A truncated isoform of Connexin43 caps actin to organize forward delivery of full-length Connexin43.

ABSTRACT: While membrane proteins such as ion channels continuously turn over and require replacement, the mechanisms of specificity of efficient channel delivery to appropriate membrane subdomains remain poorly understood. GJA1-20k is a truncated Connexin43 (Cx43) isoform arising from translation initiating at an internal start codon within the same parent GJA1 mRNA and is requisite for full-length Cx43 trafficking to cell borders. GJA1-20k does not have a full transmembrane domain, and it is not known how GJA1-20k enables forward delivery of Cx43 hemichannels. Here, we report that a RPEL-like domain at the C terminus of GJA1-20k binds directly to actin and induces an actin phenotype similar to that of an actin-capping protein. Furthermore, GJA1-20k organizes actin within the cytoplasm to physicall

SUBMITTER: Baum R 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11687303 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature