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Cx43 mediates changes in myofibroblast contraction and collagen release in human amniotic membrane defects after trauma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16975. [PMID: 34408164 PMCID: PMC8373966 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-94767-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The wound healing capacity of the fetal membranes after spontaneous or iatrogenic membrane rupture is unclear. We examined the healing mechanisms in amniotic membrane (AM) defects after trauma. Traumatised human AM defects were cultured for 4 days. Markers for nuclear (DAPI), cell type (vimentin, αSMA) and healing (Cx43, TGFβ1, collagen) were examined by immunofluorescence (IMF) confocal microscopy, Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) imaging and RT-qPCR. After trauma, AMCs and myofibroblasts migrated to the AM wound edge. Within four days, αSMA expressing myofibroblasts showed abundant Cx43 localized in the cytoplasmic processes. The highly contractile spindle-shaped myofibroblasts were present in the defect site and released collagen. In contrast, AMCs expressed vimentin and formed Cx43 plaques between cells found in the outer edges of the wound. Whilst AMCs were absent in the defect site, αSMA expressing myofibroblasts continued to elongate and polarize the collagen fibres. Both TGFβ1 and Cx43 gene expression were significantly increased after trauma. Cx43 has differential effects on AM cell populations that increase cellularity, contraction and potentially migration to the wound edge resulting in collagen polarisation in the AM defect site. Establishing how Cx43 regulates AM cell function could be an approach to repair defects in the membranes after trauma.
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2
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Ribot J, Breton R, Calvo CF, Moulard J, Ezan P, Zapata J, Samama K, Moreau M, Bemelmans AP, Sabatet V, Dingli F, Loew D, Milleret C, Billuart P, Dallérac G, Rouach N. Astrocytes close the mouse critical period for visual plasticity. Science 2021; 373:77-81. [PMID: 34210880 DOI: 10.1126/science.abf5273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Brain postnatal development is characterized by critical periods of experience-dependent remodeling of neuronal circuits. Failure to end these periods results in neurodevelopmental disorders. The cellular processes defining critical-period timing remain unclear. Here, we show that in the mouse visual cortex, astrocytes control critical-period closure. We uncover the underlying pathway, which involves astrocytic regulation of the extracellular matrix, allowing interneuron maturation. Unconventional astrocyte connexin signaling hinders expression of extracellular matrix-degrading enzyme matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) through RhoA-guanosine triphosphatase activation. Thus, astrocytes not only influence the activity of single synapses but also are key elements in the experience-dependent wiring of brain circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Ribot
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Rachel Breton
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,Doctoral School N°568, Paris Saclay University, PSL Research University, Le Kremlin Bicetre, France.,Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Institut des neurosciences Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Charles-Félix Calvo
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Julien Moulard
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France.,Doctoral School N°158, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | - Pascal Ezan
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Jonathan Zapata
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Kevin Samama
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Matthieu Moreau
- Université de Paris, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Genetic and Development of Cerebral Cortex Laboratory, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Hôpital Saint Anne, Paris, France
| | - Alexis-Pierre Bemelmans
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de biologie François Jacob, MIRCen, and CNRS UMR 9199, Université Paris-Saclay, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France
| | - Valentin Sabatet
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Florent Dingli
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Damarys Loew
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics Laboratory, Paris, France
| | - Chantal Milleret
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Billuart
- Université de Paris, Institute of Psychiatry and Neuroscience of Paris (IPNP), INSERM U1266, Genetic and Development of Cerebral Cortex Laboratory, GHU Paris Psychiatrie et Neurosciences, Hôpital Saint Anne, Paris, France
| | - Glenn Dallérac
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France
| | - Nathalie Rouach
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris, France.
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Kwek MSY, Thangaveloo M, Hui SLB, Madden LE, Phillips AR, Becker DL. Characterisation of an ischemia reperfusion model for the formation of a stage I pressure ulcer in mouse skin. J Tissue Viability 2021; 30:352-362. [PMID: 33875344 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtv.2021.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Pairs of magnets were applied to the loose skin on the backs of mice in order to cause ischemia for periods of 1.5, 2, 2.5 and 3 h followed by reperfusion. We found 1.5 h of ischemia resulted in the most reliable outcome of blanched skin but no redness or skin breakdown. Histological analysis at 4 h of reperfusion showed, in the centre of the insult, condensed nuclei in the epidermis and sebaceous glands with a build up of neutrophils in the blood vessels, and a reduction in the number of fibroblasts. At 24 h, spongiosis was seen in the epidermis and pockets of neutrophils began to accumulate under it, as well as being scatted through the dermis. In the centre of the insult there was a loss of sebaceous gland nuclei and fibroblasts. Four days after the insult, spongiosis was reduced in the epidermis at the edge of the insult but enhanced in the centre and in hair follicles. Leukocytes were seen throughout the central dermis. At 8 days, spongiosis and epidermal thickness had reduced and fibroblasts were reappearing. However, blood vessels still had leukocytes lining the lumen. The gap junction protein connexin 43 was significantly elevated in the epidermis at 4 h and 24 h reperfusion. Ischemia of 1.5 h generates a sterile inflammatory reaction causing the loss of some cell types but leaving the epidermis intact reminiscent of a stage I pressure ulcer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milton Sheng Yi Kwek
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11, Mandalay Road, 308232, Singapore; Skin Research Institute Singapore, Level 17, Clinical Sciences Building, 11, Mandalay Road, 308232, Singapore
| | - Moogaambikai Thangaveloo
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11, Mandalay Road, 308232, Singapore; Skin Research Institute Singapore, Level 17, Clinical Sciences Building, 11, Mandalay Road, 308232, Singapore
| | - Sophia Lim Beng Hui
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11, Mandalay Road, 308232, Singapore; Skin Research Institute Singapore, Level 17, Clinical Sciences Building, 11, Mandalay Road, 308232, Singapore
| | - Leigh E Madden
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11, Mandalay Road, 308232, Singapore; Skin Research Institute Singapore, Level 17, Clinical Sciences Building, 11, Mandalay Road, 308232, Singapore
| | | | - David L Becker
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Clinical Sciences Building, 11, Mandalay Road, 308232, Singapore; Skin Research Institute Singapore, Level 17, Clinical Sciences Building, 11, Mandalay Road, 308232, Singapore.
