Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Nane Griem-Krey, Stine J. Gauger, Emma K. Gowing, Louise Thiesen, Bente Frolund, Andrew N. Clarkson, Petrine Wellendorph
Summary: Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II alpha (CaMKII alpha) is a potential target for acute neuroprotection. A novel GHB analog, Ph-HTBA, was found to promote neuroprotection after stroke, potentially through reducing CaMKII alpha phosphorylation. Ph-HTBA may have distinct molecular interactions with the hub cavity, contributing to its superior neuroprotective effect compared to other GHB analogs.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
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
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
Cell Biology
Gui-zhou Li, Ya-hui Hu, Yi-ni Lu, Qing-yan Yang, Di Fu, Feng Chen, Yun-man Li
Summary: The study reveals that VCR therapy can cause neuropathic pain, and CaMKII and Ca(V)3.2 can activate astrocytes to mediate Cx43-dependent inflammation, further exacerbating the pain.
CELL BIOLOGY AND TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hong Jiang, Yi Zhang, Zhen-Zhen Wang, Nai-Hong Chen
Summary: English Summary: This review article explores the importance of Connexin 43 (Cx43) in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD), specifically in relation to neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation is a common pathological feature of central nervous system dysfunctions, with increased inflammatory factors observed in MDD patients, closely associated with various aspects of depression. Activation of the inflammatory pathway in the brain affects the release and uptake of neurotransmitters glutamate and adenosine triphosphate through Cx43 in the synaptic cleft. This research contributes to the exploration of new antidepressant drug targets.
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
Food Science & Technology
Dong-Hoon Won, Da -Bin Hwang, Changuk Kim, MinHwa Kang, Young Jeon, Yong Il Park, Jeong-Hwan Che, Jun-Won Yun
Summary: Gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC), composed of connexin (Cx), plays a crucial role in maintaining intracellular homeostasis. This study investigated the impact of the genotoxic carcinogen 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA), as a representative PAH, on GJIC and found that it suppresses GJIC by inhibiting both post-transcriptional and post-translational processing of Cx43. The results suggest that GJIC assay can serve as an efficient short-term screening test for predicting the carcinogenic potential of genotoxic carcinogens.
FOOD AND CHEMICAL TOXICOLOGY
(2023)
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.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ning-ning Zhang, Yi Zhang, Zhen-zhen Wang, Nai-hong Chen
Summary: This review summarizes the role of connexin 43 (Cx43) in the pathogenesis of depression. Studies have shown that dysfunction of Cx43 is associated with depression and regulating the expression of Cx43 can influence depressive behaviors. The review also discusses the effects of antidepressants on Cx43.
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Liming Dong, Devin L. Brown, Ronald D. Chervin, Erin Case, Lewis B. Morgenstern, Lynda D. Lisabeth
Summary: This study found that insufficient sleep may be an independent risk factor for post-stroke depression, with patients who have inadequate sleep facing a higher risk of depression after stroke.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Cecile Dufeys, Evangelos-Panagiotis Daskalopoulos, Diego Castanares-Zapatero, Simon J. Conway, Audrey Ginion, Caroline Bouzin, Jerome Ambroise, Bertrand Bearzatto, Jean-Luc Gala, Stephane Heymans, Anna-Pia Papageorgiou, Stefan Vinckier, Julien Cumps, Jean-Luc Balligand, Maarten Vanhaverbeke, Peter Sinnaeve, Stefan Janssens, Luc Bertrand, Christophe Beauloye, Sandrine Horman
Summary: Deleting AMPKα1 in myofibroblasts exacerbates adverse LV remodeling post-MI, enhances fibrotic response, and affects Cx43 expression, potentially through transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation involving miR-125b-5p.
BASIC RESEARCH IN CARDIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Yutong Zhang, Yuehua Yang, Hao Li, Qian Feng, Wei Ge, Xingshun Xu
Summary: Post-stroke depression (PSD) is prevalent in about one-third of stroke survivors and has a severe impact on recovery and quality of life. The exact mechanisms of PSD are still unknown, but proinflammatory cytokines like interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin-18 have been implicated in its development. These cytokines contribute to PSD through various mechanisms such as HPA axis dysfunction, neurotransmitter alterations, neurotrophic factor changes, gut microbiota imbalances, and genetic predispositions. Understanding the role of cytokines in stroke and PSD may lead to innovative interventions for managing PSD and improving outcomes for stroke survivors experiencing depression.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
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
Psychiatry
Ya-Ying Zeng, Meng-Xuan Wu, Dan-Dan Geng, Lin Cheng, Sheng-Nan Zhou, Kai-Li Fan, Xin Yu, Wen-Jie Tang, Jin-Cai He
Summary: The study found that early-onset PSD status in Chinese patients is an independent risk factor for unfavorable outcomes 5 years after stroke, and that the severity of PSD is also associated with unfavorable outcomes.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
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)
