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Domingues N, Catarino S, Cristóvão B, Rodrigues L, Carvalho FA, Sarmento MJ, Zuzarte M, Almeida J, Ribeiro-Rodrigues T, Correia-Rodrigues Â, Fernandes F, Rodrigues-Santos P, Aasen T, Santos NC, Korolchuk VI, Gonçalves T, Milosevic I, Raimundo N, Girão H. Connexin43 promotes exocytosis of damaged lysosomes through actin remodelling. EMBO J 2024:10.1038/s44318-024-00177-3. [PMID: 39044100 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00177-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
A robust and efficient cellular response to lysosomal membrane damage prevents leakage from the lysosome lumen into the cytoplasm. This response is understood to happen through either lysosomal membrane repair or lysophagy. Here we report exocytosis as a third response mechanism to lysosomal damage, which is further potentiated when membrane repair or lysosomal degradation mechanisms are impaired. We show that Connexin43 (Cx43), a protein canonically associated with gap junctions, is recruited from the plasma membrane to damaged lysosomes, promoting their secretion and accelerating cell recovery. The effects of Cx43 on lysosome exocytosis are mediated by a reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton that increases plasma membrane fluidity and decreases cell stiffness. Furthermore, we demonstrate that Cx43 interacts with the actin nucleator Arp2, the activity of which was shown to be necessary for Cx43-mediated actin rearrangement and lysosomal exocytosis following damage. These results define a novel mechanism of lysosomal quality control whereby Cx43-mediated actin remodelling potentiates the secretion of damaged lysosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neuza Domingues
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Steve Catarino
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Beatriz Cristóvão
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lisa Rodrigues
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Filomena A Carvalho
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Sarmento
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Mónica Zuzarte
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jani Almeida
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Ribeiro-Rodrigues
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ânia Correia-Rodrigues
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Fábio Fernandes
- Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences (IBB) and Associate Laboratory i4HB-Institute for Health and Bioeconomy, Department of Bioengineering, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Trond Aasen
- Vall d'Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nuno C Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Viktor I Korolchuk
- Biosciences Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ira Milosevic
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- University of Oxford, Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, Oxford, UK
| | - Nuno Raimundo
- Multidisciplinary Institute of Ageing, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Henrique Girão
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Univ Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Univ Coimbra, Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal.
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
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2
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Chen T, Ellman DG, Fang S, Bak ST, Nørgård MØ, Svenningsen P, Andersen DC. Transfer of cardiomyocyte-derived extracellular vesicles to neighboring cardiac cells requires tunneling nanotubes during heart development. Theranostics 2024; 14:3843-3858. [PMID: 38994028 PMCID: PMC11234280 DOI: 10.7150/thno.91604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are thought to mediate intercellular communication during development and disease. Yet, biological insight to intercellular EV transfer remains elusive, also in the heart, and is technically challenging to demonstrate. Here, we aimed to investigate biological transfer of cardiomyocyte-derived EVs in the neonatal heart. Methods: We exploited CD9 as a marker of EVs, and generated two lines of cardiomyocyte specific EV reporter mice: Tnnt2-Cre; double-floxed inverted CD9/EGFP and αMHC-MerCreMer; double-floxed inverted CD9/EGFP. The two mouse lines were utilized to determine whether developing cardiomyocytes transfer EVs to other cardiac cells (non-myocytes and cardiomyocytes) in vitro and in vivo and investigate the intercellular transport pathway of cardiomyocyte-derived EVs. Results: Genetic tagging of cardiomyocytes was confirmed in both reporter mouse lines and proof of concept in the postnatal heart showed that, a fraction of EGFP+/MYH1- non-myocytes exist firmly demonstrating in vivo cardiomyocyte-derived EV transfer. However, two sets of direct and indirect EGFP +/- cardiac cell co-cultures showed that cardiomyocyte-derived EGFP+ EV transfer requires cell-cell contact and that uptake of EGFP+ EVs from the medium is limited. The same was observed when co-cultiring with mouse macrophages. Further mechanistic insight showed that cardiomyocyte EV transfer occurs through type I tunneling nanotubes. Conclusion: While the current notion assumes that EVs are transferred through secretion to the surroundings, our data show that cardiomyocyte-derived EV transfer in the developing heart occurs through nanotubes between neighboring cells. Whether these data are fundamental and relate to adult hearts and other organs remains to be determined, but they imply that the normal developmental process of EV transfer goes through cell-cell contact rather than through the extracellular compartment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Chen
- Andersen Group, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Urology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ditte Gry Ellman
- Andersen Group, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Shu Fang
- Andersen Group, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Sara Thornby Bak
- Andersen Group, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mikkel Ørnfeldt Nørgård
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Per Svenningsen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Unit of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ditte Caroline Andersen
- Andersen Group, Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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3
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Kovácsházi C, Hambalkó S, Sayour NV, Gergely TG, Brenner GB, Pelyhe C, Kapui D, Weber BY, Hültenschmidt AL, Pállinger É, Buzás EI, Zolcsák Á, Kiss B, Bozó T, Csányi C, Kósa N, Kellermayer M, Farkas R, Karvaly GB, Wynne K, Matallanas D, Ferdinandy P, Giricz Z. Effect of hypercholesterolemia on circulating and cardiomyocyte-derived extracellular vesicles. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12016. [PMID: 38797778 PMCID: PMC11128454 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62689-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia (HC) induces, propagates and exacerbates cardiovascular diseases via various mechanisms that are yet not properly understood. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are involved in the pathomechanism of these diseases. To understand how circulating or cardiac-derived EVs could affect myocardial functions, we analyzed the metabolomic profile of circulating EVs, and we performed an in-depth analysis of cardiomyocyte (CM)-derived EVs in HC. Circulating EVs were isolated with Vezics technology from male Wistar rats fed with high-cholesterol or control chow. AC16 human CMs were treated with Remembrane HC supplement and EVs were isolated from cell culture supernatant. The biophysical properties and the protein composition of CM EVs were analyzed. THP1-ASC-GFP cells were treated with CM EVs, and monocyte activation was measured. HC diet reduced the amount of certain phosphatidylcholines in circulating EVs, independently of their plasma level. HC treatment significantly increased EV secretion of CMs and greatly modified CM EV proteome, enriching several proteins involved in tissue remodeling. Regardless of the treatment, CM EVs did not induce the activation of THP1 monocytes. In conclusion, HC strongly affects the metabolome of circulating EVs and dysregulates CM EVs, which might contribute to HC-induced cardiac derangements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Csenger Kovácsházi
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Hambalkó
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nabil V Sayour
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás G Gergely
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor B Brenner
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Pelyhe
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Dóra Kapui
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bennet Y Weber
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Éva Pállinger
- Institute of Genetics, Cell- and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Edit I Buzás
- Institute of Genetics, Cell- and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-SE Translational Extracellular Vesicle Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
- HCEMM-SU Extracellular Vesicle Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Zolcsák
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint Kiss
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- HUNREN-SE Biophysical Virology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Bozó
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csilla Csányi
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Nikolett Kósa
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Miklós Kellermayer
- Department of Biophysics and Radiation Biology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- HUNREN-SE Biophysical Virology Research Group, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Róbert Farkas
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Separation Technology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gellért B Karvaly
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Mass Spectrometry and Separation Technology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Kieran Wynne
- Systems Biology Ireland and School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - David Matallanas
- Systems Biology Ireland and School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Péter Ferdinandy
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Giricz
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
- Pharmahungary Group, Szeged, Hungary.
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4
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Hanafy MS, Cui Z. Connexin-Containing Vesicles for Drug Delivery. AAPS J 2024; 26:20. [PMID: 38267725 DOI: 10.1208/s12248-024-00889-8] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Connexin is a transmembrane protein present on the cell membrane of most cell types. Connexins assemble into a hexameric hemichannel known as connexon that pairs with another hemichannel present on a neighboring cell to form gap junction that acts as a channel or pore for the transport of ions and small molecules between the cytoplasm of the two cells. Extracellular vesicles released from connexin-expressing cells could carry connexin hemichannels on their surface and couple with another connexin hemichannel on a distant recipient cell to allow the transfer of the intravesicular content directly into the cytoplasm. Connexin-containing vesicles can be potentially utilized for intracellular drug delivery. In this review, we introduced cell-derived, connexin-containing extracellular vesicles and cell-free connexin-containing liposomes, methods of preparing them, procedures to load cargos in them, factors regulating the connexin hemichannel activity, (potential) applications of connexin-containing vesicles in drug delivery, and finally the challenges and future directions in realizing the promises of this platform delivery system for (intracellular) drug delivery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud S Hanafy
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA
| | - Zhengrong Cui
- Division of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, USA.
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5
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Martins-Marques T, Girão H. Expression and Function of Connexins in Extracellular Vesicles. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2801:17-28. [PMID: 38578410 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3842-2_2] [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] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are recognized as major vehicles for exchange of information across distant cells and tissues, which have been extensively explored for diagnosis and therapeutic purposes. The presence of multiple connexin (Cx) proteins has been described in EVs, where they might facilitate EV-cell communication. However, quantitative changes in Cx levels and functional assessment of Cx channels have only been established for Cx43. In present work, we provide a detailed description of the protocols we have optimized to assess the expression and permeability of Cx43 channels in EVs derived from cultured cells and human peripheral blood. Particularly, we include some modifications to improve quantitative analysis of EV-Cx43 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and assessment of channel functionality by sucrose-density gradient ultracentrifugation, which can be easily adapted to other Cx family members, leveraging the development of diagnostic and therapeutic applications based on Cx-containing EVs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Martins-Marques
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal.
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Henrique Girão
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
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6
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Martins-Marques T, Girão H. The good, the bad and the ugly: the impact of extracellular vesicles on the cardiovascular system. J Physiol 2023; 601:4837-4852. [PMID: 35348208 DOI: 10.1113/jp282048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which encompass a myriad of pathological conditions that affect the heart and/or the blood vessels, remain the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. By transferring a wide variety of bioactive molecules, including proteins and microRNAs (miRNAs), extracellular vesicles (EVs) are recognized as key players in long-range communication across the cardiovascular system. It has been demonstrated that these highly heterogeneous nanosized vesicles participate both in the maintenance of homeostasis of the heart and vessels, and contribute to the pathophysiology of CVDs, thus emerging as promising tools for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of multiple CVDs. In this review, we highlight the beneficial roles of EV-mediated communication in regulating vascular homeostasis, and inter-organ crosstalk as a potential mechanism controlling systemic metabolic fitness. In addition, the impact of EV secretion in disease development is described, particularly focusing on cardiac remodelling following ischaemia, atherogenesis and atrial fibrillation progression. Finally, we discuss the potential of endogenous and bioengineered EVs as therapeutic tools for CVDs, as well as the suitability of assessing the molecular signature of circulating EVs as a non-invasive predictive marker of CVD onset and progression. This rapidly expanding field of research has established the role of EVs as key conveyors of both cardioprotective and detrimental signals, which might be of relevance in uncovering novel therapeutic targets and biomarkers of CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Martins-Marques
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique Girão
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
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7
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Martins-Marques T, Witschas K, Ribeiro I, Zuzarte M, Catarino S, Ribeiro-Rodrigues T, Caramelo F, Aasen T, Carreira IM, Goncalves L, Leybaert L, Girao H. Cx43 can form functional channels at the nuclear envelope and modulate gene expression in cardiac cells. Open Biol 2023; 13:230258. [PMID: 37907090 PMCID: PMC10645070 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Classically associated with gap junction-mediated intercellular communication, connexin43 (Cx43) is increasingly recognized to possess non-canonical biological functions, including gene expression regulation. However, the mechanisms governing the localization and role played by Cx43 in the nucleus, namely in transcription modulation, remain unknown. Using comprehensive and complementary approaches encompassing biochemical assays, super-resolution and immunogold transmission electron microscopy, we demonstrate that Cx43 localizes to the nuclear envelope of different cell types and in cardiac tissue. We show that translocation of Cx43 to the nucleus relies on Importin-β, and that Cx43 significantly impacts the cellular transcriptome, likely by interacting with transcriptional regulators. In vitro patch-clamp recordings from HEK293 and adult primary cardiomyocytes demonstrate that Cx43 forms active channels at the nuclear envelope, providing evidence that Cx43 can participate in nucleocytoplasmic shuttling of small molecules. The accumulation of nuclear Cx43 during myogenic differentiation of cardiomyoblasts is suggested to modulate expression of genes implicated in this process. Altogether, our study provides new evidence for further defining the biological roles of nuclear Cx43, namely in cardiac pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Martins-Marques
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Katja Witschas
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences – Physiology group, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ilda Ribeiro
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mónica Zuzarte
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Steve Catarino
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Ribeiro-Rodrigues
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Francisco Caramelo
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Laboratory of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - 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
- CIBER de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida de Monforte de Lemos 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Marques Carreira
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Cytogenetics and Genomics Laboratory (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, 3004-531 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lino Goncalves
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luc Leybaert
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences – Physiology group, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Henrique Girao
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
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8
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Cristovao B, Rodrigues L, Catarino S, Abreu M, Gonçalves T, Domingues N, Girao H. Cx43-mediated hyphal folding counteracts phagosome integrity loss during fungal infection. Microbiol Spectr 2023; 11:e0123823. [PMID: 37733471 PMCID: PMC10581180 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.01238-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Phagolysosomes are crucial organelles during the elimination of pathogens by host cells. The maintenance of their membrane integrity is vital during stressful conditions, such as during Candida albicans infection. As the fungal hyphae grow, the phagolysosome membrane expands to ensure that the growing fungus remains entrapped. Additionally, actin structures surrounding the hyphae-containing phagosome were recently described to damage and constrain these pathogens inside the host vacuoles by inducing their folding. However, the molecular mechanism involved in the phagosome membrane adaptation during this extreme expansion process is still unclear. The main goal of this study was to unveil the interplay between phagosomal membrane integrity and folding capacity of C. albicans-infected macrophages. We show that components of the repair machinery are gradually recruited to the expanding phagolysosomal membrane and that their inhibition diminishes macrophage folding capacity. Through an analysis of an RNAseq data set of C. albicans-infected macrophages, we identified Cx43, a gap junction protein, as a putative player involved in the interplay between lysosomal homeostasis and actin-related processes. Our findings further reveal that Cx43 is recruited to expand phagosomes and potentiates the hyphal folding capacity of macrophages, promoting their survival. Additionally, we reveal that Cx43 can act as an anchor for complexes involved in Arp2-mediated actin nucleation during the assembly of actin rings around hyphae-containing phagosomes. Overall, this work brings new insights on the mechanisms by which macrophages cope with C. albicans infection ascribing to Cx43 a new noncanonical regulatory role in phagosome dynamics during pathogen phagocytosis. IMPORTANCE Invasive candidiasis is a life-threatening fungal infection that can become increasingly resistant to treatment. Thus, strategies to improve immune system efficiency, such as the macrophage response during the clearance of the fungal infection, are crucial to ameliorate the current therapies. Engulfed Candida albicans, one of the most common Candida species, is able to quickly transit from yeast-to-hypha form, which can elicit a phagosomal membrane injury and ultimately lead to macrophage death. Here, we extend the understanding of phagosome membrane homeostasis during the hypha expansion and folding process. We found that loss of phagosomal membrane integrity decreases the capacity of macrophages to fold the hyphae. Furthermore, through a bioinformatic analysis, we reveal a new window of opportunities to disclose the mechanisms underlying the hyphal constraining process. We identified Cx43 as a new weapon in the armamentarium to tackle infection by potentiating hyphal folding and promoting macrophage survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Cristovao
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lisa Rodrigues
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC-UC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Steve Catarino
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Monica Abreu
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Teresa Gonçalves
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology (CNC-UC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Neuza Domingues
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique Girao
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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9
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Totland MZ, Omori Y, Sørensen V, Kryeziu K, Aasen T, Brech A, Leithe E. Endocytic trafficking of connexins in cancer pathogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023:166812. [PMID: 37454772 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions are specialized regions of the plasma membrane containing clusters of channels that provide for the diffusion of ions and small molecules between adjacent cells. A fundamental role of gap junctions is to coordinate the functions of cells in tissues. Cancer pathogenesis is usually associated with loss of intercellular communication mediated by gap junctions, which may affect tumor growth and the response to radio- and chemotherapy. Gap junction channels consist of integral membrane proteins termed connexins. In addition to their canonical roles in cell-cell communication, connexins modulate a range of signal transduction pathways via interactions with proteins such as β-catenin, c-Src, and PTEN. Consequently, connexins can regulate cellular processes such as cell growth, migration, and differentiation through both channel-dependent and independent mechanisms. Gap junctions are dynamic plasma membrane entities, and by modulating the rate at which connexins undergo endocytosis and sorting to lysosomes for degradation, cells rapidly adjust the level of gap junctions in response to alterations in the intracellular or extracellular milieu. Current experimental evidence indicates that aberrant trafficking of connexins in the endocytic system is intrinsically involved in mediating the loss of gap junctions during carcinogenesis. This review highlights the role played by the endocytic system in controlling connexin degradation, and consequently gap junction levels, and discusses how dysregulation of these processes contributes to the loss of gap junctions during cancer development. We also discuss the therapeutic implications of aberrant endocytic trafficking of connexins in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yasufumi Omori
- Department of Molecular and Tumour Pathology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, Akita, Japan
| | | | | | - 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, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreas Brech
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Section for Physiology and Cell Biology, Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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10
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Pathways for Cardioprotection in Perspective: Focus on Remote Conditioning and Extracellular Vesicles. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020308. [PMID: 36829584 PMCID: PMC9953525 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite the development of cutting-edge treatments, coronary artery disease (CAD) morbidity and mortality rates remain present at high levels. Therefore, new cardioprotective approaches are crucial to improve the health of patients. To date, experimental investigations of acute ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) have generally demonstrated the efficacy of local ischemic preconditioning and postconditioning cardioprotection techniques as well as of remote conditioning. However, application in clinical settings is still highly controversial and debated. Currently, remote ischemic conditioning (RIC) seems to be the most promising method for heart repair. Protective factors are released into the bloodstream, and protection can be transferred within and across species. For a long time, the cross-function and cross-transmission mechanisms of cardioprotection were largely unknown. Recently, it has been shown that small, anuclear, bilayered lipid membrane particles, known as extracellular vesicles (EVs), are the drivers of signal transduction in cardiac IRI and RIC. EVs are related to the pathophysiological processes of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), according to compelling evidence. In this review, we will first review the current state of knowledge on myocardial IRI and cardioprotective strategies explored over the past 37 years. Second, we will briefly discuss the role of EVs in CVD and the most recent improvements on EVs as prognostic biomarkers, diagnostic, and therapeutic agents. We will discuss how EVs can be used as a new drug delivery mechanism and how they can be employed in cardiac treatment, also from a perspective of overcoming the impasse that results from neglecting confounding factors.
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11
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Zhou M, Zheng M, Zhou X, Tian S, Yang X, Ning Y, Li Y, Zhang S. The roles of connexins and gap junctions in the progression of cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:8. [PMID: 36639804 PMCID: PMC9837928 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-01009-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs), which are composed of connexins (Cxs), provide channels for direct information exchange between cells. Cx expression has a strong spatial specificity; however, its influence on cell behavior and information exchange between cells cannot be ignored. A variety of factors in organisms can modulate Cxs and subsequently trigger a series of responses that have important effects on cellular behavior. The expression and function of Cxs and the number and function of GJs are in dynamic change. Cxs have been characterized as tumor suppressors in the past, but recent studies have highlighted the critical roles of Cxs and GJs in cancer pathogenesis. The complex mechanism underlying Cx and GJ involvement in cancer development is a major obstacle to the evolution of therapy targeting Cxs. In this paper, we review the post-translational modifications of Cxs, the interactions of Cxs with several chaperone proteins, and the effects of Cxs and GJs on cancer. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhou
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 People’s Republic of China
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300121 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyue Zhou
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shifeng Tian
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Yang
- grid.216938.70000 0000 9878 7032Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yidi Ning
- grid.216938.70000 0000 9878 7032Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuwei Li
- grid.417031.00000 0004 1799 2675Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, 300121 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300121 People’s Republic of China
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12
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Zhu Y, Wang S, Chen X. Extracellular Vesicles and Ischemic Cardiovascular Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1418:57-68. [PMID: 37603272 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1443-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Characterized by coronary artery obstruction or stenosis, ischemic cardiovascular diseases as advanced stages of coronary heart diseases commonly lead to left ventricular aneurysm, ventricular septal defect, and mitral insufficiency. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by diverse cells in the body exert roles in cell-cell interactions and intrinsic cellular regulations. With a lipid double-layer membrane and biological components such as DNA, protein, mRNA, microRNAs (miRNA), and siRNA inside, the EVs function as paracrine signaling for the pathophysiology of ischemic cardiovascular diseases and maintenance of the cardiac homeostasis. Unlike stem cell transplantation with the potential tumorigenicity and immunogenicity, the EV-based therapeutic strategy is proposed to satisfy the demand for cardiac repair and regeneration while the circulating EVs detected by a noninvasive approach can act as precious biomarkers. In this chapter, we extensively summarize the cardioprotective functions of native EVs and bioengineered EVs released from stem cells, cardiomyocytes, cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs), endothelial cells, fibroblast, smooth muscle cells, and immune cells. In addition, the potential of EVs as robust molecule biomarkers is discussed for clinical diagnosis of ischemic cardiovascular disease, attributed to the same pathology of EVs as that of their origin. Finally, we highlight EV-based therapy as a biocompatible alternative to direct cell-based therapy for ischemic cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiao Zhu
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Siqi Wang
- Cardiac Regeneration and Ageing Lab, Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Life Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuerui Chen
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Organ Repair, School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
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13
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Hou Z, Lin Y, Yang X, Chen J, Li G. Therapeutics of Extracellular Vesicles in Cardiocerebrovascular and Metabolic Diseases. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1418:187-205. [PMID: 37603281 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-99-1443-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoscale membranous vesicles containing DNA, RNA, lipids, and proteins, which play versatile roles in intercellular communications. EVs are increasingly being recognized as the promising therapeutic agents for many diseases, including cardiocerebrovascular and metabolic diseases, due to their ability to deliver functional and therapeutical molecules. In this chapter, the biological characteristics and functions of EVs are briefly summarized. Importantly, the current state of applying EVs in the prevention and treatment of cardiocerebrovascular and metabolic diseases, including myocardial infarction, atrial fibrillation, myocardial hypertrophy, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, fatty liver, obesity, thyroid diseases, and osteoporosis, is discussed. Lastly, the challenges and prospects related to the preclinical and clinical application of EVs receive a particular focus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhitao Hou
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yiyan Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Dongzhimen Hospital Affiliated with Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Fangshan Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Chen
- College of Basic Medical and Sciences, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Guoping Li
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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14
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Varela-Eirín M, Carpintero-Fernández P, Guitián-Caamaño A, Varela-Vázquez A, García-Yuste A, Sánchez-Temprano A, Bravo-López SB, Yañez-Cabanas J, Fonseca E, Largo R, Mobasheri A, Caeiro JR, Mayán MD. Extracellular vesicles enriched in connexin 43 promote a senescent phenotype in bone and synovial cells contributing to osteoarthritis progression. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:681. [PMID: 35931686 PMCID: PMC9355945 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05089-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The accumulation of senescent cells is a key characteristic of aging, leading to the progression of age-related diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA). Previous data from our laboratory has demonstrated that high levels of the transmembrane protein connexin 43 (Cx43) are associated with a senescent phenotype in chondrocytes from osteoarthritic cartilage. OA has been reclassified as a musculoskeletal disease characterized by the breakdown of the articular cartilage affecting the whole joint, subchondral bone, synovium, ligaments, tendons and muscles. However, the mechanisms that contribute to the spread of pathogenic factors throughout the joint tissues are still unknown. Here, we show for the first time that small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) released by human OA-derived chondrocytes contain high levels of Cx43 and induce a senescent phenotype in targeted chondrocytes, synovial and bone cells contributing to the formation of an inflammatory and degenerative joint environment by the secretion of senescence-associated secretory associated phenotype (SASP) molecules, including IL-1ß and IL-6 and MMPs. The enrichment of Cx43 changes the protein profile and activity of the secreted sEVs. Our results indicate a dual role for sEVs containing Cx43 inducing senescence and activating cellular plasticity in target cells mediated by NF-kß and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) signalling programme and contributing to the loss of the fully differentiated phenotype. Our results demonstrated that Cx43-sEVs released by OA-derived chondrocytes spread senescence, inflammation and reprogramming factors involved in wound healing failure to neighbouring tissues, contributing to the progression of the disease among cartilage, synovium, and bone and probably from one joint to another. These results highlight the importance for future studies to consider sEVs positive for Cx43 as a new biomarker of disease progression and new target to treat OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Varela-Eirín
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain ,grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing (ERIBA), University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), University of Groningen (RUG), Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paula Carpintero-Fernández
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Amanda Guitián-Caamaño
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Adrián Varela-Vázquez
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Alejandro García-Yuste
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Agustín Sánchez-Temprano
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Susana B. Bravo-López
- grid.11794.3a0000000109410645Proteomics Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - José Yañez-Cabanas
- grid.11794.3a0000000109410645Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Eduardo Fonseca
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
| | - Raquel Largo
- grid.419651.e0000 0000 9538 1950Bone and Joint Research Unit, Rheumatology Department, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz UAM, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ali Mobasheri
- grid.10858.340000 0001 0941 4873Research Unit of Medical Imaging, Physics and Technology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland ,grid.493509.2Department of Regenerative Medicine, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania ,grid.7692.a0000000090126352Departments of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands ,grid.412615.50000 0004 1803 6239Department of Joint Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China ,grid.4861.b0000 0001 0805 7253World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Public Health Aspects of Musculoskeletal Health and Aging, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - José Ramón Caeiro
- grid.11794.3a0000000109410645Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (CHUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María D. Mayán
- grid.8073.c0000 0001 2176 8535CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), Universidade da Coruña (UDC), A Coruña, Spain
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15
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Martins‐Marques T, Costa MC, Catarino S, Simoes I, Aasen T, Enguita FJ, Girao H. Cx43-mediated sorting of miRNAs into extracellular vesicles. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e54312. [PMID: 35593040 PMCID: PMC9253745 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202154312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Through the exchange of lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, extracellular vesicles (EV) allow for cell-cell communication across distant cells and tissues to regulate a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. Although some molecular mediators have been discovered, the mechanisms underlying the selective sorting of miRNAs into EV remain elusive. Previous studies demonstrated that connexin43 (Cx43) forms functional channels at the EV surface, mediating the communication with recipient cells. Here, we show that Cx43 participates in the selective sorting of miRNAs into EV through a process that can also involve RNA-binding proteins. We provide evidence that Cx43 can directly bind to specific miRNAs, namely those containing stable secondary structure elements, including miR-133b. Furthermore, Cx43 facilitates the delivery of EV-miRNAs into recipient cells. Phenotypically, we show that Cx43-mediated EV-miRNAs sorting modulates autophagy. Overall, our study ascribes another biological role to Cx43, that is, the selective incorporation of miRNAs into EV, which potentially modulates multiple biological processes in target cells and may have implications for human health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Martins‐Marques
- Faculty of MedicineCoimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR)University of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB)University of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC)CoimbraPortugal
| | - Marina C Costa
- Faculdade de MedicinaInstituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesUniversidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
| | - Steve Catarino
- Faculty of MedicineCoimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR)University of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB)University of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC)CoimbraPortugal
| | - Isaura Simoes
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB)University of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- CNC‐Center for Neuroscience and Cell BiologyUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- IIIUC‐Institute of Interdisciplinary ResearchUniversity of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
| | - Trond Aasen
- Patologia Molecular Translacional, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Vall d'Hebron Hospital UniversitariVall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Passeig Vall d'HebronBarcelonaSpain
- CIBER de Cáncer (CIBERONC)Instituto de Salud Carlos IIIMadridSpain
| | - Francisco J Enguita
- Faculdade de MedicinaInstituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesUniversidade de LisboaLisboaPortugal
| | - Henrique Girao
- Faculty of MedicineCoimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR)University of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB)University of CoimbraCoimbraPortugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC)CoimbraPortugal
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16
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Abou Zeid F, Charrier H, Beseme O, Michel JB, Mulder P, Amouyel P, Pinet F, Turkieh A. Lim Domain Binding 3 (Ldb3) Identified as a Potential Marker of Cardiac Extracellular Vesicles. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137374. [PMID: 35806378 PMCID: PMC9266879 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are considered as transporters of biomarkers for the diagnosis of cardiac diseases, playing an important role in cell-to-cell communication during physiological and pathological processes. However, specific markers for the isolation and analysis of cardiac EVs are missing, imposing limitation on understanding their function in heart tissue. For this, we performed multiple proteomic approaches to compare EVs isolated from neonate rat cardiomyocytes and cardiac fibroblasts by ultracentrifugation, as well as EVs isolated from minced cardiac tissue and plasma by EVtrap. We identified Ldb3, a cytoskeletal protein which is essential in maintaining Z-disc structural integrity, as enriched in cardiac EVs. This result was validated using different EV isolation techniques showing Ldb3 in both large and small EVs. In parallel, we showed that Ldb3 is almost exclusively detected in the neonate rat heart when compared to other tissues, and specifically in cardiomyocytes compared to cardiac fibroblasts. Furthermore, Ldb3 levels, specifically higher molecular weight isoforms, were decreased in the left ventricle of ischemic heart failure patients compared to control groups, but not in the corresponding EVs. Our results suggest that Ldb3 could be a potential cardiomyocytes derived-EV marker and could be useful to identify cardiac EVs in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadi Abou Zeid
- U1167-RID-AGE-Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (F.A.Z.); (H.C.); (O.B.); (P.A.)
| | - Henri Charrier
- U1167-RID-AGE-Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (F.A.Z.); (H.C.); (O.B.); (P.A.)
| | - Olivia Beseme
- U1167-RID-AGE-Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (F.A.Z.); (H.C.); (O.B.); (P.A.)
| | | | - Paul Mulder
- Inserm U1096, UNIROUEN, Normandie University, 76000 Rouen, France;
| | - Philippe Amouyel
- U1167-RID-AGE-Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (F.A.Z.); (H.C.); (O.B.); (P.A.)
| | - Florence Pinet
- U1167-RID-AGE-Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (F.A.Z.); (H.C.); (O.B.); (P.A.)
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (A.T.); Tel.: +33-(0)3-20-87-72-15 (F.P.); +33-(0)3-20-87-73-62 (A.T.)
| | - Annie Turkieh
- U1167-RID-AGE-Facteurs de Risque et Déterminants Moléculaires des Maladies Liées au Vieillissement, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Université de Lille, Inserm, CHU Lille, 59000 Lille, France; (F.A.Z.); (H.C.); (O.B.); (P.A.)
- Correspondence: (F.P.); (A.T.); Tel.: +33-(0)3-20-87-72-15 (F.P.); +33-(0)3-20-87-73-62 (A.T.)
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Yang HT, Li LL, Li SN, Wu JT, Chen K, Song WF, Zhang GB, Ma JF, Fu HX, Cao S, Gao CY, Hu J. MicroRNA-155 inhibition attenuates myocardial infarction-induced connexin 43 degradation in cardiomyocytes by reducing pro-inflammatory macrophage activation. Cardiovasc Diagn Ther 2022; 12:325-339. [PMID: 35800355 PMCID: PMC9253173 DOI: 10.21037/cdt-21-743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Degradation of pro-inflammatory macrophage-mediated connexin 43 (Cx43) plays an important role in post-myocardial infarction (MI) arrhythmogenesis, microRNA (miR)-155 produced by macrophages has been shown to mediate post-MI effects. We hypothesized that miR-155 inhibition attenuated MI-induced Cx43 degradation by reducing pro-inflammatory macrophage activation. METHODS MI was induced by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in male C57BL/6 mice. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mice bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and hypoxia-induced neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs) were used in vitro models. qRT-PCR, Western-blot and immunofluorescence were used to analyze relevant indicators. RESULTS The expression levels of miR-155, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)7 were higher in MI mice and LPS-treated BMDMs than in the sham/control groups, treatment with a miR-155 antagomir reversed these effects. Moreover, miR-155 inhibition reduced ventricular arrhythmias incidence and improved cardiac function in MI mice. Cx43 expression was decreased in MI mice and hypoxia-exposed NRCMs, and hypoxia-induced Cx43 degradation in NRCMs was reduced by application of conditioned medium from LPS-induced BMDMs treated with the miR-155 antagomir, but increased by conditioned medium from BMDMs treated with a miR-155 agomir. Importantly, NRCMs cultured in conditioned medium from LPS-induced BMDMs transfected with small interfering RNA against IL-1β and MMP7 showed decreased hypoxia-mediated Cx43 degradation, and this effect also was diminished by BMDM treatment with the miR-155 agomir. Additionally, siRNA-mediated suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) knockdown in LPS-induced BMDMs promoted Cx43 degradation in hypoxia-exposed NRCMs, and the effect was reduced by the miR-155 inhibition. CONCLUSIONS MiR-155 inhibition attenuated post-MI Cx43 degradation by reducing macrophage-mediated IL-1β and MMP7 expression through the SOCS1/nuclear factor-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Tao Yang
- Heart Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li-Li Li
- Central Laboratory, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Song-Nan Li
- Department of Cardiology, Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Institute of Heart Lung and Blood Vessel Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Tao Wu
- Heart Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Heart Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei-Feng Song
- Heart Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guo-Bao Zhang
- Heart Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ji-Fang Ma
- Heart Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hai-Xia Fu
- Heart Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Sheng Cao
- Department of Ultrasound, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Chuan-Yu Gao
- Heart Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Juan Hu
- Heart Center of Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital, Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Jokar S, Marques IA, Khazaei S, Martins-Marques T, Girao H, Laranjo M, Botelho MF. The Footprint of Exosomes in the Radiation-Induced Bystander Effects. Bioengineering (Basel) 2022; 9:bioengineering9060243. [PMID: 35735486 PMCID: PMC9220715 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering9060243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiation therapy is widely used as the primary treatment option for several cancer types. However, radiation therapy is a nonspecific method and associated with significant challenges such as radioresistance and non-targeted effects. The radiation-induced non-targeted effects on nonirradiated cells nearby are known as bystander effects, while effects far from the ionising radiation-exposed cells are known as abscopal effects. These effects are presented as a consequence of intercellular communications. Therefore, a better understanding of the involved intercellular signals may bring promising new strategies for radiation risk assessment and potential targets for developing novel radiotherapy strategies. Recent studies indicate that radiation-derived extracellular vesicles, particularly exosomes, play a vital role in intercellular communications and may result in radioresistance and non-targeted effects. This review describes exosome biology, intercellular interactions, and response to different environmental stressors and diseases, and focuses on their role as functional mediators in inducing radiation-induced bystander effect (RIBE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Safura Jokar
- Department of Nuclear Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran P94V+927, Iran;
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.A.M.); (M.L.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (T.M.-M.); (H.G.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês A. Marques
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.A.M.); (M.L.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (T.M.-M.); (H.G.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Saeedeh Khazaei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biomaterials, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran P94V+927, Iran;
| | - Tania Martins-Marques
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (T.M.-M.); (H.G.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Henrique Girao
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (T.M.-M.); (H.G.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Mafalda Laranjo
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.A.M.); (M.L.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (T.M.-M.); (H.G.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Filomena Botelho
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (I.A.M.); (M.L.)
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (T.M.-M.); (H.G.)
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Centre of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical and Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Gap Junction-Dependent and -Independent Functions of Connexin43 in Biology. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11020283. [PMID: 35205149 PMCID: PMC8869330 DOI: 10.3390/biology11020283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
For the first time in animal evolution, the emergence of gap junctions allowed direct exchanges of cellular substances for communication between two cells. Innexin proteins constituted primordial gap junctions until the connexin protein emerged in deuterostomes and took over the gap junction function. After hundreds of millions of years of gene duplication, the connexin gene family now comprises 21 members in the human genome. Notably, GJA1, which encodes the Connexin43 protein, is one of the most widely expressed and commonly studied connexin genes. The loss of Gja1 in mice leads to swelling and a blockage of the right ventricular outflow tract and death of the embryos at birth, suggesting a vital role of Connexin43 gap junction in heart development. Since then, the importance of Connexin43-mediated gap junction function has been constantly expanded to other types of cells. Other than forming gap junctions, Connexin43 can also form hemichannels to release or uptake small molecules from the environment or even mediate many physiological processes in a gap junction-independent manner on plasma membranes. Surprisingly, Connexin43 also localizes to mitochondria in the cell, playing important roles in mitochondrial potassium import and respiration. At the molecular level, Connexin43 mRNA and protein are processed with very distinct mechanisms to yield carboxyl-terminal fragments with different sizes, which have their unique subcellular localization and distinct biological activities. Due to many exciting advancements in Connexin43 research, this review aims to start with a brief introduction of Connexin43 and then focuses on updating our knowledge of its gap junction-independent functions.
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Han C, Yang J, Sun J, Qin G. Extracellular vesicles in cardiovascular disease: Biological functions and therapeutic implications. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 233:108025. [PMID: 34687770 PMCID: PMC9018895 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.108025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes and microvesicles, are lipid bilayer particles naturally released from the cell. While exosomes are formed as intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) of the multivesicular endosomes (MVEs) and released to extracellular space upon MVE-plasma membrane fusion, microvesicles are generated through direct outward budding of the plasma membrane. Exosomes and microvesicles have same membrane orientation, different yet overlapping sizes; their cargo contents are selectively packed and dependent on the source cell type and functional state. Both exosomes and microvesicles can transfer bioactive RNAs, proteins, lipids, and metabolites from donor to recipient cells and influence the biological properties of the latter. Over the last decade, their potential roles as effective inter-tissue communicators in cardiovascular physiology and pathology have been increasingly appreciated. In addition, EVs are attractive sources of biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of diseases, because they acquire their complex cargoes through cellular processes intimately linked to disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, EVs obtained from various stem/progenitor cell populations have been tested as cell-free therapy in various preclinical models of cardiovascular diseases and demonstrate unequivocally encouraging benefits. Here we summarize the findings from recent research on the biological functions of EVs in the ischemic heart disease and heart failure, and their potential as novel diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoshan Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Junjie Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Jiacheng Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Gangjian Qin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, School of Medicine and School of Engineering, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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21
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Martins-Marques T. Connecting different heart diseases through intercellular communication. Biol Open 2021; 10:bio058777. [PMID: 34494646 PMCID: PMC8443862 DOI: 10.1242/bio.058777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Well-orchestrated intercellular communication networks are pivotal to maintaining cardiac homeostasis and to ensuring adaptative responses and repair after injury. Intracardiac communication is sustained by cell-cell crosstalk, directly via gap junctions (GJ) and tunneling nanotubes (TNT), indirectly through the exchange of soluble factors and extracellular vesicles (EV), and by cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. GJ-mediated communication between cardiomyocytes and with other cardiac cell types enables electrical impulse propagation, required to sustain synchronized heart beating. In addition, TNT-mediated organelle transfer has been associated with cardioprotection, whilst communication via EV plays diverse pathophysiological roles, being implicated in angiogenesis, inflammation and fibrosis. Connecting various cell populations, the ECM plays important functions not only in maintaining the heart structure, but also acting as a signal transducer for intercellular crosstalk. Although with distinct etiologies and clinical manifestations, intercellular communication derailment has been implicated in several cardiac disorders, including myocardial infarction and hypertrophy, highlighting the importance of a comprehensive and integrated view of complex cell communication networks. In this review, I intend to provide a critical perspective about the main mechanisms contributing to regulate cellular crosstalk in the heart, which may be considered in the development of future therapeutic strategies, using cell-based therapies as a paradigmatic example. This Review has an associated Future Leader to Watch interview with the author.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Martins-Marques
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3004-561 Coimbra, Portugal
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22
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Martins-Marques T, Rodriguez-Sinovas A, Girao H. Cellular crosstalk in cardioprotection: Where and when do reactive oxygen species play a role? Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 169:397-409. [PMID: 33892116 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A well-balanced intercellular communication between the different cells within the heart is vital for the maintenance of cardiac homeostasis and function. Despite remarkable advances on disease management and treatment, acute myocardial infarction remains the major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Gold standard reperfusion strategies, namely primary percutaneous coronary intervention, are crucial to preserve heart function. However, reestablishment of blood flow and oxygen levels to the infarcted area are also associated with an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to oxidative damage and cardiomyocyte death, a phenomenon termed myocardial reperfusion injury. In addition, ROS signaling has been demonstrated to regulate multiple biological pathways, including cell differentiation and intercellular communication. Given the importance of cell-cell crosstalk in the coordinated response after cell injury, in this review, we will discuss the impact of ROS in the different forms of inter- and intracellular communication, as well as the role of gap junctions, tunneling nanotubes and extracellular vesicles in the propagation of oxidative damage in cardiac diseases, particularly in the context of ischemia/reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tania Martins-Marques
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Antonio Rodriguez-Sinovas
- Cardiovascular Diseases Research Group, Department of Cardiology, 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; Departament de Medicina, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Sobre Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Henrique Girao
- Univ Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; Univ Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.
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Microglial Extracellular Vesicles as Vehicles for Neurodegeneration Spreading. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060770. [PMID: 34063832 PMCID: PMC8224033 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglial cells are the neuroimmune competent cells of the central nervous system. In the adult, microglia are responsible for screening the neuronal parenchyma searching for alterations in homeostasis. Chronic neuroinflammation plays a role in neurodegenerative disease. Indeed, microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is involved in the onset and progression of several disorders in the brain and retina. Microglial cell reactivity occurs in an orchestrated manner and propagates across the neural parenchyma spreading the neuroinflammatory signal from cell to cell. Extracellular vesicles are important vehicles of intercellular communication and act as message carriers across boundaries. Extracellular vesicles can be subdivided in several categories according to their cellular origin (apoptotic bodies, microvesicles and exosomes), each presenting, different but sometimes overlapping functions in cell communication. Mounting evidence suggests a role for extracellular vesicles in regulating microglial cell action. Herein, we explore the role of microglial extracellular vesicles as vehicles for cell communication and the mechanisms that trigger their release. In this review we covered the role of microglial extracellular vesicles, focusing on apoptotic bodies, microvesicles and exosomes, in the context of neurodegeneration and the impact of these vesicles derived from other cells in microglial cell reactivity.
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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.
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Girão H, Martins-Marques T. A novel cardioprotective strategy targeting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production independent of antioxidant activity. REVISTA PORTUGUESA DE CARDIOLOGIA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.repce.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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26
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Girão H, Martins-Marques T. A novel cardioprotective strategy targeting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production independent of antioxidant activity. Rev Port Cardiol 2021; 40:283-284. [PMID: 33648809 DOI: 10.1016/j.repc.2021.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Henrique Girão
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Tania Martins-Marques
- University of Coimbra, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), Coimbra, Portugal; Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
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Boengler K, Rohrbach S, Weissmann N, Schulz R. Importance of Cx43 for Right Ventricular Function. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22030987. [PMID: 33498172 PMCID: PMC7863922 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22030987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In the heart, connexins form gap junctions, hemichannels, and are also present within mitochondria, with connexin 43 (Cx43) being the most prominent connexin in the ventricles. Whereas the role of Cx43 is well established for the healthy and diseased left ventricle, less is known about the importance of Cx43 for the development of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction. The present article focusses on the importance of Cx43 for the developing heart. Furthermore, we discuss the expression and localization of Cx43 in the diseased RV, i.e., in the tetralogy of Fallot and in pulmonary hypertension, in which the RV is affected, and RV hypertrophy and failure occur. We will also introduce other Cx molecules that are expressed in RV and surrounding tissues and have been reported to be involved in RV pathophysiology. Finally, we highlight therapeutic strategies aiming to improve RV function in pulmonary hypertension that are associated with alterations of Cx43 expression and function.
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