Article
Environmental Sciences
Jeremy Gingrich, Yong Pu, Brad L. Upham, Madeline Hulse, Sarah Pearl, Denny Martin, Anita Avery, Almudena Veiga-Lopez
Summary: Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is crucial for ovarian function and can be modulated by chemicals like bisphenol S, which may enhance GJIC in ovine and human theca cells through signal pathway regulation. Upregulation of GJIC could lead to the hyperplasia of the theca cell layer or hinder ovulation by maintaining the oocyte in meiotic arrest.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raghda Ramadan, Sarah Baatout, An Aerts, Luc Leybaert
Summary: Radiation therapy is effective in treating breast cancer and other thoracic tumors, but can lead to secondary cardiovascular diseases due to radiation exposure of the heart and large arteries. Radiation-induced coronary artery atherosclerosis is a major cardiovascular complication in thoracic radiotherapy-treated patients, with complex biological and molecular mechanisms that are not fully understood. Ionizing radiation exposure can damage the vascular endothelium, leading to atherosclerosis through various mechanisms such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, cellular senescence, and inflammation.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Cai Qing, Zhao Xinyi, Yu Xuefei, Xue Xindong, Fu Jianhua
Summary: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common devastating pulmonary complication in preterm infants, characterized by alveolar maldevelopment associated with oxidative stress and excessive apoptosis. Gap26, a connexin 43-inhibiting peptide, has been shown to improve alveolar development by inhibiting intercellular communication in BPD.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Yuxi Li, Hsun-Ming Chang, Yu-Wen Sung, Hua Zhu, Peter C. K. Leung, Ying-Pu Sun
Summary: In this study, it was found that the phosphorylation of connexin 43 (Cx43) is mediated by protein kinase C (PKC) signaling pathway, leading to a decline in gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) and subsequent effects on oocyte meiotic resumption. This finding is crucial for understanding the molecular mechanisms of oocyte meiotic resumption.
JOURNAL OF OVARIAN RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Sergiu A. A. Lucaciu, Rhett Figliuzzi, Ruth Neumann, Samina Nazarali, Luigi Del Sordo, Stephanie E. E. Leighton, Alexandra Hauser, Qing Shao, Danielle Johnston, Donglin Bai, Dale W. W. Laird
Summary: Epidermal keratinocytes contain multiple connexins that regulate epidermal homeostasis. Mutations in the GJB4 gene encoding Cx30.3 are associated with a rare skin disorder called EKVP. In this study, researchers characterized three Cx30.3 mutants and found that they were non-functional and had trafficking impairments. Co-expression of wild type Cx30.3 enhanced the assembly of mutants into gap junctions, suggesting potential therapeutic value in rescuing epidermal defects.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Xiaoping Li, Yunshuo Xiao, Xiaoqi Wang, Ruihao Huang, Rui Wang, Yi Deng, Jun Rao, Qiangguo Gao, Shijie Yang, Xi Zhang
Summary: In this study, it was found that Cx43 deficiency exists in CML patients, and its expression is negatively correlated with HIF-1 alpha. Further experiments revealed that overexpression of Cx43 in BMSCs can increase apoptosis rate and block cell cycle in CML cells, while the opposite was observed in the absence of Cx43. Cx43 mediates gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) through direct contact, and Ca2+ is the key factor mediating the downstream apoptotic pathway. Animal experiments confirmed the findings in vitro, suggesting that enhancing Cx43 expression and GJIC function in the HM may be a novel strategy to reverse drug resistance and promote IM efficacy.
CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Zuping Wu, Chenchen Zhou, Quan Yuan, Demao Zhang, Jing Xie, Shujuan Zou
Summary: CTGF promotes intercellular communication in chondrocytes through upregulating Cx43 expression and activating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
CELL PROLIFERATION
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Oanh Tran, Silke Kerruth, Catherine Coates, Hansween Kaur, Camillo Peracchia, Tom Carter, Katalin Torok
Summary: This study investigates the interaction of Ca2+/calmodulin (Ca2+/CaM) with connexins (Cx) and provides insights into the regulation of gap junction function. The CL2 peptides of different Cx isoforms were found to have high affinity for Ca2+/CaM and also bind to apo-CaM. Furthermore, conformational changes in the CL2 domain were observed, suggesting its involvement in the hexameric gap junction. Ca2+/CaM was shown to inhibit gap junction permeability in a dose-dependent manner.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
D. Ryan King, Meghan W. Sedovy, Xinyan Leng, Jianxiang Xue, Samy Lamouille, Michael Koval, Brant E. Isakson, Scott R. Johnstone
Summary: Gap junctions (GJ) and connexins are crucial in cellular physiology and have been investigated for their potential therapeutic applications in various diseases. Modulating GJ signaling pathways and designing peptides have shown promise as attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. However, the overall mechanisms of action of connexin targeting peptides are still not fully understood despite years of research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Reproductive Biology
Lin Yin, Wusu Wang, Weijun Pang, Gongshe Yang, Lei Gao, Guiyan Chu
Summary: Gap junction intercellular communication plays an important role in follicular development. In porcine follicles, Cx43 is the most widely expressed connexin. Insulin can enhance Cx43 protein expression, which is dependent on the phosphorylated activities of AKT and Erk.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jennifer C. Jones, Thomas M. Bodenstine
Summary: Connexins are important membrane channel proteins that regulate both intercellular communication and cellular metabolism in cancer cells. They have diverse roles in cancer biology, being able to promote or suppress cancer cell function. The relationship between glucose metabolism and connexin function in cancer cells is complex and requires further investigation.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erin M. O'Shaughnessy, William Duffy, Laura Garcia-Vega, Keith Hussey, A. David Burden, Mozheh Zamiri, Patricia E. Martin
Summary: Elevated expression of Connexin26 in psoriatic tissue may contribute to cellular events imbalance, while inhibition of Connexin signaling reduces pro-inflammatory events and may have therapeutic benefits.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fan Yu, Lianqi Yan, Jian Sun, Yumeng Zhao, Yan Yuan, Jianhong Gu, Jianchun Bian, Hui Zou, Zongping Liu
Summary: This study found that gap junction inhibitor may play a dual role in Cd-induced cell damage by inhibiting the transmission of death signals from damaged cells to healthy cells but also aggravating the transmission of death signals between damaged cells. The Fas/FasL-mediated death receptor pathway may play an important role in this process.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tania Martins-Marques, Antonio Rodriguez-Sinovas, Henrique Girao
Summary: Well-balanced intercellular communication in the heart is crucial for cardiac homeostasis, but accumulation of ROS during reperfusion can lead to oxidative damage and cardiomyocyte death, known as myocardial reperfusion injury. ROS signaling also regulates cell-cell communication, impacting the development of cardiac diseases.
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Physiology
Eric C. Beyer, Richard T. Mathias, Viviana M. Berthoud
Summary: The lens circulation and intercellular coupling play important roles in the development of various types of cataracts and connexin mutations are a common cause. However, aging leads to decreased intercellular coupling and connexin levels, resulting in disruption of ionic homeostasis.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Dermatology
Jennifer A. Easton, Ahmad K. Albuloushi, Miriam A. F. Kamps, Gladys H. M. R. Brouns, Jos L. Broers, Barry J. Coull, Vincent Oji, Michel van Geel, Maurice A. M. van Steensel, Patricia E. Martin
EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2019)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Patricia E. Martin, Brenda R. Kwak
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2018)
Article
Cell Biology
Laura Garcia-Vega, Erin M. O'Shaughnessy, Afnan Jan, Chris Bartholomew, Patricia E. Martin
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2019)
Article
Cell Biology
Mohammad Al Hasan, Poornima Roy, Sharron Dolan, Patricia E. Martin, Steven Patterson, Chris Bartholomew
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eri Takematsu, Adrianne Spencer, Jeff Auster, Po-Chih Chen, Annette Graham, Patricia Martin, Aaron B. Baker
Article
Cell Biology
Louise Nugent, Boatemaa Ofori-Frimpong, Patricia E. Martin, Colin R. Green, Catherine S. Wright
Summary: The study revealed that Cx31.1 expression is increased under diabetic conditions and is correlated with levels of apoptosis. Additionally, Cx31.1 plays a regulatory role in the wound healing process.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Dermatology
Ahmad Albuloushi, Marie-Louise Lovgren, Ainsley Steel, Yeelon Yeoh, Alex Waters, Mozheh Zamiri, Patricia E. Martin
EXPERIMENTAL DERMATOLOGY
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mohammad Al Hasan, Patricia E. Martin, Xinhua Shu, Steven Patterson, Chris Bartholomew
Summary: The research demonstrated the essential role of ColIII in adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and the formation of actin stress fibers. Knocking out the Col3a1 gene significantly decreased adipogenesis and cell adhesion, leading to deregulation of collagen and other extracellular matrix gene transcripts.
Review
Biology
Laura Garcia-Vega, Erin M. O'Shaughnessy, Ahmad Albuloushi, Patricia E. Martin
Summary: Epithelial tissues rely on connexins for intercellular communication and tissue coordination, with dysregulation leading to pathologies like non-healing wounds. Connexins are associated with hearing loss, skin, and eye disorders, making them potential therapeutic targets. Dysregulated connexin activity has profound effects on physiological processes in epithelial tissue, emphasizing the importance of connexin-targeted therapeutic strategies.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sarah Brozio, Erin M. O'Shaughnessy, Stuart Woods, Ivan Hall-Barrientos, Patricia E. Martin, Malcolm W. Kennedy, Dimitrios A. Lamprou, Paul A. Hoskisson
Summary: Foams are commonly used for delivering cosmetic and therapeutic molecules, but the stability of synthetic foams can vary. Research on the foam production by certain frog species reveals its ecological importance in protecting eggs and larvae, and its potential for developing biocompatible pharmaceutical foams for drug delivery systems. This study highlights the stability and biocompatible properties of frog foam mixtures, suggesting their potential applications in pharmaceutical fields.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Myo Htet, Jane. E. Nally, Patricia. E. Martin, Yvonne Dempsie
Summary: This review discusses the association between dysregulated connexin-mediated signaling and pulmonary hypertension and provides evidence supporting this association.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Khaled Mahmoud Bastaki, Jamie Maurice Roy Tarlton, Richard James Lightbody, Annette Graham, Patricia Esther Martin
Summary: Chronic and non-healing wounds are a major global health concern, and finding effective strategies for delayed wound closure is crucial. High-density lipoproteins (HDL) have been shown to enhance wound healing, but their complexity presents challenges for therapeutic applications. In this study, it was found that HDL treatment had different effects on neonatal and adult fibroblasts, and the expression of hsa-miR-6727-5p played a differential role in wound healing in these cell types.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Gabriel Mbuta Tchivelekete, Mohammad Almarhoun, Yanqun Cao, Xinzhi Zhou, Patricia E. Martin, Xinhua Shu
Summary: Okadaic acid is a neurotoxin and phosphatase inhibitor that is associated with seafood poisoning. It is unclear whether exposure to okadaic acid affects retinal function, a part of the central nervous system.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eri Takematsu, Miles Massidda, Jeff Auster, Po-Chih Chen, ByungGee Im, Sanjana Srinath, Sophia Canga, Aditya Singh, Marjan Majid, Michael Sherman, Andrew Dunn, Annette Graham, Patricia Martin, Aaron B. Baker
Summary: The study describes a novel therapeutic approach using transmembrane SCF delivered in lipid nanocarriers that effectively treats ischemia without off-target effects.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Erin M. O'Shaughnessy, William Duffy, Laura Garcia-Vega, Keith Hussey, A. David Burden, Mozheh Zamiri, Patricia E. Martin
Summary: Elevated expression of Connexin26 in psoriatic tissue may contribute to cellular events imbalance, while inhibition of Connexin signaling reduces pro-inflammatory events and may have therapeutic benefits.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)