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)
Review
Cell Biology
Dezhi Zhao, Jiawei Wu, Francisca M. M. Acosta, Huiyun Xu, Jean X. X. Jiang
Summary: Bone adapts to changes in the physical environment by modulating remodeling through bone resorption and formation. Connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannels, which are abundant in bone tissue, respond to mechanical stimulation by releasing prostaglandins E-2 (PGE(2)). PGE(2) promotes bone anabolism and protects against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
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
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hao Chai, Qun Huang, Zixue Jiao, Shendong Wang, Chunguang Sun, Dechun Geng, Wei Xu
Summary: This study investigated the regulation of osteocyte-to-osteoblast differentiation by connexin 43 (Cx43). The results showed that calvarial osteolysis induced by titanium particles was partially attenuated in mice lacking Cx43. Silencing or overexpressing Cx43 affected beta-catenin expression, and Cx43 binding to beta-catenin inhibited the Wnt signaling pathway. These findings suggest that osteocytes may regulate osteoblast function through Cx43 during periprosthetic osteolysis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Meng Zhang, Zhen-Zhen Wang, Nai-Hong Chen
Summary: Connexin 43 (Cx43) is widely distributed in mammals, especially in the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Its phosphorylation status is regulated by multiple kinases and phosphatases. Phosphorylation of Cx43 affects the permeability, electrical conductivity, and gating properties of gap junctions, influencing intercellular communication and physiological/pathological processes.
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
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Manuel A. Riquelme, Sumin Gu, Rui Hua, Jean X. Jiang
Summary: Mechanical loading activates integrin alpha 5 and alpha V, leading to the opening of connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannels (HCs) and release of bone anabolic factors. Inhibition of integrin alpha V affects HCs opening and disrupts PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, while integrin alpha 5 activation is dependent on PI3K/AKT activation. Dendritic alpha V is a more sensitive mechanosensor than alpha 5 in activating HCs at low fluid shear stress levels.
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
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
Berna Pavic, Marin Ogorevc, Katarina Boric, Dubravka Vukovic, Mirna Saraga-Babic, Snjezana Mardesic
Summary: In patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), protein levels of Cx37 were slightly increased, while levels of Cx40 were significantly decreased in the gastric mucosa. These changes were proportional to SSc severity, particularly in patients with severe diffuse cutaneous SSc. No differences in Cx43 expression were found, which is different from previous associations with fibrosis.
Article
Cell Biology
Remi Karadayi, Julie Mazzocco, Laurent Leclere, Benedicte Buteau, Stephane Gregoire, Christine Belloir, Mounzer Koudsi, Pauline Bessard, Jean-Baptiste Bizeau, Elisabeth Dubus, Claire Fenech, Loic Briand, Lionel Bretillon, Alain M. Bron, Xavier Fioramonti, Niyazi Acar
Summary: Plasmalogen deficiency leads to reduced expression of Cx43 in the retina, which is crucial for important functions of Muller cells such as GJIC and cell migration.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Matea Zuzul, Mirela Lozic, Natalija Filipovic, Samir Canovic, Ana Didovic Pavicic, Josko Petricevic, Nenad Kunac, Violeta Soljic, Mirna Saraga-Babic, Suzana Konjevoda, Katarina Vukojevic
Summary: The expression pattern of Connexins and Pannexin 1 in different eye diseases suggests their importance in eye development, vascularization, and inflammatory response.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Shuhei Fukuda, Masako Akiyama, Yuki Niki, Risa Kawatsura, Hiroyuki Harada, Ken-ichi Nakahama
Summary: The study revealed that miRNAs produced by normal cells can be transferred to cancer cells via connexin 43, inhibiting tumor migration and invasion.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR BIOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Wen Shi, Zhishang Meng, Jing Luo
Summary: This study identified Cx43 as a key molecule in the development of diabetic retinopathy, and showed that Cx43 knockdown improved DR in a mouse model.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(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)