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Habli Z, Zantout A, Al-Haj N, Saab R, El-Sabban M, Khraiche ML. Single-Cell Fluidic Force Spectroscopy Reveals Dynamic Mechanical Fingerprints of Malignancy in Breast Cancer. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024. [PMID: 39105773 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.4c06335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
The interplay between cancer cell physical characteristics and metastatic potential highlights the significance of cancer cell mechanobiology. Using fluidic-based single-cell force spectroscopy (SCFS), quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D), and a model of cells with a spectrum of metastatic potential, we track the progression of biomechanics across the metastatic states by measuring cell-substrate and cell-to-cell adhesion forces, cell spring constant, cell height, and cell viscoelasticity. Compared to highly metastatic cells, cells in the lower spectrum of metastatic ability are found to be systematically stiffer, less viscoelastic, and larger. These mechanical transformations in cells within a cluster correlate with cells' metastatic potential but are significantly absent in single cells. Additionally, the response to chemotherapy is found to be highly dependent on cell viscoelastic properties in terms of both response time and magnitude. Shifts in cell softness and elasticity might serve as mechanoadaptive mechanisms during cancer cell metastasis, contributing to our understanding of metastasis and the effectiveness of potential therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeina Habli
- Neural Engineering and Nanobiosensors Group, Biomedical Engineering Program, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Ahmad Zantout
- Neural Engineering and Nanobiosensors Group, Biomedical Engineering Program, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Nadine Al-Haj
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Raya Saab
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California 94304, United States
| | - Marwan El-Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology, and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
| | - Massoud L Khraiche
- Neural Engineering and Nanobiosensors Group, Biomedical Engineering Program, Maroun Semaan Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, American University of Beirut, Beirut 1107 2020, Lebanon
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2
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Takemoto JY, Altenberg GA, Poudyal N, Subedi YP, Chang CWT. Amphiphilic aminoglycosides: Modifications that revive old natural product antibiotics. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1000199. [PMID: 36212866 PMCID: PMC9537547 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1000199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Widely-used Streptomyces-derived antibacterial aminoglycosides have encountered challenges because of antibiotic resistance and toxicity. Today, they are largely relegated to medicinal topical applications. However, chemical modification to amphiphilic aminoglycosides can revive their efficacy against bacterial pathogens and expand their targets to other pathogenic microbes and disorders associated with hyperactive connexin hemichannels. For example, amphiphilic versions of neomycin and neamine are not subject to resistance and have expanded antibacterial spectra, and amphiphilic kanamycins are effective antifungals and have promising therapeutic uses as connexin hemichannel inhibitors. With further research and discoveries aimed at improved formulations and delivery, amphiphilic aminoglycosides may achieve new horizons in pharmacopeia and agriculture for Streptomyces aminoglycosides beyond just serving as topical antibacterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Y. Takemoto
- Department of Biology, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Guillermo A. Altenberg
- Department of Cell Physiology and Molecular Biophysics, Center for Membrane Protein Research, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Naveena Poudyal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Yagya P. Subedi
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
| | - Cheng-Wei T. Chang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Utah State University, Logan, UT, United States
- *Correspondence: Cheng-Wei T. Chang,
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3
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Ugur D, Gungul TB, Yucel S, Ozcivici E, Yalcin-Ozuysal O, Mese G. Connexin 32 overexpression increases proliferation, reduces gap junctional intercellular communication, motility and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in Hs578T breast cancer cells. J Cell Commun Signal 2022; 16:361-376. [PMID: 35781670 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00665-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cx) are primary components of gap junctions that selectively allow molecules to be exchanged between adjacent cells, regulating multiple cellular functions. Along with their channel forming functions, connexins play a variety of roles in different stages of tumorigenesis and their roles in tumor initiation and progression is isoform- and tissue-specific. While Cx26 and Cx43 were downregulated during breast tumorigenesis, Cx32 was accumulated in the cytoplasm of the cells in lymph node metastasis of breast cancers and Cx32 was further upregulated in metastasis. Cx32's effect on cell proliferation, gap junctional communication, hemichannel activity, cellular motility and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were investigated by overexpressing Cx32 in Hs578T and MCF7 breast cancer cells. Additionally, the expression and localization of Cx26 and Cx43 upon Cx32 overexpression were examined by Western blot and immunostaining experiments, respectively. We observed that MCF7 cells had endogenous Cx32 while Hs578T cells did not and when Cx32 was overexpressed in these cells, it caused a significant increase in the percentages of Hs578T cells at the S phase in addition to increasing their proliferation. Further, while Cx32 overexpression did not induce hemichannel activity in either cell, it decreased gap junctional communication between Hs578T cells. Additionally, Cx32 was mainly observed in the cytoplasm in both cells, where it did not form gap junction plaques but Cx32 overexpression reduced Cx43 levels without affecting Cx26. Moreover, migration and invasion potentials of Hs578T and migration in MCF7 were reduced upon Cx32 overexpression. Finally, the protein level of mesenchymal marker N-cadherin decreased while epithelial marker ZO-1 and E-cadherin increased in Hs578T cells. We observed that Cx32 overexpression altered cell proliferation, communication, migration and EMT in Hs578T, suggesting a tumor suppressor role in these cells while it had minor effects on MCF7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Ugur
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, 35430, Turkey.,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Avrasya University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Taha Bugra Gungul
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, 35430, Turkey
| | - Simge Yucel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, 35430, Turkey
| | - Engin Ozcivici
- Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozden Yalcin-Ozuysal
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, 35430, Turkey
| | - Gulistan Mese
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, 35430, Turkey.
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4
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Citrus Flavone Tangeretin Inhibits CRPC Cell Proliferation by Regulating Cx26, AKT, and AR Signaling. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:6422500. [PMID: 35111229 PMCID: PMC8803427 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6422500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) progression depends on the action of androgen receptors (AR). Therefore, preventing ligand-mediated activation of AR is the first-line treatment strategy for metastatic PCa. Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) can inhibit ligand binding to AR and alleviate PCa progression initially. However, due to the adaptation of PCa and recovery of AR signaling, castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) eventually develops. Exploring novel dietary compounds that can target AR signaling appears to be a viable alternative therapeutic option for CRPC. In the present study, compounds from the citrus fruits were focused upon, which contain various flavonoid ingredients. Key components contained within orange peel, which is frequently used in traditional Chinese medicine, and downstream targets were first analyzed using network pharmacology approach. Notably, it was found that tangeretin, an active ingredient from orange peel, can significantly inhibit CRPC cell (C4-2 and Du145 cells) proliferation and migration whilst also synergistically increasing the sensitivity of CRPC cells to anti-tumor drugs sorafenib or cisplatin. Tangeretin also significantly reduced AR and AKT expressions in C4-2 cells and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 expression in the androgen-insensitive cell line Du145. In addition, tangeretin increased the expression of both connexin26 (Cx26) and gap junction function, which may mediate the bystander effects of cisplatin or sorafenib. Taken together, the present study revealed a novel molecular mechanism by which tangeretin may inhibit the proliferation of CRPC cells, by affecting the Cx26/AKT/AR pathway, to synergistically increase the sensitivity of CRPC cells to sorafenib and cisplatin.
