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Conformational changes in surface structures of isolated connexin 26 gap junctions

Müller, D. J. and Hand, G. M. and Engel, A. and Sosinsky, G. E.. (2002) Conformational changes in surface structures of isolated connexin 26 gap junctions. The EMBO journal, Vol. 21, H. 14. pp. 3598-3607.

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Official URL: http://edoc.unibas.ch/dok/A5262391

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Abstract

Gap junction channels mediate communication between adjacent cells. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we have imaged conformational changes of the cytoplasmic and extracellular surfaces of native connexin 26 gap junction plaques. The cytoplasmic domains of the gap junction surface, imaged at submolecular resolution, form a hexameric pore protruding from the membrane bilayer. Exhibiting an intrinsic flexibility, these cytoplasmic domains, comprising the C-terminal connexin end, reversibly collapse by increasing the forces applied to the AFM stylus. The extracellular connexon surface was imaged after dissection of the gap junction with the AFM stylus. Upon injection of Ca(2+) into the buffer solution, the extracellular channel entrance reduced its diameter from 1.5 to 0.6 nm, a conformational change that is fully reversible and specific among the divalent cations tested. Ca(2+) had a profound effect on the cytoplasmic surface also, inducing the formation of microdomains. Consequently, the plaque height increased by 0.6 nm to 18 nm. This suggests that calcium ions induce conformational changes affecting the structure of both the hemichannels and the intact channels forming cell-cell contacts.
Faculties and Departments:05 Faculty of Science > Departement Biozentrum > Former Organization Units Biozentrum > Structural Biology (Engel)
UniBasel Contributors:Engel, Andreas H
Item Type:Article, refereed
Article Subtype:Research Article
Publisher:Nature Publishing Group
ISSN:0261-4189
Note:Publication type according to Uni Basel Research Database: Journal article
Last Modified:22 Mar 2012 14:21
Deposited On:22 Mar 2012 13:23

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