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Xu H, Wang X, Zhu F, Guo S, Chao Z, Cao C, Lu Z, Zhu H, Wang M, Zhu F, Yang J, Zeng R, Yao Y. Comprehensive Pan-Cancer Analysis of Connexin 43 as a Potential Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Human Kidney Renal Clear Cell Carcinoma (KIRC). MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2024; 60:780. [PMID: 38792963 PMCID: PMC11123162 DOI: 10.3390/medicina60050780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Connexin 43 (Cx43) is involved in the transfer of small signaling molecules between neighboring cells, thereby exerting a major influence on the initiation and progression of tumorigenesis. However, there is a lack of systematic research on Cx43 expression and its predictive role in clinical diagnosis and prognosis in pan-cancer. Materials and Methods: Several biological databases were used to evaluate the expression levels of GJA1 (encoding Cx43) and its diagnostic and prognostic significance in pan-cancer. We targeted kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) and investigated the relationship between GJA1 expression and different clinical features of KIRC patients. Then, we performed cell-based experiments to partially confirm our results and predicted several proteins that were functionally related to Cx43. Results: The expression of GJA1 has a high level of accuracy in predicting KIRC. High GJA1 expression was remarkably correlated with a favorable prognosis, and this expression was reduced in groups with poor clinical features in KIRC. Cell experiments confirmed the inhibitory effects of increased GJA1 expression on the migratory capacity of human renal cancer (RCC) cell lines, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis predicted that CDH1 and CTNNB1 were closely related to Cx43. Conclusions: GJA1 could be a promising independent favorable prognostic factor for KIRC, and upregulation of GJA1 expression could inhibit the migratory capacity of renal cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huzi Xu
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Xiuru Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Fan Zhu
- Wuhan Central Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China;
| | - Shuiming Guo
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Zheng Chao
- Division of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China;
| | - Chujin Cao
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Zhihui Lu
- Division of Nursing, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China;
| | - Han Zhu
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Meng Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Fengming Zhu
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Juan Yang
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Rui Zeng
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
| | - Ying Yao
- Division of Nephrology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China; (H.X.); (X.W.); (S.G.); (C.C.); (H.Z.); (M.W.); (F.Z.); (J.Y.)
- Division of Nutrition, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan 430030, China
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Sharma E, Attri DC, Sati P, Dhyani P, Szopa A, Sharifi-Rad J, Hano C, Calina D, Cho WC. Recent updates on anticancer mechanisms of polyphenols. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1005910. [PMID: 36247004 PMCID: PMC9557130 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1005910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In today’s scenario, when cancer cases are increasing rapidly, anticancer herbal compounds become imperative. Studies on the molecular mechanisms of action of polyphenols published in specialized databases such as Web of Science, Pubmed/Medline, Google Scholar, and Science Direct were used as sources of information for this review. Natural polyphenols provide established efficacy against chemically induced tumor growth with fewer side effects. They can sensitize cells to various therapies and increase the effectiveness of biotherapy. Further pharmacological translational research and clinical trials are needed to evaluate theirs in vivo efficacy, possible side effects and toxicity. Polyphenols can be used to design a potential treatment in conjunction with existing cancer drug regimens such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eshita Sharma
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, Punjab, India
| | - Dharam Chand Attri
- High Altitude Plant Physiology Research Centre (HAPPRC), HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Priyanka Sati
- Graphic Era University, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Praveen Dhyani
- Department of Biotechnology, Kumaun University, Nainital, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Agnieszka Szopa
- Chair and Department of Pharmaceutical Botany, Medical College, Jagiellonian University, Kraków, Poland
| | - Javad Sharifi-Rad
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del Azuay, Cuenca, Ecuador
- *Correspondence: Javad Sharifi-Rad, ; Christophe Hano, ; Daniela Calina, ; William C. Cho,
| | - Christophe Hano
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of Orleans, Eure et Loir Campus, Chartres, France
- *Correspondence: Javad Sharifi-Rad, ; Christophe Hano, ; Daniela Calina, ; William C. Cho,
| | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
- *Correspondence: Javad Sharifi-Rad, ; Christophe Hano, ; Daniela Calina, ; William C. Cho,
| | - William C. Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China
- *Correspondence: Javad Sharifi-Rad, ; Christophe Hano, ; Daniela Calina, ; William C. Cho,
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Renal cell carcinoma management: A step to nano-chemoprevention. Life Sci 2022; 308:120922. [PMID: 36058262 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is one of the most common kidney cancers, responsible for nearly 90 % of all renal malignancies. Despite the availability of many treatment strategies, RCC still remains to be an incurable disease due to its resistivity towards conventional therapies. Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science that offers newer possibilities in therapeutics including cancer medicine, specifically by targeted delivery of anticancer drugs. Several phytochemicals are known for their anti-cancer properties and have been regarded as chemopreventive agents. However, the hydrophobic nature of many phytochemicals decreases its bioavailability and distribution, thus showing limited therapeutic effect. Application of nanotechnology to enhance chemoprevention is an effective strategy to increase the bioavailability of phytochemicals and thereby its therapeutic efficacy. The present review focuses on the utility of nanotechnology in RCC treatment and chemopreventive agents of RCC. We have also visualized the future prospects of nanomolecules in the prevention and cure of RCC.
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Potential Therapeutic Targets of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), the Most Abundant Catechin in Green Tea, and Its Role in the Therapy of Various Types of Cancer. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25143146. [PMID: 32660101 PMCID: PMC7397003 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25143146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), an active compound of green tea and its role in diseases cure and prevention has been proven. Its role in diseases management can be attributed to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The anti-cancer role of this green tea compound has been confirmed in various types of cancer and is still being under explored. EGCG has been proven to possess a chemopreventive effect through inhibition of carcinogenesis process such as initiation, promotion, and progression. In addition, this catechin has proven its role in cancer management through modulating various cell signaling pathways such as regulating proliferation, apoptosis, angiogenesis and killing of various types of cancer cells. The additive or synergistic effect of epigallocatechin with chemopreventive agents has been verified as it reduces the toxicities and enhances the anti-cancerous effects. Despite its effectiveness and safety, the implications of EGCG in cancer prevention is certainly still discussed due to a poor bioavailability. Several studies have shown the ability to overcome poor bioavailability through nanotechnology-based strategies such as encapsulation, liposome, micelles, nanoparticles and various other formulation. In this review, we encapsulate therapeutic implication of EGCG in cancer management and the mechanisms of action are discussed with an emphasis on human clinical trials.
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Zhang W, Zhang W, Sun L, Xiang L, Lai X, Li Q, Sun S. The effects and mechanisms of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on reversing multidrug resistance in cancer. Trends Food Sci Technol 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2019.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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Yang Y, Yao JH, Du QY, Zhou YC, Yao TJ, Wu Q, Liu J, Ou YR. Connexin 32 downregulation is critical for chemoresistance in oxaliplatin-resistant HCC cells associated with EMT. Cancer Manag Res 2019; 11:5133-5146. [PMID: 31213923 PMCID: PMC6549660 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s203656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Oxaliplatin (OXA)-based chemotherapy is critical in the management of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, acquired drug resistance has largely restricted its clinical efficacy. This study aims to explore the key mechanisms and regulatory factors determining chemosensitivity in HCC. Methods: We developed OXA-resistant (OR) HCC cells and used multiple methods, including real-time RT-PCR, Western blot, immunofluorescence, transwell invasion assay, wound-healing assay, MTT assay, gene transfection, and immunohistochemistry to achieve our goals. Results: We found that OR HCC cells showed a typical epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. Meanwhile, the expression of Cx32, a major member of the liver connexin (Cx) family, was lowly expressed in OR HCC cells. Downregulation of Cx32 in parental HCC cells led to EMT induction and thereby reduced OXA cytotoxicity, while Cx32 upregulation in OR HCC cells could reverse the EMT phenotype and partially restore chemosensitivity to OXA. Finally, in human HCC tissue samples, Cx32 was positively correlated with the expression of the EMT marker E-cadherin and negatively correlated with the expression of Vimentin. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrated that downregulation of Cx32 may be an important determinant for HCC cells to acquire EMT-related acquired drug resistance to OXA, and targeting Cx32 could be a novel strategy to overcome OXA resistance in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Hao Yao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian-Yu Du
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Chun Zhou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Jing Yao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Rong Ou
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233004, People's Republic of China
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Connexins and Gap Junctions in Cancer of the Urinary Tract. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050704. [PMID: 31121877 PMCID: PMC6563010 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review focuses on connexins and nexus or gap junctions in the genesis, progression, and therapy of carcinomas of the human urinary tract. Some decades ago, the idea was born that gap junctional intercellular communication might prevent both the onset and the progression of cancer. Later evidence indicated that, on the contrary, synthesis and the presence of connexins as a prerequisite for gap junctional intercellular communication might promote the occurrence of cancer and metastases. The research history of urinary bladder cancer is a good example of the development of scientific perception. So far, the role of gap junctional intercellular communication in carcinogenesis and cancer progression, as well as in therapeutical approaches, remains unclear.
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Kanlaya R, Thongboonkerd V. Protective Effects of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate from Green Tea in Various Kidney Diseases. Adv Nutr 2019; 10:112-121. [PMID: 30615092 PMCID: PMC6370267 DOI: 10.1093/advances/nmy077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney diseases are common health problems worldwide. Various etiologies (e.g., diabetes, hypertension, drug-induced nephrotoxicity, infection, cancers) can affect renal function and ultimately lead to development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The global rise in number of CKD/ESRD patients during recent years has led to tremendous concern to look for effective strategies to prevent or slow progression of CKD and ESRD. Natural compounds derived from herbs or medicinal plants have gained wide attention for scientific scrutiny to achieve such goals. One of such natural compounds that has been extensively investigated is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a major polyphenol found in the tea plant (Camellia sinensis). A growing body of recent evidence has shown that EGCG may be a promising therapeutic or protective agent in various kidney diseases. This article thus highlights recent progress in medical research on beneficial effects of EGCG against a broad spectrum of kidney diseases, including acute kidney injury, cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, kidney stone disease, glomerulonephritis, lupus nephritis, renal cell carcinoma, diabetic nephropathy, CKD, and renal fibrosis. The renoprotective mechanisms are also detailed. Finally, future perspectives of medical research on EGCG and its potential use in clinical practice for treatment and prevention of kidney diseases are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rattiyaporn Kanlaya
- Medical Proteomics Unit, Office for Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Visith Thongboonkerd
- Medical Proteomics Unit, Office for Research and Development, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand,Address correspondence to VT (e-mail: or )
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The Role of Compounds Derived from Natural Supplement as Anticancer Agents in Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 19:ijms19010107. [PMID: 29301217 PMCID: PMC5796057 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2017] [Revised: 12/24/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) is the most prominent kidney cancer derived from renal tubules and accounts for roughly 85% of all malignant kidney cancer. Every year, over 60,000 new cases are registered, and about 14,000 people die from RCC. The incidence of this has been increasing significantly in the U.S. and other countries. An increased understanding of molecular biology and the genomics of RCC has uncovered several signaling pathways involved in the progression of this cancer. Significant advances in the treatment of RCC have been reported from agents approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that target these pathways. These agents have become drugs of choice because they demonstrate clinical benefit and increased survival in patients with metastatic disease. However, the patients eventually relapse and develop resistance to these drugs. To improve outcomes and seek approaches for producing long-term durable remission, the search for more effective therapies and preventative strategies are warranted. Treatment of RCC using natural products is one of these strategies to reduce the incidence. However, recent studies have focused on these chemoprevention agents as anti-cancer therapies given they can inhibit tumor cell grow and lack the severe side effects common to synthetic compounds. This review elaborates on the current understanding of natural products and their mechanisms of action as anti-cancer agents. The present review will provide information for possible use of these products alone or in combination with chemotherapy for the prevention and treatment of RCC.
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Yu M, Zou Q, Wu X, Han G, Tong X. Connexin 32 affects doxorubicin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells mediated by Src/FAK signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:1844-1852. [PMID: 28968929 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Revised: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX) is first-line chemotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but the effect is not satisfactory. The resistance of HCC cells to DOX is the main reason leading to treatment failure. Therefore, it is necessary to study the mechanism of DOX resistance in HCC. In this study, expression of connexin (Cx)32 was significantly decreased in HCC tissues compared with corresponding paracancerous tissues, and activity of the Src/focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling pathway was significantly enhanced. Expression of Cx32 was closely associated with activity of the Src/FAK signaling pathway, Cx32, and the Src/FAK signaling pathway was also correlated with degree of HCC differentiation. In DOX-resistant HepG2 cells, compared with DOX-sensitive HepG2 cells, expression of Cx32 was significantly reduced and activity of the Src/FAK pathway increased. After silencing Cx32 in HepG2 cells, activity of the Src/FAK pathway increased and sensitivity to DOX decreased. In contrast, overexpression of Cx32 in HepG2/DOX cells decreased activity of the Src/FAK pathway and increased sensitivity to DOX. Dasatinib and KX2-391, inhibitors of the Src/FAK pathway, significantly increased the sensitivity of HepG2/DOX cells to DOX. The results suggest that Src/FAK is a downstream regulator of Cx32 and Cx32 regulates the sensitivity of HCC cells to DOX via the Src/FAK signaling pathway. Our study demonstrates a potential mechanism of DOX resistance in HCC cells and supports that Cx32-Src/FAK is an important target for reversing drug resistance of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu, 233004, PR China
| | - Qi Zou
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu, 233004, PR China
| | - Xiaoxiang Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu, 233004, PR China
| | - Guangshu Han
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu, 233030, PR China
| | - Xuhui Tong
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Anhui, Bengbu, 233030, PR China.
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Vinken M. Regulation of connexin signaling by the epigenetic machinery. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2015; 1859:262-8. [PMID: 26566120 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2015.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Connexins and their channels are involved in the control of all aspects of the cellular life cycle, ranging from cell growth to cell death, by mediating extracellular, intercellular and intracellular communication. These multifaceted aspects of connexin-related cellular signaling obviously require strict regulation. While connexin channel activity is mainly directed by posttranslational modifications, connexin expression as such is managed by classical cis/trans mechanisms. Over the past few years, it has become clear that connexin production is equally dictated by epigenetic actions. This paper provides an overview of the role of major determinants of the epigenome, including DNA methylation, histone acetylation and microRNA species, in connexin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Vinken
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Building G, Room G226, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels, Belgium.
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