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Benedikt J, Malpica-Nieves CJ, Rivera Y, Méndez-González M, Nichols CG, Veh RW, Eaton MJ, Skatchkov SN. The Polyamine Spermine Potentiates the Propagation of Negatively Charged Molecules through the Astrocytic Syncytium. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121812. [PMID: 36551240 PMCID: PMC9775384 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The interest in astrocytes, the silent brain cells that accumulate polyamines (PAs), is growing. PAs exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, neuroprotective, and other beneficial effects, including increasing longevity in vivo. Unlike neurons, astrocytes are extensively coupled to others via connexin (Cx) gap junctions (GJs). Although there are striking modulatory effects of PAs on neuronal receptors and channels, PA regulation of the astrocytic GJs is not well understood. We studied GJ-propagation using molecules of different (i) electrical charge, (ii) structure, and (iii) molecular weight. Loading single astrocytes with patch pipettes containing membrane-impermeable dyes, we observed that (i) even small molecules do not easily permeate astrocytic GJs, (ii) the ratio of the charge to weight of these molecules is the key determinant of GJ permeation, (iii) the PA spermine (SPM) induced the propagation of negatively charged molecules via GJs, (iv) while no effects were observed on propagation of macromolecules with net-zero charge. The GJ uncoupler carbenoxolone (CBX) blocked such propagation. Taken together, these findings indicate that SPM is essential for astrocytic GJ communication and selectively facilitates intracellular propagation via GJs for negatively charged molecules through glial syncytium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Benedikt
- Department of Physiology, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA
| | - Christian J. Malpica-Nieves
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA
- Correspondence: (C.J.M.-N.); (S.N.S.); Tel.: +1-787-798-3001 (ext. 2057) (S.N.S.)
| | - Yomarie Rivera
- Department of Chiropractic, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA
| | | | - Colin G. Nichols
- Department of Cell Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Rüdiger W. Veh
- Institut für Zell- und Neurobiologie, Charité, 10115 Berlin, Germany
| | - Misty J. Eaton
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA
| | - Serguei N. Skatchkov
- Department of Physiology, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA
- Correspondence: (C.J.M.-N.); (S.N.S.); Tel.: +1-787-798-3001 (ext. 2057) (S.N.S.)
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Rieck J, Skatchkov SN, Derst C, Eaton MJ, Veh RW. Unique Chemistry, Intake, and Metabolism of Polyamines in the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Its Body. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040501. [PMID: 35454090 PMCID: PMC9025450 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Polyamines (PAs) are small, versatile molecules with two or more nitrogen-containing positively charged groups and provide widespread biological functions. Most of these aspects are well known and covered by quite a number of excellent surveys. Here, the present review includes novel aspects and questions: (1) It summarizes the role of most natural and some important synthetic PAs. (2) It depicts PA uptake from nutrition and bacterial production in the intestinal system following loss of PAs via defecation. (3) It highlights the discrepancy between the high concentrations of PAs in the gut lumen and their low concentration in the blood plasma and cerebrospinal fluid, while concentrations in cellular cytoplasm are much higher. (4) The present review provides a novel and complete scheme for the biosynthesis of Pas, including glycine, glutamate, proline and others as PA precursors, and provides a hypothesis that the agmatine pathway may rescue putrescine production when ODC knockout seems to be lethal (solving the apparent contradiction in the literature). (5) It summarizes novel data on PA transport in brain glial cells explaining why these cells but not neurons preferentially accumulate PAs. (6) Finally, it provides a novel and complete scheme for PA interconversion, including hypusine, putreanine, and GABA (unique gliotransmitter) as end-products. Altogether, this review can serve as an updated contribution to understanding the PA mystery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Rieck
- Institut für Zell- und Neurobiologie, Centrum 2, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Serguei N. Skatchkov
- Department of Physiology, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA;
- Correspondence: (S.N.S.); (R.W.V.)
| | - Christian Derst
- Institut für Integrative Neuroanatomie, Centrum 2, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Misty J. Eaton
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe, Bayamón, PR 00956, USA;
| | - Rüdiger W. Veh
- Institut für Zell- und Neurobiologie, Centrum 2, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, D-10117 Berlin, Germany;
- Correspondence: (S.N.S.); (R.W.V.)
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3
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Ilyaskin AV, Korbmacher C, Diakov A. Inhibition of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) by connexin 30 involves stimulation of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100404. [PMID: 33577799 PMCID: PMC7973139 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Mice lacking connexin 30 (Cx30) display increased epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) activity in the distal nephron and develop salt-sensitive hypertension. This indicates a functional link between Cx30 and ENaC, which remains incompletely understood. Here, we explore the effect of Cx30 on ENaC function using the Xenopus laevis oocyte expression system. Coexpression of human Cx30 with human αβγENaC significantly reduced ENaC-mediated whole-cell currents. The size of the inhibitory effect on ENaC depended on the expression level of Cx30 and required Cx30 ion channel activity. ENaC inhibition by Cx30 was mainly due to reduced cell surface ENaC expression resulting from enhanced ENaC retrieval without discernible effects on proteolytic channel activation and single-channel properties. ENaC retrieval from the cell surface involves the interaction of the ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2 with PPPxY-motifs in the C-termini of ENaC. Truncating the C- termini of β- or γENaC significantly reduced the inhibitory effect of Cx30 on ENaC. In contrast, mutating the prolines belonging to the PPPxY-motif in γENaC or coexpressing a dominant-negative Xenopus Nedd4 (xNedd4-CS) did not significantly alter ENaC inhibition by Cx30. Importantly, the inhibitory effect of Cx30 on ENaC was significantly reduced by Pitstop-2, an inhibitor of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, or by mutating putative clathrin adaptor protein 2 (AP-2) recognition motifs (YxxФ) in the C termini of β- or γ-ENaC. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Cx30 inhibits ENaC by promoting channel retrieval from the plasma membrane via clathrin-dependent endocytosis. Lack of this inhibition may contribute to increased ENaC activity and salt-sensitive hypertension in mice with Cx30 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandr V Ilyaskin
- Institut für Zelluläre und Molekulare Physiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Christoph Korbmacher
- Institut für Zelluläre und Molekulare Physiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Alexei Diakov
- Institut für Zelluläre und Molekulare Physiologie, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
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Abstract
Potassium channels that exhibit the property of inward rectification (Kir channels) are present in most cells. Cloning of the first Kir channel genes 25 years ago led to recognition that inward rectification is a consequence of voltage-dependent block by cytoplasmic polyamines, which are also ubiquitously present in animal cells. Upon cellular depolarization, these polycationic metabolites enter the Kir channel pore from the intracellular side, blocking the movement of K+ ions through the channel. As a consequence, high K+ conductance at rest can provide very stable negative resting potentials, but polyamine-mediated blockade at depolarized potentials ensures, for instance, the long plateau phase of the cardiac action potential, an essential feature for a stable cardiac rhythm. Despite much investigation of the polyamine block, where exactly polyamines get to within the Kir channel pore and how the steep voltage dependence arises remain unclear. This Minireview will summarize current understanding of the relevance and molecular mechanisms of polyamine block and offer some ideas to try to help resolve the fundamental issue of the voltage dependence of polyamine block.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin G Nichols
- From the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110
| | - Sun-Joo Lee
- From the Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Center for the Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri 63110
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Veenstra RD. Control of Cell Proliferation by Polyamine Signaling through Gap Junctions, Feasible or Not? Bioessays 2018; 40:e1800043. [PMID: 29668031 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201800043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Revised: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Richard D Veenstra
- R. D. Veenstra, Department of Pharmacology, SUNY Upstate Medical Center, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210
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Skatchkov SN, Antonov SM, Eaton MJ. Glia and glial polyamines. Role in brain function in health and disease. BIOCHEMISTRY MOSCOW SUPPLEMENT SERIES A-MEMBRANE AND CELL BIOLOGY 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s1990747816010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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Abstract
This review focuses on the roles of glia and polyamines (PAs) in brain function and dysfunction, highlighting how PAs are one of the principal differences between glia and neurons. The novel role of PAs, such as putrescine, spermidine, and spermine and their precursors and derivatives, is discussed. However, PAs have not yet been a focus of much glial research. They affect many neuronal and glial receptors, channels, and transporters. They are therefore key elements in the development of many diseases and syndromes, thus forming the rationale for PA-focused and glia-focused therapy for these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serguei N Skatchkov
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Universidad, Central del Caribe, PO Box 60-327, Bayamón, PR 00960-6032, USA; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Universidad, Central del Caribe, PO Box 60-327, Bayamón, PR 00960-6032, USA.
| | - Michel A Woodbury-Fariña
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine, 307 Calle Eleonor Roosevelt, San Juan, PR 00918-2720, USA
| | - Misty Eaton
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Universidad, Central del Caribe, PO Box 60-327, Bayamón, PR 00960-6032, USA
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Sala-Rabanal M, Li DC, Dake GR, Kurata HT, Inyushin M, Skatchkov SN, Nichols CG. Polyamine transport by the polyspecific organic cation transporters OCT1, OCT2, and OCT3. Mol Pharm 2013; 10:1450-8. [PMID: 23458604 DOI: 10.1021/mp400024d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Polyamines are ubiquitous organic cations implicated in many physiological processes. Because they are positively charged at physiological pH, carrier-mediated systems are necessary for effective membrane permeation, but the identity of specific polyamine transporter proteins in eukaryotic cells remains unclear. Polyspecific organic cation transporters (OCTs) interact with many natural and xenobiotic monovalent cations and have been reported to transport dicationic compounds, including the short polyamine putrescine. In this study, we used Xenopus oocytes expressing mammalian OCT1 (SLC22A1), OCT2 (SLC22A2), or OCT3 (SLC22A3) to assess binding and transport of longer-chain polyvalent polyamines. In OCT-expressing oocytes, [(3)H]MPP(+) uptake rates were 15- to 35-fold higher than in noninjected oocytes, whereas those for [(3)H]spermidine increased more modestly above the background, up to 3-fold. This reflected up to 20-fold lower affinity for spermidine than for MPP(+); thus, K(0.5) for MPP(+) was ~50 μM in OCT1, ~170 μM in OCT2, and ~60 μM in OCT3, whereas for spermidine, K(0.5) was ~1 mM in OCT1, OCT2, and OCT3. J(max) values for MPP(+) and spermidine were within the same range, suggesting that both compounds are transported at a similar turnover rate. To gain further insight into OCT substrate specificity, we screened a selection of structural polyamine analogues for effect on [(3)H]MPP(+) uptake. In general, blocking potency increased with overall hydrophobic character, which indicates that, as for monovalent cations, hydrophobicity is a major requirement for recognition in polyvalent OCT substrates and inhibitors. Our results demonstrate that the natural polyamines are low affinity, but relatively high turnover, substrates for OCTs. The identification of OCTs as polyamine transport systems may contribute to further understanding of the mechanisms involved in polyamine homeostasis and aid in the design of polyamine-like OCT-targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Sala-Rabanal
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, and Center for Investigation of Membrane Excitability Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri 63110, USA.
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Fleidervish IA, Libman L, Katz E, Gutnick MJ. Endogenous polyamines regulate cortical neuronal excitability by blocking voltage-gated Na+ channels. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2008; 105:18994-9. [PMID: 19020082 PMCID: PMC2596226 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0803464105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2008] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Because the excitable properties of neurons in the neocortex depend on the characteristics of voltage-gated Na(+) channels, factors which regulate those characteristics can fundamentally modify the dynamics of cortical circuits. Here, we report on a novel neuromodulatory mechanism that links the availability of Na(+) channels to metabolism of polyamines (PAs) in the cerebral cortex. Using single channel and whole-cell recordings, we found that products of PA metabolism, the ubiquitous aliphatic polycations spermine and spermidine, are endogenous blockers of Na(+) channels in layer 5 pyramidal cells. Because the blockade is activity-dependent, it is particularly effective against Na(+) channels which fail to inactivate rapidly and thus underlie the persistent Na(+) current. At the level of the local cortical circuit, pharmacological depletion of PAs led to increased spontaneous spiking and periods of hypersynchronous discharge. Our data suggest that changes in PA levels, whether associated with normal brain states or pathological conditions, profoundly modify Na(+) channel availability and thereby shape the integrative behavior of single neurons and neocortical circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilya A Fleidervish
- Koret School of Veterinary Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot 76100, Israel.
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10
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Abstract
Previous studies have shown that cardiac inward rectifier potassium current (I(K1)) channels are heteromers of distinct Kir2 subunits and suggested that species- and tissue-dependent expression of these subunits may underlie variability of I(K1). In this study, we investigated the contribution of the slowly activating Kir2.3 subunit and free intracellular polyamines (PAs) to variability of I(K1) in the mouse heart. The kinetics of activation was measured in Kir2 concatemeric tetramers with known subunit stoichiometry. Inclusion of only one Kir2.3 subunit to a Kir2.1 channel led to an approximate threefold slowing of activation kinetics, with greater slowing on subsequent additions of Kir2.3 subunits. Activation kinetics of I(K1) in both ventricles and both atria was found to correspond to fast-activating Kir2.1/Kir2.2 channels, suggesting no major contribution of Kir2.3 subunits. In contrast, I(K1) displayed significant variation in both the current density and inward rectification, suggesting involvement of intracellular PAs. The total levels of PAs were similar across the mouse heart. Measurements of the free intracellular PAs in isolated myocytes, using transgenically expressed Kir2.1 channels as PA sensors, revealed "microheterogeneity" of I(K1) rectification as well as lower levels of free PAs in atrial myocytes compared with ventricular cells. These findings provide a quantitative explanation for the regional heterogeneity of I(K1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian K Panama
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
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Matsushita K, Puro DG. Topographical heterogeneity of K(IR) currents in pericyte-containing microvessels of the rat retina: effect of diabetes. J Physiol 2006; 573:483-95. [PMID: 16581863 PMCID: PMC1779733 DOI: 10.1113/jphysiol.2006.107102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Although inwardly rectifying potassium (K(IR)) channels are known to have important functional roles in arteries and arterioles, knowledge of these channels in pericyte-containing microvessels is limited. A working hypothesis is that K(IR) channel activity affects the membrane potential and thereby the contractile tone of abluminal pericytes whose contractions and relaxations may regulate capillary perfusion. Because pericyte function is thought to be particularly important in the retina, we used the perforated-patch technique to monitor the ionic currents of pericytes located on microvessels freshly isolated from the rat retina. In addition, because changes in ion channel function may contribute to microvascular dysfunction in the diabetic retina, we also recorded from pericyte-containing microvessels of streptozotocin-injected rats. Using barium to identify K(IR) currents, we found that there is a topographical heterogeneity of these currents in the pericyte-containing microvasculature of the normal retina. Specifically, the K(IR) current detected at distal locations is strongly rectifying, but the proximal K(IR) current is weakly rectifying and has a smaller inward conductance. However, soon after the onset of diabetes, these differences diminish as the rectification and inward conductance of the proximal K(IR) current increase. These diabetes-induced changes were reversed by an inhibitor of polyamine synthesis and could be mimicked by spermine, whose concentration is elevated in the diabetic eye. Hence, spermine is a candidate for mediating the effect of diabetes on the function of microvascular K(IR) channels. In addition, our findings raise the possibility that functional changes in K(IR) channels contribute to blood flow dysregulation in the diabetic retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Matsushita
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Michigan, 1000 Wall Street, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA
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Bahima L, Aleu J, Elias M, Martín-Satué M, Muhaisen A, Blasi J, Marsal J, Solsona C. Endogenous hemichannels play a role in the release of ATP from Xenopus oocytes. J Cell Physiol 2006; 206:95-102. [PMID: 15965959 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.20440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
ATP is an electrically charged molecule that functions both in the supply of energy necessary for cellular activity and as an intercellular signaling molecule. Although controlled ATP secretion occurs via exocytosis of granules and vesicles, in some cells, and under certain conditions, other mechanisms control ATP release. Gap junctions, intercellular channels formed by connexins that link the cytoplasm of two adjacent cells, control the passage of ions and molecules up to 1 kDa. The channel is formed by two moieties called hemichannels, or connexons, and it has been suggested that these may represent an alternative pathway for ATP release. We have investigated the release of ATP through hemichannels from Xenopus oocytes that are formed by Connexin 38 (Cx38), an endogenous, specific type of connexin. These hemichannels generate an inward current that is reversibly activated by calcium-free solution and inhibited by octanol and flufenamic acid. This calcium-sensitive current depends on Cx38 expression: it is decreased in oocytes injected with an antisense oligonucleotide against Cx38 mRNA (ASCx38) and is increased in oocytes overexpressing Cx38. Moreover, the activation of these endogenous connexons also allows transfer of Lucifer Yellow. We have found that the release of ATP is coincident with the opening of hemichannels: it is calcium-sensitive, is inhibited by octanol and flufenamic acid, is inhibited in ASCx38 injected oocytes, and is increased by overexpression of Cx38. Taken together, our results suggest that ATP is released through activated hemichannels in Xenopus oocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Bahima
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, Department of Pathology and Experimental Therapeutics, IDIBELL-Medical School, University of Barcelona, Bellvitge Campus, Feixa Llarga s/n, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Spain
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13
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Abstract
Animal species use specialized cell-to-cell channels, called gap junctions, to allow for a direct exchange of ions and small metabolites between their cells' cytoplasm. In invertebrates, gap junctions are formed by innexins, while vertebrates use connexin (Cx) proteins as gap-junction-building blocks. Recently, innexin homologs have been found in vertebrates and named pannexins. From progress in the different genome projects, it has become evident that every class of vertebrates uses their own unique set of Cxs to build their gap junctions. Here, we review all known Xenopus Cxs with respect to their expression, regulation, and function. We compare Xenopus Cxs with those of zebrafish and mouse, and provide evidence for the existence of several additional, non-identified, amphibian Cxs. Finally, we identify two new Xenopus pannexins by screening EST libraries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teun P de Boer
- Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Yalelaan 50, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands
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14
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Sáez JC, Retamal MA, Basilio D, Bukauskas FF, Bennett MVL. Connexin-based gap junction hemichannels: gating mechanisms. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2005; 1711:215-24. [PMID: 15955306 PMCID: PMC3617572 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2005.01.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2004] [Revised: 01/20/2005] [Accepted: 01/26/2005] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) form hemichannels and gap junction channels. Each gap junction channel is composed of two hemichannels, also termed connexons, one from each of the coupled cells. Hemichannels are hexamers assembled in the ER, the Golgi, or a post Golgi compartment. They are transported to the cell surface in vesicles and inserted by vesicle fusion, and then dock with a hemichannel in an apposed membrane to form a cell-cell channel. It was thought that hemichannels should remain closed until docking with another hemichannel because of the leak they would provide if their permeability and conductance were like those of their corresponding cell-cell channels. Now it is clear that hemichannels formed by a number of different connexins can open in at least some cells with a finite if low probability, and that their opening can be modulated under various physiological and pathological conditions. Hemichannels open in different kinds of cells in culture with conductance and permeability properties predictable from those of the corresponding gap junction channels. Cx43 hemichannels are preferentially closed in cultured cells under resting conditions, but their open probability can be increased by the application of positive voltages and by changes in protein phosphorylation and/or redox state. In addition, increased activity can result from the recruitment of hemichannels to the plasma membrane as seen in metabolically inhibited astrocytes. Mutations of connexins that increase hemichannel open probability may explain cellular degeneration in several hereditary diseases. Taken together, the data indicate that hemichannels are gated by multiple mechanisms that independently or cooperatively affect their open probability under physiological as well as pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan C Sáez
- Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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15
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Locke D, Koreen IV, Liu JY, Harris AL. Reversible pore block of connexin channels by cyclodextrins. J Biol Chem 2004; 279:22883-92. [PMID: 15044473 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m401980200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclodextrins (CDs), a series of hollow cyclic glucosaccharides, can reversibly block molecular permeation through channels formed by connexin-32 and/or connexin-26 reconstituted into liposomes. The character of the block changes as a function of the size of the CD relative to the connexin pore diameter, suggesting that the block occurs via entry of the CD into the pore lumen and occlusion of the permeability pathway. The block occurs only when the CD is applied to the side of the pore that is normally cytoplasmic and not from the side that is normally extracellular. The block is potentiated when organic analytes are sequestered in the hydrophobic interior of the CDs. CDs may be useful as molecular tools with which to explore the structure of the connexin pore and to alter molecular movement through connexin channels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Locke
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, New Jersey Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, Newark, New Jersey 07103, USA.
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