The Experts below are selected from a list of 2520 Experts worldwide ranked by ideXlab platform
Robin M Shaw - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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an alternatively translated connexin 43 isoform GJA1 11k localizes to the nucleus and can inhibit cell cycle progression
Biomolecules, 2020Co-Authors: Irina Epifantseva, Shaohua Xiao, Tingting Hong, Rachel Baum, Andre G Kleber, Robin M ShawAbstract:Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a gap junction protein that assembles at the cell border to form intercellular gap junction (GJ) channels which allow for cell-cell communication by facilitating the rapid transmission of ions and other small molecules between adjacent cells. Non-canonical roles of Cx43, and specifically its C-terminal domain, have been identified in the regulation of Cx43 trafficking, mitochondrial preconditioning, cell proliferation, and tumor formation, yet the mechanisms are still being explored. It was recently identified that up to six truncated isoforms of Cx43 are endogenously produced via alternative translation from internal start codons in addition to full length Cx43, all from the same mRNA produced by the gene GJA1. GJA1-11k, the 11kDa alternatively translated isoform of Cx43, does not have a known role in the formation of gap junction channels, and little is known about its function. Here, we report that over expressed GJA1-11k, unlike the other five truncated isoforms, preferentially localizes to the nucleus in HEK293FT cells and suppresses cell growth by limiting cell cycle progression from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase. Furthermore, these functions are independent of the channel-forming full-length Cx43 isoform. Understanding the apparently unique role of GJA1-11k and its generation in cell cycle regulation may uncover a new target for affecting cell growth in multiple disease models.
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stress response protein GJA1 20k promotes mitochondrial biogenesis metabolic quiescence and cardioprotection against ischemia reperfusion injury
JCI insight, 2018Co-Authors: Wassim A Basheer, Sosse Agvanian, Shaohua Xiao, Tingting Hong, Daisuke Shimura, Diana M Hernandez, Tara C Hitzeman, Robin M ShawAbstract:Connexin 43 (Cx43), a product of the GJA1 gene, is a gap junction protein facilitating intercellular communication between cardiomyocytes. Cx43 protects the heart from ischemic injury by mechanisms that are not well understood. GJA1 mRNA can undergo alternative translation, generating smaller isoforms in the heart, with GJA1-20k being the most abundant. Here, we report that ischemic and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries upregulate endogenous GJA1-20k protein in the heart, which targets to cardiac mitochondria and associates with the outer mitochondrial membrane. Exploring the functional consequence of increased GJA1-20k, we found that AAV9-mediated gene transfer of GJA1-20k in mouse hearts increases mitochondrial biogenesis while reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, respiration, and ROS production. By doing so, GJA1-20k promotes a protective mitochondrial phenotype, as seen with ischemic preconditioning (IPC), which also increases endogenous GJA1-20k in heart lysates and mitochondrial fractions. As a result, AAV9-GJA1-20k pretreatment reduces myocardial infarct size in mouse hearts subjected to in vivo ischemic injury or ex vivo I/R injury, similar to an IPC-induced cardioprotective effect. In conclusion, GJA1-20k is an endogenous stress response protein that induces mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic hibernation, preconditioning the heart against I/R insults. Introduction of exogenous GJA1-20k is a putative therapeutic strategy for patients undergoing anticipated ischemic injury.
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abstract 544 GJA1 20k uses the actin cytoskeleton to promote both mitochondrial fission and fusion
Circulation Research, 2018Co-Authors: Daisuke Shimura, Shaohua Xiao, Tingting Hong, Rachel Baum, Robin M ShawAbstract:Connexin (Cx) 43 is encoded by the GJA1 gene and GJA1-20k has been identified as an N-terminal truncation of Cx43 generated endogenously by internal translation initiation in heart and other organs...
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abstract 546 GJA1 20k protects the heart from ischemic injury by inducing mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic quiescence
Circulation Research, 2018Co-Authors: Wassim A Basheer, Shaohua Xiao, Tingting Hong, Robin M ShawAbstract:Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a cell-cell communication gap junction protein that is encoded by the GJA1 gene and is expressed in all organ systems. It was recently found that the GJA1 mRNA undergoes alter...
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cx43 isoform GJA1 20k promotes microtubule dependent mitochondrial transport
Frontiers in Physiology, 2017Co-Authors: Shanshan Zhang, Wassim A Basheer, Shaohua Xiao, Tingting Hong, Robin M Shaw, Rachel Baum, Irina EpifantsevaAbstract:Connexin 43 (Cx43, encoded by GJA1) is a cell-cell communication gap junction protein expressed in all organ systems. It was recently found that GJA1 mRNA undergoes alternative translation to generate N-terminal truncated isoforms, of which GJA1-20k is the most abundant. Here we report a surprising finding that, unlike full length GJA1-43k, GJA1-20k have a strong tropism for mitochondria. Exploring function, we found that GJA1-20k appears to be an organelle chaperone and that overexpression of GJA1-20k is sufficient to rescue mitochondrial localization to the cell periphery upon exposure to hydrogen peroxide, which effectively limits the network fragmentation that occurs with oxidative stress. By high-resolution fluorescent imaging and electron microscopy, we determined that GJA1-20k is enriched at the interface between mitochondria and microtubules, appearing to load organelles for transport. Mutagenesis experiments revealed that although the microtubule-binding domain (MTBD) in GJA1-20k is not necessary for protein localization to mitochondria, the MTBD is essential for GJA1-20k to facilitate mitochondrial transport and maintain mitochondrial localization at the periphery. These results reveal an unexpected role for the alternatively translated isoform of the Cx43 gap junction protein, GJA1-20k, which is to facilitate microtubule-based mitochondrial transport and to maintain mitochondrial network integrity during cellular stress.
Tingting Hong - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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protective mitochondrial fission induced by stress responsive protein GJA1 20k
eLife, 2021Co-Authors: Daisuke Shimura, Shaohua Xiao, Rachel Baum, Esther Nuebel, Junco S Warren, Steven Valdez, Joseph A Palatinus, Tingting HongAbstract:The Connexin43 gap junction gene GJA1 has one coding exon, but its mRNA undergoes internal translation to generate N-terminal truncated isoforms of Connexin43 with the predominant isoform being only 20 kDa in size (GJA1-20k). Endogenous GJA1-20k protein is not membrane bound and has been found to increase in response to ischemic stress, localize to mitochondria, and mimic ischemic preconditioning protection in the heart. However, it is not known how GJA1-20k benefits mitochondria to provide this protection. Here, using human cells and mice, we identify that GJA1-20k polymerizes actin around mitochondria which induces focal constriction sites. Mitochondrial fission events occur within about 45 s of GJA1-20k recruitment of actin. Interestingly, GJA1-20k mediated fission is independent of canonical Dynamin-Related Protein 1 (DRP1). We find that GJA1-20k-induced smaller mitochondria have decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and, in hearts, provide potent protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. The results indicate that stress responsive internally translated GJA1-20k stabilizes polymerized actin filaments to stimulate non-canonical mitochondrial fission which limits ischemic-reperfusion induced myocardial infarction.
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protective mitochondrial fission induced by stress responsive protein GJA1 20k
bioRxiv, 2021Co-Authors: Daisuke Shimura, Shaohua Xiao, Tingting Hong, Rachel Baum, Esther Nuebel, Junco S Warren, Jared RutterAbstract:Abstract The Connexin43 gap junction gene GJA1 has one coding exon, but its mRNA undergoes internal translation to generate N-terminal truncated isoforms of Connexin43 with the predominant isoform being only 20 kDa in size (GJA1-20k). Endogenous GJA1-20k protein is not membrane bound, and has been found to increase in response to ischemic stress, localize to mitochondria, and mimic ischemic preconditioning protection in the heart. However, it is not known how GJA1-20k benefits mitochondria to provide this protection. Here, we identify that GJA1-20k polymerizes actin around mitochondria which induces focal constriction sites. Mitochondrial fission events occur within about 45 seconds of GJA1-20k recruitment of actin. Interestingly, GJA1-20k mediated fission is independent of canonical Dynamin Related Protein 1 (DRP1). We find that GJA1-20k induced smaller mitochondria have decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and, in hearts, provide potent protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. The results indicate that stress responsive internally translated GJA1-20k stabilizes polymerized actin filaments to stimulate non-canonical mitochondrial fission which limits ischemic-reperfusion induced myocardial infarction.
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an alternatively translated connexin 43 isoform GJA1 11k localizes to the nucleus and can inhibit cell cycle progression
Biomolecules, 2020Co-Authors: Irina Epifantseva, Shaohua Xiao, Tingting Hong, Rachel Baum, Andre G Kleber, Robin M ShawAbstract:Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a gap junction protein that assembles at the cell border to form intercellular gap junction (GJ) channels which allow for cell-cell communication by facilitating the rapid transmission of ions and other small molecules between adjacent cells. Non-canonical roles of Cx43, and specifically its C-terminal domain, have been identified in the regulation of Cx43 trafficking, mitochondrial preconditioning, cell proliferation, and tumor formation, yet the mechanisms are still being explored. It was recently identified that up to six truncated isoforms of Cx43 are endogenously produced via alternative translation from internal start codons in addition to full length Cx43, all from the same mRNA produced by the gene GJA1. GJA1-11k, the 11kDa alternatively translated isoform of Cx43, does not have a known role in the formation of gap junction channels, and little is known about its function. Here, we report that over expressed GJA1-11k, unlike the other five truncated isoforms, preferentially localizes to the nucleus in HEK293FT cells and suppresses cell growth by limiting cell cycle progression from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase. Furthermore, these functions are independent of the channel-forming full-length Cx43 isoform. Understanding the apparently unique role of GJA1-11k and its generation in cell cycle regulation may uncover a new target for affecting cell growth in multiple disease models.
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stress response protein GJA1 20k promotes mitochondrial biogenesis metabolic quiescence and cardioprotection against ischemia reperfusion injury
JCI insight, 2018Co-Authors: Wassim A Basheer, Sosse Agvanian, Shaohua Xiao, Tingting Hong, Daisuke Shimura, Diana M Hernandez, Tara C Hitzeman, Robin M ShawAbstract:Connexin 43 (Cx43), a product of the GJA1 gene, is a gap junction protein facilitating intercellular communication between cardiomyocytes. Cx43 protects the heart from ischemic injury by mechanisms that are not well understood. GJA1 mRNA can undergo alternative translation, generating smaller isoforms in the heart, with GJA1-20k being the most abundant. Here, we report that ischemic and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries upregulate endogenous GJA1-20k protein in the heart, which targets to cardiac mitochondria and associates with the outer mitochondrial membrane. Exploring the functional consequence of increased GJA1-20k, we found that AAV9-mediated gene transfer of GJA1-20k in mouse hearts increases mitochondrial biogenesis while reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, respiration, and ROS production. By doing so, GJA1-20k promotes a protective mitochondrial phenotype, as seen with ischemic preconditioning (IPC), which also increases endogenous GJA1-20k in heart lysates and mitochondrial fractions. As a result, AAV9-GJA1-20k pretreatment reduces myocardial infarct size in mouse hearts subjected to in vivo ischemic injury or ex vivo I/R injury, similar to an IPC-induced cardioprotective effect. In conclusion, GJA1-20k is an endogenous stress response protein that induces mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic hibernation, preconditioning the heart against I/R insults. Introduction of exogenous GJA1-20k is a putative therapeutic strategy for patients undergoing anticipated ischemic injury.
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abstract 544 GJA1 20k uses the actin cytoskeleton to promote both mitochondrial fission and fusion
Circulation Research, 2018Co-Authors: Daisuke Shimura, Shaohua Xiao, Tingting Hong, Rachel Baum, Robin M ShawAbstract:Connexin (Cx) 43 is encoded by the GJA1 gene and GJA1-20k has been identified as an N-terminal truncation of Cx43 generated endogenously by internal translation initiation in heart and other organs...
Shaohua Xiao - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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protective mitochondrial fission induced by stress responsive protein GJA1 20k
eLife, 2021Co-Authors: Daisuke Shimura, Shaohua Xiao, Rachel Baum, Esther Nuebel, Junco S Warren, Steven Valdez, Joseph A Palatinus, Tingting HongAbstract:The Connexin43 gap junction gene GJA1 has one coding exon, but its mRNA undergoes internal translation to generate N-terminal truncated isoforms of Connexin43 with the predominant isoform being only 20 kDa in size (GJA1-20k). Endogenous GJA1-20k protein is not membrane bound and has been found to increase in response to ischemic stress, localize to mitochondria, and mimic ischemic preconditioning protection in the heart. However, it is not known how GJA1-20k benefits mitochondria to provide this protection. Here, using human cells and mice, we identify that GJA1-20k polymerizes actin around mitochondria which induces focal constriction sites. Mitochondrial fission events occur within about 45 s of GJA1-20k recruitment of actin. Interestingly, GJA1-20k mediated fission is independent of canonical Dynamin-Related Protein 1 (DRP1). We find that GJA1-20k-induced smaller mitochondria have decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and, in hearts, provide potent protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. The results indicate that stress responsive internally translated GJA1-20k stabilizes polymerized actin filaments to stimulate non-canonical mitochondrial fission which limits ischemic-reperfusion induced myocardial infarction.
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protective mitochondrial fission induced by stress responsive protein GJA1 20k
bioRxiv, 2021Co-Authors: Daisuke Shimura, Shaohua Xiao, Tingting Hong, Rachel Baum, Esther Nuebel, Junco S Warren, Jared RutterAbstract:Abstract The Connexin43 gap junction gene GJA1 has one coding exon, but its mRNA undergoes internal translation to generate N-terminal truncated isoforms of Connexin43 with the predominant isoform being only 20 kDa in size (GJA1-20k). Endogenous GJA1-20k protein is not membrane bound, and has been found to increase in response to ischemic stress, localize to mitochondria, and mimic ischemic preconditioning protection in the heart. However, it is not known how GJA1-20k benefits mitochondria to provide this protection. Here, we identify that GJA1-20k polymerizes actin around mitochondria which induces focal constriction sites. Mitochondrial fission events occur within about 45 seconds of GJA1-20k recruitment of actin. Interestingly, GJA1-20k mediated fission is independent of canonical Dynamin Related Protein 1 (DRP1). We find that GJA1-20k induced smaller mitochondria have decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and, in hearts, provide potent protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. The results indicate that stress responsive internally translated GJA1-20k stabilizes polymerized actin filaments to stimulate non-canonical mitochondrial fission which limits ischemic-reperfusion induced myocardial infarction.
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auxiliary trafficking subunit GJA1 20k protects connexin 43 from degradation and limits ventricular arrhythmias
Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2020Co-Authors: Sosse Agvanian, Shaohua Xiao, Rachel Baum, Daisuke Shimura, Diana M Hernandez, Yoshiko Nagaoka, Makoto KatsumataAbstract:Connexin-43 (Cx43) gap junctions provide intercellular coupling, which ensures rapid action potential propagation and synchronized heart contraction. Alterations in Cx43 localization and reductions in gap junction coupling occur in failing hearts, contributing to ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Recent reports have found that an internally translated Cx43 isoform, GJA1-20k, is an auxiliary subunit for the trafficking of Cx43 in heterologous expression systems. Here, we have created a mouse model by using CRISPR technology to mutate a single internal translation initiation site in Cx43 (M213L mutation), which generates full-length Cx43, but not GJA1-20k. We found that GJA1M213L/M213L mice had severely abnormal electrocardiograms despite preserved contractile function, reduced total Cx43, and reduced gap junctions, and they died suddenly at 2 to 4 weeks of age. Heterozygous GJA1M213L/WT mice survived to adulthood with increased ventricular ectopy. Biochemical experiments indicated that cytoplasmic Cx43 had a half-life that was 50% shorter than membrane-associated Cx43. Without GJA1-20k, poorly trafficked Cx43 was degraded. The data support that GJA1-20k, an endogenous entity translated independently of Cx43, is critical for Cx43 gap junction trafficking, maintenance of Cx43 protein, and normal electrical function of the mammalian heart.
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an alternatively translated connexin 43 isoform GJA1 11k localizes to the nucleus and can inhibit cell cycle progression
Biomolecules, 2020Co-Authors: Irina Epifantseva, Shaohua Xiao, Tingting Hong, Rachel Baum, Andre G Kleber, Robin M ShawAbstract:Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a gap junction protein that assembles at the cell border to form intercellular gap junction (GJ) channels which allow for cell-cell communication by facilitating the rapid transmission of ions and other small molecules between adjacent cells. Non-canonical roles of Cx43, and specifically its C-terminal domain, have been identified in the regulation of Cx43 trafficking, mitochondrial preconditioning, cell proliferation, and tumor formation, yet the mechanisms are still being explored. It was recently identified that up to six truncated isoforms of Cx43 are endogenously produced via alternative translation from internal start codons in addition to full length Cx43, all from the same mRNA produced by the gene GJA1. GJA1-11k, the 11kDa alternatively translated isoform of Cx43, does not have a known role in the formation of gap junction channels, and little is known about its function. Here, we report that over expressed GJA1-11k, unlike the other five truncated isoforms, preferentially localizes to the nucleus in HEK293FT cells and suppresses cell growth by limiting cell cycle progression from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase. Furthermore, these functions are independent of the channel-forming full-length Cx43 isoform. Understanding the apparently unique role of GJA1-11k and its generation in cell cycle regulation may uncover a new target for affecting cell growth in multiple disease models.
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stress response protein GJA1 20k promotes mitochondrial biogenesis metabolic quiescence and cardioprotection against ischemia reperfusion injury
JCI insight, 2018Co-Authors: Wassim A Basheer, Sosse Agvanian, Shaohua Xiao, Tingting Hong, Daisuke Shimura, Diana M Hernandez, Tara C Hitzeman, Robin M ShawAbstract:Connexin 43 (Cx43), a product of the GJA1 gene, is a gap junction protein facilitating intercellular communication between cardiomyocytes. Cx43 protects the heart from ischemic injury by mechanisms that are not well understood. GJA1 mRNA can undergo alternative translation, generating smaller isoforms in the heart, with GJA1-20k being the most abundant. Here, we report that ischemic and ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries upregulate endogenous GJA1-20k protein in the heart, which targets to cardiac mitochondria and associates with the outer mitochondrial membrane. Exploring the functional consequence of increased GJA1-20k, we found that AAV9-mediated gene transfer of GJA1-20k in mouse hearts increases mitochondrial biogenesis while reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, respiration, and ROS production. By doing so, GJA1-20k promotes a protective mitochondrial phenotype, as seen with ischemic preconditioning (IPC), which also increases endogenous GJA1-20k in heart lysates and mitochondrial fractions. As a result, AAV9-GJA1-20k pretreatment reduces myocardial infarct size in mouse hearts subjected to in vivo ischemic injury or ex vivo I/R injury, similar to an IPC-induced cardioprotective effect. In conclusion, GJA1-20k is an endogenous stress response protein that induces mitochondrial biogenesis and metabolic hibernation, preconditioning the heart against I/R insults. Introduction of exogenous GJA1-20k is a putative therapeutic strategy for patients undergoing anticipated ischemic injury.
Vital Paulino Costa - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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structural assessment of pitx2 foxc1 cyp1b1 and GJA1 genes in patients with axenfeld rieger syndrome with developmental glaucoma
Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 2006Co-Authors: Wener Cella, Jose Paulo Cabral De Vasconcellos, Monica Barbosa De Melo, Bianca Kneipp, Fernando Ferreira Costa, Carlos Alberto Longui, Vital Paulino CostaAbstract:PURPOSE: Axenfeld-Rieger (AR) is an autosomal dominant disorder with phenotypic heterogeneity characterized by anterior segment dysgenesis, facial bone defects, and redundant periumbilical skin. The PITX2 gene, on chromosome 4q25, and the FOXC1 gene, on chromosome 6p25, have been implicated in the different phenotypes of the syndrome through mutational events. Recently, the CYP1B1 gene was found to be associated with Peters' anomaly, and the gene associated with oculodentodigital dysplasia syndrome, which presents some similarities with AR, was identified (connexin 43--GJA1 gene). The purpose of this study was to evaluate PITX2, FOXC1, CYP1B1, and GJA1 gene mutations in Brazilian families with AR. METHODS: Eight unrelated patients affected by AR (all eight with glaucoma and three with systemic manifestations) and their families were ophthalmologically evaluated and their blood was collected for DNA extraction purposes. The coding regions of PITX2, FOXC1, CYP1B1, and GJA1 genes were completely evaluated through direct sequencing. RESULTS: The frequency of mutations in the FOXC1, GJA1, PITX2, and CYP1B1 genes in this study were 25%, 12.5%, 0% and 0%, respectively. In the FOXC1 gene, two GGC triplet insertions (GGC375ins and GGC447ins) defined as a polymorphism, and two new mutations--a deletion (718 to 719delCT) and a nonsense mutation (Trp152STOP)--were identified. One polymorphism (Ala253Val) was identified in the GJA1 gene in the same family presenting the Trp152STOP mutation in the FOXC1 gene. In this family harboring both structural alterations, two patients who carried the GJA1 (Ala253Val) and FOXC1 (Trp152STOP) mutations developed less severe glaucoma compared with family members presenting the FOXC1 (Trp152STOP) mutation alone. CONCLUSIONS: Two new structural alterations in the FOXC1 gene and a polymorphism in the GJA1 gene were first described in Brazilian patients with AR and developmental glaucoma. A polymorphism in the GJA1 gene (Ala253Val), for the first time identified in association with AR, raises the possibility of its participation as a modifier gene.
Rachel Baum - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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protective mitochondrial fission induced by stress responsive protein GJA1 20k
eLife, 2021Co-Authors: Daisuke Shimura, Shaohua Xiao, Rachel Baum, Esther Nuebel, Junco S Warren, Steven Valdez, Joseph A Palatinus, Tingting HongAbstract:The Connexin43 gap junction gene GJA1 has one coding exon, but its mRNA undergoes internal translation to generate N-terminal truncated isoforms of Connexin43 with the predominant isoform being only 20 kDa in size (GJA1-20k). Endogenous GJA1-20k protein is not membrane bound and has been found to increase in response to ischemic stress, localize to mitochondria, and mimic ischemic preconditioning protection in the heart. However, it is not known how GJA1-20k benefits mitochondria to provide this protection. Here, using human cells and mice, we identify that GJA1-20k polymerizes actin around mitochondria which induces focal constriction sites. Mitochondrial fission events occur within about 45 s of GJA1-20k recruitment of actin. Interestingly, GJA1-20k mediated fission is independent of canonical Dynamin-Related Protein 1 (DRP1). We find that GJA1-20k-induced smaller mitochondria have decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and, in hearts, provide potent protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. The results indicate that stress responsive internally translated GJA1-20k stabilizes polymerized actin filaments to stimulate non-canonical mitochondrial fission which limits ischemic-reperfusion induced myocardial infarction.
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protective mitochondrial fission induced by stress responsive protein GJA1 20k
bioRxiv, 2021Co-Authors: Daisuke Shimura, Shaohua Xiao, Tingting Hong, Rachel Baum, Esther Nuebel, Junco S Warren, Jared RutterAbstract:Abstract The Connexin43 gap junction gene GJA1 has one coding exon, but its mRNA undergoes internal translation to generate N-terminal truncated isoforms of Connexin43 with the predominant isoform being only 20 kDa in size (GJA1-20k). Endogenous GJA1-20k protein is not membrane bound, and has been found to increase in response to ischemic stress, localize to mitochondria, and mimic ischemic preconditioning protection in the heart. However, it is not known how GJA1-20k benefits mitochondria to provide this protection. Here, we identify that GJA1-20k polymerizes actin around mitochondria which induces focal constriction sites. Mitochondrial fission events occur within about 45 seconds of GJA1-20k recruitment of actin. Interestingly, GJA1-20k mediated fission is independent of canonical Dynamin Related Protein 1 (DRP1). We find that GJA1-20k induced smaller mitochondria have decreased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and, in hearts, provide potent protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. The results indicate that stress responsive internally translated GJA1-20k stabilizes polymerized actin filaments to stimulate non-canonical mitochondrial fission which limits ischemic-reperfusion induced myocardial infarction.
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auxiliary trafficking subunit GJA1 20k protects connexin 43 from degradation and limits ventricular arrhythmias
Journal of Clinical Investigation, 2020Co-Authors: Sosse Agvanian, Shaohua Xiao, Rachel Baum, Daisuke Shimura, Diana M Hernandez, Yoshiko Nagaoka, Makoto KatsumataAbstract:Connexin-43 (Cx43) gap junctions provide intercellular coupling, which ensures rapid action potential propagation and synchronized heart contraction. Alterations in Cx43 localization and reductions in gap junction coupling occur in failing hearts, contributing to ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Recent reports have found that an internally translated Cx43 isoform, GJA1-20k, is an auxiliary subunit for the trafficking of Cx43 in heterologous expression systems. Here, we have created a mouse model by using CRISPR technology to mutate a single internal translation initiation site in Cx43 (M213L mutation), which generates full-length Cx43, but not GJA1-20k. We found that GJA1M213L/M213L mice had severely abnormal electrocardiograms despite preserved contractile function, reduced total Cx43, and reduced gap junctions, and they died suddenly at 2 to 4 weeks of age. Heterozygous GJA1M213L/WT mice survived to adulthood with increased ventricular ectopy. Biochemical experiments indicated that cytoplasmic Cx43 had a half-life that was 50% shorter than membrane-associated Cx43. Without GJA1-20k, poorly trafficked Cx43 was degraded. The data support that GJA1-20k, an endogenous entity translated independently of Cx43, is critical for Cx43 gap junction trafficking, maintenance of Cx43 protein, and normal electrical function of the mammalian heart.
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an alternatively translated connexin 43 isoform GJA1 11k localizes to the nucleus and can inhibit cell cycle progression
Biomolecules, 2020Co-Authors: Irina Epifantseva, Shaohua Xiao, Tingting Hong, Rachel Baum, Andre G Kleber, Robin M ShawAbstract:Connexin 43 (Cx43) is a gap junction protein that assembles at the cell border to form intercellular gap junction (GJ) channels which allow for cell-cell communication by facilitating the rapid transmission of ions and other small molecules between adjacent cells. Non-canonical roles of Cx43, and specifically its C-terminal domain, have been identified in the regulation of Cx43 trafficking, mitochondrial preconditioning, cell proliferation, and tumor formation, yet the mechanisms are still being explored. It was recently identified that up to six truncated isoforms of Cx43 are endogenously produced via alternative translation from internal start codons in addition to full length Cx43, all from the same mRNA produced by the gene GJA1. GJA1-11k, the 11kDa alternatively translated isoform of Cx43, does not have a known role in the formation of gap junction channels, and little is known about its function. Here, we report that over expressed GJA1-11k, unlike the other five truncated isoforms, preferentially localizes to the nucleus in HEK293FT cells and suppresses cell growth by limiting cell cycle progression from the G0/G1 phase to the S phase. Furthermore, these functions are independent of the channel-forming full-length Cx43 isoform. Understanding the apparently unique role of GJA1-11k and its generation in cell cycle regulation may uncover a new target for affecting cell growth in multiple disease models.
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abstract 544 GJA1 20k uses the actin cytoskeleton to promote both mitochondrial fission and fusion
Circulation Research, 2018Co-Authors: Daisuke Shimura, Shaohua Xiao, Tingting Hong, Rachel Baum, Robin M ShawAbstract:Connexin (Cx) 43 is encoded by the GJA1 gene and GJA1-20k has been identified as an N-terminal truncation of Cx43 generated endogenously by internal translation initiation in heart and other organs...