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Yu S, Ren H, Liu T, Han X, Guo H, Ning Q, Li Y, Zhou H, Chen M, Hu T. Metformin suppresses NFE2L1 pathway activation to inhibit gap junction beta protein expression in NSCLC. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e7021. [PMID: 38562019 PMCID: PMC10985411 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.7021] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a deadly form of cancer that exhibits extensive intercellular communication which contributed to chemoradiotherapy resistance. Recent evidence suggests that arrange of key proteins are involved in lung cancer progression, including gap junction proteins (GJPs). METHODS AND RESULTS In this study, we examined the expression patterns of GJPs in NSCLC, uncovering that both gap junction protein, beta 2 (GJB2) and gap junction protein, beta 2 (GJB3) are increased in LUAD and LUSC. We observed a correlation between the upregulation of GJB2, GJB3 in clinical samples and a worse prognosis in patients with NSCLC. By examining the mechanics, we additionally discovered that nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 1 (NFE2L1) had the capability to enhance the expression of connexin26 and connexin 31 in the NSCLC cell line A549. In addition, the use of metformin was discovered to cause significant downregulation of gap junction protein, betas (GJBs) by limiting the presence of NFE2L1 in the cytoplasm. CONCLUSION This emphasizes the potential of targeting GJBs as a viable treatment approach for NSCLC patients receiving metformin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Yu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
- Department of General SurgeryThe Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Hui Ren
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Xiaoyan Han
- Department of General SurgeryWeifang People's HospitalWeifangShandongChina
| | - Hui Guo
- Department of OncologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Qian Ning
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Mingwei Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
| | - Tinghua Hu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineThe First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong UniversityXi'anShaanxiChina
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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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3
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Zefferino R, Conese M. A Vaccine against Cancer: Can There Be a Possible Strategy to Face the Challenge? Possible Targets and Paradoxical Effects. Vaccines (Basel) 2023; 11:1701. [PMID: 38006033 PMCID: PMC10674257 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines11111701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Is it possible to have an available vaccine that eradicates cancer? Starting from this question, this article tries to verify the state of the art, proposing a different approach to the issue. The variety of cancers and different and often unknown causes of cancer impede, except in some cited cases, the creation of a classical vaccine directed at the causative agent. The efforts of the scientific community are oriented toward stimulating the immune systems of patients, thereby preventing immune evasion, and heightening chemotherapeutic agents effects against cancer. However, the results are not decisive, because without any warning signs, metastasis often occurs. The purpose of this paper is to elaborate on a vaccine that must be administered to a patient in order to prevent metastasis; metastasis is an event that leads to death, and thus, preventing it could transform cancer into a chronic disease. We underline the fact that the field has not been studied in depth, and that the complexity of metastatic processes should not be underestimated. Then, with the aim of identifying the target of a cancer vaccine, we draw attention to the presence of the paradoxical actions of different mechanisms, pathways, molecules, and immune and non-immune cells characteristic of the tumor microenvironment at the primary site and pre-metastatic niche in order to exclude possible vaccine candidates that have opposite effects/behaviors; after a meticulous evaluation, we propose possible targets to develop a metastasis-targeting vaccine. We conclude that a change in the current concept of a cancer vaccine is needed, and the efforts of the scientific community should be redirected toward a metastasis-targeting vaccine, with the increasing hope of eradicating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Zefferino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
| | - Massimo Conese
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy;
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Khromov T, Fischer L, Leha A, Bremmer F, Fischer A, Schliephake H, Rahat MA, Brockmeyer P. Combined Biomarker System Predicts Prognosis in Patients with Metastatic Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4924. [PMID: 37894290 PMCID: PMC10605069 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204924] [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: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastatic oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is associated with poor patient prognosis. Metastasis is a complex process involving various proteins, tumor cell alterations, including changes attributable to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this study, we investigate a combined protein marker system consisting of connexin 43 (Cx43), EMMPRIN (CD147), E-cadherin, and vimentin, with a focus on their roles in the invasive metastatic progression of OSCC and their potential utility in predicting prognosis. METHODS We conducted an immunohistochemical analysis to assess the protein expression profiles of Cx43, EMMPRIN, E-cadherin, and vimentin using tissue samples obtained from 24 OSCC patients. The metastatic process was mapped through different regions of interest (ROIs), including adjacent healthy oral mucosa (OM), center of primary OSCC, invasive front (IF), and local cervical lymph node metastases (LNM). The primary clinical endpoints were disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS Substantial changes in the expression profiles of the different marker proteins were observed among the different ROIs, with all p-values < 0.05, signifying statistical significance. Multivariable Cox regression analysis results showed a significant effect of increased EMMPRIN expression toward the IF on DFS (p = 0.019) and OS (p = 0.023). Furthermore, the combined predictive analysis showed a significant predictive value of the marker system for DFS (p = 0.0017) and OS (p = 0.00044). CONCLUSIONS The combined marker system exhibited a significant ability to predict patient prognosis. An increase in EMMPRIN expression toward the IF showed the strongest effect and could be an interesting new antimetastatic therapy approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Khromov
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (T.K.); (A.F.)
| | - Lucas Fischer
- Department of Urology, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
| | - Andreas Leha
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
| | - Felix Bremmer
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
| | - Andreas Fischer
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany; (T.K.); (A.F.)
| | - Henning Schliephake
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
| | - Michal Amit Rahat
- Immunotherapy Laboratory, Carmel Medical Center, Haifa 3436212, Israel;
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3109601, Israel
| | - Phillipp Brockmeyer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Center Goettingen, 37075 Goettingen, Germany;
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Skieresz-Szewczyk K, Jackowiak H. Pattern Distribution of Connexins in the Ortho- and Parakeratinized Epithelium of the Lingual Mucosa in Birds. Cells 2023; 12:1776. [PMID: 37443811 PMCID: PMC10341081 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131776] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins are important proteins involved in cell-to-cell communication and cytodifferentiation during renewal and cornification of the multilayered epithelia. So far, there is a lack of reports on this subject in birds' structurally different ortho- and parakeratinized epithelium of the tongue. The study aims to describe the distribution and expression profiles of the α-connexins (Cx40 and 43) and β-connexins (Cx26, 30, and 31) in those epithelia in duck, goose, and domestic turkey. Research revealed the presence of the mentioned connexins and the occurrence of interspecies differences. Connexins form gap junctions in the cell membrane or are in the cytoplasm of keratinocytes. Differences in connexin expression were noted between the basal and intermediate layers, which may determine the proliferation of keratinocytes. Cx40, 43, and Cx30 in the gap junction of the keratinocytes of the intermediate layer are related to the synchronization of the cornification process. Because of the exfoliation of cornified plaques, a lack of connexins was observed in the cornified layer of orthokeratinized epithelium. However, in parakeratinized epithelium, connexins were present in the cell membrane of keratinocytes and thus maintained cellular integrity in gradually desquamating cells. The current studies will be useful in further comparative analyses of normal and pathological epithelia of the oral cavity in birds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Skieresz-Szewczyk
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Poznan University of Life Sciences, Wojska Polskiego 71C, 60-625 Poznan, Poland;
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Gallego C, Jaracz-Ros A, Laganà M, Mercier-Nomé F, Domenichini S, Fumagalli A, Roingeard P, Herfs M, Pidoux G, Bachelerie F, Schlecht-Louf G. Reprogramming of connexin landscape fosters fast gap junction intercellular communication in human papillomavirus-infected epithelia. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1138232. [PMID: 37260709 PMCID: PMC10228504 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1138232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are highly prevalent commensal viruses that require epithelial stratification to complete their replicative cycle. While HPV infections are most often asymptomatic, certain HPV types can cause lesions, that are usually benign. In rare cases, these infections may progress to non-replicative viral cycles associated with high HPV oncogene expression promoting cell transformation, and eventually cancer when not cleared by host responses. While the consequences of HPV-induced transformation on keratinocytes have been extensively explored, the impact of viral replication on epithelial homeostasis remains largely unexplored. Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is critical for stratified epithelium integrity and function. This process is ensured by a family of proteins named connexins (Cxs), including 8 isoforms that are expressed in stratified squamous epithelia. GJIC was reported to be impaired in HPV-transformed cells, which was attributed to the decreased expression of the Cx43 isoform. However, it remains unknown whether and how HPV replication might impact on the expression of Cx isoforms and GJIC in stratified squamous epithelia. To address this question, we have used 3D-epithelial cell cultures (3D-EpCs), the only model supporting the productive HPV life cycle. We report a transcriptional downregulation of most epithelial Cx isoforms except Cx45 in HPV-replicating epithelia. At the protein level, HPV replication results in a reduction of Cx43 expression while that of Cx45 increases and displays a topological shift toward the cell membrane. To quantify GJIC, we pioneered quantitative gap-fluorescence loss in photobleaching (FLIP) assay in 3D-EpCs, which allowed us to show that the reprogramming of Cx landscape in response to HPV replication translates into accelerated GJIC in living epithelia. Supporting the pathophysiological relevance of our observations, the HPV-associated Cx43 and Cx45 expression pattern was confirmed in human cervical biopsies harboring HPV. In conclusion, the reprogramming of Cx expression and distribution in HPV-replicating epithelia fosters accelerated GJIC, which may participate in epithelial homeostasis and host immunosurveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Gallego
- Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, INSERM UMR-996, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Agnieszka Jaracz-Ros
- Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, INSERM UMR-996, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Marta Laganà
- Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, INSERM UMR-996, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Françoise Mercier-Nomé
- Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, INSERM UMR-996, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
- US31-UMS3679-Plateforme PHIC, Ingénierie et Plateformes au Service de l’Innovation Thérapeutique (IPSIT), INSERM, CNRS, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Séverine Domenichini
- UMS-IPSIT Plateforme MIPSIT, Université Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Inserm, Ingénierie et Plateformes au Service de l’Innovation Thérapeutique, Orsay, France
| | - Amos Fumagalli
- CNRS, UMR-5203, Institut de Génomique Fonctionnelle, Montpellier, France
| | - Philippe Roingeard
- INSERM U1259, Université de Tours et CHRU de Tours & Plateforme IBiSA des Microscopies, PPF ASB, CHRU de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Michael Herfs
- Laboratory of Experimental Pathology, GIGA-Cancer, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | | | - Françoise Bachelerie
- Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, INSERM UMR-996, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Géraldine Schlecht-Louf
- Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, INSERM UMR-996, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
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7
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Saito M, Tokunaga N, Saito T, Hatakenaka T, Sasaki T, Matsuki N, Minagawa S. Connexin 45 is a novel suppressor of melanoma metastasis. Cytotechnology 2023; 75:103-113. [PMID: 36969569 PMCID: PMC10030756 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-022-00563-x] [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: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression spectra of connexin (Cx) isoforms were investigated in three mouse melanoma cell lines: B16-F1 (F1), B16-F10 (F10), and B16-BL6 (BL6). Metastatic potential intensity was higher in the order of F1, F10, and BL6. A remarkable behavior of Cx45 was found among 20 isoforms. The expression level of Cx45 was highest in F1 and lowest in BL6. It was inductively predicted that Cx45 might be a novel suppressor of metastasis. A Cx45-overexpressing BL6 cell line (Cx45 +BL6) was developed and its properties were compared with those of a wild-type cell line of BL6 (W-BL6). Compared to W-BL6, Cx45 +BL6 showed reduced wound healing, Transwell® permeability, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression, suggesting the suppression of cellular migration and invasion. The expression of E-cadherin and integrin β1 in Cx45 +BL6 was also lower than in W-BL6, suggesting reduced cell adhesion. The decrease in cell adhesion was supported by the cell washing-out assay. In contrast, no difference between W-BL6 and Cx45 +BL6 was observed in cell proliferation, suggesting no effect on cell-cycle regulating factors. Finally, an in vivo assay revealed a significant decrease in the number of metastatic colonies of Cx45 +BL6 (176 ± 25/lung) in comparison with those of W-BL6 (252 ± 23/lung) in a mouse model. In conclusion, Cx45 is a novel suppressor of melanoma metastasis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10616-022-00563-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikako Saito
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, 184-8588 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naruwa Tokunaga
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, 184-8588 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshiki Saito
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, 184-8588 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Hatakenaka
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, 184-8588 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomonori Sasaki
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, 184-8588 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Nahoko Matsuki
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, 184-8588 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiya Minagawa
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Science, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, 2-24-16, Naka-cho, Koganei, 184-8588 Tokyo, Japan
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8
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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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Schulz B, Schumacher V, Ngezahayo A, Maier-Begandt D, Schadzek N, Wilhelm J, Weidner W, Pilatz A, Fietz D, Kliesch S, Schnepel N, Hambruch N, Rode K, Langeheine M, Brehm R. Analysis of connexin 43, connexin 45 and N-cadherin in the human sertoli cell line FS1 and the human seminoma-like cell line TCam-2 in comparison with human testicular biopsies. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:232. [PMID: 36899312 PMCID: PMC10007848 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10696-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ cell tumors are relatively common in young men. They derive from a non-invasive precursor, called germ cell neoplasia in situ, but the exact pathogenesis is still unknown. Thus, further understanding provides the basis for diagnostics, prognostics and therapy and is therefore paramount. A recently developed cell culture model consisting of human FS1 Sertoli cells and human TCam-2 seminoma-like cells offers new opportunities for research on seminoma. Since junctional proteins within the seminiferous epithelium are involved in cell organization, differentiation and proliferation, they represent interesting candidates for investigations on intercellular adhesion and communication in context with neoplastic progression. METHODS FS1 and TCam-2 cells were characterized regarding gap-junction-related connexin 43 (Cx43) and connexin 45 (Cx45), and adherens-junction-related N-cadherin using microarray, PCR, Western blot, immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence. Results were compared to human testicular biopsies at different stages of seminoma development via immunohistochemistry to confirm the cell lines' representativeness. Furthermore, dye-transfer measurements were performed to investigate functional cell coupling. RESULTS Cx43, Cx45 and N-cadherin mRNA and protein were generally detectable in both cell lines via qualitative RT-PCR and Western blot. Immunocytochemistry and immunofluorescence revealed a mainly membrane-associated expression of N-cadherin in both cell lines, but gene expression values were higher in FS1 cells. Cx43 expression was also membrane-associated in FS1 cells but barely detectable in TCam-2 cells. Accordingly, a high gene expression value of Cx43 was measured for FS1 and a low value for TCam-2 cells. Cx45 was primary located in the cytoplasm of FS1 and TCam-2 cells and revealed similar low to medium gene expression values in both cell lines. Overall, results were comparable with corresponding biopsies. Additionally, both FS1 and TCam-2 cells showed dye diffusion into neighboring cells. CONCLUSION The junctional proteins Cx43, Cx45 and N-cadherin are expressed in FS1 and TCam-2 cells at mRNA and/or protein level in different amounts and localizations, and cells of both lines are functionally coupled among each other. Concerning the expression of these junctional proteins, FS1 and TCam-2 cells are largely representative for Sertoli and seminoma cells, respectively. Thus, these results provide the basis for further coculture experiments evaluating the role of junctional proteins in context with seminoma progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte Schulz
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Valérie Schumacher
- Department of Urology and Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgery and Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Anaclet Ngezahayo
- Department of Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience Hannover, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Daniela Maier-Begandt
- Department of Cell Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadine Schadzek
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Leibniz University Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jochen Wilhelm
- Institute for Lung Health, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany.,The Cardiopulmonary Institute, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Weidner
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Adrian Pilatz
- Department of Urology, Pediatric Urology and Andrology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Daniela Fietz
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sabine Kliesch
- Centre of Andrology and Reproductive Medicine, University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Nadine Schnepel
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nina Hambruch
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kristina Rode
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Marion Langeheine
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ralph Brehm
- Institute of Anatomy, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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10
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Zhou M, Zheng M, Zhou X, Tian S, Yang X, Ning Y, Li Y, Zhang S. The roles of connexins and gap junctions in the progression of cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:8. [PMID: 36639804 PMCID: PMC9837928 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-01009-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs), which are composed of connexins (Cxs), provide channels for direct information exchange between cells. Cx expression has a strong spatial specificity; however, its influence on cell behavior and information exchange between cells cannot be ignored. A variety of factors in organisms can modulate Cxs and subsequently trigger a series of responses that have important effects on cellular behavior. The expression and function of Cxs and the number and function of GJs are in dynamic change. Cxs have been characterized as tumor suppressors in the past, but recent studies have highlighted the critical roles of Cxs and GJs in cancer pathogenesis. The complex mechanism underlying Cx and GJ involvement in cancer development is a major obstacle to the evolution of therapy targeting Cxs. In this paper, we review the post-translational modifications of Cxs, the interactions of Cxs with several chaperone proteins, and the effects of Cxs and GJs on cancer. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingming Zhou
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 People’s Republic of China
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300121 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinyue Zhou
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shifeng Tian
- grid.265021.20000 0000 9792 1228Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaohui Yang
- grid.216938.70000 0000 9878 7032Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yidi Ning
- grid.216938.70000 0000 9878 7032Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuwei Li
- grid.417031.00000 0004 1799 2675Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, 300121 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300121 People’s Republic of China
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11
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Jones JC, Bodenstine TM. Connexins and Glucose Metabolism in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231710172. [PMID: 36077565 PMCID: PMC9455984 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231710172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexins are a family of transmembrane proteins that regulate diverse cellular functions. Originally characterized for their ability to mediate direct intercellular communication through the formation of highly regulated membrane channels, their functions have been extended to the exchange of molecules with the extracellular environment, and the ability to modulate numerous channel-independent effects on processes such as motility and survival. Notably, connexins have been implicated in cancer biology for their context-dependent roles that can both promote or suppress cancer cell function. Moreover, connexins are able to mediate many aspects of cellular metabolism including the intercellular coupling of nutrients and signaling molecules. During cancer progression, changes to substrate utilization occur to support energy production and biomass accumulation. This results in metabolic plasticity that promotes cell survival and proliferation, and can impact therapeutic resistance. Significant progress has been made in our understanding of connexin and cancer biology, however, delineating the roles these multi-faceted proteins play in metabolic adaptation of cancer cells is just beginning. Glucose represents a major carbon substrate for energy production, nucleotide synthesis, carbohydrate modifications and generation of biosynthetic intermediates. While cancer cells often exhibit a dependence on glycolytic metabolism for survival, cellular reprogramming of metabolic pathways is common when blood perfusion is limited in growing tumors. These metabolic changes drive aggressive phenotypes through the acquisition of functional traits. Connections between glucose metabolism and connexin function in cancer cells and the surrounding stroma are now apparent, however much remains to be discovered regarding these relationships. This review discusses the existing evidence in this area and highlights directions for continued investigation.
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12
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Huang Z, Zhang Z, Zhou C, Liu L, Huang C. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition: The history, regulatory mechanism, and cancer therapeutic opportunities. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e144. [PMID: 35601657 PMCID: PMC9115588 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a program wherein epithelial cells lose their junctions and polarity while acquiring mesenchymal properties and invasive ability. Originally defined as an embryogenesis event, EMT has been recognized as a crucial process in tumor progression. During EMT, cell–cell junctions and cell–matrix attachments are disrupted, and the cytoskeleton is remodeled to enhance mobility of cells. This transition of phenotype is largely driven by a group of key transcription factors, typically Snail, Twist, and ZEB, through epigenetic repression of epithelial markers, transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinases, and reorganization of cytoskeleton. Mechanistically, EMT is orchestrated by multiple pathways, especially those involved in embryogenesis such as TGFβ, Wnt, Hedgehog, and Hippo, suggesting EMT as an intrinsic link between embryonic development and cancer progression. In addition, redox signaling has also emerged as critical EMT modulator. EMT confers cancer cells with increased metastatic potential and drug resistant capacity, which accounts for tumor recurrence in most clinic cases. Thus, targeting EMT can be a therapeutic option providing a chance of cure for cancer patients. Here, we introduce a brief history of EMT and summarize recent advances in understanding EMT mechanisms, as well as highlighting the therapeutic opportunities by targeting EMT in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Chengwei Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
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13
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Savic I, Milovanovic P, Opric S, Ivanovic N, Oprić D. Expression of connexin-43 in surgical resections of primary tumor and lymph node metastases of squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the lung: a retrospective study. PeerJ 2022; 10:e13055. [PMID: 35287344 PMCID: PMC8917803 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.13055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Connexins are transmembrane proteins forming gap junctions between the cells, which allow intercellular communication. Significance of gap junctions and connexins in lung carcinoma is not yet understood. The objective of the study was to investigate immunohistochemical expression and the localization of connexin-43 (Cx43) in primary lung carcinoma and its lymphatic metastases. Methods Surgical specimens of excised tumors from 88 patients (45 men and 43 women, 61.9 ± 7.4 years) with lung carcinoma (52 adenocarcinoma (AC), 36 squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC)) who were operated on at the University Hospital "Bezanijska Kosa" in a five-year period (2012-2016) were used. We conducted immunohistochemical staining for Cx43 and measured the degree of expression (percentage of positive cells and staining intensity) as well as localization of Cx43 in primary tumor and in lymphatic metastases. Results Immunohistochemical analysis of the primary tumors revealed that SqCC showed significantly higher percentage of tumor cells expressing Cx43 as well as higher staining intensity than AC (p < 0.001). Almost 70% of samples with SqCC showed high Cx43 expression, whereas AC showed no expression in more than 50% of cases. Localization of Cx43 expression was most often cytoplasmic (AC and SqCC) and combined membranous and cytoplasmic (SqCC) with very rare instances of nuclear localization (AC). Almost the same pattern in distribution, intensity, and localization of Cx43 expression was observed in the lymph node metastases; however, almost a third of AC cases changed the pattern of Cx43 expression in the metastasis compared to primary tumor. Conclusion The results of this study showed that lung carcinomas express Cx43 in more than 65% of cases and that it was aberrantly localized (not membranous localization). We highlighted that SqCC expressed Cx43 more than did AC, both in primary tumor and lymphatic metastases. Further research is needed to establish whether Cx43 could be used as a prognostic biomarker in lung carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Savic
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | | | | | - Dejan Oprić
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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14
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Savić I, Ivanović N, Oprić D. Role of gap junctions and connexin 43 in cancerogenesis and tumor metastasis. MEDICINSKI PODMLADAK 2022. [DOI: 10.5937/mp73-38352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions are intercellular connections that enable direct communication between neighboring cells. They are important in tissue homeostasis, cell growth, and differentiation. They are composed of connexin proteins, of which the most common and most studied is connexin 43. The role of connexin 43 in the development and progression of tumors is contradictory. The aim of this paper is to summarize the current state of knowledge on the expression of connexin 43 in various primary and secondary tumors, in order to explain its role in the development and progression of malignant tumors. Previous studies have examined the expression of connexin 43 in various primary and secondary tumors, as well as its association with prognosis. The expression of connexin 43 has been shown to be associated with various aspects of tumor behavior. However, it has been shown that the expression of connexin 43 differs between different types and localizations of tumors, as well as between different stages in tumor progression, which indicates the complex role of connexin 43 in tumor evolution. Since gap junctions play a role in carcinogenesis, invasion, and metastasis of malignant cells, further studies should clarify whether connexin 43 can be used as a diagnostic biomarker.
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15
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Squecco R, Pierucci F, Idrizaj E, Frati A, Lenci E, Vicenti C, Iachini MC, Martinesi M, Garella R, Baccari MC, Francini F, Meacci E. Ceramide/protein phosphatase 2A axis is engaged in gap junction impairment elicited by PCB153 in liver stem-like progenitor cells. Mol Cell Biochem 2021; 476:3111-3126. [PMID: 33837873 PMCID: PMC8263450 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-021-04135-z] [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: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The widespread environmental pollutant 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153) is a non-dioxin-like toxicant. It is a potential carcinogen compound able to induce gap junction (GJ) intercellular communication impairment, probably the first non-genomic event leading to tumor promotion. Although PCBs have been known for many years, the molecular mode of PCB153 action is still unclear. Recent studies from our research group have shown that the toxicant elicits a transient modulation of connexin (Cx) 43-formed GJs in hepatic stem-like WB-F344 cells involving sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) path. Taking into account that other strictly related bioactive sphingolipids, such as ceramide (Cer), may have different effects from S1P, here we aim to clarify the signaling paths engaged by PCB153 in the control of GJs, focusing primarily on the role of Cer. Accordingly, we have achieved a combined biomolecular and electrophysiological analysis of GJs in cultured WB-F344 cells treated with PCB153 at different time points. We have found that the toxicant elicited a time-dependent regulation of GJs formed by different Cx isoforms, through a transient modulation of Cer/Cer kinase (CerK) axis and, in turn, of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Our new findings demonstrate the existence of a specific molecular mechanism downstream to Cer, which distinctly affects the voltage-dependent and -independent GJs in liver stem-like cells, and open new opportunities for the identification of additional potential targets of these environmental toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Squecco
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 63, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Federica Pierucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Research unit of Molecular and Applied Biology, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Eglantina Idrizaj
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 63, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia Frati
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Research unit of Molecular and Applied Biology, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Lenci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Research unit of Molecular and Applied Biology, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Catia Vicenti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Research unit of Molecular and Applied Biology, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Iachini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Research unit of Molecular and Applied Biology, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Martinesi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Research unit of Molecular and Applied Biology, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Rachele Garella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 63, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Caterina Baccari
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 63, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Fabio Francini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Section of Physiological Sciences, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 63, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Meacci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Research unit of Molecular and Applied Biology, University of Florence, Viale GB Morgagni 50, 50134, Florence, Italy.
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Liu W, Cui Y, Wei J, Sun J, Zheng L, Xie J. Gap junction-mediated cell-to-cell communication in oral development and oral diseases: a concise review of research progress. Int J Oral Sci 2020; 12:17. [PMID: 32532966 PMCID: PMC7293327 DOI: 10.1038/s41368-020-0086-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Homoeostasis depends on the close connection and intimate molecular exchange between extracellular, intracellular and intercellular networks. Intercellular communication is largely mediated by gap junctions (GJs), a type of specialized membrane contact composed of variable number of channels that enable direct communication between cells by allowing small molecules to pass directly into the cytoplasm of neighbouring cells. Although considerable evidence indicates that gap junctions contribute to the functions of many organs, such as the bone, intestine, kidney, heart, brain and nerve, less is known about their role in oral development and disease. In this review, the current progress in understanding the background of connexins and the functions of gap junctions in oral development and diseases is discussed. The homoeostasis of tooth and periodontal tissues, normal tooth and maxillofacial development, saliva secretion and the integrity of the oral mucosa depend on the proper function of gap junctions. Knowledge of this pattern of cell-cell communication is required for a better understanding of oral diseases. With the ever-increasing understanding of connexins in oral diseases, therapeutic strategies could be developed to target these membrane channels in various oral diseases and maxillofacial dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujia Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jieya Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianxun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Liwei Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Center for Oral Diseases & West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Ion Channel Dysregulation in Head and Neck Cancers: Perspectives for Clinical Application. Rev Physiol Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 181:375-427. [PMID: 32789787 DOI: 10.1007/112_2020_38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Head and neck cancers are a highly complex and heterogeneous group of malignancies that involve very diverse anatomical structures and distinct aetiological factors, treatments and clinical outcomes. Among them, head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are predominant and the sixth most common cancer worldwide with still low survival rates. Omic technologies have unravelled the intricacies of tumour biology, harbouring a large diversity of genetic and molecular changes to drive the carcinogenesis process. Nonetheless, this remarkable heterogeneity of molecular alterations opens up an immense opportunity to discover novel biomarkers and develop molecular-targeted therapies. Increasing evidence demonstrates that dysregulation of ion channel expression and/or function is frequently and commonly observed in a variety of cancers from different origin. As a consequence, the concept of ion channels as potential membrane therapeutic targets and/or biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis has attracted growing attention. This chapter intends to comprehensively and critically review the current state-of-art ion channel dysregulation specifically focusing on head and neck cancers and to formulate the major challenges and research needs to translate this knowledge into clinical application. Based on current reported data, various voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels (i.e. Kv3.4, Kv10.1 and Kv11.1) have been found frequently aberrantly expressed in HNSCC as well as precancerous lesions and are highlighted as clinically and biologically relevant features in both early stages of tumourigenesis and late stages of disease progression. More importantly, they also emerge as promising candidates as cancer risk markers, tumour markers and potential anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic targets for therapeutic interventions; however, the oncogenic properties seem to be independent of their ion-conducting function.
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The Potential Impact of Connexin 43 Expression on Bcl-2 Protein Level and Taxane Sensitivity in Head and Neck Cancers-In Vitro Studies. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121848. [PMID: 31766723 PMCID: PMC6966683 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The poor prognosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is partly due to the lack of reliable predictive markers. Connexin 43 (Cx43) protein and its cell-communication channels have been assigned tumor suppressor functions while the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma-2) protein has been associated with negative prognostic significance in cancer. This study aimed to test the role of Cx43 protein on Bcl-2 expression, tumor progression and response to taxane-based treatment in HNSCC. Human papillomavirus (HPV) negative HNSCC cell lines were tested for paclitaxel sensitivity through measuring apoptosis induction, cell viability and changes in Cx43 and Bcl-2 levels using flow cytometry, cell viability assay, immunocytochemistry and western blot. Inhibition of Cx43 expression using siRNA increased Bcl-2 protein levels in SCC25 (tongue squamous cell carcinoma) cells, while forced Cx43 expression reduced Bcl-2 levels and supported paclitaxel cytotoxicity in FaDu (hypopharynx squamous cell carcinoma) cells. In vitro results were in line with protein expression and clinicopathological features tested in tissue microarray samples of HNSCC patients. Our data demonstrate that elevated Cx43 and reduced Bcl-2 levels may indicate HNSCC sensitivity to taxane-based treatments. On the contrary, silencing of the Cx43 gene GJA1 (gap junction protein alpha-1) can result in increased Bcl-2 expression and reduced paclitaxel efficiency. Clinical tumor-based analysis also confirmed the inverse correlation between Cx43 and Bcl-2 expression.
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19
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Samiei M, Ahmadian E, Eftekhari A, Eghbal MA, Rezaie F, Vinken M. Cell junctions and oral health. EXCLI JOURNAL 2019; 18:317-330. [PMID: 31338005 PMCID: PMC6635732 DOI: 10.17179/excli2019-1370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The oral cavity and its appendices are exposed to considerable environmental and mechanical stress. Cell junctions play a pivotal role in this context. Among those, gap junctions permit the exchange of compounds between cells, thereby controlling processes such as cell growth and differentiation. Tight junctions restrict paracellular transportation and inhibit movement of integral membrane proteins between the different plasma membrane poles. Adherens junctions attach cells one to another and provide a solid backbone for resisting to mechanistical stress. The integrity of oral mucosa, normal tooth development and saliva secretion depend on the proper function of all these types of cell junctions. Furthermore, deregulation of junctional proteins and/or mutations in their genes can alter tissue functioning and may result in various human disorders, including dental and periodontal problems, salivary gland malfunction, hereditary and infectious diseases as well as tumorigenesis. The present manuscript reviews the role of cell junctions in the (patho)physiology of the oral cavity and its appendices, including salivary glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Samiei
- Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Ahmadian
- Dental and Periodontal Research center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Students Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aziz Eftekhari
- Pharmacology and Toxicology department, Maragheh University of Medical Sciences, Maragheh, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Eghbal
- Drug Applied Research Center and Pharmacology and Toxicology department, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Fereshte Rezaie
- General Practitioner, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mathieu Vinken
- Department of In Vitro Toxicology and Dermato-Cosmetology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Aasen T, Leithe E, Graham SV, Kameritsch P, Mayán MD, Mesnil M, Pogoda K, Tabernero A. Connexins in cancer: bridging the gap to the clinic. Oncogene 2019; 38:4429-4451. [PMID: 30814684 PMCID: PMC6555763 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0741-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Revised: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions comprise arrays of intercellular channels formed by connexin proteins and provide for the direct communication between adjacent cells. This type of intercellular communication permits the coordination of cellular activities and plays key roles in the control of cell growth and differentiation and in the maintenance of tissue homoeostasis. After more than 50 years, deciphering the links among connexins, gap junctions and cancer, researchers are now beginning to translate this knowledge to the clinic. The emergence of new strategies for connexin targeting, combined with an improved understanding of the molecular bases underlying the dysregulation of connexins during cancer development, offers novel opportunities for clinical applications. However, different connexin isoforms have diverse channel-dependent and -independent functions that are tissue and stage specific. This can elicit both pro- and anti-tumorigenic effects that engender significant challenges in the path towards personalised medicine. Here, we review the current understanding of the role of connexins and gap junctions in cancer, with particular focus on the recent progress made in determining their prognostic and therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Autonomous University of Barcelona, CIBERONC, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Edward Leithe
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and K.G. Jebsen Colorectal Cancer Research Centre, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Sheila V Graham
- MRC-University of Glasgow Centre for Virus Research, Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Petra Kameritsch
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - María D Mayán
- CellCOM Research Group, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de A Coruña (INIBIC), Servizo Galego de Saúde (SERGAS), University of A Coruña, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Marc Mesnil
- STIM Laboratory, Faculté des Sciences Fondamentales et Appliquées, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Kristin Pogoda
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and Munich University Hospital, München, Germany
| | - Arantxa Tabernero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCYL), Universidad de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain.
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Hsing EW, Shiah SG, Peng HY, Chen YW, Chuu CP, Hsiao JR, Lyu PC, Chang JY. TNF-α-induced miR-450a mediates TMEM182 expression to promote oral squamous cell carcinoma motility. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0213463. [PMID: 30893332 PMCID: PMC6426234 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0213463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Distant metastasis leads oral cancer patients into a poor survival rate and a high recurrence stage. During tumor progression, dysregulated microRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to involve tumor initiation and modulate oral cancer malignancy. MiR-450a was significantly upregulated in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients without functional reports. This study was attempted to uncover the molecular mechanism of novel miR-450a in OSCC. Mir-450a expression was examined by quantitative RT-PCR, both in OSCC cell lines and patients. Specific target of miR-450a was determined by software prediction, luciferase reporter assay, and correlation with target protein expression. The functions of miR-450a and TMEM182 were accessed by adhesion and transwell invasion analyses. Determination of the expression and cellular localization of TMEM182 was examined by RT-PCR and by immunofluorescence staining. The signaling pathways involved in regulation of miR-450a were investigated using the kinase inhibitors. Overexpression of miR-450a in OSCC cells impaired cell adhesion ability and induced invasiveness, which demonstrated the functional role of miR-450a as an onco-miRNA. Interestingly, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)-mediated expression of TMEM182 was regulated by miR-450a induction. MiR-450a-reduced cellular adhesion was abolished by TMEM182 restoration. Furthermore, the oncogenic activity of TNF-α/miR-450a/TMEM182 axis was primarily through activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) signaling pathway. ERK1/2 inhibitor prevented the TNF-α-induced miR-450a expression and enhanced adhesion ability. Our data suggested that TNF-α-induced ERK1/2-dependent miR-450a against TMEM182 expression exerted a great influence on increasing OSCC motility. Overall, our results provide novel molecular insights into how TNF-α contributes to oral carcinogenesis through miR-450a that targets TMEM182.
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Affiliation(s)
- En-Wei Hsing
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Structural Biology Program, Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Shine-Gwo Shiah
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Hsuan-Yu Peng
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Wen Chen
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Pin Chuu
- Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
| | - Jenn-Ren Hsiao
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Collaborative Oncology Group, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Chiang Lyu
- Structural Biology Program, Institute of Bioinformatics and Structural Biology, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jang-Yang Chang
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Miaoli, Taiwan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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22
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Connexin 43 (Cx43) in cancer: Implications for therapeutic approaches via gap junctions. Cancer Lett 2018; 442:439-444. [PMID: 30472182 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Gap junctions are membrane channels found in all cells of the human body that are essential to cellular physiology. Gap junctions are formed from connexin proteins and are responsible for transfer of biologically active molecules, metabolites, and salts between neighboring cells or cells and their extracellular environment. Over the last few years, aberrant connexin 43 (Cx43) expression has been associated with cancer recurrence, metastatic spread, and poor survival. Here we provide an overview of the general structure and function of gap junctions and review their roles in different cancer types. We discuss new therapeutic approaches targeting Cx43 and potential new ways of exploiting gap junction transfer for drug delivery and anti-cancer treatment. The permeability of Cx43 channels to small molecules and macromolecules makes them highly attractive targets for delivering drugs directly into the cytoplasm. Cancer cells overexpressing Cx43 may be more permeable and sensitive to chemotherapeutics. Because Cx43 can either act as a tumor suppressor or oncogene, biomarker analysis and a better understanding of how Cx43 contextually mediates cancer phenotypes will be required to develop clinically viable Cx43-based therapies.
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23
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Luo B, Yan Y, Zeng Z, Zhang Z, Liu H, Liu H, Li J, Huang W, Wu J, He Y. Connexin 43 reduces susceptibility to sympathetic atrial fibrillation. Int J Mol Med 2018; 42:1125-1133. [PMID: 29717772 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia reported in clinical practice. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a member of the connexin protein family, which serves important roles in signal transduction in vivo. The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of Cx43 in the induction and maintenance of atrial fibrillation by using an animal model of sympathomimetic atrial fibrillation. Cx43 was successfully knocked down in the myocardium with gene‑specific small interfering (si)RNA via lentiviral infection. A total of 25 dogs were randomly and evenly divided into five groups: Normal (N), rapid atrial pacing (RAP), isoproterenol (ISO) + RAP, RAP + Cx43 siRNA and ISO + RAP + Cx43 siRNA. The mRNA and protein levels, as well as the distribution of Cx43 on the cell membrane, were gradually decreased in each group compared with the N group following treatment (P<0.05). The induction rate of the atrial effective refractory period was not significantly affected in the RAP and RAP + Cx43 siRNA groups, whereas it was significantly reduced in the ISO + RAP and ISO + RAP + Cx43 siRNA groups compared with the N group (P<0.05). The induction rate of AF was gradually increased in the RAP + Cx43 siRNA, ISO + RAP and ISO + RAP + Cx43 siRNA groups compared with the N group (P<0.05). The expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) was gradually increased in the ISO + RAP and ISO + RAP + Cx43 siRNA groups compared with their respective controls (RAP and RAP + Cx43 siRNA groups, respectively). However, no significant difference in the levels of NGF and TH was observed between the RAP, RAP + Cx43 siRNA, ISO + RAP and ISO + RAP + Cx43 siRNA groups. The mitochondrial morphology in each group was notably altered compared with the N group. The mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and apoptotic index were gradually increased in each group compared with the N group (P<0.05). The results of the present study suggest that Cx43 reduces susceptibility to AF. Downregulation of Cx43 mediates the induction and maintenance of sympathetic AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Luo
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, P.R. China
| | - Yifei Yan
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, P.R. China
| | - Zhiyu Zeng
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, P.R. China
| | - Zhengnan Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, P.R. China
| | - Haide Liu
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, P.R. China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, P.R. China
| | - Jinyi Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, P.R. China
| | - Weiqiang Huang
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, P.R. China
| | - Jiangtao Wu
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, P.R. China
| | - Yan He
- Department of Geriatric Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, P.R. China
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24
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Retzbach EP, Sheehan SA, Nevel EM, Batra A, Phi T, Nguyen ATP, Kato Y, Baredes S, Fatahzadeh M, Shienbaum AJ, Goldberg GS. Podoplanin emerges as a functionally relevant oral cancer biomarker and therapeutic target. Oral Oncol 2018; 78:126-136. [PMID: 29496040 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2018.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Oral cancer has become one of the most aggressive types of cancer, killing 140,000 people worldwide every year. Current treatments for oral cancer include surgery and radiation therapies. These procedures can be very effective; however, they can also drastically decrease the quality of life for survivors. New chemotherapeutic treatments are needed to more effectively combat oral cancer. The transmembrane receptor podoplanin (PDPN) has emerged as a functionally relevant oral cancer biomarker and chemotherapeutic target. PDPN expression promotes tumor cell migration leading to oral cancer invasion and metastasis. Here, we describe the role of PDPN in oral squamous cell carcinoma progression, and how it may be exploited to prevent and treat oral cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward P Retzbach
- Department of Molecular Biology and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA
| | - Stephanie A Sheehan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA
| | - Evan M Nevel
- Department of Molecular Biology and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA
| | - Amber Batra
- Department of Molecular Biology and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA
| | - Tran Phi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA
| | - Angels T P Nguyen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA
| | - Yukinari Kato
- New Industry Creation Hatchery Center, Tohoku University; Department of Antibody Drug Development, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Soly Baredes
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Mahnaz Fatahzadeh
- Department of Diagnostic Sciences, New Jersey School of Dental Medicine, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103 USA
| | - Alan J Shienbaum
- Department of Pathology, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA
| | - Gary S Goldberg
- Department of Molecular Biology and Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ 08084, USA.
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25
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Wang L, Peng Y, Peng J, Shao M, Ma L, Zhu Z, Zhong G, Xia Z, Huang H. Tramadol attenuates the sensitivity of glioblastoma to temozolomide through the suppression of Cx43‑mediated gap junction intercellular communication. Int J Oncol 2017; 52:295-304. [PMID: 29115581 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Analgesics and antineoplastic drugs are often used concurrently for cancer patients. Our previous study reported that gap junctions composed of connexin32 (Cx32) was implicated in the effect of analgesics on cisplatin cytotoxicity. However, the effect of analgesic on the most widely expressed connexin (Cx), connexin43 (Cx43), and whether such effect mediates the influence on chemotherapeutic efficiency remain unknown. By manipulation of Cx43 expression or gap junction function, we found that there were gap junction-dependent and independent effect of Cx43 on temozolomide (TMZ) sensitivity in U87 glioblastoma cells. Studies on survival and apoptosis showed widely used analgesic tramadol significantly reduced TMZ-induced cytotoxicity in control and negative control cells but not shCx43-transfected cells. Proliferation assay demonstrated tramadol suppressed TMZ-induced cytotoxicity only on high density (with gap junction formation) but not on low density (without gap junction formation). Tramadol inhibited dye-coupling through gap junctions between U87 cells. Tramadol treatment for 72 h did not alter Cx43 expression, but decreased Cx43 phosphorylation accompanied with reduced p-ERK and p-JNK. Our results indicated that long-term treatment with tramadol reduced TMZ cytotoxicity in U87 cells by suppressing Cx43-composed gap junctions, suggesting identification and usage of antinociceptive drugs which do not downregulate connexin activity should have beneficial therapeutic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingzhi Wang
- Department of Anaesthesia, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China
| | - Yuexia Peng
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Jianxin Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Guangdong Province Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, P.R. China
| | - Min Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, P.R. China
| | - Li Ma
- Department of Cardiovascular Internal Medicine, Tianyou Hospital, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430064, P.R. China
| | - Zhuoli Zhu
- Department of Anaesthesia, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China
| | - Guocheng Zhong
- Department of Anaesthesia, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China
| | - Zhengyuan Xia
- Department of Anaesthesia, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China
| | - Huansen Huang
- Department of Anaesthesia, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510260, P.R. China
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26
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Elashry MI, Heimann M, Wenisch S, Patel K, Arnhold S. Multipotency of skeletal muscle stem cells on their native substrate and the expression of Connexin 43 during adoption of adipogenic and osteogenic fate. Acta Histochem 2017; 119:786-794. [PMID: 29037777 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Revised: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Muscle regeneration is performed by resident muscle stem cells called satellite cells (SC). However they are multipotent, being able to adopt adipogenic and osteogenic fate under the correct stimuli. Since SC behavior can be regulated by the extra-cellular matrix, we examined the robustness of the myogenic programme of SC on their native substrate-the surface of a myofiber. We show that the native substrate supports myogenic differentiation judged by the expression of members of the Myogenic Determination Factor (MRF) family. However SC even on their native substrate can be induced into adopting adipogenic or osteogenic fate. Furthermore conditions that support adipose or bone formation inhibit the proliferation of SC progeny as well as their migration. We show that Connexin43 (Cx43), a gap junction complex protein, is only expressed by activated and not quiescent SC. Furthermore, it is not expressed by SC that are in the process of changing their fate. Lastly we show that intact adult mouse muscle contains numerous cells expressing Cx43 and that the density of these cells seems to be related to capillary density. We suggest the Cx43 expression is localized to angioblasts and is more prominent in oxidative slow muscle compared to glycolytic fast muscle.
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27
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Gleisner MA, Navarrete M, Hofmann F, Salazar-Onfray F, Tittarelli A. Mind the Gaps in Tumor Immunity: Impact of Connexin-Mediated Intercellular Connections. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1067. [PMID: 28919895 PMCID: PMC5585150 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2017] [Accepted: 08/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctions (GJs)-mediated intercellular communications (GJICs) are connexin (Cx)-formed plasma membrane channels that allow for the passage of small molecules between adjacent cells, and are involved in several physiopathological processes, including immune responses against cancer. In general, tumor cells are poorly coupled through GJs, mainly due to low Cx expression or reduced channel activity, suggesting that Cxs may have tumor suppressor roles. However, more recent data indicate that Cxs and/or GJICs may also in some cases promote tumor progression. This dual role of Cx channels in tumor outcome may be due, at least partially, to the fact that GJs not only interconnect cells from the same type, such as cancer cells, but also promote the intercellular communication of tumor cells with different types of cells from their microenvironment, and such diverse intercellular interactions have distinctive impact on tumor development. For example, whereas GJ-mediated interactions among tumor cells and microglia have been implicated in promotion of tumor growth, tumor cells delivery to dendritic cells of antigenic peptides through GJs have been associated with enhanced immune-mediated tumor elimination. In this review, we provide an updated overview on the role of GJICs in tumor immunity, focusing on the pro-tumor and antitumor effect of GJs occurring among tumor and immune cells. Accumulated data suggest that GJICs may act as tumor suppressors or enhancers depending on whether tumor cells interact predominantly with antitumor immune cells or with stromal cells. The complex modulation of immune-tumor cell GJICs should be taken into consideration in order to potentiate current cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Alejandra Gleisner
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Mariela Navarrete
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisca Hofmann
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Flavio Salazar-Onfray
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrés Tittarelli
- Disciplinary Program of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Faculty of Medicine, Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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28
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Biomarkers in diagnosis and therapy of oral squamous cell carcinoma: A review of the literature. J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2017; 45:722-730. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcms.2017.01.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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29
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Abstract
Fifty years ago, tumour cells were found to lack electrical coupling, leading to the hypothesis that loss of direct intercellular communication is commonly associated with cancer onset and progression. Subsequent studies linked this phenomenon to gap junctions composed of connexin proteins. Although many studies support the notion that connexins are tumour suppressors, recent evidence suggests that, in some tumour types, they may facilitate specific stages of tumour progression through both junctional and non-junctional signalling pathways. This Timeline article highlights the milestones connecting gap junctions to cancer, and underscores important unanswered questions, controversies and therapeutic opportunities in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trond Aasen
- (Co-corresponding authors) Correspondence to
T.A. () and D.W.L.
()
| | - Marc Mesnil
- STIM Laboratory ERL 7368 CNRS - Faculté des Sciences
Fondamentales et Appliquées, Université de Poitiers, Poitiers,
France
| | - Christian C. Naus
- Department of Cellular and Physiological Sciences, The Life
Sciences Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British
Columbia, Canada
| | - Paul D. Lampe
- Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research
Center, Seattle, United States
| | - Dale W. Laird
- (Co-corresponding authors) Correspondence to
T.A. () and D.W.L.
()
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30
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Asimaki A, Protonotarios A, James CA, Chelko SP, Tichnell C, Murray B, Tsatsopoulou A, Anastasakis A, te Riele A, Kléber AG, Judge DP, Calkins H, Saffitz JE. Characterizing the Molecular Pathology of Arrhythmogenic Cardiomyopathy in Patient Buccal Mucosa Cells. Circ Arrhythm Electrophysiol 2016; 9:e003688. [PMID: 26850880 DOI: 10.1161/circep.115.003688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Analysis of myocardium has revealed mechanistic insights into arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy but cardiac samples are difficult to obtain from probands and especially from family members. To identify a potential surrogate tissue, we characterized buccal mucosa cells. METHODS AND RESULTS Buccal cells from patients, mutation carriers, and controls were immunostained and analyzed in a blinded fashion. In additional studies, buccal cells were grown in vitro and incubated with SB216763. Immunoreactive signals for the desmosomal protein plakoglobin and the major cardiac gap junction protein Cx43 were markedly diminished in buccal mucosa cells from arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy patients with known desmosomal mutations when compared with controls. Plakoglobin and Cx43 signals were also reduced in most family members who carried disease alleles but showed no evidence of heart disease. Signal for the desmosomal protein plakophilin-1 was reduced in buccal mucosa cells in patients with PKP2 mutations but not in those with mutations in other desmosomal genes. Signal for the desmosomal protein desmoplakin was reduced in buccal mucosa cells from patients with mutations in DSP, DSG2, or DSC2 but not in PKP2 or JUP. Abnormal protein distributions were reversed in cultured cells incubated with SB216763, a small molecule that rescues the disease phenotype in cardiac myocytes. CONCLUSIONS Buccal mucosa cells from arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy patients exhibit changes in the distribution of cell junction proteins similar to those seen in the heart. These cells may prove useful in future studies of disease mechanisms and drug screens for effective therapies in arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Asimaki
- From the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A. Asimaki, A.G.K., J.E.S.); Nikos Protonotarios Medical Center, Naxos, Greece (A.P., A.T.); Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (C.A.J., S.P.C., C.T., B.M., A.t.R., D.P.J., H.C.); and First Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece (A. Anastasakis)
| | - Alexandros Protonotarios
- From the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A. Asimaki, A.G.K., J.E.S.); Nikos Protonotarios Medical Center, Naxos, Greece (A.P., A.T.); Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (C.A.J., S.P.C., C.T., B.M., A.t.R., D.P.J., H.C.); and First Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece (A. Anastasakis)
| | - Cynthia A James
- From the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A. Asimaki, A.G.K., J.E.S.); Nikos Protonotarios Medical Center, Naxos, Greece (A.P., A.T.); Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (C.A.J., S.P.C., C.T., B.M., A.t.R., D.P.J., H.C.); and First Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece (A. Anastasakis)
| | - Stephen P Chelko
- From the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A. Asimaki, A.G.K., J.E.S.); Nikos Protonotarios Medical Center, Naxos, Greece (A.P., A.T.); Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (C.A.J., S.P.C., C.T., B.M., A.t.R., D.P.J., H.C.); and First Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece (A. Anastasakis)
| | - Crystal Tichnell
- From the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A. Asimaki, A.G.K., J.E.S.); Nikos Protonotarios Medical Center, Naxos, Greece (A.P., A.T.); Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (C.A.J., S.P.C., C.T., B.M., A.t.R., D.P.J., H.C.); and First Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece (A. Anastasakis)
| | - Brittney Murray
- From the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A. Asimaki, A.G.K., J.E.S.); Nikos Protonotarios Medical Center, Naxos, Greece (A.P., A.T.); Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (C.A.J., S.P.C., C.T., B.M., A.t.R., D.P.J., H.C.); and First Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece (A. Anastasakis)
| | - Adalena Tsatsopoulou
- From the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A. Asimaki, A.G.K., J.E.S.); Nikos Protonotarios Medical Center, Naxos, Greece (A.P., A.T.); Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (C.A.J., S.P.C., C.T., B.M., A.t.R., D.P.J., H.C.); and First Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece (A. Anastasakis)
| | - Aris Anastasakis
- From the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A. Asimaki, A.G.K., J.E.S.); Nikos Protonotarios Medical Center, Naxos, Greece (A.P., A.T.); Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (C.A.J., S.P.C., C.T., B.M., A.t.R., D.P.J., H.C.); and First Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece (A. Anastasakis)
| | - Anneline te Riele
- From the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A. Asimaki, A.G.K., J.E.S.); Nikos Protonotarios Medical Center, Naxos, Greece (A.P., A.T.); Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (C.A.J., S.P.C., C.T., B.M., A.t.R., D.P.J., H.C.); and First Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece (A. Anastasakis)
| | - André G Kléber
- From the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A. Asimaki, A.G.K., J.E.S.); Nikos Protonotarios Medical Center, Naxos, Greece (A.P., A.T.); Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (C.A.J., S.P.C., C.T., B.M., A.t.R., D.P.J., H.C.); and First Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece (A. Anastasakis)
| | - Daniel P Judge
- From the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A. Asimaki, A.G.K., J.E.S.); Nikos Protonotarios Medical Center, Naxos, Greece (A.P., A.T.); Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (C.A.J., S.P.C., C.T., B.M., A.t.R., D.P.J., H.C.); and First Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece (A. Anastasakis)
| | - Hugh Calkins
- From the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A. Asimaki, A.G.K., J.E.S.); Nikos Protonotarios Medical Center, Naxos, Greece (A.P., A.T.); Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (C.A.J., S.P.C., C.T., B.M., A.t.R., D.P.J., H.C.); and First Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece (A. Anastasakis)
| | - Jeffrey E Saffitz
- From the Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center & Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (A. Asimaki, A.G.K., J.E.S.); Nikos Protonotarios Medical Center, Naxos, Greece (A.P., A.T.); Department of Medicine/Cardiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (C.A.J., S.P.C., C.T., B.M., A.t.R., D.P.J., H.C.); and First Department of Cardiology, University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece (A. Anastasakis).
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31
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Abstract
Communication among cells via direct cell-cell contact by connexin gap junctions, or between cell and extracellular environment via pannexin channels or connexin hemichannels, is a key factor in cell function and tissue homeostasis. Upon malignant transformation in different cancer types, the dysregulation of these connexin and pannexin channels and their effect in cellular communication, can either enhance or suppress tumorigenesis and metastasis. In this review, we will highlight the latest reports on the role of the well characterized connexin family and its ability to form gap junctions and hemichannels in cancer. We will also introduce the more recently discovered family of pannexin channels and our current knowledge about their involvement in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean X Jiang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Silvia Penuela
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, N6A5C1, Canada.
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Brockmeyer P, Hemmerlein B, Jung K, Fialka F, Brodmann T, Gruber RM, Schliephake H, Kramer FJ. Connexin subtype expression during oral carcinogenesis: A pilot study in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Clin Oncol 2016; 4:298-302. [PMID: 26893879 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2015.685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) and connexin (Cx) expression were reported in association with carcinogenesis in various types of tumours. In an earlier histomorphometric study, the protein levels of Cx subtypes 26, 43 and 45 were differentially expressed in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), corresponding lymph node metastases and dysplasia-free oral mucosa. Moreover, membrane Cx43 acted as an independent prognostic marker in OSCC tissues. This study aimed to confirm the expression of described Cx subtypes at the mRNA level. Hence, a reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analysis of Cx26, Cx43 and Cx45 gene expressions was performed in paired carcinoma and mucosa samples of 15 OSCC patients. Additionally, we assessed the interaction between Cx subtype expression and clinicopathological routine parameters. The RT-qPCR analysis revealed that Cx26 was downregulated in OSCC (P=0.01), while Cx43 was marginally upregulated in cancer tissue (P=0.04). Cx45 was significantly overexpressed in OSCC tissue compared with the intraoral mucosa controls (P<0.01), and remained unchanged at different tumour stages. No significant interactions between differential Cx subtype expression and clinicopathological routine parameters were observed. In conclusion, Cx regulation at the transcriptional level appears to be an early event during the initiation and development of OSCC, and is maintained during further progression. However, the mRNA-protein correlation is variable. This may be indicative of post-transcriptional, translational and degradation regulations being associated with the determination of Cx protein concentration during oral carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillipp Brockmeyer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Goettingen, D-37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Bernhard Hemmerlein
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre Goettingen, D-37075 Goettingen, Germany; Institute of Pathology, Krefeld Helios Hospital, D-47805 Krefeld, Germany
| | - Klaus Jung
- Department of Medical Statistics, University Medical Centre Goettingen, D-37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Florian Fialka
- Private Practice, MKG Leinetal, D-37574 Einbeck, Germany
| | - Tobias Brodmann
- Private Practice, Zahnarztpraxis am Westertor, D-37115 Duderstadt, Germany
| | - Rudolf Matthias Gruber
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Goettingen, D-37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Henning Schliephake
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Goettingen, D-37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Franz-Josef Kramer
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University Medical Centre Goettingen, D-37075 Goettingen, Germany
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Yang Y, Zhu J, Zhang N, Zhao Y, Li WY, Zhao FY, Ou YR, Qin SK, Wu Q. Impaired gap junctions in human hepatocellular carcinoma limit intrinsic oxaliplatin chemosensitivity: A key role of connexin 26. Int J Oncol 2015; 48:703-13. [PMID: 26648344 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2015.3266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is generally believed to have low sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents including oxaliplatin (OXA). Studies have demonstrated that gap junctions (GJs) composed of connexin (Cx) proteins have the potential to modulate drug chemosensitivity in multiple tumor cells. In the present study, we investigated the characteristics of Cx and GJs in HCC at both histologic and cytologic levels, and the effects of GJ and its effective components on OXA cytotoxicity in HCC cells in vitro. Immunohistochemistry was performed in 76 HCCs and 20 normal liver tissues to detect and locate the expression of Cx26, Cx32 and Cx43. At cytologic levels, the expression and localization of Cxs were evaluated by RT-PCR, western blot and immunofluorescence assay, respectively. The GJ function between adjacent cells was detected using dye transfer assay. The role of GJs in the modulation of OXA toxicity in HCC cells was explored using pharmacologic and molecular biologic methods. We found that Cx expression in HCC tissues was significantly lower than in normal liver tissues, and the 'internalization' from cell membrane to cytoplasm was remarkable. In vitro experiments revealed the presence of functional GJs in the SMMC-7721 HCC cells due to a small amount of Cx protein along the plasma membrane at cell-cell contacts. Regulation of this part of GJs positively influenced OXA cytotoxicity. Using RNA interference, only specific inhibition of Cx26 but not Cx32 or Cx43 reduced OXA cytotoxicity. Conversely, Cx26 overexpression by transfection of Cx26 plasmid DNA enhanced OXA cytotoxicity. This study demonstrated that during hepatocarcinogenesis, the reduced expression and internalization of Cx proteins impaired the GJ function, which further attenuated OXA cytotoxicity. Impaired GJ function may contribute to low intrinsic chemosensitivity of HCC cells to OXA, mediated by Cx26.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhu
- Department of Cardiovasology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Na Zhang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Yu Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Wan-Yun Li
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Fu-You Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Rong Ou
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
| | - Shu-Kui Qin
- Department of Medical Oncology, PLA Cancer Center, Nanjing Bayi Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210002, P.R. China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui 233004, P.R. China
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miR-381 suppresses C/EBPα-dependent Cx43 expression in breast cancer cells. Biosci Rep 2015; 35:BSR20150167. [PMID: 26450928 PMCID: PMC4643328 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20150167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
miR-381 suppressed CX43 expression by directly targeting the 3′-UTR of C/EBPα, a novel transcription factor of Cx43 in human breast cancer cells. The miR-381–Cx43 axis might be a useful diagnostic and therapeutic target of metastatic breast cancer. Cx43 (connexin43) is an enhancer of the metastasis of breast cancer cells. Our previous study identified miR-381 as an indirect suppressor of Cx43 gene expression, with the precise mechanism being not understood. In the present study, using a reporter gene assay, we found that miR-381 suppressed Cx43 gene expression via the promoter region −500/−250. With site-directed gene mutation, we demonstrated that miR-381 could directly bind with the sequences CACUUGUAU in the 3′-UTR so as to inhibit C/EBPα (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α) expression. C/EBPα was further identified as a novel transcription factor by binding to a canonic element (AATTGTC) locating at −459/−453 in the promoter region of the Cx43 gene. Functionally, we demonstrated that miR-381 suppressed C/EBPα- and Cx43-dependent migration and invasion of breast cancer cells. Finally, we revealed that decreased levels of miR-381 as well as increased expression of C/EBPα and Cx43 in the metastatic breast cancer cells and tissues. Therefore we are the first to identify that miR-381 suppresses C/EBPα-dependent Cx43 expression in breast cancer cells. The miR-381–C/EBPα–Cx43 axis might be a useful diagnostic and therapeutic target of metastatic breast cancer.
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Poyet C, Buser L, Roudnicky F, Detmar M, Hermanns T, Mannhard D, Höhn A, Rüschoff J, Zhong Q, Sulser T, Moch H, Wild PJ. Connexin 43 expression predicts poor progression-free survival in patients with non-muscle invasive urothelial bladder cancer. J Clin Pathol 2015; 68:819-24. [PMID: 26251520 PMCID: PMC4602233 DOI: 10.1136/jclinpath-2015-202898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the protein expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) in primary urothelial bladder cancer and test its association with the histopathological characteristics and clinical outcome. Methods A tissue microarray containing 348 tissue samples from 174 patients with primary urothelial carcinomas of the bladder was immunohistochemically stained for Cx43. The intensity of staining was semiquantitatively evaluated (score 0, 1+, 2+), and the association with clinicopathological features was assessed. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify predictors for progression-free survival (PFS). Results Membranous Cx43 immunoreactivity was detected in 118 (67.8%) of 174 analysable urothelial carcinomas, of which 31 (17.8%) showed even a strong (score 2+) and mainly homogeneous staining. Strong expression levels of Cx43 (score 2+) were associated with higher tumour grade, multiplicity and increased proliferation (all p<0.05). In the subgroup of patients with stage pTa and pT1 bladder tumours (n=158), strong Cx43 expression (p<0.001), solid growth pattern (p<0.001) and increased Ki-67 proliferation fraction (p<0.05) were significantly associated with shorter PFS in an univariable Cox regression analysis. In multivariable Cox regression models, Cx43 immunoreactivity and histological growth pattern remained highly significant and adverse risk factors for PFS. Conclusions The expression levels of Cx43 are frequent in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), with high expression levels being associated with poor prognosis. Routine assessment of Cx43 expression may improve the identification of high-risk NMIBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Poyet
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Lorenz Buser
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Filip Roudnicky
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Detmar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Thomas Hermanns
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Doris Mannhard
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andrej Höhn
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jan Rüschoff
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Qing Zhong
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tullio Sulser
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Holger Moch
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Peter J Wild
- Institute of Surgical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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CMTM3 inhibits cell growth and migration and predicts favorable survival in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Tumour Biol 2015; 36:7849-58. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3504-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
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