The Interplay of Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43, Cx45, and Panx1 in Inner-Ear Development of Yotari (dab1−/−) Mice and Humans

Immunoexpression Patterns of Megalin, Cubilin, Caveolin-1, Gipc1 and Dab2IP in the Embryonic and Postnatal Development of the Kidneys in Yotari (Dab1-/-) Mice

Our study examines the immunoexpression patterns of Megalin, Cubilin, Caveolin-1, Gipc1 and Dab2IP in the embryonic development (E) and postnatal (P) mouse kidney, with a focus on differentiating patterns between wild-type (wt) and yotari, Dab1-/- (yot) mice. Immunofluorescence revealed raised immunoexpression of receptors Megalin and Cubilin at the ampulla/collecting ducts and convoluted tubules across all developmental stages, with the most prominent immunoexpression observed in the convoluted tubules and the parietal epithelium of the Bowman's capsule. Quantitative analysis showed a higher percentage of Megalin and Cubilin in wt compared to yot mice at E13.5. Co-expression of Megalin and Cubilin was observed at the apical membrane of convoluted tubules and the parietal layer of the Bowman's capsule. The staining intensity of Megalin varied across developmental stages, with the strongest reactivity observed at the ampulla and collecting ducts at embryonic day (E) 13.5 in wt mice. In contrast, Caveolin-1 exhibited high immunoexpression in the metanephric mesenchyme, blood vessels, and the border area between the metanephric mesenchyme and renal vesicle, with a decrease in immunoexpression as development progressed. Gipc1 showed diffuse cytoplasmic staining in metanephric mesenchyme, convoluted tubules and collecting ducts, with significant differences in immunoexpression between wild-type and yot mice at both investigated embryonic time points. Dab2IP immunofluorescent staining was most prominent in renal vesicle/glomeruli and ampulla/collecting ducts at E13.5, with mild staining intensity observed in the distal convoluted tubules postnatally. Our findings elucidate distinct immunoexpression of patterns and potential parts of these proteins in the development and function of the kidney, highlighting the importance of further investigation into their regulatory mechanisms.

The Expression of Connexin 37, 40, 43, 45 and Pannexin 1 in the Early Human Retina and Choroid Development and Tumorigenesis

The expression pattern of Connexins (Cx) 37, 40, 43, 45 and Pannexin 1 (Pnx1) was analyzed immunohistochemically, as well as semi-quantitatively and quantitatively in histological sections of developing 8th- to 12th-week human eyes and postnatal healthy eye, in retinoblastoma and different uveal melanomas. Expressions of both Cx37 and Cx43 increased during development but diminished in the postnatal period, being higher in the retina than in the choroid. Cx37 was highly expressed in the choroid of retinoblastoma, and Cx43 in epitheloid melanoma, while they were both increasingly expressed in mixoid melanoma. In contrast, mild retinal Cx40 expression during development increased to strong in postnatal period, while it was significantly higher in the choroid of mixoid melanoma. Cx45 showed significantly higher expression in the developing retina compared to other samples, while it became low postnatally and in all types of melanoma. Pnx1 was increasingly expressed in developing choroid but became lower in the postnatal eye. It was strongly expressed in epithelial and spindle melanoma, and particularly in retinoblastoma. Our results indicate importance of Cx37 and Cx40 expression in normal and pathological vascularization, and Cx43 expression in inflammatory response. Whereas Cx45 is involved in early stages of eye development, Pnx1might influence cell metabolism. Additionally, Cx43 might be a potential biomarker of tumor prognosis.