Expression of connexin 43 mRNA in microisolated murine osteoclasts and regulation of bone resorption in vitro by gap junction inhibitors

Several studies have demonstrated that connexin 43 (Cx43) mediates signals important for osteoblast function and osteogenesis. The role of gap junctional communication in bone resorption is less clear. We have investigated the expression of Cx43 mRNA in osteoclasts and bone resorption cultures and furthermore, the functional importance of gap junctional communication in bone resorption. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated Cx43 mRNA expression in mouse bone marrow cultures and in osteoclasts microisolated from the marrow cultures. Cx43 mRNA was also expressed in bone resorption cultures with osteoclasts and osteoblasts/stromal cells incubated for 48h on devitalized bone slices. An up-regulation of Cx43 mRNA was detected in parathyroid (PTH)-stimulated (0.1 nM) bone resorption. Two inhibitors of gap junction communication, 18alpha-glycyrrhetinic acid (30 microM) and oleamide (100 microM), significantly inhibited PTH- and 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)-stimulated osteoclastic pit formation. In conclusion, our data indicate a functional role for gap junction communication in bone resorption.     

CTGF facilitates cell‐cell communication in chondrocytes via PI3K/Akt signalling pathway

PurposesGap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is essential for articular cartilage to respond appropriately to physical or biological stimuli and maintain homeostasis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), identified as an endochondral ossification genetic factor, plays a vital role in cell proliferation, migration and adhesion. However, how CTGF regulates GJIC in chondrocytes is still unknown. This study aims to explore the effects of CTGF on GJIC in chondrocytes and its potential biomechanism.Materials and methodsqPCR was performed to determine the expression of gene profile in the CCN family in chondrocytes. After CTGF treatment, CCK‐8 assay and scratch assay were performed to explore cell proliferation and migration. A scrape loading/dye transfer assay was adopted to visualize GJIC in living chondrocytes. Western blot analysis was done to detect the expression of Cx43 and PI3K/Akt signalling. Immunofluorescence staining was used to show protein distribution. siRNA targeting CTGF was used to detect the influence on cell‐cell communication.ResultsThe CTGF (CCN2) was shown to be the highest expressed member of the CCN family in chondrocytes. CTGF facilitated functional gap junction intercellular communication in chondrocytes through up‐regulation of Cx43 expressions. CTGF activated PI3K/Akt signalling to promote Akt phosphorylation and translocation. Suppressing CTGF also reduced the expression of Cx43. The inhibition of PI3K/Akt signalling decreased the expressions of Cx43 and thus impaired gap junction intercellular communication enhanced by CTGF.ConclusionsFor the first time, we provide evidence to show CTGF facilitates cell communication in chondrocytes via PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.     

Down-regulation of connexin43 gap junction by serum deprivation in human endothelial cells was improved by (-)-Epigallocatechin gallate via ERK MAP kinase pathway

Intercellular communication through gap junctions (GJIC) plays an essential role in maintaining the functional integrity of vascular endothelium. Despite emerging evidence suggests that (−)-Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) may improve endothelial function. However, its effect on Cx43 gap junction in endothelial cells remains unexplored. Here we investigated the effect of EGCG on connexin43 (Cx43) gap junction in endothelial cells. The levels of Cx43 protein in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) cultured under serum-deprivation 48 h decreased about 50%, accompanied by decreased GJIC. This reduction can be reversed by treatments with EGCG. In addition, EGCG activated ERK, P38, and JNK mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which were supposed to participate in the regulation of Cx43. A MEK inhibitor PD98059, but not SB203580 (a p38 kinase inhibitor) or SP600125 (a JNK kinase inhibitor), abolished the effects of EGCG on Cx43 expression and GJIC. Moreover, although both Akt and eNOS phosphorylation were time-dependently augmented by EGCG, neither PI3K inhibitor LY294002 nor eNOS inhibitor L-NAME blocked the effects of EGCG on Cx43 gap junctions. Thus, EGCG attenuated Cx43 down-regulation and impaired GJIC induced by serum deprivation, ERK MAPK Signal transduction pathway appears to be involved in these processes.     

Activation of Akt, not connexin 43 protein ubiquitination, regulates gap junction stability

The pore-forming gap junctional protein connexin 43 (Cx43) has a short (1-3 h) half-life in cells in tissue culture and in whole tissues. Although critical for cellular function in all tissues, the process of gap junction turnover is not well understood because treatment of cells with a proteasomal inhibitor results in larger gap junctions but little change in total Cx43 protein whereas lysosomal inhibitors increase total, mostly nonjunctional Cx43. To better understand turnover and identify potential sites of Cx43 ubiquitination, we prepared constructs of Cx43 with different lysines converted to arginines. However, when transfected into cells, a mutant version of Cx43 with all lysines converted to arginines behaved similarly to wild type in the presence of proteasomal and lysosomal inhibitors, indicating that ubiquitination of Cx43 did not appear to be playing a role in gap junction stability. Through the use of inhibitors and dominant negative constructs, we found that Akt (protein kinase B) activity controlled gap junction stability and was necessary to form larger stable gap junctions. Akt activation was increased upon proteasomal inhibition and resulted in phosphorylation of Cx43 at Akt phosphorylation consensus sites. Thus, we conclude that Cx43 ubiquitination is not necessary for the regulation of Cx43 turnover; rather, Akt activity, probably through direct phosphorylation of Cx43, controls gap junction stability. This linkage of a kinase involved in controlling cell survival and growth to gap junction stability may mechanistically explain how gap junctions and Akt play similar regulatory roles.     

Regulation of endothelial connexin40 expression by shear stress

Endothelial connexin (Cx)40 plays an important role in signal propagation along blood vessel walls, modulating vessel diameter and thereby blood flow. Blood flow, in turn, has been shown to alter endothelial Cx40 expression. However, the timing and shear stress dependence of this relationship have remained unclear, as have the signal transduction pathways involved and the functional implications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to quantify the effects of shear stress on endothelial Cx40 expression, to analyze the role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling involved, and to assess the possible functional consequences for the adaptation of microvascular networks. First-passage human umbilical vein endothelial cells were exposed to defined shear stress conditions and analyzed for Cx40 using real-time RT-PCR and immunoblot analysis. Shear stress caused long-term induction of Cx40 protein expression, with two short-term mRNA peaks at 4 and 16 h, indicating the dynamic nature of the adaptation process. Maximum shear stress-dependent induction was observed at shear levels between 6 and 10 dyn/cm(2). Simulation of this pattern of shear-dependent Cx expression in a vascular adaptation model of a microvascular network led to an improved fit for the simulated results to experimental measurements. Cx40 expression was greatly reduced by inhibiting PI3K or Akt, with PI3K activity being required for basal Cx40 expression and Akt activity taking part in its shear stress-dependent induction.     

Specific Cx43 phosphorylation events regulate gap junction turnover in vivo

Gap junctions, composed of proteins from the connexin gene family, are highly dynamic structures that are regulated by kinase-mediated signaling pathways and interactions with other proteins. Phosphorylation of Connexin43 (Cx43) at different sites controls gap junction assembly, gap junction size and gap junction turnover. Here we present a model describing how Akt, mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and src kinase coordinate to regulate rapid turnover of gap junctions. Specifically, Akt phosphorylates Cx43 at S373 eliminating interaction with zona occludens-1 (ZO-1) allowing gap junctions to enlarge. Then MAPK and src phosphorylate Cx43 to initiate turnover. We integrate published data with new data to test and refine this model. Finally, we propose that differential coordination of kinase activation and Cx43 phosphorylation controls the specific routes of disassembly, e.g., annular junction formation or gap junctions can potentially “unzip” and be internalized/endocytosed into the cell that produced each connexin.     

Cx43 在调节胃肠运动障碍机制中的研究进展

胃肠运动功能障碍是许多胃肠道疾病及其他疾病的重要临床表现,其发病率高达胃肠道疾病的70%以上。缝隙连接蛋白43(connexin 43,Cx43)是细胞间隙连接通讯中最重要的间隙连接蛋白,对胃肠道动力的形成和调节起着关键性作用。中西医治疗胃肠道疾病临床疗效显著,但其起效的分子机制尚未阐释清楚。本文从Cx43的细胞间隙连接通讯的角度,对Cx43在调节胃肠运动障碍机制中的研究进展作一综述,为进一步探究中西医调节胃肠运动障碍的机制研究奠定基础。     

Overexpression of CXCL12 chemokine up-regulates connexin and integrin expression in mesenchymal stem cells through PI3K/Akt pathway

Abstract

Mesenchymal stem cells offer several potential advantages over other types of stem cells for cardiac repair. Nevertheless, poor survival of donor cells is one of the major concerns that hampers a better prognosis. Integrins, which involved in cell/extracellular matrix (ECM) interaction and connexins (Cxs), with a dual role as an anti-apoptotic and gap-junctional protein, can effectively resolve this issue. CXCL12, a member of the chemokine CXC subfamily, may play a role in stem cell survival and proliferation. CXCL12 activates several signaling pathways in stem cells, particularly the survival kinase, PI3K/Akt, which is also an important mediator of integrins and Cxs. Based on these characteristics of CXCL12, we investigated the potential of CXCL12 overexpression to induce integrin and connexin expression via PI3K/Akt pathway. Mesenchymal stem cells were transfected with adenovirus for increasing CXCL12 secretion. Membranous integrin and Cx expression as well as Akt expression levels were evaluated using Western blot analysis. Transfection resulted in increased CXCL12 in situ. Increased CXCL12 elevated membrane Cx43, Cx45, and integrin αVβ3 expression, as well as Cx phosphorylaton, which was activated by PI3K/Akt pathway. This mechanism may serve to improve mesenchymal stem cell viability in host tissue.     

Role of connexin-43 in protective PI3K-Akt-GSK-3β signaling in cardiomyocytes

Sarcolemmal connexin-43 (Cx43) and mitochondrial Cx43 play distinct roles: formation of gap junctions and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) for redox signaling. In this study, we examined the hypothesis that Cx43 contributes to activation of a major cytoprotective signal pathway, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt-glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) signaling, in cardiomyocytes. A δ-opioid receptor agonist {[d-Ala(2),d-Leu(5)]enkephalin acetate (DADLE)}, endothelin-1 (ET-1), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) induced phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Reduction of Cx43 protein to 20% of the normal level by Cx43 small interfering RNA abolished phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β induced by DADLE or ET-1 but not that induced by IGF-1. DADLE and IGF-1 protected H9c2 cells from necrosis after treatment with H(2)O(2) or antimycin A. The protection by DADLE or ET-1, but not that by IGF-1, was lost by reduction of Cx43 protein expression. In contrast to Akt and GSK-3β, PKC-ε, ERK and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase were phosphorylated by ET-1 in Cx43-knocked-down cells. Like diazoxide, an activator of the mitochondrial ATP-sensitive K(+) channel, DADLE and ET-1 induced significant ROS production in mitochondria, although such an effect was not observed for IGF-1. Cx43 knockdown did not attenuate the mitochondrial ROS production by DADLE or ET-1. Cx43 was coimmunoprecipitated with the β-subunit of G protein (Gβ), and knockdown of Gβ mimicked the effect of Cx43 knockdown on ET-1-induced phosphorylation of Akt and GSK-3β. These results suggest that Cx43 contributes to activation of class I(B) PI3K in PI3K-Akt-GSK-3β signaling possibly as a cofactor of Gβ in cardiomyocytes.     

过表达的趋化因子CXCL12通过PI3K/Akt途径促进骨髓基质干细胞Connexins的表达

研究过表达的趋化因子CXCL12是否通过PI3K/Akt信号途径促进了骨髓基质干细胞膜上缝隙连接蛋白Connexin40、Connexin43和Connexin45的表达。采用重组DNA技术使骨髓基质干细胞过表达趋化因子CXCL12,采用Western blot法测定趋化因子CXCL12过表达后骨髓基质干细胞Connexin40、Connexin43、Connexin45、Akt、pAkt表达的变化情况,并用CXCL12受体和Akt途径阻断剂明确CXCL12和PI3K/Akt途径在这一过程中的作用。基因重组后骨髓干细胞过表达了趋化因子CXCL12,CXCL12过表达使骨髓基质干细胞膜上Connexin40、Connexin43和Connexin45表达明显增多,且CXCL12的这一作用是通过PI3K/Akt这一途径实现的。趋化因子CXCL12通过PI3K/Akt途径使骨髓基质干细胞膜上Connexin40、Connexin43和Connexin45的表达增加,可促进移植后干细胞与宿主心肌细胞形成有效的电耦合,从而有利于移植后干细胞的存活并发挥治疗作用。     

PI3K/Akt信号通路在白藜芦醇抗大鼠缺血/再灌注性心律失常中的作用及机制

目的：探讨磷脂酰肌醇-3-激酶/蛋白激酶B（PI3K/Akt）信号通路在白藜芦醇抗缺血/再灌注性心律失常中的作用及机制。方法：48只健康雄性SD大鼠,取心电图正常者随机分为4组（n=10）：假手术（SC组）组、缺血/再灌注（I/R组）组、白藜芦醇处理（Res处理组）组、PI3K抑制剂LY294002（LY294002组）组。建立大鼠在体心肌缺血/再灌注模型,观察各组心律失常的发生情况及左室血流动力学变化,Western blot法测定心肌组织中蛋白激酶B（Akt）、磷酸化蛋白激酶B（p-Akt）、缝隙连接蛋白43（Cx43）蛋白表达水平,以RT-PCR法从转录水平检测Cx43的表达水平。结果：与I/R组相比,Res处理组心律失常的发生率（心律失常评分）明显降低、左室舒缩功能明显升高,同时心肌Akt、Cx43蛋白表达及Cx43mRNA水平也明显升高;使用PI3K抑制剂LY294002后,心肌Akt、Cx43蛋白表达及Cx43mRNA水平下降的同时心律失常的发生率明显升高、左室舒缩功能明显降低。结论：白藜芦醇的抗再灌注性心律失常作用可能是通过激活PI3K/Akt信号通路,改变Cx43活性及分布实现的。     

间隙连接蛋白Cx43在人胚肺和肺癌细胞表达的研究

细胞与细胞之间通过细胞膜上的间隙连接通道交换小分子和离子进行细胞间通讯,对细胞增殖分化调控和机体内环境稳定有重要作用。用间隙连接蛋白Ｃｘ４３ｃＤＮＡ探针Ｎｏｒｔｈｅｒｎ印迹杂交,Ｃｘ４３抗体免疫荧光染色和罗氏黄荧光染料传输方法检查,正常人胚肺细胞的Ｃｘ４３在ｍＲＮＡ和蛋白水平有高表达,Ｃｘ４３蛋白免疫荧光分布在间隙连接的部位,细胞间隙连接通讯功能明显。与正常相反,人肺癌ＰＧ系细胞Ｃｋ４３无论在ｍＲＮＡ或蛋白质水平都无表达,细胞通讯功能缺陷。结果表明Ｃｘ４３在培养的人胚肺细胞有功能性表达。人肺癌ＰＧ细胞通讯功能缺陷与Ｃｘ４３基因转录抑制有关。对Ｃｘ基因的抑癌基因性质进行讨论。     

Limiting transport steps and novel interactions of Connexin-43 along the secretory pathway

Connexins are four-transmembrane-domain proteins expressed in all vertebrates which form permeable gap junction channels that connect cells. Here, we analysed Connexin-43 (Cx43) transport to the plasma membrane and studied the effects of small GTPases acting along the secretory pathway. We show that both GTP- and GDP-restricted Sar1 prevents exit of Cx43 from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), but only GTP-restricted Sar1 arrests Cx43 in COP II-coated ER exit sites and accumulates 14-3-3 proteins in the ER fraction. FRET-FLIM data confirm that already in ER exit sites Cx43 exists in oligomeric form, suggesting an in vivo role for 14-3-3 in Cx43 oligomerization. Exit of Cx43 from the ER can be blocked by other factors—such as expression of the β subunit of the COP I coat or p50/dynamitin that acts on the microtubule-based dynein motor complex. GTP-restricted Arf1 blocks Cx43 in the Golgi. Lastly, we show that GTP-restricted Arf6 removes Cx43 gap junction plaques from the cell–cell interface and targets them to degradation. These data provide a molecular explanation of how small GTPases act to regulate Cx43 transport through the secretory pathway, facilitating or abolishing cell–cell communication through gap junctions.     

The gap junction-independent tumor-suppressing effect of connexin 43

The gap junction gene connexin 43 (Cx43) showed tumor-suppressing effects on various tumor cell lines. We have previously demonstrated that Cx43 inhibited expression of S phase kinase-associated protein 2 (Skp2), the human F-box protein that regulates the ubiquitination of p27. Cx43 did not alter the mRNA level of SKP2, but it promoted the degradation of the Skp2 proteins (Zhang, Y. W., Nakayama, K., Nakayama K. I., and Morita, I. (2003) Cancer Res. 63, 1623-1630). In this study, we showed that the specific gap junction inhibitor 18 beta-glycyrrhetinic acid did not influence the inhibitory effect of Cx43 on Skp2 expression. Further, the deletion mutation analyses demonstrated that the C-terminal domain of Cx43 that did not form gap junctions was sufficient to inhibit expression of Skp2, whereas the N-terminal domain that formed the gap junctions did not show such an effect. Like the full-length Cx43, the C-terminal domain also increased the protein instability of Skp2, whereas the N terminus did not. Moreover, the C-terminal domain was as effective as the full-length Cx43 in inhibiting cell proliferation; however, the N-terminal domain did not show any inhibitory effect on cell proliferation. Therefore, these data revealed a gap junction-independent pathway for Cx43 to inhibit tumor growth by suppressing the Skp2 expression.     

Connexins and Gap Junctions in Mammary Gland Development and Breast Cancer Progression

The development and function of the mammary gland require precise control of gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC). Here, we review the expression and function of gap junction proteins, connexins, in the normal mouse and human mammary gland. We then discuss the possible tumor-suppressive role of Cx26 and Cx43 in primary breast tumors and through the various stages of breast cancer metastasis and consider whether connexins or GJIC may actually promote tumorigenesis at some stages. Finally, we present in vitro data on the impact of connexin expression on breast cancer cell metastasis to the bone. We observed that Cx43 expression inhibited the invasive and migratory potentials of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells in a bone microenvironment, provided by the MC3T3-E1 mouse osteoblastic cell line. Expression of either Cx26 or Cx43 had no effect on MDA-MB-231 growth and adhesion under the influence of osteoblasts and did not result in regulation of osteogenic gene expression in these breast cancer cells. Furthermore, connexin-expressing MDA-MB-231 cells did not have an effect on the growth or differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells. In summary, we conclude that connexin expression and GJIC are integral to the development and differentiation of the mammary gland. In breast cancer, connexins generally act as tumor suppressors in the primary tumor; however, in advanced breast tumors, connexins appear to act as both context-dependent tumor suppressors and facilitators of disease progression.     

Gap Junction Intercellular Communication Mediated by Connexin43 in Astrocytes Is Essential for Their Resistance to Oxidative Stress

Oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS) is associated with various neurological disorders including aging, neurodegenerative diseases, as well as traumatic and ischemic insults. Astrocytes have an important role in the anti-oxidative defense in the brain. The gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43) forms intercellular channels as well as hemichannels in astrocytes. In the present study, we investigated the contribution of Cx43 to astrocytic death induced by the ROS hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and the mechanism by which Cx43 exerts its effects. Lack of Cx43 expression or blockage of Cx43 channels resulted in increased ROS-induced astrocytic death, supporting a cell protective effect of functional Cx43 channels. H₂O₂ transiently increased hemichannel activity, but reduced gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC). GJIC in wild-type astrocytes recovered after 7 h, but was absent in Cx43 knock-out astrocytes. Blockage of Cx43 hemichannels incompletely inhibited H₂O₂-induced hemichannel activity, indicating the presence of other hemichannel proteins. Panx1, which is predicted to be a major hemichannel contributor in astrocytes, did not appear to have any cell protective effect from H₂O₂ insults. Our data suggest that GJIC is important for Cx43-mediated ROS resistance. In contrast to hypoxia/reoxygenation, H₂O₂ treatment decreased the ratio of the hypophosphorylated isoform to total Cx43 level. Cx43 has been reported to promote astrocytic death induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation. We therefore speculate the increase in Cx43 dephosphorylation may account for the facilitation of astrocytic death. Our findings suggest that the role of Cx43 in response to cellular stress is dependent on the activation of signaling pathways leading to alteration of Cx43 phosphorylation states.