1
|
Najih M, Nguyen HT, Martin LJ. Involvement of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I in the regulation of the expression of connexin 43 in MA-10 tumor Leydig cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 478:791-805. [PMID: 36094721 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04553-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43, also known as Gja1) is the most abundant testicular gap junction protein. It has a crucial role in the support of spermatogenesis by Sertoli cells in the seminiferous tubules as well as in androgen synthesis by Leydig cells. The multifunctional family of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinases (CaMK) is composed of CaMK I, II, and IV and each can serve as a mediator of nuclear Ca2+ signals. These kinases can control gene expression by phosphorylation of key regulatory sites on transcription factors. Among these, AP-1 members cFos and cJun are interesting candidates that seem to cooperate with CaMKs to regulate Cx43 expression in Leydig cells. In this study, the Cx43 promoter region important for CaMK-dependent activation is characterized using co-transfection of plasmid reporter-constructs with different plasmids coding for CaMKs and/or AP-1 members in MA-10 Leydig cells. Here we report that the activation of Cx43 expression by cFos and cJun is increased by CaMKI. Furthermore, results from chromatin immunoprecipitation suggest that the recruitment of AP-1 family members to the proximal region of the Cx43 promoter may involve another uncharacterized AP-1 DNA regulatory element and/or protein-protein interactions with other partners. Thus, our data provide new insights into the molecular regulatory mechanisms that control mouse Cx43 transcription in testicular Leydig cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Najih
- Biology Department, Université de Moncton, 18, avenue Antonine Maillet, Moncton, NB, E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Ha Tuyen Nguyen
- Biology Department, Université de Moncton, 18, avenue Antonine Maillet, Moncton, NB, E1A 3E9, Canada
| | - Luc J Martin
- Biology Department, Université de Moncton, 18, avenue Antonine Maillet, Moncton, NB, E1A 3E9, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Members of the AP-1 Family of Transcription Factors Regulate the Expression of Gja1 in Mouse GC-1 Spermatogonial Cells. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/app12031408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions, mainly formed by Gja1 (Connexin43), play an essential role in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation of spermatogonia in the testis. Regulation of the abundance of Gja1 in spermatogonia involves various processes, including gene transcription, mRNA maturation, protein synthesis, post-translational modifications, plasma membrane integration and protein degradation. However, gene expression of Gja1 is abnormally decreased in most testicular germ cell tumors. Hence, a better understanding of the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation of Gja1 in spermatogonia is essential to understand how the loss of its expression occurs during the development of testicular cancer. As in other cell types, activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factors may be involved in such regulatory process. Thus, AP-1 members were overexpressed in GC-1 cells to assess their impact on Gja1 expression. We showed that Jun and Fosl2 cooperate to activate the Gja1 promoter in GC-1 cells. Furthermore, the recruitment of Jun to the proximal region (−153 to +46 bp) of the Gja1 promoter has been confirmed via chromatin immunoprecipitation. Protein kinase A and calcium-calmodulin protein kinase I also contribute to the activation of Gja1 expression by improving the cooperation between AP-1 factors. Therefore, the reduction in Gja1 expression in testicular germ cell tumors may involve a loss of cooperation between AP-1 factors.
Collapse
|
3
|
Connexins in the Heart: Regulation, Function and Involvement in Cardiac Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094413. [PMID: 33922534 PMCID: PMC8122935 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that play a key role in cardiac physiology. Gap junctional channels put into contact the cytoplasms of connected cardiomyocytes, allowing the existence of electrical coupling. However, in addition to this fundamental role, connexins are also involved in cardiomyocyte death and survival. Thus, chemical coupling through gap junctions plays a key role in the spreading of injury between connected cells. Moreover, in addition to their involvement in cell-to-cell communication, mounting evidence indicates that connexins have additional gap junction-independent functions. Opening of unopposed hemichannels, located at the lateral surface of cardiomyocytes, may compromise cell homeostasis and may be involved in ischemia/reperfusion injury. In addition, connexins located at non-canonical cell structures, including mitochondria and the nucleus, have been demonstrated to be involved in cardioprotection and in regulation of cell growth and differentiation. In this review, we will provide, first, an overview on connexin biology, including their synthesis and degradation, their regulation and their interactions. Then, we will conduct an in-depth examination of the role of connexins in cardiac pathophysiology, including new findings regarding their involvement in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury, cardiac fibrosis, gene transcription or signaling regulation.
