1
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Greenberg D, Rosenblum ND, Tonelli M. The multifaceted links between hearing loss and chronic kidney disease. Nat Rev Nephrol 2024; 20:295-312. [PMID: 38287134 DOI: 10.1038/s41581-024-00808-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Hearing loss affects nearly 1.6 billion people and is the third-leading cause of disability worldwide. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is also a common condition that is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and high health-care costs. From a developmental perspective, the structures responsible for hearing have a common morphogenetic origin with the kidney, and genetic abnormalities that cause familial forms of hearing loss can also lead to kidney disease. On a cellular level, normal kidney and cochlea function both depend on cilial activities at the apical surface, and kidney tubular cells and sensory epithelial cells of the inner ear use similar transport mechanisms to modify luminal fluid. The two organs also share the same collagen IV basement membrane network. Thus, strong developmental and physiological links exist between hearing and kidney function. These theoretical considerations are supported by epidemiological data demonstrating that CKD is associated with a graded and independent excess risk of sensorineural hearing loss. In addition to developmental and physiological links between kidney and cochlear function, hearing loss in patients with CKD may be driven by specific medications or treatments, including haemodialysis. The associations between these two common conditions are not commonly appreciated, yet have important implications for research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina Greenberg
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Norman D Rosenblum
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Paediatrics, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marcello Tonelli
- Department of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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2
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Zhuang W, Mitrou NGA, Kulak S, Cupples WA, Braam B. Modulation of the expression of connexins 37, 40, and 43 in endothelial cells in a culture. FRONTIERS IN NETWORK PHYSIOLOGY 2024; 4:1199198. [PMID: 38558785 PMCID: PMC10978589 DOI: 10.3389/fnetp.2024.1199198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Connexin (Cx) 37, 40, and 43 are implicated in vascular function, specifically in the electrical coupling of endothelial cells and vascular smooth-muscle cells. In the present study, we investigated whether factors implicated in vascular dysfunction can modulate the gene expression of Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43 and whether this is associated with changes in endothelial layer barrier function in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1). First, HMEC-1 were subjected to stimuli for 4 and 8 h. We tested their responses to DETA-NONOate, H2O2, high glucose, and angiotensin II, none of which relevantly affected the transcription of the connexin genes. Next, we tested inflammatory factors IL-6, interferon gamma (IFNγ), and TNFα. IFNγ (10 ng/mL) consistently induced Cx40 expression at 4 and 8 h to 10-20-fold when corrected for the control. TNFα and IL-6 resulted in small but significant depressions of Cx37 expression at 4 h. Two JAK inhibitors, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) (100-250 μM) and AG490 (100-250 μM), dose-dependently inhibited the induction of Cx40 expression by IFNγ. Subsequently, HMEC-1 were subjected to 10 ng/mL IFNγ for 60 h, and intercellular and transcellular impedance was monitored by electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS). In response to IFNγ, junctional-barrier impedance increased more than cellular-barrier impedance; this was prevented by AG490 (5 μM). In conclusion, IFNγ can strongly induce Cx40 expression and modify the barrier properties of the endothelial cell membrane through the JAK/STAT pathway. Moreover, the Cx37, Cx40, and Cx43 expression in endothelial cells is stable and, apart from IFNγ, not affected by a number of factors implicated in endothelial dysfunction and vascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Zhuang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Steve Kulak
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Branko Braam
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
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3
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van Megen WH, Canki E, Wagenaar VHA, van Waes CRMM, Peters DJM, Van Asbeck-Van der Wijst J, Hoenderop JGJ. Fluid shear stress stimulates ATP release without regulating purinergic gene expression in the renal inner medullary collecting duct. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23232. [PMID: 37819258 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301434r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
In the kidney, the flow rate of the pro-urine through the renal tubules is highly variable. The tubular epithelial cells sense these variations in pro-urinary flow rate in order to regulate various physiological processes, including electrolyte reabsorption. One of the mechanosensitive pathways activated by flow is the release of ATP, which can then act as a autocrine or paracrine factor. Increased ATP release is observed in various kidney diseases, among others autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). However, the mechanisms underlying flow-induced ATP release in the collecting duct, especially in the inner medullary collecting duct, remain understudied. Using inner medullary collecting duct 3 (IMCD3) cells in a microfluidic setup, we show here that administration of a high flow rate for 1 min results in an increased ATP release compared to a lower flow rate. Although the ATP release channel pannexin-1 contributed to flow-induced ATP release in Pkd1-/- IMCD3 cells, it did not in wildtype IMCD3 cells. In addition, flow application increased the expression of the putative ATP release channel connexin-30.3 (CX30.3) in wildtype and Pkd1-/- IMCD3 cells. However, CX30.3 knockout IMCD3 cells exhibited a similar flow-induced ATP release as wildtype IMCD3 cells, suggesting that CX30.3 does not drive flow-induced ATP release in wildtype IMDC3 cells. Collectively, our results show differential mechanisms underlying flow-induced ATP release in wildtype and Pkd1-/- IMCD3 cells and further strengthen the link between ADPKD and pannexin-1-dependent ATP release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wouter H van Megen
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Esra Canki
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Vera H A Wagenaar
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Dorien J M Peters
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Yamaguchi H, Gomez RA, Sequeira-Lopez MLS. Renin Cells, From Vascular Development to Blood Pressure Sensing. Hypertension 2023; 80:1580-1589. [PMID: 37313725 PMCID: PMC10526986 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.20577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
During embryonic and neonatal life, renin cells contribute to the assembly and branching of the intrarenal arterial tree. During kidney arteriolar development renin cells are widely distributed throughout the renal vasculature. As the arterioles mature, renin cells differentiate into smooth muscle cells, pericytes, and mesangial cells. In adult life, renin cells are confined to the tips of the renal arterioles, thus their name juxtaglomerular cells. Juxtaglomerular cells are sensors that release renin to control blood pressure and fluid-electrolyte homeostasis. Three major mechanisms control renin release: (1) β-adrenergic stimulation, (2) macula densa signaling, and (3) the renin baroreceptor, whereby a decrease in arterial pressure leads to increased renin release whereas an increase in pressure results in decrease renin release. Cells from the renin lineage exhibit plasticity in response to hypotension or hypovolemia, whereas relentless, chronic stimulation induces concentric arterial and arteriolar hypertrophy, leading to focal renal ischemia. The renin cell baroreceptor is a nuclear mechanotransducer within the renin cell that transmits external forces to the chromatin to regulate Ren1 gene expression. In addition to mechanotransduction, the pressure sensor of the renin cell may enlist additional molecules and structures including soluble signals and membrane proteins such as gap junctions and ion channels. How these various components integrate their actions to deliver the exact amounts of renin to meet the organism needs is unknown. This review describes the nature and origins of renin cells, their role in kidney vascular development and arteriolar diseases, and the current understanding of the blood pressure sensing mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Yamaguchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - R. Ariel Gomez
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
| | - Maria Luisa S. Sequeira-Lopez
- Department of Pediatrics, Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia
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5
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An X, Li G, Wang S, Xie T, Ren X, Zhao Y. Renoprotection by Inhibiting Connexin 43 Expression in a Mouse Model of Obesity-Related Renal Injury. Diabetes Metab Syndr Obes 2023; 16:1415-1424. [PMID: 37220614 PMCID: PMC10200121 DOI: 10.2147/dmso.s412546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Our previous study conducted in an obesity-related renal injury rat model have established a connection between increased connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and renal injury. In this study, we investigated whether inhibiting Cx43 expression could provide renoprotection in a mouse model of obesity-related renal injury. Methods Five-week-old C57BL/6J mice were fed with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks to establish an obesity-related renal injury model, then they were treated with Cx43 antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS) or scrambled oligodeoxynucleotide (SCR) by an implanted osmotic pump for 4 weeks. Finally, the glomerular filtration function, the histological change in the glomeruli, and the markers of podocyte injury (WT-1, Nephrin) and inflammatory infiltration of renal tissue (CD68, F4/80 and VCAM-1) were examined respectively. Results The results showed that inhibiting Cx43 expression by AS in this mouse model of obesity-related renal injury can effectively improve glomerular filtration function, alleviate glomerular expansion and podocyte injury, and attenuate the inflammatory infiltration of renal tissue. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that inhibiting Cx43 expression by AS could provide renoprotection for the mouse model of obesity-related renal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomin An
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Nephrology, Xi’an Children’s Hospital, Xi’an, 710003, People’s Republic of China
| | - Guohua Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, People’s Republic of China
| | - Tianrun Xie
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxiao Ren
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yongli Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116027, People’s Republic of China
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Hypertensive Nephropathy: Unveiling the Possible Involvement of Hemichannels and Pannexons. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415936. [PMID: 36555574 PMCID: PMC9785367 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypertension is one of the most common risk factors for developing chronic cardiovascular diseases, including hypertensive nephropathy. Within the glomerulus, hypertension causes damage and activation of mesangial cells (MCs), eliciting the production of large amounts of vasoactive and proinflammatory agents. Accordingly, the activation of AT1 receptors by the vasoactive molecule angiotensin II (AngII) contributes to the pathogenesis of renal damage, which is mediated mostly by the dysfunction of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) signaling. Similarly, inflammation entails complex processes, where [Ca2+]i also play crucial roles. Deregulation of this second messenger increases cell damage and promotes fibrosis, reduces renal blood flow, and impairs the glomerular filtration barrier. In vertebrates, [Ca2+]i signaling depends, in part, on the activity of two families of large-pore channels: hemichannels and pannexons. Interestingly, the opening of these channels depends on [Ca2+]i signaling. In this review, we propose that the opening of channels formed by connexins and/or pannexins mediated by AngII induces the ATP release to the extracellular media, with the subsequent activation of purinergic receptors. This process could elicit Ca2+ overload and constitute a feed-forward mechanism, leading to kidney damage.
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7
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Roger E, Boutin L, Chadjichristos CE. The Role of Connexin 43 in Renal Disease: Insights from In Vivo Models of Experimental Nephropathy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113090. [PMID: 36361888 PMCID: PMC9656944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal disease is a major public health challenge since its prevalence has continuously increased over the last decades. At the end stage, extrarenal replacement therapy and transplantation remain the only treatments currently available. To understand how the disease progresses, further knowledge of its pathophysiology is needed. For this purpose, experimental models, using mainly rodents, have been developed to unravel the mechanisms involved in the initiation and progression of renal disease, as well as to identify potential targets for therapy. The gap junction protein connexin 43 has recently been identified as a novel player in the development of kidney disease. Its expression has been found to be altered in many types of human renal pathologies, as well as in different animal models, contributing to the activation of inflammatory and fibrotic processes that lead to renal damage. Furthermore, Cx43 genetic, pharmacogenetic, or pharmacological inhibition preserved renal function and structure. This review summarizes the existing advances on the role of this protein in renal diseases, based mainly on different in vivo animal models of acute and chronic renal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Roger
- INSERM, UMR-S1155, Bâtiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, 75020 Paris, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Sorbonne University, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Louis Boutin
- INSERM, UMR-S1155, Bâtiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, 75020 Paris, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Sorbonne University, 75013 Paris, France
- INSERM, UMR-942, MASCOT, Cardiovascular Markers in Stress Condition, Université de Paris, 75010 Paris, France
- FHU PROMICE AP-HP, Saint Louis and DMU Parabol, Critical Care Medicine and Burn Unit, AP-HP, Department of Anesthesiology, Université Paris Cité, 75010 Paris, France
| | - Christos E. Chadjichristos
- INSERM, UMR-S1155, Bâtiment Recherche, Tenon Hospital, 75020 Paris, France
- Faculty of Medicine, Sorbonne University, 75013 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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8
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TNF-α Plus IL-1β Induces Opposite Regulation of Cx43 Hemichannels and Gap Junctions in Mesangial Cells through a RhoA/ROCK-Dependent Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710097. [PMID: 36077498 PMCID: PMC9456118 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is expressed in kidney tissue where it forms hemichannels and gap junction channels. However, the possible functional relationship between these membrane channels and their role in damaged renal cells remains unknown. Here, analysis of ethidium uptake and thiobarbituric acid reactive species revealed that treatment with TNF-α plus IL-1β increases Cx43 hemichannel activity and oxidative stress in MES-13 cells (a cell line derived from mesangial cells), and in primary mesangial cells. The latter was also accompanied by a reduction in gap junctional communication, whereas Western blotting assays showed a progressive increase in phosphorylated MYPT (a target of RhoA/ROCK) and Cx43 upon TNF-α/IL-1β treatment. Additionally, inhibition of RhoA/ROCK strongly antagonized the TNF-α/IL-1β-induced activation of Cx43 hemichannels and reduction in gap junctional coupling. We propose that activation of Cx43 hemichannels and inhibition of cell-cell coupling during pro-inflammatory conditions could contribute to oxidative stress and damage of mesangial cells via the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
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9
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Meter D, Racetin A, Vukojević K, Balog M, Ivić V, Zjalić M, Heffer M, Filipović N. A Lack of GD3 Synthase Leads to Impaired Renal Expression of Connexins and Pannexin1 in St8sia1 Knockout Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116237. [PMID: 35682927 PMCID: PMC9181035 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the effects of altered ganglioside composition on the expression of Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45, and Panx1 in different kidney regions of St8sia1 gene knockout mice (St8sia1 KO) lacking the GD3 synthase enzyme. Experiments were performed in twelve male 6-month-old mice: four wild-type (C57BL/6-type, WT) and eight St8sia1 KO mice. After euthanasia, kidney tissue was harvested, embedded in paraffin wax, and processed for immunohistochemistry. The expression of connexins and Panx1 was determined in different regions of the kidney: cortex (CTX.), outer stripe of outer medulla (O.S.), inner stripe of outer medulla (IN.S.), and inner medulla (IN.MED.). We determined significantly lower expression of Cx37, Cx40, Cx45, and Panx1 in different parts of the kidneys of St8sia1 KO mice compared with WT. The most consistent decrease was found in the O.S. where all markers (Cx 37, 40, 45 and Panx1) were disrupted in St8si1 KO mice. In the CTX. region, we observed decrease in the expression of Cx37, Cx45, and Panx1, while reduced expression of Cx37 and Panx1 was more specific to IN.S. The results of the present study suggest that deficiency of GD3 synthase in St8sia1 KO mice leads to disruption of renal Cx expression, which is probably related to alteration of ganglioside composition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Meter
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Anita Racetin
- Laboratory for Early Human Development, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; (A.R.); (K.V.)
| | - Katarina Vukojević
- Laboratory for Early Human Development, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; (A.R.); (K.V.)
- Laboratory for Neurocardiology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Marta Balog
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Huttlerova 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (M.B.); (V.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Vedrana Ivić
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Huttlerova 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (M.B.); (V.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Milorad Zjalić
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biotechnology, Faculty of Medicine Rijeka, University of Rijeka, Branchetta brothers 20, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia;
| | - Marija Heffer
- Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Huttlerova 4, 31000 Osijek, Croatia; (M.B.); (V.I.); (M.H.)
| | - Natalija Filipović
- Laboratory for Early Human Development, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, Šoltanska 2, 21000 Split, Croatia; (A.R.); (K.V.)
- Correspondence:
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Blocking connexin 43 and its promotion of ATP release from renal tubular epithelial cells ameliorates renal fibrosis. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:511. [PMID: 35641484 PMCID: PMC9156700 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04910-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Whether metabolites derived from injured renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) participate in renal fibrosis is poorly explored. After TEC injury, various metabolites are released and among the most potent is adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is released via ATP-permeable channels. In these hemichannels, connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most common member. However, its role in renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) has not been fully examined. We analyzed renal samples from patients with obstructive nephropathy and mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Cx43-KSP mice were generated to deplete Cx43 in TECs. Through transcriptomics, metabolomics, and single-cell sequencing multi-omics analysis, the relationship among tubular Cx43, ATP, and macrophages in renal fibrosis was explored. The expression of Cx43 in TECs was upregulated in both patients and mice with obstructive nephropathy. Knockdown of Cx43 in TECs or using Cx43-specific inhibitors reduced UUO-induced inflammation and fibrosis in mice. Single-cell RNA sequencing showed that ATP specific receptors, including P2rx4 and P2rx7, were distributed mainly on macrophages. We found that P2rx4- or P2rx7-positive macrophages underwent pyroptosis after UUO, and in vitro ATP directly induced pyroptosis by macrophages. The administration of P2 receptor or P2X7 receptor blockers to UUO mice inhibited macrophage pyroptosis and demonstrated a similar degree of renoprotection as Cx43 genetic depletion. Further, we found that GAP 26 (a Cx43 hemichannel inhibitor) and A-839977 (an inhibitor of the pyroptosis receptor) alleviated UUO-induced fibrosis, while BzATP (the agonist of pyroptosis receptor) exacerbated fibrosis. Single-cell sequencing demonstrated that the pyroptotic macrophages upregulated the release of CXCL10, which activated intrarenal fibroblasts. Cx43 mediates the release of ATP from TECs during renal injury, inducing peritubular macrophage pyroptosis, which subsequently leads to the release of CXCL10 and activation of intrarenal fibroblasts and acceleration of renal fibrosis.
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Chen R, Zeng J, Li C, Xiao H, Li S, Lin Z, Huang K, Shen J, Huang H. Fraxin Promotes the Activation of Nrf2/ARE Pathway via Increasing the Expression of Connexin43 to Ameliorate Diabetic Renal Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:853383. [PMID: 35401165 PMCID: PMC8987976 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.853383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is quickly becoming the largest cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) in diabetic patients, as well as a major source of morbidity and mortality. Our previous studies indicated that the activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway via Connexin43 (Cx43) considerably contribute to the prevention of oxidative stress in the procession of DN. Fraxin (Fr), the main active glycoside of Fraxinus rhynchophylla Hance, has been demonstrated to possess many potential pharmacological activities. Whereas, whether Fr could alleviate renal fibrosis through regulating Cx43 and consequently facilitating the activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway needs further investigation. The in vitro results showed that: 1) Fr increased the expression of antioxidant enzymes including SOD1 and HO-1 to inhibit high glucose (HG)-induced fibronectin (FN) and inflammatory cell adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) overexpression; 2) Fr exerted antioxidant effect through activating the Nrf2/ARE pathway; 3) Fr significantly up-regulated the expression of Cx43 in HG-induced glomerular mesangial cells (GMCs), while the knock down of Cx43 largely impaired the activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway induced by Fr; 4) Fr promoted the activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway via regulating the interaction between Cx43 and AKT. Moreover, in accordance with the results in vitro, elevated levels of Cx43, phosphorylated-AKT, Nrf2 and downstream antioxidant enzymes related to Nrf2 were observed in the kidneys of Fr-treated group compared with model group. Importantly, Fr significantly improved renal dysfunction pathological changes of renal fibrosis in diabetic db/db mice. Collectively, Fr could increase the Cx43-AKT-Nrf2/ARE pathway activation to postpone the diabetic renal fibrosis and the up-regulation of Cx43 is probably a novel mechanism in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Chen
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingran Zeng
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuting Li
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiming Xiao
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zeyuan Lin
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaipeng Huang
- Phase I Clinical Trial Center, Guangzhou Eighth People’s Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Heqing Huang, ; Kaipeng Huang, ; Juan Shen,
| | - Juan Shen
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Bioactive Substances, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Heqing Huang, ; Kaipeng Huang, ; Juan Shen,
| | - Heqing Huang
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Heqing Huang, ; Kaipeng Huang, ; Juan Shen,
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12
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Luetić M, Kretzschmar G, Grobe M, Jerčić L, Bota I, Ivić V, Balog M, Zjalić M, Vitlov Uljević M, Heffer M, Gaspar R, Tabi T, Vukojević K, Vari SG, Filipović N. Sex-specific effects of metformin and liraglutide on renal pathology and expression of connexin 45 and pannexin 1 following long-term high-fat high-sugar diet. Acta Histochem 2021; 123:151817. [PMID: 34808525 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2021.151817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The comparative effects of the two commonly used antidiabetic drugs metformin and liraglutide on renal pathology and expression of connexin 45 (Cx45) and pannexin 1 (Panx1) in adult obese rats fed high-fat high-sugar diet (HFHSD) were studied. Considering recent data on the profound influence of sex on metformin and liraglutide effects, we compared the effects of both drugs between male and female animals. 44-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into 4 groups that were fed: standard diet, HFHSD, HFHSD treated with metformin (s.c., 50 mg/kg/day) and HFHSD treated with liraglutide (s.c., 0.3 mg/kg/day). Treatment with metformin or liraglutide lasted for 14 weeks. Histology and immunohistochemistry were performed to quantify renal pathological changes and Cx45 and Panx1 expression. HFHSD caused thickening of the Bowman's capsule (BC). Both metformin and liraglutide failed to ameliorate the BC thickening; metformin even worsened it. Effects on the tubulointerstitial fibrosis score, BC thickness and Cx45 and Panx1 expression were sex-dependent. We found a 50% increase in mitochondria in proximal tubules of metformin- and liraglutide-treated HFHSD-fed rats, but these effects were not dependent on the sex. This is a first study showing that the effects of metformin and liraglutide on kidney pathology in rats fed HFHSD are mostly sex-dependent and that these effects are not necessarily beneficial. Both drugs changed the Cx45 and Panx 1 expression; hence their effects could be related to amelioration of disruptions in intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Luetić
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, University Hospital Centre Split, Spinčićeva 1, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Genia Kretzschmar
- University of Split School of Medicine, Laboratory for Neurocardiology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Šoltanska 2, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Maximilian Grobe
- University of Split School of Medicine, Laboratory for Neurocardiology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Šoltanska 2, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Leo Jerčić
- University of Split School of Medicine, Laboratory for Neurocardiology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Šoltanska 2, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Ivana Bota
- University of Split School of Medicine, Laboratory for Neurocardiology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Šoltanska 2, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Vedrana Ivić
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 10/E, Osijek 31000, Croatia
| | - Marta Balog
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 10/E, Osijek 31000, Croatia
| | - Milorad Zjalić
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 10/E, Osijek 31000, Croatia
| | - Marija Vitlov Uljević
- University of Split School of Medicine, Laboratory for Neurocardiology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Šoltanska 2, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Marija Heffer
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Cara Hadrijana 10/E, Osijek 31000, Croatia
| | - Robert Gaspar
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, Dóm tér. 12., H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamas Tabi
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Katarina Vukojević
- University of Split School of Medicine, Laboratory for Neurocardiology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Šoltanska 2, Split 21000, Croatia; University of Split School of Medicine, Laboratory for Early Human Development, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Šoltanska 2, Split 21000, Croatia
| | - Sandor G Vari
- International Research and Innovation in Medicine Program, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Natalija Filipović
- University of Split School of Medicine, Laboratory for Neurocardiology, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Šoltanska 2, Split 21000, Croatia.
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Geis L, Boudriot FF, Wagner C. Connexin mRNA distribution in adult mouse kidneys. Pflugers Arch 2021; 473:1737-1747. [PMID: 34365513 PMCID: PMC8528753 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-021-02608-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Kidneys are thought to express eight different connexin isoforms (i.e., Cx 26, 30, 32, 37, 40, 43, 45, and 46), which form either hemichannels or gap junctions serving to intercellular communication and functional synchronization. Proper function of connexins has already been shown to be crucial for regulation of renal hemodynamics and renin secretion, and there is also growing evidence for connexins to play a role in pathologic conditions such as renal fibrosis or diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, exact intrarenal localization of the different connexin isoforms gains particular interest. Until now intrarenal expression of connexins has mainly been examined by immunohistochemistry, which in part generated conflicting results depending on antibodies and fixation protocols used. In this work, we used fluorescent RNAscope as an alternative technical approach to localize renal connexin mRNAs in healthy mouse kidneys. Addition of RNAscope probes for cell type specific mRNAs was used to assign connexin mRNA signals to specific cell types. We hereby found Cx26 mRNA strongly expressed in proximal tubules, Cx30 mRNA was selectively detected in the urothelium, and Cx32 mRNA was found in proximal tubules and to a lesser extent also in collecting ducts. Cx37 mRNA was mainly associated with vascular endothelium, Cx40 mRNA was largely found in glomerular mesangial and less in vascular endothelial cells, Cx43 mRNA was sparsely expressed by interstitial cells of all kidney zones, and Cx45 mRNA was predominantly found in smooth muscle cell layers of both blood vessels and ureter as well as in mesangial and interstitial (fibroblastic) cells. Cx46 mRNA could not be detected. In summary our results essentially confirm previous data on connexin expression in the renal vasculature and in glomeruli. In addition, they demonstrate strong connexin gene expression in proximal tubules, and they suggest significant connexin expression in resident tubulointerstitial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Geis
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
| | | | - Charlotte Wagner
- Institute of Physiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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14
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Structural, functional, and mechanistic insights uncover the fundamental role of orphan connexin-62 in platelets. Blood 2021; 137:830-843. [PMID: 32822477 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2019004575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins oligomerise to form hexameric hemichannels in the plasma membrane that can further dock together on adjacent cells to form gap junctions and facilitate intercellular trafficking of molecules. In this study, we report the expression and function of an orphan connexin, connexin-62 (Cx62), in human and mouse (Cx57, mouse homolog) platelets. A novel mimetic peptide (62Gap27) was developed to target the second extracellular loop of Cx62, and 3-dimensional structural models predicted its interference with gap junction and hemichannel function. The ability of 62Gap27 to regulate both gap junction and hemichannel-mediated intercellular communication was observed using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching analysis and flow cytometry. Cx62 inhibition by 62Gap27 suppressed a range of agonist-stimulated platelet functions and impaired thrombosis and hemostasis. This was associated with elevated protein kinase A-dependent signaling in a cyclic adenosine monophosphate-independent manner and was not observed in Cx57-deficient mouse platelets (in which the selectivity of 62Gap27 for this connexin was also confirmed). Notably, Cx62 hemichannels were observed to function independently of Cx37 and Cx40 hemichannels. Together, our data reveal a fundamental role for a hitherto uncharacterized connexin in regulating the function of circulating cells.
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15
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Zehra T, Cupples WA, Braam B. Tubuloglomerular Feedback Synchronization in Nephrovascular Networks. J Am Soc Nephrol 2021; 32:1293-1304. [PMID: 33833078 PMCID: PMC8259654 DOI: 10.1681/asn.2020040423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
To perform their functions, the kidneys maintain stable blood perfusion in the face of fluctuations in systemic BP. This is done through autoregulation of blood flow by the generic myogenic response and the kidney-specific tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) mechanism. The central theme of this paper is that, to achieve autoregulation, nephrons do not work as single units to manage their individual blood flows, but rather communicate electrically over long distances to other nephrons via the vascular tree. Accordingly, we define the nephrovascular unit (NVU) to be a structure consisting of the nephron, glomerulus, afferent arteriole, and efferent arteriole. We discuss features that require and enable distributed autoregulation mediated by TGF across the kidney. These features include the highly variable topology of the renal vasculature which creates variability in circulation and the potential for mismatch between tubular oxygen demand and delivery; the self-sustained oscillations in each NVU arising from the autoregulatory mechanisms; and the presence of extensive gap junctions formed by connexins and their properties that enable long-distance transmission of TGF signals. The existence of TGF synchronization across the renal microvascular network enables an understanding of how NVUs optimize oxygenation-perfusion matching while preventing transmission of high systemic pressure to the glomeruli, which could lead to progressive glomerular and vascular injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayyaba Zehra
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - William A. Cupples
- Department of Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Branko Braam
- Department of Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada,Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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16
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Schrankl J, Fuchs M, Broeker K, Daniel C, Kurtz A, Wagner C. Localization of angiotensin II type 1 receptor gene expression in rodent and human kidneys. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2021; 320:F644-F653. [PMID: 33615887 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00550.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The kidneys are an important target for angiotensin II (ANG II). In adult kidneys, the effects of ANG II are mediated mainly by ANG II type 1 (AT1) receptors. AT1 receptor expression has been reported for a variety of different cell types within the kidneys, suggesting a broad spectrum of actions for ANG II. Since there have been heterogeneous results in the literature regarding the intrarenal distribution of AT1 receptors, this study aimed to obtain a comprehensive overview about the localization of AT1 receptor expression in mouse, rat, and human kidneys. Using the cell-specific and high-resolution RNAscope technique, we performed colocalization experiments with various cell markers to specifically discriminate between different segments of the tubular and vascular system. Overall, we found a similar pattern of AT1 mRNA expression in mouse, rat, and human kidneys. AT1 receptors were detected in mesangial cells and renin-producing cells. In addition, AT1 mRNA was found in interstitial cells of the cortex and outer medulla. In rodents, late afferent and early efferent arterioles expressed AT1 receptor mRNA, but larger vessels of the investigated species showed no AT1 expression. Tubular expression of AT1 mRNA was species dependent with a strong expression in proximal tubules of mice, whereas expression was undetectable in human tubular cells. These findings suggest that the (juxta)glomerular area and tubulointerstitium are conserved expression sites for AT1 receptors across species and might present the main target sites for ANG II in adult human and rodent kidneys.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Angiotensin II (ANG II) type 1 (AT1) receptors are essential for mediating the effects of ANG II in the kidneys. This study aimed to obtain a comprehensive overview about the cell-specific localization of AT1 receptor expression in rodent and human kidneys using the novel RNAscope technique. We found that the conserved AT1 receptor mRNA expression sites across species are the (juxta)glomerular areas and tubulointerstitium, which might present main target sites for ANG II in adult human and rodent kidneys.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Schrankl
- Institute of Physiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Michaela Fuchs
- Institute of Physiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Broeker
- Institute of Physiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Daniel
- Department of Nephropathology, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Armin Kurtz
- Institute of Physiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Wagner
- Institute of Physiology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
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17
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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: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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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18
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Charvériat M, Mouthon F, Rein W, Verkhratsky A. Connexins as therapeutic targets in neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166098. [PMID: 33545299 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes represent the reticular part of the central nervous system; gap junctions formed by connexins Cx43, Cx30- and Cx26 provide for homocellular astrocyte-astrocyte coupling, whereas connexins Cx30, Cx32, Cx43, and Cx47 connect astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. Astroglial networks are anatomically and functionally segregated being homologous to neuronal ensembles. Connexons, gap junctions and hemichannels (unpaired connexons) are affected in various neuropathologies from neuropsychiatric to neurodegenerative diseases. Manipulation of astrocytic connexins modulates the size and outreach of astroglial syncytia thus affecting astroglial homeostatic support. Modulation of astrocytic connexin significantly modifies pharmacological profile of many CNS drugs, which represents an innovative therapeutic approach for CNS disorders; this approach is now actively tested in pre-clinical and clinical studies. Wide combination of connexin modulators with CNS drugs open new promising perspectives for fundamental studies and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - A Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain
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Lozić M, Filipović N, Jurić M, Kosović I, Benzon B, Šolić I, Kelam N, Racetin A, Watanabe K, Katsuyama Y, Ogata M, Saraga-Babić M, Vukojević K. Alteration of Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45, Panx1, and Renin Expression Patterns in Postnatal Kidneys of Dab1-/- ( yotari) Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1284. [PMID: 33525532 PMCID: PMC7865779 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous evidence corroborates roles of gap junctions/hemichannels in proper kidney development. We analyzed how Dab1 gene functional silencing influences expression and localization of Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45, Panx1 and renin in postnatal kidneys of yotari mice, by using immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Dab1 Δ102/221 might lead to the activation of c-Src tyrosine kinase, causing the upregulation of Cx43 in the medulla of yotari mice. The expression of renin was more prominent in yotari mice (p < 0.001). Renin granules were unusually present inside the vascular walls of glomeruli capillaries, in proximal and distal convoluted tubules and in the medulla. Disfunction of Cx40 is likely responsible for increased atypically positioned renin cells which release renin in an uncontrolled fashion, but this doesn't rule out simultaneous involvement of other Cxs, such as Cx45 which was significantly increased in the yotari cortex. The decreased Cx37 expression in yotari medulla might contribute to hypertension reduction provoked by high renin expression. These findings imply the relevance of Cxs/Panx1 as markers of impaired kidney function (high renin) in yotari mice and that they have a role in the preservation of intercellular signaling and implicate connexopathies as the cause of premature death of yotari mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirela Lozić
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.L.); (N.F.); (M.J.); (I.K.); (B.B.); (I.Š.); (N.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.-B.)
| | - Natalija Filipović
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.L.); (N.F.); (M.J.); (I.K.); (B.B.); (I.Š.); (N.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.-B.)
| | - Marija Jurić
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.L.); (N.F.); (M.J.); (I.K.); (B.B.); (I.Š.); (N.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.-B.)
| | - Ivona Kosović
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.L.); (N.F.); (M.J.); (I.K.); (B.B.); (I.Š.); (N.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.-B.)
| | - Benjamin Benzon
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.L.); (N.F.); (M.J.); (I.K.); (B.B.); (I.Š.); (N.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.-B.)
| | - Ivana Šolić
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.L.); (N.F.); (M.J.); (I.K.); (B.B.); (I.Š.); (N.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.-B.)
| | - Nela Kelam
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.L.); (N.F.); (M.J.); (I.K.); (B.B.); (I.Š.); (N.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.-B.)
| | - Anita Racetin
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.L.); (N.F.); (M.J.); (I.K.); (B.B.); (I.Š.); (N.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.-B.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Koichiro Watanabe
- Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Ötsu 520-2192, Japan; (K.W.); (Y.K.)
| | - Yu Katsuyama
- Department of Anatomy, Shiga University of Medical Science, Ötsu 520-2192, Japan; (K.W.); (Y.K.)
| | - Masaki Ogata
- Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, 981-Miyagi 8558, Japan;
| | - Mirna Saraga-Babić
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.L.); (N.F.); (M.J.); (I.K.); (B.B.); (I.Š.); (N.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.-B.)
| | - Katarina Vukojević
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split School of Medicine, 21000 Split, Croatia; (M.L.); (N.F.); (M.J.); (I.K.); (B.B.); (I.Š.); (N.K.); (A.R.); (M.S.-B.)
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, 88000 Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Ebrahim OFA, Nafea OE, Samy W, Shawky LM. L-carnitine suppresses cisplatin-induced renal injury in rats: impact on cytoskeleton proteins expression. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2021; 10:51-59. [PMID: 33613972 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfaa092] [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: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We designed this work to examine the curative role of L-carnitine (LCAR) in a rat model of cisplatin (CDDP)-induced kidney injury. We induced kidney injury in rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg of CDDP. Fifteen days post injection, rats were orally supplemented with 354 mg/kg of LCAR for another 15 days. Kidney tissues were subjected to histo-biochemical analysis along with mRNA gene expression quantification for cytoskeleton proteins encoding genes (vimentin, nestin, and connexin 43) by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. LCAR reversed CDDP-induced renal structural and functional impairments. LCAR significantly declined serum urea and creatinine concentrations, restored oxidant/antioxidant balance, reversed inflammation, and antagonized caspase 3-mediated apoptotic cell death in renal tissues. Moreover, LCAR effectively down-regulated cytoskeleton proteins mRNA levels, reflecting amelioration of CDDP-provoked podocyte injury. We concluded that LCAR has a favorable therapeutic utility against CDDP-induced kidney injury.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ola Elsayed Nafea
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Walaa Samy
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Lamiaa Mohamed Shawky
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha 13518, Egypt
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The role of connexin proteins and their channels in radiation-induced atherosclerosis. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:3087-3103. [PMID: 33388835 PMCID: PMC8038956 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03716-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy is an effective treatment for breast cancer and other thoracic tumors. However, while high-energy radiotherapy treatment successfully kills cancer cells, radiation exposure of the heart and large arteries cannot always be avoided, resulting in secondary cardiovascular disease in cancer survivors. Radiation-induced changes in the cardiac vasculature may thereby lead to coronary artery atherosclerosis, which is a major cardiovascular complication nowadays in thoracic radiotherapy-treated patients. The underlying biological and molecular mechanisms of radiation-induced atherosclerosis are complex and still not fully understood, resulting in potentially improper radiation protection. Ionizing radiation (IR) exposure may damage the vascular endothelium by inducing DNA damage, oxidative stress, premature cellular senescence, cell death and inflammation, which act to promote the atherosclerotic process. Intercellular communication mediated by connexin (Cx)-based gap junctions and hemichannels may modulate IR-induced responses and thereby the atherosclerotic process. However, the role of endothelial Cxs and their channels in atherosclerotic development after IR exposure is still poorly defined. A better understanding of the underlying biological pathways involved in secondary cardiovascular toxicity after radiotherapy would facilitate the development of effective strategies that prevent or mitigate these adverse effects. Here, we review the possible roles of intercellular Cx driven signaling and communication in radiation-induced atherosclerosis.
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22
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Xu Y, Hu J, Yilmaz DE, Bachmann S. Connexin43 is differentially distributed within renal vasculature and mediates profibrotic differentiation in medullary fibroblasts. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2021; 320:F17-F30. [PMID: 33196322 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00453.2020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) form gap junctions for intercellular exchange of inorganic ions and messenger molecules. In the kidney, Cxs play essential roles within its compartments, but data on the precise cellular localization and cell type-related function of their isoforms are scarce. We tested whether Cx43 distribution is restricted to vascular and interstitial cells and whether medullary fibroblasts express Cx43 to coordinate profibrotic signaling. Confocal immunofluorescence techniques, ultrastructural labeling, and functional experiments in cell culture were performed. Cx43 was chiefly expressed in the vasculature but was absent from tubular epithelia. All arterial, arteriolar, and lymphatic endothelia showed continuous Cx43 signal along their borders. In the inner medulla, only the interstitium showed Cx43 signals, which were assigned to fibroblasts and their processes. Cultured Cx43-expressing medullary fibroblasts served to study the role of gap junctions in a profibrotic context. In a dye spreading assay, Cx43-sensitive diffusion of Lucifer yellow was dependent on gap junctional passage. The addition of transforming growth factor-β1 (5 ng/mL for 48 h) activated Cx43 biosynthesis and caused Cx43-sensitive transformation of the fibroblasts into a myofibroblast phenotype. This suggested that Cx43 gap junctional channels enable the coordination of profibrotic signaling between cells of the medullary interstitium. In summary, we demonstrate the presence of Cx43-expressing gap junctions within the two major renal compartments, the vasculature and interstitium. Endothelial Cx43 likely provides functions of an earlier-defined "electrical syncytium" within the vascular wall. Additionally, Cx43 facilitates profibrotic signaling between medullary interstitial fibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Department of Anatomy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Junda Hu
- Department of Anatomy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Duygu Elif Yilmaz
- Department of Anatomy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Bachmann
- Department of Anatomy, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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Xue J, Thomas L, Dominguez Rieg JA, Fenton RA, Rieg T. Genetic deletion of connexin 37 causes polyuria and polydipsia. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0244251. [PMID: 33332450 PMCID: PMC7746157 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The connexin 37 (Cx37) channel is clustered at gap junctions between cells in the renal vasculature or the renal tubule where it is abundant in basolateral cell interdigitations and infoldings of epithelial cells in the proximal tubule, thick ascending limb, distal convoluted tubule and collecting duct; however, physiological data regarding its role are limited. In this study, we investigated the role of Cx37 in fluid homeostasis using mice with a global deletion of Cx37 (Cx37-/- mice). Under baseline conditions, Cx37-/- had ~40% higher fluid intake associated with ~40% lower urine osmolality compared to wild-type (WT) mice. No differences were observed between genotypes in urinary adenosine triphosphate or prostaglandin E2, paracrine factors that alter renal water handling. After 18-hours of water deprivation, plasma aldosterone and urine osmolality increased significantly in Cx37-/- and WT mice; however, the latter remained ~375 mmol/kg lower in Cx37-/- mice, an effect associated with a more pronounced body weight loss despite higher urinary AVP/creatinine ratios compared to WT mice. Consistent with this, fluid intake in the first 3 hours after water deprivation was 37% greater in Cx37-/- vs WT mice. Cx37-/- mice showed significantly lower renal AQP2 abundance and AQP2 phosphorylation at serine 256 than WT mice in response to vehicle or dDAVP, suggesting a partial contribution of the kidney to the lower urine osmolality. The abundance and responses of the vasopressin V2 receptor, AQP3, NHE3, NKCC2, NCC, H+-ATPase, αENaC, γENaC or Na+/K+-ATPase were not significantly different between genotypes. In summary, these results demonstrate that Cx37 is important for body water handling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxiang Xue
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Linto Thomas
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jessica A. Dominguez Rieg
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
| | | | - Timo Rieg
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, United States of America
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Kosovic I, Filipovic N, Benzon B, Bocina I, Glavina Durdov M, Vukojevic K, Saraga M, Saraga-Babic M. Connexin Signaling in the Juxtaglomerular Apparatus (JGA) of Developing, Postnatal Healthy and Nephrotic Human Kidneys. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8349. [PMID: 33172216 PMCID: PMC7664435 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Our study analyzed the expression pattern of different connexins (Cxs) and renin positive cells in the juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) of developing, postnatal healthy human kidneys and in nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type (CNF), by using double immunofluorescence, electron microscopy and statistical measuring. The JGA contained several cell types connected by Cxs, and consisting of macula densa, extraglomerular mesangium (EM) and juxtaglomerular cells (JC), which release renin involved in renin-angiotensin- aldosteron system (RAS) of arterial blood pressure control. During JGA development, strong Cx40 expression gradually decreased, while expression of Cx37, Cx43 and Cx45 increased, postnatally showing more equalized expression patterning. In parallel, initially dispersed renin cells localized to JGA, and greatly increased expression in postnatal kidneys. In CNF kidneys, increased levels of Cx43, Cx37 and Cx45 co-localized with accumulations of renin cells in JGA. Additionally, they reappeared in extraglomerular mesangial cells, indicating association between return to embryonic Cxs patterning and pathologically changed kidney tissue. Based on the described Cxs and renin expression patterning, we suggest involvement of Cx40 primarily in the formation of JGA in developing kidneys, while Cx37, Cx43 and Cx45 might participate in JGA signal transfer important for postnatal maintenance of kidney function and blood pressure control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Kosovic
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (I.K.); (N.F.); (B.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Natalija Filipovic
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (I.K.); (N.F.); (B.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Benjamin Benzon
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (I.K.); (N.F.); (B.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Ivana Bocina
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Merica Glavina Durdov
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital in Split, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Katarina Vukojevic
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (I.K.); (N.F.); (B.B.); (K.V.)
| | - Marijan Saraga
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital in Split, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia;
| | - Mirna Saraga-Babic
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia; (I.K.); (N.F.); (B.B.); (K.V.)
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Regulation of connexins genes expression contributes to reestablishes tissue homeostasis in a renovascular hypertension model. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05406. [PMID: 33163681 PMCID: PMC7609588 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) are essential for cardiovascular regulation and maintenance of cardio-renal response involving the natriuretic peptide family. Changes in the expression of connexins promote intercellular communication dysfunction and may induce hypertension, atherosclerosis, and several other vascular diseases. This study analyzed the expression of the genes involved in the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the relation of the connexins gene expression with the renovascular hypertension 2K1C in different tissues. The insertion of a silver clip induced renovascular hypertension 2K1C into the left renal artery. Biochemical measurements were made using commercial kits. Gene expression was evaluated in the liver, heart, and kidneys by RT-PCR. The genes investigated were LDLr, Hmgcr, Agt, Ren, Ace, Agtr1a, Anp, Bnp, Npr1, Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, Cx40 and Cx43. All genes involved in the RAS presented increased transcriptional levels in the 2K1C group, except hepatic Agt. The natriuretic peptides (Anp; Bnp) and the receptor genes (Npr1) appeared to increase in the heart, however, Npr1 decreased in the kidneys. In hepatic tissue, hypertension promoted increased expression of Cx32, Cx37, and Cx40 genes however, Cx26 and Cx43 genes were not influenced. Expression was upregulated for Cx37 and Cx43 in cardiac tissue in the 2K1C group, but Cx40 did not demonstrate any difference between groups. The stenotic kidney showed an upregulated expression for Cx37 vs Sham and contralateral kidney, although Cx40 and Cx43 were downregulated. Hypertension did not modify the transcriptional expression of Cx26 and Cx32. Therefore, this study indicated that RAS and cardiac response were regulated transcriptionally by renovascular hypertension 2K1C. Moreover, the results of connexin gene expression demonstrated differential transcriptional regulation in different tissues studied and suggest a relationship between cardiac and renal physiological changes as an adaptive mechanism to the hypertensive state.
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Møller S, Jacobsen JCB, Holstein-Rathlou NH, Sorensen CM. Lack of Connexins 40 and 45 Reduces Local and Conducted Vasoconstrictor Responses in the Murine Afferent Arterioles. Front Physiol 2020; 11:961. [PMID: 32848881 PMCID: PMC7431600 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.00961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The juxtaglomerular apparatus (JGA) is an essential structure in the regulation of renal function. The JGA embodies two major functions: tubuloglomerular feedback (TGF) and renin secretion. TGF is one of the mechanisms mediating renal autoregulation. It is initiated by an increase in tubular NaCl concentration at the macula densa cells. This induces a local afferent arteriolar vasoconstriction and a conducted response that can be measured several 100 μm upstream from the juxtaglomerular segment. This spread of the vasomotor response into the surrounding vasculature likely plays a key role in renal autoregulation, and it requires the presence of gap junctions, intercellular pores based on connexin (Cx) proteins. Several Cx isoforms are expressed in the JGA and in the arteriolar wall. Disruption of this communication pathway is associated with reduced TGF, dysregulation of renin secretion, and hypertension. We examine if the absence of Cx40 or Cx45, expressed in the endothelial and vascular smooth muscle cells respectively, attenuates afferent arteriolar local and conducted vasoconstriction. Afferent arterioles from wildtype and Cx-deficient mice (Cx40 and Cx45) were studied using the isolated perfused juxtamedullary nephron preparation. Vasoconstriction was induced via electrical pulse stimulation at the glomerular entrance. Inner afferent arteriolar diameter was measured locally and upstream to evaluate conducted vasoconstriction. Electrical stimulation induced local vasoconstriction in all groups. The local vasoconstriction was significantly smaller when Cx40 was absent. The vasoconstriction decreased in magnitude with increasing distance from the stimulation site. In both Cx40 and Cx45 deficient mice, the vasoconstriction conducted a shorter distance along the vessel compared to wild-type mice. In Cx40 deficient arterioles, this may be caused by a smaller local vasoconstriction. Collectively, these findings imply that Cx40 and Cx45 are central for normal vascular reactivity and, therefore, likely play a key role in TGF-induced regulation of afferent arteriolar resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Møller
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Christian Brings Jacobsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Niels-Henrik Holstein-Rathlou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte M Sorensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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27
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Kosovic I, Filipovic N, Benzon B, Vukojevic K, Saraga M, Glavina Durdov M, Bocina I, Saraga-Babic M. Spatio-temporal patterning of different connexins in developing and postnatal human kidneys and in nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type (CNF). Sci Rep 2020; 10:8756. [PMID: 32471989 PMCID: PMC7260365 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65777-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) are membrane-spanning proteins which enable flow of information important for kidney homeostasis. Changes in their spatiotemporal patterning characterize blood vessel abnormalities and chronic kidney diseases (CKD). We analysed spatiotemporal expression of Cx37, Cx40, Cx43 and Cx45 in nephron and glomerular cells of developing, postnatal kidneys, and nephrotic syndrome of the Finnish type (CNF) by using immunohistochemistry, statistical methods and electron microscopy. During kidney development, strong Cx45 expression in proximal tubules and decreasing expression in glomeruli was observed. In developing distal nephron, Cx37 and Cx40 showed moderate-to-strong expression, while weak Cx43 expression gradually increased. Cx45/Cx40 co-localized in mesangial and granular cells. Cx43 /Cx45 co-localized in podocytes, mesangial and parietal epithelial cells, and with podocyte markers (synaptopodin, nephrin). Different Cxs co-expressed with endothelial (CD31) and VSMC (α -SMA) markers in vascular walls. Peak signalling of Cx37, Cx43 and Cx40 accompanied kidney nephrogenesis, while strongest Cx45 signalling paralleled nephron maturation. Spatiotemporal Cxs patterning indicate participation of Cx45 in differentiation of proximal tubules, and Cx43, Cx37 and Cx40 in distal tubules differentiation. CNF characterized disorganized Cx45 expression in proximal tubules, increased Cx43 expression in distal tubules and overall elevation of Cx40 and Cx37, while Cx40 co-localized with increased number of interstitial myofibroblasts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivona Kosovic
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Natalija Filipovic
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Benjamin Benzon
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Katarina Vukojevic
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia.,Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Mostar, Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Marijan Saraga
- Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital in Split, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Merica Glavina Durdov
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital in Split, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Ivana Bocina
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Split, Split, Croatia
| | - Mirna Saraga-Babic
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Split, Split, Croatia.
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28
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Verschuren EHJ, Rigalli JP, Castenmiller C, Rohrbach MU, Bindels RJM, Peters DJM, Arjona FJ, Hoenderop JGJ. Pannexin-1 mediates fluid shear stress-sensitive purinergic signaling and cyst growth in polycystic kidney disease. FASEB J 2020; 34:6382-6398. [PMID: 32159259 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201902901r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tubular ATP release is regulated by mechanosensation of fluid shear stress (FSS). Polycystin-1/polycystin-2 (PC1/PC2) functions as a mechanosensory complex in the kidney. Extracellular ATP is implicated in polycystic kidney disease (PKD), where PC1/PC2 is dysfunctional. This study aims to provide new insights into the ATP signaling under physiological conditions and PKD. Microfluidics, pharmacologic inhibition, and loss-of-function approaches were combined to assess the ATP release in mouse distal convoluted tubule 15 (mDCT15) cells. Kidney-specific Pkd1 knockout mice (iKsp-Pkd1-/- ) and zebrafish pkd2 morphants (pkd2-MO) were as models for PKD. FSS-exposed mDCT15 cells displayed increased ATP release. Pannexin-1 inhibition and knockout decreased FSS-modulated ATP release. In iKsp-Pkd1-/- mice, elevated renal pannexin-1 mRNA expression and urinary ATP were observed. In Pkd1-/- mDCT15 cells, elevated ATP release was observed upon the FSS mechanosensation. In these cells, increased pannexin-1 mRNA expression was observed. Importantly, pannexin-1 inhibition in pkd2-MO decreased the renal cyst growth. Our results demonstrate that pannexin-1 channels mediate ATP release into the tubular lumen due to pro-urinary flow. We present pannexin-1 as novel therapeutic target to prevent the renal cyst growth in PKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric H J Verschuren
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Juan P Rigalli
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte Castenmiller
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Meike U Rohrbach
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - René J M Bindels
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Dorien J M Peters
- Department of Human Genetics, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Francisco J Arjona
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Joost G J Hoenderop
- Department of Physiology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Verschuren EHJ, Castenmiller C, Peters DJM, Arjona FJ, Bindels RJM, Hoenderop JGJ. Sensing of tubular flow and renal electrolyte transport. Nat Rev Nephrol 2020; 16:337-351. [DOI: 10.1038/s41581-020-0259-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Hviid AVR, Sørensen CM. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors in the kidney: impact on renal autoregulation. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2020; 318:F443-F454. [DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00280.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and strategies based on this blood sugar-reducing and appetite-suppressing hormone are used to treat obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, the GLP-1 receptor (GLP-1R) is also present in the kidney, where it influences renal function. The effect of GLP-1 on the kidney varies between humans and rodents. The effect of GLP-1 on kidney function also seems to vary depending on its concentration and the physiological or pathological state of the kidney. In studies with rodents or humans, acute infusion of pharmacological doses of GLP-1 stimulates natriuresis and diuresis. However, the effect on the renal vasculature is less clear. In rodents, GLP-1 infusion increases renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate, suggesting renal vasodilation. In humans, only a subset of the study participants exhibits increased renal plasma flow and glomerular filtration rate. Differential status of kidney function and changes in renal vascular resistance of the preglomerular arterioles may account for the different responses of the human study participants. Because renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes is already at risk or compromised, understanding the effects of GLP-1R activation on kidney function in these patients is particularly important. This review examines the distribution of GLP-1R in the kidney and the effects elicited by GLP-1 or GLP-1R agonists. By integrating results from acute and chronic studies in healthy individuals and patients with type 2 diabetes along with those from rodent studies, we provide insight into how GLP-1R activation affects renal function and autoregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksander Vauvert R. Hviid
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte M. Sørensen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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31
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Price GW, Potter JA, Williams BM, Cliff CL, Squires PE, Hills CE. Connexin-mediated cell communication in the kidney: A potential therapeutic target for future intervention of diabetic kidney disease?: Joan Mott Prize Lecture. Exp Physiol 2020; 105:219-229. [PMID: 31785013 DOI: 10.1113/ep087770] [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] [Received: 10/02/2019] [Accepted: 11/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The ability of cells to communicate and synchronise their activity is essential for the maintenance of tissue structure, integrity and function. A family of membrane-bound proteins called connexins are largely responsible for mediating the local transfer of information between cells. Assembled in the cell membrane as a hexameric connexon, they either function as a conduit for paracrine signalling, forming a transmembrane hemi-channel, or, if aligned with connexons on neighbouring cells, form a continuous aqueous pore or gap junction, which allows for the direct transmission of metabolic and electrical signals. Regulation of connexin synthesis and activity is critical to cellular function, and a number of diseases are attributed to changes in the expression and/or function of these important proteins. A link between hyperglycaemia, connexin expression, altered nucleotide concentrations and impaired function highlights a potential role for connexin-mediated cell communication in complications of diabetes. In the diabetic kidney, glycaemic injury is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure, reflecting multiple aetiologies including glomerular hyperfiltration, albuminuria, increased deposition of extracellular matrix and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. Loss of connexin-mediated cell-to-cell communication in diabetic nephropathy may represent an early sign of disease progression, but our understanding of the process remains severely limited. This review focuses on recent evidence demonstrating that glucose-evoked changes in connexin-mediated cell communication and associated purinergic signalling may contribute to the pathogenesis of kidney disease in diabetes, highlighting the tantalising potential of targeting these proteins as a novel therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth W Price
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Joe A Potter
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Bethany M Williams
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Chelsy L Cliff
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Paul E Squires
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Claire E Hills
- Joseph Banks Laboratories, School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK
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PUFAs supplementation affects the renal expression of pannexin 1 and connexins in diabetic kidney of rats. Histochem Cell Biol 2019; 153:165-175. [PMID: 31858211 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-019-01838-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
In diabetic nephropathy (DN), intercellular communication is disrupted. Connexins (Cx) have a crucial role in that process. Dietary ratios and supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) can alleviate diabetic complications and cause alterations in Cx levels. Although pannexins (Panx) share similarities with members of the Cx family, their function in diabetic nephropathy has still not been fully determined. We studied the influence of PUFA supplementation on the immunoexpression of Px1 and Cx family members in diabetic kidneys of rats. Four groups of rats in experimental DM1 model were supplemented with different dietary n-6/n-3 ratios; ≈7 in control (C) and diabetic groups (STZ), ≈ 60 in the STZ + N6 group and ≈ 1 (containing 16% EPA and 19% DHA) in the STZ + N3 group. Immunoexpression of Cx40, Cx43, Cx45 and Panx1 was evaluated in the renal tissue of diabetic rats using immunohistochemistry. Diabetes significantly decreased the protein expression of Cx40 and Cx43 and increased Panx1 protein expression in the renal cortex (p < 0.05-p < 0.01). There was a significant impact of diet on Cx and Panx1 immunoexpression. Dietary supplementation with a high n-6/n-3 ratio downregulated the protein expression of Cx45 and Panx1 in diabetic rats (p < 0.05-p < 0.01), while Cx43 immunoexpression was increased in diabetic rats fed with high and low n-6/n-3 ratios (p < 0.01-p < 0.001). Hyperglycaemic conditions in DN interfere with cell-to-cell communication and disturb the connection between cells and their immediate environment due to variations in connexin and pannexin immunoexpression. These variations can be regulated by PUFA dietary intake, suggesting their beneficial effect and possible therapeutic option.
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Barry DM, McMillan EA, Kunar B, Lis R, Zhang T, Lu T, Daniel E, Yokoyama M, Gomez-Salinero JM, Sureshbabu A, Cleaver O, Di Lorenzo A, Choi ME, Xiang J, Redmond D, Rabbany SY, Muthukumar T, Rafii S. Molecular determinants of nephron vascular specialization in the kidney. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5705. [PMID: 31836710 PMCID: PMC6910926 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12872-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although kidney parenchymal tissue can be generated in vitro, reconstructing the complex vasculature of the kidney remains a daunting task. The molecular pathways that specify and sustain functional, phenotypic and structural heterogeneity of the kidney vasculature are unknown. Here, we employ high-throughput bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing of the non-lymphatic endothelial cells (ECs) of the kidney to identify the molecular pathways that dictate vascular zonation from embryos to adulthood. We show that the kidney manifests vascular-specific signatures expressing defined transcription factors, ion channels, solute transporters, and angiocrine factors choreographing kidney functions. Notably, the ontology of the glomerulus coincides with induction of unique transcription factors, including Tbx3, Gata5, Prdm1, and Pbx1. Deletion of Tbx3 in ECs results in glomerular hypoplasia, microaneurysms and regressed fenestrations leading to fibrosis in subsets of glomeruli. Deciphering the molecular determinants of kidney vascular signatures lays the foundation for rebuilding nephrons and uncovering the pathogenesis of kidney disorders. The kidney is vascularized with highly specialized and zonated endothelial cells that are essential for its filtration function. Here, Barry et al. provide a single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of the kidney vasculature that highlights its transcriptional heterogeneity and uncovers pathways important for its development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Barry
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
| | - Elizabeth A McMillan
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Balvir Kunar
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Raphael Lis
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Tuo Zhang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Tyler Lu
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Edward Daniel
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Masataka Yokoyama
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jesus M Gomez-Salinero
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Angara Sureshbabu
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Ondine Cleaver
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75235, USA
| | - Annarita Di Lorenzo
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Mary E Choi
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Jenny Xiang
- Genomics Resources Core Facility, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - David Redmond
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Sina Y Rabbany
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.,Bioengineering Program, DeMatteis School of Engineering and Applied Science, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - Thangamani Muthukumar
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA
| | - Shahin Rafii
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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Trevisan AM, Cogliati B, Homem AR, Aloiav TPA, de Aquino N, Moreira JM, Reno LDC, Naumann AM, Galvão FHF, Andraus W, D'Albuquerque LAC. The liver injury following ischemia and reperfusion is worse in experimental knockout heterozygote mouse model for expression of connexin 431. Acta Cir Bras 2019; 34:e201901003. [PMID: 31851211 PMCID: PMC6912844 DOI: 10.1590/s0102-865020190100000003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To evaluate that Connexin (Cx43) plays a role in lesions after hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury. METHODS We use Cx43 deficient model (heterozygotes mice) and compared to a wild group. The groups underwent 1 hour ischemia and 24 hours reperfusion. The heterozygote genotype was confirmed by PCR. We analyzed the hepatic enzymes (AST, ALT, GGT) and histology. RESULTS The mice with Cx43 deficiency showed an ALT mean value of 4166 vs. 307 in the control group (p<0.001); AST mean value of 7231 vs. 471 in the control group (p<0.001); GGT mean value of 9.4 vs. 1.7 in the control group (p=0.001); histology showed necrosis and inflammation in the knockout group. CONCLUSIONS This research demonstrated that the deficiency of Cx43 worses the prognosis for liver injury. The topic is a promising target for therapeutics advancements in liver diseases and procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Maximiliano Trevisan
- Fellow PhD degree and MSc degree, Postgraduate Program in
Medicine Science in Gastroenterology, Department of Gastroenterology, School of
Medicine, Medical Investigation Laboratory (LIM 37), Universidade de São Paulo
(USP), Brazil. Technical procedures, acquisition of data, statistical analysis,
manuscript writing
| | - Bruno Cogliati
- PhD, Department of Pathology, School of Veterinary Medicine and
Animal Science, USP, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil. Technical procedures
| | - Adriana Ribeiro Homem
- PhD, Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine,
Medical Investigation Laboratory (LIM 37), USP, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil. Manuscript
writing
| | | | - Nelson de Aquino
- Fellow Master degree, Postgraduate Program in Medicine Surgical
Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, USP, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil. Statistical
analysis, manuscript writing
| | - Jairo Marques Moreira
- Biologist, Hospital Albert Einstein, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil.
Technical procedures, acquisition of data
| | - Leonardo da Cruz Reno
- Fellow Master degree, Postgraduate Program in Medicine
Surgical Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, USP, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil.
Technical procedures, acquisition of data, manuscript writing
| | - Alexandre Moulin Naumann
- Fellow Master degree, Postgraduate Program in Medicine
Surgical Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, USP, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil.
Technical procedures, acquisition of data, manuscript writing
| | - Flavio Henrique Ferreira Galvão
- Assistant Professor, Liver and Gastrointestinal Transplant
Division, Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Coordinator,
Medical Investigation Laboratory (LIM 37), USP, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil. Surgical
procedures, manuscript writing, critical revision
| | - Wellington Andraus
- Assistant Professor, Coordinator, Liver and Gastrointestinal
Transplant Division, Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Medical
Investigation Laboratory (LIM 37), USP, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil. Surgical
procedures, manuscript writing, critical revision
| | - Luiz Augusto Carneiro D'Albuquerque
- Full Professor, Chairman, Liver and Gastrointestinal Transplant
Division, Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Medical
Investigation Laboratory (LIM 37), USP, Sao Paulo-SP, Brazil. Conception and
design of the study, manuscript writing, critical revision
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35
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Vallon V, Unwin R, Inscho EW, Leipziger J, Kishore BK. Extracellular Nucleotides and P2 Receptors in Renal Function. Physiol Rev 2019; 100:211-269. [PMID: 31437091 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00038.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The understanding of the nucleotide/P2 receptor system in the regulation of renal hemodynamics and transport function has grown exponentially over the last 20 yr. This review attempts to integrate the available data while also identifying areas of missing information. First, the determinants of nucleotide concentrations in the interstitial and tubular fluids of the kidney are described, including mechanisms of cellular release of nucleotides and their extracellular breakdown. Then the renal cell membrane expression of P2X and P2Y receptors is discussed in the context of their effects on renal vascular and tubular functions. Attention is paid to effects on the cortical vasculature and intraglomerular structures, autoregulation of renal blood flow, tubuloglomerular feedback, and the control of medullary blood flow. The role of the nucleotide/P2 receptor system in the autocrine/paracrine regulation of sodium and fluid transport in the tubular and collecting duct system is outlined together with its role in integrative sodium and fluid homeostasis and blood pressure control. The final section summarizes the rapidly growing evidence indicating a prominent role of the extracellular nucleotide/P2 receptor system in the pathophysiology of the kidney and aims to identify potential therapeutic opportunities, including hypertension, lithium-induced nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease, and kidney inflammation. We are only beginning to unravel the distinct physiological and pathophysiological influences of the extracellular nucleotide/P2 receptor system and the associated therapeutic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volker Vallon
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of California San Diego & VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; Centre for Nephrology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom; IMED ECD CVRM R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Biomedicine/Physiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Departments of Internal Medicine and Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, and Center on Aging, University of Utah Health & Nephrology Research, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Robert Unwin
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of California San Diego & VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; Centre for Nephrology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom; IMED ECD CVRM R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Biomedicine/Physiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Departments of Internal Medicine and Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, and Center on Aging, University of Utah Health & Nephrology Research, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Edward W Inscho
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of California San Diego & VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; Centre for Nephrology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom; IMED ECD CVRM R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Biomedicine/Physiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Departments of Internal Medicine and Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, and Center on Aging, University of Utah Health & Nephrology Research, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Jens Leipziger
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of California San Diego & VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; Centre for Nephrology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom; IMED ECD CVRM R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Biomedicine/Physiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Departments of Internal Medicine and Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, and Center on Aging, University of Utah Health & Nephrology Research, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah
| | - Bellamkonda K Kishore
- Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of California San Diego & VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, California; Centre for Nephrology, Division of Medicine, University College London, London, United Kingdom; IMED ECD CVRM R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama; Department of Biomedicine/Physiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Departments of Internal Medicine and Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, and Center on Aging, University of Utah Health & Nephrology Research, VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, Utah
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36
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Baig MS, Kolasa-Wołosiuk A, Pilutin A, Safranow K, Baranowska-Bosiacka I, Kabat-Koperska J, Wiszniewska B. Finasteride-Induced Inhibition of 5α-Reductase Type 2 Could Lead to Kidney Damage-Animal, Experimental Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2019; 16:ijerph16101726. [PMID: 31100850 PMCID: PMC6572442 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph16101726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
In the pharmacological treatment of prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenetic alopecia finasteride is commonly used. This drug inhibits 5α-reductase type 2, which is why finasteride affects androgen homeostasis, since testosterone (T) cannot be reduced to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As studies on sex-related renal injuries suggest a high probability of androgen-induced renal dysfunction, the aim of this study was to determine the potential harmful effects of finasteride on the kidneys of rats. The study was performed on sexually mature male Wistar rats given finasteride. Histological sections of the kidneys were used for immunohistochemical visualization of the androgen receptor (AR), junctional proteins (occluding (Occ); E-cad, N-cad, E-/N-cadherin; β-cat, β-catenin; connexin 43 (Cx43)), proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), IL-6, and lymphocyte markers (CD3 for T cell, CD19 for B cell). The TUNEL method was used for cell apoptosis identification, and picro sirius red staining was used to assess collagen fibers thickness. The levels of T, DHT and estradiol (E2) were determined in blood serum. It was shown that finasteride treatment affected steroid hormone homeostasis, altered the expression of AR and intracellular junction proteins, changed the ratio between cell apoptosis and proliferation, and caused lymphocyte infiltration and an increase of IL-6. The thickening of collagen fibers was observed as tubular fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis. Summarizing, finasteride-induced hormonal imbalance impaired the morphology (i.e., dysplastic glomeruli, swollen proximal convoluted tubules) and physiology (changed level of detected proteins/markers expression) of the kidneys. Therefore, it is suggested that patients with renal dysfunction or following renal transplantation, with androgen or antiandrogen supplementation, should be under special control and covered by extended diagnostics, because the adverse negative effect of DHT deficiency on the progression of kidney disease cannot be ignored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirza Saim Baig
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Agnieszka Kolasa-Wołosiuk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Anna Pilutin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Krzysztof Safranow
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Irena Baranowska-Bosiacka
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Chemistry, Pomeranian Medical University in Szczecin, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Joanna Kabat-Koperska
- Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Medicine Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland.
| | - Barbara Wiszniewska
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Pomeranian Medical University, Powst. Wlkp. 72, 70-111 Szczecin, Poland.
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Sorensen CM, Cupples WA. Myoendothelial communication in the renal vasculature and the impact of drugs used clinically to treat hypertension. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2019; 45:49-56. [PMID: 31071677 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2019.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The renal vasculature has many peculiarities including highly irregular branching. Renal blood flow must sustain adequate perfusion and maintain a high glomerular filtration. Renal autoregulation helps control renal blood flow. The local autoregulatory mechanism, tubuloglomerular feedback, elicits a vasoconstriction that can be found not only in neighboring nephrons but over large areas of the kidney indicating that the renal vasculature supports strong conduction of vascular responses. The basis for conduction is intercellular communication through gap junctions. The endothelium is strongly coupled and serves as a vascular conduction highway leading the signal to the vascular smooth muscle cells through myoendothelial coupling. Extensive intercellular coupling is also found in renin secreting cells where gap junctions seem to tie the cells together to improve control of renin secretion. Lack of coupling leads to dysregulation of renin secretion and hypertension. However, the activity of the renin-angiotensin system also controls gap junction expression in the kidney. Treatment reducing angiotensin II activity, as used in hypertension treatment, can affect expression of renal and vascular gap junction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - William A Cupples
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Canada
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38
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Marsh DJ, Postnov DD, Sosnovtseva OV, Holstein-Rathlou NH. The nephron-arterial network and its interactions. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2019; 316:F769-F784. [DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00484.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Tubuloglomerular feedback and the myogenic mechanism form an ensemble in renal afferent arterioles that regulate single-nephron blood flow and glomerular filtration. Each mechanism generates a self-sustained oscillation, the mechanisms interact, and the oscillations synchronize. The synchronization generates a bimodal electrical signal in the arteriolar wall that propagates retrograde to a vascular node, where it meets similar electrical signals from other nephrons. Each signal carries information about the time-dependent behavior of the regulatory ensemble. The converging signals support synchronization of the nephrons participating in the information exchange, and the synchronization can lead to formation of nephron clusters. We review the experimental evidence and the theoretical implications of these interactions and consider additional interactions that can limit the size of nephron clusters. The architecture of the arterial tree figures prominently in these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald J. Marsh
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Physiology, and Biotechnology, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island
| | - Dmitry D. Postnov
- Neurophotonics Center, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Olga V. Sosnovtseva
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Panum Institute, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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39
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Oliveira M, Lira R, Freire T, Luna C, Martins M, Almeida A, Carvalho S, Cortez E, Stumbo AC, Thole A, Carvalho L. Bone marrow mononuclear cell transplantation rescues the glomerular filtration barrier and epithelial cellular junctions in a renovascular hypertension model. Exp Physiol 2019; 104:740-754. [DOI: 10.1113/ep087330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Oliveira
- Laboratory of Stem Cell ResearchHistology and Embryology DepartmentBiology InstituteState University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Rafaelle Lira
- Laboratory of Stem Cell ResearchHistology and Embryology DepartmentBiology InstituteState University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Thiago Freire
- Laboratory of Stem Cell ResearchHistology and Embryology DepartmentBiology InstituteState University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Camila Luna
- Laboratory of Stem Cell ResearchHistology and Embryology DepartmentBiology InstituteState University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Marcela Martins
- Laboratory of Stem Cell ResearchHistology and Embryology DepartmentBiology InstituteState University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Aline Almeida
- Laboratory of Stem Cell ResearchHistology and Embryology DepartmentBiology InstituteState University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Simone Carvalho
- Laboratory of Stem Cell ResearchHistology and Embryology DepartmentBiology InstituteState University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Erika Cortez
- Laboratory of Stem Cell ResearchHistology and Embryology DepartmentBiology InstituteState University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Stumbo
- Laboratory of Stem Cell ResearchHistology and Embryology DepartmentBiology InstituteState University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Alessandra Thole
- Laboratory of Stem Cell ResearchHistology and Embryology DepartmentBiology InstituteState University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lais Carvalho
- Laboratory of Stem Cell ResearchHistology and Embryology DepartmentBiology InstituteState University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
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40
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Murakami Y, Naganuma H, Tanigawa S, Fujimori T, Eto M, Nishinakamura R. Reconstitution of the embryonic kidney identifies a donor cell contribution to the renal vasculature upon transplantation. Sci Rep 2019; 9:1172. [PMID: 30718617 PMCID: PMC6362047 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-37793-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The kidney possesses a highly organised vasculature that is required for its filtration function. While recent advances in stem cell biology have enabled the in vitro generation of kidney tissues, at least partially, recapitulation of the complicated vascular architecture remains a huge challenge. Herein we develop a method to reconstitute both the kidney and its vascular architecture in vitro, using dissociated and sorted mouse embryonic kidney cells. Upon transplantation, arteriolar networks were re-established that ran through the interstitial space between branching ureteric buds and eventually entered glomeruli. Using this system, we found that donor-derived endothelial cells significantly contributed to the arterioles and glomerular capillaries formed after transplantation. Unexpectedly, the near-complete depletion of canonical endothelial cells from the donor embryonic kidney suggested the existence of unidentified donor-derived endothelial precursors that were negative for canonical endothelial markers, but still contributed significantly to the vasculature in the transplants. Thus, our protocol will serve as a useful platform for identification of renal endothelial precursors and induction of these precursors from pluripotent stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichi Murakami
- Department of Kidney Development, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Naganuma
- Department of Kidney Development, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Tanigawa
- Department of Kidney Development, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Fujimori
- Division of Embryology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Aichi, 444-8787, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Eto
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Nishinakamura
- Department of Kidney Development, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, 860-0811, Japan.
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41
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Albano JMR, Mussini N, Toriano R, Facelli JC, Ferraro MB, Pickholz M. Calcium interactions with Cx26 hemmichannel: Spatial association between MD simulations biding sites and variant pathogenicity. Comput Biol Chem 2018; 77:331-342. [PMID: 30466042 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiolchem.2018.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 07/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Connexinophaties are a collective of diseases related to connexin channels and hemichannels. In particular many Cx26 alterations are strongly associated to human deafness. Calcium plays an important role on this structures regulation. Here, using calcium as a probe, extensive atomistic Molecular Dynamics simulations were performed on the Cx26 hemichannel embedded in a lipid bilayer. Exploring different initial conditions and calcium concentration, simulation reached ∼4 μs. Several analysis were carried out in order to reveal the calcium distribution and localization, such as electron density profiles, density maps and distance time evolution, which is directly associated to the interaction energy. Specific amino acid interactions with calcium and their stability were capture within this context. Few of these sites such as, GLU42, GLU47, GLY45 and ASP50, were already suggested in the literature. Besides, we identified novel calcium biding sites: ASP2, ASP117, ASP159, GLU114, GLU119, GLU120 and VAL226. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that these sites are reported within this context. Furthermore, since various pathologies involving the Cx26 hemichannel are associated with pathogenic variants in the corresponding CJB2 gene, using ClinVar, we were able to spatially associate the 3D positions of the identified calcium binding sites within the framework of this work with reported pathogenic variants in the CJB2 gene. This study presents a first step on finding associations between molecular features and pathological variants of the Cx26 hemichannel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan M R Albano
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Física, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, IFIBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nahuel Mussini
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Física, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, IFIBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Roxana Toriano
- Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Ciencias Fisiológicas, Laboratorio de Biomembranas, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET - Universidad de Buenos Aires, IFIBIO Houssay, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julio C Facelli
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The University of Utah, 421 Wakara Way, Suite 140, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, USA.
| | - Marta B Ferraro
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Física, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, IFIBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mónica Pickholz
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Física, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, IFIBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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42
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Therapeutic Targeting of Connexin Channels: New Views and Challenges. Trends Mol Med 2018; 24:1036-1053. [PMID: 30424929 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2018.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Connexins, in particular connexin 43 (Cx43), function as gap junction channels (GJCs) and hemichannels (HCs). Only recently, specific tools have been developed to study their pleiotropic functions. Based on various protein interaction sites, distinct connexin-mimetic peptides have been established that enable discrimination between the function of HCs and GJCs. Although the precise mechanism of action of most of these peptides is still a matter of debate, an increasing number of studies report on important effects of those compounds in disease models. In this review, we summarize the structure, life cycle, and the most important physiological and pathological functions of both connexin GJCs and HCs. We provide a critical overview on the use of connexin-targeting peptides, in particular targeting Cx43, with a special focus on the remaining questions and hurdles to be taken in the research field of connexin channels.
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43
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Lai Y, Liang X, Zhong F, Wu W, Zeng T, Huang J, Duan X, Li S, Zeng G, Wu W. Allicin attenuates calcium oxalate crystal deposition in the rat kidney by regulating gap junction function. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:9640-9651. [PMID: 30378099 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yongchang Lai
- Department of Urology Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology Guangzhou Urology Research Institute Guangzhou China
| | - Xiongfa Liang
- Department of Urology Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology Guangzhou Urology Research Institute Guangzhou China
| | - Fangling Zhong
- Department of Urology Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology Guangzhou Urology Research Institute Guangzhou China
| | - Weizhou Wu
- Department of Urology Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology Guangzhou Urology Research Institute Guangzhou China
| | - Tao Zeng
- Department of Urology Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology Guangzhou Urology Research Institute Guangzhou China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Urology Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology Guangzhou Urology Research Institute Guangzhou China
| | - Xiaolu Duan
- Department of Urology Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology Guangzhou Urology Research Institute Guangzhou China
| | - Shujue Li
- Department of Urology Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology Guangzhou Urology Research Institute Guangzhou China
| | - Guohua Zeng
- Department of Urology Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology Guangzhou Urology Research Institute Guangzhou China
| | - Wenqi Wu
- Department of Urology Minimally Invasive Surgery Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University Guangzhou China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Urology Guangzhou Urology Research Institute Guangzhou China
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Angiotensin II-Induced Mesangial Cell Damaged Is Preceded by Cell Membrane Permeabilization Due to Upregulation of Non-Selective Channels. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19040957. [PMID: 29570626 PMCID: PMC5979336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19040957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin43 (Cx43), pannexin1 (Panx1) and P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) are expressed in kidneys and are known to constitute a feedforward mechanism leading to inflammation in other tissues. However, the possible functional relationship between these membrane channels and their role in damaged renal cells remain unknown. In the present work, we found that MES-13 cells, from a cell line derived from mesangial cells, stimulated with angiotensin II (AngII) developed oxidative stress (OS, thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) and generated pro-inflammatory cytokines (ELISA; IL-1β and TNF-α). The membrane permeability increased progressively several hours before the latter outcome, which was a response prevented by Losartan, indicating the involvement of AT1 receptors. Western blot analysis showed that the amount of phosphorylated MYPT (a substrate of RhoA/ROCK) and Cx43 increased progressively and in parallel in cells treated with AngII, a response followed by an increase in the amount in Panx1 and P2X7R. Greater membrane permeability was partially explained by opening of Cx43 hemichannels (Cx43 HCs) and Panx1 channels (Panx1 Chs), as well as P2X7Rs activation by extracellular ATP, which was presumably released via Cx HCs and Panx1 Chs. Additionally, inhibition of RhoA/ROCK blocked the progressive increase in membrane permeability, and the remaining response was explained by the other non-selective channels. The rise of activity in the RhoA/ROCK-dependent pathway, as well as in Cx HCs, P2X7R, and to a minor extent in Panx1 Chs led to higher amounts of TBARS and pro-inflammatory cytokines. We propose that AngII-induced mesangial cell damage could be effectively inhibited by concomitantly inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK-dependent pathway and one or more non-selective channel(s) activated through this pathway.
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Abstract
Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in morphological appearance; they express a multitude of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters. This complement underlies their remarkable adaptive plasticity that defines the functional maintenance of the CNS in development and aging. Astrocytes are tightly integrated into neural networks and act within the context of neural tissue; astrocytes control homeostasis of the CNS at all levels of organization from molecular to the whole organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
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Brasen JC, de Wit C, Sorensen CM. Myoendothelial coupling through Cx40 contributes to EDH-induced vasodilation in murine renal arteries: evidence from experiments and modelling. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2018; 222. [PMID: 28613412 DOI: 10.1111/apha.12906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2016] [Revised: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of renal vascular resistance plays a major role in controlling arterial blood pressure. The endothelium participates in this regulation as endothelial derived hyperpolarization plays a significant role in smaller renal arteries and arterioles, but the exact mechanisms are still unknown. AIM To investigate the role of vascular gap junctions and potassium channels in the renal endothelial derived hyperpolarization. METHODS In interlobar arteries from wild-type and connexin40 knockout mice, we assessed the role of calcium-activated small (SK) and intermediate (IK) conductance potassium channels. The role of inward rectifier potassium channels (Kir) and Na+ /K+ -ATPases was evaluated as was the contribution from gap junctions. Mathematical models estimating diffusion of ions and electrical coupling in myoendothelial gap junctions were used to interpret the results. RESULTS Lack of connexin40 significantly reduces renal endothelial hyperpolarization. Inhibition of SK and IK channels significantly attenuated renal EDH to a similar degree in wild-type and knockout mice. Inhibition of Kir and Na+ /K+ -ATPases affected the response in wild-type and knockout mice but at different levels of stimulation. The model confirms that activation of endothelial SK and IK channels generates a hyperpolarizing current that enters the vascular smooth muscle cells. Also, extracellular potassium increases sufficiently to activate Kir and Na+ /K+ -ATPases. CONCLUSION Renal endothelial hyperpolarization is mainly initiated by activation of IK and SK channels. The model shows that hyperpolarization can spread through myoendothelial gap junctions but enough potassium is released to activate Kir and Na+ /K+ -ATPases. Reduced coupling seems to shift the signalling pathway towards release of potassium. However, an alternative pathway also exists and needs to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Brasen
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
| | - C de Wit
- Physiologisches Institut, Universität zu Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - C M Sorensen
- Division of Renal and Vascular Physiology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Verkhratsky A, Nedergaard M. Physiology of Astroglia. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:239-389. [PMID: 29351512 PMCID: PMC6050349 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 916] [Impact Index Per Article: 152.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in morphological appearance; they express a multitude of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters. This complement underlies their remarkable adaptive plasticity that defines the functional maintenance of the CNS in development and aging. Astrocytes are tightly integrated into neural networks and act within the context of neural tissue; astrocytes control homeostasis of the CNS at all levels of organization from molecular to the whole organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
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Pogoda K, Mannell H, Blodow S, Schneider H, Schubert KM, Qiu J, Schmidt A, Imhof A, Beck H, Tanase LI, Pfeifer A, Pohl U, Kameritsch P. NO Augments Endothelial Reactivity by Reducing Myoendothelial Calcium Signal Spreading: A Novel Role for Cx37 (Connexin 37) and the Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP-2. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2017; 37:2280-2290. [PMID: 29025706 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.117.309913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Because of its strategic position between endothelial and smooth muscle cells in microvessels, Cx37 (Connexin 37) plays an important role in myoendothelial gap junctional intercellular communication. We have shown before that NO inhibits gap junctional intercellular communication through gap junctions containing Cx37. However, the underlying mechanism is not yet identified. APPROACH AND RESULTS Using channel-forming Cx37 mutants exhibiting partial deletions or amino acid exchanges in their C-terminal loops, we now show that the phosphorylation state of a tyrosine residue at position 332 (Y332) in the C-terminus of Cx37 controls the gap junction-dependent spread of calcium signals. Mass spectra revealed that NO protects Cx37 from dephosphorylation at Y332 by inhibition of the protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2. Functionally, the inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication by NO decreased the spread of the calcium signal (induced by mechanical stimulation of individual endothelial cells) from endothelial to smooth muscle cells in intact vessels, while, at the same time, augmenting the calcium signal spreading within the endothelium. Consequently, preincubation of small resistance arteries with exogenous NO enhanced the endothelium-dependent dilator response to acetylcholine in spite of a pharmacological blockade of NO-dependent cGMP formation by the soluable guanylyl cyclase inhibitor ODQ (1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one). CONCLUSIONS Our results identify a novel mechanism by which NO can increase the efficacy of calcium, rising vasoactive agonists in the microvascular endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Pogoda
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., L.I.T., U.P., P.K.); Protein Analysis Unit, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (A.S., A.I.); DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., U.P., P.K.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergY), Germany (A.I., U.P.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany (A.P.)
| | - Hanna Mannell
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., L.I.T., U.P., P.K.); Protein Analysis Unit, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (A.S., A.I.); DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., U.P., P.K.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergY), Germany (A.I., U.P.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany (A.P.)
| | - Stephanie Blodow
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., L.I.T., U.P., P.K.); Protein Analysis Unit, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (A.S., A.I.); DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., U.P., P.K.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergY), Germany (A.I., U.P.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany (A.P.)
| | - Holger Schneider
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., L.I.T., U.P., P.K.); Protein Analysis Unit, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (A.S., A.I.); DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., U.P., P.K.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergY), Germany (A.I., U.P.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany (A.P.)
| | - Kai Michael Schubert
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., L.I.T., U.P., P.K.); Protein Analysis Unit, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (A.S., A.I.); DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., U.P., P.K.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergY), Germany (A.I., U.P.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany (A.P.)
| | - Jiehua Qiu
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., L.I.T., U.P., P.K.); Protein Analysis Unit, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (A.S., A.I.); DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., U.P., P.K.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergY), Germany (A.I., U.P.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany (A.P.)
| | - Andreas Schmidt
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., L.I.T., U.P., P.K.); Protein Analysis Unit, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (A.S., A.I.); DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., U.P., P.K.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergY), Germany (A.I., U.P.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany (A.P.)
| | - Axel Imhof
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., L.I.T., U.P., P.K.); Protein Analysis Unit, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (A.S., A.I.); DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., U.P., P.K.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergY), Germany (A.I., U.P.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany (A.P.)
| | - Heike Beck
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., L.I.T., U.P., P.K.); Protein Analysis Unit, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (A.S., A.I.); DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., U.P., P.K.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergY), Germany (A.I., U.P.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany (A.P.)
| | - Laurentia Irina Tanase
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., L.I.T., U.P., P.K.); Protein Analysis Unit, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (A.S., A.I.); DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., U.P., P.K.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergY), Germany (A.I., U.P.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany (A.P.)
| | - Alexander Pfeifer
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., L.I.T., U.P., P.K.); Protein Analysis Unit, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (A.S., A.I.); DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., U.P., P.K.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergY), Germany (A.I., U.P.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany (A.P.)
| | - Ulrich Pohl
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., L.I.T., U.P., P.K.); Protein Analysis Unit, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (A.S., A.I.); DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., U.P., P.K.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergY), Germany (A.I., U.P.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany (A.P.).
| | - Petra Kameritsch
- From the Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., L.I.T., U.P., P.K.); Protein Analysis Unit, Biomedical Center, Munich, Germany (A.S., A.I.); DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), partner site Munich Heart Alliance, Germany (K.P., H.M., S.B., H.S., K.M.S., J.Q., H.B., U.P., P.K.); Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergY), Germany (A.I., U.P.); and Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn, Germany (A.P.)
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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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Meda P. Gap junction proteins are key drivers of endocrine function. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2017; 1860:124-140. [PMID: 28284720 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2017.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Revised: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
It has long been known that the main secretory cells of exocrine and endocrine glands are connected by gap junctions, made by a variety of connexin species that ensure their electrical and metabolic coupling. Experiments in culture systems and animal models have since provided increasing evidence that connexin signaling contributes to control the biosynthesis and release of secretory products, as well as to the life and death of secretory cells. More recently, genetic studies have further provided the first lines of evidence that connexins also control the function of human glands, which are central to the pathogenesis of major endocrine diseases. Here, we summarize the recent information gathered on connexin signaling in these systems, since the last reviews on the topic, with particular regard to the pancreatic beta cells which produce insulin, and the renal cells which produce renin. These cells are keys to the development of various forms of diabetes and hypertension, respectively, and combine to account for the exploding, worldwide prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Gap Junction Proteins edited by Jean Claude Herve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Meda
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva Medical School, Switzerland.
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