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Lian K, Li Y, Yang W, Ye J, Liu H, Wang T, Yang G, Cheng Y, Xu X. Hub genes, a diagnostic model, and immune infiltration based on ferroptosis-linked genes in schizophrenia. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:317-328. [PMID: 38390236 PMCID: PMC10882140 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.01.007] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a prevalent and serious mental disorder, and the exact pathophysiology of this condition is not fully understood. In previous studies, it has been proven that ferroprotein levels are high in SCZ. It has also been shown that this inflammatory response may modify fibromodulin. Accumulating evidence indicates a strong link between metabolism and ferroptosis. Therefore, the present study aims to identify ferroptosis-linked hub genes to further investigate the role that ferroptosis plays in the development of SCZ. Material and methods From the GEO database, four microarray data sets on SCZ (GSE53987, GSE38481, GSE18312, and GSE38484) and ferroptosis-linked genes were extracted. Using the prefrontal cortex expression matrix of SCZ patients and healthy individuals as the control group from GSE53987, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to discover SCZ-linked module genes. From the feed, genes associated with ferroptosis were retrieved. The intersection of the module and ferroptosis-linked genes was done to obtain the hub genes. Then, Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses, and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) were conducted. The SCZ diagnostic model was established using logistic regression, and the GSE38481, GSE18312, and GSE38484 data sets were used to validate the model. Finally, hub genes linked to immune infiltration were examined. Results A total of 13 SCZ module genes and 7 hub genes linked to ferroptosis were obtained: DECR1, GJA1, EFN2L2, PSAT1, SLC7A11, SOX2, and YAP1. The GO/KEGG/GSEA study indicated that these hub genes were predominantly enriched in mitochondria and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, immunological inflammation, ferroptosis, Hippo signaling pathway, AMP-activated protein kinase pathway, and other associated biological processes. The diagnostic model created using these hub genes was further confirmed using the data sets of three blood samples from patients with SCZ. The immune infiltration data showed that immune cell dysfunction enhanced ferroptosis and triggered SCZ. Conclusion In this study, seven critical genes that are strongly associated with ferroptosis in patients with SCZ were discovered, a valid clinical diagnostic model was built, and a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of SCZ was identified by the investigation of immune infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Lian
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, People's Hospital of Yiliang County
| | - Yongmei Li
- Department of Rehabilitation, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second People's Hospital of Yuxi, Yuxi, Yunnan 653100, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Sleep Medical Center, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan, Kunming, Yunnan 650101, China
| | - Hongbing Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Lincang Psychiatric Hospital, Lincang, Yunnan 677000, China
| | - Tianlan Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Lincang Psychiatric Hospital, Lincang, Yunnan 677000, China
| | - Guangya Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Lincang Psychiatric Hospital, Lincang, Yunnan 677000, China
| | - Yuqi Cheng
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
- Yunnan Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
| | - Xiufeng Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan 650000, China
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Jang J, Kang KW, Kim YW, Jeong S, Park J, Park J, Moon J, Jang J, Kim S, Kim S, Cho S, Lee Y, Kim HK, Han J, Ko EA, Jung SC, Kim JH, Ko JH. Cardioprotection via mitochondrial transplantation supports fatty acid metabolism in ischemia-reperfusion injured rat heart. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 28:209-217. [PMID: 38682169 PMCID: PMC11058541 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2024.28.3.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
In addition to cellular damage, ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury induces substantial damage to the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. In this study, we sought to determine whether impaired mitochondrial function owing to IR could be restored by transplanting mitochondria into the heart under ex vivo IR states. Additionally, we aimed to provide preliminary results to inform therapeutic options for ischemic heart disease (IHD). Healthy mitochondria isolated from autologous gluteus maximus muscle were transplanted into the hearts of Sprague-Dawley rats damaged by IR using the Langendorff system, and the heart rate and oxygen consumption capacity of the mitochondria were measured to confirm whether heart function was restored. In addition, relative expression levels were measured to identify the genes related to IR injury. Mitochondrial oxygen consumption capacity was found to be lower in the IR group than in the group that underwent mitochondrial transplantation after IR injury (p < 0.05), and the control group showed a tendency toward increased oxygen consumption capacity compared with the IR group. Among the genes related to fatty acid metabolism, Cpt1b (p < 0.05) and Fads1 (p < 0.01) showed significant expression in the following order: IR group, IR + transplantation group, and control group. These results suggest that mitochondrial transplantation protects the heart from IR damage and may be feasible as a therapeutic option for IHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jehee Jang
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Ki-Woon Kang
- Divsion of Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul 06973, Korea
| | - Young-Won Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Seohyun Jeong
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Jaeyoon Park
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Jihoon Park
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Jisung Moon
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Junghyun Jang
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Seohyeon Kim
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Sunghun Kim
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Sungjoo Cho
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Yurim Lee
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Hyoung Kyu Kim
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, SMART Marine Therapeutics Center, Inje University, Busan 47392, Korea
| | - Jin Han
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disease Center, SMART Marine Therapeutics Center, Inje University, Busan 47392, Korea
| | - Eun-A Ko
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea
| | - Sung-Cherl Jung
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Jeju National University, Jeju 63243, Korea
| | - Jung-Ha Kim
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul 06973, Korea
| | - Jae-Hong Ko
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea
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Irwin RM, Thomas MA, Fahey MJ, Mayán MD, Smyth JW, Delco ML. Connexin 43 Regulates Intercellular Mitochondrial Transfer from Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to Chondrocytes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.18.585552. [PMID: 38562828 PMCID: PMC10983985 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.18.585552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Background The phenomenon of intercellular mitochondrial transfer from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) has shown promise for improving tissue healing after injury and has potential for treating degenerative diseases like osteoarthritis (OA). Recently MSC to chondrocyte mitochondrial transfer has been documented, but the mechanism of transfer is unknown. Full-length connexin43 (Cx43, encoded by GJA1 ) and the truncated internally translated isoform GJA1-20k have been implicated in mitochondrial transfer between highly oxidative cells, but have not been explored in orthopaedic tissues. Here, our goal was to investigate the role of Cx43 in MSC to chondrocyte mitochondrial transfer. In this study, we tested the hypotheses that (a) mitochondrial transfer from MSCs to chondrocytes is increased when chondrocytes are under oxidative stress and (b) MSC Cx43 expression mediates mitochondrial transfer to chondrocytes. Methods Oxidative stress was induced in immortalized human chondrocytes using tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) and cells were evaluated for mitochondrial membrane depolarization and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Human bone-marrow derived MSCs were transduced for mitochondrial fluorescence using lentiviral vectors. MSC Cx43 expression was knocked down using siRNA or overexpressed (GJA1+ and GJA1-20k+) using lentiviral transduction. Chondrocytes and MSCs were co-cultured for 24 hrs in direct contact or separated using transwells. Mitochondrial transfer was quantified using flow cytometry. Co-cultures were fixed and stained for actin and Cx43 to visualize cell-cell interactions during transfer. Results Mitochondrial transfer was significantly higher in t-BHP-stressed chondrocytes. Contact co-cultures had significantly higher mitochondrial transfer compared to transwell co-cultures. Confocal images showed direct cell contacts between MSCs and chondrocytes where Cx43 staining was enriched at the terminal ends of actin cellular extensions containing mitochondria in MSCs. MSC Cx43 expression was associated with the magnitude of mitochondrial transfer to chondrocytes; knocking down Cx43 significantly decreased transfer while Cx43 overexpression significantly increased transfer. Interestingly, GJA1-20k expression was highly correlated with incidence of mitochondrial transfer from MSCs to chondrocytes. Conclusions Overexpression of GJA1-20k in MSCs increases mitochondrial transfer to chondrocytes, highlighting GJA1-20k as a potential target for promoting mitochondrial transfer from MSCs as a regenerative therapy for cartilage tissue repair in OA.
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Lucaciu SA, Leighton SE, Hauser A, Yee R, Laird DW. Diversity in connexin biology. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105263. [PMID: 37734551 PMCID: PMC10598745 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Over 35 years ago the cell biology community was introduced to connexins as the subunit employed to assemble semicrystalline clusters of intercellular channels that had been well described morphologically as gap junctions. The decade that followed would see knowledge of the unexpectedly large 21-member human connexin family grow to reflect unique and overlapping expression patterns in all organ systems. While connexin biology initially focused on their role in constructing highly regulated intercellular channels, this was destined to change as discoveries revealed that connexin hemichannels at the cell surface had novel roles in many cell types, especially when considering connexin pathologies. Acceptance of connexins as having bifunctional channel properties was initially met with some resistance, which has given way in recent years to the premise that connexins have multifunctional properties. Depending on the connexin isoform and cell of origin, connexins have wide-ranging half-lives that vary from a couple of hours to the life expectancy of the cell. Diversity in connexin channel characteristics and molecular properties were further revealed by X-ray crystallography and single-particle cryo-EM. New avenues have seen connexins or connexin fragments playing roles in cell adhesion, tunneling nanotubes, extracellular vesicles, mitochondrial membranes, transcription regulation, and in other emerging cellular functions. These discoveries were largely linked to Cx43, which is prominent in most human organs. Here, we will review the evolution of knowledge on connexin expression in human adults and more recent evidence linking connexins to a highly diverse array of cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergiu A Lucaciu
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephanie E Leighton
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandra Hauser
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan Yee
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dale W Laird
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Hong T, Richmond B. Editorial commentary: A new era of antiarrhythmics - Perspectives from SGLT2i therapy. Trends Cardiovasc Med 2023; 33:429-430. [PMID: 35561997 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcm.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- TingTing Hong
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, United States; Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, United States.
| | - Bradley Richmond
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, United States; Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, United States
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Phillips CM, Johnson AM, Stamatovic SM, Keep RF, Andjelkovic AV. 20 kDa isoform of connexin-43 augments spatial reorganization of the brain endothelial junctional complex and lesion leakage in cerebral cavernous malformation type-3. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 186:106277. [PMID: 37652184 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebral cavernous malformation type-3 (CCM3) is a type of brain vascular malformation caused by mutations in programmed cell death protein-10 (PDCD10). It is characterized by early life occurrence of hemorrhagic stroke and profound blood-brain barrier defects. The pathogenic mechanisms responsible for microvascular hyperpermeability and lesion progression in CCM3 are still largely unknown. The current study examined brain endothelial barrier structural defects formed in the absence of CCM3 in vivo and in vitro that may lead to CCM3 lesion leakage. We found significant upregulation of a 20 kDa isoform of connexin 43 (GJA1-20 k) in brain endothelial cells (BEC) in both non-leaky and leaky lesions, as well as in an in vitro CCM3 knockdown model (CCM3KD-BEC). Morphological, biochemical, FRET, and FRAP analyses of CCM3KD-BEC found GJA1-20 k regulates full-length GJA1 biogenesis, prompting uncontrolled gap junction growth. Furthermore, by binding to a tight junction scaffolding protein, ZO-1, GJA1-20 k interferes with Cx43/ZO-1 interactions and gap junction/tight junction crosstalk, promoting ZO-1 dissociation from tight junction complexes and diminishing claudin-5/ZO-1 interaction. As a consequence, the tight junction complex is destabilized, allowing "replacement" of tight junctions with gap junctions leading to increased brain endothelial barrier permeability. Modifying cellular levels of GJA1-20 k rescued brain endothelial barrier integrity re-establishing the spatial organization of gap and tight junctional complexes. This study highlights generation of potential defects at the CCM3-affected brain endothelial barrier which may underlie prolonged vascular leakiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea M Phillips
- Neuroscience Graduate program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | | | - Richard F Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Anuska V Andjelkovic
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Nielsen MS, van Opbergen CJM, van Veen TAB, Delmar M. The intercalated disc: a unique organelle for electromechanical synchrony in cardiomyocytes. Physiol Rev 2023; 103:2271-2319. [PMID: 36731030 PMCID: PMC10191137 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The intercalated disc (ID) is a highly specialized structure that connects cardiomyocytes via mechanical and electrical junctions. Although described in some detail by light microscopy in the 19th century, it was in 1966 that electron microscopy images showed that the ID represented apposing cell borders and provided detailed insight into the complex ID nanostructure. Since then, much has been learned about the ID and its molecular composition, and it has become evident that a large number of proteins, not all of them involved in direct cell-to-cell coupling via mechanical or gap junctions, reside at the ID. Furthermore, an increasing number of functional interactions between ID components are emerging, leading to the concept that the ID is not the sum of isolated molecular silos but an interacting molecular complex, an "organelle" where components work in concert to bring about electrical and mechanical synchrony. The aim of the present review is to give a short historical account of the ID's discovery and an updated overview of its composition and organization, followed by a discussion of the physiological implications of the ID architecture and the local intermolecular interactions. The latter will focus on both the importance of normal conduction of cardiac action potentials as well as the impact on the pathophysiology of arrhythmias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten S Nielsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Chantal J M van Opbergen
- The Leon Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University Grossmann School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
| | - Toon A B van Veen
- Department of Medical Physiology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mario Delmar
- The Leon Charney Division of Cardiology, New York University Grossmann School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
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Wang T, Liu J, Hu C, Wei X, Han L, Zhu A, Wang R, Chen Z, Xia Z, Yao S, Mao W. Downregulation of cardiac PIASy inhibits Cx43 SUMOylation and ameliorates ventricular arrhythmias in a rat model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:1349-1357. [PMID: 37014755 PMCID: PMC10309519 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002618] [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: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysfunction of the gap junction channel protein connexin 43 (Cx43) contributes to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced ventricular arrhythmias. Cx43 can be regulated by small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) modification. Protein inhibitor of activated STAT Y (PIASy) is an E3 SUMO ligase for its target proteins. However, whether Cx43 is a target protein of PIASy and whether Cx43 SUMOylation plays a role in I/R-induced arrhythmias are largely unknown. METHODS Male Sprague-Dawley rats were infected with PIASy short hairpin ribonucleic acid (shRNA) using recombinant adeno-associated virus subtype 9 (rAAV9). Two weeks later, the rats were subjected to 45 min of left coronary artery occlusion followed by 2 h reperfusion. Electrocardiogram was recorded to assess arrhythmias. Rat ventricular tissues were collected for molecular biological measurements. RESULTS Following 45 min of ischemia, QRS duration and QTc intervals statistically significantly increased, but these values decreased after transfecting PIASy shRNA. PIASy downregulation ameliorated ventricular arrhythmias induced by myocardial I/R, as evidenced by the decreased incidence of ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation, and reduced arrythmia score. In addition, myocardial I/R statistically significantly induced PIASy expression and Cx43 SUMOylation, accompanied by reduced Cx43 phosphorylation and plakophilin 2 (PKP2) expression. Moreover, PIASy downregulation remarkably reduced Cx43 SUMOylation, accompanied by increased Cx43 phosphorylation and PKP2 expression after I/R. CONCLUSION PIASy downregulation inhibited Cx43 SUMOylation and increased PKP2 expression, thereby improving ventricular arrhythmias in ischemic/reperfused rats heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Jinmin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Chenchen Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Linlin Han
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Afang Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Rong Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Zhijun Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Wuhan No. 1 Hospital, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Zhengyuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Shanglong Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
| | - Weike Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022, China
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Palatinus JA, Valdez S, Taylor L, Whisenant C, Selzman CH, Drakos SG, Ranjan R, Hong T, Saffitz JE, Shaw RM. GJA1-20k Rescues Cx43 Localization and Arrhythmias in Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy. Circ Res 2023; 132:744-746. [PMID: 36927183 PMCID: PMC10314823 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.122.322294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joseph A Palatinus
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (J.A.P., S.V., L.T., C.W., C.H.S., S.G.D., R.R., T.H., R.M.S.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
- Department of Medicine, Intermountain Medical Center, Murray, UT (J.A.P.)
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (J.A.P., J.E.S.)
| | - Steven Valdez
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (J.A.P., S.V., L.T., C.W., C.H.S., S.G.D., R.R., T.H., R.M.S.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Lindsey Taylor
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (J.A.P., S.V., L.T., C.W., C.H.S., S.G.D., R.R., T.H., R.M.S.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Claire Whisenant
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (J.A.P., S.V., L.T., C.W., C.H.S., S.G.D., R.R., T.H., R.M.S.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Craig H Selzman
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (J.A.P., S.V., L.T., C.W., C.H.S., S.G.D., R.R., T.H., R.M.S.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Stavros G Drakos
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (J.A.P., S.V., L.T., C.W., C.H.S., S.G.D., R.R., T.H., R.M.S.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Ravi Ranjan
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (J.A.P., S.V., L.T., C.W., C.H.S., S.G.D., R.R., T.H., R.M.S.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - TingTing Hong
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (J.A.P., S.V., L.T., C.W., C.H.S., S.G.D., R.R., T.H., R.M.S.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy (T.H.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
| | - Jeffrey E Saffitz
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (J.A.P., J.E.S.)
| | - Robin M Shaw
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute (J.A.P., S.V., L.T., C.W., C.H.S., S.G.D., R.R., T.H., R.M.S.), University of Utah, Salt Lake City
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10
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Shimura D, Shaw RM. Live-cell imaging and analysis of actin-mediated mitochondrial fission. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:101958. [PMID: 36542522 PMCID: PMC9795527 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Current approaches, such as fixed-cell imaging or single-snapshot imaging, are insufficient to capture cytoskeleton-mediated mitochondrial fission. Here, we present a protocol to capture actin-mediated mitochondrial fission using high-resolution time-lapse imaging. We describe steps starting from cell preparation and mitochondria labeling through to live-cell imaging and final analysis. This approach is also applicable for analysis of multiple cytoskeleton-mediated organelle events such as vesicle trafficking, membrane fusion, and endocytic events in live cells. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Shimura et al. (2021).1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Shimura
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
| | - Robin M Shaw
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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11
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MiR-130a-3p regulates FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy by targeting GJA1 in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:77. [PMID: 36841811 PMCID: PMC9968299 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01372-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding the complex pathogenesis in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury (IRI) is an urgent problem in clinical trials. Increasing pieces of evidence have suggested that miRNAs are involved in the occurrence and development of heart diseases by regulating mitochondria-related gene expression. Mitochondria have been acknowledged as the key triggers of cardiac I/R injury. However, the potential impact of miR-130a on mitochondria remains unclear in myocardial IRI. Exploring the regulatory mechanism of miR-130a on mitochondria may provide a new target for IRI therapy. In the present study, we found that miR-130a significantly increased in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients and myocardial I/R rats. MiR-130a could downregulate the viability of cardiomyocytes and the knockdown of miR-130a could protect the viability of cardiomyocytes under hypoxia-reoxygenation (HR). Over-expression of miR-130a resulted in mitochondrial dysfunction. It was evidenced by decreases in mitochondrial ATP production, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. However, suppression of miR-130a could protect against mitochondrial damage, show elevation of mitochondrial ATP production rate and MMP, and reduce ROS production. We further explored the effect of miR-130a on the mitochondrial quality control (QMC) system by determining mitochondrial-protein-specific proteases and analyzed mitochondrial morphology by fluorescence imaging and electron microscopy, respectively. It was noted that miR-130a could suppress mitochondrial fusion and FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy to accelerate myocardial IRI. Moreover, we investigated the potential miR-130a targeted mitochondria-related genes to understand the regulatory mechanism of miR-130a in the setting of myocardial IRI. It was revealed that miR-130a targeted GJA1, and GJA1 rescued IRI by enhancing ATP production rate and oxidative phosphorylation, meanwhile protecting cell viability, MMP, and activating mitophagy. In addition, the knockdown of miR-130a significantly activated FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy, while the knockdown of GJA1 reversed the relevant response. Collectively, our findings suggest that miR-130a regulates FUNDC1-mediated mitophagy by targeting GJA1 in myocardial IRI.
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12
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Zeitz MJ, Smyth JW. Gap Junctions and Ageing. Subcell Biochem 2023; 102:113-137. [PMID: 36600132 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-21410-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions, comprising connexin proteins, create conduits directly coupling the cytoplasms of adjacent cells. Expressed in essentially all tissues, dynamic gap junction structures enable the exchange of small molecules including ions and second messengers, and are central to maintenance of homeostasis and synchronized excitability. With such diverse and critical roles throughout the body, it is unsurprising that alterations to gap junction and/or connexin expression and function underlie a broad array of age-related pathologies. From neurological dysfunction to cardiac arrhythmia and bone loss, it is hard to identify a human disease state that does not involve reduced, or in some cases inappropriate, intercellular communication to affect organ function. With a complex life cycle encompassing several key regulatory steps, pathological gap junction remodeling during ageing can arise from alterations in gene expression, translation, intracellular trafficking, and posttranslational modification of connexins. Connexin proteins are now known to "moonlight" and perform a variety of non-junctional functions in the cell, independent of gap junctions. Furthermore, connexin "hemichannels" on the cell surface can communicate with the extracellular space without ever coupling to an adjacent cell to form a gap junction channel. This chapter will focus primarily on gap junctions in ageing, but such non-junctional connexin functions will be referred to where appropriate and the full spectrum of connexin biology should be noted as potentially causative/contributing to some findings in connexin knockout animals, for example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Zeitz
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA.,FBRI Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - James W Smyth
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA. .,FBRI Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Roanoke, VA, USA. .,Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA. .,Department of Basic Science Education, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA.
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13
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Whisenant CC, Shaw RM. Internal translation of Gja1 (Connexin43) to produce GJA1-20k: Implications for arrhythmia and ischemic-preconditioning. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1058954. [PMID: 36569758 PMCID: PMC9768480 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1058954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Internal translation is a form of post-translation modification as it produces different proteins from one mRNA molecule by beginning translation at a methionine coding triplet downstream of the first methionine. Internal translation can eliminate domains of proteins that otherwise restrict movement or activity, thereby creating profound functional diversity. Connexin43 (Cx43), encoded by the gene Gja1, is the main gap junction protein necessary for propagating action potentials between adjacent cardiomyocytes. Gja1 can be internally translated to produce a peptide 20 kD in length named GJA1-20k. This review focuses on the role of GJA1-20k in maintaining cardiac electrical rhythm as well as in ischemic preconditioning (IPC). Connexin43 is the only ion channel we are aware that has been reported to be subject to internal translation. We expect many other ion channels also undergo internal translation. The exploration of post-translational modification of ion channels, and in particular of internal translation, has the potential to greatly increase our understanding of both canonical and non-canonical ion channel biology.
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14
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Zarei S, Taghian F, Sharifi G, Abedi H. Alternation of heart microRNA-mRNA network by high-intensity interval training and proanthocyanidin in myocardial ischemia rats: Artificial intelligence and validation experimental. J Food Biochem 2022; 46:e14488. [PMID: 36271618 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.14488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Heart ischemia is an irreversible condition that occurs via decreased blood flow in vessels by genetic factors, molecular regulators, and environmental conditions. The microRNAs binding to 3´UTR of target genes can influence gene expression and play pivotal roles in several mechanisms identified as a potential biomarker to the pathogenesis. We have screened a pool of microRNAs and mRNAs according to their potential correlation to myocardial ischemia based on artificial intelligence. We constructed the hub genes and mRNA-microRNA networks by R programing language and in silico analysis. Moreover, we calculated the binding affinity of the 3D structure of proanthocyanidin on VEGFα and GATA4 to ameliorate heart tissue after ischemia. Then we treated rats with 300 mg/kg proanthocyanidins and exercised in different intensity and duration times (low, moderate, and high-intensity interval training) for 14 weeks. In the second step, after 14 weeks, isoproterenol hydrochloride was injected into the rats, and myocardial ischemia was induced. We indicated that VEGFα, GATA4, and GJA1 axis associated with miR-27a-3p, miR-499-5p, miR-206-3p, miR-208a-3p are regulatable after 14 weeks of exercise training and proanthocyanidin extract consumption and could prevent myocardial injuries in ischemia. Moreover, we revealed different intensity and duration times, and proanthocyanidin modulated the microRNA-mRNA interaction in rats with myocardial ischemia. Proanthocyanidin consumption as a bioactive compound may significantly ameliorate myocardial dysfunction and offset pathological hallmarks of myocardial ischemia. Moreover, exercise has protective effects on myocardial tissue by reprograming genes and genetic regulator factors. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Complimentary medicine identified Proanthocyanidin and exercise are recognized as effective methods to prevent and improve Myocardial ischemia. According to medical biology servers, we explored the VEGFα, GATA4, and GJA1 axis associated with miR-27a-3p, miR-499-5p, miR-206-3p, miR-208a-3p as a vital pathomechanism of myocardial ischemia. Furthermore, proanthocyanidin extract is the effective compound that could has protective effects on myocardial tissue by reprograming genes and genetic regulator factors. Furthermore, proanthocyanidin and swimming training might recover myocardial dysfunction and regulate the hub genes and mRNA-microRNA networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Safar Zarei
- Department of Sports Physiology, School of Sports Sciences, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Taghian
- Department of Sports Physiology, School of Sports Sciences, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Sharifi
- Department of Sports Physiology, School of Sports Sciences, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Hassanali Abedi
- Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, Faculty of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
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15
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Himelman E, Nouet J, Lillo MA, Chong A, Zhou D, Wehrens XHT, Rodney GG, Xie LH, Shirokova N, Contreras JE, Fraidenraich D. A microtubule-connexin-43 regulatory link suppresses arrhythmias and cardiac fibrosis in Duchenne muscular dystrophy mice. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H983-H995. [PMID: 36206047 PMCID: PMC9639757 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00179.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Dilated cardiomyopathy is the leading cause of death in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an inherited degenerative disease of the cardiac and skeletal muscle caused by absence of the protein dystrophin. We showed one hallmark of DMD cardiomyopathy is the dysregulation of cardiac gap junction channel protein connexin-43 (Cx43). Proper Cx43 localization and function at the cardiac intercalated disc (ID) is regulated by post-translational phosphorylation of Cx43-carboxy-terminus residues S325/S328/S330 (pS-Cx43). Concurrently, Cx43 traffics along microtubules (MTs) for targeted delivery to the ID. In DMD hearts, absence of dystrophin results in a hyperdensified and disorganized MT cytoskeleton, yet the link with pS-Cx43 remains unaddressed. To gain insight into the relationship between MTs and pS-Cx43, DMD mice (mdx) and pS-Cx43-deficient (mdxS3A) mice were treated with an inhibitor of MT polymerization, colchicine (Colch). Colch treatment protected mdx, not mdxS3A mice, against Cx43 remodeling, improved MT directionality, and enhanced pS-Cx43/tubulin interaction. Likewise, severe arrhythmias were prevented in isoproterenol-stressed mdx, not mdxS3A mice. Furthermore, MT directionality was improved in pS-Cx43-mimicking mdx (mdxS3E). Mdxutr+/- and mdxutr+/-S3A mice, lacking one copy of dystrophin homolog utrophin, displayed enhanced cardiac fibrosis and reduced lifespan compared with mdxutr+/-S3E; and Colch treatment corrected cardiac fibrosis in mdxutr+/- but not mdxutr+/-S3A. Collectively, the data suggest that improved MT directionality reduces Cx43 remodeling and that pS-Cx43 is necessary and sufficient to regulate MT organization, which plays crucial role in correcting cardiac dysfunction in DMD mice. Thus, identification of novel organizational mechanisms acting on pS-Cx43-MT will help develop novel cardioprotective therapies for DMD cardiomyopathy.NEW & NOTEWORTHY We found that colchicine administration to Cx43-phospho-deficient dystrophic mice fails to protect against Cx43 remodeling. Conversely, Cx43-phospho-mimic dystrophic mice display a normalized MT network. We envision a bidirectional regulation whereby correction of the dystrophic MTs leads to correction of Cx43 remodeling, which in turn leads to further correction of the MTs. Our findings suggest a link between phospho-Cx43 and MTs that provides strong foundations for novel therapeutics in DMD cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Himelman
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Julie Nouet
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Mauricio A Lillo
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Alexander Chong
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Delong Zhou
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Xander H T Wehrens
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Medicine, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - George G Rodney
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Medicine, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics, Cardiovascular Research Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Lai-Hua Xie
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Natalia Shirokova
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Jorge E Contreras
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey
| | - Diego Fraidenraich
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, New Jersey
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16
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Jones JC, Bodenstine TM. Connexins and Glucose Metabolism in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710172. [PMID: 36077565 PMCID: PMC9455984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that regulate diverse cellular functions. Originally characterized for their ability to mediate direct intercellular communication through the formation of highly regulated membrane channels, their functions have been extended to the exchange of molecules with the extracellular environment, and the ability to modulate numerous channel-independent effects on processes such as motility and survival. Notably, connexins have been implicated in cancer biology for their context-dependent roles that can both promote or suppress cancer cell function. Moreover, connexins are able to mediate many aspects of cellular metabolism including the intercellular coupling of nutrients and signaling molecules. During cancer progression, changes to substrate utilization occur to support energy production and biomass accumulation. This results in metabolic plasticity that promotes cell survival and proliferation, and can impact therapeutic resistance. Significant progress has been made in our understanding of connexin and cancer biology, however, delineating the roles these multi-faceted proteins play in metabolic adaptation of cancer cells is just beginning. Glucose represents a major carbon substrate for energy production, nucleotide synthesis, carbohydrate modifications and generation of biosynthetic intermediates. While cancer cells often exhibit a dependence on glycolytic metabolism for survival, cellular reprogramming of metabolic pathways is common when blood perfusion is limited in growing tumors. These metabolic changes drive aggressive phenotypes through the acquisition of functional traits. Connections between glucose metabolism and connexin function in cancer cells and the surrounding stroma are now apparent, however much remains to be discovered regarding these relationships. This review discusses the existing evidence in this area and highlights directions for continued investigation.
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17
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Scott SR, Singh K, Yu Q, Sen CK, Wang M. Sex as Biological Variable in Cardiac Mitochondrial Bioenergetic Responses to Acute Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:9312. [PMID: 36012574 PMCID: PMC9409303 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23169312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac dysfunction/damage following trauma, shock, sepsis, and ischemia impacts clinical outcomes. Acute inflammation and oxidative stress triggered by these injuries impair mitochondria, which are critical to maintaining cardiac function. Despite sex dimorphisms in consequences of these injuries, it is unclear whether mitochondrial bioenergetic responses to inflammation/oxidative stress are sex-dependent. We hypothesized that sex disparity in mitochondrial bioenergetics following TNFα or H2O2 exposure is responsible for reported sex differences in cardiac damage/dysfunction. Methods and Results: Cardiomyocytes isolated from age-matched adult male and female mice were subjected to 1 h TNFα or H2O2 challenge, followed by detection of mitochondrial respiration capacity using the Seahorse XF96 Cell Mito Stress Test. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was analyzed using JC-1 in TNFα-challenged cardiomyocytes. We found that cardiomyocytes isolated from female mice displayed a better mitochondrial bioenergetic response to TNFα or H2O2 than those isolated from male mice did. TNFα decreased ΔΨm in cardiomyocytes isolated from males but not from females. 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment improved mitochondrial metabolic function in cardiomyocytes from male mice subjected to TNFα or H2O2 treatment. Conclusions: Cardiomyocyte mitochondria from female mice were more resistant to acute stress than those from males. The female sex hormone E2 treatment protected cardiac mitochondria against acute inflammatory and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan R. Scott
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Kanhaiya Singh
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Qing Yu
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Chandan K. Sen
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Meijing Wang
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Hamledari H, Asghari P, Jayousi F, Aguirre A, Maaref Y, Barszczewski T, Ser T, Moore E, Wasserman W, Klein Geltink R, Teves S, Tibbits GF. Using human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes to understand the mechanisms driving cardiomyocyte maturation. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:967659. [PMID: 36061558 PMCID: PMC9429949 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.967659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality and reduced quality of life globally. Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CMs) provide a personalized platform to study inherited heart diseases, drug-induced cardiac toxicity, and cardiac regenerative therapy. However, the immaturity of CMs obtained by current strategies is a major hurdle in utilizing hiPSC-CMs at their fullest potential. Here, the major findings and limitations of current maturation methodologies to enhance the utility of hiPSC-CMs in the battle against a major source of morbidity and mortality are reviewed. The most recent knowledge of the potential signaling pathways involved in the transition of fetal to adult CMs are assimilated. In particular, we take a deeper look on role of nutrient sensing signaling pathways and the potential role of cap-independent translation mediated by the modulation of mTOR pathway in the regulation of cardiac gap junctions and other yet to be identified aspects of CM maturation. Moreover, a relatively unexplored perspective on how our knowledge on the effects of preterm birth on cardiovascular development can be actually utilized to enhance the current understanding of CM maturation is examined. Furthermore, the interaction between the evolving neonatal human heart and brown adipose tissue as the major source of neonatal thermogenesis and its endocrine function on CM development is another discussed topic which is worthy of future investigation. Finally, the current knowledge regarding transcriptional mediators of CM maturation is still limited. The recent studies have produced the groundwork to better understand CM maturation in terms of providing some of the key factors involved in maturation and development of metrics for assessment of maturation which proves essential for future studies on in vitro PSC-CMs maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homa Hamledari
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Parisa Asghari
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Farah Jayousi
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Alejandro Aguirre
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yasaman Maaref
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Tiffany Barszczewski
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Terri Ser
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Edwin Moore
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Wyeth Wasserman
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ramon Klein Geltink
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sheila Teves
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Colombia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Glen F. Tibbits
- Department of Biomedical Physiology and Kinesiology, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
- Cellular and Regenerative Medicine Centre, BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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19
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Boengler K, Leybaert L, Ruiz-Meana M, Schulz R. Connexin 43 in Mitochondria: What Do We Really Know About Its Function? Front Physiol 2022; 13:928934. [PMID: 35860665 PMCID: PMC9289461 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.928934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins are known for their ability to mediate cell-cell communication via gap junctions and also form hemichannels that pass ions and molecules over the plasma membrane when open. Connexins have also been detected within mitochondria, with mitochondrial connexin 43 (Cx43) being the best studied to date. In this review, we discuss evidence for Cx43 presence in mitochondria of cell lines, primary cells and organs and summarize data on its localization, import and phosphorylation status. We further highlight the influence of Cx43 on mitochondrial function in terms of respiration, opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and formation of reactive oxygen species, and also address the presence of a truncated form of Cx43 termed Gja1-20k. Finally, the role of mitochondrial Cx43 in pathological conditions, particularly in the heart, is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin Boengler
- Institute of Physiology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic and Applied Medical Sciences—Physiology Group, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Marisol Ruiz-Meana
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rainer Schulz
- Institute of Physiology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
- *Correspondence: Rainer Schulz,
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Fei J, Demillard LJ, Ren J. Reactive oxygen species in cardiovascular diseases: an update. EXPLORATION OF MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.37349/emed.2022.00085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death worldwide, imposing major health threats. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are one of the most important products from the process of redox reactions. In the onset and progression of cardiovascular diseases, ROS are believed to heavily influence homeostasis of lipids, proteins, DNA, mitochondria, and energy metabolism. As ROS production increases, the heart is damaged, leading to further production of ROS. The vicious cycle continues on as additional ROS are generated. For example, recent evidence indicated that connexin 43 (Cx43) deficiency and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) activation led to a loss of protection in cardiomyocytes. In this context, a better understanding of the mechanisms behind ROS production is vital in determining effective treatment and management strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juanjuan Fei
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Laurie J. Demillard
- School of Pharmacy, University of Wyoming College of Health Sciences, Laramie, WY 82071, USA
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital Fudan University, Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Shanghai 200032, China; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Shimura D, Shaw RM. GJA1-20k and Mitochondrial Dynamics. Front Physiol 2022; 13:867358. [PMID: 35399255 PMCID: PMC8983841 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.867358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the primary gap junction protein of mammalian heart ventricles and is encoded by the gene Gja1 which has a single coding exon and therefore cannot be spliced. We previously identified that Gja1 mRNA undergoes endogenous internal translation initiated at one of several internal AUG (M) start codons, generating N-terminal truncated protein isoforms that retain the C-terminus distal to the start site. GJA1-20k, whose translation initiates at mRNA M213, is usually the most abundant isoform in cells and greatly increases after ischemic and metabolic stress. GJA1-20k consists of a small segment of the last transmembrane domain and the complete C-terminus tail of Cx43, with a total size of about 20 kDa. The original role identified for GJA1-20k is as an essential subunit that facilitates the trafficking of full-length Cx43 hexameric hemichannels to cell-cell contacts, generating traditional gap junctions between adjacent cells facilitating, in cardiac muscle, efficient spread of electrical excitation. GJA1-20k deficient mice (generated by a M213L substitution in Gja1) suffer poor electrical coupling between cardiomycytes and arrhythmogenic sudden death two to 4 weeks after their birth. We recently identified that exogenous GJA1-20k expression also mimics the effect of ischemic preconditioning in mouse heart. Furthermore, GJA1-20k localizes to the mitochondrial outer membrane and induces a protective and DRP1 independent form of mitochondrial fission, preserving ATP production and generating less reactive oxygen species (ROS) under metabolic stress, providing powerful protection of myocardium to ischemic insult. In this manuscript, we focus on the detailed roles of GJA1-20k in mitochondria, and its interaction with the actin cytoskeleton.
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22
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Wei X, Chang ACH, Chang H, Xu S, Xue Y, Zhang Y, Lei M, Chang ACY, Zhang Q. Hypoglycemia-Exacerbated Mitochondrial Connexin 43 Accumulation Aggravates Cardiac Dysfunction in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:800185. [PMID: 35369285 PMCID: PMC8967291 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.800185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a complex multifaceted disease responsible for elevated heart failure (HF) morbidity and mortality in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). Patients with DCM exhibit subclinical diastolic dysfunction, progression toward systolic impairment, and abnormal electrophysiology. Hypoglycemia events that occur spontaneously or due to excess insulin administration threaten the lives of patients with DM—with the increased risk of sudden death. However, the molecular underpinnings of this fatal disease remain to be elucidated. Methods and Results Here, we used the established streptozotocin-induced DCM murine model to investigate how hypoglycemia aggravates DCM progression. We confirmed connexin 43 (Cx43) dissociation from cell–cell interaction and accumulation at mitochondrial inner membrane both in the cardiomyocytes of patients with DM and DCM murine. Here, we observed that cardiac diastolic function, induced by chronic hyperglycemia, was further aggravated upon hypoglycemia challenge. Similar contractile defects were recapitulated using neonatal mouse ventricular myocytes (NMVMs) under glucose fluctuation challenges. Using immunoprecipitation mass spectrometry, we identified and validated that hypoglycemia challenge activates the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPK kinase) (MEK)/extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK) and inhibits phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathways, which results in Cx43 phosphorylation by Src protein and translocation to mitochondria in cardiomyocytes. To determine causality, we overexpressed a mitochondrial targeting Cx43 (mtCx43) using adeno-associated virus serotype 2 (AAV2)/9. At normal blood glucose levels, mtCx43 overexpression recapitulated cardiac diastolic dysfunction as well as aberrant electrophysiology in vivo. Our findings give support for therapeutic targeting of MEK/ERK/Src and PI3K/Akt/Src pathways to prevent mtCx43-driven DCM. Conclusion DCM presents compensatory adaptation of mild mtCx43 accumulation, yet acute hypoglycemia challenges result in further accumulation of mtCx43 through the MEK/ERK/Src and PI3K/Akt/Src pathways. We provide evidence that Cx43 mislocalization is present in hearts of patients with DM hearts, STZ-induced DCM murine model, and glucose fluctuation challenged NMVMs. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that mtCx43 is responsible for inducing aberrant contraction and disrupts electrophysiology in cardiomyocytes and our results support targeting of mtCx43 in treating DCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Wei
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Andrew Chia Hao Chang
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Haishuang Chang
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Xu
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yilin Xue
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanxin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Lei
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Alex Chia Yu Chang
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Institute of Precision Medicine, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Alex Chia Yu Chang
| | - Qingyong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Qingyong Zhang
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Transcriptomic and Lipidomic Mapping of Macrophages in the Hub of Chronic Beta-Adrenergic-Stimulation Unravels Hypertrophy-, Proliferation-, and Lipid Metabolism-Related Genes as Novel Potential Markers of Early Hypertrophy or Heart Failure. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020221. [PMID: 35203431 PMCID: PMC8869621 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Sympathetic nervous system overdrive with chronic release of catecholamines is the most important neurohormonal mechanism activated to maintain cardiac output in response to heart stress. Beta-adrenergic signaling behaves first as a compensatory pathway improving cardiac contractility and maladaptive remodeling but becomes dysfunctional leading to pathological hypertrophy and heart failure (HF). Cardiac remodeling is a complex inflammatory syndrome where macrophages play a determinant role. This study aimed at characterizing the temporal transcriptomic evolution of cardiac macrophages in mice subjected to beta-adrenergic-stimulation using RNA sequencing. Owing to a comprehensive bibliographic analysis and complementary lipidomic experiments, this study deciphers typical gene profiles in early compensated hypertrophy (ECH) versus late dilated remodeling related to HF. We uncover cardiac hypertrophy- and proliferation-related transcription programs typical of ECH or HF macrophages and identify lipid metabolism-associated and Na+ or K+ channel-related genes as markers of ECH and HF macrophages, respectively. In addition, our results substantiate the key time-dependent role of inflammatory, metabolic, and functional gene regulation in macrophages during beta-adrenergic dependent remodeling. This study provides important and novel knowledge to better understand the prevalent key role of resident macrophages in response to chronically activated beta-adrenergic signaling, an effective diagnostic and therapeutic target in failing hearts.
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24
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Advances of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regulating Connexin43 in the Prevention and Treatment of Myocardial Infarction. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:8583285. [PMID: 34819986 PMCID: PMC8608513 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8583285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions are the main form of interaction between cardiomyocytes, through which the electrochemical activities between cardiomyocytes can be synchronized to maintain the normal function of the heart. Connexins are the basis of gap junctions. Changes in the expression, structural changes (e.g., phosphorylation and dephosphorylation), and distribution of connexins can affect the normal electrophysiological activities of the heart. Myocardial infarction (MI) and concurrent arrhythmia, shock, or heart failure can endanger life. The structural and functional damage of connexin (Cx) 43 in cardiomyocytes is a central part of the pathological progression of MI and is one of the main pathological mechanisms of arrhythmia after MI. Therefore, increasing Cx43 expression has become one of the main measures to prevent MI. Also, intervention in Cx43 expression can improve the structural and electrical remodeling of the myocardium to improve MI prognosis. Here, research progress of Cx43 in MI and its prevention and treatment using Traditional Chinese Medicine formulations is reviewed.
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25
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García-Niño WR, Zazueta C, Buelna-Chontal M, Silva-Palacios A. Mitochondrial Quality Control in Cardiac-Conditioning Strategies against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:1123. [PMID: 34832998 PMCID: PMC8620839 DOI: 10.3390/life11111123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are the central target of ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning cardioprotective strategies, which consist of either the application of brief intermittent ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) cycles or the administration of pharmacological agents. Such strategies reduce cardiac I/R injury by activating protective signaling pathways that prevent the exacerbated production of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, inhibit opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore and reduce apoptosis, maintaining normal mitochondrial function. Cardioprotection also involves the activation of mitochondrial quality control (MQC) processes, which replace defective mitochondria or eliminate mitochondrial debris, preserving the structure and function of the network of these organelles, and consequently ensuring homeostasis and survival of cardiomyocytes. Such processes include mitochondrial biogenesis, fission, fusion, mitophagy and mitochondrial-controlled cell death. This review updates recent advances in MQC mechanisms that are activated in the protection conferred by different cardiac conditioning interventions. Furthermore, the role of extracellular vesicles in mitochondrial protection and turnover of these organelles will be discussed. It is concluded that modulation of MQC mechanisms and recognition of mitochondrial targets could provide a potential and selective therapeutic approach for I/R-induced mitochondrial dysfunction.
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26
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Shimura D, Nuebel E, Baum R, Valdez SE, Xiao S, Warren JS, Palatinus JA, Hong T, Rutter J, Shaw RM. Protective mitochondrial fission induced by stress-responsive protein GJA1-20k. eLife 2021; 10:69207. [PMID: 34608863 PMCID: PMC8492060 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69207] [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: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Connexin43 gap junction gene GJA1 has one coding exon, but its mRNA undergoes internal translation to generate N-terminal truncated isoforms of Connexin43 with the predominant isoform being only 20 kDa in size (GJA1-20k). Endogenous GJA1-20k protein is not membrane bound and has been found to increase in response to ischemic stress, localize to mitochondria, and mimic ischemic preconditioning protection in the heart. However, it is not known how GJA1-20k benefits mitochondria to provide this protection. Here, using human cells and mice, we identify that GJA1-20k polymerizes actin around mitochondria which induces focal constriction sites. Mitochondrial fission events occur within about 45 s of GJA1-20k recruitment of actin. Interestingly, GJA1-20k mediated fission is independent of canonical Dynamin-Related Protein 1 (DRP1). We find that GJA1-20k-induced smaller mitochondria have decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and, in hearts, provide potent protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. The results indicate that stress responsive internally translated GJA1-20k stabilizes polymerized actin filaments to stimulate non-canonical mitochondrial fission which limits ischemic-reperfusion induced myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daisuke Shimura
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Esther Nuebel
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States.,Biomedical Sciences, Noorda College of Osteopathic Medicine, Provo, United States
| | - Rachel Baum
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Steven E Valdez
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Shaohua Xiao
- Department of Neurology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, United States
| | - Junco S Warren
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Joseph A Palatinus
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - TingTing Hong
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States.,Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Jared Rutter
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States.,Department of Biochemistry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States.,Diabetes and Metabolism Research Center, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
| | - Robin M Shaw
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, United States
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27
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Kléber AG, Jin Q. Coupling between cardiac cells-An important determinant of electrical impulse propagation and arrhythmogenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 2:031301. [PMID: 34296210 DOI: 10.1063/5.0050192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Cardiac arrhythmias are an important cause of sudden cardiac death-a devastating manifestation of many underlying causes, such as heart failure and ischemic heart disease leading to ventricular tachyarrhythmias and ventricular fibrillation, and atrial fibrillation causing cerebral embolism. Cardiac electrical propagation is a main factor in the initiation and maintenance of cardiac arrhythmias. In the heart, gap junctions are the basic unit at the cellular level that host intercellular low-resistance channels for the diffusion of ions and small regulatory molecules. The dual voltage clamp technique enabled the direct measurement of electrical conductance between cells and recording of single gap junction channel openings. The rapid turnover of gap junction channels at the intercalated disk implicates a highly dynamic process of trafficking and internalization of gap junction connexons. Recently, non-canonical roles of gap junction proteins have been discovered in mitochondria function, cytoskeletal organization, trafficking, and cardiac rescue. At the tissue level, we explain the concepts of linear propagation and safety factor based on the model of linear cellular structure. Working myocardium is adequately represented as a discontinuous cellular network characterized by cellular anisotropy and connective tissue heterogeneity. Electrical propagation in discontinuous cellular networks reflects an interplay of three main factors: cell-to-cell electrical coupling, flow of electrical charge through the ion channels, and the microscopic tissue structure. This review provides a state-of-the-art update of the cardiac gap junction channels and their role in cardiac electrical impulse propagation and highlights a combined approach of genetics, cell biology, and physics in modern cardiac electrophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- André G Kléber
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Qianru Jin
- Disease Biophysics Group, John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02134, USA
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Zhang M, Cheng K, Chen H, Tu J, Shen Y, Pang L, Wu W, Yu Z. LncRNA AK020546 protects against cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury by sponging miR-350-3p. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:14219-14233. [PMID: 33988127 PMCID: PMC8202874 DOI: 10.18632/aging.203038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been implicated in the development of cardiovascular diseases. We observed that lncRNA AK020546 was downregulated following ischemia/reperfusion injury to the myocardium and following H2O2 treatment in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. In vivo and in vitro studies showed that AK020546 overexpression attenuated the size of the ischemic area, reduced apoptosis among H9c2 cardiomyocytes, and suppressed the release of reactive oxygen species, lactic acid dehydrogenase, and malondialdehyde. AK020546 served as a competing endogenous RNA for miR-350-3p and activated the miR-350-3p target gene ErbB3. MiR-350-3p overexpression reversed the effects of AK020546 on oxidative stress injury and apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Moreover, ErbB3 knockdown alleviated the effects of AK020546 on the expression of ErbB3, Bcl-2, phosphorylated AKT, cleaved Caspase 3, and phosphorylated Bad. These findings suggest lncRNA AK020546 protects against ischemia/reperfusion and oxidative stress injury by sequestering miR-350-3p and activating ErbB3, which highlights its potential as a therapeutic target for ischemic heart diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqi Zhang
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Dingqiao), Guangxing Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kang Cheng
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Dingqiao), Guangxing Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Peoples Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianfeng Tu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Peoples Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ye Shen
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Peoples Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lingxiao Pang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Peoples Hospital, People’s Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weihua Wu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Dingqiao), Guangxing Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhenfei Yu
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Dingqiao), Guangxing Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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29
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Tse G, Hao G, Lee S, Zhou J, Zhang Q, Du Y, Liu T, Cheng SH, Wong WT. Measures of repolarization variability predict ventricular arrhythmogenesis in heptanol-treated Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts. Curr Res Physiol 2021; 4:125-134. [PMID: 34746832 PMCID: PMC8562203 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphys.2021.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Time-domain and non-linear methods can be used to quantify beat-to-beat repolarization variability but whether measures of repolarization variability can predict ventricular arrhythmogenesis in mice have never been explored. METHODS Left ventricular monophasic action potentials (MAPs) were recorded during constant right ventricular 8 Hz pacing in Langendorff-perfused mouse hearts, in the presence or absence of the gap junction and sodium channel inhibitor heptanol (0.1, 0.5, 1 or 2 mM). RESULTS Under control conditions, mean action potential duration (APD) was 39.4 ± 8.1 ms. Standard deviation (SD) of APDs was 0.3 ± 0.2 ms, coefficient of variation was 0.9 ± 0.8% and the root mean square (RMS) of successive differences in APDs was 0.15 ± 0.14 ms. Poincaré plots of APDn+1 against APDn revealed ellipsoid morphologies with a SD along the line-of-identity (SD2) to SD perpendicular to the line-of-identity (SD1) ratio of 4.6 ± 2.1. Approximate and sample entropy were 0.61 ± 0.12 and 0.76 ± 0.26, respectively. Detrended fluctuation analysis revealed short- and long-term fluctuation slopes of 1.49 ± 0.27 and 0.81 ± 0.36, respectively. Heptanol at 2 mM induced ventricular tachycardia in five out of six hearts. None of the above parameters were altered by heptanol during which reproducible electrical activity was observed (KW-ANOVA, P > 0.05). Contrastingly, SD2/SD1 decreased to 2.03 ± 0.41, approximate and sample entropy increased to 0.82 ± 0.12 and 1.45 ± 0.34, and short-term fluctuation slope decreased to 0.82 ± 0.19 during the 20-s period preceding spontaneous ventricular tachy-arrhythmias (n = 6, KW-ANOVA, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Measures of repolarization variability, such as SD2/SD1, entropy, and fluctuation slope are altered preceding the occurrence of ventricular arrhythmogenesis in mouse hearts. Changes in these variables may allow detection of impending arrhythmias for early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Tse
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300211, China
- Cardiovascular Analytics Group, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Guoliang Hao
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sharen Lee
- Cardiovascular Analytics Group, Laboratory of Cardiovascular Physiology, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiandong Zhou
- School of Data Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qingpeng Zhang
- School of Data Science, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yimei Du
- Research Center of Ion Channelopathy, Institute of Cardiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Ionic-Molecular Function of Cardiovascular Disease, Department of Cardiology, Tianjin Institute of Cardiology, Second Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300211, China
| | - Shuk Han Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Wing Tak Wong
- School of Life Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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30
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Fu YL, Tao L, Peng FH, Zheng NZ, Lin Q, Cai SY, Wang Q. GJA1-20k attenuates Ang II-induced pathological cardiac hypertrophy by regulating gap junction formation and mitochondrial function. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:536-549. [PMID: 32620936 PMCID: PMC8115281 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0459-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy (CH) is characterized by an increase in cardiomyocyte size, and is the most common cause of cardiac-related sudden death. A decrease in gap junction (GJ) coupling and mitochondrial dysfunction are important features of CH, but the mechanisms of decreased coupling and energy impairment are poorly understood. It has been reported that GJA1-20k has a strong tropism for mitochondria and is required for the trafficking of connexin 43 (Cx43) to cell-cell borders. In this study, we investigated the effects of GJA1-20k on Cx43 GJ coupling and mitochondrial function in the pathogenesis of CH. We performed hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining, and observed significant CH in 18-week-old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) compared to age-matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. In cardiomyocytes from SHRs, the levels of Cx43 at the intercalated disc (ID) and the expression of GJA1-20k were significantly reduced, whereas JAK-STAT signaling was activated. Furthermore, the SHR rats displayed suppressed mitochondrial GJA1-20k and mitochondrial biogenesis. Administration of valsartan (10 mg· [Formula: see text] d-1, i.g., for 8 weeks) prevented all of these changes. In neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs), overexpression of GJA1-20k attenuated Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and caused elevated levels of GJ coupling at the cell-cell borders. Pretreatment of NRCMs with the Jak2 inhibitor AG490 (10 µM) blocked Ang II-induced reduction in GJA1-20k expression and Cx43 gap junction formation; knockdown of Jak2 in NRCMs significantly lessened Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and normalized GJA1-20k expression and Cx43 gap junction formation. Overexpression of GJA1-20k improved mitochondrial membrane potential and respiration and lowered ROS production in Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. These results demonstrate the importance of GJA1-20k in regulating gap junction formation and mitochondrial function in Ang II-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, thus providing a novel therapeutic strategy for patients with cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-le Fu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Liang Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Fu-Hua Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ning-Ze Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qing Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Shao-Yi Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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31
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Ren D, Zheng P, Zou S, Gong Y, Wang Y, Duan J, Deng J, Chen H, Feng J, Zhong C, Chen W. GJA1-20K Enhances Mitochondria Transfer from Astrocytes to Neurons via Cx43-TnTs After Traumatic Brain Injury. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 42:1887-1895. [PMID: 33728536 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01070-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are crucial in neural protection after traumatic brain injury (TBI), a global health problem causing severe brain tissue damage. Astrocytic connexin 43 (Cx43), encoded by GJA1 gene, has been demonstrated to facilitate the protection of astrocytes to neural damage with unclear mechanisms. This study aims to explore the role of GJA1-20K/Cx43 axis in the astrocyte-neuron interaction after TBI and the underlying mechanisms. Primarily cultured cortical neurons isolated from embryonic C57BL/6 mice were treated by compressed nitrogen-oxygen mixed gas to simulate TBI-like damage in vitro. The transwell astrocyte-neuron co-culture system were constructed to recapitulate the interaction between the two cell types. Quantitative PCR was applied to analyze mRNA level of target genes. Western blot and immunofluorescence were conducted to detect target proteins expression. GJA1-20K overexpression significantly down-regulated the expression of phosphorylated Cx43 (p-Cx43) without affecting the total Cx43 protein level. Besides, GJA1-20K overexpression obviously enhanced the dendrite length, as well as the expression levels of function and synthesis-related factors of mitochondria in damaged neurons. GJA1-20K up-regulated functional Cx43 expression in astrocytes, which promoted mitochondria transmission from astrocytes to neurons which might be responsible to the protection of astrocyte to neurons after TBI-like damage in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dabin Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, The People's Hospital of Shanghai Pudong New Area Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201299, China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The People's Hospital of Shanghai Pudong New Area Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201299, China
| | - Shufeng Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, NanchangJiangxi, 330008, China
| | - Yuqin Gong
- Department of Operation Room, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, NanchangJiangxi, 330009, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, NanchangJiangxi, 330008, China
| | - Jian Duan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, NanchangJiangxi, 330008, China
| | - Jun Deng
- Department of Emergency@Trauma Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330008, Jiangxi, China
| | - Haiming Chen
- Department of Emergency@Trauma Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330008, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jiugeng Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, NanchangJiangxi, 330008, China.
| | - Chunlong Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201200, China.
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The People's Hospital of Shanghai Pudong New Area Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, 201299, China. .,Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, 201200, China.
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Garbern JC, Lee RT. Mitochondria and metabolic transitions in cardiomyocytes: lessons from development for stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:177. [PMID: 33712058 PMCID: PMC7953594 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02252-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Current methods to differentiate cardiomyocytes from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) inadequately recapitulate complete development and result in PSC-derived cardiomyocytes (PSC-CMs) with an immature or fetal-like phenotype. Embryonic and fetal development are highly dynamic periods during which the developing embryo or fetus is exposed to changing nutrient, oxygen, and hormone levels until birth. It is becoming increasingly apparent that these metabolic changes initiate developmental processes to mature cardiomyocytes. Mitochondria are central to these changes, responding to these metabolic changes and transitioning from small, fragmented mitochondria to large organelles capable of producing enough ATP to support the contractile function of the heart. These changes in mitochondria may not simply be a response to cardiomyocyte maturation; the metabolic signals that occur throughout development may actually be central to the maturation process in cardiomyocytes. Here, we review methods to enhance maturation of PSC-CMs and highlight evidence from development indicating the key roles that mitochondria play during cardiomyocyte maturation. We evaluate metabolic transitions that occur during development and how these affect molecular nutrient sensors, discuss how regulation of nutrient sensing pathways affect mitochondrial dynamics and function, and explore how changes in mitochondrial function can affect metabolite production, the cell cycle, and epigenetics to influence maturation of cardiomyocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Garbern
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
- Department of Cardiology, Boston Children's Hospital, 300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Richard T Lee
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology and the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, 7 Divinity Ave, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 75 Francis St, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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Xiao S, Shimura D, Baum R, Hernandez DM, Agvanian S, Nagaoka Y, Katsumata M, Lampe PD, Kleber AG, Hong T, Shaw RM. Auxiliary trafficking subunit GJA1-20k protects connexin-43 from degradation and limits ventricular arrhythmias. J Clin Invest 2021; 130:4858-4870. [PMID: 32525845 DOI: 10.1172/jci134682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin-43 (Cx43) gap junctions provide intercellular coupling, which ensures rapid action potential propagation and synchronized heart contraction. Alterations in Cx43 localization and reductions in gap junction coupling occur in failing hearts, contributing to ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Recent reports have found that an internally translated Cx43 isoform, GJA1-20k, is an auxiliary subunit for the trafficking of Cx43 in heterologous expression systems. Here, we have created a mouse model by using CRISPR technology to mutate a single internal translation initiation site in Cx43 (M213L mutation), which generates full-length Cx43, but not GJA1-20k. We found that GJA1M213L/M213L mice had severely abnormal electrocardiograms despite preserved contractile function, reduced total Cx43, and reduced gap junctions, and they died suddenly at 2 to 4 weeks of age. Heterozygous GJA1M213L/WT mice survived to adulthood with increased ventricular ectopy. Biochemical experiments indicated that cytoplasmic Cx43 had a half-life that was 50% shorter than membrane-associated Cx43. Without GJA1-20k, poorly trafficked Cx43 was degraded. The data support that GJA1-20k, an endogenous entity translated independently of Cx43, is critical for Cx43 gap junction trafficking, maintenance of Cx43 protein, and normal electrical function of the mammalian heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Xiao
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Neurology, UCLA, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Daisuke Shimura
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Rachel Baum
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Diana M Hernandez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Sosse Agvanian
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Yoshiko Nagaoka
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Makoto Katsumata
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Paul D Lampe
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andre G Kleber
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - TingTing Hong
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Robin M Shaw
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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Shaw RM, Saffitz JE. A role for connexin-43 in Duchenne muscular dystrophy cardiomyopathy. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:1608-1610. [PMID: 32091412 DOI: 10.1172/jci135007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The cardiomyopathy of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in affected males with this dreaded muscle disease. Previous studies have implicated changes in expression and subcellular localization of connexin-43 (Cx43), the major ventricular gap junction protein, in DMD cardiomyopathy. In this issue of the JCI, Himelman et al. explore how hypophosphorylation of Cx43 at a triplet of serine residues (S325/S328/S330) in the regulatory C-terminus contributes to multiple features of the cardiomyopathy phenotype. Using a mouse model of DMD cardiomyopathy in which phosphomimetic glutamic acids are substituted for serines at these residues in Cx43, Himelman et al. observed reduced gap junction remodeling and lateralization of Cx43 immunosignals, protection against isoproterenol-induced arrhythmias, and improved Ca2+ homeostasis. This study contributes to the understanding of pathologic Cx43 remodeling and encourages further research into developing strategic interventions to mitigate cardiac dysfunction and arrhythmias in DMD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin M Shaw
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Saffitz
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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35
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Mulkearns-Hubert EE, Reizes O, Lathia JD. Connexins in Cancer: Jekyll or Hyde? Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1654. [PMID: 33321749 PMCID: PMC7764653 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression, localization, and function of connexins, the protein subunits that comprise gap junctions, are often altered in cancer. In addition to cell-cell coupling through gap junction channels, connexins also form hemichannels that allow communication between the cell and the extracellular space and perform non-junctional intracellular activities. Historically, connexins have been considered tumor suppressors; however, they can also serve tumor-promoting functions in some contexts. Here, we review the literature surrounding connexins in cancer cells in terms of specific connexin functions and propose that connexins function upstream of most, if not all, of the hallmarks of cancer. The development of advanced connexin targeting approaches remains an opportunity for the field to further interrogate the role of connexins in cancer phenotypes, particularly through the use of in vivo models. More specific modulators of connexin function will both help elucidate the functions of connexins in cancer and advance connexin-specific therapies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin E. Mulkearns-Hubert
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
| | - Ofer Reizes
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College, Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Justin D. Lathia
- Department of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (O.R.); (J.D.L.)
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College, Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Rose Ella Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
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36
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Li S, Ren C, Stone C, Chandra A, Xu J, Li N, Han C, Ding Y, Ji X, Shao G. Hamartin: An Endogenous Neuroprotective Molecule Induced by Hypoxic Preconditioning. Front Genet 2020; 11:582368. [PMID: 33193709 PMCID: PMC7556298 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2020.582368] [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: 07/11/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic/ischemic preconditioning (HPC/IPC) is an innate neuroprotective mechanism in which a number of endogenous molecules are known to be involved. Tuberous sclerosis complex 1 (TSC1), also known as hamartin, is thought to be one such molecule. It is also known that hamartin is involved as a target in the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, which functions to integrate a variety of environmental triggers in order to exert control over cellular metabolism and homeostasis. Understanding the role of hamartin in ischemic/hypoxic neuroprotection will provide a novel target for the treatment of hypoxic-ischemic disease. Therefore, the proposed molecular mechanisms of this neuroprotective role and its preconditions are reviewed in this paper, with emphases on the mTOR pathway and the relationship between the expression of hamartin and DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Conditioning Translational Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Translational Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Changhong Ren
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Conditioning Translational Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Translational Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
| | - Christopher Stone
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Ankush Chandra
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Jiali Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Conditioning Translational Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Conditioning Translational Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fifth Medical Centre of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuchuan Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Xunming Ji
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Conditioning Translational Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guo Shao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Conditioning Translational Medicine, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Hypoxic Translational Medicine, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China.,Public Health Department, Biomedicine Research Center, Basic Medical College, Baotou, China.,Baotou Medical College of Neuroscience Institute, Baotou Medical College, Baotou, China
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Tishchenko A, Azorín DD, Vidal-Brime L, Muñoz MJ, Arenas PJ, Pearce C, Girao H, Ramón y Cajal S, Aasen T. Cx43 and Associated Cell Signaling Pathways Regulate Tunneling Nanotubes in Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2798. [PMID: 33003486 PMCID: PMC7601615 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) forms gap junctions that mediate the direct intercellular diffusion of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells. Cx43 displays both pro- and anti-tumorigenic properties, but the mechanisms underlying these characteristics are not fully understood. Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) are long and thin membrane projections that connect cells, facilitating the exchange of not only small molecules, but also larger proteins, organelles, bacteria, and viruses. Typically, TNTs exhibit increased formation under conditions of cellular stress and are more prominent in cancer cells, where they are generally thought to be pro-metastatic and to provide growth and survival advantages. Cx43 has been described in TNTs, where it is thought to regulate small molecule diffusion through gap junctions. Here, we developed a high-fidelity CRISPR/Cas9 system to knockout (KO) Cx43. We found that the loss of Cx43 expression was associated with significantly reduced TNT length and number in breast cancer cell lines. Notably, secreted factors present in conditioned medium stimulated TNTs more potently when derived from Cx43-expressing cells than from KO cells. Moreover, TNT formation was significantly induced by the inhibition of several key cancer signaling pathways that both regulate Cx43 and are regulated by Cx43, including RhoA kinase (ROCK), protein kinase A (PKA), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and p38. Intriguingly, the drug-induced stimulation of TNTs was more potent in Cx43 KO cells than in wild-type (WT) cells. In conclusion, this work describes a novel non-canonical role for Cx43 in regulating TNTs, identifies key cancer signaling pathways that regulate TNTs in this setting, and provides mechanistic insight into a pro-tumorigenic role of Cx43 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Tishchenko
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
| | - Daniel D. Azorín
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
| | - Laia Vidal-Brime
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
| | - María José Muñoz
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
| | - Pol Jiménez Arenas
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
| | - Christopher Pearce
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
| | - Henrique Girao
- Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, Celas, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra, CACC, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Santiago Ramón y Cajal
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
- Anatomía Patológica, Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
- CIBER de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Trond Aasen
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d’Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d’Hebron Hospital Universitari, Vall d’Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119-129, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (A.T.); (D.D.A.); (L.V.-B.); (M.J.M.); (P.J.A.); (C.P.); (S.R.yC.)
- CIBER de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
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Dynamic UTR Usage Regulates Alternative Translation to Modulate Gap Junction Formation during Stress and Aging. Cell Rep 2020; 27:2737-2747.e5. [PMID: 31141695 PMCID: PMC6857847 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.04.114] [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: 11/05/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin43 (Cx43; gene name GJA1) is the most ubiquitously expressed gap junction protein, and understanding of its regulation largely falls under transcription and post-translational modification. In addition to Cx43, Gja1 mRNA encodes internally translated isoforms regulating gap junction formation, whose expression is modulated by TGF-β. Here, using RLM-RACE, we identify distinct Gja1 transcripts differing only in 5′ UTR length, of which two are upregulated during TGF-β exposure and hypoxia. Introduction of these transcripts into Gja1−/− cells phenocopies the response of Gja1 to TGF-β with reduced internal translation initiation. Inhibiting pathways downstream of TGF-β selectively regulates levels of Gja1 transcript isoforms and translation products. Reporter assays reveal enhanced translation of full-length Cx43 from shorter Gja1 5′ UTR isoforms. We also observe a correlation among UTR selection, translation, and reduced gap junction formation in aged heart tissue. These data elucidate a relationship between transcript isoform expression and translation initiation regulating intercellular communication. Connexin43 gap junctions enable direct intercellular communication facilitating action potential propagation. Internal translation of connexin43 mRNA generates the truncated isoform GJA1–20k, which promotes gap junction formation. During aging, Zeitz et al. find that activation of stress-response pathways shortens connexin43 mRNA UTRs to limit GJA1–20k translation coincident with gap junction loss.
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Yang HJ, Kong B, Shuai W, Zhang JJ, Huang H. Shensong Yangxin Protects Against Metabolic Syndrome-Induced Ventricular Arrhythmias by Inhibiting Electrical Remodeling. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:993. [PMID: 32733242 PMCID: PMC7363804 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00993] [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: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Shensong Yangxin (SSYX) is a traditional Chinese medicine, which has been proven to improve the clinical symptoms of arrhythmia. However, the role of SSYX in metabolic syndrome (MetS)-induced electrical remodeling remains to be fully elucidated. Here, we sought to clarify whether SSYX can alter the electrophysiological remodeling of cardiac myocytes from MetS rats by regulating transient outward potassium current (Ito) and calcium current (ICa-L). Male Wistar rats were subjected to 16 weeks of high-carbohydrate, high-fat to produce a MetS model group. SSYX (0.4 g/kg) was administrated by daily gavage 8 weeks following high-carbohydrate, high-fat for 8 weeks. In vivo electrophysiological study was performed to evaluated ventricular arrhythmias (VA) vulnerability and electrophysiological properties. The potential electrical mechanisms were estimated by whole-cell patch-clamp and molecular analysis. The H9C2 cells were used to verify the protective role of SSYX in vitro. After 16-week high-carbohydrate, high-fat feeding, MetS model rats showed increased body weight (BW), blood pressure (BP), blood sugar (BS), heart rate (HR) and heart weights to tibia length (HW/TL) ratio. Furthermore, MetS rats depicted increased VA inducibility, shortened effective refractory period (ERP) and prolonged action potential duration (APD). Lower ICa-L and Ito current densities were observed in MetS rats than CTL rats. Additionally, MetS rats exhibited significantly increased cardiac fibrosis, decreased Cx43 expression and protein levels of Cav1.2, Kv4.2, Kv4.3 than CTL group. As expected, these MetS-induced effects above were reversed when SSYX was administrated. Mechanistically, SSYX administrated significantly down-regulated the TLR4/MyD88/CaMKII signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, our data indicated that the electrical remodeling induced by MetS contributed to the increased VA susceptibility. SSYX protects against MetS-induced VA by inhibiting electrical remodeling through TLR4/MyD88/CaMKII signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jie Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bin Kong
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Shuai
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Key Laboratory of Cardiology, Wuhan, China
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Abstract
Of the 21 members of the connexin family, 4 (Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, and Cx45) are expressed in the endothelium and/or smooth muscle of intact blood vessels to a variable and dynamically regulated degree. Full-length connexins oligomerize and form channel structures connecting the cytosol of adjacent cells (gap junctions) or the cytosol with the extracellular space (hemichannels). The different connexins vary mainly with regard to length and sequence of their cytosolic COOH-terminal tails. These COOH-terminal parts, which in the case of Cx43 are also translated as independent short isoforms, are involved in various cellular signaling cascades and regulate cell functions. This review focuses on channel-dependent and -independent effects of connexins in vascular cells. Channels play an essential role in coordinating and synchronizing endothelial and smooth muscle activity and in their interplay, in the control of vasomotor actions of blood vessels including endothelial cell reactivity to agonist stimulation, nitric oxide-dependent dilation, and endothelial-derived hyperpolarizing factor-type responses. Further channel-dependent and -independent roles of connexins in blood vessel function range from basic processes of vascular remodeling and angiogenesis to vascular permeability and interactions with leukocytes with the vessel wall. Together, these connexin functions constitute an often underestimated basis for the enormous plasticity of vascular morphology and function enabling the required dynamic adaptation of the vascular system to varying tissue demands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich Pohl
- Walter-Brendel-Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; Biomedical Centre, Cardiovascular Physiology, LMU Munich, Planegg-Martinsried, Germany; German Centre for Cardiovascular Research, Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany; and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
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41
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Hausenloy DJ, Schulz R, Girao H, Kwak BR, De Stefani D, Rizzuto R, Bernardi P, Di Lisa F. Mitochondrial ion channels as targets for cardioprotection. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:7102-7114. [PMID: 32490600 PMCID: PMC7339171 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the heart failure (HF) that often result remain the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. As such, new therapeutic targets need to be discovered to protect the myocardium against acute ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in order to reduce myocardial infarct (MI) size, preserve left ventricular function and prevent the onset of HF. Mitochondrial dysfunction during acute I/R injury is a critical determinant of cell death following AMI, and therefore, ion channels in the inner mitochondrial membrane, which are known to influence cell death and survival, provide potential therapeutic targets for cardioprotection. In this article, we review the role of mitochondrial ion channels, which are known to modulate susceptibility to acute myocardial I/R injury, and we explore their potential roles as therapeutic targets for reducing MI size and preventing HF following AMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Derek J. Hausenloy
- Cardiovascular & Metabolic Disorders ProgramDuke‐National University of Singapore Medical SchoolSingaporeSingapore
- National Heart Research Institute SingaporeNational Heart CentreSingaporeSingapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
- The Hatter Cardiovascular InstituteUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Cardiovascular Research CenterCollege of Medical and Health SciencesAsia UniversityTaichung CityTaiwan
| | - Rainer Schulz
- Institute of PhysiologyJustus‐Liebig University GiessenGiessenGermany
| | - Henrique Girao
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of MedicineUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB)University of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of CoimbraCACCCoimbraPortugal
| | - Brenda R. Kwak
- Department of Pathology and ImmunologyUniversity of GenevaGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Diego De Stefani
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Rosario Rizzuto
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
| | - Paolo Bernardi
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- CNR Neuroscience InstitutePadovaItaly
| | - Fabio Di Lisa
- Department of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of PadovaPadovaItaly
- CNR Neuroscience InstitutePadovaItaly
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Ren D, Zheng P, Feng J, Gong Y, Wang Y, Duan J, Zhao L, Deng J, Chen H, Zou S, Hong T, Chen W. Overexpression of Astrocytes-Specific GJA1-20k Enhances the Viability and Recovery of the Neurons in a Rat Model of Traumatic Brain Injury. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:1643-1650. [PMID: 32401478 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00142] [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] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a devastating actuality in clinics worldwide. It is estimated that approximately 10 million people among the world suffer from TBI each year, and a considerable number of patients will be temporarily or permanently disabled or even die due to this disease. Astrocytes play a very important role in the repair of brain tissue after TBI, including the formation of a neuroprotective barrier, inhibition of brain edema, and inhibition of normal nerve cell apoptosis. However, the detailed mechanism underlying this protective effect is still unclear. To investigate the regulatory factors of astrocytes to other neurons post-TBI, we established a TBI rat model and used the AAV to mediate the overexpression of GJA1-20k in astrocytes of rats. And functionally, the specific overexpression of GJA1-20k in astrocytes promoted the viability and recovery of neurons in TBI. Mechanistically, the astrocytes-specific upregulation of GJA1-20k protected the function of mitochondria in neurons of FPI rats, thus suppressing the apoptosis of the damaged neurons. We hereby reported that astrocytes-specific overexpression of GJA1-20k enhanced the viability and recovery of the neurons in TBI through regulating their mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dabin Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, the People’s Hospital of Shanghai Pudong New Area Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201299, P. R. China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, the People’s Hospital of Shanghai Pudong New Area Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201299, P. R. China
| | - Jiugeng Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330008, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Yuqin Gong
- Department of Operation Room, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330009, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330008, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Jian Duan
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330008, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu China
| | - Jun Deng
- Department of Emergency@Trauma Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330008, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Haiming Chen
- Department of Emergency@Trauma Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330008, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Shufeng Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330008, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Tao Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330008, Jiangxi, P. R. China
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, the People’s Hospital of Shanghai Pudong New Area Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai 201299, P. R. China
- Department of Emergency@Trauma Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330008, Jiangxi, P. R. China
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Li J, Li B, Bai F, Ma Y, Liu N, Liu Y, Wang Y, Liu Q. Metformin therapy confers cardioprotection against the remodeling of gap junction in tachycardia-induced atrial fibrillation dog model. Life Sci 2020; 254:117759. [PMID: 32389830 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Metformin, introduced in 1957, is widely used as an anti-diabetic drug and has considerable benefits in cardiovascular disease reportedly, dependent or independent on its glucose-lowering effects. Aim of this study was to investigate the effect of metformin on gap junction and the inducibility of AF. METHODS Beagle dogs were subjected to acute or chronic pacing at right atrial appendage by a pacemaker to develop an AF model and electrophysiological parameters were measured. In vitro study, a cell fast pacing model was developed by CardioExcyte 96. We performed Western blot, histology immunohistochemical staining and electron microscopy to detect the effect of metformin. RESULTS In chronic AF model, the inducibility and duration of AF increased obviously after pacing for 6 weeks compared with sham-operated group (Inducibility, 3.33 ± 5.77 vs. 85.33 ± 7.89%, P<0.0001; Duration, 0.8 ± 0.84 vs. 11 ± 2.67 ms, P<0.0001). Effective refractory periods (ERP) decreased at left and right left atrium and atrial appendages compared with sham-operated group (123.95 ± 6.57 vs. 89.96 ± 7.39 ms P<0.0001). Metformin attenuated the pacing-induced increase in EPR (89.96 ± 7.39 vs. 105.83 ± 7.45 ms, P<0.05), AF inducibility and AF duration (Inducibility, 85.33 ± 7.89 vs. 64.17 ± 7.36%, Duration, 11 ± 2.67 vs. 8.62 ± 1.15 ms, P<0.05). The expression of Cx43 shows a significant downregulation(about 38%, P<0.001) after chronic pacing and treating with metformin could alleviate this decrease(P<0.01). However, the effect of metformin in acute pacing model is limited. The immunohistochemical staining of cardiac tissue also shown that there is more lateralized Cx43 under pacing condition (87.67 ± 2.52 vs. 60.8 ± 9.13%, P<0.005). These pacing-induced lateralize Cx43 could be alleviated by the metformin (48.4 ± 8.62 vs. 60.8 ± 9.13%, P<0.05). Additionally, metformin could affect the interactions of ZO-1 with p-Src/Cx43 via decrease the abnormal cAMP level after pacing (84.04 ± 4.58 vs. 69.34 ± 4.5 nmol/L, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Metformin could alleviate the vulnerability of AF and attenuate the downregulation of gap junction under pacing condition via AMPK pathway and decreasing the P-Src level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Biao Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fan Bai
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yinxu Ma
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yaozhong Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yibo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qiming Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Liu J, Wu P, Xu Z, Zhang J, Liu J, Yang Z. Ginkgolide B inhibits hydrogen peroxide‑induced apoptosis and attenuates cytotoxicity via activating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in H9c2 cells. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:310-316. [PMID: 32377729 PMCID: PMC7248522 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Ginkgolide B (GB) is a diterpene lactone found in the leaves of the traditional Chinese medicinal plant Ginkgo that has been shown to have various pharmacological effects. However, the anti-apoptotic properties of GB in cardiovascular disease remain poorly understood. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of GB on hydrogen peroxide-induced cell injury in cardiac H9c2 cells, and to further clarify its protective mechanism of action. An in vitro hydrogen peroxide-treated H9c2 cell model was used in order to mimic myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Cell viability was assessed by the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay. The induction of apoptosis was determined by flow cytometry and staining was performed using Hoechst 33342. In addition, the effect of GB on the expression levels of apoptosis-associated proteins was evaluated by western blot analysis. The present study demonstrated that GB protected against hydrogen peroxide-induced cytotoxicity and cell apoptosis in H9c2 cardiac cells. GB upregulated the expression level of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 and downregulated the expression levels of the pro-apoptotic proteins cleaved caspase-3 and Bax in hydrogen peroxide-treated H9c2 cells. The molecular mechanism underlying the anti-apoptotic effects of GB was subsequently detected. GB pretreatment activated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and caused an increase in the phosphorylation levels of Akt and mTOR in hydrogen peroxide-treated H9c2 cells. These results revealed that GB inhibited hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells via activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. These findings indicate the potential therapeutic benefits of GB in the treatment of myocardial I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Zhihui Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Jiabao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
| | - Zhijian Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210029, P.R. China
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Späth MR, Koehler FC, Hoyer-Allo KJR, Grundmann F, Burst V, Müller RU. Preconditioning strategies to prevent acute kidney injury. F1000Res 2020; 9:F1000 Faculty Rev-237. [PMID: 32269763 PMCID: PMC7135682 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.21406.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury is a common clinical disorder resulting in significantly increased morbidity and mortality. However, despite extensive research, strategies for prevention or treatment are still lacking in routine clinical practice. Already decades ago, several preconditioning strategies (e. g. ischemic/hypoxic preconditioning and calorie restriction) have been published and their extraordinary effectiveness - especially in rodents - has raised the hope for powerful clinical tools to prevent acute kidney injury. However, the underlying mechanisms are still not completely understood and translation to the clinics has not been successful yet. In this review, the most attractive strategies and the current mechanistic concepts are introduced and discussed. Furthermore, we present clinical trials evaluating the feasibility of preconditioning in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Richard Späth
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, NRW, 50937, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, NRW, 50931, Germany
| | - Felix Carlo Koehler
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, NRW, 50937, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, NRW, 50931, Germany
| | - Karla Johanna Ruth Hoyer-Allo
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, NRW, 50937, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, NRW, 50931, Germany
| | - Franziska Grundmann
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, NRW, 50937, Germany
| | - Volker Burst
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, NRW, 50937, Germany
| | - Roman-Ulrich Müller
- Department II of Internal Medicine and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, NRW, 50937, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, NRW, 50931, Germany
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Epifantseva I, Xiao S, Baum RE, Kléber AG, Hong T, Shaw RM. An Alternatively Translated Connexin 43 Isoform, GJA1-11k, Localizes to the Nucleus and Can Inhibit Cell Cycle Progression. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10030473. [PMID: 32244859 PMCID: PMC7175147 DOI: 10.3390/biom10030473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a gap junction protein that assembles at the cell border to form intercellular gap junction (GJ) channels which allow for cell-cell communication by facilitating the rapid transmission of ions and other small molecules between adjacent cells. Non-canonical roles of Cx43, and specifically its C-terminal domain, have been identified in the regulation of Cx43 trafficking, mitochondrial preconditioning, cell proliferation, and tumor formation, yet the mechanisms are still being explored. It was recently identified that up to six truncated isoforms of Cx43 are endogenously produced via alternative translation from internal start codons in addition to full length Cx43, all from the same mRNA produced by the gene GJA1. GJA1-11k, the 11kDa alternatively translated isoform of Cx43, does not have a known role in the formation of gap junction channels, and little is known about its function. Here, we report that over expressed GJA1-11k, unlike the other five truncated isoforms, preferentially localizes to the nucleus in HEK293FT cells and suppresses cell growth by limiting cell cycle progression from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase. Furthermore, these functions are independent of the channel-forming full-length Cx43 isoform. Understanding the apparently unique role of GJA1-11k and its generation in cell cycle regulation may uncover a new target for affecting cell growth in multiple disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Epifantseva
- Smidt Heart Institute, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (I.E.); (S.X.); (R.E.B.); (T.H.)
| | - Shaohua Xiao
- Smidt Heart Institute, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (I.E.); (S.X.); (R.E.B.); (T.H.)
| | - Rachel E. Baum
- Smidt Heart Institute, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (I.E.); (S.X.); (R.E.B.); (T.H.)
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - André G. Kléber
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel & Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - TingTing Hong
- Smidt Heart Institute, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA; (I.E.); (S.X.); (R.E.B.); (T.H.)
- Department of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Robin M. Shaw
- Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +(801)-587-5845
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Translating Translation to Mechanisms of Cardiac Hypertrophy. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2020; 7:jcdd7010009. [PMID: 32164190 PMCID: PMC7151157 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd7010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy in response to chronic pathological stress is a common feature occurring with many forms of heart disease. This pathological hypertrophic growth increases the risk for arrhythmias and subsequent heart failure. While several factors promoting cardiac hypertrophy are known, the molecular mechanisms governing the progression to heart failure are incompletely understood. Recent studies on altered translational regulation during pathological cardiac hypertrophy are contributing to our understanding of disease progression. In this brief review, we describe how the translational machinery is modulated for enhanced global and transcript selective protein synthesis, and how alternative modes of translation contribute to the disease state. Attempts at controlling translational output through targeting of mTOR and its regulatory components are detailed, as well as recently emerging targets for pre-clinical investigation.
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Chen W, Zheng P, Hong T, Wang Y, Liu N, He B, Zou S, Ren D, Duan J, Zhao L, Feng J. Astrocytes‐derived exosomes induce neuronal recovery after traumatic brain injury via delivering gap junction alpha 1‐20 k. J Tissue Eng Regen Med 2020; 14:412-423. [PMID: 31826322 DOI: 10.1002/term.3002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Emergency Trauma CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Ping Zheng
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe People's Hospital of Shanghai Pudong New Area Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Shanghai China
| | - Tao Hong
- Emergency Trauma CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Yang Wang
- Emergency Trauma CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Bin He
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe People's Hospital of Shanghai Pudong New Area Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Shanghai China
| | - Shufeng Zou
- Emergency Trauma CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Dabin Ren
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe People's Hospital of Shanghai Pudong New Area Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences Shanghai China
| | - Jian Duan
- Emergency Trauma CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University Nanjing China
| | - Jiugeng Feng
- Emergency Trauma CenterThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University Nanchang China
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Wang M, Smith K, Yu Q, Miller C, Singh K, Sen CK. Mitochondrial connexin 43 in sex-dependent myocardial responses and estrogen-mediated cardiac protection following acute ischemia/reperfusion injury. Basic Res Cardiol 2019; 115:1. [PMID: 31741053 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-019-0759-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Preserving mitochondrial activity is crucial in rescuing cardiac function following acute myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). The sex difference in myocardial functional recovery has been observed after I/R. Given the key role of mitochondrial connexin43 (Cx43) in cardiac protection initiated by ischemic preconditioning, we aimed to determine the implication of mitochondrial Cx43 in sex-related myocardial responses and to examine the effect of estrogen (17β-estradiol, E2) on Cx43, particularly mitochondrial Cx43-involved cardiac protection following I/R. Mouse primary cardiomyocytes and isolated mouse hearts (from males, females, ovariectomized females, and doxycycline-inducible Tnnt2-controlled Cx43 knockout without or with acute post-ischemic E2 treatment) were subjected to simulated I/R in culture or Langendorff I/R (25-min warm ischemia/40-min reperfusion), respectively. Mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial superoxide production were measured in cardiomyocytes. Myocardial function and infarct size were determined. Cx43 and its isoform, Gja1-20k, were assessed in mitochondria. Immunoelectron microscopy and co-immunoprecipitation were also used to examine mitochondrial Cx43 and its interaction with estrogen receptor-α by E2 in mitochondria, respectively. There were sex disparities in stress-induced cardiomyocyte mitochondrial function. E2 partially restored mitochondrial activity in cardiomyocytes following acute injury. Post-ischemia infusion of E2 improved functional recovery and reduced infarct size with increased Cx43 content and phosphorylation in mitochondria. Ablation of cardiac Cx43 aggravated mitochondrial damage and abolished E2-mediated cardiac protection during I/R. Female mice were more resistant to myocardial I/R than age-matched males with greater protective role of mitochondrial Cx43 in female hearts. Post-ischemic E2 usage augmented mitochondrial Cx43 content and phosphorylation, increased mitochondrial Gja1-20k, and showed cardiac protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijing Wang
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 950 W. Walnut Street, R2 E319, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Kwynlyn Smith
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 950 W. Walnut Street, R2 E319, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Qing Yu
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 950 W. Walnut Street, R2 E319, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Caroline Miller
- Electron Microscopy Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Kanhaiya Singh
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 950 W. Walnut Street, R2 E319, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Chandan K Sen
- Department of Surgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, 950 W. Walnut Street, R2 E319, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Indiana Center for Regenerative Medicine and Engineering, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Liu Y, Zou J, Liu X, Zhang Q. MicroRNA-138 attenuates myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury through inhibiting mitochondria-mediated apoptosis by targeting HIF1-α. Exp Ther Med 2019; 18:3325-3332. [PMID: 31602205 PMCID: PMC6777330 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is considered to have a detrimental role in coronary heart disease, which is considered to be the leading cause of death worldwide. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the progression of myocardial I/R injury is still unclear. The current study aimed to investigate the expression and function of microRNA (miR)-138 in the process of myocardial I/R injury. First, miR-138 expression levels were analyzed both in myocardium with I/R injury and control myocardium using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis. Then, the relationship between the levels of miR-138 and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)1-α was also investigated using a luciferase reporter assay. Assessment of myocardial infarct size, measurements of serum myocardial enzymes and electron microscopy analysis were all utilized to analyse the effect of miR-138 on myocardial I/R injury. The authors of current study also used western blotting to examine the expression levels of the mitochondrial fission-related proteins dynamin-1-like protein and mitochondrial fission 1 protein. It was found that miR-138 is downregulated and HIF1-α is upregulated after myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. Overexpression of miR-138 reduced myocardial I/R injury-induced infarct sizes and myocardial enzyme levels, and it also inhibited the expression of proteins related to mitochondrial morphology and myocardial I/R-induced mitochondrial apoptosis by targeting HIF1-α. Taken together, these findings provide a novel insight into the molecular mechanism of miR-138 and HIF1-α in the progression of myocardial I/R injury. miR-138 has the potential to become a promising therapeutic target for treating myocardial I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Liu
- The First Ward, Department of Cardiology, Rizhao People's Hospital, Rizhao, Shandong 276800, P.R. China
| | - Jianfeng Zou
- The Third Ward, Department of Cardiology, Rizhao People's Hospital, Rizhao, Shandong 276800, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Liu
- The First Ward, Department of Cardiology, Rizhao People's Hospital, Rizhao, Shandong 276800, P.R. China
| | - Quan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 260141, P.R. China
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