Article
Biology
Jia Wang Chua, Moogaambikai Thangaveloo, Debbie Xiu En Lim, Leigh E. Madden, Anthony R. J. Phillips, David L. Becker
Summary: This study examined the dynamic expression of the gap junction protein Cx43 in an ischemic button model of surgical adhesions. The results suggest that targeting Cx43 may be a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or reducing the severity of post-surgical peritoneal adhesions.
Review
Biology
Yu-Han Guo, Yi-Qing Yang
Summary: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a global medical problem that contributes to significant morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic burden. Gap junctions and their constituent proteins, connexins, play important roles in the pathogenesis of AF by disrupting the electrical coupling between cardiomyocytes through changes in connexin distribution and protein levels, increasing susceptibility to AF. Multiple pathogenic mutations or polymorphisms in connexins have been found to be associated with AF. Therefore, connexins may serve as important molecular targets for the treatment of AF.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniela Baracaldo-Santamaria, Maria Gabriela Corrales-Hernandez, Maria Camila Ortiz-Vergara, Valeria Cormane-Alfaro, Ricardo-Miguel Luque-Bernal, Carlos-Alberto Calderon-Ospina, Juan-Fernando Cediel-Becerra
Summary: Cell-to-cell communication is crucial for embryonic development and dysfunction of connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs) can lead to diseases. Cxs play a pivotal role in embryogenesis and have been linked to both congenital and adult neurodegenerative diseases. Panxs, despite being structurally similar to Cxs, predominantly form channels connecting the cytoplasm to the extracellular space. Both Cxs and Panxs are involved in various stages of neuronal development in the nervous system.
Article
Cell Biology
Xiao-Dong Gong, Yan Wang, Xue-Bin Hu, Shu-Yu Zheng, Jia-Ling Fu, Qian Nie, Ling Wang, Min Hou, Jia-Wen Xiang, Yuan Xiao, Qian Gao, Yue-Yue Bai, Yi-Zhi Liu, David Wan-Cheng Li
Summary: The study reveals that significant loss of Cx46 and Cx50, along with upregulation of Cx43 in aged human lenses, may contribute to the aging process and cataract formation. Similar findings were observed in mouse lenses, suggesting that prolonged downregulation of Cx46 and Cx50 levels may accelerate cataractogenesis.
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Xin Cai, Chengbin Gao, Min Cao, Baofeng Su, Xiaoli Liu, Beibei Wang, Chao Li
Summary: This study identified 43 gap junction genes in turbot and found that these genes were clustered into six groups with same ancestors among turbot and other species. Additionally, the distribution of these GJ genes on different chromosomes and gene structure and domain analysis revealed highly conserved features.
Article
Biology
Sebastian Curti, Federico Davoine, Antonella Dapino
Summary: In this article, the basic physical principles of electrical transmission between neurons and the plasticity of electrical synapses are reviewed. Circuits of electrically coupled neurons can perform sophisticated operations and can be modulated to alter circuit function.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jorge Enrique Gonzalez-Casanova, Samuel Duran-Aguero, Nelson Javier Caro-Fuentes, Maria Elena Gamboa-Arancibia, Tamara Bruna, Valmore Bermudez, Diana Marcela Rojas-Gomez
Summary: Connexin plays a key role in adipogenesis and maintenance of adipose tissue homeostasis through differentially regulated expression and function during adipogenesis stages. Phosphorylation and degradation of Connexin 43 impact cell-cell communication and adipocyte differentiation.Obesity and high-fat diet are associated with remodeling factors related to Connexin 43 expression and distribution in the atrium.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Svein-Ole Mikalsen, Sunnvor i Kongsstovu, Marni Tausen
Summary: Previous studies have shown that the connexin gene family has similar subfamily structures in several vertebrate groups. However, there is a lack of data between invertebrates and teleosts. The major evolutionary transformations in this gene family are from tunicates to cyclostomes and from cyclostomes to jawed vertebrates.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Lisa Geis, Franz-Fabian Boudriot, Charlotte Wagner
Summary: The kidney expresses eight different connexin isoforms that play important roles in intercellular communication and functional synchronization. Using fluorescent RNAscope technique, the study accurately localized the expression of connexin mRNAs in healthy mouse kidneys. The results showed unique expression patterns of connexins in different cell types of the kidney, confirming previous data and highlighting their significance in renal function.
PFLUGERS ARCHIV-EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Viviana P. Orellana, Andres Tittarelli, Mauricio A. Retamal
Summary: Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that is refractory to chemotherapy in advanced stages, making it important to understand the molecular basis of its aggressiveness. Connexins (Cxs) play important roles in cancer progression and metastasis, with Cx26 and Cx43 being key players in melanoma progression, while Cx46, typically expressed in the eye lens, has been associated with cancer stem cell properties and extracellular vesicle release in breast and brain cancers in recent years. The potential role of Cx46 as a new biomarker and therapeutic target in melanoma is analyzed in this review.
PIGMENT CELL & MELANOMA RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Cell Biology
Mingming Zhou, Minying Zheng, Xinyue Zhou, Shifeng Tian, Xiaohui Yang, Yidi Ning, Yuwei Li, Shiwu Zhang
Summary: Gap junctions (GJs), composed of connexins (Cxs), provide channels for direct information exchange between cells. The expression and function of Cxs, as well as the number and function of GJs, are dynamic and can be influenced by various factors. Recent studies have revealed the critical roles of Cxs and GJs in cancer pathogenesis, but the complex mechanism underlying their involvement in cancer development remains a major obstacle.
CELL COMMUNICATION AND SIGNALING
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
David Mazaud, Anna Capano, Nathalie Rouach
Summary: Astrocytes play a major role in the brain by contributing to functions such as energy supply, neurotransmission, and behavior. They achieve this through forming intercellular networks, releasing neuroactive factors, and using connexins to modulate neurotransmission at various levels. Astroglial connexins regulate neuronal activity and behavior through diverse functions, including gap junction channels, hemichannels, and nonchannel processes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Christoph Koepple, Zizi Zhou, Lena Huber, Matthias Schulte, Kjestine Schmidt, Torsten Gloe, Ulrich Kneser, Volker Juergen Schmidt, Cor de Wit
Summary: Cx43 protein positively modulates the angiogenic potential of endothelial cells by regulating gene expression, cell migration, and growth independently of GJ communication.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Zizi Zhou, Wenxiang Chai, Yi Liu, Meng Zhou, Xiaoming Zhang
Summary: Connexins (Cxs) have crucial roles in cellular communication, affecting cell homeostasis, proliferation, and differentiation. The activity and expression of Cxs are linked to various clinical conditions, including carcinomas, cardiac disorders, and wound healing. Recent discoveries on the association between Cxs and angiogenesis have sparked interest in Cx-mediated angiogenesis due to its vital functions in tissue formation, wound repair, tumor growth, and metastasis. Understanding this association may lead to the development of targeted therapies for angiogenic diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Myo Htet, Jane. E. Nally, Patricia. E. Martin, Yvonne Dempsie
Summary: This review discusses the association between dysregulated connexin-mediated signaling and pulmonary hypertension and provides evidence supporting this association.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Respiratory System
Pascal Barbry, Amelie Cavard, Marc Chanson, Aron B. Jaffe, Lindsey W. Plasschaert
JOURNAL OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS
(2020)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Aderonke Sofoluwe, Marc Bacchetta, Mehdi Badaoui, Brenda R. Kwak, Marc Chanson
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2019)
Article
Microbiology
Laura M. Nolan, Lynne Turnbull, Marilyn Katrib, Sarah R. Osvath, Davide Losa, James J. Lazenby, Cynthia B. Whitchurch
Article
Cell Biology
Mehdi Badaoui, Alice Zoso, Tahir Idris, Marc Bacchetta, Juliette Simonin, Sylvain Lemeille, Bernhard Wehrle-Haller, Marc Chanson
Article
Respiratory System
Aderonke Sofoluwe, Alice Zoso, Marc Bacchetta, Sylvain Lemeille, Marc Chanson
Summary: This study investigated the gene expression profile of CFTR knocked down airway epithelial cells in response to bacterial and viral challenges, revealing key molecular pathways and signaling involved in antiviral and antibacterial responses. The findings provide insights into the defective immune response in CF airway epithelium during infection.
