Phosphorylation of connexin43 on serine 306 regulates electrical coupling.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Phosphorylation is a key regulatory event in controlling the function of the cardiac gap junction protein connexin43 (Cx43). Three new phosphorylation sites (S296, S297, S306) have been identified on Cx43; two of these sites (S297 and S306) are dephosphorylated during ischemia. The functional significance of these new sites is currently unknown.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of S296, S297, and S306 in the regulation of electrical intercellular communication.

Methods

To mimic constitutive dephosphorylation, serine was mutated to alanine at the three sites and expressed in HeLa cells. Electrical coupling and single channel measurements were performed by double patch clamp. Protein expression levels were assayed by western blottin

SUBMITTER: Procida K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2803062 | biostudies-literature | 2009 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature