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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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Budinger D, Baker V, Heneka MT. Tunneling Nanotubes in the Brain. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 73:203-227. [PMID: 39242381 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-62036-2_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/09/2024]
Abstract
Tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) have emerged as intriguing structures facilitating intercellular communications across diverse cell types, which are integral to several biological processes, as well as participating in various disease progression. This review provides an in-depth analysis of TNTs, elucidating their structural characteristics and functional roles, with a particular focus on their significance within the brain environment and their implications in neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. We explore the interplay between TNTs and neurological diseases, offering potential mechanistic insights into disease progression, while also highlighting their potential as viable therapeutic targets. Additionally, we address the significant challenges associated with studying TNTs, from technical limitations to their investigation in complex biological systems. By addressing some of these challenges, this review aims to pave the way for further exploration into TNTs, establishing them as a central focus in advancing our understanding of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitri Budinger
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Vivian Baker
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Michael T Heneka
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-Belval, Luxembourg.
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Liu L, Yang J, Otani Y, Shiga T, Yamaguchi A, Oda Y, Hattori M, Goto T, Ishibashi S, Kawashima-Sonoyama Y, Ishihara T, Matsuzaki Y, Akamatsu W, Fujitani M, Taketani T. MELAS-Derived Neurons Functionally Improve by Mitochondrial Transfer from Highly Purified Mesenchymal Stem Cells (REC). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17186. [PMID: 38139018 PMCID: PMC10742994 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417186] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial encephalomyopathy, lactic acidosis, and stroke-like episode (MELAS) syndrome, caused by a single base substitution in mitochondrial DNA (m.3243A>G), is one of the most common maternally inherited mitochondrial diseases accompanied by neuronal damage due to defects in the oxidative phosphorylation system. There is no established treatment. Our previous study reported a superior restoration of mitochondrial function and bioenergetics in mitochondria-deficient cells using highly purified mesenchymal stem cells (RECs). However, whether such exogenous mitochondrial donation occurs in mitochondrial disease models and whether it plays a role in the recovery of pathological neuronal functions is unknown. Here, utilizing induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), we differentiated neurons with impaired mitochondrial function from patients with MELAS. MELAS neurons and RECs/mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured under contact or non-contact conditions. Both RECs and MSCs can donate mitochondria to MELAS neurons, but RECs are more excellent than MSCs for mitochondrial transfer in both systems. In addition, REC-mediated mitochondrial transfer significantly restored mitochondrial function, including mitochondrial membrane potential, ATP/ROS production, intracellular calcium storage, and oxygen consumption rate. Moreover, mitochondrial function was maintained for at least three weeks. Thus, REC-donated exogenous mitochondria might offer a potential therapeutic strategy for treating neurological dysfunction in MELAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (L.L.); (J.Y.); (Y.O.); (M.H.); (T.G.); (Y.K.-S.)
| | - Jiahao Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (L.L.); (J.Y.); (Y.O.); (M.H.); (T.G.); (Y.K.-S.)
| | - Yoshinori Otani
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (Y.O.); (M.F.)
| | - Takahiro Shiga
- Center for Genomic and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (T.S.); (A.Y.); (W.A.)
| | - Akihiro Yamaguchi
- Center for Genomic and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (T.S.); (A.Y.); (W.A.)
| | - Yasuaki Oda
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (L.L.); (J.Y.); (Y.O.); (M.H.); (T.G.); (Y.K.-S.)
| | - Miho Hattori
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (L.L.); (J.Y.); (Y.O.); (M.H.); (T.G.); (Y.K.-S.)
| | - Tsukimi Goto
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (L.L.); (J.Y.); (Y.O.); (M.H.); (T.G.); (Y.K.-S.)
- Clinical Laboratory Division, Shimane University Hospital, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Shuichi Ishibashi
- Department of Digestive and General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan;
| | - Yuki Kawashima-Sonoyama
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (L.L.); (J.Y.); (Y.O.); (M.H.); (T.G.); (Y.K.-S.)
| | - Takaya Ishihara
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (T.I.); (Y.M.)
| | - Yumi Matsuzaki
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (T.I.); (Y.M.)
| | - Wado Akamatsu
- Center for Genomic and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; (T.S.); (A.Y.); (W.A.)
| | - Masashi Fujitani
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (Y.O.); (M.F.)
| | - Takeshi Taketani
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan; (L.L.); (J.Y.); (Y.O.); (M.H.); (T.G.); (Y.K.-S.)
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Yang J, Liu L, Oda Y, Wada K, Ago M, Matsuda S, Hattori M, Goto T, Ishibashi S, Kawashima-Sonoyama Y, Matsuzaki Y, Taketani T. Extracellular Vesicles and Cx43-Gap Junction Channels Are the Main Routes for Mitochondrial Transfer from Ultra-Purified Mesenchymal Stem Cells, RECs. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10294. [PMID: 37373439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are essential organelles for maintaining intracellular homeostasis. Their dysfunction can directly or indirectly affect cell functioning and is linked to multiple diseases. Donation of exogenous mitochondria is potentially a viable therapeutic strategy. For this, selecting appropriate donors of exogenous mitochondria is critical. We previously demonstrated that ultra-purified bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (RECs) have better stem cell properties and homogeneity than conventionally cultured bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Here, we explored the effect of contact and noncontact systems on three possible mitochondrial transfer mechanisms involving tunneling nanotubes, connexin 43 (Cx43)-mediated gap junction channels (GJCs), and extracellular vesicles (Evs). We show that Evs and Cx43-GJCs provide the main mechanism for mitochondrial transfer from RECs. Through these two critical mitochondrial transfer pathways, RECs could transfer a greater number of mitochondria into mitochondria-deficient (ρ0) cells and could significantly restore mitochondrial functional parameters. Furthermore, we analyzed the effect of exosomes (EXO) on the rate of mitochondrial transfer from RECs and recovery of mitochondrial function. REC-derived EXO appeared to promote mitochondrial transfer and slightly improve the recovery of mtDNA content and oxidative phosphorylation in ρ0 cells. Thus, ultrapure, homogenous, and safe stem cell RECs could provide a potential therapeutic tool for diseases associated with mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahao Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Oda
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Keisuke Wada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Mako Ago
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Matsuda
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shimane University Hospital, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Miho Hattori
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Tsukimi Goto
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Shuichi Ishibashi
- Department of Digestive and General Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Yuki Kawashima-Sonoyama
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Yumi Matsuzaki
- Department of Life Science, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
| | - Takeshi Taketani
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Shimane University, 89-1 Enya-cho, Izumo 693-8501, Japan
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