Collapse
|
4
|
Shpakov AO. Improvement Effect of Metformin on Female and Male Reproduction in Endocrine Pathologies and Its Mechanisms. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010042. [PMID: 33429918 PMCID: PMC7826885 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 01/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Metformin (MF), a first-line drug to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), alone and in combination with other drugs, restores the ovarian function in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and improves fetal development, pregnancy outcomes and offspring health in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and T2DM. MF treatment is demonstrated to improve the efficiency of in vitro fertilization and is considered a supplementary drug in assisted reproductive technologies. MF administration shows positive effect on steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in men with metabolic disorders, thus MF treatment indicates prospective use for improvement of male reproductive functions and fertility. MF lacks teratogenic effects and has positive health effect in newborns. The review is focused on use of MF therapy for restoration of female and male reproductive functions and improvement of pregnancy outcomes in metabolic and endocrine disorders. The mechanisms of MF action are discussed, including normalization of metabolic and hormonal status in PCOS, GDM, T2DM and metabolic syndrome and restoration of functional activity and hormonal regulation of the gonadal axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander O Shpakov
- I.M. Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry of Russian Academy of Sciences, 194223 Saint Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Connexins and cAMP Cross-Talk in Cancer Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 13:cancers13010058. [PMID: 33379194 PMCID: PMC7795795 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13010058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Different connexins play diverse roles in cancers, either tumor-suppressing or tumor-promoting. In lung cancer, Cx43 serves as a tumor suppressor at the early stage, but it can also be a tumor-promotor at an advanced stage and during metastasis. Moreover, other connexins, including Cx26, Cx31.1, and Cx32, can be tumor suppressors. In contrast, Cx30.3 can be a tumor-promotor. The roles of different connexins in different cancers have also been established. Cx43 acts as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and glioma, whereas Cx32 can be a suppressor in liver tumors and hepatocarcinogenesis. Cx26 can be a tumor suppressor in mammary tumors; in contrast, it can be a tumor-promotor in melanoma. Existing drugs/molecules targeting the cAMP/PKA/connexin axis act to regulate channel opening/closing. Mimic peptides, such as Gap19, Gap26, and Gap 27 block hemichannels, mimetic peptides, and CT9/CT10 and promote hemichannel opening and also hemichannel closing. Abstract Connexin-containing gap junctions mediate the direct exchange of small molecules between cells, thus promoting cell–cell communication. Connexins (Cxs) have been widely studied as key tumor-suppressors. However, certain Cx subtypes, such as Cx43 and Cx26, are overexpressed in metastatic tumor lesions. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling regulates Cx expression and function via transcriptional control and phosphorylation. cAMP also passes through gap junction channels between adjacent cells, regulating cell cycle progression, particularly in cancer cell populations. Low levels of cAMP are sufficient to activate key effectors. The present review evaluates the mechanisms underlying Cx regulation by cAMP signaling and the role of gap junctions in cancer progression and metastasis. A deeper understanding of these processes might facilitate the development of novel anticancer drugs.
Collapse
|
6
|
Chu YL, Xu YR, Yang WX, Sun Y. The role of FSH and TGF-β superfamily in follicle atresia. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 10:305-321. [PMID: 29500332 PMCID: PMC5892684 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Most of the mammalian follicles undergo a degenerative process called “follicle atresia”. Apoptosis of granulosa cells is the main characteristic of follicle atresia. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily have important regulatory functions in this process. FSH activates protein kinase A and cooperating with insulin receptor substrates, it promotes the PI3K/Akt pathway which weakens apoptosis. Both Smad or non-Smad signaling of the transforming growth factor β superfamily seem to be related to follicle atresia, and the effect of several important family members on follicle atresia is concluded in this article. FSH and TGF-β are likely to mutually influence each other and what we have already known about the possible underlying molecular mechanism is also discussed below.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Lan Chu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ya-Ru Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yi Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Michalovic L, Currin L, Gutierrez K, Bellefleur A, Glanzner WG, Schuermann Y, Macedo MP, Bohrer RC, Dicks N, Lopez R, Taibi M, Madogwe E, St‐Yves A, Mondadori RG, Gourdon J, Vigneault C, Baldassarre H, Bordignon V. Granulosa cells of prepubertal cattle respond to gonadotropin signaling and upregulate genes that promote follicular growth and prevent cell apoptosis. Mol Reprod Dev 2018; 85:909-920. [DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Michalovic
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Luke Currin
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Karina Gutierrez
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | | | - Werner G. Glanzner
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Yasmin Schuermann
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Mariana P. Macedo
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Rodrigo C. Bohrer
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Naomi Dicks
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Rosalba Lopez
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Milena Taibi
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Ejimedo Madogwe
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Audrey St‐Yves
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Rafael G. Mondadori
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Jim Gourdon
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
- Comparative Medicine and Animal Resources Centre, McGill UniversityMontreal Quebec Canada
| | | | - Hernan Baldassarre
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| | - Vilceu Bordignon
- Department of Animal ScienceMcGill UniversitySainte‐Anne‐de‐Bellevue Quebec Canada
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Impact of toxicant exposures on ovarian gap junctions. Reprod Toxicol 2018; 81:140-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2018.07.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 07/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
|
9
|
Aasen T, Johnstone S, Vidal-Brime L, Lynn KS, Koval M. Connexins: Synthesis, Post-Translational Modifications, and Trafficking in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19051296. [PMID: 29701678 PMCID: PMC5983588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins are tetraspan transmembrane proteins that form gap junctions and facilitate direct intercellular communication, a critical feature for the development, function, and homeostasis of tissues and organs. In addition, a growing number of gap junction-independent functions are being ascribed to these proteins. The connexin gene family is under extensive regulation at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level, and undergoes numerous modifications at the protein level, including phosphorylation, which ultimately affects their trafficking, stability, and function. Here, we summarize these key regulatory events, with emphasis on how these affect connexin multifunctionality in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Scott Johnstone
- Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, P.O. Box 801394, Charlottesville, VI 22908, USA.
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8TT, UK.
| | - Laia Vidal-Brime
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
| | - K Sabrina Lynn
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Michael Koval
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
- Department of Cell Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| |
Collapse
|