Neural Injury Research Unit, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ryan S. Tonkin
- Neuropathic Pain Research Group, Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Tara Nguyen
- Neural Injury Research Unit, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Simon J. O'Carroll
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging and the Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Louise F. B. Nicholson
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging and the Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Colin R. Green
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Grafton, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Gila Moalem-Taylor
- Neuropathic Pain Research Group, Translational Neuroscience Facility, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Kensington, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Catherine A. Gorrie
- Neural Injury Research Unit, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Comparison of In-Vitro and Ex-Vivo Wound Healing Assays for the Investigation of Diabetic Wound Healing and Demonstration of a Beneficial Effect of a Triterpene Extract. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169028. [PMID: 28046026 PMCID: PMC5207624 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a frequent cause for chronic, difficult-to-treat wounds. New therapies for diabetic wounds are urgently needed and in-vitro or ex-vivo test systems are essential for the initial identification of new active molecules. The aim of this study is to compare in-vitro and ex-vivo test systems for their usability for early drug screening and to investigate the efficacy of a birch bark triterpene extract (TE) that has been proven ex-vivo and clinically to accelerate non-diabetic wound healing (WH), in a diabetic context. We investigated in-vitro models for diabetic WH, i.e. scratch assays with human keratinocytes from diabetic donors or cultured under hyperglycaemic conditions and a newly developed porcine ex-vivo hyperglycaemic WH model for their potential to mimic delayed diabetic WH and for the influence of TE in these test systems. We show that keratinocytes from diabetic donors often fail to exhibit significantly delayed WH. For cells under hyperglycaemic conditions significant decrease is observed but is influenced by choice of medium and presence of supplements. Also, donor age plays a role. Interestingly, hyperglycaemic effects are mainly hyperosmolaric effects in scratch assays. Ex-vivo models under hyperglycaemic conditions show a clear and substantial decrease of WH, and here both glucose and hyperosmolarity effects are involved. Finally, we provide evidence that TE is also beneficial for ex-vivo hyperglycaemic WH, resulting in significantly increased length of regenerated epidermis to 188±16% and 183±11% (SEM; p<0.05) compared to controls when using two different TE formulations. In conclusion, our results suggest that microenvironmental influences are important in WH test systems and that therefore the more complex hyperglycaemic ex-vivo model is more suitable for early drug screening. Limitations of the in-vitro and ex-vivo models are discussed. Furthermore our data recommend TE as a promising candidate for in-vivo testings in diabetic wounds.
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Wong P, Tan T, Chan C, Laxton V, Chan YWF, Liu T, Wong WT, Tse G. The Role of Connexins in Wound Healing and Repair: Novel Therapeutic Approaches. Front Physiol 2016; 7:596. [PMID: 27999549 PMCID: PMC5138227 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are intercellular proteins responsible for mediating both electrical and biochemical coupling through the exchange of ions, second messengers and small metabolites. They consist of two connexons, with (one) connexon supplied by each cell. A connexon is a hexamer of connexins and currently more than 20 connexin isoforms have been described in the literature thus far. Connexins have a short half-life, and therefore gap junction remodeling constantly occurs with a high turnover rate. Post-translational modification, such as phosphorylation, can modify their channel activities. In this article, the roles of connexins in wound healing and repair are reviewed. Novel strategies for modulating the function or expression of connexins, such as the use of antisense technology, synthetic mimetic peptides and bioactive materials for the treatment of skin wounds, diabetic and pressure ulcers as well as cornea wounds, are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Wong
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Teresa Tan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Catherine Chan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Victoria Laxton
- Intensive Care Department, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust London, UK
| | - Yin Wah Fiona Chan
- Department of Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge Cambridge, UK
| | - 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, China
| | - Wing Tak Wong
- School of Life Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Gary Tse
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong; Faculty of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong
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Elbadawy HM, Mirabelli P, Xeroudaki M, Parekh M, Bertolin M, Breda C, Cagini C, Ponzin D, Lagali N, Ferrari S. Effect of connexin 43 inhibition by the mimetic peptide Gap27 on corneal wound healing, inflammation and neovascularization. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:2880-93. [PMID: 27472295 PMCID: PMC5055138 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose The connexin 43 (Cx43) mimetic peptide Gap27 was designed to transiently block the function of this gap junction. This study was undertaken to investigate the effect of Gap27 on corneal healing, inflammation and neovascularization. Experimental Approach The effect of Gap27 on wound healing, inflammation and vascularization was assessed in primary human corneal epithelial cells (HCEC) in vitro and whole human corneas ex vivo, and in an in vivo rat wound healing model. Key Results Gap27 enhanced the wound closure of HCEC in vitro and accelerated wound closure and stratification of epithelium in human corneas ex vivo, but did not suppress the corneal release of inflammatory mediators IL‐6 or TNF‐α in vivo. In human corneas ex vivo, F4/80 positive macrophages were observed around the wound site. In vivo, topical Gap27 treatment enhanced the speed and density of early granulocyte infiltration into rat corneas. After 7 days, the expressions of TNF‐α and TGFβ1 were elevated and correlated with inflammatory cell accumulation in the tissue. Additionally, Gap27 did not suppress VEGF release in organotypic culture, nor did it suppress early or late VEGFA expression or neovascularization in vivo. Conclusions and Implications Gap27 can be effective in promoting the healing of superficial epithelial wounds, but in deep stromal wounds it has the potential to promote inflammatory cell migration and accumulation in the tissue and does not suppress the subsequent neovascularization response. These results support the proposal that Gap27 acts as a healing agent in the transient, early stages of corneal epithelial wounding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Mostafa Elbadawy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taibah University, AlMadinah AlMunawwarah, Saudi Arabia. .,International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Venice, Italy.
| | - Pierfrancesco Mirabelli
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Maria Xeroudaki
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Mohit Parekh
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Venice, Italy
| | - Marina Bertolin
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Venice, Italy
| | - Claudia Breda
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Venice, Italy
| | - Carlo Cagini
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perugia General Hospital, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Diego Ponzin
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Venice, Italy
| | - Neil Lagali
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institute for Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, Linkoping University, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Stefano Ferrari
- International Center for Ocular Physiopathology, The Veneto Eye Bank Foundation, Venice, Italy
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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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Steinbrenner I, Houdek P, Pollok S, Brandner JM, Daniels R. Influence of the Oil Phase and Topical Formulation on the Wound Healing Ability of a Birch Bark Dry Extract. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0155582. [PMID: 27219110 PMCID: PMC4878794 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0155582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 05/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Triterpenes from the outer bark of birch are known for various pharmacological effects including enhanced wound healing (WH). A birch bark dry extract (TE) obtained by accelerated solvent extraction showed the ability to form oleogels when it is suspended in oils. Consistency of the oleogels and the dissolved amount of triterpenes varies largely with the used oil. Here we wanted to know to what extent different oils and formulations (oleogel versus o/w emulsion) influence WH. Looking at the plain oils, medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) enhanced WH (ca. 1.4-fold), while e.g. castor oil (ca.0.3-fold) or light liquid paraffin (LLP; ca. 0.5-fold) significantly decreased WH. Concerning the respective oleogels, TE-MCT showed no improvement although the solubility of the TE was high. In contrast, the oleogel of sunflower oil which alone showed a slight tendency to impair WH, enhanced WH significantly (ca. 1.6-fold). These results can be explained by release experiments where the release rate of betulin, the main component of TE, from MCT oleogels was significantly lower than from sunflower oil oleogels. LLP impaired WH as plain oil and even though it released betulin comparable to sunflower oil it still results in an overall negative effect of the oleogel on WH. As a further formulation option also surfactant free o/w emulsions were prepared using MCT, sunflower oil and LLP as a nonpolar oil phase. Depending on the preparation method (suspension or oleogel method) the distribution of the TE varied markedly and affected also release kinetics. However, the released betulin was clearly below the values measured with the respective oleogels. Consequently, none of the emulsions showed a significantly positive effect on WH. In conclusion, our data show that the oil used as a vehicle influences wound healing not only by affecting the release of the extract, but also by having its own vehicle effect on wound healing. This is also of importance for other applications where drugs have to be applied in non-polar vehicles because these solvents likely influence the outcome of the experiment substantially.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Steinbrenner
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Pia Houdek
- University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Department of Dermatology & Venerology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simone Pollok
- University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Department of Dermatology & Venerology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johanna M. Brandner
- University Hospital Hamburg Eppendorf, Department of Dermatology & Venerology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rolf Daniels
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- * E-mail:
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41
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Wardecki T, Werner P, Thomas M, Templin MF, Schmidt G, Brandner JM, Merfort I. Influence of Birch Bark Triterpenes on Keratinocytes and Fibroblasts from Diabetic and Nondiabetic Donors. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2016; 79:1112-1123. [PMID: 27002382 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.6b00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Impaired wound healing is one of the main risk factors associated with diabetes mellitus. Few options are available to treat diabetic wounds, and therefore efficient remedies are urgently needed. An interesting option might be an extract of birch bark (TE) that has been clinically proven to accelerate acute wound healing. We investigated the effects of TE and its main components betulin and lupeol in cultured normal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts from diabetic and nondiabetic donors. These in vitro models can provide insights into possible beneficial effects in wound healing. TE and betulin treatment led to increased mRNA levels of chemokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and mediators important in wound healing, e.g., IL-6, TNFα, IL-8, and RANTES. We observed a pronounced upregulation of MIF, IL-8, and RANTES on the protein level. Furthermore, a shape change of the actin cytoskeleton was seen in keratinocytes and fibroblasts, and the Rho-GTPases and p38-MAPK were found to be activated in keratinocytes. On the basis of our results, TE is worthy of further study as a potential option to influence wound-healing processes under diabetic conditions. These first insights need to be confirmed by clinical studies with diabetic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Thomas
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, and University of Tübingen , Tübingen, Germany
| | - Markus F Templin
- Institute of Natural and Medical Sciences at the University of Tübingen , Reutlingen, Germany
| | | | - Johanna M Brandner
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg, Germany
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Cogliati B, Mennecier G, Willebrords J, Da Silva TC, Maes M, Pereira IVA, Crespo-Yanguas S, Hernandez-Blazquez FJ, Dagli MLZ, Vinken M. Connexins, Pannexins, and Their Channels in Fibroproliferative Diseases. J Membr Biol 2016; 249:199-213. [PMID: 26914707 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-016-9881-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of wound healing, tissue repair, and fibrogenesis are established in different organs and are essential for the maintenance of function and tissue integrity after cell injury. These mechanisms are also involved in a plethora of fibroproliferative diseases or organ-specific fibrotic disorders, all of which are associated with the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix components. Fibroblasts, which are key cells in tissue repair and fibrogenesis, rely on communicative cellular networks to ensure efficient control of these processes and to prevent abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix into the tissue. Despite the significant impact on human health, and thus the epidemiologic relevance, there is still no effective treatment for most fibrosis-related diseases. This paper provides an overview of current concepts and mechanisms involved in the participation of cellular communication via connexin-based pores as well as pannexin-based channels in the processes of tissue repair and fibrogenesis in chronic diseases. Understanding these mechanisms may contribute to the development of new therapeutic strategies to clinically manage fibroproliferative diseases and organ-specific fibrotic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Cogliati
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gregory Mennecier
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Joost Willebrords
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Tereza Cristina Da Silva
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michaël Maes
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Sara Crespo-Yanguas
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Maria Lúcia Zaidan Dagli
- Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Connexin43 plays diverse roles in co-ordinating cell migration and wound closure events. Biochem Soc Trans 2016; 43:482-8. [PMID: 26009195 DOI: 10.1042/bst20150034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic wounds are not only debilitating to patients, but also impose a huge financial burden on healthcare providers, as current treatments are not particularly effective. Wound healing is a highly co-ordinated process involving a vast array of signalling molecules and different cell types, therefore a substantial amount of research has been carried out in the quest to develop new therapies. The gap junction (GJ) protein connexin43 (Cx43) is one of the many molecules whose expression has been found to be up-regulated in chronic wounds and as a result targeting it may have therapeutic potential. Two different approaches have been adopted to investigate this: knockdown of Cx43 using antisense oligonucleotides and connexin mimetic peptides (CMPs) which inhibit the function of Cx43 without affecting gene expression. These peptides are targeted to the C-terminal domain or the extracellular loops of Cx43 and thus are likely to function by different means. However, both block channel function and have been shown to enhance cell migration rates. In recent years, non-channel functions have emerged for Cx43, many of which are linked to cytoskeletal dynamics and the extracellular matrix (ECM), showing that Cx43 plays diverse roles in co-ordinating wound closure events. It is clear that both CMPs and antisense oligonucleotides hold therapeutic potential, however maintaining Cx43 expression may be beneficial to the cell by preserving other non-channel functions of Cx43. Recent data in the field will be discussed in this article.
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Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex, multi-factorial disorder characterized by both constriction and remodelling of the distal pulmonary vasculature. This leads to increased pulmonary pressures and eventually right heart failure. Current drugs, which primarily target the vasoconstriction, serve only to prolong life and novel therapies targeting both the vasoconstriction and the remodelling are required. Aberrant signalling between cells of the pulmonary vasculature has been associated with the development of PAH. In particular, endothelial dysfunction can lead to hyperplasia of the underlying medial layer. Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins which can form intercellular communication channels known as gap junctions. This review will discuss recent evidence which shows that connexins play a role in regulation of the pulmonary vasculature and that dysregulation of connexins may contribute to PAH pathogenesis. Interaction of connexins with signalling pathways relevant to the pathogenesis of PAH, such as bone morphogenetic protein (BMP), serotonin and oestrogen are discussed.
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Murphy SF, Varghese RT, Lamouille S, Guo S, Pridham KJ, Kanabur P, Osimani AM, Sharma S, Jourdan J, Rodgers CM, Simonds GR, Gourdie RG, Sheng Z. Connexin 43 Inhibition Sensitizes Chemoresistant Glioblastoma Cells to Temozolomide. Cancer Res 2015; 76:139-49. [PMID: 26542214 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-15-1286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Resistance of glioblastoma (GBM) to the front-line chemotherapeutic agent temozolomide (TMZ) continues to challenge GBM treatment efforts. The repair of TMZ-induced DNA damage by O-6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) confers one mechanism of TMZ resistance. Paradoxically, MGMT-deficient GBM patients survive longer despite still developing resistance to TMZ. Recent studies indicate that the gap junction protein connexin 43 (Cx43) renders GBM cells resistant to TMZ through its carboxyl terminus (CT). In this study, we report insights into how Cx43 promotes TMZ resistance. Cx43 levels were inversely correlated with TMZ sensitivity of GBM cells, including GBM stem cells. Moreover, Cx43 levels inversely correlated with patient survival, including as observed in MGMT-deficient GBM patients. Addition of the C-terminal peptide mimetic αCT1, a selective inhibitor of Cx43 channels, sensitized human MGMT-deficient and TMZ-resistant GBM cells to TMZ treatment. Moreover, combining αCT1 with TMZ-blocked AKT/mTOR signaling, induced autophagy and apoptosis in TMZ-resistant GBM cells. Our findings suggest that Cx43 may offer a biomarker to predict the survival of patients with MGMT-independent TMZ resistance and that combining a Cx43 inhibitor with TMZ could enhance therapeutic responses in GBM, and perhaps other TMZ-resistant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan F Murphy
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia
| | | | - Samy Lamouille
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia. FirstString Research Inc., Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
| | - Sujuan Guo
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Kevin J Pridham
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Pratik Kanabur
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia
| | | | - Shaan Sharma
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Jane Jourdan
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Cara M Rodgers
- Department of Neurosurgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Gary R Simonds
- Department of Neurosurgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, Virginia
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia. Faculty of Health Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Blacksburg, Virginia. Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia.
| | - Zhi Sheng
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, Virginia. Faculty of Health Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. Department of Biological Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia. Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia.
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Manipulating Cx43 expression triggers gene reprogramming events in dermal fibroblasts from oculodentodigital dysplasia patients. Biochem J 2015; 472:55-69. [PMID: 26349540 DOI: 10.1042/bj20150652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) is primarily an autosomal dominant disorder linked to over 70 GJA1 gene [connexin43 (Cx43)] mutations. For nearly a decade, our laboratory has been investigating the relationship between Cx43 and ODDD by expressing disease-linked mutants in reference cells, tissue-relevant cell lines, 3D organ cultures and by using genetically modified mouse models of human disease. Although salient features of Cx43 mutants have been revealed, these models do not necessarily reflect the complexity of the human context. To further overcome these limitations, we have acquired dermal fibroblasts from two ODDD-affected individuals harbouring D3N and V216L mutations in Cx43, along with familial controls. Using these ODDD patient dermal fibroblasts, which naturally produce less GJA1 gene product, along with RNAi and RNA activation (RNAa) approaches, we show that manipulating Cx43 expression triggers cellular gene reprogramming. Quantitative RT-PCR, Western blot and immunofluorescent analysis of ODDD patient fibroblasts show unusually high levels of extracellular matrix (ECM)-interacting proteins, including integrin α5β1, matrix metalloproteinases as well as secreted ECM proteins collagen-I and laminin. Cx43 knockdown in familial control cells produces similar effects on ECM expression, whereas Cx43 transcriptional up-regulation using RNAa decreases production of collagen-I. Interestingly, the enhanced levels of ECM-associated proteins in ODDD V216L fibroblasts is not only a consequence of increased ECM gene expression, but also due to an apparent deficit in collagen-I secretion which may further contribute to impaired collagen gel contraction in ODDD fibroblasts. These findings further illuminate the altered function of Cx43 in ODDD-affected individuals and highlight the impact of manipulating Cx43 expression in human cells.
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Kameritsch P, Kiemer F, Beck H, Pohl U, Pogoda K. Cx43 increases serum induced filopodia formation via activation of p21-activated protein kinase 1. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2015; 1853:2907-17. [PMID: 26255026 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2015.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Revised: 07/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
In a previous study we could show that connexin 43 (Cx43) expression increased the migration of cells in a channel-independent manner involving the MAPK p38. We analyzed here the mechanism by which Cx43 enhanced p38 activation and migration related changes of the actin cytoskeleton. HeLa cells were used as a model system for the controlled expression of Cx43 and truncated Cx43 proteins. The expression of Cx43 altered the actin cytoskeleton organization in response to serum stimulation. Cx43 expressing HeLa cells had significantly more filopodial protrusions per cell than empty-vector transfected control cells. The expression of the channel incompetent carboxyl tail of Cx43 was sufficient to enhance the filopodia formation whereas the N-terminal, channel-building part, had no such effect. The enhanced filopodia formation was p38 dependent since the p38 blocker SB203580 significantly diminished it. Immunoprecipitation revealed an interaction of the upstream regulator of p38, p21-activated protein kinase 1 (PAK1), with Cx43 resulting in an enhanced phosphorylation of PAK1. Moreover, p38 activation, filopodia formation and cell migration were significantly reduced by blocking the PAK1 activity with its pharmacological inhibitor, IPA-3. The p38 target Hsp27, which favors the actin polymerization in its phosphorylated form, was significantly more phosphorylated characterizing it as a potential candidate molecule to enhance the serum-induced actin polymerization in Cx43 expressing cells. Our results provide a novel mechanism by which Cx43 can modify actin cytoskeletal dynamics and may thereby enhance cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Kameritsch
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 27, 81377 München, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Biedersteiner Str. 29, 80802 München, Germany.
| | - Felizitas Kiemer
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 27, 81377 München, Germany.
| | - Heike Beck
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 27, 81377 München, Germany.
| | - Ulrich Pohl
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 27, 81377 München, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Biedersteiner Str. 29, 80802 München, Germany; Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Feodor-Lynen-Str. 17, 81377 München, Germany.
| | - Kristin Pogoda
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, Marchioninistr. 27, 81377 München, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Biedersteiner Str. 29, 80802 München, Germany.
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Molander M, Staerk D, Mørck Nielsen H, Brandner JM, Diallo D, Kusamba Zacharie C, van Staden J, Jäger AK. Investigation of skin permeation, ex vivo inhibition of venom-induced tissue destruction, and wound healing of African plants used against snakebites. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2015; 165:1-8. [PMID: 25681542 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2015.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 01/29/2015] [Accepted: 02/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Snakebite envenomation causes 5000-10,000 mortalities and results in more than 5-15,000 amputations in sub-Saharan Africa alone every year. The inaccessibility of antiserum therapy is a vast problem, and only about 2.5% of the actual need for antiserum in Africa is covered. Numerous plants have shown in vitro inhibitory activity against one or more of the hydrolytic enzymes involved in snakebite-induced necrosis. However, a more thorough examination of the plant species in ex vivo and in vitro cell assay models is needed to test their ability to inhibit necrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Extracts which had previously shown in vitro inhibitory activity against necrosis enzymes, were tested in an ex vivo air-liquid-interface model, and a wound healing scratch assay as well as for their ability to permeate the skin barrier and inhibit venom induced cell death. RESULTS Of the 14 water extracts and 16 ethanol extracts tested at a concentration of 10 μg/mL, only the ethanol extracts of Tamarindus indica and Paullinia pinnata resulted in a small but significant increase in cell migration of around 10% compared to treatment with buffer after 24h treatment. The remaining extracts showed no effect, or they even delayed the cell migration compared to the treatment with buffer. After 48 h treatment, 10 of the tested extracts showed a decreased cell migration compared to no treatment. At a 100 μg/mL concentration all the extracts inhibited cell migration and five extracts killed some of the cells, while four extracts killed all the cells. Ten of the thirty extracts were tested in a Franz cell set-up but none of the extracts tested did permeate the skin barrier over a 48 h period, and will therefore be of very limited use topically in the initial treatment of snakebites in its present form. None of the extracts were able to directly interact with the enzyme to lower the cell toxicity of the venom. Two extracts, Dichrostachys cinerea and Grewia mollis, were tested in the ex vivo model, but none of them inhibited the tissue destruction caused by venom. CONCLUSION On the basis of this study, topical treatment with plant extracts for snakebite-induced tissue necrosis cannot be recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Molander
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dan Staerk
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Mørck Nielsen
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Johanna M Brandner
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Drissa Diallo
- Departement de Medecine Traditionelle, School of Pharmacy, Bamako, Mali
| | - Chifundera Kusamba Zacharie
- Department of Biology and Wildlife Resources Management, Faculty of Sciences, National Pedagogical University, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
| | - Johannes van Staden
- Research Centre for Plant Growth and Development, School of Life Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal Pietermaritzburg, Private Bag X01, Scottsville 3201, South Africa
| | - Anna K Jäger
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Grek CL, Prasad GM, Viswanathan V, Armstrong DG, Gourdie RG, Ghatnekar GS. Topical administration of a connexin43-based peptide augments healing of chronic neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers: A multicenter, randomized trial. Wound Repair Regen 2015; 23:203-12. [PMID: 25703647 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 02/11/2015] [Accepted: 02/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Nonhealing neuropathic foot ulcers remain a significant problem in individuals with diabetes. The gap-junctional protein connexin43 (Cx43) has roles in dermal wound healing and targeting Cx43 signalling accelerates wound reepithelialization. In a prospective, randomized, multicenter clinical trial we evaluated the efficacy and safety of a peptide mimetic of the C-terminus of Cx43, alpha connexin carboxy-terminal (ACT1), in accelerating the healing of chronic diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) when incorporated into standard of care (SOC) protocols. Adults with DFUs of at least four weeks duration were randomized to receive SOC with or without topical application of ACT1. Primary outcome was mean percent ulcer reepithelialization and safety variables included incidence of treatment related adverse events (AEs) and detection of ACT1 immunogenicity. ACT1 treatment was associated with a significantly greater reduction in mean percent ulcer area from baseline to 12 weeks (72.1% vs. 57.1%; p = 0.03). Analysis of incidence and median time-to-complete-ulcer closure revealed that ACT1 treatment was associated with a greater percentage of participants that reached 100% ulcer reepitheliazation and a reduced median time-to-complete-ulcer closure. No AEs reported were treatment related, and ACT1 was not immunogenic. Treatment protocols that incorporate ACT1 may present a therapeutic strategy that safely augments the reepithelialization of chronic DFUs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - G M Prasad
- Pace Clinical Research Center, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - David G Armstrong
- Southern Arizona Limb Salvage Alliance (SALSA), Department of Surgery, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Center for Heart and Regenerative Medicine Research, Roanoke, Virginia.,Virginia Tech School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Blacksburg, Virginia, and.,Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, Virginia
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50
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Zubair M, Nybom H, Lindholm C, Brandner JM, Rumpunen K. Promotion of wound healing by Plantago major L. leaf extracts--ex-vivo experiments confirm experiences from traditional medicine. Nat Prod Res 2015; 30:622-4. [PMID: 25898918 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2015.1034714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The wound-healing properties of Plantago major L. (plantain) were evaluated using an ex-vivo porcine wound-healing model. Ethanol- and water-based extracts were prepared from greenhouse-grown and freeze-dried leaves of P. major. Both types of extracts stimulated wound healing in porcine skin, but the ethanol-based extracts had a somewhat stronger effect. A concentration of 1.0 mg/mL (on dry weight basis) produced the best results for both types of extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Zubair
- a Department of Plant Breeding - Balsgård , Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences , Fjälkestadsvägen 459, 291 94 Kristianstad , Sweden.,b Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology , Government College University (GCU) , Faisalabad , Pakistan
| | - Hilde Nybom
- a Department of Plant Breeding - Balsgård , Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences , Fjälkestadsvägen 459, 291 94 Kristianstad , Sweden
| | | | - Johanna M Brandner
- d Department of Dermatology and Venerology , University Hospital Hamburg-Eppendorf , Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg , Germany
| | - Kimmo Rumpunen
- a Department of Plant Breeding - Balsgård , Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences , Fjälkestadsvägen 459, 291 94 Kristianstad , Sweden
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