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Colvin VC, Bramer LM, Rivera BN, Pennington JM, Waters KM, Tilton SC. Modeling PAH Mixture Interactions in a Human In Vitro Organotypic Respiratory Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4326. [PMID: 38673911 PMCID: PMC11050152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084326] [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: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
One of the most significant challenges in human health risk assessment is to evaluate hazards from exposure to environmental chemical mixtures. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of ubiquitous contaminants typically found as mixtures in gaseous and particulate phases in ambient air pollution associated with petrochemicals from Superfund sites and the burning of fossil fuels. However, little is understood about how PAHs in mixtures contribute to toxicity in lung cells. To investigate mixture interactions and component additivity from environmentally relevant PAHs, two synthetic mixtures were created from PAHs identified in passive air samplers at a legacy creosote site impacted by wildfires. The primary human bronchial epithelial cells differentiated at the air-liquid interface were treated with PAH mixtures at environmentally relevant proportions and evaluated for the differential expression of transcriptional biomarkers related to xenobiotic metabolism, oxidative stress response, barrier integrity, and DNA damage response. Component additivity was evaluated across all endpoints using two independent action (IA) models with and without the scaling of components by toxic equivalence factors. Both IA models exhibited trends that were unlike the observed mixture response and generally underestimated the toxicity across dose suggesting the potential for non-additive interactions of components. Overall, this study provides an example of the usefulness of mixture toxicity assessment with the currently available methods while demonstrating the need for more complex yet interpretable mixture response evaluation methods for environmental samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria C. Colvin
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- OSU/PNNL Superfund Research Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Lisa M. Bramer
- OSU/PNNL Superfund Research Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - Brianna N. Rivera
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- OSU/PNNL Superfund Research Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Jamie M. Pennington
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
| | - Katrina M. Waters
- OSU/PNNL Superfund Research Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, USA
| | - Susan C. Tilton
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
- OSU/PNNL Superfund Research Program, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA
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2
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Badaoui M, Chanson M. Intercellular Communication in Airway Epithelial Cell Regeneration: Potential Roles of Connexins and Pannexins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16160. [PMID: 38003349 PMCID: PMC10671439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216160] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins and pannexins are transmembrane proteins that can form direct (gap junctions) or indirect (connexons, pannexons) intercellular communication channels. By propagating ions, metabolites, sugars, nucleotides, miRNAs, and/or second messengers, they participate in a variety of physiological functions, such as tissue homeostasis and host defense. There is solid evidence supporting a role for intercellular signaling in various pulmonary inflammatory diseases where alteration of connexin/pannexin channel functional expression occurs, thus leading to abnormal intercellular communication pathways and contributing to pathophysiological aspects, such as innate immune defense and remodeling. The integrity of the airway epithelium, which is the first line of defense against invading microbes, is established and maintained by a repair mechanism that involves processes such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Here, we briefly summarize current knowledge on the contribution of connexins and pannexins to necessary processes of tissue repair and speculate on their possible involvement in the shaping of the airway epithelium integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc Chanson
- Department of Cell Physiology & Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
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3
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Shen Y, Li M, Liao L, Gao S, Wang Y. Plasma exosome-derived connexin43 as a promising biomarker for melanoma patients. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:242. [PMID: 36918803 PMCID: PMC10012581 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10705-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To examine the levels of exosome-derived connexin 43 (Cx43) in plasma and estimate its forecast value in patients with melanoma. METHODS We measured the plasma exosome-derived Cx43 levels in the plasma of 112 melanoma patients and 50 healthy controls. RESULTS The plasma exosome-derived Cx43 levels in patients with melanoma were substantially downregulated as opposed to the levels in healthy controls (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were poorer in patients with melanoma who exhibited lower levels of plasma exosome-derived Cx43 (both P < 0.001). The levels of plasma exosome-derived Cx43 were considerably elevated in patients with melanoma whose tumor was situated in the skin, tumor size < 10 cm, with Clark level I-III, TNM stages IIb-IV, and had no lymph node metastasis as opposed to patients whose tumor was situated in the viscera or mucosa, tumor size ≥ 10 cm, Clark level IV-V, TNM stages IIb-IV and had lymph node metastasis (all P < 0.05). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) of plasma exosome-derived Cx43 for forecasting 5-year DFS in patients with melanoma was 0.78 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.70-0.86), with a specificity of 77.78% and a sensitivity of 81.55%. The ROC of plasma exosome-derived Cx43 for forecasting 5-year OS of patients with melanoma was 0.77 (95% CI: 0.68-0.84), with a specificity of 80.0% and sensitivity of 65.98%. CONCLUSION The overall findings indicated that the levels of plasma exosome-derived Cx43 in patients with melanoma were considerably downregulated. It can therefore be inferred that the levels of plasma exosome-derived Cx43 might be a prospective prognostic indicator for 5 5-year OS and 5-year DFS of patients with melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Shen
- Department of Dermatology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, 242 Guangji Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Pathology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, 242 Guangji Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, China
| | - Li Liao
- Department of Dermatology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, 242 Guangji Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, China
| | - Suyue Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, 242 Guangji Road, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, China
| | - Yongzhen Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 26 Daoqian Street, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215008, China.
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4
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Zeitz MJ, Smyth JW. Gap Junctions and Ageing. Subcell Biochem 2023; 102:113-137. [PMID: 36600132 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-21410-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions, comprising connexin proteins, create conduits directly coupling the cytoplasms of adjacent cells. Expressed in essentially all tissues, dynamic gap junction structures enable the exchange of small molecules including ions and second messengers, and are central to maintenance of homeostasis and synchronized excitability. With such diverse and critical roles throughout the body, it is unsurprising that alterations to gap junction and/or connexin expression and function underlie a broad array of age-related pathologies. From neurological dysfunction to cardiac arrhythmia and bone loss, it is hard to identify a human disease state that does not involve reduced, or in some cases inappropriate, intercellular communication to affect organ function. With a complex life cycle encompassing several key regulatory steps, pathological gap junction remodeling during ageing can arise from alterations in gene expression, translation, intracellular trafficking, and posttranslational modification of connexins. Connexin proteins are now known to "moonlight" and perform a variety of non-junctional functions in the cell, independent of gap junctions. Furthermore, connexin "hemichannels" on the cell surface can communicate with the extracellular space without ever coupling to an adjacent cell to form a gap junction channel. This chapter will focus primarily on gap junctions in ageing, but such non-junctional connexin functions will be referred to where appropriate and the full spectrum of connexin biology should be noted as potentially causative/contributing to some findings in connexin knockout animals, for example.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Zeitz
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA.,FBRI Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Roanoke, VA, USA
| | - James W Smyth
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA, USA. .,FBRI Center for Vascular and Heart Research, Roanoke, VA, USA. .,Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, USA. .,Department of Basic Science Education, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, Roanoke, VA, USA.
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5
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Fleck AP, Flotte AB, Si EP, Mu D. Loss of Gap Junction Factor Connexin 43 Results in an Increase of Exosomal Tetraspanins in Human Lung Cancer Cell Line A549. MICROPUBLICATION BIOLOGY 2022; 2022:10.17912/micropub.biology.000683. [PMID: 36447528 PMCID: PMC9701318 DOI: 10.17912/micropub.biology.000683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs) and small extracellular vesicles such as exosomes are two fundamental intercellular communication (IC) mechanisms. We tested the hypothesis that the two IC mechanisms are connected by gene editing to inactivate a ubiquitously expression GJ factor (i.e., Cx43) in the human lung cancer cell line A549. Surprisingly, we observed that loss of Cx43 led to a buildup of exosomal tetraspanin proteins such as CD63 and CD9. Given the known activities of tetraspanins in cell-cell adhesion and vesicle uptake, our observation establishes an impetus to investigate further how these two IC mechanisms are intertwined.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - David Mu
- Eastern Virginia Medical School
,
Correspondence to: David Mu (
)
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Chen B, Gong S, Li M, Liu Y, Nie J, Zheng J, Zheng X, Li J, Gan Y, Su Z, Chen J, Li Y, Xie Q, Yan F. Protective effect of oxyberberine against acute lung injury in mice via inhibiting RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113307. [PMID: 35753262 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI), hallmarked with alveolar epithelial barrier impairment and pulmonary edema induced by acute inflammation, presents a severe health burden to the public, due to the limited available interventions. Oxyberberine (OBB), having improved anti-inflammatory activity and safety, is a representative component with various activities derived from berberine, whereas its role against ALI with alveolar epithelial barrier injury remains uncertain. To investigate the influence and underlying mechanisms of OBB on ALI, we induced acute inflammation in mice and A549 cells by using lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Changes in alveolar permeability were assessed by analyzing lung histopathology, measuring the dry/wet weight ratio of the lungs, and altering proinflammatory cytokines and neutrophils levels in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Parameters of pulmonary permeability were assessed through ELISA, western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence analysis. U46619, the agonist of RhoA/ROCK, was employed to further investigate the mechanism of OBB on ALI. Unexpectedly, we found OBB mitigated lung impairment, pulmonary edema, inflammatory reactions in BALF and lung tissue, reduction in ZO-1, and addition of connexin-43. Besides, OBB markedly reduced the expression of RhoA in association with its downstream factors, which are linked to the intercellular junctions and permeability both in vivo and in vitro. Nevertheless, U46619 abolished the benefits obtained from OBB in A549 cells. In conclusion, these outcomes indicated that OBB exerted RhoA/ROCK inhibitor-like effect to moderate alveolar epithelial barrier impairment and permeability, ultimately preventing ALI progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyi Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Shiting Gong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Minhua Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yanlu Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Juan Nie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; Medical School, Hubei Minzu University, Hubei 445000, China
| | - Jingna Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Xiaohong Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jincan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yuxuan Gan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Ziren Su
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiannan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Yucui Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Qingfeng Xie
- Li Ke and Qi Yu-ru Academic Experience Inheritance Studio, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; The Second Clinical College Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Fang Yan
- Li Ke and Qi Yu-ru Academic Experience Inheritance Studio, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China; The Second Clinical College Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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7
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Blocking connexin 43 and its promotion of ATP release from renal tubular epithelial cells ameliorates renal fibrosis. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:511. [PMID: 35641484 PMCID: PMC9156700 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04910-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Whether metabolites derived from injured renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) participate in renal fibrosis is poorly explored. After TEC injury, various metabolites are released and among the most potent is adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is released via ATP-permeable channels. In these hemichannels, connexin 43 (Cx43) is the most common member. However, its role in renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) has not been fully examined. We analyzed renal samples from patients with obstructive nephropathy and mice with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). Cx43-KSP mice were generated to deplete Cx43 in TECs. Through transcriptomics, metabolomics, and single-cell sequencing multi-omics analysis, the relationship among tubular Cx43, ATP, and macrophages in renal fibrosis was explored. The expression of Cx43 in TECs was upregulated in both patients and mice with obstructive nephropathy. Knockdown of Cx43 in TECs or using Cx43-specific inhibitors reduced UUO-induced inflammation and fibrosis in mice. Single-cell RNA sequencing showed that ATP specific receptors, including P2rx4 and P2rx7, were distributed mainly on macrophages. We found that P2rx4- or P2rx7-positive macrophages underwent pyroptosis after UUO, and in vitro ATP directly induced pyroptosis by macrophages. The administration of P2 receptor or P2X7 receptor blockers to UUO mice inhibited macrophage pyroptosis and demonstrated a similar degree of renoprotection as Cx43 genetic depletion. Further, we found that GAP 26 (a Cx43 hemichannel inhibitor) and A-839977 (an inhibitor of the pyroptosis receptor) alleviated UUO-induced fibrosis, while BzATP (the agonist of pyroptosis receptor) exacerbated fibrosis. Single-cell sequencing demonstrated that the pyroptotic macrophages upregulated the release of CXCL10, which activated intrarenal fibroblasts. Cx43 mediates the release of ATP from TECs during renal injury, inducing peritubular macrophage pyroptosis, which subsequently leads to the release of CXCL10 and activation of intrarenal fibroblasts and acceleration of renal fibrosis.
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Kono J, Ueda M, Sengiku A, Suadicani SO, Woo JT, Kobayashi T, Ogawa O, Negoro H. Flavonoid Nobiletin Attenuates Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cystitis in Mice through Mechanisms That Involve Inhibition of IL-1β Induced Connexin 43 Upregulation and Gap Junction Communication in Urothelial Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:5037. [PMID: 35563427 PMCID: PMC9102543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder inflammatory diseases cause various urinary symptoms, such as urinary frequency and painful urination, that impair quality of life. In this study, we used a mouse model of cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced bladder inflammation and immortalized human urothelial (TRT-HU1) cells to explore the preventive potential of nobiletin (NOB), a polymethoxylated flavone enriched in citrus fruit peel, and investigate its mechanism of action in the bladder. Prophylaxis with PMF90 (60% NOB) attenuated the development of bladder inflammation and urinary symptoms in CYP-treated mice. PMF90 also reduced the upregulation of connexin 43 (Cx43), a major component of gap junction channels, in the bladder mucosa of CYP-treated mice. Stimulation of TRT-HU1 cells with the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β increased Cx43 mRNA and protein expression and enhanced gap junction coupling-responses that were prevented by pre-treatment with NOB. In urothelium-specific Cx43 knockout (uCx43KO) mice, macroscopic signs of bladder inflammation and changes in voiding behavior induced by CYP treatment were significantly attenuated when compared to controls. These findings indicate the participation of urothelial Cx43 in the development of bladder inflammation and urinary symptoms in CYP-treated mice and provide pre-clinical evidence for the preventive potential of NOB through its anti-inflammatory effects on IL-1β signaling and urothelial Cx43 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Kono
- Department of Urology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (J.K.); (M.U.); (A.S.); (T.K.); (O.O.)
| | - Masakatsu Ueda
- Department of Urology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (J.K.); (M.U.); (A.S.); (T.K.); (O.O.)
- Department of Urology, Shizuoka General Hospital, Shizuoka 420-8527, Japan
| | - Atsushi Sengiku
- Department of Urology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (J.K.); (M.U.); (A.S.); (T.K.); (O.O.)
- Sengiku Urology Clinic, Shiga 524-0045, Japan
| | - Sylvia O. Suadicani
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Je Tae Woo
- Department of Biological Chemistry, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chubu University, Kasugai 487-8501, Japan;
| | - Takashi Kobayashi
- Department of Urology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (J.K.); (M.U.); (A.S.); (T.K.); (O.O.)
| | - Osamu Ogawa
- Department of Urology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (J.K.); (M.U.); (A.S.); (T.K.); (O.O.)
| | - Hiromitsu Negoro
- Department of Urology, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto 606-8507, Japan; (J.K.); (M.U.); (A.S.); (T.K.); (O.O.)
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8575, Japan
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Cooreman A, Caufriez A, Tabernilla A, Van Campenhout R, Leroy K, Kadam P, Sanz Serrano J, dos Santos Rodrigues B, Annaert P, Vinken M. Effects of Drugs Formerly Proposed for COVID-19 Treatment on Connexin43 Hemichannels. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095018. [PMID: 35563409 PMCID: PMC9103705 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin43 (Cx43) hemichannels form a pathway for cellular communication between the cell and its extracellular environment. Under pathological conditions, Cx43 hemichannels release adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which triggers inflammation. Over the past two years, azithromycin, chloroquine, dexamethasone, favipiravir, hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, remdesivir, ribavirin, and ritonavir have been proposed as drugs for the treatment of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which is associated with prominent systemic inflammation. The current study aimed to investigate if Cx43 hemichannels, being key players in inflammation, could be affected by these drugs which were formerly designated as COVID-19 drugs. For this purpose, Cx43-transduced cells were exposed to these drugs. The effects on Cx43 hemichannel activity were assessed by measuring extracellular ATP release, while the effects at the transcriptional and translational levels were monitored by means of real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis and immunoblot analysis, respectively. Exposure to lopinavir and ritonavir combined (4:1 ratio), as well as to remdesivir, reduced Cx43 mRNA levels. None of the tested drugs affected Cx43 protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Axelle Cooreman
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Anne Caufriez
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Andrés Tabernilla
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Raf Van Campenhout
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Kaat Leroy
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Prashant Kadam
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Julen Sanz Serrano
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Bruna dos Santos Rodrigues
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
| | - Pieter Annaert
- Drug Delivery and Disposition, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Laarbeeklaan 103, 1090 Brussels, Belgium; (A.C.); (A.C.); (A.T.); (R.V.C.); (K.L.); (P.K.); (J.S.S.); (B.d.S.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +32-2477-4587
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10
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An S, Zheng S, Cai Z, Chen S, Wang C, Li Y, Deng Z. Connexin43 in Musculoskeletal System: New Targets for Development and Disease Progression. Aging Dis 2022; 13:1715-1732. [DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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