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5
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Unal YC, Yavuz B, Ozcivici E, Mese G. The role of connexins in breast cancer: from misregulated cell communication to aberrant intracellular signaling. Tissue Barriers 2022; 10:1962698. [PMID: 34355641 PMCID: PMC8794248 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1962698] [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: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In spite of clinical advancements and improved diagnostic techniques, breast cancers are the leading cause of cancer-associated deaths in women worldwide. Although 70% of early breast cancers can be cured, there are no efficient therapies against metastatic breast cancers. Several factors including connexins and gap junctions play roles in breast tumorigenesis. Connexins are critical for cellular processes as a linkage between connexin mutations and hereditary disorders demonstrated their importance for tissue homeostasis. Further, alterations in their expression, localization and channel activities were observed in many cancers including breast cancer. Both channel-dependent and independent functions of connexins were reported in initiation and progression of cancers. Unlike initial reports suggesting tumor suppressor functions, connexins and gap junctions have stage, context and isoform dependent effects in breast cancers similar to other cancers. In this review, we tried to describe the current understanding of connexins in tumorigenesis specifically in breast cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Ceren Unal
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Busra Yavuz
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Engin Ozcivici
- Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulistan Mese
- Faculty of Science, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
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6
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Acuña RA, Varas-Godoy M, Herrera-Sepulveda D, Retamal MA. Connexin46 Expression Enhances Cancer Stem Cell and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Characteristics of Human Breast Cancer MCF-7 Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12604. [PMID: 34830485 PMCID: PMC8624448 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) are a family of proteins that form two different types of ion channels: hemichannels and gap junction channels. These channels participate in cellular communication, enabling them to share information and act as a synchronized syncytium. This cellular communication has been considered a strong tumor suppressor, but it is now recognized that some type of Cxs can be pro-tumorigenic. For example, Cx46 expression is increased in human breast cancer samples and correlates with cancer stem cell (CSC) characteristics in human glioma. Thus, we explored whether Cx46 and glioma cells, can set up CSC and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) properties in a breast cancer cell line. To this end, we transfected MCF-7 cells with Cx46 attached to a green fluorescent protein (Cx46GFP), and we determined how its expression orchestrates both the gene-expression and functional changes associated with CSC and EMT. We observed that Cx46GFP increased Sox2, Nanog, and OCT4 mRNA levels associated with a high capacity to form monoclonal colonies and tumorspheres. Similarly, Cx46GFP increased the mRNA levels of n-cadherin, Vimentin, Snail and Zeb1 to a higher migratory and invasive capacity. Furthermore, Cx46GFP transfected in MCF-7 cells induced the release of higher amounts of VEGF, which promoted angiogenesis in HUVEC cells. We demonstrated for the first time that Cx46 modulates CSC and EMT properties in breast cancer cells and thus could be relevant in the design of future cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo A. Acuña
- Centro de Medicina Regenerativa, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7780272, Chile
| | - Manuel Varas-Godoy
- Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastian, Santiago 7510157, Chile;
| | - Diego Herrera-Sepulveda
- Carrera de Medicina Universidad del Desarrollo, Facultad de Medicina, Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7780272, Chile;
| | - Mauricio A. Retamal
- Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7780272, Chile
- Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7780272, Chile
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7
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Cell Systems Bioelectricity: How Different Intercellular Gap Junctions Could Regionalize a Multicellular Aggregate. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215300. [PMID: 34771463 PMCID: PMC8582473 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Electric potential distributions can act as instructive pre-patterns for development, regeneration, and tumorigenesis in cell systems. The biophysical states influence transcription, proliferation, cell shape, migration, and differentiation through biochemical and biomechanical downstream transduction processes. A major knowledge gap is the origin of spatial patterns in vivo, and their relationship to the ion channels and the electrical synapses known as gap junctions. Understanding this is critical for basic evolutionary developmental biology as well as for regenerative medicine. We computationally show that cells may express connexin proteins with different voltage-gated gap junction conductances as a way to maintain multicellular regions at distinct membrane potentials. We show that increasing the multicellular connectivity via enhanced junction function does not always contribute to the bioelectrical normalization of abnormally depolarized multicellular patches. From a purely electrical junction view, this result suggests that the reduction rather than the increase of specific connexin levels can also be a suitable bioelectrical approach in some cases and time stages. We offer a minimum model that incorporates effective conductances ultimately related to specific ion channel and junction proteins that are amenable to external regulation. We suggest that the bioelectrical patterns and their encoded instructive information can be externally modulated by acting on the mean fields of cell systems, a complementary approach to that of acting on the molecular characteristics of individual cells. We believe that despite the limitations of a biophysically focused model, our approach can offer useful qualitative insights into the collective dynamics of cell system bioelectricity.
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8
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Tabadkani M, Bani N, Gharib M, Ziaeemehr A, Samadi S, Rastgar-Moghadam A, Mehramiz M, Alavi N, Moetamani-Ahmadi M, Samadian MM, Vahaz F, Daghigh-Bazaz ZS, Rajabian M, Rahbarian R, Ramshini H, Khazaei M, Ferns GA, Shaidsales S, Avan A. Association between the Cx371019 C > T genetic variant and risk of breast cancer. Meta Gene 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mgene.2021.100925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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9
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Advances in the development of connexin hemichannel inhibitors selective toward Cx43. Future Med Chem 2021; 13:379-392. [PMID: 33399487 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2020-0291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap-junction channels formed by two connexin hemichannels play diverse and pivotal roles in intercellular communication and regulation. Normally hemichannels at the plasma membrane participate in autocrine and paracrine signaling, but abnormal increase in their activity can lead or contribute to various diseases. Selective inhibitors toward connexin hemichannels are of great interest. Among more than 20 identified isoforms of connexins, connexin 43 (Cx43) attracts the most interest due to its prevalence and link to cell damage in many disorders or diseases. Traditional antibacterial kanamycin decorated with hydrophobic groups yields amphiphilic kanamycins that show low cytotoxicity and prominent inhibitory effect against Cx43. This review focuses on the development of amphiphilic kanamycins as connexin hemichannel inhibitors and their future perspective.
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10
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Adak A, Unal YC, Yucel S, Vural Z, Turan FB, Yalcin-Ozuysal O, Ozcivici E, Mese G. Connexin 32 induces pro-tumorigenic features in MCF10A normal breast cells and MDA-MB-231 metastatic breast cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1867:118851. [PMID: 32918981 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Connexins (Cx), the basic subunit of gap junctions, play important roles in cell homeostasis, and their abnormal expression and function are associated with human hereditary diseases and cancers. In tumorigenesis, connexins were observed to have both anti-tumorigenic and pro-tumorigenic roles in a context- and stage-dependent manner. Initially, Cx26 and Cx43 were thought to be the only connexins involved in normal breast homeostasis and breast cancer. Later on, association of Cx32 expression with lymph node metastasis of breast cancer and subsequent demonstration of its expression in normal breast tissue suggested that Cx32 contributes to breast tissue homeostasis. Here, we aimed to determine the effects of Cx32 on normal breast cells, MCF10A, and on breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231. Cx32 overexpression had profound effects on MCF10A cells, decreasing cell proliferation by increasing the doubling time of MCF10A. Furthermore, MCF10A cells acquired mesenchymal-like appearance upon Cx32 expression and had increased migration capacity and expression of both E-cadherin and vimentin. In contrast, Cx32 overexpression altered the EMT markers of MDA-MB-231 by increasing the expression of mesenchymal markers, such as slug and vimentin, and decreasing E-cadherin expression without affecting their proliferation and morphology. Our results indicate, for the first time in the literature, that Cx32 has tumor-promoting roles in MCF10A and MDA-MB-231 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asli Adak
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Yagmur Ceren Unal
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Simge Yucel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Zehra Vural
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Fatma Basak Turan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ozden Yalcin-Ozuysal
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Engin Ozcivici
- Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Gulistan Mese
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Izmir Institute of Technology, Urla, Izmir, Turkey.
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11
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Cervera J, Ramirez P, Levin M, Mafe S. Community effects allow bioelectrical reprogramming of cell membrane potentials in multicellular aggregates: Model simulations. Phys Rev E 2020; 102:052412. [PMID: 33327213 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.102.052412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Bioelectrical patterns are established by spatiotemporal correlations of cell membrane potentials at the multicellular level, being crucial to development, regeneration, and tumorigenesis. We have conducted multicellular simulations on bioelectrical community effects and intercellular coupling in multicellular aggregates. The simulations aim at establishing under which conditions a local heterogeneity consisting of a small patch of cells can be stabilized against a large aggregate of surrounding identical cells which are in a different bioelectrical state. In this way, instructive bioelectrical information can be persistently encoded in spatiotemporal patterns of separated domains with different cell polarization states. The multicellular community effects obtained are regulated both at the single-cell and intercellular levels, and emerge from a delicate balance between the degrees of intercellular coupling in: (i) the small patch, (ii) the surrounding bulk, and (iii) the interface that separates these two regions. The model is experimentally motivated and consists of two generic voltage-gated ion channels that attempt to establish the depolarized and polarized cell states together with coupling conductances whose individual and intercellular different states permit a dynamic multicellular connectivity. The simulations suggest that community effects may allow the reprogramming of single-cell bioelectrical states, in agreement with recent experimental data. A better understanding of the resulting electrical regionalization can assist the electroceutical correction of abnormally depolarized regions initiated in the bulk of normal tissues as well as suggest new biophysical mechanisms for the establishment of target patterns in multicellular engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Cervera
- Departamento Termodinàmica, Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Patricio Ramirez
- Departamento Física Aplicada, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, E-46022 Valencia, Spain
| | - Michael Levin
- Department of Biology and Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts 02155-4243, USA
| | - Salvador Mafe
- Departamento Termodinàmica, Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, Spain
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12
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Mensah SA, Nersesyan AA, Ebong EE. Endothelial Glycocalyx-Mediated Intercellular Interactions: Mechanisms and Implications for Atherosclerosis and Cancer Metastasis. Cardiovasc Eng Technol 2020; 12:72-90. [PMID: 33000443 PMCID: PMC7904750 DOI: 10.1007/s13239-020-00487-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The endothelial glycocalyx (GCX) plays a critical role in the health of the vascular system. Degradation of the GCX has been implicated in the onset of diseases like atherosclerosis and cancer because it disrupts endothelial cell (EC) function that is meant to protect from atherosclerosis and cancer. Examples of such EC function include interendothelial cell communication via gap junctions and receptor-mediated interactions between endothelial and tumor cells. This review focuses on GCX-dependent regulation of these intercellular interactions in healthy and diseased states. The ultimate goal is to build new knowledge that can be applied to developing GCX regeneration strategies that can control intercellular interaction in order to combat the progression of diseases such as atherosclerosis and cancer. Methods In vitro and in vivo studies were conducted to determine the baseline expression of GCX in physiologically relevant conditions. Chemical and mechanical GCX degradation approaches were employed to degrade the GCX. The impact of intact versus degraded GCX on intercellular interactions was assessed using cytochemistry, histochemistry, a Lucifer yellow dye transfer assay, and confocal, intravital, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Results Relevant to atherosclerosis, we found that GCX stability determines the expression and functionality of Cx43 in gap junction-mediated EC-to-EC communication. Relevant to cancer metastasis, we found that destabilizing the GCX through either disturbed flow-induced or enzyme induced GCX degradation results in increased E-selectin receptor-mediated EC-tumor cell interactions. Conclusion Our findings lay a foundation for future endothelial GCX-targeted therapy, to control intercellular interactions and limit the progression of atherosclerosis and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon A Mensah
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Alina A Nersesyan
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eno E Ebong
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 335 Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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13
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Antagonistic Functions of Connexin 43 during the Development of Primary or Secondary Bone Tumors. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10091240. [PMID: 32859065 PMCID: PMC7565206 DOI: 10.3390/biom10091240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite research and clinical advances during recent decades, bone cancers remain a leading cause of death worldwide. There is a low survival rate for patients with primary bone tumors such as osteosarcoma and Ewing’s sarcoma or secondary bone tumors such as bone metastases from prostate carcinoma. Gap junctions are specialized plasma membrane structures consisting of transmembrane channels that directly link the cytoplasm of adjacent cells, thereby enabling the direct exchange of small signaling molecules between cells. Discoveries of human genetic disorders due to genetic mutations in gap junction proteins (connexins) and experimental data using connexin knockout mice have provided significant evidence that gap-junctional intercellular communication (Gj) is crucial for tissue function. Thus, the dysfunction of Gj may be responsible for the development of some diseases. Gj is thus a main mechanism for tumor cells to communicate with other tumor cells and their surrounding microenvironment to survive and proliferate. If it is well accepted that a low level of connexin expression favors cancer cell proliferation and therefore primary tumor development, more evidence is suggesting that a high level of connexin expression stimulates various cellular process such as intravasation, extravasation, or migration of metastatic cells. If so, connexin expression would facilitate secondary tumor dissemination. This paper discusses evidence that suggests that connexin 43 plays an antagonistic role in the development of primary bone tumors as a tumor suppressor and secondary bone tumors as a tumor promoter.
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14
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Acuña RA, Varas-Godoy M, Berthoud VM, Alfaro IE, Retamal MA. Connexin-46 Contained in Extracellular Vesicles Enhance Malignancy Features in Breast Cancer Cells. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E676. [PMID: 32353936 PMCID: PMC7277863 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Under normal conditions, almost all cell types communicate with their neighboring cells through gap junction channels (GJC), facilitating cellular and tissue homeostasis. A GJC is formed by the interaction of two hemichannels; each one of these hemichannels in turn is formed by six subunits of transmembrane proteins called connexins (Cx). For many years, it was believed that the loss of GJC-mediated intercellular communication was a hallmark in cancer development. However, nowadays this paradigm is changing. The connexin 46 (Cx46), which is almost exclusively expressed in the eye lens, is upregulated in human breast cancer, and is correlated with tumor growth in a Xenograft mouse model. On the other hand, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have an important role in long-distance communication under physiological conditions. In the last decade, EVs also have been recognized as key players in cancer aggressiveness. The aim of this work was to explore the involvement of Cx46 in EV-mediated intercellular communication. Here, we demonstrated for the first time, that Cx46 is contained in EVs released from breast cancer cells overexpressing Cx46 (EVs-Cx46). This EV-Cx46 facilitates the interaction between EVs and the recipient cell resulting in an increase in their migration and invasion properties. Our results suggest that EV-Cx46 could be a marker of cancer malignancy and open the possibility to consider Cx46 as a new therapeutic target in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo A. Acuña
- Universidad del Desarrollo, Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7780272, Chile
- Universidad del Desarrollo, Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Instituto de Ciencias e Innovación en Medicina (ICIM), Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Santiago 7780272, Chile
- Universidad del Desarrollo, Instituto de Ciencias e Innovación en Medicina (ICIM), Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7780272, Chile;
| | - Manuel Varas-Godoy
- Cancer Cell Biology Lab., Centro de Biología Celular y Biomedicina (CEBICEM), Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 7780272, Chile;
| | | | - Ivan E. Alfaro
- Universidad del Desarrollo, Instituto de Ciencias e Innovación en Medicina (ICIM), Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7780272, Chile;
- Fundación Ciencia & Vida, Avenida Zañartu #1482, Ñuñoa, Santiago 7780272, Chile
| | - Mauricio A. Retamal
- Universidad del Desarrollo, Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago 7780272, Chile
- Universidad del Desarrollo, Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Instituto de Ciencias e Innovación en Medicina (ICIM), Facultad de Medicina Clínica Alemana, Santiago 7780272, Chile
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15
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Invernizzi M, Lopez G, Michelotti A, Venetis K, Sajjadi E, De Mattos-Arruda L, Ghidini M, Runza L, de Sire A, Boldorini R, Fusco N. Integrating Biological Advances Into the Clinical Management of Breast Cancer Related Lymphedema. Front Oncol 2020; 10:422. [PMID: 32300557 PMCID: PMC7142240 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) occurs in a significant number of breast cancer survivors as a consequence of the axillary lymphatics' impairment after therapy (mainly axillary surgery and irradiation). Despite the recent achievements in the clinical management of these patients, BCRL is often diagnosed at its occurrence. In most cases, it remains a progressive and irreversible condition, with dramatic consequences in terms of quality of life and on sanitary costs. There are still no validated pre-surgical strategies to identify individuals that harbor an increased risk of BCRL. However, clinical, therapeutic, and tumor-specific traits are recurrent in these patients. Over the past few years, many studies have unraveled the complexity of the molecular and transcriptional events leading to the lymphatic system ontogenesis. Additionally, molecular insights are coming from the study of the germline alterations involved at variable levels in BCRL models. Regrettably, there is a substantial lack of predictive biomarkers for BCRL, given that our knowledge of its molecular milieu remains extremely puzzled. The purposes of this review were (i) to outline the biology underpinning the ontogenesis of the lymphatic system; (ii) to assess the current state of knowledge of the molecular alterations that can be involved in BCRL pathogenesis and progression; (iii) to discuss the present and short-term future perspectives in biomarker-based patients' risk stratification; and (iv) to provide practical information that can be employed to improve the quality of life of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Invernizzi
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lopez
- School of Pathology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Michelotti
- Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Konstantinos Venetis
- Ph.D. Program in Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Divison of Pathology, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Milan, Italy
| | - Elham Sajjadi
- Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Michele Ghidini
- Division of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Letterio Runza
- Division of Pathology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro de Sire
- Physical and Rehabilitative Medicine, Department of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Piedmont "A. Avogadro", Novara, Italy.,Rehabilitation Unit, "Mons. L. Novarese" Hospital, Moncrivello, Italy
| | - Renzo Boldorini
- Pathology Unit, Department of Health Sciences, Novara Medical School, Novara, Italy
| | - Nicola Fusco
- Divison of Pathology, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology (IEO), Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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16
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Sinha G, Ferrer AI, Moore CA, Naaldijk Y, Rameshwar P. Gap Junctions and Breast Cancer Dormancy. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:348-357. [PMID: 32209448 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.01.013] [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: 06/03/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) relapse, despite clinical advancement, remains one of the biggest issues in the field. Intercellular communication, specifically via connexin (Cx)-mediated gap junctions (GJs), play a key role in the long-term survival of these, treatment-resistant breast cancer stem cells (CSCs), allowing for relapse. Both basic and clinical evidence reveal dual roles for GJs, in tumor suppression, generally referred to as dormancy, and progression and metastasis. GJ intercellular communication (GJIC) can be mediated by multiple types of Cxs, depending on the organ to which the BC cells metastasize. This review expands on the differential expression of Cx-mediated GJIC between CSCs and niche cells within a given microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garima Sinha
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies at New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA; Department of Medicine - Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Alejandra I Ferrer
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies at New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA; Department of Medicine - Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Caitlyn A Moore
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies at New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA; Department of Medicine - Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Yahaira Naaldijk
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies at New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Pranela Rameshwar
- Department of Medicine - Hematology/Oncology, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA.
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17
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Liu G, Pang Y, Zhang Y, Fu H, Xiong W, Zhang Y. GJB4 promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation and migration via Wnt/CTNNB1 pathway. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:6745-6755. [PMID: 31692499 PMCID: PMC6708386 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s205601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gap junction beta-4 protein (GJB4), or connexin 30.3, a member of integral membrane proteins, has been shown to involve and may function as a tumor promoter in tumorigenesis. However, the role of GJB4 in gastric cancer (GC) is still unclear. Materials and methods We used Progression-free survival Kaplan-Meier analysis and Western blot analysis to detect the expression of GJB4 in GC tissues and cells. In addition, both in vitro and in vivo assays were used to determine the effect of GJB4 on malignant behavior in GC cells. Results We found that GJB4 was overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues and cells compared with normal tissues and cells. The high GJB4 expression was significantly associated with poor overall survival of GC patients. Knocking down GJB4 in GC cells significantly suppressed cell proliferation and migration. We found that the effects of GJB4-knockdown on GC cells were associated with downregulation of CTNNB1 and its downstream MYC, MMP7 and CCND1 expression. In addition, we found that the promotive effect of GJB4 overexpression on cell proliferation and migration was negated by XAV-939, which is the inhibitor of Wnt/CTNNB1 pathway. Therefore, we revealed a novel mechanism by which GJB4 could activate the Wnt/CTNNB1 pathway to promote GC cell's proliferation and migration. Conclusion This study offer insights into GJB4 function and indicate that GJB4 is a promising biomarker and therapeutic target for gastric cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- GuiYuan Liu
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 404120, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Pang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 404120, People's Republic of China
| | - YaJun Zhang
- Chongqing Engineering Laboratory of Targeted and Innovative Therapeutics, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Kinase Modulators as Innovative Medicine, IATTI, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, People's Republic of China
| | - HaiRong Fu
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 404120, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Xiong
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 404120, People's Republic of China
| | - YongHui Zhang
- Chongqing Engineering Research Center of Antitumor Natural Drugs, Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 404120, People's Republic of China
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18
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Pro-Apoptotic Effect of Grape Seed Extract on MCF-7 Involves Transient Increase of Gap Junction Intercellular Communication and Cx43 Up-Regulation: A Mechanism of Chemoprevention. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20133244. [PMID: 31269652 PMCID: PMC6651466 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20133244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence suggests dietary antioxidants reduce the risk of several cancers. Grape seeds extracts (GSE) are a rich source of polyphenols known to have antioxidant, chemopreventive and anticancer properties. Herein, we investigated the in vitro effects and putative action mechanisms of a grape seed extract (GSE) on human breast cancer cells (MCF-7). The effects of GSE were evaluated on cell proliferation, apoptosis and gap-junction-mediated cell-cell communications (GJIC), as basal mechanism involved in the promotion stage of carcinogenesis. GSE (0.05-100 μg/mL) caused a significant dose- and time-dependent inhibition of MCF-7 viability and induced apoptotic cell death, as detected by Annexin-V/Propidium Iodide. Concurrently, GSE induced transient but significant enhancement of GJIC in non-communicating MCF-7 cells, as demonstrated by the scrape-loading/dye-transfer (SL/DT) assay and an early and dose-dependent re-localization of the connexin-43 (Cx43) proteins on plasma membranes, as assayed by immunocytochemistry. Finally, real-time-PCR has evidenced a significant increase in cx43 mRNA expression. The results support the hypothesis that the proliferation inhibition and pro-apoptotic effect of GSE against this breast cancer cell model are mediated by the GJIC improvement via re-localization of Cx43 proteins and up-regulation of cx43 gene, and provide further insight into the action mechanisms underlying the health-promoting action of dietary components.
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19
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Piechowski J. Plausibility of trophoblastic-like regulation of cancer tissue. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:5033-5046. [PMID: 31213916 PMCID: PMC6549421 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s190932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Thus far, a well-established logical pattern of malignancy does not exist. The current approach to cancer properties is primarily descriptive with usually, for each of them, extensive analyses of the underlying associated biomolecular mechanisms. However, this remains a catalog and it would be valuable to determine the organizational chart that could account for their implementation, hierarchical links and input into tumor regulation. Hypothesis: Striking phenotypic similarities exist between trophoblast (invasive and expanding early placenta) and cancer regarding cell functions, logistics of development, means of protection and capacity to hold sway over the host organism. The concept of cancer cell trophoblastic-like transdifferentiation appears to be a rational proposal in an attempt to explain this analogy and provide a consistent insight into how cancer cells are functioning. Should this concept be validated, it could pave the way to promising research and therapeutic perspectives given that the trophoblastic properties are vital for the tumor while they are permanently epigenetically turned off in normal cells. Specifically targeting expression of the trophoblastic master genes could thereby be envisaged to jeopardize the tumor and its metastases without, in principle, inducing adverse side effects in the healthy tissues. Conclusion: A wide set of functional features of cancer tissue regulation, including some apparently paradoxical facts, was reviewed. Cancer cell misuse of physiological trophoblastic functions can clearly account for them, which identifies trophoblastic-like transdifferentiation as a likely key component of malignancy and makes it a potential relevant anticancer target.
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20
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Cervera J, Manzanares JA, Mafe S, Levin M. Synchronization of Bioelectric Oscillations in Networks of Nonexcitable Cells: From Single-Cell to Multicellular States. J Phys Chem B 2019; 123:3924-3934. [PMID: 31003574 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b01717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Biological networks use collective oscillations for information processing tasks. In particular, oscillatory membrane potentials have been observed in nonexcitable cells and bacterial communities where specific ion channel proteins contribute to the bioelectric coordination of large populations. We aim at describing theoretically the oscillatory spatiotemporal patterns that emerge at the multicellular level from the single-cell bioelectric dynamics. To this end, we focus on two key questions: (i) What single-cell properties are relevant to multicellular behavior? (ii) What properties defined at the multicellular level can allow an external control of the bioelectric dynamics? In particular, we explore the interplay between transcriptional and translational dynamics and membrane potential dynamics in a model multicellular ensemble, describe the spatiotemporal patterns that arise when the average electric potential allows groups of cells to act as a coordinated multicellular patch, and characterize the resulting synchronization phenomena. The simulations concern bioelectric networks and collective communication across different scales based on oscillatory and synchronization phenomena, thus shedding light on the physiological dynamics of a wide range of endogenous contexts across embryogenesis and regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Cervera
- Departament de Termodinàmica, Facultat de Física , Universitat de València , E-46100 Burjassot , Spain
| | - José Antonio Manzanares
- Departament de Termodinàmica, Facultat de Física , Universitat de València , E-46100 Burjassot , Spain
| | - Salvador Mafe
- Departament de Termodinàmica, Facultat de Física , Universitat de València , E-46100 Burjassot , Spain
| | - Michael Levin
- Allen Discovery Center at Tufts University, Department of Biology , Tufts University Medford , Massachusetts 02155-4243 , United States
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21
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Connexin 43 Loss Triggers Cell Cycle Entry and Invasion in Non-Neoplastic Breast Epithelium: A Role for Noncanonical Wnt Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030339. [PMID: 30857262 PMCID: PMC6468895 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) is disrupted in breast cancer, and re-expression of this protein in human breast cancer cell lines leads to decreased proliferation and invasiveness, suggesting a tumor suppressive role. This study aims to investigate the role of Cx43 in proliferation and invasion starting from non-neoplastic breast epithelium. (2) Methods: Nontumorigenic human mammary epithelial HMT-3522 S1 cells and Cx43 shRNA-transfected counterparts were cultured under 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-D conditions. (3) Results: Silencing Cx43 induced mislocalization of β-catenin and Scrib from apicolateral membrane domains in glandular structures or acini formed in 3-D culture, suggesting the loss of apical polarity. Cell cycle entry and proliferation were enhanced, concomitantly with c-Myc and cyclin D1 upregulation, while no detectable activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was observed. Motility and invasion were also triggered and were associated with altered acinar morphology and activation of ERK1/2 and Rho GTPase signaling, which acts downstream of the noncanonical Wnt pathway. The invasion of Cx43-shRNA S1 cells was observed only under permissive stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM). (4) Conclusion: Our results suggest that Cx43 controls proliferation and invasion in the normal mammary epithelium in part by regulating noncanonical Wnt signaling.
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22
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Pilarczyk G, Papenfuß F, Bestvater F, Hausmann M. Spatial Arrangements of Connexin43 in Cancer Related Cells and Re-Arrangements under Treatment Conditions: Investigations on the Nano-Scale by Super-Resolution Localization Light Microscopy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030301. [PMID: 30836676 PMCID: PMC6468626 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer studies suggest that the spatial localization of connexin43 (Cx43) could play an important role during tumor genesis and the formation of metastasis. Cx43 has been shown to be upregulated in cancer cells; thereby a shift from Cx43 normal localization in gap junctions in the cell membrane towards a primarily cytoplasmic localization was observed in many studies. So far neither the spatial arrangements of Cx43 in breast cancer cells nor the effects of treatment outcome (ionizing radiation and antibody therapy) on the spatial arrangements of Cx43, have been microscopically studied on the nanoscale. This has brought up the idea to study the micro- and nanoscaled spatial Cx43 arrangements in a model of breast cancer-related cell types, i.e., SkBr3 breast cancer cells, BJ fibroblasts, and primary human internal mammary artery endothelial cells (HIMAECs). The cells were treated with neuregulin1 (NRG1), trastuzumab (Herceptin), or 6MeV-photon irradiation at a dose of 4 Gy. NRG1 stimulates further NRG1 release in the tumor endothelium that may lead to an enhanced tumor protective effect whereas Herceptin, used in antibody treatment, works in an antagonistic fashion to NRG1. After fluorescent labelling with specific antibodies, the molecular positions of Cx43 in the perinuclear cytosol and in the cell periphery at the membrane were determined for the three treatment related applications (NRG1, trastuzumab, 4 Gy irradiation) using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM). These techniques enable investigations of Cx43 enrichment and topological arrangements of Cx43 molecules from the micro-scale of a whole cell to the nano-scale of single molecules. In SkBr3 cells with and without radiation treatment high density accumulations were detected which seem to be diluted after NRG1 and trastuzumab treatment although the SMLM distance frequency distributions did not significantly vary. In BJ fibroblasts and HIMAECs differences between periphery and perinuclear cytosol were observed after the different treatment processes. HIMAECs showed significant Cx43 accumulation after NRG1, trastuzumab, and radiation treatment in the perinuclear region whereas in the periphery radiation has less influence as compared to the control. BJ cells were reacting to the treatments by Cx43 accumulations in the perinuclear region but also in the periphery. In conclusion, it was shown that by using CLSM and super-resolution SMLM, treatment effects on the spatial and thus functional arrangements of Cx43 became detectable for investigations of tumor response mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Götz Pilarczyk
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of High Content Analysis of the Cell "HiCell", BioQuant, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 267, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Franziska Papenfuß
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Felix Bestvater
- Core Facility Unit Light Microscopy, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Michael Hausmann
- Kirchhoff-Institute for Physics, University of Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 227, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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23
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Fostok SF, El-Sibai M, El-Sabban M, Talhouk RS. Gap Junctions and Wnt Signaling in the Mammary Gland: a Cross-Talk? J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2019; 24:17-38. [PMID: 30194659 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-018-9411-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs), the building blocks of gap junctions (GJs), exhibit spatiotemporal patterns of expression and regulate the development and differentiation of the mammary gland, acting via channel-dependent and channel-independent mechanisms. Impaired Cx expression and localization are reported in breast cancer, suggesting a tumor suppressive role for Cxs. The signaling events that mediate the role of GJs in the development and tumorigenesis of the mammary gland remain poorly identified. The Wnt pathways, encompassing the canonical or the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the noncanonical β-catenin-independent pathway, also play important roles in those processes. Indeed, aberrant Wnt signaling is associated with breast cancer. Despite the coincident roles of Cxs and Wnt pathways, the cross-talk in the breast tissue is poorly defined, although this is reported in a number of other tissues. Our previous studies revealed a channel-independent role for Cx43 in inducing differentiation or suppressing tumorigenesis of mammary epithelial cells by acting as a negative regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here, we provide a brief overview of mammary gland development, with emphasis on the role of Cxs in development and tumorigenesis of this tissue. We also discuss the role of Wnt signaling in similar contexts, and review the literature illustrating interplay between Cxs and Wnt pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabreen F Fostok
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), P.O. Box: 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University (LAU), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan El-Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut (AUB), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rabih S Talhouk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), P.O. Box: 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon.
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24
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Wu JI, Wang LH. Emerging roles of gap junction proteins connexins in cancer metastasis, chemoresistance and clinical application. J Biomed Sci 2019; 26:8. [PMID: 30642339 PMCID: PMC6332853 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0497-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin, a four-pass transmembrane protein, contributes to assembly of gap junctions among neighboring cells and thus facilitates gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Traditionally, the roles of connexins were thought to mediate formation of hemichannels and GJIC assembly for transportation of ions and small molecules. Many studies have observed loss of GJIC, due to reduced expression or altered cytoplasmic localization of connexins, in primary tumor cells. Connexins are generally considered tumor-suppressive. However, recent studies of clinical samples suggested a different role of connexins in that expression levels and membrane localization of connexins, including Connexin 43 (Cx43, GJA1) and Connexin 26 (Cx26, GJB2), were found to be enhanced in metastatic lesions of cancer patients. Cx43- and Cx26-mediated GJIC was found to promote cancer cell migration and adhesion to the pulmonary endothelium. Regulatory circuits involved in the induction of connexins and their functional effects have also been reported in various types of cancer. Connexins expressed in stromal cells were correlated with metastasis and were implicated in regulating metastatic behaviors of cancer cells. Recent studies have revealed that connexins can contribute to cellular phenotypes via multiple ways, namely 1) GJIC, 2) C-terminal tail-mediated signaling, and 3) cell-cell adhesion during gap junction formation. Both expression levels and the subcellular localization could participate determining the functional roles of connexins in cancer. Compounds targeting connexins were thus tested as potential therapeutics intervening metastasis or chemoresistance. This review focuses on the recent findings in the correlation between the expression of connexins and patients’ prognosis, their roles in metastasis and chemoresistance, as well as the implications and concerns of using connexin-targeting drugs as anti-metastatic therapeutics. Overall, connexins may serve as biomarkers for cancer prognosis and as therapeutic targets for intervening metastasis and chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-I Wu
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan.,Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Lu-Hai Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli County, Taiwan. .,Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. .,Graduate Institute of Integrated Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan. .,Chinese Medical Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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25
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Cervera J, Meseguer S, Mafe S. Intercellular Connectivity and Multicellular Bioelectric Oscillations in Nonexcitable Cells: A Biophysical Model. ACS OMEGA 2018; 3:13567-13575. [PMID: 30411043 PMCID: PMC6217649 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.8b01514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/08/2018] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Bioelectricity is emerging as a crucial mechanism for signal transmission and processing from the single-cell level to multicellular domains. We explore theoretically the oscillatory dynamics that result from the coupling between the genetic and bioelectric descriptions of nonexcitable cells in multicellular ensembles, connecting the genetic prepatterns defined over the ensemble with the resulting spatio-temporal map of cell potentials. These prepatterns assume the existence of a small patch in the ensemble with locally low values of the genetic rate constants that produce a specific ion channel protein whose conductance promotes the cell-polarized state (inward-rectifying channel). In this way, the short-range interactions of the cells within the patch favor the depolarized membrane potential state, whereas the long-range interaction of the patch with the rest of the ensemble promotes the polarized state. The coupling between the local and long-range bioelectric signals allows a binary control of the patch membrane potentials, and alternating cell polarization and depolarization states can be maintained for optimal windows of the number of cells and the intercellular connectivity in the patch. The oscillatory phenomena emerge when the feedback between the single-cell bioelectric and genetic dynamics is coupled at the multicellular level. In this way, the intercellular connectivity acts as a regulatory mechanism for the bioelectrical oscillations. The simulation results are qualitatively discussed in the context of recent experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Cervera
- Departamento
de Termodinàmica, Facultat de Física,
Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Salvador Meseguer
- Laboratory
of RNA Modification and Mitochondrial Diseases, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | - Salvador Mafe
- Departamento
de Termodinàmica, Facultat de Física,
Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, Spain
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26
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Bioelectrical coupling in multicellular domains regulated by gap junctions: A conceptual approach. Bioelectrochemistry 2018; 123:45-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2018.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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27
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Lin YP, Wu JI, Tseng CW, Chen HJ, Wang LH. Gjb4 serves as a novel biomarker for lung cancer and promotes metastasis and chemoresistance via Src activation. Oncogene 2018; 38:822-837. [PMID: 30177841 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0471-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 07/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Most lung cancer patients are diagnosed late with metastasis, which is the major cause of cancer-related death and recurrent tumors that often exhibit chemoresistance. In the present study, we initially identified gap junction beta-4 protein (Gjb4) to be overexpressed in highly metastatic cancer cells selected by their enhanced binding to serum components. Overexpression or knockdown of Gjb4 increased or decreased lung metastasis of syngeneic mice, respectively. We found that Gjb4 expression was higher in lung tumors than normal tissues (p = 0.0026), and Gjb4 levels in blood buffy coat samples showed significant performance in diagnosing stage I-III (p = 0.002814) and stage IV (p < 0.0001) lung cancer. Moreover, high Gjb4 expression levels were correlated with poor prognosis (p = 1.4e-4) and recurrence (p = 1.9e-12). Using syngeneic mouse model, we observed that Gjb4 was able to promote tumor growth. High molecular weight serum fraction containing the major growth factor component IGF1 was able to induce Gjb4 via PKC pathway. Gjb4 activated Src signaling via MET, and overexpression of Gjb4 enhanced sphere-forming ability and anchorage-independent growth, which were reversed by inhibition of Src. In addition, we demonstrated that Gjb4-mediated Src activation enhanced chemoresistance of cancer cells toward gemcitabine and etoposide. The combination of Gjb4 knockdown, gemcitabine, and dasatinib further enhanced the inhibition of cancer cell viability. Together, our study has identified Gjb4 as a potential novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for lung cancer. Targeting Gjb4 may be exploited as a modality for improving lung cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Pei Lin
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan.,Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jun-I Wu
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan.,Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Wei Tseng
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan.,Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Huei-Jane Chen
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Lu-Hai Wang
- Institute of Molecular and Genomic Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan. .,Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Life Sciences, National Central University, Taoyuan, Taiwan. .,Chinese Medicine Research Center, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
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28
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Ferrati S, Gadok AK, Brunaugh AD, Zhao C, Heersema LA, Smyth HDC, Stachowiak JC. Connexin membrane materials as potent inhibitors of breast cancer cell migration. J R Soc Interface 2018; 14:rsif.2017.0313. [PMID: 28768882 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junction (GJ) channels facilitate cell-cell communication through the exchange of chemical and mechanical signals, ensuring proper tissue development and homeostasis. The complex, disease stage-dependent role of connexins in breast cancer progression has been extensively studied over the past two decades. In the early stages of breast cancer, substantial evidence supports the role of GJ channels, formed by connexins at the interfaces between neighbouring cells, as suppressors of cell migration and proliferation. These findings suggest that materials that reintroduce connexins into the tumour cell environment have the potential to inhibit cell migration. Here, we report that exposure of highly metastatic MDA-MB-231 breast tumour cells to connexin-rich biovesicle materials potently suppresses cell migration. Specifically, these biovesicles, which can form GJ interfaces with cells, were extracted from the plasma membrane of donor cells engineered to express a high concentration of functional connexin 43 channels. These connexin-rich membrane materials dramatically reduced cell migration in both a transwell migration assay and a scratch closure assay. Collectively, these results suggest that using membrane materials to reintroduce connexins into the tumour cell environment provides a novel approach for combating cell migration and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Ferrati
- Division of Pharmaceutics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2409 University Ave, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Avinash K Gadok
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Ashlee D Brunaugh
- Division of Pharmaceutics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2409 University Ave, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Chi Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Lara A Heersema
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Hugh D C Smyth
- Division of Pharmaceutics, The University of Texas at Austin, 2409 University Ave, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Jeanne C Stachowiak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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29
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Valdebenito S, Lou E, Baldoni J, Okafo G, Eugenin E. The Novel Roles of Connexin Channels and Tunneling Nanotubes in Cancer Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1270. [PMID: 29695070 PMCID: PMC5983846 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neoplastic growth and cellular differentiation are critical hallmarks of tumor development. It is well established that cell-to-cell communication between tumor cells and "normal" surrounding cells regulates tumor differentiation and proliferation, aggressiveness, and resistance to treatment. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that result in tumor growth and spread as well as the adaptation of healthy surrounding cells to the tumor environment are poorly understood. A major component of these communication systems is composed of connexin (Cx)-containing channels including gap junctions (GJs), tunneling nanotubes (TNTs), and hemichannels (HCs). There are hundreds of reports about the role of Cx-containing channels in the pathogenesis of cancer, and most of them demonstrate a downregulation of these proteins. Nonetheless, new data demonstrate that a localized communication via Cx-containing GJs, HCs, and TNTs plays a key role in tumor growth, differentiation, and resistance to therapies. Moreover, the type and downstream effects of signals communicated between the different populations of tumor cells are still unknown. However, new approaches such as artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) could provide new insights into these signals communicated between connected cells. We propose that the identification and characterization of these new communication systems and their associated signaling could provide new targets to prevent or reduce the devastating consequences of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Valdebenito
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers the State University of NJ, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
| | - Emil Lou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
| | - John Baldoni
- GlaxoSmithKline, In-Silico Drug Discovery Unit, 1250 South Collegeville Road, Collegeville, PA 19426, USA.
| | - George Okafo
- GlaxoSmithKline, In-Silico Drug Discovery Unit, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK.
| | - Eliseo Eugenin
- Public Health Research Institute (PHRI), Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers the State University of NJ, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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30
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Johnson RD, Camelliti P. Role of Non-Myocyte Gap Junctions and Connexin Hemichannels in Cardiovascular Health and Disease: Novel Therapeutic Targets? Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19030866. [PMID: 29543751 PMCID: PMC5877727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2018] [Revised: 03/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The heart is a complex organ composed of multiple cell types, including cardiomyocytes and different non-myocyte populations, all working closely together to determine the hearts properties and maintain normal cardiac function. Connexins are abundantly expressed proteins that form plasma membrane hemichannels and gap junctions between cells. Gap junctions are intracellular channels that allow for communication between cells, and in the heart they play a crucial role in cardiac conduction by coupling adjacent cardiomyocytes. Connexins are expressed in both cardiomyocytes and non-myocytes, including cardiac fibroblasts, endothelial cells, and macrophages. Non-myocytes are the largest population of cells in the heart, and therefore it is important to consider what roles connexins, hemichannels, and gap junctions play in these cell types. The aim of this review is to provide insight into connexin-based signalling in non-myocytes during health and disease, and highlight how targeting these proteins could lead to the development of novel therapies. We conclude that connexins in non-myocytes contribute to arrhythmias and adverse ventricular remodelling following myocardial infarction, and are associated with the initiation and development of atherosclerosis. Therefore, therapeutic interventions targeting these connexins represent an exciting new research avenue with great potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert D Johnson
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
| | - Patrizia Camelliti
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford GU2 7XH, UK.
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31
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Thiagarajan PS, Sinyuk M, Turaga SM, Mulkearns-Hubert EE, Hale JS, Rao V, Demelash A, Saygin C, China A, Alban TJ, Hitomi M, Torre-Healy LA, Alvarado AG, Jarrar A, Wiechert A, Adorno-Cruz V, Fox PL, Calhoun BC, Guan JL, Liu H, Reizes O, Lathia JD. Cx26 drives self-renewal in triple-negative breast cancer via interaction with NANOG and focal adhesion kinase. Nat Commun 2018; 9:578. [PMID: 29422613 PMCID: PMC5805730 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-02938-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors adapt their phenotypes during growth and in response to therapies through dynamic changes in cellular processes. Connexin proteins enable such dynamic changes during development, and their dysregulation leads to disease states. The gap junction communication channels formed by connexins have been reported to exhibit tumor-suppressive functions, including in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, we find that connexin 26 (Cx26) is elevated in self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs) and is necessary and sufficient for their maintenance. Cx26 promotes CSC self-renewal by forming a signaling complex with the pluripotency transcription factor NANOG and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), resulting in NANOG stabilization and FAK activation. This FAK/NANOG-containing complex is not formed in mammary epithelial or luminal breast cancer cells. These findings challenge the paradigm that connexins are tumor suppressors in TNBC and reveal a unique function for Cx26 in regulating the core self-renewal signaling that controls CSC maintenance. Connexin proteins are usually considered as tumor suppressors. Here, the authors show that connexin 26 (Cx26) regulates the self-renewal of breast cancer stem cells via a ternary complex with FAK and NANOG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praveena S Thiagarajan
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA.,Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Maksim Sinyuk
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Soumya M Turaga
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Erin E Mulkearns-Hubert
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - James S Hale
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Vinay Rao
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Abeba Demelash
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Caner Saygin
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Arnab China
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Tyler J Alban
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA.,Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Masahiro Hitomi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA.,Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Luke A Torre-Healy
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Alvaro G Alvarado
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Awad Jarrar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Andrew Wiechert
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA
| | - Valery Adorno-Cruz
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.,Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Paul L Fox
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA.,Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | | | - Jun-Lin Guan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA
| | - Huiping Liu
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44106, USA.,Departments of Pharmacology and Medicine, Northwestern University School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA. .,Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA. .,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| | - Justin D Lathia
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44915, USA. .,Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA. .,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
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32
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Cervera J, Meseguer S, Mafe S. MicroRNA Intercellular Transfer and Bioelectrical Regulation of Model Multicellular Ensembles by the Gap Junction Connectivity. J Phys Chem B 2017; 121:7602-7613. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jpcb.7b04774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Cervera
- Dept.
de Termodinàmica, Facultat de Física, Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Salvador Meseguer
- Laboratory
of RNA Modification and Mitochondrial Diseases, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia 46012, Spain
| | - Salvador Mafe
- Dept.
de Termodinàmica, Facultat de Física, Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, Spain
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33
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García-Morales V, Manzanares JA, Mafe S. Weakly coupled map lattice models for multicellular patterning and collective normalization of abnormal single-cell states. Phys Rev E 2017; 95:042324. [PMID: 28505740 DOI: 10.1103/physreve.95.042324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
We present a weakly coupled map lattice model for patterning that explores the effects exerted by weakening the local dynamic rules on model biological and artificial networks composed of two-state building blocks (cells). To this end, we use two cellular automata models based on (i) a smooth majority rule (model I) and (ii) a set of rules similar to those of Conway's Game of Life (model II). The normal and abnormal cell states evolve according to local rules that are modulated by a parameter κ. This parameter quantifies the effective weakening of the prescribed rules due to the limited coupling of each cell to its neighborhood and can be experimentally controlled by appropriate external agents. The emergent spatiotemporal maps of single-cell states should be of significance for positional information processes as well as for intercellular communication in tumorigenesis, where the collective normalization of abnormal single-cell states by a predominantly normal neighborhood may be crucial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimir García-Morales
- Departamento de Termodinàmica, Facultat de Física, Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - José A Manzanares
- Departamento de Termodinàmica, Facultat de Física, Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, Spain
| | - Salvador Mafe
- Departamento de Termodinàmica, Facultat de Física, Universitat de València, E-46100 Burjassot, Spain
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34
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Zhu T, Gao YF, Chen YX, Wang ZB, Yin JY, Mao XY, Li X, Zhang W, Zhou HH, Liu ZQ. Genome-scale analysis identifies GJB2 and ERO1LB as prognosis markers in patients with pancreatic cancer. Oncotarget 2017; 8:21281-21289. [PMID: 28177904 PMCID: PMC5400583 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease with the etiology largely unknown. The deadly nature of pancreatic cancer, with an extremely low 5-year survival rate, renders urgent a better understanding of the molecular events underlying it. The aim of this study is to investigate the gene expression module of pancreatic adenocarcinoma and to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with prognostic potentials. Transcriptome microarray data of five GEO datasets (GSE15471, GSE16515, GSE18670, GSE32676, GSE71989), including 117 primary tumor samples and 73 normal pancreatic tissue samples, were utilized to identify DEGs. The five sets of DEGs had an overlapping subset consisting of 98 genes (90 up-regulated and 8 down-regulated), which were probably common to pancreatic cancer. Gene ontology (GO) analysis of the 98 DEGs showed that cell cycle and cell adhesion were the major enriched processes, and extracellular matrix (ECM)-receptor interaction and p53 signaling pathway were the most enriched pathways according to Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis. Elevated expression of gap junction protein beta 2 (GJB2) and reduced endoplasmic reticulum oxidoreductase 1-like beta (ERO1LB) expression were validated in an independent cohort. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that GJB2 and ERO1LB levels were significantly associated with the overall survival of pancreatic cancer patients. GJB2 and ERO1LB are implicated in pancreatic cancer progression and can be used to predict patient survival. Therapeutic strategies targeting GJB2 and facilitating ERO1LB expression may deserve evaluation to improve prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Zhu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
| | - Yuan-Feng Gao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
| | - Yi-Xin Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Bin Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
| | - Ji-Ye Yin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Yuan Mao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
| | - Hong-Hao Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
| | - Zhao-Qian Liu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, P. R. China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, P. R. China
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35
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Localisation Microscopy of Breast Epithelial ErbB-2 Receptors and Gap Junctions: Trafficking after γ-Irradiation, Neuregulin-1β, and Trastuzumab Application. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18020362. [PMID: 28208769 PMCID: PMC5343897 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18020362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In cancer, vulnerable breast epithelium malignance tendency correlates with number and activation of ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases. In the presented work, we observe ErbB receptors activated by irradiation-induced DNA injury or neuregulin-1β application, or alternatively, attenuated by a therapeutic antibody using high resolution fluorescence localization microscopy. The gap junction turnover coinciding with ErbB receptor activation and co-transport is simultaneously recorded. DNA injury caused by 4 Gray of 6 MeV photon γ-irradiation or alternatively neuregulin-1β application mobilized ErbB receptors in a nucleograde fashion—a process attenuated by trastuzumab antibody application. This was accompanied by increased receptor density, indicating packing into transport units. Factors mobilizing ErbB receptors also mobilized plasma membrane resident gap junction channels. The time course of ErbB receptor activation and gap junction mobilization recapitulates the time course of non-homologous end-joining DNA repair. We explain our findings under terms of DNA injury-induced membrane receptor tyrosine kinase activation and retrograde trafficking. In addition, we interpret the phenomenon of retrograde co-trafficking of gap junction connexons stimulated by ErbB receptor activation.
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