Dynamics of Connexin 43 Down Modulation in Human Articular Chondrocytes Stimulated by Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha.

ABSTRACT: Connexin 43 (Cx43) exerts pivotal functions in articular chondrocytes (CH). It is involved in the communication among cells and between cells and the extracellular environment, and it contributes to the maintenance of the correct cell phenotype. The pro-inflammatory cytokine TNFα induces a reduction in Cx43 expression in CH. Here, we studied the dynamics of this decrease in expression. We evaluated Cx43 protein and gene expression and the involvement of C-terminal domain (CTD) cleavage and proteasomal degradation. Treatments able to counteract TNFα action were also examined, together with Gap Junction (GJ) functionality and Cx43 localization. TNFα induced a significant reduction in Cx43 expression already at day 1, and the down modulation reached a peak at day 3 (-46%). The decrease was li

SUBMITTER: Della Morte E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9142923 | biostudies-literature | 2022 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature