Distinct moieties underlie biphasic H⁺ gating of connexin43 channels, producing a pH optimum for intercellular communication.

ABSTRACT: Most mammalian cells can intercommunicate via connexin-assembled, gap-junctional channels. To regulate signal transmission, connexin (Cx) channel permeability must respond dynamically to physiological and pathophysiological stimuli. One key stimulus is intracellular pH (pH_i), which is modulated by a tissue's metabolic and perfusion status. Our understanding of the molecular mechanism of H⁺ gating of Cx43 channels-the major isoform in the heart and brain-is incomplete. To interrogate the effects of acidic and alkaline pH_i on Cx43 channels, we combined voltage-clamp electrophysiology with pH_i imaging and photolytic H⁺ uncaging, performed over a range of pH_i values. We demonstrate that Cx43 channels expressed in HeLa or N2a cel

SUBMITTER: Garciarena CD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5893178 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature