Effect of zymosan on the expression and function of the gap-junction protein connexin 43 in human corneal fibroblasts

• 作者: Xiao-Shuo Zheng Hui Zheng Dan Xu Ping-Ping Liu Bing Li Zi-Mu Cao Yang Liu Ye Liu
• 来源期刊: 国际眼科杂志:英文版
• 学科: 医学
• 关键词: corneal fibroblast ZYMOSAN gap junction connexin 43 MAPKS
• 年，卷（期）: 2021,（3）
• 页码范围: 341-348
• 页数: 8页
• 分类号: R73

摘要

AIM:To study the effect of zymosan,a ligand found on the surface of fungi,on gap junctional intercellular communication(GJIC)in cultured human corneal fibroblasts(HCFs).METHODS:Zymosan was added to the medium of cultured HCFs with or without the administration of mitogenactivated protein kinase(MAPK)inhibitors or the inhibitor kappa B kinase 2(IKK2)inhibitor IV.The protein and m RNA levels of connexin 43(Cx43)in HCFs were measured by Western blot,immunofluorescence,and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(q RT-PCR)analyses.The GJIC activity was tested using a dye-coupling assay.RESULTS:The reduction of Cx43 protein and m RNA levels as well as a significant decrease in GJIC activity were observed in cultured HCFs when zymosan was added into the culture medium.Compared with controls(no zymosan),the protein level of Cx43 was reduced by 45%and 54%in the presence of zymosan at 200 and 600μg/m L,respectively(P<0.05);and it was reduced by 45%,48%,and 75%in the presence of zymosan(600μg/m L)for 24,36,and 48 h,respectively(P<0.05).The m RNA expression of Cx43 was reduced by 98%in the presence of zymosan(P<0.05).The effects of zymosan on Cx43 expression and GJIC activity were attenuated by the administration of PD98059[an extracellular signal-regulated kinase(ERK)signaling inhibitor](P<0.05),c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase(JNK)inhibitor II(P<0.05),and IKK2 inhibitor IV(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:Zymosan inhibits the activity of GJIC in cultured HCFs.This effect is likely regulated via the nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB),MAPK/ERK,and JNK signaling pathways.The inhibitory effects of zymosan on Cx43 expression and GJIC activity in HCFs may induce damage of corneal stroma during corneal fungal infection.