Cx43 associates with Na(v)1.5 in the cardiomyocyte perinexus.

ABSTRACT: Gap junctions (GJs) are aggregates of channels that provide for direct cytoplasmic connection between cells. Importantly, this connection is thought responsible for cell-to-cell transfer of the cardiac action potential. The GJ channels of ventricular myocytes are composed of connexin43 (Cx43). Interaction of Cx43 with zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) is localized not only at the GJ plaque, but also to the region surrounding the GJ, the perinexus. Cx43 in the perinexus is not detectable by immunofluorescence, yet localization of Cx43/ZO-1 interaction to this region indicated the presence of Cx43. Therefore, we hypothesized that Cx43 occurs in the perinexus at a lower concentration per unit membrane than in the GJ itself, making it difficult to visualize. To overcome this, the Duolink protein-prote

SUBMITTER: Rhett JM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4085045 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature