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Barreto BC, Neves MVGD, Cardoso CMA, Meira CS, Daltro PS, Figueira CP, Santos GC, Silva DN, Távora F, Neto JDDS, Macambira SG, Lampe PD, Coutinho KCDS, Kasai Brunswick TH, Ribeiro dos Santos R, Campos de Carvalho AC, Soares MBP. The effects of inflammation on connexin 43 in chronic Chagas disease cardiomyopathy. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1440662. [PMID: 39136016 PMCID: PMC11317259 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1440662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiac arrhythmias are the main cause of sudden death due to Chronic Chagasic Cardiomyopathy (CCC). Here we investigated alterations in connexin 43 (Cx43) expression and phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes as well as associations with cardiac arrhythmias in CCC. Methods C57Bl/6 mice infected with Trypanosoma cruzi underwent cardiac evaluations at 6 and 12 months after infection via treadmill testing and EKG. Histopathology, cytokine gene expression, and distribution of total Cx43 and its phosphorylated forms Cx43S368 and Cx43S325/328/330 were investigated. Human heart samples obtained from subjects with CCC were submitted to immunofluorescence analysis. In vitro simulation of a pro-inflammatory microenvironment (IL-1β, TNF, and IFN-γ) was performed in H9c2 cells and iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes to evaluate Cx43 distribution, action potential duration, and Lucifer Yellow dye transfer. Results Mice chronically infected with T. cruzi exhibited impaired cardiac function associated with increased inflammation, fibrosis and upregulated IL-1β, TNF, and IFN-γ gene expression. Confocal microscopy revealed altered total Cx43, Cx43S368 and Cx43S325/328/330 localization and phosphorylation patterns in CCC, with dispersed staining outside the intercalated disc areas, i.e., in lateral membranes and the cytoplasm. Reduced co-localization of total Cx43 and N-cadherin was observed in the intercalated discs of CCC mouse hearts compared to controls. Similar results were obtained in human CCC heart samples, which showed Cx43 distribution outside the intercalated discs. Stimulation of human iPSC-derived cardiomyocytes or H9c2 cells with IL-1β, TNF, and IFN-γ induced alterations in Cx43 localization, reduced action potential duration and dye transfer between adjacent cells. Conclusion Heart inflammation in CCC affects the distribution and phosphorylation pattern of Cx43, which may contribute to the generation of conduction disturbances in Chagas disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breno Cardim Barreto
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Maria Vitória Gomes das Neves
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Cássio Santana Meira
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Pâmela Santana Daltro
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Girlaine Café Santos
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Daniela Nascimento Silva
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Fábio Távora
- Messejana Heart and Lung Hospital, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | - Simone Garcia Macambira
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Federal University of Bahia (UFBA), Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | - Paul D. Lampe
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | | | - Ricardo Ribeiro dos Santos
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | - Milena Botelho Pereira Soares
- Gonçalo Moniz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (IGM-FIOCRUZ/BA), Salvador, Brazil
- SENAI Institute of Innovation in Health Advanced Systems (CIMATEC ISI SAS), University Center SENAI/CIMATEC, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
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Zhu Z, Fu H, Zhao Y, Yan Q. Progress in Core-Shell Magnetic Mesoporous Materials for Enriching Post-Translationally Modified Peptides. J Funct Biomater 2024; 15:158. [PMID: 38921532 PMCID: PMC11205187 DOI: 10.3390/jfb15060158] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Endogenous peptides, particularly those with post-translational modifications, are increasingly being studied as biomarkers for diagnosing various diseases. However, they are weakly ionizable, have a low abundance in biological samples, and may be interfered with by high levels of proteins, peptides, and other macromolecular impurities, resulting in a high limit of detection and insufficient amounts of post-translationally modified peptides in real biological samples to be examined. Therefore, separation and enrichment are necessary before analyzing these biomarkers using mass spectrometry. Mesoporous materials have regular adjustable pores that can eliminate large proteins and impurities, and their large specific surface area can bind more target peptides, but this may result in the partial loss or destruction of target peptides during centrifugal separation. On the other hand, magnetic mesoporous materials can be used to separate the target using an external magnetic field, which improves the separation efficiency and yield. Core-shell magnetic mesoporous materials are widely utilized for peptide separation and enrichment due to their biocompatibility, efficient enrichment capability, and excellent recoverability. This paper provides a review of the latest progress in core-shell magnetic mesoporous materials for enriching glycopeptides and phosphopeptides and compares their enrichment performance with different types of functionalization methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Zhu
- Isotopomics in Chemical Biology (ICB), College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (H.F.); (Y.Z.); (Q.Y.)
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chemical Additives for Industry, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Weiyang University Park, Xi’an 710021, China
| | - Hang Fu
- Isotopomics in Chemical Biology (ICB), College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (H.F.); (Y.Z.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Yu Zhao
- Isotopomics in Chemical Biology (ICB), College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (H.F.); (Y.Z.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Qiulin Yan
- Isotopomics in Chemical Biology (ICB), College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi’an 710021, China; (H.F.); (Y.Z.); (Q.Y.)
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Tsantoulas A, Tsiambas E, Spyropoulou D, Adamopoulou M, Mastronikoli S, Roukas D, Vylliotis A, Kafkas N, Fotiades P, Agrogiannis G, Lazaris A, Kavantzas N. Clinical Impact of Connexin 43 Deregulation on Myocardial Infraction. MAEDICA 2024; 19:373-379. [PMID: 39188848 PMCID: PMC11345061 DOI: 10.26574/maedica.2024.19.2.373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major and multifaceted health problem but also the first cause of death in modern Western societies. Furthermore, myocardial infarction (MI) constitutes a challenge for analysis in the field of molecular mechanisms, early diagnosis and therapeutic approaches, as its incidence increases every year worldwide. Concerning the histopathological diagnosis in the corresponding cases, a variety of immunohistochemistry (IHC) markers and methods are available to support conventional histology diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry techniques are effective for use in forensic pathology, expanding the limits of differential diagnoses in borderline cases, as they can be applied to tissue samples fixed in formalin and embedded in paraffin. OBJECTIVE The purpose of the current review was to explore the role of connexin 43 (gene locus: 6q22.31) as a reliable biomarker of myocardial disease/infarction and its impact on MI pathology. MATERIAL AND METHOD A systematic review of the literature was carried out based on the international database PubMed. The majority of medical data referred to articles published after the year 2020, whereas specific references of great importance and value were also included. The following keywords were used: coronary, artery, myocardial, infarction, connexin and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS A pool of 38 significant articles focused on the mechanisms and novel experimental biomarkers was selected for the present study at the basis of combining molecular knowledge with new clinical features in CAD, and MI histodiagnosis. CONCLUSIONS The role of connexin 43 - as a significant gap junction intermediate protein - in MI pathology, clinical symptoms and prognosis is critical because its dysfunction is involved in myocardial conduction and the onset of ventricular arrhythmias due to a crucial interruption of the intra-cardiomyocyte's conjunction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Evangelos Tsiambas
- Department of Cytology, 417 Veterans Army Hospital, Athens, Greece
- Department of Surgery, 424 General Military Hospital, Thessaloniki, Greece
- "Bioclab" Molecular Lab, Athens, Greece
| | - Despoina Spyropoulou
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical School, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Maria Adamopoulou
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Department of Science and Mathematics, Deree American College, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Dimitrios Roukas
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Kafkas
- Department of Cardiology, "KAT" General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | | | - George Agrogiannis
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Andreas Lazaris
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kavantzas
- Department of Pathology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Baker KM, Abt M, Doud EH, Oblak AL, Yeh ES. Mapping the Anti-Cancer Activity of α-Connexin Carboxyl-Terminal (aCT1) Peptide in Resistant HER2+ Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:423. [PMID: 38275864 PMCID: PMC10814893 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a protein encoded by the GJA1 gene and is a component of cell membrane structures called gap junctions, which facilitate intercellular communication. Prior evidence indicates that elevated GJA1 expression in the HER2-positive (HER2+) subtype of breast cancer is associated with poor prognosis. Prior evidence also suggests that HER2+ breast cancers that have become refractory to HER2-targeted agents have a loss of Cx43 gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC). In this study, a Cx43-targeted agent called alpha-connexin carboxyl-terminal peptide (aCT1) is examined to determine whether GJIC can be rescued in refractory HER2+ breast cancer cells. A proposed mechanism of action for aCT1 is binding to the tight junction protein Zonal Occludens-1 (ZO-1). However, the true scope of activity for aCT1 has not been explored. In this study, mass spectrometry proteomic analysis is used to determine the breadth of aCT1-interacting proteins. The NanoString nCounter Breast Cancer 360 panel is also used to examine the effect of aCT1 on cancer signaling in HER2+ breast cancer cells. Findings from this study show a dynamic range of binding partners for aCT1, many of which regulate gene expression and RNA biology. nCounter analysis shows that a number of pathways are significantly impacted by aCT1, including upregulation of apoptotic factors, leading to the prediction and demonstration that aCT1 can boost the cell death effects of cisplatin and lapatinib in HER2+ breast cancer cells that have become resistant to HER2-targeted agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly M. Baker
- Department of Biology, University of Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46227, USA;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Melissa Abt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Emma H. Doud
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Adrian L. Oblak
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Elizabeth S. Yeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA;
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