Insulin Docking Within the Open Hemichannel of Connexin 43 May Reduce Risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background/aim

Type 2 diabetes (T2D), characterized by hyperinsulinemia, protects motor neurons against amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Type 1 diabetes and a total lack of insulin are associated with increased risk of ALS. Connexin 43 (Cx43), an astrocyte protein, operates as an open pore via which toxic substances from the astrocytes reach motor neurons.

Materials and methods

In the current study, we performed molecular docking of insulin with monomeric Cx31, monomeric Cx43, and hexameric Cx31 to assess whether insulin might affect the pore. Hexameric Cx31 and hexameric Cx43 are transmembrane hemichannels composed of 6 subunits; they bind together to form gap junction intercellular channels. We used the program AutoDock Vina Extended for the molecular docking study.

SUBMITTER: Lehrer S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10026685 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Mar-Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature