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  Conformational changes in surface structures of isolated connexin 26 gap junctions

Müller, D. J., Hand, G. M., Engel, A., & Sosinsky, G. E. (2002). Conformational changes in surface structures of isolated connexin 26 gap junctions. EMBO Journal, 21(14), 3598-3607.

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 Creators:
Müller, Daniel J.1, Author           
Hand, Galen M., Author
Engel, Andreas, Author
Sosinsky, Gina E., Author
Affiliations:
1Max Planck Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Max Planck Society, ou_2340692              

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 Abstract: Gap junction channels mediate communication between adjacent cells. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we have imaged conformational changes of the cytoplasmic and extracellular surfaces of native connexin 26 gap junction plaques. The cytoplasmic domains of the gap junction surface, imaged at submolecular resolution, form a hexameric pore protruding from the membrane bilayer. Exhibiting an intrinsic flexibility, these cytoplasmic domains, comprising the C-terminal connexin end, reversibly collapse by increasing the forces applied to the AFM stylus. The extracellular connexon surface was imaged after dissection of the gap junction with the AFM stylus. Upon injection of Ca(2+) into the buffer solution, the extracellular channel entrance reduced its diameter from 1.5 to 0.6 nm, a conformational change that is fully reversible and specific among the divalent cations tested. Ca(2+) had a profound effect on the cytoplasmic surface also, inducing the formation of microdomains. Consequently, the plaque height increased by 0.6 nm to 18 nm. This suggests that calcium ions induce conformational changes affecting the structure of both the hemichannels and the intact channels forming cell-cell contacts.

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 Dates: 2002
 Publication Status: Issued
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 Identifiers: eDoc: 27018
Other: 206
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Title: EMBO Journal
Source Genre: Journal
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Pages: - Volume / Issue: 21 (14) Sequence Number: - Start / End Page: 3598 - 3607 Identifier: -