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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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2
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Posukh OL, Maslova EA, Danilchenko VY, Zytsar MV, Orishchenko KE. Functional Consequences of Pathogenic Variants of the GJB2 Gene (Cx26) Localized in Different Cx26 Domains. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1521. [PMID: 37892203 PMCID: PMC10604905 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101521] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most common forms of genetic deafness has been predominantly associated with pathogenic variants in the GJB2 gene, encoding transmembrane protein connexin 26 (Cx26). The Cx26 molecule consists of an N-terminal domain (NT), four transmembrane domains (TM1-TM4), two extracellular loops (EL1 and EL2), a cytoplasmic loop, and a C-terminus (CT). Pathogenic variants in the GJB2 gene, resulting in amino acid substitutions scattered across the Cx26 domains, lead to a variety of clinical outcomes, including the most common non-syndromic autosomal recessive deafness (DFNB1A), autosomal dominant deafness (DFNA3A), as well as syndromic forms combining hearing loss and skin disorders. However, for rare and poorly documented variants, information on the mode of inheritance is often lacking. Numerous in vitro studies have been conducted to elucidate the functional consequences of pathogenic GJB2 variants leading to amino acid substitutions in different domains of Cx26 protein. In this work, we summarized all available data on a mode of inheritance of pathogenic GJB2 variants leading to amino acid substitutions and reviewed published information on their functional effects, with an emphasis on their localization in certain Cx26 domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga L. Posukh
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.A.M.); (V.Y.D.); (M.V.Z.); (K.E.O.)
- Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A. Maslova
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.A.M.); (V.Y.D.); (M.V.Z.); (K.E.O.)
- Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Valeriia Yu. Danilchenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.A.M.); (V.Y.D.); (M.V.Z.); (K.E.O.)
- Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Marina V. Zytsar
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.A.M.); (V.Y.D.); (M.V.Z.); (K.E.O.)
| | - Konstantin E. Orishchenko
- Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia; (E.A.M.); (V.Y.D.); (M.V.Z.); (K.E.O.)
- Novosibirsk State University, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia
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3
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Wang D, Wang H, Fan L, Ludwig T, Wegner A, Stahl F, Harre J, Warnecke A, Zeilinger C. A Chemical Chaperone Restores Connexin 26 Mutant Activity. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:997-1005. [PMID: 37470015 PMCID: PMC10353060 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00056] [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: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Mutations in connexin 26 (Cx26) cause hearing disorders of a varying degree. Herein, to identify compounds capable of restoring the function of mutated Cx26, a novel miniaturized microarray-based screening system was developed to perform an optical assay of Cx26 functionality. These molecules were identified through a viability assay using HeLa cells expressing wild-type (WT) Cx26, which exhibited sensitivity toward the HSP90 inhibitor radicicol in the submicromolar concentration range. Open Cx26 hemichannels are assumed to mediate the passage of molecules up to 1000 Da in size. Thus, by releasing radicicol, WT Cx26 active hemichannels in HeLa cells contribute to a higher survival rate and lower cell viability when Cx26 is mutated. HeLa cells expressing Cx26 mutations exhibited reduced viability in the presence of radicicol, such as the mutants F161S or R184P. Next, molecules exhibiting chemical chaperoning activity, suspected of restoring channel function, were assessed regarding whether they induced superior sensitivity toward radicicol and increased HeLa cell viability. Through a viability assay and microarray-based flux assay that uses Lucifer yellow in HeLa cells, compounds 3 and 8 were identified to restore mutant functionality. Furthermore, thermophoresis experiments revealed that only 3 (VRT-534) exhibited dose-responsive binding to recombinant WT Cx26 and mutant Cx26K188N with half maximal effective concentration values of 19 and ∼5 μM, respectively. The findings of this study reveal that repurposing compounds already being used to treat other diseases, such as cystic fibrosis, in combination with functional bioassays and binding tests can help identify novel potential candidates that can be used to treat hearing disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahua Wang
- Gottfried-Wilhelm-Leibniz
University of Hannover, BMWZ (Zentrum für
Biomolekulare Wirkstoffe), Schneiderberg 38, 30167 Hannover, Germany
- Clinic
for Otorhinolaryngology Surgery, Hannover
Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Hongling Wang
- Gottfried-Wilhelm-Leibniz
University of Hannover, BMWZ (Zentrum für
Biomolekulare Wirkstoffe), Schneiderberg 38, 30167 Hannover, Germany
- Clinic
for Otorhinolaryngology Surgery, Hannover
Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Lu Fan
- Gottfried-Wilhelm-Leibniz
University of Hannover, BMWZ (Zentrum für
Biomolekulare Wirkstoffe), Schneiderberg 38, 30167 Hannover, Germany
- Clinic
for Otorhinolaryngology Surgery, Hannover
Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Ludwig
- Technische
Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of
Systems Biology (BRICS), Department of Bioinformatics
and Biochemistry, Rebenring
56, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Andre Wegner
- Technische
Universität Braunschweig, Braunschweig Integrated Centre of
Systems Biology (BRICS), Department of Bioinformatics
and Biochemistry, Rebenring
56, 38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Frank Stahl
- Gottfried-Wilhelm-Leibniz
University of Hannover, Institut für
Technische Chemie/BMWZ (Zentrum für Biomolekulare Wirkstoffe), Callinstr. 5, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jennifer Harre
- Clinic
for Otorhinolaryngology Surgery, Hannover
Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Athanasia Warnecke
- Clinic
for Otorhinolaryngology Surgery, Hannover
Medical School (MHH), 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Carsten Zeilinger
- Gottfried-Wilhelm-Leibniz
University of Hannover, BMWZ (Zentrum für
Biomolekulare Wirkstoffe), Schneiderberg 38, 30167 Hannover, Germany
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Yang C, Deng X, Wu L, Jiang T, Fu Z, Li J. Morusin Protected Ruminal Epithelial Cells against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation through Inhibiting EGFR-AKT/NF-κB Signaling and Improving Barrier Functions. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214428. [PMID: 36430903 PMCID: PMC9695078 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214428] [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: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Using phytogenic extracts for preventing or treating rumen epithelial inflammatory injury is a potential alternative to antibiotic use due to their residue-free characteristics. In this study, the efficacy of Morus root bark extract Morusin on ruminal epithelial cells (RECs) against pathogenic stimulus was investigated for the first time. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results showed that the Morusin did not affect the cell viability of RECs and exerted anti-inflammatory effects in a concentration-dependent manner. Transcriptome analysis further revealed that the Morusin significantly downregulated the inflammatory-response-related cell signaling, while it upregulated the cell-proliferation-inhibition- and barrier-function-related processes in RECs upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) blocking and immunoblotting analysis further confirmed that the Morusin suppressed LPS-induced inflammation in RECs by downregulating the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p65 protein via inhibiting the EGFR signaling. These findings demonstrate the protective roles of Morusin in LPS-induced inflammation in RECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Yang
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiangfei Deng
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Linjun Wu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Tianrui Jiang
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Zhengwei Fu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Jinjun Li
- Institute of Food Sciences, Zhejiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310021, China
- Correspondence:
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Lu Y, Tang D, Zheng Z, Wang X, Zuo N, Yan R, Wu C, Ma J, Wang C, Xu H, He Y, Liu D, Liu S. Cingulin b Is Required for Zebrafish Lateral Line Development Through Regulation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase and Cellular Senescence Signaling Pathways. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:844668. [PMID: 35600071 PMCID: PMC9119177 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.844668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cingulin, a cytoplasmic element of tight junctions (TJs), is involved in maintenance of the integrity of epithelial and endothelial cells. However, the role of cingulin in the development of auditory organs remains unclear. Zebrafish is popular as a model organism for hearing research. Using the whole mount in situ hybridization (WISH) experiment, we detected the expression of cingulin b in the posterior lateral line system (PLLs) of zebrafish. We traced the early development progress of zebrafish PLLs from 36 hpf to 72 hpf, and found that inhibition of cingulin b by target morpholinos resulted in severe developmental obstruction, including decreased number of neuromasts, reduced proliferative cells in the primordium, and repressed hair cell differentiation in the neuromasts. To examine the potential mechanism of cingulin b in the development of zebrafish PLL neuromasts, we performed RNA-seq analysis to compare the differently expressed genes (DEGs) between cingulin b knockdown samples and the controls. The KEGG enrichment analysis revealed that MAPK signaling pathway and cellular senescence were the key pathways with most DEGs in cingulin b-MO morphants compared to the Control-MO embryos. Furthermore, quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed the findings by RNA-seq that the transcript levels of cell cycle negative regulators such as tp53 and cdkn1a, were remarkably upregulated after inhibition of cingulin b. Our results therefore indicated an important role of cingulin b in the development of auditory organs, and MAPK signaling pathway was inhibited while cellular senescence pathway was activated after downregulation of cingulin b. We bring forward new insights of cingulin by exploring its function in auditory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yitong Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Dongmei Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiwei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Nantong Laboratory of Development and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and MOE, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Na Zuo
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Renchun Yan
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Cheng Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Chuanxi Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Hongfei Xu
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yingzi He
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye and ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hearing Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yingzi He,
| | - Dong Liu
- Nantong Laboratory of Development and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and MOE, Nantong University, Nantong, China
- Dong Liu, ;
| | - Shaofeng Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
- Shaofeng Liu,
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6
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Connexin Expression Is Altered in Liver Development of Yotari ( dab1 -/-) Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910712. [PMID: 34639052 PMCID: PMC8509723 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Disabled-1 (Dab1) protein is an intracellular adaptor of reelin signaling required for prenatal neuronal migration, as well as postnatal neurotransmission, memory formation and synaptic plasticity. Yotari, an autosomal recessive mutant of the mouse Dab1 gene is recognizable by its premature death, unstable gait and tremor. Previous findings are mostly based on neuronal abnormalities caused by Dab1 deficiency, but the role of the reelin signaling pathway in nonneuronal tissues and organs has not been studied until recently. Hepatocytes, the most abundant cells in the liver, communicate via gap junctions (GJ) are composed of connexins. Cell communication disruption in yotari mice was examined by analyzing the expression of connexins (Cxs): Cx26, Cx32, Cx37, Cx40, Cx43 and Cx45 during liver development at 13.5 and 15.5 gestation days (E13.5 and E15.5). Analyses were performed using immunohistochemistry and fluorescent microscopy, followed by quantification of area percentage covered by positive signal. Data are expressed as a mean ± SD and analyzed by one-way ANOVA. All Cxs examined displayed a significant decrease in yotari compared to wild type (wt) individuals at E13.5. Looking at E15.5 we have similar results with exception of Cx37 showing negligible expression in wt. Channels formation triggered by pathological stimuli, as well as propensity to apoptosis, was studied by measuring the expression of Pannexin1 (Panx1) and Apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) through developmental stages mentioned above. An increase in Panx1 expression of E15.5 yotari mice, as well as a strong jump of AIF in both phases suggesting that yotari mice are more prone to apoptosis. Our results emphasize the importance of gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) during liver development and their possible involvement in liver pathology and diagnostics where they can serve as potential biomarkers and drug targets.
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A nonsense TMEM43 variant leads to disruption of connexin-linked function and autosomal dominant auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2019681118. [PMID: 34050020 PMCID: PMC8179140 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2019681118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Genes that are primarily expressed in cochlear glia-like supporting cells (GLSs) have not been clearly associated with progressive deafness. Herein, we present a deafness locus mapped to chromosome 3p25.1 and an auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) gene, TMEM43, mainly expressed in GLSs. We identify p.(Arg372Ter) of TMEM43 by linkage analysis and exome sequencing in two large Asian families segregating ANSD, which is characterized by inability to discriminate speech despite preserved sensitivity to sound. The knock-in mouse with the p.(Arg372Ter) variant recapitulates a progressive hearing loss with histological abnormalities in GLSs. Mechanistically, TMEM43 interacts with the Connexin26 and Connexin30 gap junction channels, disrupting the passive conductance current in GLSs in a dominant-negative fashion when the p.(Arg372Ter) variant is introduced. Based on these mechanistic insights, cochlear implant was performed on three subjects, and speech discrimination was successfully restored. Our study highlights a pathological role of cochlear GLSs by identifying a deafness gene and its causal relationship with ANSD.
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Garcia-Vega L, O’Shaughnessy EM, Albuloushi A, Martin PE. Connexins and the Epithelial Tissue Barrier: A Focus on Connexin 26. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10010059. [PMID: 33466954 PMCID: PMC7829877 DOI: 10.3390/biology10010059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Tissues that face the external environment are known as ‘epithelial tissue’ and form barriers between different body compartments. This includes the outer layer of the skin, linings of the intestine and airways that project into the lumen connecting with the external environment, and the cornea of the eye. These tissues do not have a direct blood supply and are dependent on exchange of regulatory molecules between cells to ensure co-ordination of tissue events. Proteins known as connexins form channels linking cells directly and permit exchange of small regulatory signals. A range of environmental stimuli can dysregulate the level of connexin proteins and or protein function within the epithelia, leading to pathologies including non-healing wounds. Mutations in these proteins are linked with hearing loss, skin and eye disorders of differing severity. As such, connexins emerge as prime therapeutic targets with several agents currently in clinical trials. This review outlines the role of connexins in epithelial tissue and how their dysregulation contributes to pathological pathways. Abstract Epithelial tissue responds rapidly to environmental triggers and is constantly renewed. This tissue is also highly accessible for therapeutic targeting. This review highlights the role of connexin mediated communication in avascular epithelial tissue. These proteins form communication conduits with the extracellular space (hemichannels) and between neighboring cells (gap junctions). Regulated exchange of small metabolites less than 1kDa aide the co-ordination of cellular activities and in spatial communication compartments segregating tissue networks. Dysregulation of connexin expression and function has profound impact on physiological processes in epithelial tissue including wound healing. Connexin 26, one of the smallest connexins, is expressed in diverse epithelial tissue and mutations in this protein are associated with hearing loss, skin and eye conditions of differing severity. The functional consequences of dysregulated connexin activity is discussed and the development of connexin targeted therapeutic strategies highlighted.
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9
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Deng Y, Govers C, Ter Beest E, van Dijk AJ, Hettinga K, Wichers HJ. A THP-1 Cell Line-Based Exploration of Immune Responses Toward Heat-Treated BLG. Front Nutr 2021; 7:612397. [PMID: 33521038 PMCID: PMC7838438 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2020.612397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Allergen recognition and processing by antigen presenting cells is essential for the sensitization step of food allergy. Macrophages and dendritic cells are both phagocytic antigen presenting cells and play important roles in innate immune responses and signaling between the innate and adaptive immune system. To obtain a model system with a homogeneous genetic background, we derived macrophages and dendritic cells from THP-1 monocytes. The difference between macrophages and dendritic cells was clearly shown by differences in their transcription response (microarray) and protein expression levels. Their resemblance to primary cells was analyzed by comparison to properties as described in literature. The uptake of β-lactoglobulin after wet-heating (60°C in solution) by THP-1 derived macrophages was earlier reported to be significantly increased. To analyse the subsequent immune response, we incubated THP-1 derived macrophages and dendritic cells with native and differently processed β-lactoglobulin and determined the transcription and cytokine expression levels of the cells. A stronger transcriptional response was found in macrophages than in dendritic cells, while severely structurally modified β-lactoglobulin induced a more limited transcriptional response, especially when compared to native and limitedly modified β-lactoglobulin. These results show that processing is relevant for the transcriptional response toward β-lactoglobulin of innate immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Deng
- Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands.,Food Chemistry, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Coen Govers
- Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Ellen Ter Beest
- Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands.,Food Chemistry, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Aalt-Jan van Dijk
- Bioinformatics Group, Department of Plant Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Kasper Hettinga
- Food Quality and Design, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
| | - Harry J Wichers
- Food and Biobased Research, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands.,Food Chemistry, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University and Research, Wageningen, Netherlands
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10
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Lam MW, Veitch D, Woo PN. Connexin 26 missense mutation resulting in syndromic hearing loss with palmoplantar keratoderma. Int J Dermatol 2020; 59:e454-e455. [PMID: 32808299 DOI: 10.1111/ijd.15139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mun W Lam
- Department of Dermatology, Northampton General Hospital, Northampton, UK
| | - David Veitch
- Dermatology NHS Treatment Centre, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham, UK
| | - Pick N Woo
- Department of Dermatology, Northampton General Hospital, Northampton, UK
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11
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Martin EA, Lasseigne AM, Miller AC. Understanding the Molecular and Cell Biological Mechanisms of Electrical Synapse Formation. Front Neuroanat 2020; 14:12. [PMID: 32372919 PMCID: PMC7179694 DOI: 10.3389/fnana.2020.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review article, we will describe the recent advances made towards understanding the molecular and cell biological mechanisms of electrical synapse formation. New evidence indicates that electrical synapses, which are gap junctions between neurons, can have complex molecular compositions including protein asymmetries across joined cells, diverse morphological arrangements, and overlooked similarities with other junctions, all of which indicate new potential roles in neurodevelopmental disease. Aquatic organisms, and in particular the vertebrate zebrafish, have proven to be excellent models for elucidating the molecular mechanisms of electrical synapse formation. Zebrafish will serve as our main exemplar throughout this review and will be compared with other model organisms. We highlight the known cell biological processes that build neuronal gap junctions and compare these with the assemblies of adherens junctions, tight junctions, non-neuronal gap junctions, and chemical synapses to explore the unknown frontiers remaining in our understanding of the critical and ubiquitous electrical synapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Anne Martin
- Department of Biology, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Abagael M Lasseigne
- Department of Biology, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Adam C Miller
- Department of Biology, Institute of Neuroscience, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
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12
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Wu X, Zhang W, Li Y, Lin X. Structure and Function of Cochlear Gap Junctions and Implications for the Translation of Cochlear Gene Therapies. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:529. [PMID: 31827424 PMCID: PMC6892400 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) are ubiquitous membrane proteins that are found throughout vertebrate organs, acting as building blocks of the gap junctions (GJs) known to play vital roles in the normal function of many organs. Mutations in Cx genes (particularly GJB2, which encodes Cx26) cause approximately half of all cases of congenital hearing loss in newborns. Great progress has been made in understanding GJ function and the molecular mechanisms for the role of Cxs in the cochlea. Data reveal that multiple types of Cxs work together to ensure normal development and function of the cochlea. These findings include many aspects not proposed in the classic K+ recycling theory, such as the formation of normal cochlear morphology (e.g., the opening of the tunnel of Corti), the fine-tuning of the innervation of nerve fibers to the hair cells (HCs), the maturation of the ribbon synapses, and the initiation of the endocochlear potential (EP). New data, especially those collected from targeted modification of major Cx genes in the mouse cochlea, have demonstrated that Cx26 plays an essential role in the postnatal maturation of the cochlea. Studies also show that Cx26 and Cx30 assume very different roles in the EP generation, given that only Cx26 is required for normal hearing. This article will review our current understanding of the molecular structure, cellular distribution, and major functions of cochlear GJs. Potential implications of the knowledge of cochlear GJs on the design and implementation of translational studies of cochlear gene therapies for Cx mutations are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuewen Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head-Neck and Surgery, Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Wuhan Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yihui Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Changsha Hospital of Traditional Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Xi Lin
- Department of Otolaryngology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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An Overview of the Focus of the International Gap Junction Conference 2017 and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092823. [PMID: 30231591 PMCID: PMC6164644 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This Special Issue relates to the 18th biannual International Gap Junction Conference (IGJC2017), held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow, U.K., from the 29 July⁻2 August 2017 [...].
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