JOURNAL OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Renato Pedron, Elena Luchi, Marta Acin Albiac, Raffaella Di Cagno, Daniele Catorci, Alfonso Esposito, Irene Bianconi, Davide Losa, Mario Cristofolini, Graziano Guella, Olivier Jousson
Summary: Strain 3P27G6(T) has been identified as a new species Mesorhizobium comanense, closely related to Mesorhizobium australicum, with a 99.51% complete genome, and limited nodulation and nitrogen fixation capabilities.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Juliette L. Simonin, Alexandre Luscher, Davide Losa, Mehdi Badaoui, Christian van Delden, Thilo Kohler, Marc Chanson
Summary: Defective hydration of airway surface mucosa is associated with recurrent lung infection in cystic fibrosis. The presence of a healthy airway surface liquid can prevent infection.
Article
Respiratory System
Marco Cafora, Marc Chanson, Anna Pistocchi
Summary: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a common life-threatening genetic disorder in Caucasians caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. CFTR dysfunction affects mucus- and sweat-producing epithelia, leading to various organ complications. The disease is associated with microbiota dysbiosis and abnormal epithelial homeostasis. New strategies are needed to combat bacterial infections and restore epithelial homeostasis in CF patients, and alternative cutting-edge approaches to modulator therapy are promising.
JOURNAL OF CYSTIC FIBROSIS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Mehdi Badaoui, Cyril Sobolewski, Alexandre Luscher, Marc Bacchetta, Thilo Kohler, Christian van Delden, Michelangelo Foti, Marc Chanson
Summary: Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic respiratory disease caused by bacterial infections, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Pa) being the main pathogen. The overexpression of Vav3, a guanine nucleotide exchange factor, is induced by the upregulation of mRNA-stabilizing protein HuR in CF patients. The accumulation of HuR in the cytoplasm of CF airway epithelial cells stabilizes Vav3 mRNA, leading to the formation of fibronectin-made bacterial docking platforms and Pa adhesion. Targeting HuR could be a promising strategy to prevent Pa infection in CF.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Olga M. Rusiecka, Filippo Molica, Morten S. Nielsen, Axel Tollance, Sandrine Morel, Maud Frieden, Marc Chanson, Kerstin Boengler, Brenda R. Kwak
Summary: This study found that deletion of the Pannexin1 (Panx1) gene in cardiac endothelial cells can alleviate cardiac ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury and improve left ventricular function recovery. This cardioprotective effect seems to be mediated through its influence on cardiac mitochondria rather than reducing the inflammatory response. Therefore, Panx1 may represent a new target for controlling cardiac reperfusion damage.
CARDIOVASCULAR RESEARCH
(2023)
Correction
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thilo Koehler, Alexandre Luscher, Lena Falconnet, Gregory Resch, Robert McBride, Quynh-Anh Mai, Juliette L. L. Simonin, Marc Chanson, Bohumil Maco, Raphael Galiotto, Arnaud Riat, Natacha Civic, Mylene Docquier, Shawna McCallin, Benjamin Chan, Christian van Delden
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Thilo Kohler, Alexandre Luscher, Lena Falconnet, Gregory Resch, Robert McBride, Quynh-Anh Mai, Juliette L. Simonin, Marc Chanson, Bohumil Maco, Raphael Galiotto, Arnaud Riat, Shawna McCallin, Benjamin Chan, Christian van Delden
Summary: The study documents the successful treatment of a male patient with life-threatening multi-drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection using personalized phage therapy and intravenous antibiotics. This indicates that phage therapy can be an alternative or complementary strategy for multidrug resistant bacterial infections.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Mehdi Badaoui, Marc Chanson
Summary: Connexins and pannexins are transmembrane proteins involved in intercellular communication and play important roles in tissue homeostasis and host defense. Dysregulation of connexin/pannexin channels has been implicated in pulmonary inflammatory diseases, affecting intercellular communication and contributing to pathological changes. Connexins and pannexins may also have a role in shaping the integrity of the airway epithelium, which is crucial for protection against microbial invasion.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elise Dreano, Marc Bacchetta, Juliette Simonin, Louise Galmiche, Claire Usal, Lotfi Slimani, Jeremy Sadoine, Laurent Tesson, Ignacio Anegon, Jean-Paul Concordet, Aurelie Hatton, Lucile Vignaud, Danielle Tondelier, Isabelle Sermet-Gaudelus, Marc Chanson, Charles-Henry Cottart
ANIMAL MODELS AND EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE
(2019)