Super-resolution imaging reveals that loss of the C-terminus of connexin43 limits microtubule plus-end capture and NaV1.5 localization at the intercalated disc.

ABSTRACT:

Aims

It is well known that connexin43 (Cx43) forms gap junctions. We recently showed that Cx43 is also part of a protein-interacting network that regulates excitability. Cardiac-specific truncation of Cx43 C-terminus (mutant 'Cx43D378stop') led to lethal arrhythmias. Cx43D378stop localized to the intercalated disc (ID); cell-cell coupling was normal, but there was significant sodium current (INa) loss. We proposed that the microtubule plus-end is at the crux of the Cx43-INa relation. Yet, specific localization of relevant molecular players was prevented due to the resolution limit of fluorescence microscopy. Here, we use nanoscale imaging to establish: (i) the morphology of clusters formed by the microtubule plus-end tracking protein 'end-binding 1' (EB1), (ii) their position, and

SUBMITTER: Agullo-Pascual E 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4296112 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature