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Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Biochemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 April 2018) | Viewed by 103782

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Special Issue Editors

Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CMU - office F06.2764a, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
Interests: Connexins in cardiovascular disease
Department of Life Sciences, School of Health and Life Sciences, Glasgow Caledonian University, Cowcaddens Road, Glasgow G4 0BA, UK
Interests: intercellular signalling; gap junctions; connexins; pannexins; skin disease/wound healing; calcium imaging

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is related to the 18th biannual International Gap Junction Conference (IGJC2017), which will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Glasgow and hosted by Glasgow Caledonian University, 29 July–3 August, 2017. This Special Issue, entitled “Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease”, will focus on six key state-of-the-art reviews, written by leads in the field on cutting edge topics and the latest developments in clinical trials in diverse organ systems. Original articles from delegates attending the meeting are also invited to celebrate 50 years of Gap Junction Research.

Topic will include:

  • Connexin communication compartments in wound repair
  • Connexins and pannexins in vascular function and disease
  • Role of pannexins and connexins in the nervous system
  • Pannexins and connexins in cancer
  • The connexin interactome
  • Connexins: post-translational modifications and trafficking

Prof. Brenda R. Kwak
Dr. Patricia Martin
Guest Editors

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Published Papers (21 papers)

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Editorial

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5 pages, 206 KiB  
Editorial
An Overview of the Focus of the International Gap Junction Conference 2017 and Future Perspectives
by Patricia E. Martin and Brenda R. Kwak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(9), 2823; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19092823 - 18 Sep 2018
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2530
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

23 pages, 6689 KiB  
Article
Concatenation of Human Connexin26 (hCx26) and Human Connexin46 (hCx46) for the Analysis of Heteromeric Gap Junction Hemichannels and Heterotypic Gap Junction Channels
by Patrik Schadzek, Doris Hermes, Yannick Stahl, Nadine Dilger and Anaclet Ngezahayo
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(9), 2742; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19092742 - 13 Sep 2018
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5708
Abstract
Gap junction channels and hemichannels formed by concatenated connexins were analyzed. Monomeric (hCx26, hCx46), homodimeric (hCx46-hCx46, hCx26-hCx26), and heterodimeric (hCx26-hCx46, hCx46-hCx26) constructs, coupled to GFP, were expressed in HeLa cells. Confocal microscopy showed that the tandems formed gap junction plaques with a reduced [...] Read more.
Gap junction channels and hemichannels formed by concatenated connexins were analyzed. Monomeric (hCx26, hCx46), homodimeric (hCx46-hCx46, hCx26-hCx26), and heterodimeric (hCx26-hCx46, hCx46-hCx26) constructs, coupled to GFP, were expressed in HeLa cells. Confocal microscopy showed that the tandems formed gap junction plaques with a reduced plaque area compared to monomeric hCx26 or hCx46. Dye transfer experiments showed that concatenation allows metabolic transfer. Expressed in Xenopus oocytes, the inside-out patch-clamp configuration showed single channels with a conductance of about 46 pS and 39 pS for hemichannels composed of hCx46 and hCx26 monomers, respectively, when chloride was replaced by gluconate on both membrane sides. The conductance was reduced for hCx46-hCx46 and hCx26-hCx26 homodimers, probably due to the concatenation. Heteromerized hemichannels, depending on the connexin-order, were characterized by substates at 26 pS and 16 pS for hCx46-hCx26 and 31 pS and 20 pS for hCx26-hCx46. Because of the linker between the connexins, the properties of the formed hemichannels and gap junction channels (e.g., single channel conductance) may not represent the properties of hetero-oligomerized channels. However, should the removal of the linker be successful, this method could be used to analyze the electrical and metabolic selectivity of such channels and the physiological consequences for a tissue. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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20 pages, 8183 KiB  
Communication
A Cell Junctional Protein Network Associated with Connexin-26
by Ana C. Batissoco, Rodrigo Salazar-Silva, Jeanne Oiticica, Ricardo F. Bento, Regina C. Mingroni-Netto and Luciana A. Haddad
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(9), 2535; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19092535 - 27 Aug 2018
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4630
Abstract
GJB2 mutations are the leading cause of non-syndromic inherited hearing loss. GJB2 encodes connexin-26 (CX26), which is a connexin (CX) family protein expressed in cochlea, skin, liver, and brain, displaying short cytoplasmic N-termini and C-termini. We searched for CX26 C-terminus binding partners by [...] Read more.
GJB2 mutations are the leading cause of non-syndromic inherited hearing loss. GJB2 encodes connexin-26 (CX26), which is a connexin (CX) family protein expressed in cochlea, skin, liver, and brain, displaying short cytoplasmic N-termini and C-termini. We searched for CX26 C-terminus binding partners by affinity capture and identified 12 unique proteins associated with cell junctions or cytoskeleton (CGN, DAAM1, FLNB, GAPDH, HOMER2, MAP7, MAPRE2 (EB2), JUP, PTK2B, RAI14, TJP1, and VCL) by using mass spectrometry. We show that, similar to other CX family members, CX26 co-fractionates with TJP1, VCL, and EB2 (EB1 paralogue) as well as the membrane-associated protein ASS1. The adaptor protein CGN (cingulin) co-immuno-precipitates with CX26, ASS1, and TJP1. In addition, CGN co-immunoprecipitation with CX30, CX31, and CX43 indicates that CX association is independent on the CX C-terminus length or sequence. CX26, CGN, FLNB, and DAMM1 were shown to distribute to the organ of Corti and hepatocyte plasma membrane. In the mouse liver, CX26 and TJP1 co-localized at the plasma membrane. In conclusion, CX26 associates with components of other membrane junctions that integrate with the cytoskeleton. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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11 pages, 2651 KiB  
Communication
Intrinsic Oncogenic Function of Intracellular Connexin26 Protein in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cells
by Nobuko Iikawa, Yohei Yamamoto, Yohei Kawasaki, Aki Nishijima-Matsunobu, Maya Suzuki, Takechiyo Yamada and Yasufumi Omori
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(7), 2134; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19072134 - 23 Jul 2018
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3685
Abstract
It has long been known that the gap junction is down-regulated in many tumours. One of the downregulation mechanisms is the translocation of connexin, a gap junction protein, from cell membrane into cytoplasm, nucleus, or Golgi apparatus. Interestingly, as tumours progress and reinforce [...] Read more.
It has long been known that the gap junction is down-regulated in many tumours. One of the downregulation mechanisms is the translocation of connexin, a gap junction protein, from cell membrane into cytoplasm, nucleus, or Golgi apparatus. Interestingly, as tumours progress and reinforce their malignant phenotype, the amount of aberrantly-localised connexin increases in different malignant tumours including oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma, thus suggesting that such an aberrantly-localised connexin should be oncogenic, although gap junctional connexins are often tumour-suppressive. To define the dual roles of connexin in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), we introduced the wild-type connexin26 (wtCx26) or the mutant Cx26 (icCx26) gene, the product of which carries the amino acid sequence AKKFF, an endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi retention signal, at the C-terminus and is not sorted to cell membrane, into the human FaDu hypopharyngeal cancer cell line that had severely impaired the expression of connexin during carcinogenesis. wtCx26 protein was trafficked to the cell membrane and formed gap junction, which successfully exerted cell-cell communication. On the other hand, the icCx26 protein was co-localised with a Golgi marker, as revealed by immunofluorescence, and thus was retained on the way to the cell membrane. While the forced expression of wtCx26 suppressed both cell proliferation in vitro and tumorigenicity in mice in vivo, icCx26 significantly enhanced both cell proliferation and tumorigenicity compared with the mock control clones, indicating that an excessive accumulation of connexin protein in intracellular domains should be involved in cancer progression and that restoration of proper subcellular sorting of connexin might be a therapeutic strategy to control HNSCC. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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21 pages, 3257 KiB  
Article
Connexin 43 Plays a Role in Pulmonary Vascular Reactivity in Mice
by Myo Htet, Jane E. Nally, Andrew Shaw, Bradley E. Foote, Patricia E. Martin and Yvonne Dempsie
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(7), 1891; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19071891 - 27 Jun 2018
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4052
Abstract
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic condition characterized by vascular remodeling and increased vaso-reactivity. PAH is more common in females than in males (~3:1). Connexin (Cx)43 has been shown to be involved in cellular communication within the pulmonary vasculature. Therefore, we investigated [...] Read more.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a chronic condition characterized by vascular remodeling and increased vaso-reactivity. PAH is more common in females than in males (~3:1). Connexin (Cx)43 has been shown to be involved in cellular communication within the pulmonary vasculature. Therefore, we investigated the role of Cx43 in pulmonary vascular reactivity using Cx43 heterozygous (Cx43+/−) mice and 37,43Gap27, which is a pharmacological inhibitor of Cx37 and Cx43. Contraction and relaxation responses were studied in intra-lobar pulmonary arteries (IPAs) derived from normoxic mice and hypoxic mice using wire myography. IPAs from male Cx43+/− mice displayed a small but significant increase in the contractile response to endothelin-1 (but not 5-hydroxytryptamine) under both normoxic and hypoxic conditions. There was no difference in the contractile response to endothelin-1 (ET-1) or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in IPAs derived from female Cx43+/−mice compared to wildtype mice. Relaxation responses to methacholine (MCh) were attenuated in IPAs from male and female Cx43+/− mice or by pre-incubation of IPAs with 37,43Gap27. Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) fully inhibited MCh-induced relaxation. In conclusion, Cx43 is involved in nitric oxide (NO)-induced pulmonary vascular relaxation and plays a gender-specific and agonist-specific role in pulmonary vascular contractility. Therefore, reduced Cx43 signaling may contribute to pulmonary vascular dysfunction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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18 pages, 2637 KiB  
Article
N-Glycosylation Regulates Pannexin 2 Localization but Is Not Required for Interacting with Pannexin 1
by Rafael E. Sanchez-Pupo, Danielle Johnston and Silvia Penuela
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(7), 1837; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19071837 - 22 Jun 2018
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3387
Abstract
Pannexins (Panx1, 2, 3) are channel-forming glycoproteins expressed in mammalian tissues. We previously reported that N-glycosylation acts as a regulator of the localization and intermixing of Panx1 and Panx3, but its effects on Panx2 are currently unknown. Panx1 and Panx2 intermixing can regulate [...] Read more.
Pannexins (Panx1, 2, 3) are channel-forming glycoproteins expressed in mammalian tissues. We previously reported that N-glycosylation acts as a regulator of the localization and intermixing of Panx1 and Panx3, but its effects on Panx2 are currently unknown. Panx1 and Panx2 intermixing can regulate channel properties, and both pannexins have been implicated in neuronal cell death after ischemia. Our objectives were to validate the predicted N-glycosylation site of Panx2 and to study the effects of Panx2 glycosylation on localization and its capacity to interact with Panx1. We used site-directed mutagenesis, enzymatic de-glycosylation, cell-surface biotinylation, co-immunoprecipitation, and confocal microscopy. Our results showed that N86 is the only N-glycosylation site of Panx2. Panx2 and the N86Q mutant are predominantly localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and cis-Golgi matrix with limited cell surface localization was seen only in the presence of Panx1. The Panx2 N86Q mutant is glycosylation-deficient and tends to aggregate in the ER reducing its cell surface trafficking but it can still interact with Panx1. Our study indicates that N-glycosylation may be important for folding and trafficking of Panx2. We found that the un-glycosylated forms of Panx1 and 2 can readily interact, regulating their localization and potentially their channel function in cells where they are co-expressed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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19 pages, 1997 KiB  
Article
Cx43 Channel Gating and Permeation: Multiple Phosphorylation-Dependent Roles of the Carboxyl Terminus
by José F. Ek-Vitorín, Tasha K. Pontifex and Janis M. Burt
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(6), 1659; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19061659 - 04 Jun 2018
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 3613
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein seemingly fit to support cardiac impulse propagation and synchronic contraction, is phosphorylated in normoxia by casein kinase 1 (CK1). However, during cardiac ischemia or pressure overload hypertrophy, this phosphorylation fades, Cx43 abundance decreases at intercalated disks [...] Read more.
Connexin 43 (Cx43), a gap junction protein seemingly fit to support cardiac impulse propagation and synchronic contraction, is phosphorylated in normoxia by casein kinase 1 (CK1). However, during cardiac ischemia or pressure overload hypertrophy, this phosphorylation fades, Cx43 abundance decreases at intercalated disks and increases at myocytes’ lateral borders, and the risk of arrhythmia rises. Studies in wild-type and transgenic mice indicate that enhanced CK1-phosphorylation of Cx43 protects from arrhythmia, while dephosphorylation precedes arrhythmia vulnerability. The mechanistic bases of these Cx43 (de)phosphoform-linked cardiac phenotypes are unknown. We used patch-clamp and dye injection techniques to study the channel function (gating, permeability) of Cx43 mutants wherein CK1-targeted serines were replaced by aspartate (Cx43-CK1-D) or alanine (Cx43-CK1-A) to emulate phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, respectively. Cx43-CK1-D, but not Cx43-CK1-A, displayed high Voltage-sensitivity and variable permselectivity. Both mutants showed multiple channel open states with overall increased conductivity, resistance to acidification-induced junctional uncoupling, and hemichannel openings in normal external calcium. Modest differences in the mutant channels’ function and regulation imply the involvement of dissimilar structural conformations of the interacting domains of Cx43 in electrical and chemical gating that may contribute to the divergent phenotypes of CK1-(de)phospho-mimicking Cx43 transgenic mice and that may bear significance in arrhythmogenesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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12 pages, 1929 KiB  
Article
Connexin43 Carboxyl-Terminal Domain Directly Interacts with β-Catenin
by Gaelle Spagnol, Andrew J. Trease, Li Zheng, Mirtha Gutierrez, Ishika Basu, Cleofes Sarmiento, Gabriella Moore, Matthew Cervantes and Paul L. Sorgen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(6), 1562; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19061562 - 24 May 2018
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4023
Abstract
Activation of Wnt signaling induces Connexin43 (Cx43) expression via the transcriptional activity of β-catenin, and results in the enhanced accumulation of the Cx43 protein and the formation of gap junction channels. In response to Wnt signaling, β-catenin co-localizes with the Cx43 protein itself [...] Read more.
Activation of Wnt signaling induces Connexin43 (Cx43) expression via the transcriptional activity of β-catenin, and results in the enhanced accumulation of the Cx43 protein and the formation of gap junction channels. In response to Wnt signaling, β-catenin co-localizes with the Cx43 protein itself as part of a complex at the gap junction plaque. Work from several labs have also shown indirect evidence of this interaction via reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation. Our goal for the current study was to identify whether β-catenin directly interacts with Cx43, and if so, the location of that direct interaction. Identifying residues involved in direct protein–protein interaction is of importance when they are correlated to the phosphorylation of Cx43, as phosphorylation can modify the binding affinities of Cx43 regulatory protein partners. Therefore, combining the location of a protein partner interaction on Cx43 along with the phosphorylation pattern under different homeostatic and pathological conditions will be crucial information for any potential therapeutic intervention. Here, we identified that β-catenin directly interacts with the Cx43 carboxyl-terminal domain, and that this interaction would be inhibited by the Src phosphorylation of Cx43CT residues Y265 and Y313. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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14 pages, 2278 KiB  
Article
Pannexin-1 in Human Lymphatic Endothelial Cells Regulates Lymphangiogenesis
by Jonathan Boucher, Claire Simonneau, Golthlay Denet, Jonathan Clarhaut, Annie-Claire Balandre, Marc Mesnil, Laurent Cronier and Arnaud Monvoisin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(6), 1558; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19061558 - 24 May 2018
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4797
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms governing the formation of lymphatic vasculature are not yet well understood. Pannexins are transmembrane proteins that form channels which allow for diffusion of ions and small molecules (<1 kDa) between the extracellular space and the cytosol. The expression and function [...] Read more.
The molecular mechanisms governing the formation of lymphatic vasculature are not yet well understood. Pannexins are transmembrane proteins that form channels which allow for diffusion of ions and small molecules (<1 kDa) between the extracellular space and the cytosol. The expression and function of pannexins in blood vessels have been studied in the last few decades. Meanwhile, no studies have been conducted to evaluate the role of pannexins during human lymphatic vessel formation. Here we show, using primary human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells (HDLECs), pharmacological tools (probenecid, Brilliant Blue FCF, mimetic peptides [10Panx]) and siRNA-mediated knockdown that Pannexin-1 is necessary for capillary tube formation on Matrigel and for VEGF-C-induced invasion. These results newly identify Pannexin-1 as a protein highly expressed in HDLECs and its requirement during in vitro lymphangiogenesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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11 pages, 2409 KiB  
Article
Knockout of Pannexin-1 Induces Hearing Loss
by Jin Chen, Chun Liang, Liang Zong, Yan Zhu and Hong-Bo Zhao
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(5), 1332; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19051332 - 30 Apr 2018
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4247
Abstract
Mutations of gap junction connexin genes induce a high incidence of nonsyndromic hearing loss. Pannexin genes also encode gap junctional proteins in vertebrates. Recent studies demonstrated that Pannexin-1 (Panx1) deficiency in mice and mutation in humans are also associated with hearing loss. So [...] Read more.
Mutations of gap junction connexin genes induce a high incidence of nonsyndromic hearing loss. Pannexin genes also encode gap junctional proteins in vertebrates. Recent studies demonstrated that Pannexin-1 (Panx1) deficiency in mice and mutation in humans are also associated with hearing loss. So far, several Panx1 knockout (KO) mouse lines were established. In general, these Panx1 KO mouse lines demonstrate consistent phenotypes in most aspects, including hearing loss. However, a recent study reported that a Panx1 KO mouse line, which was created by Genentech Inc., had no hearing loss as measured by the auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold at low-frequency range (<24 kHz). Here, we used multiple auditory function tests and re-examined hearing function in the Genentech Panx1 (Gen-Panx1) KO mouse. We found that ABR thresholds in the Gen-Panx1 KO mouse were significantly increased, in particular, in the high-frequency region. Moreover, consistent with the increase in ABR threshold, distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) and cochlear microphonics (CM), which reflect active cochlear amplification and auditory receptor current, respectively, were significantly reduced. These data demonstrated that the Gen-Panx1 KO mouse has hearing loss and further confirmed that Panx1 deficiency can cause deafness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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10 pages, 3412 KiB  
Article
Irradiation-Induced Cardiac Connexin-43 and miR-21 Responses Are Hampered by Treatment with Atorvastatin and Aspirin
by Csilla Viczenczova, Branislav Kura, Tamara Egan Benova, Chang Yin, Rakesh C. Kukreja, Jan Slezak, Narcis Tribulova and Barbara Szeiffova Bacova
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(4), 1128; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19041128 - 10 Apr 2018
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3835
Abstract
Radiation of the chest during cancer therapy is deleterious to the heart, mostly due to oxidative stress and inflammation related injury. A single sub-lethal dose of irradiation has been shown to result in compensatory up-regulation of the myocardial connexin-43 (Cx43), activation of the [...] Read more.
Radiation of the chest during cancer therapy is deleterious to the heart, mostly due to oxidative stress and inflammation related injury. A single sub-lethal dose of irradiation has been shown to result in compensatory up-regulation of the myocardial connexin-43 (Cx43), activation of the protein kinase C (PKC) signaling along with the decline of microRNA (miR)-1 and an increase of miR-21 levels in the left ventricle (LV). We investigated whether drugs with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory or vasodilating properties, such as aspirin, atorvastatin, and sildenafil, may affect myocardial response in the LV and right ventricle (RV) following chest irradiation. Adult, male Wistar rats were subjected to a single sub-lethal dose of chest radiation at 25 Gy and treated with aspirin (3 mg/day), atorvastatin (0.25 mg/day), and sildenafil (0.3 mg/day) for six weeks. Cx43, PKCε and PKCδ proteins expression and levels of miR-1 as well as miR-21 were determined in the LV and RV. Results showed that the suppression of miR-1 was associated with an increase of total and phosphorylated forms of Cx43 as well as PKCε expression in the LV while having no effect in the RV post-irradiation as compared to the non-irradiated rats. Treatment with aspirin and atorvastatin prevented an increase in the expression of Cx43 and PKCε without change in the miR-1 levels. Furthermore, treatment with aspirin, atorvastatin, and sildenafil completely prevented an increase of miR-21 in the LV while having partial effect in the RV post irradiation. The increase in pro-apoptotic PKCδ was not affected by any of the used treatment. In conclusion, irradiation and drug-induced changes were less pronounced in the RV as compared to the LV. Treatment with aspirin and atorvastatin interfered with irradiation-induced compensatory changes in myocardial Cx43 protein and miR-21 by preventing their elevation, possibly via amelioration of oxidative stress and inflammation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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16 pages, 21424 KiB  
Article
Functional Characterization of Novel Atrial Fibrillation-Linked GJA5 (Cx40) Mutants
by Mahmoud Noureldin, Honghong Chen and Donglin Bai
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(4), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19040977 - 25 Mar 2018
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 3762
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia. Recently, four novel heterozygous Cx40 mutations—K107R, L223M, Q236H, and I257L—were identified in 4 of 310 unrelated AF patients and a followup genetic analysis of the mutant carriers’ families showed that the mutants [...] Read more.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common form of cardiac arrhythmia. Recently, four novel heterozygous Cx40 mutations—K107R, L223M, Q236H, and I257L—were identified in 4 of 310 unrelated AF patients and a followup genetic analysis of the mutant carriers’ families showed that the mutants were present in all the affected members. To study possible alterations associated with these Cx40 mutants, including their cellular localization and gap junction (GJ) function, we expressed GFP-tagged and untagged mutants in connexin-deficient model cells. All four Cx40 mutants showed clustered localization at cell–cell junctions similar to that observed of wildtype Cx40. However, cell pairs expressing Cx40 Q236H, but not the other individual mutants, displayed a significantly lower GJ coupling conductance (Gj) than wildtype Cx40. Similarly, co-expression of Cx40 Q236H with Cx43 resulted in a significantly lower Gj. Transjunctional voltage-dependent gating (Vj gating) properties were also altered in the GJs formed by Q236H. Reduced GJ function and altered Vj gating may play a role in promoting the Q236H carriers to AF. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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27 pages, 29068 KiB  
Article
The Complex Subtype-Dependent Role of Connexin 43 (GJA1) in Breast Cancer
by Mélanie Busby, Michael T. Hallett and Isabelle Plante
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(3), 693; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19030693 - 28 Feb 2018
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5195
Abstract
Gap junction transmembrane channels allow the transfer of small molecules between the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. They are formed by proteins named connexins (Cxs) that have long been considered as a tumor suppressor. This widespread view has been challenged by recent studies suggesting [...] Read more.
Gap junction transmembrane channels allow the transfer of small molecules between the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. They are formed by proteins named connexins (Cxs) that have long been considered as a tumor suppressor. This widespread view has been challenged by recent studies suggesting that the role of Connexin 43 (Cx43) in cancer is tissue- and stage-specific and can even promote tumor progression. High throughput profiling of invasive breast cancer has allowed for the construction of subtyping schemes that partition patients into at least four distinct intrinsic subtypes. This study characterizes Cx43 expression during cancer progression with each of the tumor subtypes using a compendium of publicly available gene expression data. In particular, we show that Cx43 expression depends greatly on intrinsic subtype. Tumor grade also co-varies with patient subtype, resulting in Cx43 co-expression with grade in a subtype-dependent manner. Better survival was associated with a high expression of Cx43 in unstratified and luminal tumors but with a low expression in Her2e subtype. A better understanding of Cx43 regulation in a subtype-dependent manner is needed to clarify the context in which Cx43 is associated with tumor suppression or cancer progression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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16 pages, 2070 KiB  
Article
The Connexin Mimetic Peptide Gap27 and Cx43-Knockdown Reveal Differential Roles for Connexin43 in Wound Closure Events in Skin Model Systems
by Chrysovalantou Faniku, Erin O’Shaughnessy, Claire Lorraine, Scott R. Johnstone, Annette Graham, Sebastian Greenhough and Patricia E.M. Martin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(2), 604; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19020604 - 18 Feb 2018
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 4587
Abstract
In the epidermis, remodelling of Connexin43 is a key event in wound closure. However, controversy between the role of connexin channel and non-channel functions exist. We compared the impact of SiRNA targeted to Connexin43 and the connexin mimetic peptide Gap27 on scrape wound [...] Read more.
In the epidermis, remodelling of Connexin43 is a key event in wound closure. However, controversy between the role of connexin channel and non-channel functions exist. We compared the impact of SiRNA targeted to Connexin43 and the connexin mimetic peptide Gap27 on scrape wound closure rates and hemichannel signalling in adult keratinocytes (AK) and fibroblasts sourced from juvenile foreskin (JFF), human neonatal fibroblasts (HNDF) and adult dermal tissue (ADF). The impact of these agents, following 24 h exposure, on GJA1 (encoding Connexin43), Ki67 and TGF-β1 gene expression, and Connexin43 and pSmad3 protein expression levels, were examined by qPCR and Western Blot respectively. In all cell types Gap27 (100–100 μM) attenuated hemichannel activity. In AK and JFF cells, Gap27 (100 nM–100 μM) enhanced scrape wound closure rates by ~50% but did not influence movement in HNDF or ADF cells. In both JF and AK cells, exposure to Gap27 for 24 h reduced the level of Cx43 protein expression but did not affect the level in ADF and HNDF cells. Connexin43-SiRNA enhanced scrape wound closure in all the cell types under investigation. In HDNF and ADF, Connexin43-SiRNA enhanced cell proliferation rates, with enhanced proliferation also observed following exposure of HDNF to Gap27. By contrast, in JFF and AK cells no changes in proliferation occurred. In JFF cells, Connexin43-SiRNA enhanced TGF-β1 levels and in JFF and ADF cells both Connexin43-SiRNA and Gap27 enhanced pSmad3 protein expression levels. We conclude that Connexin43 signalling plays an important role in cell migration in keratinocytes and foreskin derived fibroblasts, however, different pathways are evoked and in dermal derived adult and neonatal fibroblasts, inhibition of Connexin43 signalling plays a more significant role in regulating cell proliferation than cell migration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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9 pages, 232 KiB  
Article
Differential Association of Cx37 and Cx40 Genetic Variants in Atrial Fibrillation with and without Underlying Structural Heart Disease
by Sebastian Carballo, Anna Pfenniger, David Carballo, Nicolas Garin, Richard W James, François Mach, Dipen Shah and Brenda R Kwak
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(1), 295; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19010295 - 19 Jan 2018
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3785
Abstract
Atrial fibrillation (AF) appears in the presence or absence of structural heart disease. The majority of foci causing AF are located near the ostia of pulmonary veins (PVs), where cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells interdigitate. Connexins (Cx) form gap junction channels and [...] Read more.
Atrial fibrillation (AF) appears in the presence or absence of structural heart disease. The majority of foci causing AF are located near the ostia of pulmonary veins (PVs), where cardiomyocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells interdigitate. Connexins (Cx) form gap junction channels and participate in action potential propagation. Genetic variants in genes encoding Cx40 and Cx37 affect their expression or function and may contribute to PV arrhythmogenicity. DNA was obtained from 196 patients with drug-resistant, symptomatic AF with and without structural heart disease, who were referred for percutaneous catheter ablation. Eighty-nine controls were matched for age, gender, hypertension, and BMI. Genotyping of the Cx40 −44G > A, Cx40 +71A > G, Cx40 −26A > G, and Cx37 1019C > T polymorphisms was performed. The promoter A Cx40 polymorphisms (−44G > A and +71A > G) showed no association with non-structural or structural AF. Distribution of the Cx40 promoter B polymorphism (−26A > G) was different in structural AF when compared to controls (p = 0.03). There was no significant difference with non-structural AF (p = 0.50). The distribution of the Cx37 1019C > T polymorphism was different in non-structural AF (p = 0.03) but not in structural AF (p = 0.08) when compared to controls. Our study describes for the first time an association of drug-resistant non-structural heart disease AF with the Cx37 1019C > T gene polymorphism. We also confirmed the association of the Cx40 − 26G > A polymorphism in patients with AF and structural disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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11 pages, 1811 KiB  
Review
Connexin 43-Based Therapeutics for Dermal Wound Healing
by Jade Montgomery, Gautam S. Ghatnekar, Christina L. Grek, Kurtis E. Moyer and Robert G. Gourdie
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(6), 1778; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19061778 - 15 Jun 2018
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 9429
Abstract
The most ubiquitous gap junction protein within the body, connexin 43 (Cx43), is a target of interest for modulating the dermal wound healing response. Observational studies found associations between Cx43 at the wound edge and poor healing response, and subsequent studies utilizing local [...] Read more.
The most ubiquitous gap junction protein within the body, connexin 43 (Cx43), is a target of interest for modulating the dermal wound healing response. Observational studies found associations between Cx43 at the wound edge and poor healing response, and subsequent studies utilizing local knockdown of Cx43 found improvements in wound closure rate and final scar appearance. Further preclinical work conducted using Cx43-based peptide therapeutics, including alpha connexin carboxyl terminus 1 (αCT1), a peptide mimetic of the Cx43 carboxyl terminus, reported similar improvements in wound healing and scar formation. Clinical trials and further study into the mode of action have since been conducted on αCT1, and Phase III testing for treatment of diabetic foot ulcers is currently underway. Therapeutics targeting connexin activity show promise in beneficially modulating the human body’s natural healing response for improved patient outcomes across a variety of injuries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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23 pages, 761 KiB  
Review
Connexins and Pannexins in Vascular Function and Disease
by Filippo Molica, Xavier F. Figueroa, Brenda R. Kwak, Brant E. Isakson and Jonathan M. Gibbins
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(6), 1663; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19061663 - 05 Jun 2018
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 4534
Abstract
Connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs) are ubiquitous membrane channel forming proteins that are critically involved in many aspects of vascular physiology and pathology. The permeation of ions and small metabolites through Panx channels, Cx hemichannels and gap junction channels confers a crucial role [...] Read more.
Connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs) are ubiquitous membrane channel forming proteins that are critically involved in many aspects of vascular physiology and pathology. The permeation of ions and small metabolites through Panx channels, Cx hemichannels and gap junction channels confers a crucial role to these proteins in intercellular communication and in maintaining tissue homeostasis. This review provides an overview of current knowledge with respect to the pathophysiological role of these channels in large arteries, the microcirculation, veins, the lymphatic system and platelet function. The essential nature of these membrane proteins in vascular homeostasis is further emphasized by the pathologies that are linked to mutations and polymorphisms in Cx and Panx genes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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27 pages, 1540 KiB  
Review
Connexins and Pannexins: Important Players in Tumorigenesis, Metastasis and Potential Therapeutics
by Sheila V. Graham, Jean X. Jiang and Marc Mesnil
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(6), 1645; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19061645 - 01 Jun 2018
Cited by 37 | Viewed by 6460
Abstract
Since their characterization more than five decades ago, gap junctions and their structural proteins—the connexins—have been associated with cancer cell growth. During that period, the accumulation of data and molecular knowledge about this association revealed an apparent contradictory relationship between them and cancer. [...] Read more.
Since their characterization more than five decades ago, gap junctions and their structural proteins—the connexins—have been associated with cancer cell growth. During that period, the accumulation of data and molecular knowledge about this association revealed an apparent contradictory relationship between them and cancer. It appeared that if gap junctions or connexins can down regulate cancer cell growth they can be also implied in the migration, invasion and metastatic dissemination of cancer cells. Interestingly, in all these situations, connexins seem to be involved through various mechanisms in which they can act either as gap-junctional intercellular communication mediators, modulators of signalling pathways through their interactome, or as hemichannels, which mediate autocrine/paracrine communication. This complex involvement of connexins in cancer progression is even more complicated by the fact that their hemichannel function may overlap with other gap junction-related proteins, the pannexins. Despite this complexity, the possible involvements of connexins and pannexins in cancer progression and the elucidation of the mechanisms they control may lead to use them as new targets to control cancer progression. In this review, the involvements of connexins and pannexins in these different topics (cancer cell growth, invasion/metastasis process, possible cancer therapeutic targets) are discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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21 pages, 981 KiB  
Review
Protein–Protein Interactions with Connexin 43: Regulation and Function
by Paul L. Sorgen, Andrew J. Trease, Gaelle Spagnol, Mario Delmar and Morten S. Nielsen
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(5), 1428; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19051428 - 10 May 2018
Cited by 69 | Viewed by 6471
Abstract
Connexins are integral membrane building blocks that form gap junctions, enabling direct cytoplasmic exchange of ions and low-molecular-mass metabolites between adjacent cells. In the heart, gap junctions mediate the propagation of cardiac action potentials and the maintenance of a regular beating rhythm. A [...] Read more.
Connexins are integral membrane building blocks that form gap junctions, enabling direct cytoplasmic exchange of ions and low-molecular-mass metabolites between adjacent cells. In the heart, gap junctions mediate the propagation of cardiac action potentials and the maintenance of a regular beating rhythm. A number of connexin interacting proteins have been described and are known gap junction regulators either through direct effects (e.g., kinases) or the formation of larger multifunctional complexes (e.g., cytoskeleton scaffold proteins). Most connexin partners can be categorized as either proteins promoting coupling by stimulating forward trafficking and channel opening or inhibiting coupling by inducing channel closure, internalization, and degradation. While some interactions have only been implied through co-localization using immunohistochemistry, others have been confirmed by biophysical methods that allow detection of a direct interaction. Our understanding of these interactions is, by far, most well developed for connexin 43 (Cx43) and the scope of this review is to summarize our current knowledge of their functional and regulatory roles. The significance of these interactions is further exemplified by demonstrating their importance at the intercalated disc, a major hub for Cx43 regulation and Cx43 mediated effects. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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19 pages, 1461 KiB  
Review
Connexin Communication Compartments and Wound Repair in Epithelial Tissue
by Marc Chanson, Masakatsu Watanabe, Erin M. O’Shaughnessy, Alice Zoso and Patricia E. Martin
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(5), 1354; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19051354 - 03 May 2018
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 5283
Abstract
Epithelial tissues line the lumen of tracts and ducts connecting to the external environment. They are critical in forming an interface between the internal and external environment and, following assault from environmental factors and pathogens, they must rapidly repair to maintain cellular homeostasis. [...] Read more.
Epithelial tissues line the lumen of tracts and ducts connecting to the external environment. They are critical in forming an interface between the internal and external environment and, following assault from environmental factors and pathogens, they must rapidly repair to maintain cellular homeostasis. These tissue networks, that range from a single cell layer, such as in airway epithelium, to highly stratified and differentiated epithelial surfaces, such as the epidermis, are held together by a junctional nexus of proteins including adherens, tight and gap junctions, often forming unique and localised communication compartments activated for localised tissue repair. This review focuses on the dynamic changes that occur in connexins, the constituent proteins of the intercellular gap junction channel, during wound-healing processes and in localised inflammation, with an emphasis on the lung and skin. Current developments in targeting connexins as corrective therapies to improve wound closure and resolve localised inflammation are also discussed. Finally, we consider the emergence of the zebrafish as a concerted whole-animal model to study, visualise and track the events of wound repair and regeneration in real-time living model systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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36 pages, 1987 KiB  
Review
Connexins: Synthesis, Post-Translational Modifications, and Trafficking in Health and Disease
by Trond Aasen, Scott Johnstone, Laia Vidal-Brime, K. Sabrina Lynn and Michael Koval
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2018, 19(5), 1296; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms19051296 - 26 Apr 2018
Cited by 80 | Viewed by 8745
Abstract
Connexins are tetraspan transmembrane proteins that form gap junctions and facilitate direct intercellular communication, a critical feature for the development, function, and homeostasis of tissues and organs. In addition, a growing number of gap junction-independent functions are being ascribed to these proteins. The [...] Read more.
Connexins are tetraspan transmembrane proteins that form gap junctions and facilitate direct intercellular communication, a critical feature for the development, function, and homeostasis of tissues and organs. In addition, a growing number of gap junction-independent functions are being ascribed to these proteins. The connexin gene family is under extensive regulation at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level, and undergoes numerous modifications at the protein level, including phosphorylation, which ultimately affects their trafficking, stability, and function. Here, we summarize these key regulatory events, with emphasis on how these affect connexin multifunctionality in health and disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Interplay of Connexins and Pannexins in Tissue Function and Disease)
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