Article
Neurosciences
Xinyu Wang, Chuan Jiang, Chunli Lu, Longbing Ma, Yuxin Feng, Shengyu Cui, Qian Li, Kang Li, Xiang Wang, Fengzeng Jian
Summary: In this study, changes in the number and morphology of ependymal cilia in a syringomyelia rat model were investigated. The results showed a decline in cilia during the early stage of the disease, leading to disrupted intercellular communication. In the later stage, cilia were further reduced due to shear stress exposure, causing a potential mechanism of ependymal cilia decline in syringomyelia development.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2023)
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)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Rodjakovic, Lilian Salm, Guido Beldi
Summary: Recent studies have shown that Connexin-43 plays important roles in macrophages, including migration, antigen-presentation, intercellular communication, electrochemical support, and immunomodulation. Dysregulation of Cx43 has been described in diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, tumors, and HIV. However, its involvement in other macrophage functions and inflammatory processes requires further research.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Chelsea M. Phillips, Allison M. Johnson, Svetlana M. Stamatovic, Richard F. Keep, Anuska V. Andjelkovic
Summary: This study reveals that the absence of CCM3 leads to structural defects in the brain endothelial barrier, increasing the risk of vascular leakage. The upregulation of GJA1-20 k is found to disrupt the balance between gap junctions and tight junctions, destabilizing the tight junction complex and increasing brain endothelial barrier permeability.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF DISEASE
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Weiqi Zeng, Zhizhao Deng, Yingxin Gao, Guoliang Sun, Xianlong Li, Dongdong Yuan
Summary: Long-term exposure to Ang II significantly enhances the expression and function of Cx43-GJs in HUASMCs, leading to the accumulation of intracellular Ca2+ and the activation of downstream signaling pathways. However, propofol inhibits the function of Cx43-GJs in Ang II-pretreated HUASMCs, resulting in the inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ and its downstream signaling pathways and ultimately excessive relaxation of HUASMCs. This explains why patients with chronic hypertension experience more severe blood pressure fluctuations after propofol induction.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Article
Biology
Filippo Torrisi, Cristiana Alberghina, Debora Lo Furno, Agata Zappala, Samuel Valable, Giovanni Li Volti, Daniele Tibullo, Nunzio Vicario, Rosalba Parenti
Summary: Manipulating the sonic hedgehog pathway to affect connexin 43 expression can regulate cell migration and proliferation in glioblastoma, potentially offering a new therapeutic strategy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Chao Li, Liang Shi, Cheng Peng, Gongchang Yu, Yanshu Zhang, Zhongjun Du
Summary: The study found that lead (Pb) exposure led to concentration-dependent cytotoxicity and apoptosis in rat cardiac myocytes (H9c2 cells), as well as a reduction in Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) through downregulation of connexin (Cx) 43. Inhibition of GJIC using a gap junction blocker increased apoptosis. Pb also induced autophagy in a concentration-dependent manner, affecting the distribution of Cx43 and targeting it to autophagosomes, which exacerbated the inhibition of GJIC and downregulation of Cx43.
CHEMICO-BIOLOGICAL INTERACTIONS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Huiqin Wang, Xueying Yang, Huaqing Lai, Yang Sun, Xu Yan, Qidi Ai, Meiyu Lin, Songwei Yang, Yantao Yang, Shifeng Chu, Zhenzhen Wang, Naihong Chen
Summary: Hypericin repaired the dysfunction of gap junctions in the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) rat model of depression. While hypericin showed potential for treating depression in in vivo experiments, it failed to demonstrate antidepressant benefits in cell experiments. This study suggests that gap junctional function may be a novel therapeutic target for hypericin in the treatment of depression.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2023)
Article
Physiology
Aya Yamada, Keigo Yoshizaki, Masaki Ishikawa, Kan Saito, Yuta Chiba, Emiko Fukumoto, Ryoko Hino, Seira Hoshikawa, Mitsuki Chiba, Takashi Nakamura, Tsutomu Iwamoto, Satoshi Fukumoto
Summary: Connexin 43 (Cx43) is an integral membrane protein that plays a crucial role in tooth development, regulating intercellular communication through gap junction activity by modulating TGF-beta 1-mediated ERK signaling and enamel formation.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yan-Jun Zong, Xiao-Zhou Liu, Lei Tu, Yu Sun
Summary: This review discusses the contribution of the connexin gene family to hearing loss, focusing on the GJB2, GJB6, and GJA1 genes. Mutations in these genes can lead to comprehensive or non-comprehensive genetic deafness in newborns. The precise regulation of connexin biosynthesis, structural composition, and degradation is crucial for proper functioning of gap junctions. This review provides insights into the etiological principles of connexin mutations and offers potential therapeutic strategies for hereditary deafness.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhi-ping Fu, Lu-lin Wu, Jing-yi Xue, Lan-E Zhang, Chen Li, Hong-jie You, Da-li Luo
Summary: The study demonstrated that hyper-phosphorylation of Cx43 at S282 can also trigger cardiomyocyte apoptosis, through activation of the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. This suggests that a specific range of Cx43-S282 phosphorylation is crucial for maintaining cardiomyocyte function and survival.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2022)
Article
Biology
Chao Qi, Silvia Acosta Gutierrez, Pia Lavriha, Alaa Othman, Diego Lopez-Pigozzi, Erva Bayraktar, Dina Schuster, Paola Picotti, Nicola Zamboni, Mario Bortolozzi, Francesco Luigi Gervasio, Volodymyr M. Korkhov
Summary: In this study, the structure of a human Cx43 GJC was determined using cryo-EM and single particle analysis. The pore region of Cx43 GJC was found to have lipid-like densities, and a previously undescribed conformation was discovered on the cytosolic side of the pore. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed the channel properties of Cx43. The captured states of Cx43 were consistent with a closed state.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Ying-Xin Zhao, Yi-Xi Tang, Xiao-Han Sun, Shi-Yong Zhu, Xue-Yan Dai, Xue-Nan Li, Jin-Long Li
Summary: This study utilized an in vivo model of neurotoxicity in quail to investigate the effects of DEHP exposure on astrocytes. The results revealed that DEHP exposure resulted in phosphorylation and translocation of Cx43 in astrocytes. Additionally, the study showed that DEHP exposure induced pro-inflammatory status and autophagosome formation in astrocytes. These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms of neurodegeneration caused by DEHP exposure and suggest a potential therapeutic target for its treatment.
JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Wen Yi Lim, Leigh Edward Madden, David Laurence Becker
Summary: This study observed an upregulation of Cx43 throughout the pulpal stroma as inflammation worsened in both human and rodent models. Elevated levels of neutrophils were present in advanced pulpitis. In human samples, apoptosis and necroptosis appeared to be upregulated as Cx43 levels rose.
CLINICAL ORAL INVESTIGATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhizhao Deng, Yanling Zhang, Qian Zhang, Xianlong Li, Weiqi Zeng, Cai Jun, Dongdong Yuan
Summary: The study showed that Cx43-GJs play a key role in Ang II-induced contraction of HUASMCs, potentially regulating intracellular Ca2+ mobility as well as RhoA/LIMK2/Cofilin signaling pathway activity. Propofol can reverse the effects induced by Ang II by inhibiting the function of Cx43-GJs.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOCHEMISTRY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2022)