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Kanapathy M, Hachach-Haram N, Bystrzonowski N, Becker DL, Mosahebi A, Richards T. Epidermal graft encourages wound healing by down-regulation of gap junctional protein and activation of wound bed without graft integration as opposed to split-thickness skin graft. Int Wound J 2021; 18:332-341. [PMID: 33751815 PMCID: PMC8244016 DOI: 10.1111/iwj.13536] [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: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wound coverage by split-thickness skin graft (SSG) and epidermal graft (EG) shortens healing time, with comparable outcomes. However, the healing mechanism of EG is not as well understood as SSG. The difference in the healing mechanisms of EG and SSG was investigated using gap junctional proteins, proliferative marker, and cytokeratin markers. Paired punch biopsies were taken from the wound edge and wound bed from patients undergoing EG and SSG at weeks 0 and 1 to investigate wound edge keratinocyte migratory activities (connexins 43, 30, and 26), wound bed activation (Ki67), and the presence of graft integration to the wound bed (cytokeratins 14 and 6). Twenty-four paired biopsies were taken at weeks 0 and 1 (EG, n = 12; SSG, n = 12). Wound edge biopsies demonstrated down-regulation of connexins 43 (P = .023) and 30 (P = .027) after EG, indicating accelerated healing from the wound edge. At week 1, increased expression of Ki67 (P < .05) was seen after EG, indicating activation of cells within the wound bed. Keratinocytes expressing cytokeratins 6 and 14 were observed on all wounds treated with SSG but were absent at week 1 after EG, indicating the absence of graft integration following EG. Despite EG and SSG both being autologous skin grafts, they demonstrate different mechanisms of wound healing. EG accelerates wound healing from the wound edges and activates the wound bed despite not integrating into the wound bed at week 1 post-grafting as opposed to SSG, hence demonstrating properties comparable with a bioactive dressing instead of a skin substitute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muholan Kanapathy
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nadine Hachach-Haram
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nicola Bystrzonowski
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, London, UK
| | - David L Becker
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.,Institute of Medical Biology, A*Star, Immunos, Biomedical Grove, Singapore
| | - Afshin Mosahebi
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, London, UK
| | - Toby Richards
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK.,Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, London, UK
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5
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Tan MLL, Kwong HL, Ang CC, Tey HL, Lee JSS, Becker DL. Changes in connexin 43 in inflammatory skin disorders: Eczema, psoriasis, and Steven-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. Health Sci Rep 2021; 4:e247. [PMID: 33659713 PMCID: PMC7895532 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Connexin 43 (Cx43) plays a central role in the inflammatory response and wound healing. Targeting Cx43 expression reduces inflammation in a variety of injuries. The expression pattern of Cx43 has not been described for many inflammatory skin diseases. OBJECTIVES To describe the expression patterns of Cx43 in eczema, psoriasis, Steven-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis. METHODS Archival skin biopsies from patients with eczema, psoriasis, and Steven-Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrosis were identified and examined, with sister sections stained for Cx43 and imaged by confocal microscopy. All samples were compared to age and site-matched normal skin controls. RESULTS Epidermal Cx43 is reduced in acute eczema, absent in regions of spongiosis, and is highly elevated in subacute and chronic eczema. In plaque psoriasis, Cx43 is overexpressed in areas with psoriasiform hyperplasia with a fish-scale-like appearance but is lost in regions surrounding neutrophil microabscesses. Cx43 staining is strong in the neutrophils within these microabscesses. In SJS/TEN, Cx43 expression is elevated in areas bordering normal tissue but is rapidly lost in areas of keratinocyte necrosis. CONCLUSIONS Dynamic changes in Cx43 levels are seen in inflammatory skin diseases and may represent future potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy L. L. Tan
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
- Interdisciplinary Graduate SchoolNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
| | - Hui L. Kwong
- National Skin CentreSingaporeSingapore
- Department of DermatologyChangi General HospitalSingaporeSingapore
| | - Chia C. Ang
- Department of DermatologyChangi General HospitalSingaporeSingapore
| | - Hong L. Tey
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
- National Skin CentreSingaporeSingapore
- Yong Loo Lin School of MedicineNational University of SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
| | | | - David L. Becker
- Lee Kong Chian School of MedicineNanyang Technological UniversitySingaporeSingapore
- Skin Research Institute SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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6
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Fernandez-Flores A, Varela-Vazquez A, Mayan MD, Fonseca E. Expression of connexin 43 by atypical fibroxanthoma. J Cutan Pathol 2020; 48:247-254. [PMID: 32851695 DOI: 10.1111/cup.13856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Connexins are transmembrane channel proteins that interconnect adjacent cells and allow the exchange of signaling molecules between cells and the extracellular milieu. They have been investigated in many tumors to obtain information about tumor nature, behavior, and prognosis. METHODS Herein, we present a study on the immunohistochemical expression of connexin (Cx) 43 in 16 cases of atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX). For the immunohistochemical staining, a tissue array was obtained from the paraffin-embedded blocks. RESULTS The expression was membranous and cytoplasmic in all cases. Thirteen cases (81.25%) showed strong staining. In the other three cases (18.75%), the staining was medium. None of the cases showed nuclear staining. Fifteen out of 16 cases showed a diffuse pattern, and only one case showed a focal pattern. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that Cx43 may play an important role in the natural behavior of AFX.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angel Fernandez-Flores
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Hospital El Bierzo, Ponferrada, Spain.,Department of Cellular Pathology, Hospital de la Reina, Ponferrada, Spain.,Department of Research, Institute for Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC). University of A Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Adrian Varela-Vazquez
- Department of Research, Institute for Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC). University of A Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Maria D Mayan
- Department of Research, Institute for Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC). University of A Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fonseca
- Department of Research, Institute for Biomedical Research of A Coruña (INIBIC). University of A Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain.,Department of Dermatology, University Hospital of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
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7
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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: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [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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Dexmedetomidine Attenuates LPS-Induced Monocyte-Endothelial Adherence via Inhibiting Cx43/PKC- α/NOX2/ROS Signaling Pathway in Monocytes. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:2930463. [PMID: 32774667 PMCID: PMC7395996 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2930463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dexmedetomidine is widely used for sedating patients in operation rooms or intensive care units. Its protective functions against oxidative stress, inflammation reaction, and apoptosis have been widely reported. In present study, we explored the effects of dexmedetomidine on monocyte-endothelial adherence. We built lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) induced monocyte-endothelial adherence models with U937 monocytes and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and observed the effects of dexmedetomidine on U937-HUVEC adhesion. Specific siRNA was designed to knock-down Connexin43 (Cx43) expression in U937 monocytes. Gö6976, GSK2795039, and NAC were used to inhibit PKC-α, NOX2, and ROS, respectively. Then, we detected whether dexmedetomidine could downregulate Cx43 expression and its downstream PKC-α/NOX2/ROS signaling pathway activation and ultimately result in the decrease of U937-HUVEC adhesion. The results showed that dexmedetomidine, at its clinically relevant concentrations (0.1 nM and 1 nM), could inhibit adhesion of molecule expression (VLA-4 and LFA-1) and U937-HUVEC adhesion. Simultaneously, it also attenuated Cx43 expression in U937 monocytes. With the downregulation of Cx43 expression, the activity of PKC-α and its related NOX2/ROS signaling pathway were reduced. Inhibiting PKC-α/NOX2/ROS signaling pathway with Gö6976, GSK2795039, and NAC, respectively, VLA-4, LFA-1 expression, and U937-HUVEC adhesion were all decreased. In summary, we concluded that dexmedetomidine, at its clinically relevant concentrations (0.1 nM and 1 nM), decreased Cx43 expression in U937 monocytes and PKC-α associated with carboxyl-terminal domain of Cx43 protein. With the downregulation of PKC-α, the NOX2/ROS signaling pathway was inhibited, resulting in the decrease of VLA-4 and LFA-1 expression. Ultimately, U937-HUVEC adhesion was reduced.
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9
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Hou X, Khan MRA, Turmaine M, Thrasivoulou C, Becker DL, Ahmed A. Wnt signaling regulates cytosolic translocation of connexin 43. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2019; 317:R248-R261. [DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00268.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The availability of intracellular, stabilized β-catenin, a transcription factor coactivator, is tightly regulated; β-catenin is translocated into the nucleus in response to Wnt ligand binding to its cell membrane receptors. Here we show that Wnt signal activation in mammalian cells activates intracellular mobilization of connexin 43 (Cx43), which belongs to a gap junction protein family, a new target protein in response to extracellular Wnt signal activation. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the nuclear localization of Cx43 was increased by 8- to 10-fold in Wnt5A- and 9B-treated cells compared with controls; this Wnt-induced increase was negated in the cells where Cx43 and β-catenin were knocked down using shRNA. There was a significant ( P < 0.001) and concomitant depletion of the cell membrane and cytosolic signal of Cx43 in Wnt-treated cells with an increase in the nuclear signal for Cx43; this was more obvious in cells where β-catenin was knocked down using shRNA. Conversely, Cx43 knockdown resulted in increased β-catenin in the nucleus in the absence of Wnt activation. Coimmunoprecipitation of Cx43 and β-catenin proteins with a casein kinase (CKIδ) antibody showed that Cx43 interacts with β-catenin and may form part of the so-called destruction complex. Functionally, Wnt activation increased the rate of wound reepithelization in rat skin in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Hou
- Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Division of Surgery, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammad R. A. Khan
- Prostate Cancer Research Centre at the Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Turmaine
- Division of Biosciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Thrasivoulou
- Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David L Becker
- Research Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, The Centre for Cell and Molecular Dynamics, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Institute of Medical Biology, A*STAR, Singapore
| | - Aamir Ahmed
- Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Division of Surgery, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Prostate Cancer Research Centre at the Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, United Kingdom
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10
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Connexin 43 Loss Triggers Cell Cycle Entry and Invasion in Non-Neoplastic Breast Epithelium: A Role for Noncanonical Wnt Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030339. [PMID: 30857262 PMCID: PMC6468895 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) is disrupted in breast cancer, and re-expression of this protein in human breast cancer cell lines leads to decreased proliferation and invasiveness, suggesting a tumor suppressive role. This study aims to investigate the role of Cx43 in proliferation and invasion starting from non-neoplastic breast epithelium. (2) Methods: Nontumorigenic human mammary epithelial HMT-3522 S1 cells and Cx43 shRNA-transfected counterparts were cultured under 2-dimensional (2-D) and 3-D conditions. (3) Results: Silencing Cx43 induced mislocalization of β-catenin and Scrib from apicolateral membrane domains in glandular structures or acini formed in 3-D culture, suggesting the loss of apical polarity. Cell cycle entry and proliferation were enhanced, concomitantly with c-Myc and cyclin D1 upregulation, while no detectable activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was observed. Motility and invasion were also triggered and were associated with altered acinar morphology and activation of ERK1/2 and Rho GTPase signaling, which acts downstream of the noncanonical Wnt pathway. The invasion of Cx43-shRNA S1 cells was observed only under permissive stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM). (4) Conclusion: Our results suggest that Cx43 controls proliferation and invasion in the normal mammary epithelium in part by regulating noncanonical Wnt signaling.
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11
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Fostok SF, El-Sibai M, El-Sabban M, Talhouk RS. Gap Junctions and Wnt Signaling in the Mammary Gland: a Cross-Talk? J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2019; 24:17-38. [PMID: 30194659 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-018-9411-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs), the building blocks of gap junctions (GJs), exhibit spatiotemporal patterns of expression and regulate the development and differentiation of the mammary gland, acting via channel-dependent and channel-independent mechanisms. Impaired Cx expression and localization are reported in breast cancer, suggesting a tumor suppressive role for Cxs. The signaling events that mediate the role of GJs in the development and tumorigenesis of the mammary gland remain poorly identified. The Wnt pathways, encompassing the canonical or the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the noncanonical β-catenin-independent pathway, also play important roles in those processes. Indeed, aberrant Wnt signaling is associated with breast cancer. Despite the coincident roles of Cxs and Wnt pathways, the cross-talk in the breast tissue is poorly defined, although this is reported in a number of other tissues. Our previous studies revealed a channel-independent role for Cx43 in inducing differentiation or suppressing tumorigenesis of mammary epithelial cells by acting as a negative regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here, we provide a brief overview of mammary gland development, with emphasis on the role of Cxs in development and tumorigenesis of this tissue. We also discuss the role of Wnt signaling in similar contexts, and review the literature illustrating interplay between Cxs and Wnt pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabreen F Fostok
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), P.O. Box: 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Mirvat El-Sibai
- Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University (LAU), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Marwan El-Sabban
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut (AUB), Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Rabih S Talhouk
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Arts and Sciences, American University of Beirut (AUB), P.O. Box: 11-0236, Beirut, Lebanon.
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12
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The Role of Connexin-43 in the Inflammatory Process: A New Potential Therapy to Influence Keratitis. J Ophthalmol 2019; 2019:9312827. [PMID: 30805212 PMCID: PMC6360563 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9312827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The studies outlined in this review highlight the relationship between inflammatory signaling molecules and connexin-43 (Cx43). Gap junction (GJ) channels and hemichannels (HCs) participate in the metabolic activity between intra- and extracellular space. Some ions and small molecules are exchanged from cell to cell or cell to extracellular space to affect the process of inflammation via GJ. We analyzed the effects of signaling molecules, such as innate immunity messengers, transcription factors, LPS, cytokine, inflammatory chemokines, and MMPs, on Cx43 expression during the inflammatory process. At the same time, we found that these signaling molecules play a critical role in the pathogenesis of keratitis. Thus, we assessed the function of Cx43 during inflammatory corneal disease. Corneal healing plays an essential role in the late stage of keratitis. We found that Cx43 is involved in wound healing. Studies have shown that the decrease of Cx43 can decrease the time of healing. We also report several Cx43 mimic peptides which can inhibit the activity of Cx43 Hc to mediate the releasing of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which may in turn influence the inflammatory process.
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13
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Montgomery J, Ghatnekar GS, Grek CL, Moyer KE, Gourdie RG. Connexin 43-Based Therapeutics for Dermal Wound Healing. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061778. [PMID: 29914066 PMCID: PMC6032231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2018] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The most ubiquitous gap junction protein within the body, connexin 43 (Cx43), is a target of interest for modulating the dermal wound healing response. Observational studies found associations between Cx43 at the wound edge and poor healing response, and subsequent studies utilizing local knockdown of Cx43 found improvements in wound closure rate and final scar appearance. Further preclinical work conducted using Cx43-based peptide therapeutics, including alpha connexin carboxyl terminus 1 (αCT1), a peptide mimetic of the Cx43 carboxyl terminus, reported similar improvements in wound healing and scar formation. Clinical trials and further study into the mode of action have since been conducted on αCT1, and Phase III testing for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers is currently underway. Therapeutics targeting connexin activity show promise in beneficially modulating the human body’s natural healing response for improved patient outcomes across a variety of injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jade Montgomery
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
| | | | | | - Kurtis E Moyer
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
- Department of Surgery, Carilion Clinic, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
| | - Robert G Gourdie
- Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA.
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14
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Ghézali G, Calvo CF, Pillet LE, Llense F, Ezan P, Pannasch U, Bemelmans AP, Etienne Manneville S, Rouach N. Connexin 30 controls astroglial polarization during postnatal brain development. Development 2018; 145:145/4/dev155275. [PMID: 29475972 PMCID: PMC5869003 DOI: 10.1242/dev.155275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 01/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes undergo intense morphological maturation during development, changing from individual sparsely branched cells to polarized and tremendously ramified cells. Connexin 30, an astroglial gap-junction channel-forming protein expressed postnatally, regulates in situ the extension and ramification of astroglial processes. However, the involvement of connexin 30 in astroglial polarization, which is known to control cell morphology, remains unexplored. We found that connexin 30, independently of gap-junction-mediated intercellular biochemical coupling, alters the orientation of astrocyte protrusion, centrosome and Golgi apparatus during polarized migration in an in vitro wound-healing assay. Connexin 30 sets the orientation of astroglial motile protrusions via modulation of the laminin/β1 integrin/Cdc42 polarity pathway. Connexin 30 indeed reduces laminin levels, inhibits the redistribution of the β1-integrin extracellular matrix receptors, and inhibits the recruitment and activation of the small Rho GTPase Cdc42 at the leading edge of migrating astrocytes. In vivo, connexin 30, the expression of which is developmentally regulated, also contributes to the establishment of hippocampal astrocyte polarity during postnatal maturation. This study thus reveals that connexin 30 controls astroglial polarity during development. Summary: Connexin 30 sets the orientation of astroglial motile protrusions during polarized migration in vitro and contributes in vivo to the establishment of hippocampal astrocyte polarity during postnatal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grégory Ghézali
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France.,Doctoral School N°158, Pierre and Marie Curie University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Charles-Félix Calvo
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Laure-Elise Pillet
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France.,Doctoral School N°562, Paris Descartes University, Paris 75006, France
| | - Flora Llense
- Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3691, Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Pascal Ezan
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Ulrike Pannasch
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
| | - Alexis-Pierre Bemelmans
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives (CEA), Département de la Recherche Fondamentale, Institut de biologie François Jacob, MIRCen, and CNRS UMR 9199, Université Paris-Sud, Neurodegenerative Diseases Laboratory, Fontenay-aux-Roses 92260, France
| | - Sandrine Etienne Manneville
- Institut Pasteur, CNRS UMR 3691, Cell Polarity, Migration and Cancer Unit, 25 Rue du Dr Roux, 75724 Paris Cedex 15, France
| | - Nathalie Rouach
- Center for Interdisciplinary Research in Biology, Collège de France, CNRS UMR 7241, INSERM U1050, Labex Memolife, PSL Research University, Paris 75005, France
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15
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Faniku C, O'Shaughnessy E, Lorraine C, Johnstone SR, Graham A, Greenhough S, Martin PEM. The Connexin Mimetic Peptide Gap27 and Cx43-Knockdown Reveal Differential Roles for Connexin43 in Wound Closure Events in Skin Model Systems. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19020604. [PMID: 29463027 PMCID: PMC5855826 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19020604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
In the epidermis, remodelling of Connexin43 is a key event in wound closure. However, controversy between the role of connexin channel and non-channel functions exist. We compared the impact of SiRNA targeted to Connexin43 and the connexin mimetic peptide Gap27 on scrape wound closure rates and hemichannel signalling in adult keratinocytes (AK) and fibroblasts sourced from juvenile foreskin (JFF), human neonatal fibroblasts (HNDF) and adult dermal tissue (ADF). The impact of these agents, following 24 h exposure, on GJA1 (encoding Connexin43), Ki67 and TGF-β1 gene expression, and Connexin43 and pSmad3 protein expression levels, were examined by qPCR and Western Blot respectively. In all cell types Gap27 (100 nM–100 μM) attenuated hemichannel activity. In AK and JFF cells, Gap27 (100 nM–100 μM) enhanced scrape wound closure rates by ~50% but did not influence movement in HNDF or ADF cells. In both JF and AK cells, exposure to Gap27 for 24 h reduced the level of Cx43 protein expression but did not affect the level in ADF and HNDF cells. Connexin43-SiRNA enhanced scrape wound closure in all the cell types under investigation. In HDNF and ADF, Connexin43-SiRNA enhanced cell proliferation rates, with enhanced proliferation also observed following exposure of HDNF to Gap27. By contrast, in JFF and AK cells no changes in proliferation occurred. In JFF cells, Connexin43-SiRNA enhanced TGF-β1 levels and in JFF and ADF cells both Connexin43-SiRNA and Gap27 enhanced pSmad3 protein expression levels. We conclude that Connexin43 signalling plays an important role in cell migration in keratinocytes and foreskin derived fibroblasts, however, different pathways are evoked and in dermal derived adult and neonatal fibroblasts, inhibition of Connexin43 signalling plays a more significant role in regulating cell proliferation than cell migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysovalantou Faniku
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Erin O'Shaughnessy
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Claire Lorraine
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Scott R Johnstone
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, P.O. Box 801394, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TT, UK.
| | - Annette Graham
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Sebastian Greenhough
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Patricia E M Martin
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
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16
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Kanapathy M, Simpson R, Madden L, Thrasivoulou C, Mosahebi A, Becker DL, Richards T. Upregulation of epidermal gap junctional proteins in patients with venous disease. Br J Surg 2017; 105:59-67. [DOI: 10.1002/bjs.10653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Leg ulceration is a feared complication of venous insufficiency. It is not known whether varicose veins predispose skin to poor wound healing. The expression pattern of gap junctional protein connexin, a known marker of poor wound healing, was investigated across various stages of venous disease.
Methods
Patients undergoing intervention for varicose veins were assessed according to the Clinical Etiologic Anatomic Pathophysiologic (CEAP) classification of varicose veins. Paired 4-mm punch biopsies were taken from above the ankle (pathological) and above the knee (control). Tissues were stained with haematoxylin and eosin, and for connexin 43, connexin 30 and connexin 26.
Results
Forty-eight paired biopsies were taken (12 each for CEAP class C0, C2, C4 and C6). The pathological skin showed progressive epithelial hyperthickening, an increase in the number and depth of rete ridges, increased inflammation and loss of dermal architecture with disease progression from C4 onwards. The overall absolute connexin expression and mean connexin expression per cell in the pathological skin similarly increased across the CEAP classes from as early as C2. Increasing levels of connexin in control skin were also noted, indicating progression of the disease proximally. Connexin 43 expression showed the strongest positive correlation between pathological and control skin.
Conclusion
Connexins were overexpressed in patients with simple varicose veins, with a stepwise increased expression through venous eczema to ulceration. Connexin 43 is a potential biomarker for venous disease. This finding suggests that varicose veins predispose skin to poor wound healing. Surgical relevanceThe overexpression of connexins, a family of gap junctional proteins, is known to cause poor healing in venous leg ulceration. It is not known whether there is any association with superficial venous disease. Here, connexin proteins were overexpressed in patients with uncomplicated varicose veins, before histological skin changes. Connexin could be a biomarker of venous disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kanapathy
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, London, UK
- Tissue Repair and Regeneration Laboratory, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - R Simpson
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
| | - L Madden
- Tissue Repair and Regeneration Laboratory, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - C Thrasivoulou
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - A Mosahebi
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, London, UK
| | - D L Becker
- Tissue Repair and Regeneration Laboratory, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
- Institute of Medical Biology, A*Star, Immunos, Biomedical Grove, Singapore
| | - T Richards
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
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17
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Montague K, Lowe AS, Uzquiano A, Knüfer A, Astick M, Price SR, Guthrie S. The assembly of developing motor neurons depends on an interplay between spontaneous activity, type II cadherins and gap junctions. Development 2017; 144:830-836. [PMID: 28246212 DOI: 10.1242/dev.144063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
A core structural and functional motif of the vertebrate central nervous system is discrete clusters of neurons or 'nuclei'. Yet the developmental mechanisms underlying this fundamental mode of organisation are largely unknown. We have previously shown that the assembly of motor neurons into nuclei depends on cadherin-mediated adhesion. Here, we demonstrate that the emergence of mature topography among motor nuclei involves a novel interplay between spontaneous activity, cadherin expression and gap junction communication. We report that nuclei display spontaneous calcium transients, and that changes in the activity patterns coincide with the course of nucleogenesis. We also find that these activity patterns are disrupted by manipulating cadherin or gap junction expression. Furthermore, inhibition of activity disrupts nucleogenesis, suggesting that activity feeds back to maintain integrity among motor neurons within a nucleus. Our study suggests that a network of interactions between cadherins, gap junctions and spontaneous activity governs neuron assembly, presaging circuit formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karli Montague
- Wolfson Centre for Age-related Diseases, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Andrew S Lowe
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Ana Uzquiano
- École de Neuroscience-Paris Île-de-France, ENP-DIM, 15 Rue de L'École de Médécine, Paris 75006, France
| | - Athene Knüfer
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Marc Astick
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire, Université de Bruxelles, Route de Lennik 808, Bruxelles B1070, Belgium
| | - Stephen R Price
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sarah Guthrie
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, King's College London, Guy's Hospital Campus, London SE1 1UL, UK
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18
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Barrett DW, Kethees A, Thrasivoulou C, Mata A, Virasami A, Sebire NJ, Engels AC, Deprest JA, Becker DL, David AL, Chowdhury TT. Trauma induces overexpression of Cx43 in human fetal membrane defects. Prenat Diagn 2017; 37:899-906. [PMID: 28664994 PMCID: PMC5638101 DOI: 10.1002/pd.5104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Objective We developed an in vitro model to examine whether trauma induces connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and collagen organisation in the amniotic membrane (AM) of fetal membrane (FM) defects. Method Term human FM was traumatised in vitro. Cell morphology and Cx43 were examined in the wound edge AM by immunofluorescence (IMF) confocal microscopy and compared to control AM. Collagen microstructure was examined by second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging. Cell viability was assessed with calcein and ethidium staining. Results After trauma, the AM showed a dense region of cells, which had migrated towards the wound edge. In wound edge AM, Cx43 puncta was preferentially distributed in mesenchymal cells compared to epithelial cells with significant expression in the fibroblast layer than epithelial layer (p < 0.001). In the fibroblast layer, the collagen fibres were highly polarised and aligned in parallel to the axis of the wound edge AM. There was an absence of cell migration across the defect with no healing after 168 h. Cell viability of the FM after trauma was maintained during culture. Conclusion Cx43 overexpression in wounded AM drives structural changes in collagen that slows down efficacy of cell migration across the FM defect. © 2017 The Authors. Prenatal Diagnosis published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. What's already known about this topic?
After fetal surgery, the human fetal membrane shows limited healing and overexpression of Cx43 at the wound edge. Cx43 knockdown leads to accelerated wound healing by influencing cell migration and tissue dynamics.
What does this study add?
We developed an artificial fetal membrane model to examine Cx43 expression after trauma and changes in collagen dynamics. We observed Cx43 overexpression and polarised collagen at the wound edge. These changes were found to be similar to human fetoscopic wounds after fetal surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Barrett
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Aumie Kethees
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Alvaro Mata
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Alex Virasami
- Histopathology Department, Camelia Botnar Laboratories, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Neil J Sebire
- Histopathology Department, Camelia Botnar Laboratories, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Alex C Engels
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan A Deprest
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - David L Becker
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Anna L David
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tina T Chowdhury
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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19
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Press E, Alaga KC, Barr K, Shao Q, Bosen F, Willecke K, Laird DW. Disease-linked connexin26 S17F promotes volar skin abnormalities and mild wound healing defects in mice. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2845. [PMID: 28569788 PMCID: PMC5520893 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Several mutant mice have been generated to model connexin (Cx)-linked skin diseases; however, the role of connexins in skin maintenance and during wound healing remains to be fully elucidated. Here we generated a novel, viable, and fertile mouse (Cx26CK14-S17F/+) with the keratitis-ichthyosis-deafness mutant (Cx26S17F) driven by the cytokeratin 14 promoter. This mutant mouse mirrors several Cx26-linked human skin pathologies suggesting that the etiology of Cx26-linked skin disease indeed stems from epidermal expression of the Cx26 mutant. Cx26CK14-S17F/+ foot pad epidermis formed severe palmoplantar keratoderma, which expressed elevated levels of Cx26 and filaggrin. Primary keratinocytes isolated from Cx26CK14-S17F/+ neonates exhibited reduced gap junctional intercellular communication and migration. Furthermore, Cx26CK14-S17F/+ mouse skin wound closure was normal but repaired epidermis appeared hyperplastic with elevated expression of cytokeratin 6. Taken together, we suggest that the Cx26S17F mutant disturbs keratinocyte differentiation and epidermal remodeling following wound closure. We further posit that Cx26 contributes to epidermal homeostasis by regulating keratinocyte differentiation, and that mice harboring a disease-linked Cx26 mutant display epidermal abnormalities yet retain most wound healing properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Press
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Katanya C Alaga
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kevin Barr
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Qing Shao
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Felicitas Bosen
- LIMES (Life and Medical Sciences Institute), Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Klaus Willecke
- LIMES (Life and Medical Sciences Institute), Molecular Genetics, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Dale W Laird
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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20
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Zhang XF, Cui X. Connexin 43: Key roles in the skin. Biomed Rep 2017; 6:605-611. [PMID: 28584630 DOI: 10.3892/br.2017.903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are tightly packed intercellular channels that serve a common purpose of allowing the intercellular exchange of small metabolites, second messengers and electrical signals. Connexins (Cxs) are gap junction proteins. Currently, 20 and 21 members of Cxs have been characterized in mice and humans, respectively. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most ubiquitously expressed type of Cx in the skin. It is produced by various different types of skin cell, such as keratinocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial and basal cells, melanocytes and dermal papilla cells. At present, more evidence indicates that Cx43 has an important role in skin repair and skin tumor development, as well as in skin cell invasion and metastasis. In this review, current knowledge regarding the regulation and function of Cx43 is summarized and the therapeutic potential of regulating Cx43 activity is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Fei Zhang
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofeng Cui
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, P.R. China
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21
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Ud-Din S, Bayat A. Non-animal models of wound healing in cutaneous repair: In silico, in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models of wounds and scars in human skin. Wound Repair Regen 2017; 25:164-176. [DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Ud-Din
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Research, Centre for Dermatology Research; University of Manchester; Manchester United Kingdom
| | - Ardeshir Bayat
- Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Research, Centre for Dermatology Research; University of Manchester; Manchester United Kingdom
- Bioengineering Research Group, School of Materials, Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences; The University of Manchester; Manchester United Kingdom
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22
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Wong P, Tan T, Chan C, Laxton V, Chan YWF, Liu T, Wong WT, Tse G. The Role of Connexins in Wound Healing and Repair: Novel Therapeutic Approaches. Front Physiol 2016; 7:596. [PMID: 27999549 PMCID: PMC5138227 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2016.00596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are intercellular proteins responsible for mediating both electrical and biochemical coupling through the exchange of ions, second messengers and small metabolites. They consist of two connexons, with (one) connexon supplied by each cell. A connexon is a hexamer of connexins and currently more than 20 connexin isoforms have been described in the literature thus far. Connexins have a short half-life, and therefore gap junction remodeling constantly occurs with a high turnover rate. Post-translational modification, such as phosphorylation, can modify their channel activities. In this article, the roles of connexins in wound healing and repair are reviewed. Novel strategies for modulating the function or expression of connexins, such as the use of antisense technology, synthetic mimetic peptides and bioactive materials for the treatment of skin wounds, diabetic and pressure ulcers as well as cornea wounds, are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Wong
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Teresa Tan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Catherine Chan
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Victoria Laxton
- Intensive Care Department, Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust London, UK
| | - Yin Wah Fiona Chan
- Department of Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Cambridge Cambridge, UK
| | - 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, China
| | - Wing Tak Wong
- School of Life Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Gary Tse
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong; Faculty of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong, Hong Kong
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23
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Soon ASC, Chua JW, Becker DL. Connexins in endothelial barrier function - novel therapeutic targets countering vascular hyperpermeability. Thromb Haemost 2016; 116:852-867. [PMID: 27488046 DOI: 10.1160/th16-03-0210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Prolonged vascular hyperpermeability is a common feature of many diseases. Vascular hyperpermeability is typically associated with changes in the expression patterns of adherens and tight junction proteins. Here, we focus on the less-appreciated contribution of gap junction proteins (connexins) to basal vascular permeability and endothelial dysfunction. First, we assess the association of connexins with endothelial barrier integrity by introducing tools used in connexin biology and relating the findings to customary readouts in vascular biology. Second, we explore potential mechanistic ties between connexins and junction regulation. Third, we review the role of connexins in microvascular organisation and development, focusing on interactions of the endothelium with mural cells and tissue-specific perivascular cells. Last, we see how connexins contribute to the interactions between the endothelium and components of the immune system, by using neutrophils as an example. Mounting evidence of crosstalk between connexins and other junction proteins suggests that we rethink the way in which different junction components contribute to endothelial barrier function. Given the multiple points of connexin-mediated communication arising from the endothelium, there is great potential for synergism between connexin-targeted inhibitors and existing immune-targeted therapeutics. As more drugs targeting connexins progress through clinical trials, it is hoped that some might prove effective at countering vascular hyperpermeability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David Laurence Becker
- David L. Becker, PhD, Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, 11 Mandalay Road, 308232 Singapore, Tel: +65 6592 3961, Fax: +65 6515 0417, E-mail:
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24
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Gilmartin DJ, Soon A, Thrasivoulou C, Phillips ARJ, Jayasinghe SN, Becker DL. Sustained Release of Cx43 Antisense Oligodeoxynucleotides from Coated Collagen Scaffolds Promotes Wound Healing. Adv Healthc Mater 2016; 5:1786-99. [PMID: 27253638 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201600175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Antisense oligodeoxynucleotides targeting the mRNA of the gap junction protein Cx43 promote tissue repair in a variety of different wounds. Delivery of the antisense drug has most often been achieved by a thermoreversible hydrogel, Pluronic F-127, which is very effective in the short term but does not allow for sustained delivery over several days. For chronic wounds that take a long time to heal, repeated dosing with the drug may be desirable but is not always compatible with conventional treatments such as the weekly changing of compression bandages on venous leg ulcers. Here the coating of collagen scaffolds with antisense oligonucleotides is investigated and a way to provide protection of the oligodeoxynucleotide drug is found in conjunction with sustained release over a 7 d period. This approach significantly reduces the normal foreign body reaction to the scaffold, which induces an increase of Cx43 protein and an inhibition of healing. As a result of the antisense integration into the scaffold, inflammation is reduced with the rate of wound healing and contracture is significantly improved. This coated scaffold approach may be very useful for treating venous leg ulcers and also for providing a sustained release of any other types of oligonucleotide drugs that are being developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Gilmartin
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology University College London London WC1E 6BT UK
| | - Allyson Soon
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine Nanyang Technological University 11, Mandalay Road Singapore 308232
| | | | - Anthony R. J. Phillips
- School of Biological Sciences Department of Surgery University of Auckland New Zealand 1010
| | - Suwan N. Jayasinghe
- BioPhysics Group, Institute of Biomedical Engineering Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, and Department of Mechanical Engineering University College London London WC1E 7JE UK
| | - David L. Becker
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine Nanyang Technological University 11, Mandalay Road Singapore 308232
- Institute of Medical Biology A*STAR 8A‐ Biomedical grove, Biopolis Singapore 138648
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25
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Kelly JJ, Esseltine JL, Shao Q, Jabs EW, Sampson J, Auranen M, Bai D, Laird DW. Specific functional pathologies of Cx43 mutations associated with oculodentodigital dysplasia. Mol Biol Cell 2016; 27:2172-85. [PMID: 27226478 PMCID: PMC4945137 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e16-01-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD) is a rare genetic disease that affects the development of multiple organs in the human body. More than 70 mutations in the gap junction connexin43 (Cx43) gene, GJA1, are associated with ODDD, most of which are inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. Many patients exhibit similar clinical presentations. However, there is high intrafamilial and interfamilial phenotypic variability. To better understand this variability, we established primary human dermal fibroblast cultures from several ODDD patients and unaffected controls. In the present study, we characterized three fibroblast lines expressing heterozygous p.L7V, p.G138R, and p.G143S Cx43 variants. All ODDD fibroblasts exhibited slower growth, reduced migration, and defective cell polarization, traits common to all ODDD fibroblasts studied so far. However, we found striking differences in overall expression levels, with p.L7V down-regulated at the mRNA and protein level. Although all of the Cx43 variants could traffic to the cell surface, there were stark differences in gap junction plaque formation, gap junctional intercellular communication, Cx43 phosphorylation, and hemichannel activity among Cx43 variants, as well as subtle differences in myofibroblast differentiation. Together these findings enabled us to discover mutation-specific pathologies that may help to predict future clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- John J Kelly
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Jessica L Esseltine
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Qing Shao
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Ethylin Wang Jabs
- Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Jacinda Sampson
- Department of Neurology, Stanford University Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA 94304
| | - Mari Auranen
- Clinical Neurosciences, Neurology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Donglin Bai
- Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Dale W Laird
- Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
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26
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Alavi A, Sibbald RG, Phillips TJ, Miller OF, Margolis DJ, Marston W, Woo K, Romanelli M, Kirsner RS. What's new: Management of venous leg ulcers. J Am Acad Dermatol 2016; 74:643-64; quiz 665-6. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2015.03.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Revised: 03/28/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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27
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Aftab Q, Sin WC, Naus CC. Reduction in gap junction intercellular communication promotes glioma migration. Oncotarget 2016; 6:11447-64. [PMID: 25926558 PMCID: PMC4484468 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM), an aggressive form of adult brain tumor, is difficult to treat due to its invasive nature. One of the molecular changes observed in GBM is a decrease in the expression of the gap junction protein Connexin43 (Cx43); however, how a reduction in Cx43 expression contributes to glioma malignancy is still unclear. In this study we examine whether a decrease in Cx43 protein expression has a role in enhanced cell migration, a key feature associated with increased tumorigenicity. We used a 3D spheroid migration model that mimics the in vivo architecture of tumor cells to quantify migration changes. We found that down-regulation of Cx43 expression in the U118 human glioma cell line increased migration by reducing cell-ECM adhesion, and changed the migration pattern from collective to single cell. In addition gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) played a more prominent role in mediating migration than the cytoplasmic interactions of the C-terminal tail. Live imaging revealed that reducing Cx43 expression enhanced relative migration by increasing the cell speed and affecting the direction of migration. Taken together our findings reveal an unexplored role of GJIC in facilitating collective migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qurratulain Aftab
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Wun-Chey Sin
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
| | - Christian C Naus
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC
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28
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Connexin43 plays diverse roles in co-ordinating cell migration and wound closure events. Biochem Soc Trans 2016; 43:482-8. [PMID: 26009195 DOI: 10.1042/bst20150034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Chronic wounds are not only debilitating to patients, but also impose a huge financial burden on healthcare providers, as current treatments are not particularly effective. Wound healing is a highly co-ordinated process involving a vast array of signalling molecules and different cell types, therefore a substantial amount of research has been carried out in the quest to develop new therapies. The gap junction (GJ) protein connexin43 (Cx43) is one of the many molecules whose expression has been found to be up-regulated in chronic wounds and as a result targeting it may have therapeutic potential. Two different approaches have been adopted to investigate this: knockdown of Cx43 using antisense oligonucleotides and connexin mimetic peptides (CMPs) which inhibit the function of Cx43 without affecting gene expression. These peptides are targeted to the C-terminal domain or the extracellular loops of Cx43 and thus are likely to function by different means. However, both block channel function and have been shown to enhance cell migration rates. In recent years, non-channel functions have emerged for Cx43, many of which are linked to cytoskeletal dynamics and the extracellular matrix (ECM), showing that Cx43 plays diverse roles in co-ordinating wound closure events. It is clear that both CMPs and antisense oligonucleotides hold therapeutic potential, however maintaining Cx43 expression may be beneficial to the cell by preserving other non-channel functions of Cx43. Recent data in the field will be discussed in this article.
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29
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Naus CC, Aftab Q, Sin WC. Common mechanisms linking connexin43 to neural progenitor cell migration and glioma invasion. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2015; 50:59-66. [PMID: 26706148 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2015.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cell migration is critical for cell differentiation, tissue formation and organ development. Several mechanisms come to play in the process of cell migration, orchestrating changes in cell polarity, adhesion, process extension and motility. Recent findings have shown that gap junctions, and specifically connexin43 (Cx43), can play a significant role in these processes, impacting adhesion and cytoskeletal rearrangements. Thus Cx43 within a cell regulates its motility and migration via intracellular signaling. Furthermore, Cx43 in the host cells can impact the degree of cellular migration through that tissue. Similarities in these connexin-based processes account for both neural progenitor migration in the developing brain, and for glioma cell invasion in the mature brain. In both cases, Cx43 in the tissue ("soil") in which cells ("seeds") exist facilitates their migration and, for glioma cells, tissue invasion. Cx43 mediates these effects through channel- and non-channel-dependent mechanisms which have similarities in both paradigms of cell migration. This provides insight into developmental processes and pathological situations, as well as possible therapeutic approaches regarding specific functional domains of gap junction proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian C Naus
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3.
| | - Qurratulain Aftab
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
| | - Wun Chey Sin
- Department of Cellular & Physiological Sciences, Life Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 1Z3
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30
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Choi JH, Lim SM, Yoo YI, Jung J, Park JW, Kim GJ. Microenvironmental Interaction Between Hypoxia and Endothelial Cells Controls the Migration Ability of Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells via α4 Integrin and Rho Signaling. J Cell Biochem 2015; 117:1145-57. [PMID: 26448639 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.25398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a powerful source for cell therapy in degenerative diseases. The migration ability of MSCs is an important factor that enhances the therapeutic effect of the cells when they are transplanted into target tissues or organs. Hypoxia and the endothelial barrier, which are representative migration microenvironmental factors, are known to be regulated by the integrin-mediated pathway in several cancers. However, their regulatory mechanisms in MSCs remain unclear. Here, the objectives of the study were to compare the expression of markers related to integrin-mediated signaling in placenta-derived MSCs (PDMSCs) dependent on hypoxia and co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and to evaluate their correlations between migration ability and microenvironmetal factors including hypoxia and endothelial cells. The migration abilities of PDMSCs exposed to hypoxic conditions were significantly increased compared with normal fibroblasts (WI-38) and control (P < 0.05). Interestingly, decreased integrin α4 in PDMSCs under hypoxia induce to increase migration abilities of PDMSCs. Also, Rho family-related markers were significantly increased in PDMSCs under hypoxic conditions compared with normoxia (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the migration ability of PDMSCs was decreased by Rho kinase inhibitor treatment (Y-27632) and co-culturing with HUVECs in an ex vivo system. ROCK activity was increased by inhibiting integrin α4 with HUVECs and hypoxia compared with the absence of HUVECs and under normoxia. The findings suggest microenvironment event by hypoxia and the interaction with endothelial cells may be useful as a regulator of MSC migration and provide insight into the migratory mechanism of MSCs in stem cell-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong Ho Choi
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Mook Lim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong In Yoo
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Jieun Jung
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Won Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacology, Ischemic/Hypoxic Disease Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Jin Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Seongnam-si, Republic of Korea
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31
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Sutcliffe J, Chin K, Thrasivoulou C, Serena T, O'Neil S, Hu R, White A, Madden L, Richards T, Phillips A, Becker D. Abnormal connexin expression in human chronic wounds. Br J Dermatol 2015; 173:1205-15. [DOI: 10.1111/bjd.14064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- J.E.S. Sutcliffe
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology; University College London; Gower Street London WC1E 6BT U.K
| | - K.Y. Chin
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology; University College London; Gower Street London WC1E 6BT U.K
| | - C. Thrasivoulou
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology; University College London; Gower Street London WC1E 6BT U.K
| | - T.E. Serena
- Newbridge Medical Research Corp.; Warren PA 16365 U.S.A
| | - S. O'Neil
- CoDa Therapeutics; 10 College Hill Auckland 1011 New Zealand
| | - R. Hu
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine; Nanyang Technological University; 11 Mandalay Road Singapore 308232 Singapore
| | - A.M. White
- CoDa Therapeutics; 10 College Hill Auckland 1011 New Zealand
| | - L. Madden
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine; Nanyang Technological University; 11 Mandalay Road Singapore 308232 Singapore
| | - T. Richards
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology; University College London; Gower Street London WC1E 6BT U.K
| | - A.R.J. Phillips
- CoDa Therapeutics; 10 College Hill Auckland 1011 New Zealand
| | - D.L. Becker
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine; Nanyang Technological University; 11 Mandalay Road Singapore 308232 Singapore
- Institute of Medical Biology; A*STAR; 138648 Singapore
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32
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Longchamp A, Allagnat F, Alonso F, Kuppler C, Dubuis C, Ozaki CK, Mitchell JR, Berceli S, Corpataux JM, Déglise S, Haefliger JA. Connexin43 Inhibition Prevents Human Vein Grafts Intimal Hyperplasia. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138847. [PMID: 26398895 PMCID: PMC4580578 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Venous bypass grafts often fail following arterial implantation due to excessive smooth muscle cells (VSMC) proliferation and consequent intimal hyperplasia (IH). Intercellular communication mediated by Connexins (Cx) regulates differentiation, growth and proliferation in various cell types. Microarray analysis of vein grafts in a model of bilateral rabbit jugular vein graft revealed Cx43 as an early upregulated gene. Additional experiments conducted using an ex-vivo human saphenous veins perfusion system (EVPS) confirmed that Cx43 was rapidly increased in human veins subjected ex-vivo to arterial hemodynamics. Cx43 knock-down by RNA interference, or adenoviral-mediated overexpression, respectively inhibited or stimulated the proliferation of primary human VSMC in vitro. Furthermore, Cx blockade with carbenoxolone or the specific Cx43 inhibitory peptide 43gap26 prevented the burst in myointimal proliferation and IH formation in human saphenous veins. Our data demonstrated that Cx43 controls proliferation and the formation of IH after arterial engraftment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alban Longchamp
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Florent Allagnat
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Florian Alonso
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christopher Kuppler
- Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Céline Dubuis
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Charles-Keith Ozaki
- Department of Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - James R. Mitchell
- Department of Genetics and Complex Diseases, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Scott Berceli
- Malcom Randall Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, United States of America
| | - Jean-Marc Corpataux
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sébastien Déglise
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jacques-Antoine Haefliger
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, Lausanne, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
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33
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Hills CE, Price GW, Squires PE. Mind the gap: connexins and cell-cell communication in the diabetic kidney. Diabetologia 2015; 58:233-41. [PMID: 25358446 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-014-3427-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/25/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Connexins, assembled as a hexameric connexon, form a transmembrane hemichannel that provides a conduit for paracrine signalling of small molecules and ions to regulate the activity and function of adjacent cells. When hemichannels align and associate with similar channels on opposing cells, they form a continuous aqueous pore or gap junction, allowing the direct transmission of metabolic and electrical signals between coupled cells. Regulation of gap junction synthesis and channel activity is critical for cell function, and a number of diseases can be attributed to changes in the expression/function of these important proteins. Diabetic nephropathy is associated with several complex metabolic and inflammatory responses characterised by defects at the molecular, cellular and tissue level. In both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, glycaemic injury of the kidney is the leading cause of end-stage renal failure, a consequence of multiple aetiologies, including increased deposition of extracellular matrix, glomerular hyperfiltration, albuminuria and tubulointerstitial fibrosis. In diabetic nephropathy, loss of connexin mediated cell-cell communication within the nephron may represent an early sign of disease; however, our current knowledge of the role of connexins in the diabetic kidney is sparse. This review highlights recent evidence demonstrating that maintenance of connexin-mediated cell-cell communication could benefit region-specific renal function in diabetic nephropathy and suggests that these proteins should be viewed as a tantalising novel target for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Hills
- School of Life Sciences, University of Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln, LN6 7TS, UK,
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34
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Connexins and skin disease: insights into the role of beta connexins in skin homeostasis. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 360:645-58. [PMID: 25616557 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-014-2094-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cell-to-cell communication triggered by connexin channels plays a central role in maintaining epidermal homeostasis. Here, we discuss the role of the beta connexin subgroup, where site-specific mutations in at least 4 of these proteins lead to distinctive non-inflammatory and inflammatory hyperproliferative epidermal disorders. Recent advances in the molecular pathways evoked and correlation with clinical outcome are discussed. The latest data provide increasing evidence that connexins in the epidermis are sensors to environmental stress and that targeting aberrant hemichannel activity holds significant therapeutic potential for inflammatory skin disorders.
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35
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36
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Feng Z, Wagatsuma Y, Kikuchi M, Kosawada T, Nakamura T, Sato D, Shirasawa N, Kitajima T, Umezu M. The mechanisms of fibroblast-mediated compaction of collagen gels and the mechanical niche around individual fibroblasts. Biomaterials 2014; 35:8078-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2014.05.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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37
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Chemopreventive effect of flavonoids from Ougan (Citrus reticulata cv. Suavissima) fruit against cancer cell proliferation and migration. J Funct Foods 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2014.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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38
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The effect of a connexin43-based Peptide on the healing of chronic venous leg ulcers: a multicenter, randomized trial. J Invest Dermatol 2014; 135:289-298. [PMID: 25072595 PMCID: PMC4269806 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2014.318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The gap junction protein, connexin43 (Cx43), has critical roles in the inflammatory, edematous, and fibrotic processes following dermal injury and during wound healing, and is abnormally upregulated at the epidermal wound margins of venous leg ulcers (VLUs). Targeting Cx43 with ACT1, a peptide mimetic of the carboxyl-terminus of Cx43, accelerates fibroblast migration and proliferation, and wound reepithelialization. In a prospective, multicenter clinical trial conducted in India, adults with chronic VLUs were randomized to treatment with an ACT1 gel formulation plus conventional standard-of-care (SOC) protocols, involving maintaining wound moisture and four-layer compression bandage therapy, or SOC protocols alone. The primary end point was mean percent ulcer reepithelialization from baseline to 12 weeks. A significantly greater reduction in mean percent ulcer area from baseline to 12 weeks was associated with the incorporation of ACT1 therapy (79% (SD 50.4)) as compared with compression bandage therapy alone (36% (SD 179.8); P=0.02). Evaluation of secondary efficacy end points indicated a reduced median time to 50 and 100% ulcer reepithelialization for ACT1-treated ulcers. Incorporation of ACT1 in SOC protocols may represent a well-tolerated, highly effective therapeutic strategy that expedites chronic venous ulcer healing by treating the underlying ulcer pathophysiology through Cx43-mediated pathways.
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Grek CL, Rhett JM, Ghatnekar GS. Cardiac to cancer: connecting connexins to clinical opportunity. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1349-64. [PMID: 24607540 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.02.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions and their connexin components are indispensable in mediating the cellular coordination required for tissue and organ homeostasis. The critical nature of their existence mandates a connection to disease while at the same time offering therapeutic potential. Therapeutic intervention may be offered through the pharmacological and molecular disruption of the pathways involved in connexin biosynthesis, gap junction assembly, stabilization, or degradation. Chemical inhibitors aimed at closing connexin channels, peptide mimetics corresponding to short connexin sequences, and gene therapy approaches have been incredibly useful molecular tools in deciphering the complexities associated with connexin biology. Recently, therapeutic potential in targeting connexins has evolved from basic research in cell-based models to clinical opportunity in the form of human trials. Clinical promise is particularly evident with regards to targeting connexin43 in the context of wound healing. The following review is aimed at highlighting novel advances where the pharmacological manipulation of connexin biology has proven beneficial in animals or humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina L Grek
- FirstString Research, Inc., 300 W. Coleman Blvd., Suite 203, Mount Pleasant, SC, United States
| | - J Matthew Rhett
- Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Gautam S Ghatnekar
- FirstString Research, Inc., 300 W. Coleman Blvd., Suite 203, Mount Pleasant, SC, United States.
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40
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Martin PE, Easton JA, Hodgins MB, Wright CS. Connexins: sensors of epidermal integrity that are therapeutic targets. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:1304-14. [PMID: 24607543 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.02.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 02/25/2014] [Accepted: 02/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Gap junction proteins (connexins) are differentially expressed throughout the multiple layers of the epidermis. A variety of skin conditions arise with aberrant connexin expression or function and suggest that maintaining the epidermal gap junction network has many important roles in preserving epidermal integrity and homeostasis. Mutations in a number of connexins lead to epidermal dysplasias giving rise to a range of dermatological disorders of differing severity. 'Gain of function' mutations reveal connexin-mediated roles in calcium signalling within the epidermis. Connexins are involved in epidermal innate immunity, inflammation control and in wound repair. The therapeutic potential of targeting connexins to improve wound healing responses is now clear. This review discusses the role of connexins in epidermal integrity, and examines the emerging evidence that connexins act as epidermal sensors to a variety of mechanical, temperature, pathogen-induced and chemical stimuli. Connexins thus act as an integral component of the skin's protective barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia E Martin
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute for Applied Health Research, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK.
| | - Jennifer A Easton
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute for Applied Health Research, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK; Department of Dermatology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Malcolm B Hodgins
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute for Applied Health Research, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
| | - Catherine S Wright
- Department of Life Sciences and Institute for Applied Health Research, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
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XLMR protein related to neurite extension (Xpn/KIAA2022) regulates cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion and migration. Neurochem Int 2013; 63:561-9. [PMID: 24071057 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2013] [Revised: 09/07/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
X-linked mental retardation (XLMR) is a common cause of moderate to severe intellectual disability in males. XLMR protein related to neurite extension (Xpn, also known as KIAA2022) has been implicated as a gene responsible for XLMR in humans. Although Xpn is highly expressed in the developing brain and is involved in neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells and neurons, little is known about the functional role of Xpn. Here, we show that Xpn regulates cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion and migration in PC12 cells. Xpn knockdown enhanced cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion mediated by N-cadherin and β1-integrin, respectively. N-Cadherin and β1-integrin expression at the mRNA and protein levels was significantly increased in Xpn knockdown PC12 cells. Furthermore, overexpressed Xpn protein was strongly expressed in the nuclei of PC12 and 293T cells. Finally, depletion of Xpn perturbed cellular migration by enhancing N-cadherin and β1-integrin expression in a PC12 cell wound healing assay. We conclude that Xpn regulates cell-cell and cell-matrix adhesion and cellular migration by regulating the expression of adhesion molecules.
