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Schulz B, Schumacher V, Ngezahayo A, Maier-Begandt D, Schadzek N, Wilhelm J, Weidner W, Pilatz A, Fietz D, Kliesch S, Schnepel N, Hambruch N, Rode K, Langeheine M, Brehm R. Analysis of connexin 43, connexin 45 and N-cadherin in the human sertoli cell line FS1 and the human seminoma-like cell line TCam-2 in comparison with human testicular biopsies. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:232. [PMID: 36899312 PMCID: PMC10007848 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10696-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ cell tumors are relatively common in young men. They derive from a non-invasive precursor, called germ cell neoplasia in situ, but the exact pathogenesis is still unknown. Thus, further understanding provides the basis for diagnostics, prognostics and therapy and is therefore paramount. A recently developed cell culture model consisting of human FS1 Sertoli cells and human TCam-2 seminoma-like cells offers new opportunities for research on seminoma. Since junctional proteins within the seminiferous epithelium are involved in cell organization, differentiation and proliferation, they represent interesting candidates for investigations on intercellular adhesion and communication in context with neoplastic progression. METHODS FS1 and TCam-2 cells were characterized regarding gap-junction-related connexin 43 (Cx43) and connexin 45 (Cx45), and adherens-junction-related N-cadherin using microarray, PCR, Western blot, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence. Results were compared to human testicular biopsies at different stages of seminoma development via immunohistochemistry to confirm the cell lines' representativeness. Furthermore, dye-transfer measurements were performed to investigate functional cell coupling. RESULTS Cx43, Cx45 and N-cadherin mRNA and protein were generally detectable in both cell lines via qualitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence revealed a mainly membrane-associated expression of N-cadherin in both cell lines, but gene expression values were higher in FS1 cells. Cx43 expression was also membrane-associated in FS1 cells but barely detectable in TCam-2 cells. Accordingly, a high gene expression value of Cx43 was measured for FS1 and a low value for TCam-2 cells. Cx45 was primary located in the cytoplasm of FS1 and TCam-2 cells and revealed similar low to medium gene expression values in both cell lines. Overall, results were comparable with corresponding biopsies. Additionally, both FS1 and TCam-2 cells showed dye diffusion into neighboring cells. CONCLUSION The junctional proteins Cx43, Cx45 and N-cadherin are expressed in FS1 and TCam-2 cells at mRNA and/or protein level in different amounts and localizations, and cells of both lines are functionally coupled among each other. Concerning the expression of these junctional proteins, FS1 and TCam-2 cells are largely representative for Sertoli and seminoma cells, respectively. Thus, these results provide the basis for further coculture experiments evaluating the role of junctional proteins in context with seminoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte Schulz
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Valérie Schumacher
- Department of Urology and Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgery and Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anaclet Ngezahayo
- Department of Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniela Maier-Begandt
- Department of Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadine Schadzek
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jochen Wilhelm
- Institute for Lung Health, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,The Cardiopulmonary Institute, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Weidner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Nadine Schnepel
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nina Hambruch
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kristina Rode
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marion Langeheine
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ralph Brehm
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Differential Effects of Oligosaccharides, Antioxidants, Amino Acids and PUFAs on Heat/Hypoxia-Induced Epithelial Injury in a Caco-2/HT-29 Co-Culture Model. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021111. [PMID: 36674626 PMCID: PMC9861987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Exposure of intestinal epithelial cells to heat and hypoxia causes a (heat) stress response, resulting in the breakdown of epithelial integrity. There are indications that several categories of nutritional components have beneficial effects on maintaining the intestinal epithelial integrity under stress conditions. This study evaluated the effect of nine nutritional components, including non-digestible oligosaccharides (galacto-oligosaccharides (GOS), fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS), chitosan oligosaccharides (COS)), antioxidants (α-lipoic acid (ALA), resveratrol (RES)), amino acids (l-glutamine (Glu), l-arginine (Arg)) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)), on heat/hypoxia-induced epithelial injury. (2) Two human colonic cell lines, Caco-2 and HT-29, were co-cultured and pre-treated with the nutritional components for 48 h. After pre-treatment, the cells were exposed to heat/hypoxia (42 °C, 5% O2) for 2 h. Epithelial integrity was evaluated by measuring trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER), paracellular Lucifer Yellow (LY) permeability, and tight junction (TJ) protein expression. Heat stress and oxidative stress levels were evaluated by determining heat-shock protein-70 (HSP-70) expression and the concentration of the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA). (3) GOS, FOS, COS, ALA, RES, Arg, and EPA presented protective effects on epithelial damage in heat/hypoxia-exposed Caco-2/HT-29 cells by preventing the decrease in TEER, the increase in LY permeability, and/or decrease in TJ proteins zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) and claudin-3 expression. COS, RES, and EPA demonstrated anti-oxidative stress effects by suppressing the heat/hypoxia-induced MDA production, while Arg further elevated the heat/hypoxia-induced increase in HSP-70 expression. (4) This study indicates that various nutritional components have the potential to counteract heat/hypoxia-induced intestinal injury and might be interesting candidates for future in vivo studies and clinical trials in gastrointestinal disorders related to heat stress and hypoxia.
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Nishimura R, Kato K, Saida M, Kamei Y, Takeda M, Miyoshi H, Yamagata Y, Amano Y, Yonemura S. Appropriate tension sensitivity of α-catenin ensures rounding morphogenesis of epithelial spheroids. Cell Struct Funct 2022; 47:55-73. [PMID: 35732428 PMCID: PMC10511042 DOI: 10.1247/csf.22014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The adherens junction (AJ) is an actin filament-anchoring junction. It plays a central role in epithelial morphogenesis through cadherin-based recognition and adhesion among cells. The stability and plasticity of AJs are required for the morphogenesis. An actin-binding α-catenin is an essential component of the cadherin-catenin complex and functions as a tension transducer that changes its conformation and induces AJ development in response to tension. Despite much progress in understanding molecular mechanisms of tension sensitivity of α-catenin, its significance on epithelial morphogenesis is still unknown. Here we show that the tension sensitivity of α-catenin is essential for epithelial cells to form round spheroids through proper multicellular rearrangement. Using a novel in vitro suspension culture model, we found that epithelial cells form round spheroids even from rectangular-shaped cell masses with high aspect ratios without using high tension and that increased tension sensitivity of α-catenin affected this morphogenesis. Analyses of AJ formation and cellular tracking during rounding morphogenesis showed cellular rearrangement, probably through AJ remodeling. The rearrangement occurs at the cell mass level, but not single-cell level. Hypersensitive α-catenin mutant-expressing cells did not show cellular rearrangement at the cell mass level, suggesting that the appropriate tension sensitivity of α-catenin is crucial for the coordinated round morphogenesis.Key words: α-catenin, vinculin, adherens junction, morphogenesis, mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Nishimura
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Kagayaki Kato
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems (ExCELLS), National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Misako Saida
- Spectrography and Bioimaging Facility, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Kamei
- Spectrography and Bioimaging Facility, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masahiro Takeda
- Ultra High Precision Optics Technology Team/Advanced Manufacturing Support Team, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Center for Advanced Photonics, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiromi Miyoshi
- Ultra High Precision Optics Technology Team/Advanced Manufacturing Support Team, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Center for Advanced Photonics, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Applied Mechanobiology Laboratory, Faculty of Systems Design, Tokyo Metropolitan University, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Yamagata
- Ultra High Precision Optics Technology Team/Advanced Manufacturing Support Team, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
- Center for Advanced Photonics, RIKEN, Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Yu Amano
- Department of Bioscience, Kwansei Gakuin University, Sanda, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Shigenobu Yonemura
- Department of Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Tokushima University, Tokushima, Tokushima, Japan
- Ultrastructural Research Team, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
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Yang HY, Liang ZH, Xie JL, Wu Q, Qin YY, Zhang SY, Tang GD. Gelsolin impairs barrier function in pancreatic ductal epithelial cells by actin filament depolymerization in hypertriglyceridemia‑induced pancreatitis in vitro. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:290. [PMID: 35317441 PMCID: PMC8908475 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Gelsolin (GSN) is a calcium-regulated actin-binding protein that can sever actin filaments. Notably, actin dynamics affect the structure and function of epithelial barriers. The present study investigated the role of GSN in the barrier function of pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (PDECs) in hypertriglyceridemia-induced pancreatitis (HTGP). The human PDEC cell line HPDE6-C7 underwent GSN knockdown and was treated with caerulein (CAE) + triglycerides (TG). Intracellular calcium levels and the actin filament network were analyzed under a fluorescence microscope. The expression levels of GSN, E-cadherin, nectin-2, ZO-1 and occludin were evaluated by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Ultrastructural changes in tight junctions were observed by transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the permeability of PDECs was analyzed by fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran fluorescence. The results revealed that CAE + TG increased intracellular calcium levels, actin filament depolymerization and GSN expression, and increased PDEC permeability by decreasing the expression levels of E-cadherin, nectin-2, ZO-1 and occludin compared with the control. Moreover, changes in these markers, with the exception of intracellular calcium levels, were reversed by silencing GSN. In conclusion, GSN may disrupt barrier function in PDECs by causing actin filament depolymerization in HTGP in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Ying Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Hai Liang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Lian Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Qing Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530007, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Ying Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Yu Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
| | - Guo-Du Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530021, P.R. China
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Wagener BM, Hu R, Wu S, Pittet JF, Ding Q, Che P. The Role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Virulence Factors in Cytoskeletal Dysregulation and Lung Barrier Dysfunction. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:776. [PMID: 34822560 PMCID: PMC8625199 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13110776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pseudomonas (P.) aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that causes serious infections and hospital-acquired pneumonia in immunocompromised patients. P. aeruginosa accounts for up to 20% of all cases of hospital-acquired pneumonia, with an attributable mortality rate of ~30-40%. The poor clinical outcome of P. aeruginosa-induced pneumonia is ascribed to its ability to disrupt lung barrier integrity, leading to the development of lung edema and bacteremia. Airway epithelial and endothelial cells are important architecture blocks that protect the lung from invading pathogens. P. aeruginosa produces a number of virulence factors that can modulate barrier function, directly or indirectly, through exploiting cytoskeleton networks and intercellular junctional complexes in eukaryotic cells. This review summarizes the current knowledge on P. aeruginosa virulence factors, their effects on the regulation of the cytoskeletal network and associated components, and molecular mechanisms regulating barrier function in airway epithelial and endothelial cells. A better understanding of these processes will help to lay the foundation for new therapeutic approaches against P. aeruginosa-induced pneumonia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brant M. Wagener
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (B.M.W.); (R.H.); (S.W.); (J.-F.P.); (Q.D.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Center for Free Radical Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Ruihan Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (B.M.W.); (R.H.); (S.W.); (J.-F.P.); (Q.D.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Guiqian International General Hospital, Guiyang 550024, China
| | - Songwei Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (B.M.W.); (R.H.); (S.W.); (J.-F.P.); (Q.D.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jean-Francois Pittet
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (B.M.W.); (R.H.); (S.W.); (J.-F.P.); (Q.D.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Division of Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Qiang Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (B.M.W.); (R.H.); (S.W.); (J.-F.P.); (Q.D.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Pulin Che
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (B.M.W.); (R.H.); (S.W.); (J.-F.P.); (Q.D.)
- Division of Molecular and Translational Biomedicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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Hypoxia and heat stress affect epithelial integrity in a Caco-2/HT-29 co-culture. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13186. [PMID: 34162953 PMCID: PMC8222227 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92574-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia and hyperthermia, which can be induced by high environmental temperature or strenuous exercise, are two common stressors that affect intestinal epithelial integrity and lead to multiple clinical symptoms. In this study, we developed an in-vitro intestinal monolayer model using two human colonic epithelial cell lines, Caco-2 and HT-29, co-cultured in Transwell inserts, and investigated the effects of heat treatment and/or hypoxia on the epithelial barrier function. The monolayer with a ratio of 9:1 (Caco-2:HT-29) showed high trans-epithelial electrical resistance (TEER), low Lucifer Yellow permeability and high mucin production. Hyperthermia and/or hypoxia exposure (2 h) triggered heat shock and oxidative stress responses. HSP-70 and HSF-1 protein levels were up-regulated by hyperthermia, which were further enhanced when hyperthermia was combined with hypoxia. Increased HIF-1α protein expression and Nrf2 nuclear translocation was only caused by hypoxia. Hyperthermia and/or hypoxia exposure disrupted the established monolayer by increasing paracellular permeability, decreasing ZO-1, claudin-3 and occludin protein/mRNA expression, while enhancing E-cadherin protein expression. Tight junction protein distribution in the monolayer was also modulated by the hyperthermia and/or hypoxia exposure. In addition, transcription levels of mucin genes, MUC-2 and MUC-5AC, were increased after 2 h of hyperthermia and/or hypoxia exposure. In conclusion, this Caco-2/HT-29 cell model is valid and effective for studying detrimental effects of hyperthermia and/or hypoxia on intestinal barrier function and related heat shock and oxidative stress pathways and can be used to investigate possible interventions to reverse hyperthermia and/or hypoxia-induced intestinal epithelial injury.
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Cordova-Burgos L, Patel FB, Soto MC. E-Cadherin/HMR-1 Membrane Enrichment Is Polarized by WAVE-Dependent Branched Actin. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:19. [PMID: 34067000 PMCID: PMC8162361 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9020019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Polarized epithelial cells adhere to each other at apical junctions that connect to the apical F-actin belt. Regulated remodeling of apical junctions supports morphogenesis, while dysregulated remodeling promotes diseases such as cancer. We have documented that branched actin regulator, WAVE, and apical junction protein, Cadherin, assemble together in developing C. elegans embryonic junctions. If WAVE is missing in embryonic epithelia, too much Cadherin assembles at apical membranes, and yet apical F-actin is reduced, suggesting the excess Cadherin is not fully functional. We proposed that WAVE supports apical junctions by regulating the dynamic accumulation of Cadherin at membranes. To test this model, here we examine if WAVE is required for Cadherin membrane enrichment and apical-basal polarity in a maturing epithelium, the post-embryonic C. elegans intestine. We find that larval and adult intestines have distinct apicobasal populations of Cadherin, each with distinct dependence on WAVE branched actin. In vivo imaging shows that loss of WAVE components alters post-embryonic E-cadherin membrane enrichment, especially at apicolateral regions, and alters the lateral membrane. Analysis of a biosensor for PI(4,5)P2 suggests loss of WAVE or Cadherin alters the polarity of the epithelial membrane. EM (electron microscopy) illustrates lateral membrane changes including separations. These findings have implications for understanding how mutations in WAVE and Cadherin may alter cell polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Martha C. Soto
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Rutgers—RWJMS, Piscataway, NJ 08854, USA; (L.C.-B.); (F.B.P.)
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Seebach J, Klusmeier N, Schnittler H. Autoregulatory "Multitasking" at Endothelial Cell Junctions by Junction-Associated Intermittent Lamellipodia Controls Barrier Properties. Front Physiol 2021; 11:586921. [PMID: 33488392 PMCID: PMC7815704 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.586921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular endothelial cell (EC) junctions are key structures controlling tissue homeostasis in physiology. In the last three decades, excellent studies have addressed many aspects of this complex and highly dynamic regulation, including cell signaling, remodeling processes of the proteins of tight junctions, adherens junctions, and gap junctions, the cytoskeleton, and post-transcriptional modifications, transcriptional activation, and gene silencing. In this dynamic process, vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) provides the core structure of EC junctions mediating the physical adhesion of cells as well as the control of barrier function and monolayer integrity via remodeling processes, regulation of protein expression and post-translational modifications. In recent years, research teams have documented locally restricted dynamics of EC junctions in which actin-driven protrusions in plasma membranes play a central role. In this regard, our research group showed that the dynamics of VE-cadherin is driven by small (1-5 μm) actin-mediated protrusions in plasma membranes that, due to this specific function, were named "junction-associated intermittent lamellipodia" (JAIL). JAIL form at overlapping, adjacent cells, and exactly at this site new VE-cadherin interactions occur, leading to new VE-cadherin adhesion sites, a process that restores weak or lost VE-cadherin adhesion. Mechanistically, JAIL formation occurs locally restricted (1-5 μm) and underlies autoregulation in which the local VE-cadherin concentration is an important parameter. A decrease in the local concentration of VE-cadherin stimulates JAIL formation, whereas an increase in the concentration of VE-cadherin blocks it. JAIL mediated VE-cadherin remodeling at the subjunctional level have been shown to be of crucial importance in angiogenesis, wound healing, and changes in permeability during inflammation. The concept of subjunctional regulation of EC junctions is strongly supported by permeability assays, which can be employed to quantify actin-driven subjunctional changes. In this brief review, we summarize and discuss the current knowledge and concepts of subjunctional regulation in the endothelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jochen Seebach
- Institute of Anatomy and Vascular Biology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Nadine Klusmeier
- Institute of Anatomy and Vascular Biology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Hans Schnittler
- Institute of Anatomy and Vascular Biology, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität Münster, Münster, Germany
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Rath PP, Gourinath S. The actin cytoskeleton orchestra in Entamoeba histolytica. Proteins 2020; 88:1361-1375. [PMID: 32506560 DOI: 10.1002/prot.25955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Years of evolution have kept actin conserved throughout various clades of life. It is an essential protein starring in many cellular processes. In a primitive eukaryote named Entamoeba histolytica, actin directs the process of phagocytosis. A finely tuned coordination between various actin-binding proteins (ABPs) choreographs this process and forms one of the virulence factors for this protist pathogen. The ever-expanding world of ABPs always has space to accommodate new and varied types of proteins to the earlier existing repertoire. In this article, we report the identification of 390 ABPs from Entamoeba histolytica. These proteins are part of diverse families that have been known to regulate actin dynamics. Most of the proteins are primarily uncharacterized in this organism; however, this study aims to annotate the ABPs based on their domain arrangements. A unique characteristic about some of the ABPs found is the combination of domains present in them unlike any other reported till date. Calponin domain-containing proteins formed the largest group among all types with 38 proteins, followed by 29 proteins with the infamous BAR domain in them, and 23 proteins belonging to actin-related proteins. The other protein families had a lesser number of members. Presence of exclusive domain arrangements in these proteins could guide us to yet unknown actin regulatory mechanisms prevalent in nature. This article is the first step to unraveling them.
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Angulo-Urarte A, van der Wal T, Huveneers S. Cell-cell junctions as sensors and transducers of mechanical forces. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-BIOMEMBRANES 2020; 1862:183316. [PMID: 32360073 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2020.183316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial and endothelial monolayers are multicellular sheets that form barriers between the 'outside' and 'inside' of tissues. Cell-cell junctions, made by adherens junctions, tight junctions and desmosomes, hold together these monolayers. They form intercellular contacts by binding their receptor counterparts on neighboring cells and anchoring these structures intracellularly to the cytoskeleton. During tissue development, maintenance and pathogenesis, monolayers encounter a range of mechanical forces from the cells themselves and from external systemic forces, such as blood pressure or tissue stiffness. The molecular landscape of cell-cell junctions is diverse, containing transmembrane proteins that form intercellular bonds and a variety of cytoplasmic proteins that remodel the junctional connection to the cytoskeleton. Many junction-associated proteins participate in mechanotransduction cascades to confer mechanical cues into cellular responses that allow monolayers to maintain their structural integrity. We will discuss force-dependent junctional molecular events and their role in cell-cell contact organization and remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Angulo-Urarte
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Location AMC, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tanne van der Wal
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Location AMC, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Stephan Huveneers
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Location AMC, Department of Medical Biochemistry, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Schwartz R, Guichard A, Franc NC, Roy S, Bier E. A Drosophila Model for Clostridium difficile Toxin CDT Reveals Interactions with Multiple Effector Pathways. iScience 2020; 23:100865. [PMID: 32058973 PMCID: PMC7011083 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2020.100865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs) cause severe and occasionally life-threatening diarrhea. Hyper-virulent strains produce CDT, a toxin that ADP-ribosylates actin monomers and inhibits actin polymerization. We created transgenic Drosophila lines expressing the catalytic subunit CDTa to investigate its interaction with host signaling pathways in vivo. When expressed in the midgut, CDTa reduces body weight and fecal output and compromises survival, suggesting severe impairment of digestive functions. At the cellular level, CDTa induces F-actin network collapse, elimination of the intestinal brush border, and disruption of intercellular junctions. We confirm toxin-dependent re-distribution of Rab11 to enterocytes' apical surface and observe suppression of CDTa phenotypes by a Dominant-Negative form of Rab11 or RNAi of the dedicated Rab11GEF Crag (DENND4). We also report that Calmodulin (Cam) is required to mediate CDTa activity. In parallel, chemical inhibition of the Cam/Calcineurin pathway by Cyclosporin A or FK506 also reduces CDTa phenotypes, potentially opening new avenues for treating CDIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Schwartz
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0335, USA
| | - Annabel Guichard
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0335, USA; Tata Institute for Genetics and Society-UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093-0335, USA
| | - Nathalie C Franc
- Franc Consulting, San Diego, CA 92117-3314, USA; The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Sitara Roy
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0335, USA
| | - Ethan Bier
- Section of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093-0335, USA; Tata Institute for Genetics and Society-UCSD, La Jolla, CA 92093-0335, USA.
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12
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Wu M, Wu Y, Huang J, Wu Y, Wu H, Jiang B, Zhuang J. Protein expression profile changes of lung tissue in patients with pulmonary hypertension. PeerJ 2020; 8:e8153. [PMID: 32030316 PMCID: PMC6996500 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.8153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pulmonary hypertension occurs in approximately 1% of the global population, and the prognosis for such patients may be poor. However, the mechanisms underlying the development of this disease remain unclear. Thus, understanding the development of pulmonary hypertension and finding new therapeutic targets and approaches are important for improved clinical outcomes. Methods Lung tissue specimens were collected from six patients with atrial septal defect and pulmonary hypertension (all women, with a mean age of 46.5 ± 4.7 years, and their condition could not be corrected with an internal medical occlusion device) and from nine control patients with lung cancer who underwent lobectomy (six men and three women, with a mean age of 56.7 ± 1.7 years). Isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry analyses were used to detect protein expression levels. Results We found 74 significantly upregulated and 88 significantly downregulated differentially expressed proteins between control and pulmonary hypertensive lung tissue specimens. Gene ontology analyses identified the top 20 terms in all three categories, that is, biological process, cellular component, and molecular function. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and protein–protein interaction analyses determined the top 10 signaling pathways and found that the six hub proteins associated with the differentially expressed upregulated proteins (PRKAA1, DHPR, ACTB, desmin, ACTG1, and ITGA1) were all involved in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, and dilated cardiomyopathy. Conclusion Our results identified protein expression profile changes in lung tissue derived from patients with pulmonary hypertension, providing potential new biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and prognosis for patients with pulmonary hypertension and offering candidate protein targets for future therapeutic drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yijin Wu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jinsong Huang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yueheng Wu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hongmei Wu
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Benyuan Jiang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jian Zhuang
- Department of Cardiac Surgery, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, China
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Merkel CD, Li Y, Raza Q, Stolz DB, Kwiatkowski AV. Vinculin anchors contractile actin to the cardiomyocyte adherens junction. Mol Biol Cell 2019; 30:2639-2650. [PMID: 31483697 PMCID: PMC6761764 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e19-04-0216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The adherens junction (AJ) couples the actin cytoskeletons of neighboring cells to allow mechanical integration and tissue organization. The physiological demands of intercellular adhesion require that the AJ be responsive to dynamic changes in force while maintaining mechanical load. These demands are tested in the heart, where cardiomyocyte AJs must withstand repeated cycles of actomyosin-mediated contractile force. Here we show that force-responsive cardiomyocyte AJs recruit actin-binding ligands to selectively couple actin networks. We employed a panel of N-cadherin-αE-catenin fusion proteins to rebuild AJs with specific actin linkages in N-cadherin-null cardiomyocytes. In this system, vinculin recruitment was required to rescue myofibril integration at nascent contacts. In contrast, loss of vinculin from the AJ disrupted junction morphology and blocked myofibril integration at cell–cell contacts. Our results identify vinculin as a critical link to contractile actomyosin and offer insight to how actin integration at the AJ is regulated to provide stability under mechanical load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea D Merkel
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Qanber Raza
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Donna B Stolz
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
| | - Adam V Kwiatkowski
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261
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14
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Kinoshita N, Huang AJY, McHugh TJ, Suzuki SC, Masai I, Kim IH, Soderling SH, Miyawaki A, Shimogori T. Genetically Encoded Fluorescent Indicator GRAPHIC Delineates Intercellular Connections. iScience 2019; 15:28-38. [PMID: 31026667 PMCID: PMC6482341 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercellular contacts are essential for precise organ morphogenesis, function, and maintenance; however, spatiotemporal information of cell-cell contacts or adhesions remains elusive in many systems. We developed a genetically encoded fluorescent indicator for intercellular contacts with optimized intercellular GFP reconstitution using glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor, GRAPHIC (GPI anchored reconstitution-activated proteins highlight intercellular connections), which can be used for an expanded number of cell types. We observed a robust GFP signal specifically at the interface between cultured cells, without disrupting natural cell contact. Application of GRAPHIC to the fish retina specifically delineated cone-bipolar connection sites. Moreover, we showed that GRAPHIC can be used in the mouse central nervous system to delineate synaptic sites in the thalamocortical circuit. Finally, we generated GRAPHIC color variants, enabling detection of multiple convergent contacts simultaneously in cell culture system. We demonstrated that GRAPHIC has high sensitivity and versatility, which will facilitate the analysis of the complex multicellular connections without previous limitations. Development of GRAPHIC to visualize intercellular contact site GPI anchor and different split site provides stronger fluorescent signal GRAPHIC can be used to delineate synaptic site in mouse CNS and zebrafish retina GRAPHIC color variants for multi–contact site visualization
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagatoki Kinoshita
- Molecular Mechanisms of Brain Development, Center for Brain Science (CBS), RIKEN, Saitama, Japan; Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Thomas J McHugh
- Circuit and Behavioral Physiology, CBS, RIKEN, Saitama, Japan
| | - Sachihiro C Suzuki
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), Okinawa, Japan
| | - Ichiro Masai
- Developmental Neurobiology Unit, Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST), Okinawa, Japan
| | - Il Hwan Kim
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Scott H Soderling
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Atsushi Miyawaki
- Exploratory Research for Advanced Technology (ERATO), Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Tokyo, Japan; Cell Function Dynamics, CBS, RIKEN, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tomomi Shimogori
- Molecular Mechanisms of Brain Development, Center for Brain Science (CBS), RIKEN, Saitama, Japan.
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15
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Szewczyk A, Gehl J, Daczewska M, Saczko J, Frandsen SK, Kulbacka J. Calcium electroporation for treatment of sarcoma in preclinical studies. Oncotarget 2018; 9:11604-11618. [PMID: 29545923 PMCID: PMC5837766 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcium electroporation (CaEP) describes the use of electric pulses (electroporation) to transiently permeabilize cells to allow supraphysiological doses of calcium to enter the cytosol. Calcium electroporation has successfully been investigated for treatment of cutaneous metastases in a clinical study. This preclinical study explores the possible use of calcium electroporation for treatment of sarcoma. A normal murine muscle cell line (C2C12), and a human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line (RD) were used in the undifferentiated and differentiated state. Electroporation was performed using 8 pulses of 100 μs at 600–1000 V/cm; with calcium (0, 0.5, 1, and 5 mM). Viability was examined by MTS assay, intracellular calcium levels were measured, and expression of plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA) was investigated using western blotting. Calcium/sodium exchanger (NCX1), ryanodine receptor (RyR1) expression and cytoskeleton structure (zyxin/actin) were assessed by immunofluorescence. CaEP efficiency on RD tumors was tested in vivo in immuno-deficient mice. CaEP was significantly more efficient in RD than in normal cells. Intracellular Ca2+ levels after CaEP increased significantly in RD, whereas a lower increase was seen in normal cells. CaEP caused decreased expression of PMCA and NCX1 in malignant cells and RyR1 in both cell lines whereas normal cells exhibited increased expression of NCX1 after CaEP. Calcium electroporation also affected cytoskeleton structure in malignant cells. This study showed that calcium electroporation is tolerated significantly better in normal muscle cells than sarcoma cells and as an inexpensive and simple cancer treatment this could potentially be used in connection with sarcoma surgery for local treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Szewczyk
- Department of Animal Developmental Biology, Institute of Experimental Biology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Julie Gehl
- Center for Experimental Drug and Gene Electrotransfer (CEDGE), Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Malgorzata Daczewska
- Department of Animal Developmental Biology, Institute of Experimental Biology, University of Wroclaw, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jolanta Saczko
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Stine Krog Frandsen
- Center for Experimental Drug and Gene Electrotransfer (CEDGE), Department of Clinical Oncology and Palliative Care, Zealand University Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark.,Department of Oncology, Herlev and Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Julita Kulbacka
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
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