Does tGF-beta1 inhibit Cx43 expression and formation of functional syncytia in cultured smooth muscle cells from human detrusor?
Dye-coupling experiments revealed stable formation of functional syncytia in passaged cell cultures (P1-P4). Stimulation with TGF-beta1 led to significant reduction of Cx43 immunoreactivity and coupling. Cx43 protein expression was significantly downregulated and Cx43 mRNA was only 30% of the control level. Interestingly, low phosphorylation species of Cx43 were particularly affected.
Pao possess potent antitumor activity and could enhance carboplatin effect, and therefore holds therapeutic potential in the treatment of ovarian cancer.