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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Expression and Functionality of Connexin-Based Channels in Human Liver Cancer Cell Lines

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Author(s):
Leroy, Kaat [1] ; Silva Costa, Cicero Julio [2] ; Pieters, Alanah [1] ; dos Santos Rodrigues, Bruna [1] ; Van Campenhout, Raf [1] ; Cooreman, Axelle [1] ; Tabernilla, Andres [1] ; Cogliati, Bruno [2] ; Vinken, Mathieu [1]
Total Authors: 9
Affiliation:
[1] Vrije Univ Brussel, Dept Pharmaceut & Pharmacol Sci, Entity Vitro Toxicol & Dermato Cosmetol, Laarbeeklaan 103, B-1090 Brussels - Belgium
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Sch Vet Med & Anim Sci, Dept Pathol, Prof Dr Orlando Marques Paiva 87, BR-05508270 Sao Paulo - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 2
Document type: Journal article
Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES; v. 22, n. 22 NOV 2021.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Liver cancer cell lines are frequently used in vitro tools to test candidate anti-cancer agents as well as to elucidate mechanisms of liver carcinogenesis. Among such mechanisms is cellular communication mediated by connexin-based gap junctions. The present study investigated changes in connexin expression and gap junction functionality in liver cancer in vitro. For this purpose, seven human liver cancer cell lines, as well as primary human hepatocytes, were subjected to connexin and gap junction analysis at the transcriptional, translational and activity level. Real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis showed enhanced expression of connexin43 in the majority of liver cancer cell lines at the expense of connexin32 and connexin26. Some of these changes were paralleled at the protein level, as evidenced by immunoblot analysis and in situ immunocytochemistry. Gap junctional intercellular communication, assessed by the scrape loading/dye transfer assay, was generally low in all liver cancer cell lines. Collectively, these results provide a full scenario of modifications in hepatocyte connexin production and gap junction activity in cultured liver cancer cell lines. The findings may be valuable for the selection of neoplastic hepatocytes for future mechanistic investigation and testing of anti-cancer drugs that target connexins and their channels. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 18/10953-9 - Are connexins, pannexins and their (hemi)channels novel biomarkers and pharmacological targets in the prognosis and therapy of liver cancer?
Grantee:Bruno Cogliati
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants