Siqun Xu, Yang Liu, Demao Zhang, Hongcan Huang, Jiachi Li, Jieya Wei, Yueyi Yang, Yujia Cui, Jing Xie, Xuedong Zhou
Connective tissue research 2022 SepGap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) plays an important role in cell growth, development and homeostasis. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is an important half-channel protein responsible for gap junction formation. Platelet-derived growth factor AA (PDGF-AA) regulates the proliferation, migration, metabolism, apoptosis and cell cycle of chondrocytes. However, the role of PDGF-AA in gap junction intercellular communication in chondrocytes is not fully understood. In the current study, we performed experiments to explore the effect of PDGF-AA on GJIC and its underlying biomechanical mechanism. qPCR was performed to determine the expression of PDGF, PDGFR and connexin family genes in chondrocytes and/or cartilage. A scrape loading/dye transfer assay was used to determine GJIC. Western blot analysis was applied to detect the expression of Cx43 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway proteins. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized to examine protein distribution. Scanning electron microscopy was used to delineate the morphology of chondrocytes. Expression of PDGF-A mRNA was highest among the PDGF family in chondrocytes and cartilage tissues. PDGF-AA promoted functional GJIC formation in chondrocytes by upregulating the expression of Cx43. Enhanced functional GJIC formation in chondrocytes induced by PDGF-AA occurred through the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling and its nuclear accumulation. For the first time, this study provides evidence demonstrating the role of PDGF-AA in cell-to-cell communication in chondrocytes through mediating Cx43 expression.
Siqun Xu, Yang Liu, Demao Zhang, Hongcan Huang, Jiachi Li, Jieya Wei, Yueyi Yang, Yujia Cui, Jing Xie, Xuedong Zhou. PDGF-AA promotes gap junction intercellular communication in chondrocytes via the PI3K/Akt pathway. Connective tissue research. 2022 Sep;63(5):544-558
PMID: 35152816
View Full Text