Connexin Expression in Pituitary Adenomas and the Effects of Overexpression of Connexin 43 in Pituitary Tumor Cell Lines

Genes

Manuel Faria¹  Gilvan Nascimento¹  Paula Soares²  José Manuel Lopes²  Marta Reis²  Helena Pópulo²  Denise Pires de Carvalho³  Bruno Nunes³  Leandro Miranda-Alves³  Janaína Fernandes⁴  Ana Giselia Nascimento⁵ 

[1] Centre of Clinical Research (CEPEC), President Dutra Hospital of Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís 65020-600, Brazil;Institute for Research and Innovation in Health, University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;Laboratory of Experimental Endocrinology—LEEx, Institute of Biomedical Science, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil;NUPEX, Polo Duque de Caxias, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 25240-005, Brazil;Pathology Service, President Dutra Hospital of Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), São Luís 65020-070, Brazil;

关键词: connexins;    pituitary neuroendocrine tumors;    apoptosis;   

DOI  :  10.3390/genes13040674

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is considered a key mechanism in the regulation of tissue homeostasis. GJIC structures are organized in two transmembrane channels, with each channel formed by connexins (Cxs). GJIC and Cxs expression alterations are related to the process of tumorigenesis in different cell types. Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) represent 15–20% of intracranial neoplasms, and usually display benign behavior. Nevertheless, some may have aggressive behavior, invading adjacent tissues, and featuring a high proliferation rate. We aimed to assess the expression and relevance of GJIC and Cxs proteins in PitNETs. We evaluated the mRNA expression levels of Cx26, 32, and 43, and the protein expression of Cx43 in a series of PitNETs. In addition, we overexpressed Cx43 in pituitary tumor cell lines. At the mRNA level, we observed variable expression of all the connexins in the tumor samples. Cx43 protein expression was absent in most of the pituitary tumor samples that were studied. Moreover, in vitro studies revealed that the overexpression of Cx43 decreases cell growth and induces apoptosis in pituitary tumor cell lines. Our results indicate that the downregulation of Cx43 protein might be involved in the tumorigenesis of most pituitary adenomas and have a potential therapeutic value for pituitary tumor therapy.

【 授权许可】

Unknown