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Xu Y, Wang Y, Qi R, Li K, Wang X, Li X, Shi B. Role of connexin 32 in the directional differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells into hepatocytes. Int J Med Sci 2024; 21:508-518. [PMID: 38250613 PMCID: PMC10797672 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.83973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the role of connexin 32 (Cx32) in the directional differentiation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into hepatocytes. Urine-derived epithelial cells were collected from the fresh urine of a healthy donor and transducted with reprogramming plasmid mixture to generate iPSCs. The iPSCs were then directionally differentiated into hepatocytes. During the differentiation, the upregulated and downregulated groups were treated with vitamin K2 (VK2) and 2-aminoethoxyboronate diphenylester (2-APB) to increase and inhibit Cx32 expression, respectively. The control group was not treated with the regulatory factor. Expression of Cx32 and hepatocyte-specific markers, including AFP, hepatocyte nuclear factor 4α (HNF-4α), albumin (ALB) and cytokeratin 18 (CK18) were detected. It indicated that Cx32 expression was not observed in iPSCs, but gradually increased during the process of hepatic differentiation from iPSCs. Upregulation of Cx32 expression by VK2 treatment promoted hepatocyte maturation and enhanced the expression of the aforementioned hepatic specific markers, whereas downregulation of Cx32 expression by 2-APB treatment had the opposite effects. In conclusion, urine-derived iPSCs could be directionally differentiated into hepatocytes. Up-regulation of Cx32 improves the efficiency and maturity of differentiation of iPSCs into hepatocytes, and Cx32 may be a promoting factor during the process of hepatic differentiation from iPSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Yufeng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Ran Qi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Kun Li
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Xiuyan Wang
- Department of Ultrasonography, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Xinbo Li
- Ophthalmology, Casey Eye Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, 97239, USA
| | - Baomin Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200065, China
- Department of General Surgery, Xinhua Hospital, School of medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200025, China
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2
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Zlomuzica A, Plank L, Dere E. A new path to mental disorders: Through gap junction channels and hemichannels. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 142:104877. [PMID: 36116574 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104877] [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: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Behavioral disturbances related to emotional regulation, reward processing, cognition, sleep-wake regulation and activity/movement represent core symptoms of most common mental disorders. Increasing empirical and theoretical evidence suggests that normal functioning of these behavioral domains relies on fine graded coordination of neural and glial networks which are maintained and modulated by intercellular gap junction channels and unapposed pannexin or connexin hemichannels. Dysfunctions in these networks might contribute to the development and maintenance of psychopathological and neurobiological features associated with mental disorders. Here we review and discuss the evidence indicating a prominent role of gap junction channel and hemichannel dysfunction in core symptoms of mental disorders. We further discuss how the increasing knowledge on intercellular gap junction channels and unapposed pannexin or connexin hemichannels in the brain might lead to deeper mechanistic insight in common mental disorders and to the development of novel treatment approaches. We further attempt to exemplify what type of future research on this topic could be integrated into multidimensional approaches to understand and cure mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armin Zlomuzica
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Laurin Plank
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany
| | - Ekrem Dere
- Department of Behavioral and Clinical Neuroscience, Ruhr-University Bochum (RUB), Massenbergstraße 9-13, D-44787 Bochum, Germany; Sorbonne Université. Institut de Biologie Paris-Seine, (IBPS), Département UMR 8256: Adaptation Biologique et Vieillissement, UFR des Sciences de la Vie, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Bâtiment B, 9 quai Saint Bernard, F-75005 Paris, France.
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3
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Improving the differentiation potential of pluripotent stem cells by optimizing culture conditions. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14147. [PMID: 35986054 PMCID: PMC9391418 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18400-8] [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: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryoid cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). They retain differentiation and self-renewal potential. However, the differentiation potential of PSCs can be changed by the culture medium. PSCs retain their differentiation potential when cultured with medium that supports the glycolytic pathway, showing high expression of chromodomain-helicase-DNA-binding protein 7 (CHD7), but lose their differentiation potential with medium that supports mitochondrial function, showing reduced levels of CHD7. Labeling cells by their copy number variant profile revealed that genetically different PSC populations can be cultured by medium selection. Another factor that defines the self-renewal potential of PSCs is culture condition. PSCs form colonies as they grow, and spontaneous differentiation inevitably occurs along the rim of these colonies in areas that lack cell-to-cell contact; because of this, undifferentiated cell populations would diminish if differentiated cells are not removed properly. Seeding cells on a less potent cell-binding material may minimize the inclusion of differentiated cells, exploiting the reduced adhesive properties of differentiated cells. Culturing cells with medium that supports the glycolytic pathway, using CHD7 as a biomarker for differentiation potential, and culturing cells on less sticky material can improve the differentiation potential of already established PSC clones.
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Connexin 43 Gene Ablation Does Not Alter Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Germ Lineage Specification. Biomolecules 2021; 12:biom12010015. [PMID: 35053163 PMCID: PMC8773696 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
During embryonic germ layer development, cells communicate with each other and their environment to ensure proper lineage specification and tissue development. Connexin (Cx) proteins facilitate direct cell–cell communication through gap junction channels. While previous reports suggest that gap junctional intercellular communication may contribute to germ layer formation, there have been limited comprehensive expression analyses or genetic ablation studies on Cxs during human pluripotent stem cell (PSC) germ lineage specification. We screened the mRNA profile and protein expression patterns of select human Cx isoforms in undifferentiated human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and after directed differentiation into the three embryonic germ lineages: ectoderm, definitive endoderm, and mesoderm. Transcript analyses by qPCR revealed upregulation of Cx45 and Cx62 in iPSC-derived ectoderm; Cx45 in mesoderm; and Cx30.3, Cx31, Cx32, Cx36, Cx37, and Cx40 in endoderm relative to control human iPSCs. Generated Cx43 (GJA1) CRISPR-Cas9 knockout iPSCs successfully differentiated into cells of all three germ layers, suggesting that Cx43 is dispensable during directed iPSC lineage specification. Furthermore, qPCR screening of select Cx transcripts in our GJA1-/- iPSCs showed no significant Cx upregulation in response to the loss of Cx43 protein. Future studies will reveal possible compensation by additional Cxs, suggesting targets for future CRISPR-Cas9 ablation studies in human iPSC lineage specification.
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Ngezahayo A, Ruhe FA. Connexins in the development and physiology of stem cells. Tissue Barriers 2021; 9:1949242. [PMID: 34227910 DOI: 10.1080/21688370.2021.1949242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) form gap junction (GJ) channels linking vertebrate cells. During embryogenesis, Cxs are expressed as early as the 4-8 cell stage. As cells differentiate into pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and during gastrulation, the Cx expression pattern is adapted. Knockdown of Cx43 and Cx45 does not interfere with embryogenic development until the blastula stage, questioning the role of Cxs in PSC physiology and development. Studies in cultivated and induced PSCs (iPSCs) showed that Cx43 is essential for the maintenance of self-renewal and the expression of pluripotency markers. It was found that the role of Cxs in PSCs is more related to regulation of transcription or cell-cell adherence than to formation of GJ channels. Furthermore, a crucial role of Cxs for the self-renewal and differentiation was shown in cultivated adult mesenchymal stem cells. This review aims to highlight aspects that link Cxs to the function and physiology of stem cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaclet Ngezahayo
- Dept. Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Frederike A Ruhe
- Dept. Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Strauss RE, Gourdie RG. Cx43 and the Actin Cytoskeleton: Novel Roles and Implications for Cell-Cell Junction-Based Barrier Function Regulation. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E1656. [PMID: 33321985 PMCID: PMC7764618 DOI: 10.3390/biom10121656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Barrier function is a vital homeostatic mechanism employed by epithelial and endothelial tissue. Diseases across a wide range of tissue types involve dynamic changes in transcellular junctional complexes and the actin cytoskeleton in the regulation of substance exchange across tissue compartments. In this review, we focus on the contribution of the gap junction protein, Cx43, to the biophysical and biochemical regulation of barrier function. First, we introduce the structure and canonical channel-dependent functions of Cx43. Second, we define barrier function and examine the key molecular structures fundamental to its regulation. Third, we survey the literature on the channel-dependent roles of connexins in barrier function, with an emphasis on the role of Cx43 and the actin cytoskeleton. Lastly, we discuss findings on the channel-independent roles of Cx43 in its associations with the actin cytoskeleton and focal adhesion structures highlighted by PI3K signaling, in the potential modulation of cellular barriers. Mounting evidence of crosstalk between connexins, the cytoskeleton, focal adhesion complexes, and junctional structures has led to a growing appreciation of how barrier-modulating mechanisms may work together to effect solute and cellular flux across tissue boundaries. This new understanding could translate into improved therapeutic outcomes in the treatment of barrier-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randy E. Strauss
- Virginia Tech, Translational Biology Medicine and Health (TBMH) Program, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
| | - Robert G. Gourdie
- Center for Heart and Reparative Medicine Research, Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
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7
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Esseltine JL, Brooks CR, Edwards NA, Subasri M, Sampson J, Séguin C, Betts DH, Laird DW. Dynamic regulation of connexins in stem cell pluripotency. Stem Cells 2019; 38:52-66. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.3092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L. Esseltine
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
- Division of BioMedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine; Memorial University of Newfoundland; St. John's Newfoundland and Labrador Canada
| | - Courtney R. Brooks
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Nicole A. Edwards
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Mathushan Subasri
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Jacinda Sampson
- Department of Neurology; Stanford University Medical Center; Palo Alto California
| | - Cheryle Séguin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Dean H. Betts
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Dale W. Laird
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
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8
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Enhancement of connexin30.3 expression in mouse embryonic stem cell line EB3 in response to cell-cell contacts. Hum Cell 2019; 32:95-102. [PMID: 30674001 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-018-00235-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/13/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
To clarify the potential role of gap junction in cell-cell contact response, the expression of connexin30.3 gene (Cx30.3), a specifically expressed isoform in undifferentiated state of mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell line EB3 was investigated under different cell-cell contact conditions. ES cells were cultured by hanging drop culture method to increase cell-cell contact frequency. As control, a single cell culture was conducted. After culture for 12 h, the Cx30.3 expression level in hanging drop culture reached 1.73-fold that of the control (p < 0.001). By contrast, connexin43 gene (Cx43), a ubiquitously expressed gene, showed no difference between both cultures. The experiment of E-cadherin inhibition and β-catenin knockdown suggested the action of E-cadherin upstream of the Cx30.3 regulating pathway. The cell-cell contacts with different cell lines such as HeLa cells and B16/BL6 caused no effect on the Cx30.3 in ES cells. These suggest a potential role of Cx30.3 as a cell-cell contact signal mediator partially regulated by E-cadherin signaling.
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9
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Dynamic intercellular transport modulates the spatial patterning of differentiation during early neural commitment. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4111. [PMID: 30291250 PMCID: PMC6173785 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06693-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The initiation of heterogeneity within a population of phenotypically identical progenitors is a critical event for the onset of morphogenesis and differentiation patterning. Gap junction communication within multicellular systems produces complex networks of intercellular connectivity that result in heterogeneous distributions of intracellular signaling molecules. In this study, we investigate emergent systems-level behavior of the intercellular network within embryonic stem cell (ESC) populations and corresponding spatial organization during early neural differentiation. An agent-based model incorporates experimentally-determined parameters to yield complex transport networks for delivery of pro-differentiation cues between neighboring cells, reproducing the morphogenic trajectories during retinoic acid-accelerated mouse ESC differentiation. Furthermore, the model correctly predicts the delayed differentiation and preserved spatial features of the morphogenic trajectory that occurs in response to intercellular perturbation. These findings suggest an integral role of gap junction communication in the temporal coordination of emergent patterning during early differentiation and neural commitment of pluripotent stem cells.
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10
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Dahlmann J, Awad G, Dolny C, Weinert S, Richter K, Fischer KD, Munsch T, Leßmann V, Volleth M, Zenker M, Chen Y, Merkl C, Schnieke A, Baraki H, Kutschka I, Kensah G. Generation of functional cardiomyocytes from rat embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells using feeder-free expansion and differentiation in suspension culture. PLoS One 2018. [PMID: 29513687 PMCID: PMC5841662 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0192652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The possibility to generate cardiomyocytes from pluripotent stem cells in vitro has enormous significance for basic research, disease modeling, drug development and heart repair. The concept of heart muscle reconstruction has been studied and optimized in the rat model using rat primary cardiovascular cells or xenogeneic pluripotent stem cell derived-cardiomyocytes for years. However, the lack of rat pluripotent stem cells (rPSCs) and their cardiovascular derivatives prevented the establishment of an authentic clinically relevant syngeneic or allogeneic rat heart regeneration model. In this study, we comparatively explored the potential of recently available rat embryonic stem cells (rESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (riPSCs) as a source for cardiomyocytes (CMs). We developed feeder cell-free culture conditions facilitating the expansion of undifferentiated rPSCs and initiated cardiac differentiation by embryoid body (EB)-formation in agarose microwell arrays, which substituted the robust but labor-intensive hanging drop (HD) method. Ascorbic acid was identified as an efficient enhancer of cardiac differentiation in both rPSC types by significantly increasing the number of beating EBs (3.6 ± 1.6-fold for rESCs and 17.6 ± 3.2-fold for riPSCs). These optimizations resulted in a differentiation efficiency of up to 20% cTnTpos rPSC-derived CMs. CMs showed spontaneous contractions, expressed cardiac markers and had typical morphological features. Electrophysiology of riPSC-CMs revealed different cardiac subtypes and physiological responses to cardio-active drugs. In conclusion, we describe rPSCs as a robust source of CMs, which is a prerequisite for detailed preclinical studies of myocardial reconstruction in a physiologically and immunologically relevant small animal model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Dahlmann
- Clinic of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - George Awad
- Clinic of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Carsten Dolny
- Clinic of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sönke Weinert
- Clinic of Cardiology and Angiology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Karin Richter
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Klaus-Dieter Fischer
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Munsch
- Institute of Physiology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Volkmar Leßmann
- Institute of Physiology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marianne Volleth
- Institute of Human Genetics, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Martin Zenker
- Institute of Human Genetics, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Yaoyao Chen
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Merkl
- Chair of Livestock Biotechnology, Technical University Munich, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Angelika Schnieke
- Chair of Livestock Biotechnology, Technical University Munich, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Hassina Baraki
- Clinic of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Kutschka
- Clinic of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - George Kensah
- Clinic of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Thuringer D, Solary E, Garrido C. The Microvascular Gap Junction Channel: A Route to Deliver MicroRNAs for Neurological Disease Treatment. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:246. [PMID: 28824376 PMCID: PMC5543088 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) separate the peripheral blood from the brain. These cells, which are surrounded by basal lamina, pericytes and glial cells, are highly interconnected through tight and gap junctions. Their permeability properties restrict the transfer of potentially useful therapeutic agents. In such a hermetic system, the gap junctional exchange of small molecules between cerebral endothelial and non-endothelial cells is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis. MicroRNA were shown to cross gap junction channels, thereby modulating gene expression and function of the recipient cell. It was also shown that, when altered, BMEC could be regenerated by endothelial cells derived from pluripotent stem cells. Here, we discuss the transfer of microRNA through gap junctions between BMEC, the regeneration of BMEC from induced pluripotent stem cells that could be engineered to express specific microRNA, and how such an innovative approach could benefit to the treatment of glioblastoma and other neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eric Solary
- INSERM U1170, Institut Gustave RoussyVillejuif, France
| | - Carmen Garrido
- INSERM U1231, Université de Bourgogne Franche ComtéDijon, France
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12
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Sart S, Bejoy J, Li Y. Characterization of 3D pluripotent stem cell aggregates and the impact of their properties on bioprocessing. Process Biochem 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2016.05.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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13
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Connexin30.3 is expressed in mouse embryonic stem cells and is responsive to leukemia inhibitory factor. Sci Rep 2017; 7:42403. [PMID: 28205646 PMCID: PMC5304323 DOI: 10.1038/srep42403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of 19 connexin (Cx) isoforms was observed in the mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell line, EB3. Their expression patterns could be classified into either pluripotent state-specific, differentiating stage-specific, or non-specific Cxs. We focused on Cx30.3 as typical of the first category. Cx30.3 was pluripotent state-specific and upregulated by leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF), a specific cytokine that maintains the pluripotent state of ES cell, via a Jak signaling pathway. Cx30.3 protein was localized to both the cell membrane and cytosol. The dynamic movement of Cx30.3 in the cell membrane was suggested by the imaging analysis by means of overexpressed Cx30.3-EGFP fusion protein. The cytosolic portion was postulated to be a ready-to-use Cx pool. The Cx30.3 expression level in ES cell colonies dramatically decreased immediately after their separation into single cells. It was suggested that mRNA for Cx30.3 and Cx30.3 protein might be decomposed more rapidly than mRNA for Cx43 and Cx43 protein, respectively. These indicate possible involvement of Cx30.3 in the rapid formation and/or decomposition of gap junctions; implying a functional relay between Cx30.3 and other systems such as adhesion proteins.
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14
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Fukunaga I, Fujimoto A, Hatakeyama K, Aoki T, Nishikawa A, Noda T, Minowa O, Kurebayashi N, Ikeda K, Kamiya K. In Vitro Models of GJB2-Related Hearing Loss Recapitulate Ca 2+ Transients via a Gap Junction Characteristic of Developing Cochlea. Stem Cell Reports 2016; 7:1023-1036. [PMID: 27840044 PMCID: PMC5161531 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2016.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutation of the Gap Junction Beta 2 gene (GJB2) encoding connexin 26 (CX26) is the most frequent cause of hereditary deafness worldwide and accounts for up to 50% of non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss cases in some populations. Therefore, cochlear CX26-gap junction plaque (GJP)-forming cells such as cochlear supporting cells are thought to be the most important therapeutic target for the treatment of hereditary deafness. The differentiation of pluripotent stem cells into cochlear CX26-GJP-forming cells has not been reported. Here, we detail the development of a novel strategy to differentiate induced pluripotent stem cells into functional CX26-GJP-forming cells that exhibit spontaneous ATP- and hemichannel-mediated Ca2+ transients typical of the developing cochlea. Furthermore, these cells from CX26-deficient mice recapitulated the drastic disruption of GJPs, the primary pathology of GJB2-related hearing loss. These in vitro models should be useful for establishing inner-ear cell therapies and drug screening that target GJB2-related hearing loss. Mutation in GJB2 (CX26) is the most frequent cause of hereditary deafness worldwide Functional CX26-gap junction plaque (GJP)-forming cells were generated from iPSCs These cells exhibited spontaneous Ca2+ transients typical of the developing cochlea The drastic disruption of GJP was observed in in vitro disease model of GJB2 mutation
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Affiliation(s)
- Ichiro Fukunaga
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan; Research Institute for Diseases of Old Age, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Ayumi Fujimoto
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Kaori Hatakeyama
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Toru Aoki
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Atena Nishikawa
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Noda
- Department of Cell Biology, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Cancer Institute, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan; Team for Advanced Development and Evaluation of Human Disease Models, RIKEN BioResource Center, 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Osamu Minowa
- Department of Cell Biology, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Cancer Institute, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan; Team for Advanced Development and Evaluation of Human Disease Models, RIKEN BioResource Center, 3-1-1 Koyadai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0074, Japan
| | - Nagomi Kurebayashi
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Katsuhisa Ikeda
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Kazusaku Kamiya
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Juntendo University Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan.
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15
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Beckmann A, Schubert M, Hainz N, Haase A, Martin U, Tschernig T, Meier C. Ultrastructural demonstration of Cx43 gap junctions in induced pluripotent stem cells from human cord blood. Histochem Cell Biol 2016; 146:529-537. [PMID: 27456332 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-016-1469-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Gap junction proteins are essential for direct intercellular communication but also influence cellular differentiation and migration. The expression of various connexin gap junction proteins has been demonstrated in embryonic stem cells, with Cx43 being the most intensely studied. As Cx43 is the most prominent gap junction protein in the heart, cardiomyocyte-differentiated stem cells have been studied intensely. To date, however, little is known about the expression and the subcellular distribution of Cx43 in undifferentiated stem cells or about the structural arrangement of channels. We, therefore, here investigate expression of Cx43 in undifferentiated human cord-blood-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (hCBiPS2). For this purpose, we carried out quantitative real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. For analysis of Cx43 ultrastructure and protein assembly, we performed freeze-fracture replica immunogold labeling (FRIL). Cx43 expression was detected at mRNA and protein level in hCBIPS2 cells. For the first time, ultrastructural data are presented on gap junction morphology in induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from cord blood: Our FRIL and electron microscopical analysis revealed the occurrence of gap junction plaques in undifferentiated iPS cells. In addition, these gap junctions were shown to contain the gap junction protein Cx43.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Beckmann
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße, Building 61, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Madline Schubert
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Transplant and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH-Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadine Hainz
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße, Building 61, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Alexandra Haase
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Transplant and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH-Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Martin
- Leibniz Research Laboratories for Biotechnology and Artificial Organs (LEBAO), Department of Cardiac, Thoracic, Transplant and Vascular Surgery, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany.,REBIRTH-Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Tschernig
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße, Building 61, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Carola Meier
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University, Kirrberger Straße, Building 61, 66421, Homburg/Saar, Germany.
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16
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Esseltine JL, Laird DW. Next-Generation Connexin and Pannexin Cell Biology. Trends Cell Biol 2016; 26:944-955. [PMID: 27339936 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2016.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 06/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Connexins and pannexins are two families of large-pore channel forming proteins that are capable of passing small signaling molecules. While connexins serve the seminal task of direct gap junctional intercellular communication, pannexins are far less understood but function primarily as single membrane channels in autocrine and paracrine signaling. Advancements in connexin and pannexin biology in recent years has revealed that in addition to well-described classical functions at the plasma membrane, exciting new evidence suggests that connexins and pannexins participate in alternative pathways involving multiple intracellular compartments. Here we briefly highlight classical functions of connexins and pannexins but focus our attention mostly on the transformative findings that suggest that these channel-forming proteins may serve roles far beyond our current understandings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Esseltine
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Dale W Laird
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
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17
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Pilarczyk G, Raulf A, Gunkel M, Fleischmann BK, Lemor R, Hausmann M. Tissue-Mimicking Geometrical Constraints Stimulate Tissue-Like Constitution and Activity of Mouse Neonatal and Human-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Cardiac Myocytes. J Funct Biomater 2016; 7:E1. [PMID: 26751484 PMCID: PMC4810060 DOI: 10.3390/jfb7010001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The present work addresses the question of to what extent a geometrical support acts as a physiological determining template in the setup of artificial cardiac tissue. Surface patterns with alternating concave to convex transitions of cell size dimensions were used to organize and orientate human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hIPSC)-derived cardiac myocytes and mouse neonatal cardiac myocytes. The shape of the cells, as well as the organization of the contractile apparatus recapitulates the anisotropic line pattern geometry being derived from tissue geometry motives. The intracellular organization of the contractile apparatus and the cell coupling via gap junctions of cell assemblies growing in a random or organized pattern were examined. Cell spatial and temporal coordinated excitation and contraction has been compared on plain and patterned substrates. While the α-actinin cytoskeletal organization is comparable to terminally-developed native ventricular tissue, connexin-43 expression does not recapitulate gap junction distribution of heart muscle tissue. However, coordinated contractions could be observed. The results of tissue-like cell ensemble organization open new insights into geometry-dependent cell organization, the cultivation of artificial heart tissue from stem cells and the anisotropy-dependent activity of therapeutic compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Götz Pilarczyk
- Kirchhoff Institute für Physik, Im Neuenheimer Feld INF 270, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany.
| | - Alexandra Raulf
- Institut für Physiologie der Unversität Bonn, Life & Brain Center, Sigmund Freud Strasse 25, Bonn D-53127, Germany.
| | - Manuel Gunkel
- ViroQuant Cell Networks RNAi Screening Facility, BioQuant Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld INF 267, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany.
| | - Bernd K Fleischmann
- Institut für Physiologie der Unversität Bonn, Life & Brain Center, Sigmund Freud Strasse 25, Bonn D-53127, Germany.
| | - Robert Lemor
- Luxembourg Institute for Science and Technology, 5 avenue des Hauts-Fourneaux, Esch-Belval L-4362, Luxembourg.
| | - Michael Hausmann
- Kirchhoff Institute für Physik, Im Neuenheimer Feld INF 270, Heidelberg D-69120, Germany.
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18
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Shimba K, Iida S, Kotani K, Jimbo Y. Cell-cycle-dependent Ca2+ transients in human induced pluripotent stem cells revealed by a simultaneous imaging of cell nuclei and intracellular Ca2+ level. Integr Biol (Camb) 2016; 8:985-990. [DOI: 10.1039/c6ib00074f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Simultaneous imaging of cell nuclei and intracellular Ca2+ level revealed that human iPS cells exhibited cell cycle-dependent Ca2+ transients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Shimba
- School of Engineering
- The University of Tokyo
- Tokyo
- Japan
- School of Engineering
| | - Shoko Iida
- School of Engineering
- The University of Tokyo
- Tokyo
- Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Kotani
- Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology
- The University of Tokyo
- Tokyo
- Japan
- PRESTO
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19
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Togashi K, Kumagai J, Sato E, Shirasawa H, Shimoda Y, Makino K, Sato W, Kumazawa Y, Omori Y, Terada Y. Dysfunction in gap junction intercellular communication induces aberrant behavior of the inner cell mass and frequent collapses of expanded blastocysts in mouse embryos. J Assist Reprod Genet 2015; 32:969-76. [PMID: 25917498 PMCID: PMC4491087 DOI: 10.1007/s10815-015-0479-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigated the role of gap junctions (GJs) in embryological differentiation, and observed the morphological behavior of the inner cell mass (ICM) by time-lapse movie observation (TLM) with gap junction inhibitors (GJis). METHODS ICR mouse embryos were exposed to two types of GJis in CZB medium: oleamide (0 to 50 μM) and 1-heptanol (0 to 10 mM). We compared the rate of blastocyst formation at embryonic day 4.5 (E4.5) with E5.5. We also observed and evaluated the times from the second cleavage to each embryonic developing stage by TLM. We investigated embryonic distribution of DNA, Nanog protein, and Connexin 43 protein with immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS In the comparison of E4.5 with E5.5, inhibition of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) delayed embryonic blastocyst formation. The times from the second cleavage to blastocyst formation were significantly extended in the GJi-treated embryos (control vs with oleamide, 2224 ± 179 min vs 2354 ± 278 min, p = 0.013). Morphological differences were traced in control versus GJi-treated embryos until the hatching stage. Oleamide induced frequent severe collapses of expanded blastocysts (77.4 % versus 26.3 %, p = 0.0001) and aberrant ICM divisions connected to sticky strands (74.3 % versus 5.3 %, p = 0.0001). Immunofluorescent staining indicated Nanog-positive cells were distributed in each divided ICM. CONCLUSIONS GJIC plays an important role in blastocyst formation, collapses of expanded blastocysts, and the ICM construction in mouse embryos.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazue Togashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Genecology, Akita University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-1-1 Hondo, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
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20
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Kindberg AA, Bendriem RM, Spivak CE, Chen J, Handreck A, Lupica CR, Liu J, Freed WJ, Lee CT. An in vitro model of human neocortical development using pluripotent stem cells: cocaine-induced cytoarchitectural alterations. Dis Model Mech 2014; 7:1397-405. [PMID: 25288682 PMCID: PMC4257008 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.017251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Neocortical development involves ordered specification of forebrain cortical progenitors to various neuronal subtypes, ultimately forming the layered cortical structure. Modeling of this process using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) would enable mechanistic studies of human neocortical development, while providing new avenues for exploration of developmental neocortical abnormalities. Here, we show that preserving hPSCs aggregates - allowing embryoid body formation - while adding basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) during neuroepithelial development generates neural rosettes showing dorsal forebrain identity, including Mash1(+) dorsal telencephalic GABAergic progenitors. Structures that mirrored the organization of the cerebral cortex formed after rosettes were seeded and cultured for 3 weeks in the presence of FGF18, BDNF and NT3. Neurons migrated along radial glia scaffolding, with deep-layer CTIP2(+) cortical neurons appearing after 1 week and upper-layer SATB2(+) cortical neurons forming during the second and third weeks. At the end of differentiation, these structures contained both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons, with glutamatergic neurons being most abundant. Thus, this differentiation protocol generated an hPSC-based model that exhibits temporal patterning and a neuronal subtype ratio similar to that of the developing human neocortex. This model was used to examine the effects of cocaine during neocorticogenesis. Cocaine caused premature neuronal differentiation and enhanced neurogenesis of various cortical neuronal subtypes. These cocaine-induced changes were inhibited by the cytochrome P450 inhibitor cimetidine. This in vitro model enables mechanistic studies of neocorticogenesis, and can be used to examine the mechanisms through which cocaine alters the development of the human neocortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail A Kindberg
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch, Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Baltimore, MD 21244, USA
| | - Raphael M Bendriem
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch, Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Baltimore, MD 21244, USA
| | - Charles E Spivak
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch, Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Baltimore, MD 21244, USA
| | - Jia Chen
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch, Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Baltimore, MD 21244, USA
| | - Annelie Handreck
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover 30173, Germany
| | - Carl R Lupica
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch, Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Baltimore, MD 21244, USA
| | - Jinny Liu
- Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, US Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC 20375, USA
| | - William J Freed
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch, Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Baltimore, MD 21244, USA
| | - Chun-Ting Lee
- Cellular Neurobiology Research Branch, Intramural Research Program (IRP), National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Baltimore, MD 21244, USA
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21
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Wang Z, Huang J. Neuregulin-1 increases connexin-40 and connexin-45 expression in embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2014; 174:483-93. [PMID: 25080381 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-014-1089-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2014] [Accepted: 07/21/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) is a vital factor involved in heart development. NRG-1 up-regulated connexin-40 (Cx40) in mice fetal cardiomyocytes has been reported, while the effect of NRG-1 on expression of connexins in embryonic stem cells-derived cardiomyocytes (ESCMs) is limited studied. The process of cardiomyocytes differentiated from embryonic stem cells with or without NRG-1 treatment was observed continuously. Exposure to NRG-1 increased the expression of Cx40 and connexin-45 (Cx45) in ESCMs, while the expression of connexin-43 was unchanged regardless of NRG-1 treatment Western blot analysis also confirmed that the expression of Cx40 and Cx45 in the beating foci was increased in the presence of NRG-1. These results indicate that connexins are differentially regulated by exogenous NRG-1 during cardiomyocytic differentiation of embryonic stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Nanjing Chest Hospital, 215 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210029, China,
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22
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Meier C, Rosenkranz K. Cx43 expression and function in the nervous system-implications for stem cell mediated regeneration. Front Physiol 2014; 5:106. [PMID: 24672489 PMCID: PMC3957031 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2014.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pathological conditions of the brain such as ischemia cause major sensorimotor and cognitive impairments. In novel therapeutic approaches to brain injury, stem cells have been applied to ameliorate the pathological outcome. In several experimental models, including hypoxia-ischemia and trauma, transplantation of stem cells correlated with an improved functional and structural outcome. At the cellular level, brain insults also change gap junction physiology and expression, leading to altered intercellular communication. Differences in expression in response to brain injury have been detected in particular in Cx43, the major astrocytic gap junction protein, and its overexpression or deletion was associated with the pathophysiological outcome. We here focus on Cx43 changes in host tissue mediated by stem cells. Stem cell-induced changes in connexin expression, and consecutively in gap junction channel or hemichannel function, might play a part in altered cell interaction, intercellular communication, and neural cell survival, and thereby contribute to the beneficial effects of transplanted stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola Meier
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Saarland University Homburg/Saar, Germany
| | - Katja Rosenkranz
- Department of Neuroanatomy and Molecular Brain Research, Ruhr University Bochum Bochum, Germany
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23
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Salameh A, Blanke K, Dhein S. Mind the gap! Connexins and pannexins in physiology, pharmacology and disease. Front Pharmacol 2013; 4:144. [PMID: 24312055 PMCID: PMC3836048 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2013.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aida Salameh
- Department of Paediatric Cardiology, Heart Centre University of Leipzig Leipzig, Germany
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