"INTEGRINating" the connexin hemichannel function in bone osteocytes through the action of integrin α5

Nidhi Batra, Jean X. Jiang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

5 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mechanical loading influences skeletal structural integrity and bone remodeling. Application of a mechanical stimulus such as fluid flow shear stress to the bone osteocytes activates the cascade of mechanotransduction mediated by multiple signaling molecules. Hemichannels formed by connexin molecules are emerging as a candidate mechanosensor. Connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannels open in response to mechanical stimulation to release bone modulators which influence bone remodeling. Our study identified a direct interaction between integrin α5 and Cx43 which was essential for hemichannels to open. Uncoupling the interaction blocked the hemichannels and shear stress enhanced the interaction between the two proteins to promote channel opening. More importantly, integrin α5, independent of its association with fibronectin, was activated upon shear stress through a PI3K signaling pathway. These results suggest a critical regulatory mechanism for Cx43 hemichannel opening through the association of integrin α5, resulting in release of bone anabolic factors required for bone development.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)516-518
Number of pages3
JournalCommunicative and Integrative Biology
Volume5
Issue number5
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2012

Keywords

  • Bone osteocytes
  • Connexin
  • Hemichannel
  • Integrin
  • Mechanotransduction

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Agricultural and Biological Sciences

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