Autophagy modulates dynamics of connexins at the plasma membrane in a ubiquitin-dependent manner.

ABSTRACT: Different pathways contribute to the turnover of connexins, the main structural components of gap junctions (GJs). The cellular pool of connexins targeted to each pathway and the functional consequences of degradation through these degradative pathways are unknown. In this work, we focused on the contribution of macroautophagy to connexin degradation. Using pharmacological and genetic blockage of macroautophagy both in vitro and in vivo, we found that the cellular pool targeted by this autophagic system is primarily the one organized into GJs. Interruption of connexins' macroautophagy resulted in their retention at the plasma membrane in the form of functional GJs and subsequent increased GJ-mediated intercellular diffusion. Up-regulation of macroautophagy alone is not sufficient to induce

SUBMITTER: Bejarano E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3364179 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature