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
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Santipongse Chatchavalvanich, Robert A. Boomsma, Jack M. Tietema, David L. Geenen
Summary: Early coupling between bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) and ischemic cardiomyocytes through gap junctions (GJ) may play a crucial role in cell survival and retention in the acute phase of myocardial ischemia.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
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)
Review
Neurosciences
Sofia Waissbluth, Juan Cristobal Maass, Helmuth A. Sanchez, Agustin D. Martinez
Summary: This article discusses the effects of cisplatin on the inner ear and its potential mechanisms for causing hearing loss, focusing on the role of transporters and gap junctions expressed by supporting cells in this process.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
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.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Andres Tittarelli
Summary: Connexin-mediated intercellular communication mechanisms play important roles in immune system activities, especially in infections, wounds, cancer, and other inflammatory conditions. Modulating connexin expression and channel activities may be a promising approach for designing therapeutic tools.
BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR BASIS OF DISEASE
(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)
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yuefang Zhou, Thomas M. Bennett, Thomas W. White, Alan Shiels
Summary: CHMP4B is a core sub-unit of the ESCRT-III machinery involved in remodeling and scission processes of biological membranes. It has been found to associate with connexin 46 (Cx46) and connexin 50 (Cx50), and its membrane localization is dependent on Cx50 in lens fiber cells.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Alejandro Ogazon del Toro, Lidia Jimenez, Mauricio Serrano Rubi, Aida Castillo, Lorena Hinojosa, Jacqueline Martinez Rendon, Marcelino Cereijido, Arturo Ponce
Summary: Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) significantly increases gap junctional intercellular communication in epithelial cells, with this effect not requiring synthesis of new RNA or proteins but rather trafficking of pre-synthesized subunits. Furthermore, this effect is mediated by the E2 receptor, which triggers a signaling pathway involving activation of adenylyl cyclase and protein kinase A (PKA).
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Ana C. Abbott, Isaac E. Garcia, Felipe Villanelo, Carolina Flores-Munoz, Ricardo Ceriani, Jaime Maripillan, Joel Novoa-Molina, Cindel Figueroa-Cares, Tomas Perez-Acle, Juan C. Saez, Helmuth A. Sanchez, Agustin D. Martinez
Summary: It has been demonstrated that a genetic mutation in the gap junction protein Connexin 26 (Cx26) can lead to hyperactivity and damage of hearing cells in the cochlea, resulting in syndromic deafness. The specific mutation Cx26S17F, when co-expressed with wild-type connexins like Cx30, forms hyperactive hemichannels in supporting cells of the organ of Corti. These hyperactive hemichannels are insensitive to blockers and ions, leading to abnormal calcium influx and cellular damage.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jin Kono, Masakatsu Ueda, Atsushi Sengiku, Sylvia O. Suadicani, Je Tae Woo, Takashi Kobayashi, Osamu Ogawa, Hiromitsu Negoro
Summary: In this study, the preventive potential and mechanism of action of nobiletin (NOB), a polymethoxylated flavone found in citrus fruit peel, was investigated in a mouse model of bladder inflammation and human urothelial cells. The results showed that NOB can attenuate bladder inflammation and urinary symptoms by reducing the upregulation of connexin 43 (Cx43) in the bladder mucosa. The study also demonstrated that urothelial Cx43 plays a role in the development of bladder inflammation and urinary symptoms, as evidenced by the findings in uCx43KO mice.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Jennifer C. Jones, Amanda M. Miceli, Mary M. Chaudhry, Chloe S. Kaunitz, Mallika A. Jai, Romel N. Pancho, Alan Lazzar, Bradley S. Taylor, Vishnupriya Bodempudi, Prarthana P. Jain, Sheeri Hanjra, Alexander E. Urban, Brian Zanotti, Ellen K. Kohlmeir, Thomas M. Bodenstine
Summary: Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) is modulated by altered glucose availability in triple-negative breast cancer cells, leading to improved cell-cell communication and invasion capabilities. Understanding this relationship may shed light on how cancer cell metabolism affects communication and cellular responses.
JOURNAL OF CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Andrew M. Boal, Michael L. Risner, Melissa L. Cooper, Lauren K. Wareham, David J. Calkins
Summary: Astrocytes play a crucial role in responding to neurodegenerative stress and are interconnected through gap junctions, primarily composed of connexin-43 (Cx43), forming a broader network. This network contributes to various important processes and is likely to influence the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Targeting these networks may be critical in the treatment of glaucomatous neurodegeneration and other optic neuropathies.
Article
Cell Biology
Huaize Liu, Jie Ding, Karl Koehnlein, Nadine Urban, Alessandro Ori, Pablo Villavicencio-Lorini, Peter Walentek, Lars-Oliver Klotz, Thomas Hollemann, Thorsten Pfirrmann
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Karl Koehnlein, Nadine Urban, David Guerrero-Gomez, Holger Steinbrenner, Pavel Urbanek, Josephine Priebs, Philipp Koch, Christoph Kaether, Antonio Miranda-Vizuete, Lars-Oliver Klotz
Article
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Holger Steinbrenner, Lars-Oliver Klotz
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GERONTOLOGIE UND GERIATRIE
(2020)
Editorial Material
Geriatrics & Gerontology
Lars-Oliver Klotz, Andreas Simm
ZEITSCHRIFT FUR GERONTOLOGIE UND GERIATRIE
(2020)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Tauber, Maria Katharina Sieckmann, Katrin Erler, Wilhelm Stahl, Lars-Oliver Klotz, Holger Steinbrenner
Summary: The study found that the Se status had no major effect on Nrf2 signaling in HepG2 cells, although electrophiles could enhance the expression of Nrf2 target genes independent of cellular Se status.
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thilo Magnus Philipp, Andreas Will, Karl Koehnlein, Holger Steinbrenner, Lars-Oliver Klotz
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Niklas Krafczyk, Lars-Oliver Klotz
Summary: FOXO family proteins are crucial transcriptional regulators that modulate cellular metabolism and antioxidant defense strategies. They regulate the expression of antioxidant genes to contribute to cellular response to oxidative stress.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thilo Magnus Philipp, Andreas Will, Hannes Richter, Patrick Rainer Winterhalter, Georg Pohnert, Holger Steinbrenner, Lars-Oliver Klotz
Summary: Methanethiol is a gas produced by microbial degradation of methionine, primarily originating from bacteria in the human large intestine. SELENBP1 has been identified as a methanethiol oxidase, converting it to other substances. Using a novel assay, researchers confirmed the loss of MTO function in SELENBP1 variants and found that mature enterocytes are capable of eliminating microbiome-derived methanethiol.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thilo Magnus Philipp, Weiye Gong, Karl Koehnlein, Verena Alexia Ohse, Frederike Iris Mueller, Josephine Priebs, Holger Steinbrenner, Lars-Oliver Klotz
Summary: A study identifies SEMO-1 as an enzyme in C. elegans that can degrade methanethiol and confer resistance to selenite. SEMO-1-deficient worms show increased resistance to oxidative stress and extended lifespan.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anne Sophie Scheller, Thilo Magnus Philipp, Lars-Oliver Klotz, Holger Steinbrenner
Summary: SELENBP1 and CBS are reciprocally regulated during the spontaneous differentiation of human colorectal adenocarcinoma cells, paralleling their opposing regulation in colorectal cancer. Butyrate exposure imitates some aspects of spontaneous differentiation but does not elicit the same expression patterns of genes encoding H2S-modulating enzymes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thilo Magnus Philipp, Leon Gernoth, Andreas Will, Maria Schwarz, Verena Alexia Ohse, Anna Patricia Kipp, Holger Steinbrenner, Lars-Oliver Klotz
Summary: Selenium-binding protein 1 (SELENBP1) acts as a methanethiol oxidase (MTO) in humans, converting methanethiol to hydrogen peroxide, hydrogen sulfide, and formaldehyde. Copper ions are essential for this MTO activity, as demonstrated by mutagenesis studies. Selenium binding, on the other hand, is not required for MTO activity. SELENBP1 ortholog SEMO-1 in the nematode C. elegans also requires copper ions for MTO activity. SELENBP1 degrades volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs), including methanethiol, suggesting its role in mitigating malodors.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thilo Magnus Philipp, Anne Sophie Scheller, Niklas Krafczyk, Lars-Oliver Klotz, Holger Steinbrenner
Summary: Tumor cells develop various metabolic adaptations to cope with increased demands and enhance stress resilience, including dysregulation of sulfur metabolism leading to elevated levels of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in cancer patients. Methanethiol, the predominant cancer-associated VSC, has been proposed as a promising biomarker for non-invasive cancer diagnosis. Gut bacteria, such as Fusobacterium nucleatum, are the major source of methanethiol exposure, and proteins like SELENBP1 and METTL7B are involved in the production and degradation of methanethiol.
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Holger Steinbrenner, Mustafa Micoogullari, Ngoc Anh Hoang, Ina Bergheim, Lars-Oliver Klotz, Helmut Sies
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2019)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sarah Tauber, Katharina Sieckmann, Lars-Oliver Klotz, Holger Steinbrenner
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2019)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lars-Oliver Klotz
FREE RADICAL BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2019)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Soojung Hahn, Gyuri Kim, Sang-Man Jin, Jae Hyeon Kim
Summary: This study utilized three-dimensional intestinal organoids to investigate the effects of metformin on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and found that metformin can enhance intestinal barrier function and reduce levels of inflammatory cytokines.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
V. V. Sudarev, M. S. Gette, S. V. Bazhenov, O. M. Tilinova, E. V. Zinovev, I. V. Manukhov, A. I. Kuklin, Yu. L. Ryzhykau, A. V. Vlasov
Summary: This study investigated the self-assembly processes of ferritin-based protein complexes and obtained structurally characterized oligomeric states. These results provide new potential and opportunities for the application of ferritin in various fields.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yalda Sabaghi, Farnaz Pourfarzad, Leila Zolghadr, Azita Bahrami, Tahereh Shojazadeh, Alireza Farasat, Nematollah Gheibi
Summary: p-Coumaric acid (p-CA) is a plant compound with anti-cancer activities. This study designed a nano-liposomal carrier containing p-CA to enhance its effectiveness against melanoma cells. The findings showed that the liposomal form of p-CA had a greater impact on the cells. Kinetic modeling indicated that the best fitting model was zero-order.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
M. D. Nazmul Hasan, Md Mahfuzur Rahman, Al Asmaul Husna, Nobuhiro Nozaki, Osamu Yamato, Naoki Miura
Summary: This study investigated the expression of ncRNAs other than miRNAs in different histologic subtypes of canine mammary gland tumors (MGT). Three aberrantly expressed ncRNAs were identified as potential biomarkers for differentiating MGT subtypes. YRNA and tRFs expression levels were found to be decreased in metastatic compared to primary MGT cell lines.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Seine A. Shintani
Summary: In this study, the researchers used signal analysis to study the instantaneous amplitude and phase of sarcomeric oscillations in skeletal muscle. They identified two types of oscillations, sarcomeric oscillations and sarcosynced oscillations, and visualized their behavior during propagating waves. The researchers discovered the presence of sarcomeric defect holes and sarcomeric collision holes, which are important indicators for understanding the oscillation properties of sarcomeres. This finding has important implications for improving our understanding of muscle function and its regulatory mechanisms.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shuanglin Zhang, Yuzhong Jia, Guolan Ma, Yanyan Yang, Zhenzhen Cao, Antao Luo, Zefu Zhang, Shihan Li, Jie Wen, Hanfeng Liu, Jihua Ma
Summary: Bupleurum is an antiarrhythmic agent that may exert its effects by inhibiting L-type calcium channels.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tomotaka Ohkubo, Yasuhiko Matsumoto, Hiroaki Sasaki, Kaoru Kinoshita, Yuki Ogasawara, Takashi Sugita
Summary: This study found that Citrobacter koseri inhibits the growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis, disrupting the balance between S. epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus, and exacerbating inflammation in atopic dermatitis.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Toshifumi Asano, Philipp Sasse, Takao Nakata
Summary: A Cre recombination-based fluorescent reporter system was developed to monitor cell-cell fusion. The system successfully detected the formation of multinuclear myotubes and placental syncytiotrophoblast. This tool could facilitate the study of cell-to-cell fusion.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ke Shi, Yunlong Shan, Xiao Sun, Kuida Chen, Qiong Luo, Qiang Xu
Summary: This study found that low expression of TP53INP2 is associated with poor survival in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. As the malignancy of CRC progresses, TP53INP2 expression gradually decreases. Knockdown of TP53INP2 promotes CRC cell proliferation and tumor growth. Mechanistically, TP53INP2 deficiency decreases phosphorylation of beta-catenin, leading to increased accumulation and enhanced nuclear translocation and transcriptional activity. Additionally, TP53INP2 sequesters TIM50, inhibiting its activation of beta-catenin. In conclusion, downregulation of TP53INP2 promotes CRC progression by activating beta-catenin.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Martina Rossi, Fabio Tomaselli, Alejandro Hochkoeppler
Summary: Oligomeric enzymes are known for their higher catalytic rates compared to monomeric enzymes, but the extent of additivity in their activity is still not well understood. This study used tetrameric rabbit lactate dehydrogenase as a model to examine the kinetics of its catalytic action. Surprisingly, when the concentration of the limiting reactant exceeded that of a single subunit, there was a significant slowdown in the enzyme's conformational rearrangements.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Amin Sahraei, Mohammad Javad Shamsoddini, Fakhrossadat Mohammadi, Leila Hassani
Summary: This study explored the inhibitory effects of gallium curcumin, indium curcumin, and vanadyl curcumin on the amyloid fibrillation of hen egg white lysozyme, as well as the binding interactions of these metal complexes with the enzyme. The results showed that indium curcumin and vanadyl curcumin exhibited higher binding affinities and stronger inhibitory effects on amyloid fibrillation compared to gallium curcumin.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Takahiro Sasaki, Yoshiki Kuse, Shinsuke Nakamura, Masamitsu Shimazawa
Summary: PGRN deficiency plays a significant role in cardiac remodeling and arrhythmias post-myocardial infarction (MI), potentially by promoting metabolic abnormalities in macrophages.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hongwei Zhao, Yiqiang Li, Yibo Zhang, Chi Zhang
Summary: Electrical brain stimulation technology is commonly used to treat brain neurological disorders, but it can cause side effects. This study investigated the impact of electric fields on nerve fibers and revealed the possible origin of side effects. The findings provide guidance for selecting electrical parameters in clinical stimulation therapy.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Julia S. Scott, Lake-Ee Quek, Andrew J. Hoy, Johannes V. Swinnen, Zeyad D. Nassar, Lisa M. Butler
Summary: The fatty acid elongation enzyme ELOVL5 plays a critical role in promoting metastasis in prostate cancer. Knocking down ELOVL5 leads to the accumulation of malonyl-CoA, which inhibits fatty acid oxidation in mitochondria. This study highlights the importance of fatty acid elongation in regulating cell viability and provides a potential target for prostate cancer treatment.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zan Zhou, Wen-jun Jiang, Li Li, Jun-qiang Si
Summary: This study investigates the effect of noise exposure on cognitive function in mice and explores the underlying molecular mechanisms. The findings suggest that noise exposure leads to increased inflammation, increased phosphorylation of Tau protein, and decreased levels of postsynaptic density protein, resulting in cognitive impairment.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2024)