Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jennifer Ortiz, Yuriy Bobkov, Melissa B. DeBiasse, Dorothy G. Mitchell, Allison Edgar, Mark Q. Martindale, Anthony G. Moss, Leslie S. Babonis, Joseph F. Ryan
Summary: This article investigates the innexin gene in four species of ctenophores and finds that these genes have evolved independently from those of other animals and were established early in the evolution of ctenophores. The study also shows that ctenophores have functional innexin hemichannels that are closely related to those of other animals. Overall, the results suggest that the last common ancestor of animals had channels capable of forming both gap junctions and innexin hemichannels, and that innexin genes have independently evolved in major lineages throughout Metazoa.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biology
Georg Welzel, Stefan Schuster
Summary: Gap junction channels are formed by two unrelated protein families, with non-chordates using innexins and chordates using connexins. Surprisingly, glycosylated innexins are not unique to chordates, as they are also found in non-chordates. The loss of innexin diversity during early chordate evolution and the presence of only one glycosylated innexin in lancelets, which lack connexins, suggest a bottleneck effect and explain why connexins have become the exclusive protein for chordate gap junctions.
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
Neurosciences
Mriga Das, Duo Cheng, Till Matzat, Vanessa J. Auld
Summary: Glia are crucial for protecting and enabling nervous system function, and the formation of the glial sheath around peripheral axons plays a key role. In this study, the role of Innexins in mediating glial function in the Drosophila periphery was investigated. It was found that Inx1 and Inx2 are important for peripheral glia development, and their loss led to defects in wrapping glia and disruption of the glia wrap. Inx2 was also found to play a role in linking subperineurial glia and wrapping glia, ensuring the integrity of the glial wrap.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Physiology
Aishwarya Ramakrishnan Iyer, Vasu Sheeba
Summary: Coherent circadian rhythms in behavior rely on well-coupled networks of circadian oscillators, with electrical synapses and chemical synapses interacting in neuronal networks. While the role of chemical synapses in these networks has been extensively studied, the role of electrical synapses in circadian networks remains relatively understudied and requires further exploration.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Qiqian Wang, Shenquan Liu
Summary: This study demonstrates that the passive transmembrane ion transport model applies to hemichannels and non-junctional plasma membranes, leading to the establishment of a gap junctional channel model. Numerical simulations were used to study homotypic and heterotypic gap junctions formed by connexins, innexins, and pannexins, shedding light on the physiology of hemichannels and gap junctions.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Ke Gong, Qingqi Hong, Huiwen Wu, Fen Wang, Linhai Zhong, Lingjia Shen, Piao Xu, Wenqing Zhang, Hanwei Cao, Yan-yan Zhan, Tianhui Hu, Xiaoting Hong
Summary: In vivo tumor growth is characterized by a necrotic core generated by oxygen and nutrients gradients, which can also be observed in in vitro three-dimensional tumor spheroids. Gap junctions play a critical role in cancer development, and this study found that the connexin 43 (Cx43) protein reduces the area of necrotic core in colon cancer 3D spheroids, promoting tumor growth advantage. This effect is dependent on gap junction channel functions, and the enhanced glucose uptake and altered signaling pathways contribute to the increased ATP content and oxygen consumption rate. The study also revealed a heterogeneous expression pattern of Cx43 in colon cancer compared to normal tissue, and higher levels of Cx43 are associated with worse clinical outcomes. These findings suggest a novel role of connexin in tumor growth and provide insights into the metabolic needs of solid tumors.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Selma Cetin-Ferra, Sharon C. Francis, Anthonya T. Cooper, Kit Neikirk, Andrea G. Marshall, Antentor Hinton Jr, Sandra A. A. Murray
Summary: Mitochondria contain connexins that form gap junction channels, playing a role in cell-cell communication. However, connexins in mitochondria have also been found to assemble into hemichannels and may be involved in regulating mitochondrial functions such as potassium fluxes and respiration. However, the presence and function of mitochondrial connexins are still poorly understood. Understanding the significance of mitochondrial connexins and their contact sites is crucial for developing therapeutic interventions in mitochondria-related diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Jean Defourny, Marc Thiry
Summary: Cx26 and Cx30 assemble into heteromeric gap junctions in the cochlea, facilitating K+ removal from sensory hair cells. A new study reveals tricellular adherens junctions play a critical role in connexin trafficking and membrane channel assembly.
Article
Cell Biology
Nicole M. Novielli-Kuntz, Eric R. Press, Kevin Barr, Marco A. M. Prado, Dale W. Laird
Summary: Studies on mice carrying the human disease-associated A88V Cx30 mutation revealed major morphological changes in the brain, particularly in aging mice. These changes had a more pronounced consequence for cognitive function in female mice, likely linked to the dysregulation of both Cx30 and Cx43 levels in the brain.
DISEASE MODELS & MECHANISMS
(2021)
Review
Entomology
Prem Chand Sharma, Nitika Negi, Himanshu Thakur, Jabez Raju Battu, Matthew Turnbull
Summary: Gap junctions are integral membrane proteins that play a critical role in cell-to-cell communication. Perturbations of these junctions can promote cancer development, and insect gap junctions are crucial for insect development.
ANNALS OF THE ENTOMOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA
(2022)
Article
Biology
Ji Xu, Bruce J. Nicholson
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics of Cx30 hemichannels using heterologous expression systems. It was found that Cx30 hemichannels are sensitive to voltage and extracellular Ca2+ and show minimal selectivity for small ions but increased permeability for larger anions. Comparison with Cx26 gap junctions in the cochlea revealed differences in ATP permeability, indicating distinct physiological functions of Cx30 and Cx26 in energy distribution.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kajetan Kielbowski, Estera Bakinowska, Andrzej Pawlik
Summary: Connexins are involved in intercellular communication through hemichannels and gap junctions, playing a crucial role in regulating cell homeostasis, proliferation, and differentiation. Changes in Cx distribution, degradation, and post-translational modifications have been linked to cancer, cardiovascular, and neurological diseases. Depending on the isoform, Cx can either promote or suppress the development of atherosclerosis by affecting endothelial dysfunction, monocyte recruitment, vascular smooth muscle cell activation, or autophagy inhibition. Inhibition or modulation of specific Cx isoforms could potentially serve as therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Jian Yang, Jiajia Wang, Shuaiwei Tian, Qinhua Wang, Yang Zhao, Baocheng Wang, Liangliang Cao, Zhuangzhuang Liang, Heng Zhao, Hao Lian, Jie Ma
Summary: Using machine learning and algorithms to estimate tumor purity in pediatric CNS tumor samples, we found that purity of some tumor samples followed a normal distribution and was associated with clinical pathological and molecular indicators. Survival analysis related to MB purity showed a minor effect on the survival of pediatric patients with CNS tumors.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Rui Dong, Yuqiang Han, Linhao Jiang, Shuai Liu, Fujun Zhang, Liangyu Peng, Zimo Wang, Zhengliang Ma, Tianjiao Xia, Xiaoping Gu
Summary: This study reveals a novel mechanism of the GJ-Cx43-mediated astrocytic network involved in isoflurane-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive impairments, which provides new mechanistic insight into the pathogenesis of POCD and identifies potential targets for its treatment.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
D. Chavez-Garcia, P. Sengar, K. Juarez-Moreno, D. L. Flores, I Calderon, J. Barrera, G. A. Hirata
Summary: A comparative investigation was conducted on Y2O3:Eu3+,Bi3+ nanoparticles fabricated by sol-gel and combustion synthesis, revealing that the sol-gel method produced NPs with more regular structure, good biocompatibility, and cellular uptake in cancer cells.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Correction
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
D. Chavez-Garcia, P. Sengar, K. Juarez-Moreno, D. L. Flores, I. Calderon, J. Barrera, G. A. Hirata
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY-JMR&T
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jesus M. Rodriguez-Canseco, Gustavo Arnaud-Franco, Everardo Gutierrez-Lopez, Guillermo Romero-Figueroa
Summary: Snake venom poisoning is a significant public health issue in Mexico, with the highest incidence rates in the southern Ensenada and Comondti regions of the Baja California peninsula. Epidemiological analyses are crucial for understanding and addressing the problem effectively.
GACETA MEDICA DE MEXICO
(2021)
Article
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Carlos Cabrera, David Cervantes, Franklin Munoz, Gustavo Hirata, Patricia Juarez, Dora-Luz Flores
Summary: This study achieved high accuracy in classifying, locating, and segmenting images of nanostructured materials using convolutional neural networks and Mask R-CNN. The research findings are of significant importance for the development and application of nanotechnology.
NEURAL COMPUTING & APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yeraldin Serpa-Usta, Alvaro Alberto Lopez-Lambrano, Dora-Luz Flores, Ena Gamez-Balmaceda, Luisa Martinez-Acosta, Juan Pablo Medrano-Barboza, John Freddy Remolina Lopez, Alvaro Lopez-Ramos, Mariangela Lopez-Lambrano
Summary: A fractal analysis was conducted on meteorological data from 16 weather stations in the Guadalupe River basin in Baja California, Mexico to study the characteristics and correlation of Santa Ana winds with other meteorological variables. This type of research is crucial for understanding the regional climate dynamics and forecasting the occurrence of Santa Ana winds.
Review
Computer Science, Information Systems
J. M. Valencia-Moreno, J. A. Gonzalez-Fraga, J. P. Febles Rodriguez, E. Gutierrez-Lopez
Summary: Breast cancer is a major cause of death among women worldwide, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. The World Health Organization recommends focusing on prevention and early detection of cancer to reduce mortality, which can be supported by intelligent algorithms. This study provides an overview of the application and opportunities for intelligent algorithms in the fight against breast cancer in Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighting the gaps and barriers that exist.
IEEE LATIN AMERICA TRANSACTIONS
(2023)
Review
Microbiology
Ricardo Perea-Jacobo, Guillermo Rene Paredes-Gutierrez, Miguel Angel Guerrero-Chevannier, Dora-Luz Flores, Raquel Muniz-Salazar
Summary: Tuberculosis remains a significant global health problem, and diagnosing drug-resistant tuberculosis has become more challenging due to an increasing number of multidrug-resistant cases. The recommended diagnostic methods are unable to detect all drug resistance-associated genetic mutations. Artificial intelligence models, particularly Artificial Neural Networks, are commonly employed for predicting drug resistance profiles in tuberculosis.
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Jose Manuel Valencia-Moreno, Everardo Gutierrez-Lopez, Asley Fernando Cruz Gonzalez, Jose Angel Gonzalez-Fraga, Jose Magana Magana
Summary: Breast cancer is the most common and deadly cancer in women. This study proposes a system prototype to estimate the suspicion of breast cancer based on risk factors, including a decision tree model and a web system for faster consultation. The validation of the prototype shows its potential for improving early detection and reducing the death rate caused by breast cancer in Mexico.
2022 IEEE MEXICAN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON COMPUTER SCIENCE (ENC)
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Software Engineering
Jose A. Gonzalez-Fraga, Vitaly Kober, Everardo Gutierrez-Lopez, Alejandro Gonzalez-Sarabia
Summary: Breast cancer is a global health problem with high mortality rates among women. Implementing preventive programs, such as mammography screening for early diagnosis, can help reduce breast cancer mortality. This presentation introduces a method that uses a deep convolutional neural network and a class activation map for automatic detection of breast pathologies. The proposed method is compared with different CNN models and applied to classify the CBIS-DDSM dataset.
APPLICATIONS OF DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING XLV
(2022)
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Software Engineering
J. Manuel Valencia-Moreno, J. Alejandro Gonzalez-Sarabia, J. Angel Gonzalez-Fraga, Everardo Gutierrez-Lopez, Vitaly Kober
Summary: This paper examines the application of computer-aided detection systems based on convolutional neural networks in the pathological classification of breast cancer, and utilizes various preprocessing and tuning techniques to train and validate these models.
APPLICATIONS OF DIGITAL IMAGE PROCESSING XLV
(2022)
Article
Computer Science, Information Systems
Sharon Macias-Velasquez, Yolanda Baez-Lopez, Diego Tlapa, Jorge Limon-Romero, Aide Aracely Maldonado-Macias, Dora-Luz Flores, Arturo Realyvasquez-Vargas
Summary: The study found that social support can help mitigate burnout syndrome, but different types of support have specific direct effects on different dimensions of burnout syndrome.
Proceedings Paper
Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence
Jose Manuel Valencia-Moreno, Everardo Gutierrez Lopez, Jose Felipe Ramirez Perez, Juan Pedro Febles Rodriguez, Omar Alvarez Xochihua
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEMS, ICITS 2020
(2020)
Proceedings Paper
Engineering, Biomedical
Carlos Castro, Eunice Vargas-Viveros, Alejandro Sanchez, Everardo Gutierrez-Lopez, Dora-Luz Flores
VIII LATIN AMERICAN CONFERENCE ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING AND XLII NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2020)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Alejandro Sanchez, Dora L. Flores, Eugenio Leyva, Carlos Castro
REVISTA MEXICANA DE NEUROCIENCIA
(2020)
Article
Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications
A. Estrella-Gallego, M. Vazquez-Briseno, J. Nieto-Hipolito, E. Gutierrez-Lopez, J. D. Sanchez-Lopez, A. Garcia-Berumen, R. Rivera-Rodriguez
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ONLINE AND BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
(2020)