1
|
Kiełbowski K, Bakinowska E, Pawlik A. The Potential Role of Connexins in the Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032600. [PMID: 36768920 PMCID: PMC9916887 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) are members of a protein family which enable extracellular and intercellular communication through hemichannels and gap junctions (GJ), respectively. Cx take part in transporting important cell-cell messengers such as 3',5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3), among others. Therefore, they play a significant role in regulating cell homeostasis, proliferation, and differentiation. Alterations in Cx distribution, degradation, and post-translational modifications have been correlated with cancers, as well as cardiovascular and neurological diseases. Depending on the isoform, Cx have been shown either to promote or suppress the development of atherosclerosis, a progressive inflammatory disease affecting large and medium-sized arteries. Cx might contribute to the progression of the disease by enhancing endothelial dysfunction, monocyte recruitment, vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) activation, or by inhibiting VSMC autophagy. Inhibition or modulation of the expression of specific isoforms could suppress atherosclerotic plaque formation and diminish pro-inflammatory conditions. A better understanding of the complexity of atherosclerosis pathophysiology linked with Cx could result in developing novel therapeutic strategies. This review aims to present the role of Cx in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and discusses whether they can become novel therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhou M, Zheng M, Zhou X, Tian S, Yang X, Ning Y, Li Y, Zhang S. The roles of connexins and gap junctions in the progression of cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:8. [PMID: 36639804 PMCID: PMC9837928 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-01009-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs), which are composed of connexins (Cxs), provide channels for direct information exchange between cells. Cx expression has a strong spatial specificity; however, its influence on cell behavior and information exchange between cells cannot be ignored. A variety of factors in organisms can modulate Cxs and subsequently trigger a series of responses that have important effects on cellular behavior. The expression and function of Cxs and the number and function of GJs are in dynamic change. Cxs have been characterized as tumor suppressors in the past, but recent studies have highlighted the critical roles of Cxs and GJs in cancer pathogenesis. The complex mechanism underlying Cx and GJ involvement in cancer development is a major obstacle to the evolution of therapy targeting Cxs. In this paper, we review the post-translational modifications of Cxs, the interactions of Cxs with several chaperone proteins, and the effects of Cxs and GJs on cancer. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhou
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 People’s Republic of China
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300121 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyue Zhou
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shifeng Tian
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Yang
- grid.216938.70000 0000 9878 7032Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yidi Ning
- grid.216938.70000 0000 9878 7032Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuwei Li
- grid.417031.00000 0004 1799 2675Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, 300121 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300121 People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Pun R, Kim MH, North BJ. Role of Connexin 43 phosphorylation on Serine-368 by PKC in cardiac function and disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 9:1080131. [PMID: 36712244 PMCID: PMC9877470 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1080131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Intercellular communication mediated by gap junction channels and hemichannels composed of Connexin 43 (Cx43) is vital for the propagation of electrical impulses through cardiomyocytes. The carboxyl terminal tail of Cx43 undergoes various post-translational modifications including phosphorylation of its Serine-368 (S368) residue. Protein Kinase C isozymes directly phosphorylate S368 to alter Cx43 function and stability through inducing conformational changes affecting channel permeability or promoting internalization and degradation to reduce intercellular communication between cardiomyocytes. Recent studies have implicated this PKC/Cx43-pS368 circuit in several cardiac-associated diseases. In this review, we describe the molecular and cellular basis of PKC-mediated Cx43 phosphorylation and discuss the implications of Cx43 S368 phosphorylation in the context of various cardiac diseases, such as cardiomyopathy, as well as the therapeutic potential of targeting this pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renju Pun
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Michael H. Kim
- CHI Health Heart Institute, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Brian J. North
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States,*Correspondence: Brian J. North,
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Fu ZP, Wu LL, Xue JY, Zhang LE, Li C, You HJ, Luo DL. Connexin 43 hyper-phosphorylation at serine 282 triggers apoptosis in rat cardiomyocytes via activation of mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2022; 43:1970-1978. [PMID: 34931018 PMCID: PMC9343349 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-021-00824-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cx43 is the major connexin in ventricular gap junctions, and plays a pivotal role in control of electrical and metabolic communication among adjacent cardiomyocytes. We previously found that Cx43 dephosphorylation at serine 282 (pS282) caused cardiomyocyte apoptosis, which is involved in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury. In this study we investigated whether Cx43-S282 hyper-phosphorylation could protect cardiomyocytes against apoptosis. Adenovirus carrying rat full length Cx43 gene (Cx43-wt) or a mutant gene at S282 substituted with aspartic acid (S282D) were transfected into neonatal rat ventricular myocytes (NRVMs) or injected into rat ventricular wall. Rat abdominal aorta constriction model (AAC) was used to assess Cx43-S282 phosphorylation status. We showed that Cx43 phosphorylation at S282 was increased over 2-times compared to Cx43-wt cells at 24 h after transfection, while pS262 and pS368 were unaltered. S282D-transfected cells displayed enhanced gap junctional communication, and increased basal intracellular Ca2+ concentration and spontaneous Ca2+ transients compared to Cx43-wt cells. However, spontaneous apoptosis appeared in NRVMs transfected with S282D for 34 h. Rat ventricular myocardium transfected with S282D in vivo also exhibited apoptotic responses, including increased Bax/Bcl-xL ratio, cytochrome c release as well as caspase-3 and caspase-9 activities, while factor-associated suicide (Fas)/Fas-associated death domain expression and caspase-8 activity remained unaltered. In addition, AAC-induced hypertrophic ventricles had apoptotic injury with Cx43-S282 hyper-phosphorylation compared with Sham ventricles. In conclusion, Cx43 hyper-phosphorylation at S282, as dephosphorylation, also triggers cardiomyocyte apoptosis, but through activation of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, providing a fine-tuned Cx43-S282 phosphorylation range required for the maintenance of cardiomyocyte function and survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-ping Fu
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disturbance Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Lu-lin Wu
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disturbance Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Jing-yi Xue
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disturbance Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Lan-e Zhang
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disturbance Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Chen Li
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disturbance Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Hong-jie You
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disturbance Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| | - Da-li Luo
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XDepartment of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disturbance Related Cardiovascular Disease, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069 China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
权 会, 徐 卫, 祁 宇, 李 清, 周 辉, 黄 婧. [Inhibition connexin 43 by mimetic peptide Gap27 mediates protective effects on 6-hydroxydopamine induced Parkinson's disease mouse model]. BEIJING DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY. HEALTH SCIENCES 2022; 54:421-426. [PMID: 35701117 PMCID: PMC9197703 DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167x.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore whether the using of mimetic peptide Gap27, a selective inhibitor of connexin 43 (Cx43), could block the death of dopamine neurons and influence the expression of Cx43 in 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-induced Parkinson's disease mouse models. METHODS Eighteen C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control group, 6-OHDA group and 6-OHDA+Gap27 group, with 6 mice in each group. Bilateral substantia nigra stereotactic injection was performed. The control group was injected with ascorbate solution, 6-OHDA group was injected with 6-OHDA solution, and 6-OHDA+Gap27 group was injected with 6-OHDA and Gap27 mixed solution. Immuno-histochemical staining was used to detect the number of dopamine neurons, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of Cx43 messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA), immuno-fluorescence staining was used to detect the distribution of Cx43 protein, the contents of Cx43 protein and Cx43 phosphorylation at serine 368 (Cx43-ps368) in mouse midbrain were detected by Western blot. RESULTS After injection of 6-OHDA, numerous dopamine neurons in substantia nigra died as Cx43 content increased, Cx43-ps368 content decreased. Mixing Gap27 while injecting 6-OHDA could reduce the number of death dopamine neurons and weaken the changes of Cx43 and Cx43-ps368 content caused by 6-OHDA. The number of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactive positive neurons in 6-OHDA group decreased to 27.7% ± 0.02% of the control group (P < 0.01); The number of TH immunoreactive positive neurons in 6-OHDA+Gap27 group was (1.64±0.16) times higher than that in 6-OHDA group (P < 0.05); The content of total Cx43 protein in 6-OHDA group was (1.44±0.07) times higher than that in 6-OHDA+Gap27 group (P < 0.05) while (1.68±0.07) times higher than that in control group (P < 0.01). In 6-OHDA group, the content of Cx43-ps368 protein and its proportion in total Cx43 protein were significantly lower than that in 6-OHDA+Gap27 group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION In 6-OHDA mouse models, mimetic peptide Gap27 played a protective role in reducing the damage to substantia nigra dopamine neurons, which was induced by 6-OHDA. The overexpression of Cx43 protein might have neurotoxicity to dopamine neuron. Meanwhile, decreasing Cx43 protein level and keeping Cx43-ps368 protein level may be the protective mechanisms of Gap27.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 会会 权
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 卫星 徐
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 宇泽 祁
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 清如 李
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 辉 周
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| | - 婧 黄
- />北京大学公共卫生学院劳动卫生与环境卫生学系,北京 100191Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, Peking University School of Public Health, Beijing 100191, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Peng B, Xu C, Wang S, Zhang Y, Li W. The Role of Connexin Hemichannels in Inflammatory Diseases. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020237. [PMID: 35205103 PMCID: PMC8869213 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The connexin protein family consists of approximately 20 members, and is well recognized as the structural unit of the gap junction channels that perforate the plasma membranes of coupled cells and, thereby, mediate intercellular communication. Gap junctions are assembled by two preexisting hemichannels on the membranes of apposing cells. Non-junctional connexin hemichannels (CxHC) provide a conduit between the cell interior and the extracellular milieu, and are believed to be in a protectively closed state under physiological conditions. The development and characterization of the peptide mimetics of the amino acid sequences of connexins have resulted in the development of a panel of blockers with a higher selectivity for CxHC, which have become important tools for defining the role of CxHC in various biological processes. It is increasingly clear that CxHC can be induced to open by pathogen-associated molecular patterns. The opening of CxHC facilitates the release of damage-associated molecular patterns, a class of endogenous molecules that are critical for the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. The blockade of CxHC leads to attenuated inflammation, reduced tissue injury and improved organ function in human and animal models of about thirty inflammatory diseases and disorders. These findings demonstrate that CxHC may contribute to the intensification of inflammation, and serve as a common target in the treatments of various inflammatory diseases. In this review, we provide an update on the progress in the understanding of CxHC, with a focus on the role of these channels in inflammatory diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yijie Zhang
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (W.L.); Tel.: +86-13903782431 (Y.Z.); +86-17839250252 (W.L.)
| | - Wei Li
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (W.L.); Tel.: +86-13903782431 (Y.Z.); +86-17839250252 (W.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
King DR, Sedovy MW, Leng X, Xue J, Lamouille S, Koval M, Isakson BE, Johnstone SR. Mechanisms of Connexin Regulating Peptides. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910186. [PMID: 34638526 PMCID: PMC8507914 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJ) and connexins play integral roles in cellular physiology and have been found to be involved in multiple pathophysiological states from cancer to cardiovascular disease. Studies over the last 60 years have demonstrated the utility of altering GJ signaling pathways in experimental models, which has led to them being attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. A number of different mechanisms have been proposed to regulate GJ signaling, including channel blocking, enhancing channel open state, and disrupting protein-protein interactions. The primary mechanism for this has been through the design of numerous peptides as therapeutics, that are either currently in early development or are in various stages of clinical trials. Despite over 25 years of research into connexin targeting peptides, the overall mechanisms of action are still poorly understood. In this overview, we discuss published connexin targeting peptides, their reported mechanisms of action, and the potential for these molecules in the treatment of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- D. Ryan King
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Meghan W. Sedovy
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
- Translational Biology, Medicine, and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Xinyan Leng
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
| | - Jianxiang Xue
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (J.X.); (B.E.I.)
| | - Samy Lamouille
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Michael Koval
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA;
| | - Brant E. Isakson
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; (J.X.); (B.E.I.)
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Scott R. Johnstone
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (D.R.K.); (M.W.S.); (X.L.); (S.L.)
- Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Koepple C, Zhou Z, Huber L, Schulte M, Schmidt K, Gloe T, Kneser U, Schmidt VJ, de Wit C. Expression of Connexin43 Stimulates Endothelial Angiogenesis Independently of Gap Junctional Communication In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147400. [PMID: 34299018 PMCID: PMC8306600 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) form gap junctions (GJ) and allow for intercellular communication. However, these proteins also modulate gene expression, growth, and cell migration. The downregulation of Cx43 impairs endothelial cell migration and angiogenetic potential. Conversely, endothelial Cx43 expression is upregulated in an in vivo angiogenesis model relying on hemodynamic forces. We studied the effects of Cx43 expression on tube formation and proliferation in HUVECs and examined its dependency on GJ communication. Expectedly, intercellular communication assessed by dye transfer was linked to Cx43 expression levels in HUVECs and was sensitive to a GJ blockade by the Cx43 mimetic peptide Gap27. The proliferation of HUVECs was not affected by Cx43 overexpression using Cx43 cDNA transfection, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Cx43, or the inhibition of GJ compared to the controls (transfection of an empty vector, scrambled siRNA, and the solvent). In contrast, endothelial tube and sprout formation in HUVECs was minimized after Cx43 knockdown and significantly enhanced after Cx43 overexpression. This was not affected by a GJ blockade (Gap27). We conclude that Cx43 expression positively modulates the angiogenic potential of endothelial cells independent of GJ communication. Since proliferation remained unaffected, we suggest that Cx43 protein may modulate endothelial cell migration, thereby supporting angiogenesis. The modulation of Cx43 expression may represent an exploitable principle for angiogenesis induction in clinical therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Koepple
- Department for Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg University, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany; (Z.Z.); (L.H.); (M.S.); (U.K.)
- Correspondence: (C.K.); (V.J.S.); (C.d.W.)
| | - Zizi Zhou
- Department for Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg University, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany; (Z.Z.); (L.H.); (M.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Lena Huber
- Department for Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg University, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany; (Z.Z.); (L.H.); (M.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Matthias Schulte
- Department for Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg University, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany; (Z.Z.); (L.H.); (M.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Kjestine Schmidt
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany;
- Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Torsten Gloe
- Physiology, Institute of Theoretical Medicine, Universität Augsburg, 86159 Augsburg, Germany;
| | - Ulrich Kneser
- Department for Hand Surgery, Plastic Surgery and Reconstructive Surgery, BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg University, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany; (Z.Z.); (L.H.); (M.S.); (U.K.)
| | - Volker Jürgen Schmidt
- Department for Plastic Surgery and Breast Surgery, Zealand University Hospital (SUH) Roskilde, Copenhagen University, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
- Correspondence: (C.K.); (V.J.S.); (C.d.W.)
| | - Cor de Wit
- Institut für Physiologie, Universität zu Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany;
- Deutsches Zentrum für Herz-Kreislauf-Forschung (DZHK) e.V. (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), 23562 Lübeck, Germany
- Correspondence: (C.K.); (V.J.S.); (C.d.W.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Marsh SR, Williams ZJ, Pridham KJ, Gourdie RG. Peptidic Connexin43 Therapeutics in Cardiac Reparative Medicine. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2021; 8:52. [PMID: 34063001 PMCID: PMC8147937 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd8050052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin (Cx43)-formed channels have been linked to cardiac arrhythmias and diseases of the heart associated with myocardial tissue loss and fibrosis. These pathologies include ischemic heart disease, ischemia-reperfusion injury, heart failure, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy. A number of Cx43 mimetic peptides have been reported as therapeutic candidates for targeting disease processes linked to Cx43, including some that have advanced to clinical testing in humans. These peptides include Cx43 sequences based on the extracellular loop domains (e.g., Gap26, Gap 27, and Peptide5), cytoplasmic-loop domain (Gap19 and L2), and cytoplasmic carboxyl-terminal domain (e.g., JM2, Cx43tat, CycliCX, and the alphaCT family of peptides) of this transmembrane protein. Additionally, RYYN peptides binding to the Cx43 carboxyl-terminus have been described. In this review, we survey preclinical and clinical data available on short mimetic peptides based on, or directly targeting, Cx43, with focus on their potential for treating heart disease. We also discuss problems that have caused reluctance within the pharmaceutical industry to translate peptidic therapeutics to the clinic, even when supporting preclinical data is strong. These issues include those associated with the administration, stability in vivo, and tissue penetration of peptide-based therapeutics. Finally, we discuss novel drug delivery technologies including nanoparticles, exosomes, and other nanovesicular carriers that could transform the clinical and commercial viability of Cx43-targeting peptides in treatment of heart disease, stroke, cancer, and other indications requiring oral or parenteral administration. Some of these newly emerging approaches to drug delivery may provide a path to overcoming pitfalls associated with the drugging of peptide therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Spencer R. Marsh
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Zachary J. Williams
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Translational Biology Medicine and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Kevin J. Pridham
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Robert G. Gourdie
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at VTC, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (S.R.M.); (Z.J.W.); (K.J.P.)
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Translational Biology Medicine and Health Graduate Program, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lucero CM, Andrade DC, Toledo C, Díaz HS, Pereyra KV, Diaz-Jara E, Schwarz KG, Marcus NJ, Retamal MA, Quintanilla RA, Del Rio R. Cardiac remodeling and arrhythmogenesis are ameliorated by administration of Cx43 mimetic peptide Gap27 in heart failure rats. Sci Rep 2020; 10:6878. [PMID: 32327677 PMCID: PMC7181683 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-63336-6] [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: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alterations in connexins and specifically in 43 isoform (Cx43) in the heart have been associated with a high incidence of arrhythmogenesis and sudden death in several cardiac diseases. We propose to determine salutary effect of Cx43 mimetic peptide Gap27 in the progression of heart failure. High-output heart failure was induced by volume overload using the arterio-venous fistula model (AV-Shunt) in adult male rats. Four weeks after AV-Shunt surgery, the Cx43 mimetic peptide Gap27 or scrambled peptide, were administered via osmotic minipumps (AV-ShuntGap27 or AV-ShuntScr) for 4 weeks. Cardiac volumes, arrhythmias, function and remodeling were determined at 8 weeks after AV-Shunt surgeries. At 8th week, AV-ShuntGap27 showed a marked decrease in the progression of cardiac deterioration and showed a significant improvement in cardiac functions measured by intraventricular pressure-volume loops. Furthermore, AV-ShuntGap27 showed less cardiac arrhythmogenesis and cardiac hypertrophy index compared to AV-ShuntScr. Gap27 treatment results in no change Cx43 expression in the heart of AV-Shunt rats. Our results strongly suggest that Cx43 play a pivotal role in the progression of cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmogenesis in high-output heart failure; furthermore, support the use of Cx43 mimetic peptide Gap27 as an effective therapeutic tool to reduce the progression of cardiac dysfunction in high-output heart failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia M Lucero
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - David C Andrade
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Centro de Investigación en Fisiología del Ejercicio, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Mayor, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camilo Toledo
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hugo S Díaz
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Katherin V Pereyra
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Esteban Diaz-Jara
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karla G Schwarz
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Noah J Marcus
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA, USA
| | - Mauricio A Retamal
- Universidad del Desarrollo, Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Clínica Alemana Facultad de Medicina, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Rodrigo Del Rio
- Laboratory of Cardiorespiratory Control, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Centro de Envejecimiento y Regeneración (CARE-UC), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile. .,Centro de Excelencia de Biomedicina de Magallanes (CEBIMA), Universidad de Magallanes, Punta Arenas, Chile.
| |
Collapse
|