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Gilmartin DJ, Alexaline MM, Thrasivoulou C, Phillips ARJ, Jayasinghe SN, Becker DL. Integration of scaffolds into full-thickness skin wounds: the connexin response. Adv Healthc Mater 2013; 2:1151-60. [PMID: 23417927 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201200357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2012] [Revised: 12/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Scaffolds have been reported to promote healing of hard-to-heal wounds such as burns and chronic ulcers. However, there has been little investigation into the cell biology of wound edge tissues in response to the scaffolds. Here, we assess the impact of collagen scaffolds on mouse full-thickness wound re-epithelialisation during the first 5 days of healing. We find that scaffolds impede wound re-epithelialisation, inducing a bulbous thickening of the wound edge epidermis as opposed to the thin tongue of migratory keratinocytes seen in normal wound healing. Scaffolds also increase the inflammatory response and the numbers of neutrophils in and around the wound. These effects were also produced by scaffolds made of alginate in the form of fibers and microspheres, but not as an alginate hydrogel. In addition, we find the gap junction protein connexin 43, which normally down-regulates at the wound edge during re-epithelialisation, to be up-regulated in the bulbous epidermal wound edge. Incorporation of connexin 43 antisense oligodeoxynucleotides into the scaffold can be performed to reduce inflammation whilst promoting scaffold biocompatibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Gilmartin
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, Gower Street, WC1E 6BT, UK
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43
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Degen KE, Gourdie RG. Embryonic wound healing: a primer for engineering novel therapies for tissue repair. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 96:258-70. [PMID: 23109321 DOI: 10.1002/bdrc.21019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Scar is the default tissue repair used by the body in response to most injuries-a response that occurs in wounds ranging in seriousness from minor skin cuts to complete severance of the spinal cord. By contrast, before the third trimester of pregnancy embryonic mammals tend to heal without scarring due to a variety of mechanisms and factors that are uniquely in operation during development in utero. The goal of tissue engineering is to develop safe and clinically effective biological substitutes that restore, maintain, or improve tissue function in patients. This review provides a comparative overview of wound healing during development and maturation and seeks to provide a perspective on just how much the embryo may be able teach us in the engineering of new therapies for tissue repair.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine E Degen
- School of Biomedical Engineering Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, USA
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Mendoza-Naranjo A, El-Naggar A, Wai DH, Mistry P, Lazic N, Ayala FRR, da Cunha IW, Rodriguez-Viciana P, Cheng H, Tavares Guerreiro Fregnani JH, Reynolds P, Arceci RJ, Nicholson A, Triche TJ, Soares FA, Flanagan AM, Wang YZ, Strauss SJ, Sorensen PH. ERBB4 confers metastatic capacity in Ewing sarcoma. EMBO Mol Med 2013; 5:1087-102. [PMID: 23681745 PMCID: PMC3721475 DOI: 10.1002/emmm.201202343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2012] [Revised: 04/04/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic spread is the single-most powerful predictor of poor outcome in Ewing sarcoma (ES). Therefore targeting pathways that drive metastasis has tremendous potential to reduce the burden of disease in ES. We previously showed that activation of the ERBB4 tyrosine kinase suppresses anoikis, or detachment-induced cell death, and induces chemoresistance in ES cell lines in vitro. We now show that ERBB4 is transcriptionally overexpressed in ES cell lines derived from chemoresistant or metastatic ES tumours. ERBB4 activates the PI3K-Akt cascade and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and both pathways contribute to ERBB4-mediated activation of the Rac1 GTPase in vitro and in vivo. ERBB4 augments tumour invasion and metastasis in vivo, and these effects are blocked by ERBB4 knockdown. ERBB4 expression correlates significantly with reduced disease-free survival, and increased expression is observed in metastatic compared to primary patient-matched ES biopsies. Our findings identify a novel ERBB4-PI3K-Akt-FAK-Rac1 pathway associated with aggressive disease in ES. These results predict that therapeutic targeting of ERBB4, alone or in combination with cytotoxic agents, may suppress the metastatic phenotype in ES.
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Davis NG, Phillips A, Becker DL. Connexin dynamics in the privileged wound healing of the buccal mucosa. Wound Repair Regen 2013; 21:571-8. [PMID: 23627777 DOI: 10.1111/wrr.12054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Wound closure is fundamental to maintaining tissue homeostasis; a plethora of processes and signals must be coordinated, and gap junctions play a critical role. Some tissues exhibit privileged healing, such as buccal mucosa, repairing more rapidly, but gap junction connexin dynamics during wound healing in such tissues have not been investigated. To determine connexin changes during this rapid healing process, incisional wounds were made in the cheeks of mice and microscopically observed. We discovered that buccal mucosa wound edge keratinocytes do not form a thin tongue of migratory cells like epidermis; instead, a wedge of cells rapidly moves into the wound. The dorsal surfaces of opposing sides of the wounds then touch and join in a "V," which subsequently fills up with cells to form a "delta" that remodels into a flat sheet. Immunostaining showed that connexin26, connexin30, and connexin43 are expressed at significantly higher levels in the buccal mucosa than the epidermis and that, unlike the skin, all three are rapidly down-regulated at the wound edge within 6 hours of wounding. This rapid down-regulation of all three connexins may in part underlie the rapid healing of the buccal mucosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola G Davis
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Cochrane K, Su V, Lau AF. The connexin43-interacting protein, CIP85, mediates the internalization of connexin43 from the plasma membrane. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 20:53-66. [PMID: 23586710 DOI: 10.3109/15419061.2013.784745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
CIP85 was previously identified as a connexin43 (Cx43)-interacting protein that is ubiquitously expressed in multiple mammalian tissues and cell types. The interaction between the SH3 domain of CIP85 and a proline-rich region of Cx43 has previously been associated with an increased rate of Cx43 turnover through lysosomal mechanisms. This report presents biochemical and immunofluorescence evidence that overexpression of CIP85 reduced the presence of Cx43 in gap junction plaques at the plasma membrane. Furthermore, this effect was dependent upon the interaction of CIP85 with Cx43 at the plasma membrane. These results indicate that CIP85 increases Cx43 turnover by accelerating the internalization of Cx43 from the plasma membrane. CIP85 was also observed to interact with clathrin, which suggested a role for CIP85 in the clathrin-mediated internalization of Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Cochrane
- Cancer Biology Program, University of Hawaii Cancer Center, Honolulu, HI, USA
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Munger SJ, Kanady JD, Simon AM. Absence of venous valves in mice lacking Connexin37. Dev Biol 2013; 373:338-48. [PMID: 23142761 PMCID: PMC3533519 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2012.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Revised: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 10/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Venous valves play a crucial role in blood circulation, promoting the one-way movement of blood from superficial and deep veins towards the heart. By preventing retrograde flow, venous valves spare capillaries and venules from being subjected to damaging elevations in pressure, especially during skeletal muscle contraction. Pathologically, valvular incompetence or absence of valves are common features of venous disorders such as chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins. The underlying causes of these conditions are not well understood, but congenital venous valve aplasia or agenesis may play a role in some cases. Despite progress in the study of cardiac and lymphatic valve morphogenesis, the molecular mechanisms controlling the development and maintenance of venous valves remain poorly understood. Here, we show that in valved veins of the mouse, three gap junction proteins (Connexins, Cxs), Cx37, Cx43, and Cx47, are expressed exclusively in the valves in a highly polarized fashion, with Cx43 on the upstream side of the valve leaflet and Cx37 on the downstream side. Surprisingly, Cx43 expression is strongly induced in the non-valve venous endothelium in superficial veins following wounding of the overlying skin. Moreover, we show that in Cx37-deficient mice, venous valves are entirely absent. Thus, Cx37, a protein involved in cell-cell communication, is one of only a few proteins identified so far as critical for the development or maintenance of venous valves. Because Cxs are necessary for the development of valves in lymphatic vessels as well, our results support the notion of common molecular pathways controlling valve development in veins and lymphatic vessels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John D. Kanady
- Department of Physiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
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Kramer N, Walzl A, Unger C, Rosner M, Krupitza G, Hengstschläger M, Dolznig H. In vitro cell migration and invasion assays. Mutat Res 2012; 752:10-24. [PMID: 22940039 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2012.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 520] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2011] [Revised: 08/14/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Determining the migratory and invasive capacity of tumor and stromal cells and clarifying the underlying mechanisms is most relevant for novel strategies in cancer diagnosis, prognosis, drug development and treatment. Here we shortly summarize the different modes of cell travelling and review in vitro methods, which can be used to evaluate migration and invasion. We provide a concise summary of established migration/invasion assays described in the literature, list advantages, limitations and drawbacks, give a tabular overview for convenience and depict the basic principles of the assays graphically. In many cases particular research problems and specific cell types do not leave a choice for a broad variety of usable assays. However, for most standard applications using adherent cells, based on our experience we suggest to use exclusion zone assays to evaluate migration/invasion. We substantiate our choice by demonstrating that the advantages outbalance the drawbacks e.g. the simple setup, the easy readout, the kinetic analysis, the evaluation of cell morphology and the feasibility to perform the assay with standard laboratory equipment. Finally, innovative 3D migration and invasion models including heterotypic cell interactions are discussed. These methods recapitulate the in vivo situation most closely. Results obtained with these assays have already shed new light on cancer cell spreading and potentially will uncover unknown mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Kramer
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Währinger Strasse 10, Austria
| | - Angelika Walzl
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Währinger Strasse 10, Austria
| | - Christine Unger
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Währinger Strasse 10, Austria
| | - Margit Rosner
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Währinger Strasse 10, Austria
| | - Georg Krupitza
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Währinger Gürtel, Austria
| | - Markus Hengstschläger
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Währinger Strasse 10, Austria
| | - Helmut Dolznig
- Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Währinger Strasse 10, Austria.
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